Verses from Mama

Hearing God speak one Bible verse at a time.

First Aid Training

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2 Corinthians 10:3-5 “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

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John-Keith c. 2001

Your first reaction when a crisis occurs is crucial. It could mean the difference between life and death. Years ago when I took a first aid class we memorized a checklist of things that we needed to do in a crisis. The very first thing on the list seemed a little basic, but I soon realized how important it was.

Over and over again the instructor had us practice what we should do. Immediately upon arriving at the scene we were to scream, “Call 911!” From there we were to begin the other techniques we had been taught.

At the time I wondered about the huge emphasis on screaming, “Call 911!” Wasn’t that obvious? Years later 5-year old John-Keith had an accident involving a knife slicing the lower part of his eye. I realized then why it was important to train yourself to respond correctly with even the simplest of things. If you are not prepared mentally for a serious accident, you often react with the natural human default response – panic!

If the crisis you are facing is of a spiritual nature there is also a default way of handling the problem. The world’s way of dealing with these kinds of struggles includes anger, aggressiveness, lies, revenge, gossip, and power struggle.

But those who belong to Jesus do not fight their battles in this way. We are to use weapons of a different kind. God’s method has divine power to demolish strongholds, arguments, and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of Him.

These kinds of struggles occur regularly in a world that is full of evil forces and we must be prepared to combat them appropriately. Ephesians 6:10-19 gives us the methodology that will help us be successful when spiritual crises strike.

• Focus on the truth in every situation.
• Live a life of righteousness.
• Be ready to share the good news of salvation.
• Stand firm in faith.
• Protect your mind by guarding it carefully.
• Follow God’s Word consistently.
• Pray at all times.

These things may seem obvious, but if you are not practicing them every day you will not be prepared when the enemy, Satan, strikes. It will be easy to fall back into the world’s default ways of dealing with his tactics.

Trust me, I know! When John-Keith injured his eye I went into panic mode because it had been years since I had practiced screaming, “Call 911!” Thankfully, Aunt Christine was there and had the presence of mind to make the crucial call that perhaps saved John-Keith’s eyesight.

How much more important to be ready for a spiritual crisis. The importance of preparing and living God’s way cannot be overstated. Without daily practice we will naturally respond with the world’s methods and our opportunity to be involved in a spiritual victory will be lost. In fact, our response to this type of crisis may just be the difference between spiritual life and death!

Love,
Mama

You’re Too Busy Not To Pray!

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Mark 1:35 “In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.”

You’re too busy not to pray!

DSC00497Communicating with God through prayer is crucial to our spiritual condition for many reasons. Along with reading the Bible, prayer connects us with God. It is how we talk to Him and relinquish our cares and worries. It is how we ask for guidance and for help. Prayer is a weapon to be used in spiritual battles and the way we release God’s power in our lives. Why then do we have so many excuses for not doing it?

Many would say they don’t know how to pray. Others feel they are not good enough. But often the excuse is lack of time. We live in a busy world that claws at our availability. So many things need to be accomplished and time is of the essence. Here and there we may throw out a few words to heaven, but much of the time it is in passing as we run to the next activity.

We make light of this omission with the thought that God will understand our busy lifestyles. Yet we miss an important point. We need God the most when we are the busiest.

It was Martin Luther who said,

I have so much to do that I will spend the first three hours in prayer.

This great hero of the Reformation and of our faith recognized that he was too busy not to pray!

Luther was not the first to recognize the importance of committing a busy day to God. Jesus Himself made this His practice.

After visiting the home of Simon and healing his mother-in-law, the town heard of Jesus’ presence. When evening came, after the sun had set, they began bringing to Him all who were ill and those who were demon-possessed. It was a busy night as Jesus healed and cast out the forces of evil.

For many of us an action packed and late evening would be the perfect excuse for skipping our time of prayer, but not so with Jesus.

In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place to pray. Humanly speaking Jesus must have been physically exhausted. He had just spent many hours dealing with people and problems. He had enraged the wicked spiritual world by casting out demons. No one would have blamed Him if He had just stayed in bed a little longer. Yet we see His perfect example. He made the effort to speak to His Father about all that was going on. I wonder what they conversed about?

