Verses from Mama

Hearing God speak one Bible verse at a time.

Scams and Other Damaging Deceptions

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Proverbs 4:23 “Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.”

I don’t know of anyone who truly loves to be scammed. Even the smallest of deceptions can be annoying. But when it’s something big, real problems can set in.

Recently while preparing for a mother/daughter trip, I searched online for a hotel in which Emily and I could stay for two nights. I quickly located what I thought was the appropriate website, called the number, and proceeded to set up a reservation. Unfortunately, the next day I realized that I needed to change my reservation and called the number back to rearrange things. I was greeted by a voice with an unfamiliar accent and the disturbing news that my reservation was non-refundable.

I tried to explain that I was still going to stay at the hotel but needed to make some minor changes. Again, the voice insisted I could not and my money was forfeited. The conversation escalated and after suggesting my concern that the attendant was not legitimate, I heard a click on the other end of the phone, and my stomach dropped. I could hardly believe I had been foolish enough to be scammed. Conversations with the credit card company and the bank finally resolved things, and thankfully I got my money back. But it was a hard lesson to learn and one which will cause me to be much more careful when purchasing online.

Scams are a great danger in this day and age, but there are other kinds of deceptions that can sneak up on us unawares. When we are not careful we can trick ourselves into believing certain things are okay when they are not. How many times have we been watching a TV show or a movie that contained questionable content, but told ourselves that if we keep watching it will get better? Or rationalized that this particular movie isn’t as bad as some?

What about when someone is sharing a juicy piece of gossip and we convince ourselves that we want to help or maybe pray for the person? Illicit relationships with the opposite sex can be “opportunities” to share the Gospel some may say. Damaging bursts of anger may be considered self-defense in a difficult situation. Over time we become desensitized to these tricks of the mind and our heart becomes calloused to sinful behavior. We begin to believe that everything is okay when it isn’t.

This is the ultimate scam of our enemy, the devil, and why God’s word tells us to watch over our hearts with all diligence. Our whole life – physical, emotional, and spiritual – will be affected by the decisions we make for from our heart flows the wellspring of life.

So take a lesson from me! Everyone is at risk of being deceived! If you do not guard your heart carefully you will very likely face dire consequences . . . consequences that are even greater and more devestating than the ones you will face if deceived by a hotel scam.

Love,

Mama

An Auction Discovery – Bad News Or Good News?

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Numbers 32:23 “But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the Lord, and you may be sure your sins will find you out.”

There are always two perspectives to consider and two sides to every coin, so listen carefully because I have some bad news and some good news.

The bad news is that more often than not our indiscretions are remembered longer than we expect. Yesterday we held an auction containing some interesting primitive antique items. After the sale was over I walked around the Event Center to lock all the doors. While making my rounds a small brown card lying on a chair caught my eye. I stooped to pick it up. It was a reprimand written to a local dairy farmer for failing to comply with dairy regulations. The card was a notice to the farmer that his license for selling milk was being revoked. The year was 1939.

I can only imagine the embarrassment and hardship this brief notice must have created in the life of this farm family. But life goes on, and over time the violation and all it entailed were probably forgotten . . . until last Wednesday! Yesterday the infraction resurfaced, though I am sure the offending farmer never dreamed this small card advertising his oversight would show up again so many years later.

We may be intrigued by this piece of local trivia, but how many of us would like our decisions and actions of today brought to light many years later? Young people often post immature and inappropriate rants and photos on social media, never realizing that those foolish comments may come back to haunt them later. Potential employers and prospective marriage partners (or parents of prospective marriage partners) may judge you based on these indiscreet posts. These things never go away and you can be sure that even those written thoughts you think you’ve hidden will eventually be found out.

But there is some good news. When a person chooses to make wise decisions and do things in an appropriate manner, these will also trickle down to posterity. A stellar example today may become the turning point in the life of someone from a future generation. An act of kindness will make an impression on someone who will be encouraged to follow you example. A wise decision may help establish your future success. People are watching your every move.

So think long and hard before making decisions or acting unwisely: how you handle yourself today may somehow show up at auction eight decades later. And whether that’s bad news or good news depends on you!

Love,

Mama

My Almost Ruined Day

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Ephesians 4:26-27 “Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity.”

“Do not let the sun go down on your anger.”

