Verses from Mama

Hearing God speak one Bible verse at a time.

The Master Potter’s Prerogative

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Jeremiah 18:2-4 “Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will announce My words to you. Then I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, making something on the wheel. But the vessel that he was making of clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he remade it into another vessel as it pleased the potter to make.” 

Dear Kids: 

The Master Potter's Prerogative

It was the master potter’s prerogative to keep this lopsided vase. It sold at auction for a handsome sum.

Sometimes I wish inanimate objects could talk. If they could I am sure I would hear amazing stories from the past that would explain a lot of things. But sadly we are often only left with speculation. The explanations of why things are the way they are remain a mystery locked up tight in the forgotten history of those who have gone before. One of these conundrums is the decision of a master potter.

A Lopsided Pottery Jar

At a recent auction some puzzling questions came to mind. A number of antique pottery jars were displayed in rows on a table. But upon closer look I noticed that one jar was different than the rest. This particular vessel had a lopsided top.

Our auction manager told me that a craftsman would place rods on the newly processed jars in order to stack them until they cooled down and fully hardened. It seemed that in the process this particular jar had become misshapen. Usually these “mistakes” would be discarded, but for some reason the potter decided to keep this one. Now, many years later, the misshapen jar was sitting on a table amongst many other antiques waiting to be sold at auction.

The Potter’s Prerogative

Why did the artisan choose to keep this particular jar? I have no idea. The jar can’t tell me, but it was the master potter’s prerogative to make that decision.

The Lord sent the prophet Jeremiah to the home of a local potter. There, Jeremiah observed the craftsman spinning clay on his wheel. This potter, realizing his project was marred, chose not to keep it. Instead, he started over making the clay into a different vessel that would please him.

God used this creative trade to demonstrate a particular truth He wanted Jeremiah to pass on to the people of Israel. The Lord, as the Master Potter, could do what He wanted with the nations. At one moment He may plan to uproot, pull down, or destroy a particular nation. Yet if that nation would turn from evil, He as the Master Potter had the prerogative to relent concerning the impending calamity. Likewise He could choose to tear down a kingdom He previously planned on blessing if they did evil in His sight.

Jeremiah conveyed this example and message to the men of Judah as a warning. God was fashioning a calamity to be brought against the inhabitants of Jerusalem because of their sin. But if they would turn back from their evil and reform their ways He would change the outcome.

Sadly, the hearers ignored God’s words spoken through the prophet. Instead they said, “It’s hopeless! For we are going to follow our own plans, and each of us will act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart.” With these words they sealed their fate.

We Are The Master Potter’s Handiwork

We also, are the Master Potter’s handiwork. While sin has spoiled the perfection in which humankind was originally made, God continues to speak the message of redemption. We have the choice to obey and follow Him. If we do, despite our flaws, He has promised to restore us and give us great worth in Christ.

By grace He will take an unworthy vessel and give it honor. Like the misshapen pottery jug, the Lord will gladly display us on the front table with all of His prized handiwork. Why? I really don’t know other than He loves us, it brings Him glory . . . and it is the Master Potter’s prerogative.

Love,

Mama

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Repentance: When A U-Turn is Needed

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Jeremiah 8:4-5 “You shall say to them, ‘Thus says the LORD, Do men fall and not get up again? Does one turn away and not repent?’ Why then has this people Jerusalem, Turned away in continual apostasy? They hold fast to deceit, They refuse to return.’”

Dear Kids:

There are plenty of times in life when you will find yourself going the wrong direction. It may be you have made a bad decision and found yourself in a muddle. Maybe you over committed and feel overwhelmed.  Or maybe you just misread the map and found yourself on a road you don’t recognize. Whatever the situation, the best option is repentance.  Admit your mistake and redirect your course. Otherwise you could find yourself really far away from where you want to be.

Before we even got married Dad discovered my weak navigation skills. I have always had trouble deciphering between right and left. Before the days of Siri it was common for me to make a wrong turn or two and find myself far away from my planned destination.