This was a great encouragement and example for me. Instead of using our busy lifestyles as an excuse for skipping a regular prayer time, we must use it to push us towards even more time with the One Who can help us correctly navigate all the pressures that life brings. This is the way that we can get life in perspective and bring God glory.

Do you have a busy week coming up? It will be worth the time and effort if you follow Jesus’ example. After all . . .

You’re too busy not to pray!

Love,

Mama

 

 

 

God’s Promises Give Hope

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Psalm 119:49 “Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope.”

IMG_2676When going through a difficult experience, there is nothing better than to find one of God’s promises to cling to. Knowing that the Lord is always faithful to His word, it is comforting to remind yourself continually of His pledge.

Recently I came across a great quote from the famous theologian and preacher Charles H. Spurgeon. Speaking about prayer he said

“Remember the word unto thy servant, on which thou hast caused me to hope,” is most prevalent pleading. It is a double argument: It is Thy Word. Wilt Thou not keep it? Why hast Thou spoken of it, if Thou wilt not make it good? Thou hast caused me to hope in it; wilt Thou disappoint the hope which Thou hast Thyself begotten in me?”

I have not been able to stop thinking about this. There are times when life seems confusing and there is nothing to do but search God’s word for one of His many promises that you can keep close to your heart.

It is important to make sure when you find a verse that it is one that is meant for you. Some promises in the Bible are only for specific people, for specific times. But other verses are universal and available for any believer in Jesus to claim.

Ask God to lead you to a promise that relates to your circumstance and then put all your hope in it. God always keeps His promises. He can never lie and He will do what He says He will do. Those who keep their minds stayed on Christ will experience perfect peace.

I have a whole list of Bible promises that I have collected over time. I have written them in my prayer notebook and read over them regularly. When toe-to-toe with an impossible situation it is encouraging to read the apropos verse over and over. Sometimes I write it on a card and post it over the sink or take it with me to work.

Though God doesn’t need our reminders, it is helpful for us to express His promises back to Him, telling Him that all our hopes rest there. He has brought the words to our mind and He will never disappoint us.

I am so glad that God has given us so many great and precious promises. Go search out a few today and keep them close to your heart. You never know when you might need them.

Love,
Mama

Jesus can help you and He is willing

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Mark 1:40-41 And a leper came to Jesus, beseeching Him and falling on his knees before Him, and saying, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.

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Photo from a recent USA today story about a Sri Lankan leper colony

The sultry air carried the laughter of children playing in the distance. The sounds of busy town life punctuated by an occasional dog’s barking buzzed all around, heralding the return of spring. Everyone basked in its sweet entrance – everyone except one man.

The lonely figure sat staring. His body was motionless, but his mind was struggling in a sea of mixed emotions. The cheerful sunshine reached down to touch his oozing skin covered with leprous sores, but the action only seemed to emphasize his loss of human touch.

How long had it been since he had held the hand of a loved one or felt the warm embrace of a dear friend? When the disease had been discovered, all had shunned him. Even those closest shrunk from his presence and left him to fend for himself.

But just recently some strangers had come to town. He had heard news that one of these men had healed a dying woman. The crowds that flocked to see him had passed by his hiding place and he overheard the excited talk as they brought other sufferers to receive this divine healing.

The man glanced down at his hands that were starting to show signs of deterioration brought on by his own horrible malady. “I wonder . . .” he thought.

The inward struggle again began as he considered what chances he had to meet this stranger and receive the gift of healing he had to give. In his heart he truly believed the man could do the impossible, but his mind whispered that rejection would again be his personal fate. Why would the man want to come near an infectious nothing such as he? Was it worth trying?

Summoning the last bit of courage, he painfully stood to his feet. He would go to this man and beg for his mercy.

As he stumbled towards the town, the humiliating cry that always accompanied his entrance rang out – “Leper, Unclean!” As usual the crowd averted their eyes and scurried away fearing they would contract his horrible condition. This left him a clear path to the man who had such great power.

