Verses from Mama

Hearing God speak one Bible verse at a time.

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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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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An Important Equation and How to Find It

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Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

Psalm 119:18 “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Your law.”

There are just some things that are hard to understand . . . especially when it is late at night! Math is one of those! Sometimes you just need a good night’s sleep in order to comprehend what someone is trying to teach you!

A few weeks ago someone on Facebook asked the question, “How many of you remember late night math sessions with your father?” I was surprised by the heavy response. So, I guess I am not the only one!

How could I forget those torturous evenings of mind-numbing equations and drooping eyelids while Grandpa tried to explain the tedious mechanics of algebra and trigonometry? My brain shut down after nine o’clock and all I really wanted were the answers to finish my voluminous homework assignment so I could fall into bed and sleep. But nevertheless the explanations on the first of many problems droned on, and I struggled to comprehend how and why X could be something different in every problem.

What I really needed was a good night sleep to refresh my brain and allow my eyes to stay open. Then I would have had more ability to understand.

The writer of Psalm 119 apprehended the importance of God’s law. It guarded his decisions and by obeying it he would avert major mistakes in life. By storing it up in his heart he would be kept from sin and find great joy. So, he determined to meditate on God’s precepts and make them his delight.

But even the Psalmist recognized his inability to fully grasp the things of God on his own. Humanly speaking, no one can understand the deeper message without God’s help.

The Apostle Paul makes us aware that the god of this age, Satan, has blinded people to the light of the gospel. The things of this world lull them to sleep. Their eyelids grow heavy and their heads begin to nod, so they miss the significance of an important equation.

God’s Law + Obedience = Delight

But the Psalmist resolved in his heart to cling to God’s way no matter what. And he asked God to open his eyes and give him the ability to see the wondrous truths of the Scriptures. God did just that! Psalm 119 affirms that these testimonies became the writer’s delight and wise counselors.

How about you? Do you find reading the Bible as laborious and confusing as working on algebra late at night? Do you find your head nodding and your mind struggling against a strong desire to get quick answers so you can move forward doing things your own way? Then ask God to open your eyes! If you do, He will surely reveal the wondrous things written in His word. Then you, like the Psalmist, will finally understand and rejoice in the most significant equation of all:

God’s Word + Obedience = Delight

Love,
Mama

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Beware of the Danger Caused by Small Breaches

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Psalm 119:1 “Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD.”

Dear Sons:

I found out the other day how small breaches could result in huge disasters.

It was a mundane Monday evening and Abigail suggested we go out to eat for dinner to cheer things up. I had a gift card to Olive Garden I had been carrying around in my purse for quite some time, so I suggested we put it to use. Abigail met us at the office after play practice, and she, Nathan, Dad, and I piled into the van and headed to Beavercreek.

Discovering a Huge Disaster

We had such a pleasant time lingering over Italian cuisine and good conversation that we hated to leave. After paying the bill the four of us drove back to the office where everyone got into his or her own car to head home. I arrived first and upon opening the door a huge shock met me. A fire hose-like spray of water pulsated from the kitchen ceiling onto the dining table where it splattered to all directions. The water spread throughout the whole room, leaving water everywhere.. There is no telling how long the flow had been gushing out of the burst pipe because when I ran to the basement to shut off the water valve I discovered that it, too, was filled with water.

This began a process over the next seventy-two hours of tearing down the ceiling, pulling up the linoleum, talking with contractors and insurance adjusters, and maneuvering around all the displaced furniture and pieces of our lives. The plumber showed me the tiny fissure in a copper pipe that had caused all the damage. Who would have thought that such a small breach would create such havoc and necessitate big time reconstruction of our kitchen?

Small Things Do Matter

We may be lulled into believing that we shouldn’t sweat the small stuff, but it is true that small things really do matter. Young men, in particular, may succumb to the temptation of a quick glance at some inappropriate images on the computer. But these seemingly small indiscretions have the potential of exploding into a full-blown addiction to pornography.