One Saturday, early in our dating relationship, Dad and I planned to attend a friend’s wedding in Northern New Jersey. He jumped in the driver’s seat and handed me the handwritten map (that was his first mistake). About thirty minutes into the trip he asked if we were near our exit. I glanced at the map and determined we still had some more miles to go. A few minutes later he inquired again, but I reported we still were not there.

After a little more dialogue we found ourselves no closer to our desired exit. So Dad finally pulled over to look at the map himself. He quickly recognized our problem when he examined the drawing . . . and then turned it 180 degrees.

Yes, I admit it! I had been holding the map upside down. We were now miles past our desired destination, and the only thing to do was to retrace our route. I am glad to say that despite my blunder we finally made it to the church. But that was only because we determined the error and rerouted our course.

We all make mistakes, but it’s what we do with them that determines the final outcome. When we refuse to admit we’ve done wrong and continue in the same direction, things only get worse. But when we acknowledge our shortcomings, take responsibility, and turn the other direction, we will be better off for it.

Sadly, the people of Jerusalem during Jeremiah’s time held fast to their sinful ways. Although they heard God’s message repeatedly they chose not to repent of their wickedness. Instead they doggedly continued charting their own errant course. This road took them farther and farther away from the Lord and closer and closer to grave punishment. How much better things would have been if they had just turned around and repented!

My map skills have not improved much over the years. There have been many times when I had to admit sheepishly that I was lost or headed in the wrong direction. But I have learned the best option is to own up to my errors and turn around.

So don’t be like the people of Jerusalem who ignored all the warnings and continued full speed down the wrong road. If you find you have made an incorrect turn then admit your mistake. Readjust the map, make a U-turn, and head back the other way. God is gracious and responds to repentance. And He is always faithful to get you to the correct destination.

Love,

Mama

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What Does God Really Care About?

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Jeremiah 7:5-7 “If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, if you do not oppress the alien, the fatherless or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm, then I will let you live in this place, in the land I gave your forefathers for ever and ever.”

Dear Kids:

God Cares About Our Treatment of People

Photo by Charlein Gracia on Unsplash

God really, really cares about how we treat other people! You don’t need to be a student of the Bible for very long before you realize the importance God puts on His people’s treatment of others. In fact, the way we treat others is a direct indication of our relationship with God Himself.

God Really Cares About Our Treatment of Others

I have always loved to read.  From the time I first learned that letters have sounds and make up words I have relished finding a comfortable corner and getting lost inside a good book . Recently, I read a loved it/hated it historical novel. I couldn’t put it down, but the story was horrifying. It involved the despicable treatment of orphans in the early to mid-1900s. Helpless orphaned children and others stolen away from their parents were deposited into an institution where they were treated with disrespect and cruelty. This particular story-line was fiction, but it was based on real historical events where children were being sold to unsuspecting adoptive parents.

Religious Posturing is Not Enough

I think we would all agree that these types of actions are criminal, but according to God any mistreatment, or even disregard for those in need, indicates a callous heart. The people of Jeremiah’s time believed they would be safe from invading armies because they spent time in the temple “worshiping” God. But the Lord warned that no amount of outward religious posturing would save them. He knew their hearts were self-centered. And their oppression of the alien, the fatherless, and the widow for selfish gain proved they had drifted far from the Lord.

James 1:27 states, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

Our Actions Toward Others Indicates Our Relationship With God

The way we treat others, especially those who cannot return the favor, does not bring us into a relationship with God, but it proves that we already belong to God and have His heart for others. After all, Jesus gave up everything to come to earth to help us in our distress, so we should also help those around us.

Jeremiah warned his people that they must reform their ways and their actions. Outward shows of religion were not enough. Their wrongful treatment of others revealed their true colors, and only a change of heart could modify their dismal future.