Upon reaching Jesus the broken man fell onto his knees and choked out the words that filled his heart. “Sir, if you are willing you can make me clean!”

His eyes, blinded by dust and tears, missed the look of compassion that covered the gentle stranger’s face. But he shivered as he felt the tender touch so unfamiliar to him, and his ears clearly heard the soft words, “I am willing; be cleansed.”

Something suddenly changed. He could feel it before he could see it. A new strength filled his body. The pain left him. The sores were gone! His heart overflowed with gratefulness. He listened as the man sternly told him to go show the priests that he was cleansed, but to tell no one else.

He started joyfully on his way, but just couldn’t hold back the news. He had to tell someone!

Often a person’s biggest obstacle in coming to Jesus is her feelings about herself. It is possible to have faith that Jesus can do miracles, but to doubt that he would want to do one for you.

Put aside your struggling thoughts. Come to Jesus. Bask in his tender look of compassion.

Hear the words he said to the leper: “ I can help you, and I am willing.”

Love,

Mama

Winter Clothes Like Grief are Difficult to Wear

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Psalm 55:22 “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall.”

IMG_2635The winds howling through the night suggested that the day should be spent sitting by the fire. But that was not to be. The farm auction scheduled weeks in advance dictated my destiny. I would be spending the upcoming hours in the frigid early March air.

Since I do not like to be cold, I prepared with utmost care to face the weather. First, I pulled on Under Armor togs, followed by jeans and a sweatshirt. After wrapping a scarf around my neck and crowning my head with a knitted toboggan, I slid into Carhardt overalls topped with my bulky, hooded coat. Finally, I grabbed my work boots to complete my winter attire. But when I leaned over to put them on, I discovered I had a problem –  encased in all my warm clothing I could hardly move.

After some fancy maneuvering I tied the laces and practically rolled out the door to face what lay ahead. I was warm all right, but for most of the day even the most ordinary of tasks became difficult. Bending my torso to sit down was uncomfortable, typing with thick gloves was cumbersome, and don’t even ask about the call of nature when the only available bathroom was Mr. Clean’s porta potty!

Thankfully we don’t have to dress like that every day, but there are times when the weight we carry is heavier than winter attire. Throughout life there are seasons when things do not go the way we had hoped. The frigid winds of difficulty and the emotions they create can overwhelm so completely that even the daily chores of life become challenging and cumbersome.

There may be moments we use our activity to keep us distracted from our grief and worry. But then the smallest of reminders will crush us all over again. Trapped within our sorrow we struggle to survive.

Over and over again, especially in the Psalms, we get a glimpse of the writer’s dealing with a heavy coat of emotions, an occasional part of living in a sinful world. David, when overloaded with a friend’s betrayal, wanted to escape the experience and the feelings that caused him such fear and trembling. If only he had the wings of a dove he could fly far away to a quiet place and rest.

Yet the Psalmist, after pouring out his natural emotions, guides us to the proper way of dealing with them. He reminds us that we are to cast our cares on the Lord because He is the One Who will sustain. Even when close friends deceive us, the Lord will always be faithful. He will never let the righteous fall.

I was so thankful to be able to remove my bulky outer garments after this week’s auction. The freedom I felt was amazing. How much more amazing is the relief when we strip off heavy layers of anguish and pain to lay them at the Lord’s feet?

Even though the winds may blow and the weather chill, there is no need to wear the weighty clothes of grief and worry! Whether morning, noon, or night, cast your cares on God. He will hear and sustain – and even warm – you!

Love,

Mama

Impossible Things Are Happening Every Day!

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Luke 1:37 “For nothing will be impossible with God.”

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Photo courtesy of Chris Anderson

High School plays are the best!! I looove to watch all of our talented and hard-working students perform. This year was a special treat since Cinderella is one of my favorite stories. Who doesn’t cheer for the sweet and lovable, but mistreated, Ella to meet and marry the prince (Josiah Winey)? It seemed impossible for this “country bumpkin” to catch the eye of the heir to the throne, but as in all fairy tales it became a reality with the help of the magical, blue fairy godmother (Sarah Pitts).