Others have had their marriages devastated by accepting what they considered harmless “friend requests” on social media. A random text here or there to someone other than your wife can lead to wrong emotional bonding, marital discord, and possibly even divorce. One too many drinks of alcohol, a slip of the tongue, a wandering eye . . . all of these have the potential for devastating results in your witness for Christ, your relationships, and your integrity.

God’s word gives wise advice. “Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord.” Those who follow God’s instructions and pay attention to even the small things are blessed. Obedience to God and immediate confession of any violation in your thoughts and actions can help you bypass a whole lot of mess and devastation.

The plumbers fixed our pipe, but the mess was already there. We have many weeks of reconstruction ahead, but we can fix the kitchen. The devastation caused by lapses in our thought life and behaviors are not always so easily remedied.

So, my sons, take great strides to keep your thought life and your actions pure. Let our kitchen be your reminder that even the smallest of breaches can cause big disasters. But those whose ways are blameless are blessed.

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

 

OUR GREAT FRAUD DETECTOR

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Titus 1:15-16 “To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled. They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed.”

Frank Abagnale, Jr’s story reminds us of the need to be alert to false doctrines.

Things are not always what they seem. In a world where solid truth has dwindled away to almost nothing it is not prudent to trust everyone we meet. Instead we must be wary and check the facts carefully . . . and rely on our Great Fraud Detector.

I am reminded of a book I read a number of years ago. Catch Me If You Can tells the story of Frank William Abagnale, Jr., a brilliant con artist. Between the ages of fifteen and twenty-one, this young man fraudulently posed in numerous professional capacities. Without significant trouble he masqueraded as a Pan American World Airways pilot, a Georgia doctor, a Louisiana lawyer, and a US Bureau of Prisons crime agent. Somehow he was able to pull the wool over peoples’ eyes for a short time, but eventually each charade unraveled and he was forced to escape to his next identity. After being caught and imprisoned, Abagnale developed a successful business to help other professionals recognize fraud.

Within the greater Christian community there has long been fraudulent activity. From the time of Jesus, Pharisees and other spiritual leaders professed to know God in special ways and used their elevated positions to control worshippers. They created laws that went beyond what God intended and used them to suppress the community and benefit themselves. On two different occasions Jesus entered the temple and removed by force those who were oppressing the people.

In more recent church history there have also been those who have used their leader status for personal gain. In the late Middle Ages, certain clerics, preying on peoples’ fear of death, fraudulently implemented the sale of indulgences, which were supposed to protect the sick and elderly from eternal punishment. Many spent hard earned cash to purchase what could never save them based on promises from leaders whom they wrongly trusted.

Even today there are those who preach fraudulent doctrines. They deliver false messages of salvation by works, of Christian wealth, or of the equality of all religions. They betray their listeners by pointing them to hopeless and misleading doctrines – ones that do not call the hearers to a pure faith in the Lord Jesus.

Frank Abagnale failed in each of his masquerades. Over time it became apparent to the genuine professionals that his actions and words didn’t fit the part he was playing. He often had to flee when the game became too hot.

We also can detect fraudulent religious leaders by comparing their words and actions to the truth of the Scripture. Imposters in the church may acknowledge God with their words, but a careful study of their beliefs and deeds will eventually show that they are promoting false doctrines.

Things are not always as they seem. So if you don’t want to be duped like the victims of Frank Abagnale, be aware of the danger, check the facts carefully, and rely on our Great Fraud Detector – God’s written word.

Love,

Mama

The Truth That Leads To Godliness

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Titus 1:1 “Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God’s elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness…” 

Abigail has a supporting role in her high school’s production of “State Fair.” She is excited for the lead actors and she plays her part wonderfully!

Our world has a deep belief in entitlement. Somehow over the years we have come to the conclusion that everyone has a right to whatever they want. It is my right to think what I want, believe what I want, express what I want, and obtain what I want. No one may stand in the way and deny me my rights. While this may seem enticing, it is not healthy or possible.