At 9:01 AM he walked in the door and tension, like a biting wind, whooshed in behind him. My empty mug was ready for its morning cup of coffee. He was expecting his check, but I had been out of the office the day before and had not had time to listen to his telephone message. This was not a problem as I could quickly prepare the check, but he was not willing to wait for even a minute.

He shot belittling words my way, and I felt my frame stiffen. “How could I have possibly known he was coming when I had just walked in the door myself?” Bitter words rose to my lips, but I was able to catch them before they escaped. I took a deep breath.

Ignoring the increasing strain I offered him a cup of coffee while he waited and I set about my task. Finally, he stormed out through the door, check in hand. But the tension stayed. My whole day was on the verge of ruin practically before it got started!

Anger is a natural human response to an injustice. Throughout the Bible we read of times when God becomes angry. We are made in the image of God, so it stands to reason that we would experience the emotion of anger also. The difference is that God is always righteous and just. We are not. In our sinful state we often allow this emotional response to go beyond what it should.

In Ephesians 4:26-27 God warns us about the danger of holding onto anger. The Holy Spirit, through the pen of the Apostle Paul, guides us to release our anger before the sun goes down. This may mean having a conversation with someone who has offended us. We may bring our concerns before the Lord in prayer and wrestle for freedom from our indignation and its affects. Not dealing properly with anger provides the devil an opportunity to do us great damage.

My irate client did me an injustice by taking out his frustration on me when it was neither warranted nor necessary. His inconsiderate behavior affected my whole being, both physically and emotionally. But I had a choice to make. By holding onto my anger I would allow him to control the rest of my day. Wild replays of the whole scenario and imagining  smart and sassy retorts would only escalate my emotions and lead to wrong behavior. So I took a deep breath and said a little prayer as I waited for my pulse to slow. “Lord, help me to forgive and move forward with your blessing!”

Suddenly the air lightened. I glanced at the empty coffee mug and a bit of sadness for this impatient man who almost ruined my day replaced my angst. I had a right to be angry, but the sun was still shining and I was called to forgive. Waking from my reverie I calmly turned back to my  tasks at hand, but not before I whispered, “Sorry, Devil! There will be no opportunity for you to win today!”

Love,

Mama

A Post-Christmas Inventory

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Hebrews 13:5 “Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.’” 

The Christmas season is over until next year. How are you doing?

Now that we have come through the holiday of giving and getting, it is time to take inventory . . . not of the gifts we received, but of our attitude towards those gifts.

It is always so much fun to think and plan out our surprises for loved ones. Some creative people make their gifts, while others brave the shopping malls or frequent online stores to find the perfect something. Each giver hopes that the receiver will be happy with their gift, but sadly that is not always the case. Soon after the big day is over the stores open again announcing the newest specials, and many make the trip back to return, exchange, or take advantage of the big sales.

While I have no problem with cashing in on a good price, I wonder when enough is enough. Often having more is not better; it’s just more to keep track of. In the book of Hebrews God reminds us to be content with what we have. When we are constantly thinking about the next thing, we can be assured there is a problem in our hearts. The searching and longing for that final thing to satisfy our deepest desires will never be found in a shopping mall or online store.

According to psychologist and author Dr. Henry Cloud, only ten percent of a person’s happiness comes from external things such as Christmas gifts, a bigger salary, or other material things. And even when those things bring us great excitement, it is usually only momentary. The joy they produce will start to fade over time – our new clothes shrink, the expensive toy breaks, and the new technology becomes outdated.

The things that are the most satisfying are good relationships. And God reminds us that we can live in perfect contentment because, despite our circumstances, He will never leave us nor forsake us. His presence will fill us with joy throughout the year and His wisdom, power, and love will meet our deepest needs.

So how are you doing? Has the excitement you had last week when you gave and opened Christmas gifts started to fade? Are you thinking about what else you might want to have? Instead, why don’t you consider the greatest gift you could ever receive: God’s presence. Keep your character free of the love of money and be content with what you have! After all, when the money runs out and all the gadgets have been put into a drawer and forgotten, God will still be there. He will never leave you nor forsake you!

Love,
Mama

You Feel What You Think

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Ephesians 4:22-24 “…that in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.”

Our actions and our emotions are usually driven by our thoughts. This can be a good thing if our thoughts are correct but if they are wrong we are in for some trouble.

Cold weather descended on us quickly in Ohio. For weeks the comfortable temperatures of early autumn hung around, but then the typical climate for this season arrived. The thermometer reading dropped and we loaded up our pellet stove and settled in to stay warm.

