Verses from Mama

Hearing God speak one Bible verse at a time.

Remember Your Creator: Lessons From a Wise King and an Abandoned Building

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Ecclesiastes 12:1 “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near when you will say, “I have no delight in them.”

Dear Kids,

The older you get the more you understand the brevity of life. Each person is here only for a short time and no one truly knows what tomorrow will bring. The blessings we have today could evaporate into thin air tomorrow. So it behooves the wise man or woman to learn from the past and to plan for the future, but to live wisely in the moment. So while you are young, remember your Creator and serve Him well.

A Strange and Unsettling Experience

I had a strange and unsettling experience this past week. My colleagues and I spent many hours at an empty school building in our county. A beautiful new complex now houses the many teachers, administration, and students who used to occupy the halls and rooms of this now abandoned building. So we were cataloging and taking pictures of excess equipment and supplies to sell at auction.

Remember Your CreatorAs we traipsed from room to room I couldn’t rid myself of a certain sadness stemming from the deafening silence and the leftover remnants of bustling days gone by. Teachers’ nameplates still identified each classroom. Forlorn plants sat on dusty desks, and dog-eared posters with encouraging slogans hung dejectedly on the walls. The whole atmosphere reminded me of a ghost town from an old TV western.

But the thing that hit the hardest was outside the school cafeteria. After eating lunch I stepped into the hall and noticed the area where morning announcements used to be posted. Out of curiosity I took a closer look at the page curling on the board. It was dated Thursday, March 12, 2020 – the day before everyone set their normal lives and routines aside to respond to the COVID-19 crisis. At the end of the announcements was this postscript, “Have a good three day weekend!”

No One Knows What Tomorrow Holds

No one knew that day they would not be coming back to this school in the same way they had done in the months and years before. Teachers taught and students learned online for the rest of the year. When everyone finally returned to a somewhat normal setting, it wasn’t to this old building. All the needed items were hurriedly moved to the new complex, but the morning announcement from March 12 remained on the board outside the cafeteria as a reminder of how quickly life can change.

A very wise man, King Solomon, understood the brevity of life. He spent his days seeking pleasure and fulfillment in all the wrong things. But as an older man, when life had worn heavy on him, he advised others to remember their Creator in the days of their youth. He learned from his past that all he had sought after was vanity that evaporated like a mist. He had wasted a good portion of his life and now time was short. He entreated his listeners to seek the only Person worth living for. The Creator and God of the universe is the One Who never changes. When life takes a hairpin turn He alone remains constant.

Remember Your Creator

So take a lesson from a wise, old king and an abandoned school building; learn from the past and plan for the future, but live in the moment. Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, because tomorrow comes quickly, and only He knows what it will bring.

Love,

Mama

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Abundant Life in the Family of God

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1 John 3:1a “See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God . . .”

The Family of God

Dear Kids,

Family – this word conjures up different things for different people. But no matter your experiences in this dysfunctional world, there is a loving Father who longs to welcome you into His family.  His children are not perfect, but He has a goal to fashion each one into the spitting image of Himself. This is love! This is the family of God!

The Church Body – The Family of God

The family of God is often called the church body. Those who believe in Jesus join together for the common purpose of serving and worshipping God. In a letter to a group of believers, John urged those in the family to love their brothers and sisters because love is from God. If God loves us then we must also love one another.

As in most families, the process of growing and becoming more like our Father produces struggles while each family member works through his or her own personal weaknesses. These struggles sometimes make family life a little difficult. But if we keep our eyes on our Father, persevering to emulate His love, we can stand together through any trials this sinful world throws at us.

What Constitutes a Healthy Family Life?

What constitutes a healthy family life? Certain words come to my mind: love, importance, safety, value, applause, encouragement, support, freedom of expression. Every family member must have these basic needs met in order to truly experience a sense of belonging. Our heavenly Father offers each of these and more to every one of His children.

