Verses from Mama

Hearing God speak one Bible verse at a time.

God is Not Like My Chemistry Teacher

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James 1:5 “But if anyone of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

Don’t you wish the Bible had an index that would tell you exactly what to do in every circumstance? If it did then you could look up things like the best colleges to attend or best place to raise a family. Maybe you could even search how to handle middle school conflicts or what event to attend when having a scheduling conflict. Though this ancient book typically does not have specific answers to specific situations, God has filled it with truths that will guide us.

But God does not leave His children to random guessing about the decisions they need to make. He promises that if we lack wisdom, we can call upon Him at all times and He will guide us through the process. His wisdom is infinite and there is nothing that can stump Him. He also sees the future so nothing is left to chance. When we call upon Him in our confusion He will generously give out of His endless supply of knowledge and understanding.

I remember when I was in high school, I had a chemistry teacher who was not very helpful. I switched schools when I was a junior and, because my previous school’s schedule was different, I ended up in this class with mostly sophomores. I felt very out of place and uncomfortable. On top of all this, chemistry was not an easy subject for me and I felt confused most of the time. Whenever I would raise my hand and ask for help my teacher would condescendingly respond, “You should know that, Honey!”

I was mortified and remember clearly the day I decided never to ask another question of him. I would muddle through the best I could without his help and hope for the best. Well, I passed the class, but it was the lowest grade I ever got in my high school career. What a waste!

This is never the case with God. There is no need to feel embarrassed or that you are bothering Him when asking for help. He is always ready to give without reproach. He wants us to call upon Him, and when we do we are honoring Him. 

There is not a whole lot I can do about my chemistry class now, and I guess in the whole scheme of things it doesn’t really matter. But there are other situations and decisions that have huge repercussions. It takes great wisdom to navigate through life and all that it will bring.

I am grateful that we have a God Who is not like my chemistry teacher. He is overflowing with limitless wisdom and is willing to give of it generously and without reproach to all who will ask.

Love,
Mama

Grow Deep Roots

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Psalm 1:3 “He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.”

Ohio springs often bring strong winds. Living here for the past twenty-one years has given me several opportunities to experience the devastation that these powerful gusts can create. It was only a year ago about this time that a tornado ripped through our community, yanking trees out of the ground like dandelions, demolishing barns into a mess of mangled metal, and flattening farmhouses that had been long-time landmarks of productive rural life. One misplaced strong wind and a whole life-time of memories were instantly gone.

The winds of life don’t come only in the spring. The dangers of being blown into a sinful path are always a real possibility, and our natural inclination to do wrong and suffer the consequences is just one bad decision away. A single misplaced word or action can be the cause of a ruined testimony, a crumbled relationship, or a missed opportunity.
Yet there is a way to protect ourselves. Psalm 1 says, “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers.” When dealing with life we need to get out of the path of the storm. Don’t listen to counsel from those who do not understand or care about God’s word. Their worldly wisdom will be contrary to what God desires and will only cause grief. 
Instead delight in the the law of the Lord. Think about it day and night. For His testimonies are perfect, restoring the soul. His precepts make the simple person wise and enlighten the eyes to the truth. His commandments warn of impending danger. They keep His followers blameless and protect them from being ruled by their sinful nature that produces death (Psalm 19).
Those who take these precautions will not be blown away with the storm. They will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water. Their roots will grow deep into the rich soil where they will be supported and anchored against life’s strong winds. They will have the nourishment needed to produce beautiful leaves and bountiful fruit even in the midst of violent weather. And they can have the assurance that, though the wicked will be swept away when the judgment day comes, their way will be known to the Lord and they will prosper.
It’s spring in Ohio! Batten down the hatches and get ready for some wind. But more importantly grow your life roots deep into God and His word. Then when the daily storms come, you will be anchored deep in Him.
Love,
Mama