The dry heat of the stove requires us to run a humidifier to counteract the cracking of skin and warping of our wood furniture, so Nathan brought up the large unit from the basement and reminded me to purchase another wick filter so we could get it running. I hadn’t done this in a while so I took a picture of the model number and while at work looked up the part I needed on line.

Much to my dismay, I couldn’t find the wick that looked like the one we had used in the past, so I decided to call the company. After the annoying delays of pressing all the right buttons, I finally got a human on the line who told me that according to the model number I needed three rectangular wicks to fit in the unit. I disagreed. This was not what we had been using for the past few years. The correct one was a circle and fit down over the motor. The sales rep continued to insist that couldn’t be true and I felt my frustration level rising. “Why do they always change things? It’s probably so the consumer is forced to buy a new expensive unit before we really need it,” I vented to the woman. There was no more need for discussion, so I hung up and fussed and fumed to myself about this frustrating and expensive problem.

At lunchtime I returned home to again search the base of the humidifier for a different model number or any clue as to where I could purchase the correct replacement filter. As I removed the housing and examined the device more carefully, I sheepishly realized something. The lady on the phone was right. The unit had three grooves in which to insert the block-type filters. For the past few years I had been using the wrong one. All of my anxiety and frustrated emotions were based on wrong information, wrong thoughts and beliefs. What a waste!

There are so many areas of life in which we develop wrong thoughts or beliefs. These affect the way we respond to things and people around us. God tells us that we need to be renewed in the spirit of our minds. We need to think like He thinks so that we can act the way He would act. We must put off the old self, which is corrupted by our natural lusts and put on the new self that has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.

When our thoughts tell us that someone who disagrees with us doesn’t like us, we set ourselves up to damage relationships when we respond according to this wrong belief. When we falsely understand that our appearance and abilities make us worth something, we will suffer the consequences of continual striving and devastating disappointment when we fail. Anger, unwholesome words, bitterness and slander will be our response when our thoughts are not in tune with those of God.

Lessons learned –examine all your thoughts and beliefs. Make sure they line up with God’s Word. And always look carefully at your humidifier before arguing with the sales representative. These will save you a lot of grief.

Love,

Mama

Slavery Is More Prevalent Than We Think

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Hebrews 2:14-15 “Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.” 

Photo taken at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio

What does it feel like to be a slave? Most of us have listened with horror and disbelief to history lessons spelling out the indecencies that men have inflicted on one another. In America the mistreatment of African-American people has been a huge blot on our country’s timeline, and those involved experienced much emotional and physical grief. The repercussions of this slavery are still being felt today.

In more recent history sex trafficking has come to the forefront as a major source of slavery. According to Wikipedia, “The selling of young women into sexual slavery has become one of the fastest-growing criminal enterprises in the global economy. The United Nations reports that 4 million people a year are traded against their will to work in one or another form of servitude.”[1][2]

These and other forms of slavery have something in common. They are all connected to the sinful nature that man inherited from our first parents. Every person has the capability of giving this type of treatment to others because we ourselves are enslaved to our own sin problems.

“Me?” you may say. “I have never been a slave and I don’t know what if feels like!”

Has someone who is suffering from low feelings of self-esteem ever treated you unkindly? Have you tried to find relief from pain in worldly pleasures? Have you carried guilt like a ball and chain around your ankle and rehashed your mistakes over and over, wishing you could have a redo? Does the thought of death – yours or a loved one’s – create terror and lock your heart in a prison of fear?

These are only some of the enslavements that sin brings into our lives. Each and every one of us has been held in the power of another because we are human. Addictions, anger, bitterness, discouragement, anxiety, loneliness, perfectionism, stress, and prejudice are some of the prisons that hold us captive to our emotions and direct our mistreatment of others.

Slaves need to be set free to thrive! God knows this and did something about it. He gave His only Son a human body and sent Him to break us out of our prison. Through His death He removed the power that our captor, Satan, had over us so that we could be free from the sin slavery that ruled our lives.

All of the things that bind us can be removed by the power of God’s Son, but we have to want it! Sadly many slaves either do not want to or don’t know how to be free. They keep returning to their captors to endure the same suffering over and over when it is not necessary.