How about us? Are we relying on our pristine church attendance or other surface actions to feel confident in our relationship with God? If we are treating others badly then we are only kidding ourselves. A true relationship with God found in the Lord Jesus Christ will transform our selfish outlook. Every day it will become more and more natural to treat others, especially those with great needs, with kindness and compassion. This heart of love will be the best indicator of our relationship with God. If we love God we will do what He wants. And He really, really cares about how we treat others.

Love,
Mama

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Is God Really in Control?

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Jeremiah 5:22-23 “’Do you not fear Me?’ declares the Lord. ‘Do you not tremble in My presence? For I have placed the sand as a boundary for the sea, an eternal decree, so it cannot cross over it. Though the waves toss, yet they cannot prevail; though they roar, yet they cannot cross over it. But this people has a stubborn and rebellious heart; they have turned aside and departed.’”

Dear Kids:

Photo by Tyler Penner on Unsplash

Is God really in control? This is an age-old question recently asked again in light of devastating news events. The answer is yes, but there’s more to the question than meets the eye. 

God Controls the Ocean Waves

As a child I loved to watch the rolling waves hit the Jersey shore in a rhythmic pattern. Over and over the surf swept up onto the beach and then returned to its watery home. I would stand near the edge waiting for it to come and then try to race up higher onto the beach before it could catch me. Always the breakers pursued me for a certain distance, but then they grew tired and receded back into the ocean.

I had no idea what kept the waves from encompassing the whole beach, but the Bible gives insight into this phenomenon. The prophet Jeremiah explains that the Lord placed the sand as a boundary for the sea and gave an eternal decree that the waves cannot cross over. Though they toss and roar they obey the Creator’s laws. They do not go beyond where they are allowed.

Jeremiah Contrasts the Mighty Sea With God’s People

Jeremiah contrasted the mighty sea with God’s own people. Powerful waves that in one fell swoop could wash away entire towns obey the Creator and submissively return in accordance with the Master’s word. Yet humans, made in the image of God and personally chosen to bear His image to the world, often have no fear of the Almighty and refuse to obey His laws. These ones foolishly ignore what is true and show no respect to the One Who halts the mighty ocean with only a beach of fine quartz particles.

The people of Jeremiah’s day used their fellow man for personal gain. They excelled in deeds of wickedness and ignored the cries of the poor, the widow, and the orphan. Their prophets prophesied falsely; their priests ruled on their own authority, and all the people applauded. This is the way they wanted to live life.

But are we any better?

Is God Really in Control?

The recent shootings in El Paso and closer to my home in Dayton, Ohio, reveal that man’s heart is still far from God. We ignore God’s priority of protecting life and instead take life for no apparent reason. Anger, greed, and desire for revenge build up, finally culminating in disaster where many pay the consequences.

Is God really in control? He dominates the waves of the ocean, so why doesn’t He stop these horrible things? Doesn’t He care? He cares deeply but has given humans a free will. Sadly, unlike the ocean waves, we have chosen to rebel. All of the tragedies we suffer on this earth result from sin that entered the world when the first humans chose to disobey.

But there is hope! The Lord is still in control, and in time He will make all things right. Through Jesus Christ God has opened a way to restore all we have lost due to our sin natures and disobedience.

Those who embrace God’s gift of salvation receive a new heart and are delivered from the dominion of sin. For them there is a day coming when there will be no more rebellion, no more devastating shootings, no more tears or crying. In that day all creation will rejoice. Every knee will bow before the Creator. And all humanity, like the waves of the sea, will finally understand the fear of the Lord.

Love,
Mama

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Our Foolish Attachments and How They Hinder Us

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Jeremiah 2:28 “But where are your gods which you made for yourself? Let them arise, if they can save you in the time of your trouble; For according to the number of your cities are your gods, O Judah.”

Dear Kids: 

Our Foolish AttachmentsSometimes we hold on dearly to things that only weigh us down. It could be a relationship, an experience, our possessions, or any of various other things. While some of these may not necessarily be bad they may hinder us from something better. Other times the foolish attachments we hold tightly become idols that damage us and keep us from experiencing God’s blessing.