In our homes family members spend time together. They feel comfortable with hair undone and wearing a pair of comfortable, faded, ripped jeans. They eat together and share experiences – good and bad. They sometimes disagree, but will defend to the death when others belittle or disregard their kin. They celebrate personal achievements and small victories together. They shriek and jump wildly around the house in response to even the smallest successes, creating a sense of appreciation and value. They cry buckets of tears as they grieve together. They build each other up when the world disregards or belittles.

Family members boldly risk germs to be together. They provide care and comfort during sickness when others are too busy. They hold a hand in silence and listen attentively in the wee hours of the morning to heartbreaks no one else even sees. They bear with inconveniences and seek to discover and promote the other’s giftedness. They sacrifice time, money, and personal comfort for the greater good. Above all they love each other deeply and are willing to patiently slog through the messiness of personalities, failures, disagreements, joys, smiles, and tears because every member is important. They each know and feel secure in the fact that they belong and are better together.

Glory and Delight in the Family of God

If God has called us to be His children, then how can we create an environment in the church where all family members experience this same type of love and belonging? It can only be done as we value our brothers and sisters in the same way God values us. We must live it out the way John encourages: “Let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.” This manner of family life brings glory to the Father and great delight to all.

Regardless of a person’s experience in a biological or adopted family on earth, a blessed truth remains: there is a Father in heaven whose love has no limits, and Who has made a way for us to be His children through Jesus. He knows us fully, grows us intentionally, provides life abundantly, and He calls us to emulate His love for each other unconditionally.

Let’s tenaciously bear with one another to make the church, the body of Christ, a home where all are welcome and belong. This is love! This is the family of God!

Love,

Mama

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Real Faith and a Better Country

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Hebrews 11:13-14 “All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own.”

S.S. Columbia – the ship Great Grandma sailed to New York City on in 1921

 Dear Kids,

Real faith is not stagnant. It is never enough to say you believe something without proving your conviction by action. When you have confidence in a trustworthy person, your response will prove your trust. And well-placed faith results in great rewards.

The late 1800s and early 1900s brought with it a great movement of immigrants to the United States of America. Many of these new arrivals had heard about the abundant opportunity and blessings that could be found in our great country. They scrimped and saved and endured very difficult circumstances to make it to the land of promise. They believed they could have better lives and they were willing to sacrifice everything to start over on foreign soil.

Family History of Immigration

A few of these who left their native land to start their lives anew were Great-Grandma Thomson and her family. Grandma’s father, Archibald Speirs, went on ahead. He worked hard to get settled in northern New Jersey, and then provided for his wife and two daughters to cross the great ocean to join him.

Margaret & Archibald Speirs with Henrietta and baby Robina (Ruby).

So on December 29, 1920, your great-grandma, her sister, Robina, and her mother, Margaret, said goodbye to friends and family in Glasgow, Scotland, and set sail on the S.S. Columbia for New York City. The traveling trio arrived in New York Harbor on January 8, 1921, where they nervously waited for Archibald to collect them, so they could begin their new life.

Real Faith Gives a Spiritual Legacy

While our family members did not suffer on the journey as much as many others in this time of American history, they were still willing to sacrifice everything familiar and travel across a great ocean because they believed they were called to something better. In this country your Great-Grandma met Great-Grandpa who told her about Jesus and she put her trust in Him as her Savior. These steps of faith helped give us the spiritual legacy that we enjoy today.

Hebrews 11 is often called the Faith Chapter. Its verses tell of many who put their trust in God and proved their faith by their actions. They believed God’s promises and had complete confidence He would do what He said. By faith these ones obeyed God’s commands, hoped even against hope in difficult situations, and endured great trials because they knew the future held great reward.

Faith Gains Approval and Eternal Rewards

Some did not receive the fulfillment of the promises on this earth. But they were not discouraged because they understood they were only strangers here. They were not ashamed to identify with their God and believed He had prepared a heavenly city for them. They gained approval through their faith that an eternal reward was awaiting them in God’s better heavenly country.