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Photo Courtesy of Scott Huck

One of my favorite songs (next to “Now is the Time,” which Nathan sang) was “In My Own Little Corner.” Cinderella (played so beautifully by Kylie Beste) was kept from doing all the fun things that her stepsisters (Sara Beste & Kate Belliveau) were allowed to do. But she found comfort in her own little corner, in her own little chair. From this secluded spot our hero could imagine she was anything and make the impossible happen.

So many of us longingly relate to this sentiment. The desire to be noticed or to do something great has made a nest deep within our hearts. When we feel overlooked and helpless to really make a difference we resort to sitting in our own little corner, dreaming of what we wish we could do.

But Cinderella was on to something! There is a corner and a chair that can make all the difference in the world. It is a place where impossible things become possible. It is a place where the Prince of Peace waits eagerly for even those whom the world considers nobodies to come to Him. In this spot you are never overlooked and all the power of the Almighty is at your disposal.

From your own little corner in your own little chair the effective prayer of a righteous man or woman accomplishes much. The great preacher and theologian Charles H. Spurgeon wrote, “Prayer is the slender nerve that moves the muscle of the omnipotent.”

Photo courtesy of Scott Huck.

Photo courtesy of Scott Huck.

Our God has given barren women babies, healed the sick, given sight to the blind, set captives free, and raised the dead. In response to prayer He has made the sun stand still, stopped the rain for years, sent fire from heaven, and shut lions’ mouths.

Persistent prayer and a faith that could move mountains brought about all these things. Our God, with Whom nothing is impossible, listens for the cry of His children praying in the name of Jesus. He hears and answers.

Are you an ordinary nobody? Do you wish you could make a difference in your world? Then take a lesson from Cinderella! Go to your own little corner and sit in your own little chair. Pray fervently to the God of the Impossible. The Prince of Peace loves you so much that He has moved heaven and earth to bring you to Himself. Close your eyes, pour out your heart, and then watch for His answers.

Impossible things are happening every day!

Love,

Mama

Letters in the Attic – Some things must be kept!

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Malachi 3:16 “Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in His presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored His name.”

IMG_2540Some things must be kept! Whether or not you are a purger or a packrat, there are certain items that just shouldn’t be discarded.

I am a purger. I regularly go through my belongings and get rid of things. It is not that I love to throw perfectly good items away, but those who know me best understand that I don’t think well when surrounded by clutter. My mind can’t seem to focus when overwhelmed with stuff that doesn’t have a place.

But even so, there are certain items that will never see the trash pail. Up in the attic sits a box containing a Miami University sweatshirt that Dad gave me when we were dating, a stuffed dog (named Sheridan) that slept on my bed when we were states away, and a shoebox full of love letters.

I have not looked at these things in years, but I know right where they are and will keep them as long as I live. Special mementos and tender words from decades ago are worthy of remembering.

The Bible is God’s words of love to us. But did you know that God keeps a record of our words of love to Him?

The nation of Israel had turned away from the Lord. Most people worshipped idols and spoke falsehoods with regard to His name. Even the religious leaders taught perverted doctrines that caused many to stumble. And when taking offerings they robbed the Lord of what was rightfully His. But there were others who still loved the Lord and feared Him. These met to talk with each other about His majesty, to encourage each other to submit to His authority, and to openly express their love for Him.

The Lord listened in on their gracious conversations and heard what they were saying. He was pleased and had a scroll of remembrance written in His presence concerning those who feared Him and honored His name.

It is not that the Lord was afraid He would forget. After all, His memory is perfect. I think He was pleased with the praise-filled words of His children in a nation that had forgotten Him and He wanted to keep the words for eternity.

Have you had any conversations about the Lord lately? Have you told your friends how much you love Him? He is listening with pen poised to record your conversation – because there are some things, like letters in the attic, that must always be kept!

Love,

Mama

Sing Again!