What does it feel like to be a slave? If you think clearly about your life, you will know – we have all been there in one way or another. The real question is: What does it feel like to be free? Really free? Come to Jesus and find out! If the Son will set you free, you will be free indeed!

Love,

Mama

You Just Don’t Understand Me!

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Hebrews 4:15-16 “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

“You just don’t understand me!!”

I have often expressed this frustration throughout my life. All human beings are made with different temperaments, different likes and dislikes, different ways of handling situations, and different feelings about matters. This is compounded by differing life experiences and influences. All these mold us and determine our responses, making it rare to find someone who can look within our heart and fully understand our needs and struggles.

When Dad and I were first married we quickly saw differences in our personalities. While we were more than willing to accept these differences, it has taken years to understand each other. Over time, Dad, who is energized by crowds and activities, recognized that I often craved quiet moments at home to recharge for the next big social encounter. Likewise I have learned that Dad is motivated and recharged by meeting and greeting in social situations. We have come to appreciate these character traits in each other, but we will not ever fully understand them in an experiential way because we are so different.

But I am glad to say that there is Someone who understands each of us perfectly. Not only because He is our Creator, but because He came down to our level and became one of us. Jesus, the Son of God, took on a human body and chose to live on earth experiencing all that we do as humans. He was tempted just as we are, though without sin. He suffered hardship, endured pain, experienced rejection and more. He lived life as we do, and yet He also sees into our hearts and understands our inner workings.

“You don’t understand me!” does not apply when it comes to Jesus. He formed our bodies in the womb, designated our personality traits, walks with us through every circumstance of life, and on top of that He has personally experienced the joys and trials that we encounter every day.

All of this and more is why He alone can offer the understanding and help that we need. He became the perfect source of salvation for everyone who obeys Him, and because of His life we are able to approach God confidently and receive the grace and mercy we need so desperately.

Good friends and family are gifts of God. Yet no matter how loving they are there will always be times when we are forced to say, “You just don’t understand me!” But this is not so with our Savior.

He knows and understands the deepest places of our hearts and bids us to draw near His throne of grace confidently. Speak freely because you will not be misunderstood. And there you will find all the forgiveness, mercy, and help you need.

Love,

Mama

 

Save

Being Who God Made You To Be

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Jeremiah 1:4-5 “Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you. And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.’”

Did you know that before you were born the Lord knew you? It only makes sense when you understand that He is the one who created your body, gave you your DNA, and equipped you for a special purpose. From day one He fashioned you to be exactly who He wanted you to be. So why do we often try so hard to be someone else?

This past week was so joyful. We spent it with all the little cousins. Aunt Catherine, Uncle Jesse, and the kids came to stay, and, despite the crowded house, we had a blast! I could hardly get enough sweet smiles, sticky kisses, and tight squeezes. Who needs TV when you have a passel of adorable young’uns to entertain and keep you hopping?

As the week progressed the thought occurred to me. Children naturally are who they were made to be. Some are more outgoing. Others are a little shyer. Some have creative tendencies and others methodical impulses. Without a second thought they do and say what comes naturally. They are not concerned about the impressions they are making on others. They don’t worry about contributing to society, accomplishing great feats, or keeping up with the Joneses. They just live day-to-day doing what they do best. And being who they were meant to be brings such great joy to the world around them.

What happens to change a child’s simple world and create inhibitions? What turning point causes one to focus more on becoming than on being? At some point in our lives pressures from the outside begin to tell us how to live, how to be successful, and even who we should be? What a tragedy!!

God spoke comforting words to the prophet Jeremiah that ring true for all of us as well. Before we were even conceived God had a blueprint for our lives. In wisdom He created our bodies and personalities to bring Him praise and glory. He has appointed each of us to serve Him in a special way and He gives us all we need to accomplish the tasks with success. He promises to shape us and mold us according to His good pleasure. But we need to shut our ears to what the world says we should be and focus on what God made us to be.

Baby Verity, as she bounced in my arms, sucked her thumb, and laid her head on my shoulder this week, did nothing other than be who God made her to be. She had nothing important to prove, nothing grandiose to give, and nothing valuable to share, yet she melted my heart and brought such joy. Why? Because she had no other agenda than to be whom God made her to be.

Has the world’s ideals caused you to focus more on becoming than being? If so, consider God’s words to Jeremiah. Before you were formed in the womb He knew you and created you to be exactly what He wanted to be. Stop striving! Stop trying to be someone else! Just be you!