One hundred years ago our ancestors believed they could have a better life, so they traveled the Atlantic to another land.  We are the heirs of this great step of faith. But we each have our own voyage to travel. Are you settled here on this earth or do you consider yourself a migrant just passing through? God promises something superior through Jesus Christ our Savior. It is attained by real faith. So believe His promises, obey His word, and persevere . . . because there’s a much better country on the other side.

Love,
Mama

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When It Hurts So Good – Healing From Hard Words

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Colossians 3:12-13 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Dear Kids,

Sometimes it’s necessary to hear hard words. We often fail to see ourselves in a proper light. But God has a way of pointing out our weaknesses. When this happens don’t shy away from the truth but respond appropriately. His reprimands will hurt “so good” and the results will be great blessings in your life.

God Sometimes Speaks Hard Words

A person who reads God’s word regularly may once in a while become uncomfortable. There will always be calming words of encouragement to soothe the frazzled heart and mind, but there will also be times when a strong exhortation will stop you in your tracks. The question then is what are you going to do about it?

It was a long and hot Monday and I just wasn’t feeling the routine beginnings of a new week. I grudgingly dragged myself through the motions while constantly checking the clock for quitting time. Right before five I took a phone call. The particular circumstances of the call stirred up some previous frustrations and I drove home feeling annoyed.

I grabbed my daily devotional book and plopped down in a lawn chair on the porch hoping to read an inspirational passage of Scripture and something to make me feel better about the unreasonable people who were ruffling my feathers.

Forgive Others as God Has Forgiven You

But instead God used the passage of the day to point out my own personal need for an attitude adjustment. He reminded me that His chosen people must always put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. It is our duty to bear with others and forgive them just as God has forgiven us.

This was not what I wanted to hear!

But as the words penetrated my heart I started to think about all the annoying things I do and say. Despite my blind spots and flaws God is always so forgiving and gracious. And I hope that others will also cut me some slack when I grate on their nerves.

God’s Words Demand a Decision

It was decision time! What would I do? Would I shut the book and tune out this pertinent reminder, choosing to cling to my annoyance and frustration? Or would I agree with God, repent, and let the offense go?

It didn’t take too much convincing. I know how I want to be treated despite my flaws. And as God’s child it is my responsibility to treat others accordingly.

Obedience Brings Healing From Hard Words

The uncomfortable feeling dissipated as I let the wrongdoing go and immediately I felt so much better. I had forgiven. I was forgiven. And the previously elusive peace I had desired finally took over. Life was good again.

If you are human, you can be sure you have some blind spots. But take a lesson from me. When God’s word hits you right where you need it most, don’t shy away. Listen to what you need to hear and respond. It will hurt “so good.” You will be much happier. And the result will be great blessings for all!

Love,

Mama

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Important Reasons You Should Always Be Prepared

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Matthew 25:1-2 “Then the kingdom of heaven will be compared to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent.”

Always Be Prepared

Reasons Why You Should Always Be Prepared

The baby book picture Dad and I didn’t prepare for – Notice unshaven face (Dad) and messy hairdo (Mom). Learned Lesson: Always Be Prepared!

“Be prepared.” A motto used for more than a century by the Boy Scouts of America applies in many areas of life. When you don’t heed this apropos advice you may find yourself in some interesting quandaries that last a lifetime . . . including your grandchild’s baby book.

We arrived in Boston last October excited to finally see our newest granddaughter. Margaret Anna entered the world in late August, but due to prior commitments Dad and I hadn’t been able to make the trip until two months later. We awoke at the ungodly hour of 3 AM to report to the Columbus airport on time to traverse the check-in lines and board our flight.

Upon our arrival in the Boston area, we were excited, but fully exhausted. We retired early that evening, planning to walk to a nearby café for breakfast the next morning. I awoke feeling lazy and made the conscious decision to forego my usual morning rituals of personal hygiene. “Who cares what I look like? We are with family,” I reasoned to myself. So I threw my hair into a messy ponytail, left the makeup bag undisturbed, and joined the group for our morning rendezvous at the donut shop.

The Unplanned Picture

I was thrilled with the opportunity to carry sweet Margie Anna and waited as John-Keith secured her to my person with the swaddling wrap. She was so cuddly and cute that someone snapped a picture of us before leaving.