Foolish Attachments – Worthless Idols

Surrounding nations enticed God’s people into following their pagan customs and worshipping their foreign gods. It is baffling to think how so many could easily forget God’s provision and loving care and attach themselves to these worthless idols. Yet this blessed nation fell for such foolishness and participated in the sinful actions that accompanied these beliefs. The gradual decline resulted in complete rebelliousness. Before long the people had as many gods as they had cities.

Once hooked the people of Judah held tenaciously to the error of their ways. No amount of persuasion could turn them back. Yet when difficulties came, they thought they could call out to God for help.

But God’s response surprised them. He asked, “Where are your gods which you made for yourselves? Let them arise and save you in your time of trouble!” Of course, these worthless idols could not help for they were only made of wood and stone. They dishonored the Lord and hindered God’s people from receiving the help they needed in time of trouble.

Idols of Today

Before we judge these idol worshippers too harshly, what about us? Are there things we revere that hinder a vibrant relationship with our God? Are there objects we hold tightly and trust before the Lord?

Money becomes an idol when we value it highly and believe it will solve all our problems. But will a healthy bank account be able to save us if a huge tragedy strikes? Friends develop into idols if we turn to them with our problems before we ever bow our heads in prayer. But can friends help us solve every extreme need? Status turns out to be an idol when we find our self-worth only through the adulation of others rather than in our position in Christ. Does worldly status remain constant in a sinful world?

The people of Judah failed to see how their idols dishonored and separated them from the only One Who could truly love them and help them in their times of trouble. But we still have the opportunity to mend our ways.

So, carefully consider the things you hold dear and decide whether they are weighing you down. Then turn away from any foolish attachments and personal idols and turn your face to the Lord. This is the only way to find freedom and experience the blessings He has prepared for you!

Love,
Mama

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The Best Comfort Food Ever

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Jeremiah 15:16 “Thy words were found and I ate them, and your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; For I have been called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.”

Dear Kids:

Most of us are addicted to comfort. We don’t like things to be out of sorts or difficult. Any kind of pain – physical or emotional – usually drives us to search for ways to relieve our distress. This is why many mitigate their emotions with “comfort foods.”

Comfort Foods Make Us Feel Good For a While

Comfort foods, such as Grandma’s gooey macaroni and cheese, trigger good memories. But they also cause our brain to release endorphins and serotonin. These chemicals produce a good feeling that can override our emotions and lift our mood. But the effects are only short-lived. There must be something better to truly alleviate our emotional struggles.

Jeremiah lived in a time of great distress. Judah had turned away from God and serious judgment lingered just around the corner. God called the prophet Jeremiah to speak words of truth to a stubborn people, but they would not listen. Instead they persecuted him because they did not like his message. If anyone needed some comfort food to alleviate stress this messenger of God certainly did . . . and he found the perfect thing to bring Him consolation in a very difficult situation.

The Best Comfort Food Ever

Jeremiah chewed on the very words of God. He shared all his fears with the Lord in prayer and consoled himself by internalizing the words of comfort God spoke back to him. “Thy words were found and I ate them, and your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; For I have been called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.”

God promised to make Jeremiah a fortified wall of bronze. Though people would fight against him they would not prevail. God assured him He would be with Him, deliver him from the hand of the wicked, and redeem him from the grasp of the violent.

These powerful words spoken by the Lord of Hosts provided Jeremiah the best comfort food around. Despite all the evil and difficulties that surrounded him, the promises of God rang true and overrode all the fears and negative emotions he felt. And this was not a temporary fix. God would be faithful and do what He said He would.

So when you are stressed, uncomfortable, or struggling with emotional pain don’t rely only on Grandma’s gooey macaroni and cheese. It may taste good and bring some temporary relief but it can never give you what you really need. Instead open your mouth and devour the best comfort food you will ever eat. Savor God’s word and it will become for you, like it did for Jeremiah, the joy and delight of your heart.

Love,
Mama

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