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Psalm 5:11 “But let all who take refuge in You be glad, Let them ever sing for joy; And may You shelter them, That those who love Your name may exult in You.”

We all experience times of difficulty when we cannot share all of the details with our friends or family. There are just some things that no one can understand or that are just too painful to express in words. These crises produce a weight of loneliness that can’t be measured. It is in times like these that I am glad for the Psalms. So many of these writings are gut-deep expressions of internal struggles stemming from real life trials that give comfort in our time of need.

Yesterday, Abigail and I were reading Psalm 5. This Psalm of David was a very real appeal to God for help and protection against the wicked. As we read, Abigail and I both wondered what were the circumstances that caused David’s deep groaning and cry to his God. Though this shepherd-king had many trials in in his life, we agreed that we were glad all the details were not spelled out in this Psalm. David’s more general discussion of his circumstances made it easier to connect our own struggles with the feelings that he expressed.

Once we connected with the heartbreak, we came up with some thoughts for how to deal with our own struggles. 

  1. Start the Day with Prayer – Each morning the Lord heard David’s voice. When the sun rose in the eastern sky, this man laid his requests before the God of heaven. Though we can pray at any time, there is something life-giving about starting the day in prayer. As we release our concerns and worries to Him, we can start fresh, trusting that He will see us through.
  2. Wait Expectantly for Answers – When David spread his requests before God in the morning, he spent the rest of the day waiting expectantly for answers. He did not come to God as a last resort, but recognized his need was fresh every day. He believed that God would come through for him.
  3. Remind Yourself of God’s Nature – David spoke to God about Who He was. He reminded God, but also himself, of God’s attributes. He is a God who does not take pleasure in wickedness, and no evil dwells in Him. Those who love to boast, as well as those who make it their practice to live sinfully, have no standing before God.
  4.  Ask for Guidance – When faced with struggles against those who do not follow God, the way often becomes complicated. David asked God to lead him in a straight path. He does not want to get caught in a trap by his enemies’ lies and flattering tongues.
  5. Ask for Victory – David knew that God is just and that God blesses the righteous and punishes the wicked. He asked God to hold his enemies accountable for their misdeeds and let them fall into their own trap.
  6. Rejoice in a Safe Refuge – In pouring out his heart to God, David experienced a deep peace and joy in the middle of his difficult circumstances. The realization came to him that within the circle of God’s protection there is nothing to fear. God’s favor rests on those righteous ones who belong to Him.

There are just some trial details that you can’t share with others. But there is no need to feel alone and helpless. Just turn to the Psalms and you will find others who have walked the path of pain before you. You will find yourself in the words of Scripture, but best of all you will be encouraged to know that God was faithful then and will be so for you today, too. 

Take refuge in our great God and soon you will be able to sing again!
Love,
Mama


Prayers That Change The World

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1 Timothy 2:1-2 “I urge, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”

Reading the Bible is more than just entertainment or busy work. It is the way that God speaks to us and guides us in how we should act, think, and live. When we take time to read God’s word, He will often bring to our attention things that we need to change.  And sometimes those changes affect the world.

As I was reading the Bible with Ginny, Luke’s girlfriend, last night we were both hit between the eyes with today’s verse. In this passage Paul was urging his dear friend, Timothy, to make it a habit to pray for those who were in positions of authority. 

Ginny and I both looked at each other with big eyes as we realized we had not been as faithful to do this important directive. Especially in light of upcoming elections it is imperative that we speak to God on a regular basis about those who will be leading our country and making important decisions that will affect our lives greatly. 

Though we may not agree with what all the candidates stand for, they are still loved by God. He  wants everyone of them to come to know Him personally and come to a knowledge of the truth. If this happens we all will be able to live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and holiness.

Knowing that God wants us to be doers of His word and not hearers only, we both agreed to start a list of names. By committing to bring these men and women before God in prayer we are being obedient, and who knows what difference our prayers will make in the future of these leaders?

What about you? Is this something you need to change? Commit with Ginny and me to making a list of leaders and praying for them faithfully. You never know, our prayers may just change the world!

Love,
Mama