I never thought about it again until a few weeks ago when I was admiring my daughter-in-law’s beautiful baby book. Page after page of creative photos and annotations documented Margie Anna’s first six months and proved to be an incredible lifetime treasure. Then I turned the next page and saw the picture. My messy ponytail and au natural face stared back at me as big as life. Who knew when I made my conscious decision to forego my usual prinking that the memory would be preserved for all posterity to see? If only I had adhered to the Boy Scout motto, “Be Prepared!”

Unprepared Bridesmaids Miss the Party

Jesus told a story about some bridesmaids who also found themselves unprepared. These girls were part of a bridal party waiting for the arrival of the groom. Each carried a lamp to light his way. Around midnight these five girls realized they were almost out of oil. So they asked to borrow some from the others, but there wasn’t enough to go around. So these foolish bridesmaids went to try to buy some more. While they were shopping the bridegroom came. The prepared bridesmaids accompanied the crowd into the celebration, but the unprepared returned too late. They never even got into the pictures because they missed the party altogether.

Jesus told this parable to demonstrate the need to be ready for Christ’s return. Just as the bridesmaids didn’t know the exact hour of the groom’s arrival, neither do we know the time of Christ’s return. We must be prepared and ready in our relationship with God or we will be left behind.

“Be prepared!” This motto has served the Boy Scouts of America well. And it is a maxim we all should live by. If you do, you won’t have to worry about missing the party, being left behind at Christ’s return, or having the perfect baby book photograph to last for a lifetime.

Love,

Mama

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Obedience – The Building Blocks of a Good Day

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Ephesians 4:2-3 “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” (NLT)

Dear Kids,

I am always amazed how God uses His word to examine my heart. It never fails. When a particular Bible verse catches my attention, God allows circumstances to test my obedience. Am I a mere hearer of the word or a doer also? My heart attitude and choice to obey usually determine whether or not I have a good day.

Heavenly Minded Meditations must Lead to Obedience

The other morning my reading was in Ephesians. The words of grace felt soothing and comfortable in the early morning hours. I thought about how the world would look if everyone were humble and gentle and overlooked each other’s faults. Who doesn’t want to live in a state of unruffled peace where everyone is forgiving and understanding?

My heavenly-minded meditations carried me through the next hour as I prepared to go to work.

It was going to be a good day!

But then I walked through the office door.

The phones started ringing before I had even reached my desk. And my sprint to answer culminated in the first of many robocalls. “Don’t hang up the phone . . .” the computer generated voice commanded.

I slammed the receiver down in disgust. “What a waste of energy for nothing,” I mumbled under my breath!

Obedience Takes Effort

The day continued with a string of annoying interruptions and frustrating interactions. By noon my ethereal sense of peace had all but evaporated and I was left with only a bad attitude and little patience. But somewhere in the back of my mind God’s message of peace kept niggling at my thoughts. “Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit . . .”

Make every effort was something I had to do and it wasn’t going to be easy. People can be annoying. Circumstances are sometimes frustrating and hard. Always be humble and gentle meant always – not just when life was stress-free or clients were congenial.

God Uses His Word and Daily Experiences to Reveal Shortcomings

Little by little it dawned on me that God was using His word and this less-than-perfect day to reveal my personal shortcomings. And He was giving me the opportunity to grow by responding appropriately to difficult people and challenging circumstances.

Perfectly peaceful days rarely happen on this sinful earth. But we can choose to react in obedience to God’s word.

Humble and gentle responses . . .patience despite the faults of others . . . determined effort to keep the peace . . .

These were what God was calling me to. Would I pass the test or not?

A Positive Heart Attitude and Obedience Make a Difference

The telephone rang again. I paused before answering. I said a short prayer and determined that no matter who was on the other end – a pleasant salesperson, an irate client, or even an annoying telemarketer – I would respond with grace.

Because a positive heart attitude and obedience to the word make a difference. They please God . . . and they are the real building blocks of a good day!

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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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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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