First of all, one person’s desires may stand in the way of someone else’s receiving their desires. For example, there may only be one lead in a theatre production. A talented actor’s getting the spot necessarily leaves another, who might want the part just as badly, to take a lesser role. This decision does not downplay anyone’s importance as a person, but makes a distinction based on talent, role casting, or maybe even just hard work. Also, the attitude of believing ourselves entitled to certain things necessarily exalts us above everyone else. Love and consideration of others is lost when we strive for this place of honor.

In the church today there are some who also have an attitude of entitlement. We like to focus on God’s grace and His free gift of forgiveness and salvation. It is true that God is not looking for perfect people. He came to save the sick and the lost. We are saved by God’s grace and not by works, but sometimes at this point a misunderstanding occurs and the truth becomes garbled.

There are many who believe that they can continue to live in their old lifestyle – the one they lived before they accepted Christ. The habits and disciplines of faith that have strengthened many ancient saints in the past are now considered “legalism.” The prevailing attitude is that no one can tell me how to live my life because I am entitled to all God’s blessings based on my decision to pray a prayer.

Paul reminds us that when a person has received the knowledge of God’s truth it will necessarily lead to godliness. We are not entitled to come to our own understanding of truth, as our world would like to believe. A truly saved person will begin to desire what God desires. He will want to know his heavenly Father better, and the disciplines that have guided many in the past will become avenues for seeking Him and His will. Bible reading, prayer, and church attendance will deepen our understanding of God’s principles, encourage growth in godliness, and spur us on to love, good works, and greater faith. Slowly, but surely, God will change the way we think and live as we give up the entitlement to make our own decisions and give Him the control over everything in our lives.

In our search to know God better we may also need to relinquish certain things. While anything sinful must certainly be put behind us, other activities might also need to be curtailed. While it may not be wrong to watch TV, someone addicted to this form of entertainment might need to remove it from his or her life in order to put God first. This is not “legalism,” but wisdom.

We are not entitled to anything in this life. Everything we have is a gift from God and even His children’s blessings are obtained through obedience to His word. We are no longer our own. We have been bought with a price – the precious blood of Jesus. Seek Him and choose to obey His truth. You will find that it will surely lead to godliness.

Love,

Mama

 

Loving Others and My One-Second Chance to Snap a Photo

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1 John 3:18 “Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.”

IMG_1275The cell phone craze has brought a new meaning to picture taking. No matter where you are, there is the possibility of recording the event in color, but this little handheld camera/phone has also given a new meaning to selfishness.

A couple weeks ago Dad and I attended Luke’s graduation at Wright State University. We got up early, and arrived at the arena a couple of hours before the event to ensure that we could get a good seat to view the ceremony. I brought my camera so that I could snap Luke’s one-second moment of recognition as he received his diploma. With the school graduating 1,600 students there would be no second chances at getting this shot.

As the moment approached, each observer was also listening for their student’s name and watching for him or her to step to the front of the line. I was poised and ready. Then a man walked down the aisle and stood directly in my line of vision while he adjusted his cell phone camera to catch his child’s moment of glory. I could hardly believe it as he stationed himself in this spot for the next five minutes so as not to miss what he had come to see. Though I understood his desire to catch the experience on camera, I also had the same desire, and now was being denied the opportunity.

This bothered me greatly and I fumed at this man’s lack of consideration. But it got me to thinking. I say that I love people, but how do I treat them? We are called to love as Jesus does. He laid down His life for us. In like manner we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Yet there are times when we see someone in need and turn a blind eye. We are not even willing to share our worldly possessions with him or her. Other times we have our own agenda and, intent on getting what we want, we don’t consider the other person’s desires.

If we belong to Jesus the proof will be in our love of others. His love will fill our hearts and will overflow to those around us. It is also a commandment that God has given from the beginning. This love must be expressed in more than just words or mushy sentiments. John, Jesus’s disciple reminds us, “Little Children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.”

Thankfully, I got the photo of Luke’s moment of glory despite the human obstacle.

I think whenever I look at that picture in the years to come, instead of feeling agitated at my fellow photographer, I will use it as a reminder to love others not just in word or tongue, but in deed and truth – even if I only have a one-second chance to snap an important picture.

Love,

Mama

 

With God Death Means Life!

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John 11:25-26 “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”

With God death means life!