Love,

Mama

 

Please Don’t Feed The Skunks

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Romans 6:12 “Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.”

Our town has a skunk problem!! Numerous people throughout the village have complained about these black and white critters with the fluffy tail and big stink. Recently one of our renters called to inform us that seven offenders had taken up residence under her shed. That same night we found one scuttling his way across our office parking lot. While I have a great love for God’s created creatures, there are certain species that a person does not want taking over her home or place of business.

Where did they all come from? I am not sure, but I have an idea why they are sticking around. The other day while visiting a local shop we watched a skunk run across the grass. Mentioning it to one of the locals, the gentleman informed us that he has been feeding them. In so doing he had even succeeded in enticing one to come right up to his feet. I am thinking this is probably not a wise idea. One day the plan will backfire and everyone will regret it!

The Bible warns us about a similar danger. Sin runs rampant in this world of ours. It is part of every human’s fallen nature and is the cause of all that is wrong on earth. Jesus came to free us from our sin, and we must not allow it to take up residence in our lives anymore. Those who have accepted God’s forgiveness through Jesus Christ have received power to live God’s way. We no longer need to obey our evil desires, but unfortunately many continue to feed their sinful tendencies.

A troublesome thought life should not be fed with worthless pictures or pornography. Hatred should not be nurtured with vicious words and angry bitterness. Envy should not be offered situations where the tendency can grow and lead to unhealthy decisions. When we feed and nurture these sinful vices, they will learn they can creep right up to our feet and take over our whole life. When this happens it is only a matter of time before you and everyone around you will regret it!

I think it’s time to take some action in our small country town. The skunks, along with sin, have no business ruling our lives. They have had their day, but it’s time to stop feeding them. In fact, it’s time to send them packing!

Love,

Mama

 

Be Quiet, Sit Back, and Rest

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Isaiah 30:15 “For thus the Lord God the Holy One of Israel, has said, ‘In repentance and rest you will be saved, In quietness and trust is your strength.’ But you were not willing.”

There are some sad statements made throughout the Bible. Over and over again we read words of comfort and promises of God’s blessings, but often we choose to disregard His message. God offers us so much, and then sadly has to say, “ But you were not willing.”

This has been a very busy season in my life. Graduations, two sons getting married, work, and the regular rhythm of life have all but done me in. I found it necessary in the past couple of months to take a breather from my regular writing schedule so I could rest my body, my emotions, and my mind. Many of you wondered where I have gone. While taking a break from posting I have had time to study and think without pressure. It has been a time of peace and rest.

While reading and praying, the Lord led me to Isaiah 30:15. It has been such a blessing. So much is swirling around me. Wedding preparations are in full swing. Preparing mentally for a huge change in our family structure, as well as balancing work, home, ministry involvement, and so much more bring exhaustion to a new level. But the Lord has continually reminded me of the need to rely more fully on Him in these stressful moments. “In repentance and rest you will be saved, In quietness and trust is your strength.”

There are times when we all need to step back from activity. Somehow we think that we must do it all. We run! We fuss! We strive! When all the while God is telling us to trust Him. Be quiet, sit back, and rest!

Judah was in a big mess! They had turned from the Lord and a foreign nation was breathing down the peoples’ necks. Instead of consulting God they tried to execute their own plan for deliverance. They fussed and planned and then finally decided to go to Egypt for help. There they thought they could take refuge in the safety of Pharoah. But all the while God was speaking to them through the prophet, Isaiah. He told them to repent of their sin, turn back to God, and rest in Him. If they would do this they would be saved. By waiting quietly for the Lord they would receive all the strength they needed.

“But you were not willing.” What a sad statement! All this blessing was at the disposal of God’s people, but sadly they rejected it!”

Today, God offers these same blessings to us. He longs to be gracious and show us His kindness and compassion in the midst of every circumstance of life. But we need to listen to His voice and obey. Sometimes this means taking a break from writing, other times it means saying no to the hustle and bustle that regularly dictates our lives so we can allow God’s peace to fill our souls and give us strength. When we are willing to listen we will experience the rest that God promises to give.

As the summer moves forward I plan to continue my writing, but I will only be posting once or twice a week and maybe sharing some favorite posts from the past as God leads. I hope this summer you will also be encouraged to take a rest, and listen for God’s voice. Do not disregard His message. In the quietness and through trust you will experience His unlimited strength and peace.

Love,
Mama