Sheridans 2005&2006 171

Remember this family trip to West Union to tour Grandma Sheridan’s childhood home and to visit the grave sites of long gone family members?

At some point in our lives, each of us will come face to face with death. For some of us a loved one or dear friend will pass away. For others our own mortality will become apparent with the diagnosis of a dread disease or a fatal accident. There is no escaping the reality that living brings; death comes to us all. But with God death means life!

Lazarus was sick – very sick. His sisters were desperately concerned and sent a message to Jesus. The Master was very close to them. They knew He loved their family very much and would want to know about Lazarus. They were confident that He would come to their aid. They had seen Him do many miracles over the years and knew that their only hope for Lazarus’ recovery lay within His power.

Jesus received the sisters’ urgent message, but instead of immediately coming to their aid, He purposefully chose to wait two more days. He knew that this delay would bring about Lazarus’s physical death but still He chose to wait. This does not sound very loving at first glance, but Jesus knew something the sisters did not know: with God death means life!

Through Lazarus’ untimely death:

  1. Jesus brought a living faith to the family.

      Martha told Jesus that she believed in Him, but her faith only went so far. She believed her brother would rise again in the resurrection on the last day, but she failed to understand Jesus’s power to bring him from the grave right then. Jesus did not want to fix the problem by making Lazarus well. He wanted to give him a new life.

  1. Jesus brought active obedience through this death.

      Mary and Martha needed to trust and obey Jesus’s instructions even though they didn’t understand. When He asked them to roll the stone away, they were called upon to act out their belief regardless of their understanding.

  1. Jesus brought spiritual life-giving belief to the onlookers who saw the resurrection.

      Many who were witnesses to this miracle believed in Jesus and received the spiritual eternal life that could only come through Him.

  1. Jesus brought the finished work of eternal life a step closer as this miracle launched Him towards the cross.

Though many believed in Jesus, there were others whose hatred increased to the point of developing a plan to kill Him. This death was necessary for all who would believe to receive the eternal life that God had promised.

This incredible miracle moved those who believed to a greater capacity for faith in God’s ability to bring life from death. In just a short time they would watch Jesus be led up a hill, nailed to a cross, and die. They wouldn’t understand all that was happening, and would be confused and bewildered. But three days later they would witness Christ’s resurrection from the dead. This amazing act would prove that God truly could bring life from death; and not just physical life, but spiritual life. Because Christ died and rose again, all who believe would be able to live forever.

Jesus told Martha when Lazarus was still cold in the grave, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”

Death for us is a very sad and lonely experience. The finality of it weighs on our hearts. But for those who believe in Jesus, the Son of God, death always means life.

The death of Christ brought eternal life.

The death of a believing loved one brings eventual reunion.

A believer’s own death brings life with God in heaven for eternity.

Why did Jesus wait two days when Lazarus was so sick? Was it uncaring and unloving? Not at all!

Jesus had much better plans for Mary, Martha, Lazarus, and us.

With God death brings life.

Love,

Mama

My New Scripture Memory App

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Joshua 1:8 “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.”

ST_link_bigIf you want to be successful in God’s eyes, you must carefully obey His word. And there is only one way to do this – you must know what God’s word says.

God instructed the new leader of Israel, Joshua, to think about His words day and night. The law should always be on the tip of his tongue so that he could carefully obey everything God wanted.

This is true for us today. We must read God’s word, but we must also hide it in our hearts.

Just recently I discovered (actually Dad discovered) a new Bible memorization application called Scripture Typer. We downloaded the app onto our phones and iPads and have enjoyed practicing our memory verses daily. The app keeps track of our progress and sends reminders to help us review the verses. The free version allowed us to record up to fifty verses, but I liked it so much that I purchased Scripture Typer Pro, which allows unlimited verses and some other techniques to help with my memorization skills.

I am grateful for many different ways to help us keep meditating on God’s words. You can’t obey if you don’t know what He says. But if you do obey, God promises to make your way prosperous and give you success.

Join us by signing up for this fantastic app, Scripture Typer. We can all memorize God’s word together.

Love,
Mama