Verses from Mama

Hearing God speak one Bible verse at a time.

Fire Alarms and the Tremendous Danger of Deadened Senses

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1 Thessalonians 5:22 “Avoid every kind of evil.”

Dear Kids:

Our minds and bodies can adapt to a lot. This can be a very good thing since we can’t always choose our surroundings. But it can also create the tremendous danger of deadened senses.

Deadened Senses Bring Trouble

Every day you will come across situations where you will need to make a decision. The world is full of vices that are not healthy – what God calls sin. It may be tempting to dabble in these as you face them on a daily basis. Your mind will give you the age old excuse: “I need to know about this so I can make informed decisions.” At first, these vices may be shocking and you will feel great horror at the wickedness that you see and hear around you. But over time you will develop deadened senses and that is when your trouble begins.

The other day our company was having our fire alarm system tested. I was quietly sitting at my desk while the repair man ran his diagnostic tests in the other room. Suddenly, without any warning, a screeching sound pierced the air penetrating my ears and caused me to jump out of my seat. I grimaced and clasped my head tightly as I was sure one of my eardrums had been broken. For what seemed like quite a few minutes the blinding lights and shrieking siren continued. But a strange thing happened! After I got over my initial shock of this huge disruption, my body adjusted to the lights and sound. All of sudden the harshness wasn’t as painful as the first blast had been. Soon the noise stopped, but if it had continued for too long my ears could have been damaged.

This is the way it is with things of the world. The first time you watch a movie with foul language your whole body may grimace. But soon the obscenities will not sound so bad. Over time you may even slip and repeat one of these vulgarities in a tense situation.

The same thing will happen with immorality. The graphic love scenes so prevalent in our entertainment today will cause discomfort and embarrassment at first, but soon, with repeated viewings, these scenes will become normal and natural. The usual awkwardness will recede and soon even your ability to stand firm in personal tempting circumstances will dissipate.

Avoid Every Kind of Evil

When Adam and Eve ate the fruit from the forbidden tree they thought they would gain great knowledge – and they did. The problem was that they did not have the moral ability to use the information wisely. Today we also struggle with this. The things we come in contact with can affect us greatly. The Bible tells us to avoid every kind of evil. While we cannot fully extract ourselves from the things of this world, we must be careful to guard our hearts and minds carefully. If we allow them too much exposure to harmful vices they can adapt to the stimuli around them, develop deadened senses, and cause great harm.

So next time you hear the alarm go off because you find yourself in a situation that is not pleasing to God, find a way to make your exit as quickly as possible. Because if you don’t your heart and mind will adjust. And before you know it your senses will be deadened, your decision making skills will suffer and you will find yourself in a very dangerous and harmful situation.

Love,

Mama

Unheeded Warnings and Open Drawbridges

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Luke 22:31-32 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

Warning - Open Drawbridge

NX Bridge spanning the Passaic River between Newark and Kearny, NJ

A wise person heeds warnings!

Everywhere we go there are warnings directing us of upcoming danger or consequences. A stop sign warns a driver of oncoming traffic. A bell reminds a student that class is about to start. A growl alerts a prowler that a potential target home has a protective watchdog. And a closed barrier warns of an open or rising drawbridge.

My hometown of Kearny, NJ, is located along the Passaic River. As a child I remember lying in bed listening to the deep, lonesome sound of barges pulling freight along the channel. Sometimes when our family would travel across town we would be forced to wait at a bridge while the boat lumbered through the passing. A warning barrier would come down and the drawbridge would rise into the air allowing the boat to pass. When all was clear the steel bridge would slowly drop into position again and we would follow the traffic over the moveable road to the other side of the river.

An Unheeded Warning

Drawbridges have always given me a sense of fearful wonder. They are amazing in design and purpose, but also a bit scary. I recently read an article that highlighted one of my deepest fears as a child. In 2015, 29 year old James Montano was forced to jump his SUV across a rising drawbridge in Palm Beach, Florida, in order to avoid a long drop into the cold, murky waters. I was transported back to memories of the steel monstrosities I had travelled across time after time while shivers raced up my spine. How could this happen? Reading farther, I found the answer.

The man who performed this stunt did so because he failed to heed the warning. Distracted by his GPS, this man missed seeing the barrier coming down, crashed through it, and was forced to gun his engine to soar over the rising bridge in order to save himself and his passenger. A disaster was averted by only a few inches!

Jesus Gives a Warning

Jesus’ final days on earth were upon Him. The Son of God understood all that He and His disciples would suffer in the upcoming hours. Speaking to Simon Peter, Jesus gave a warning. “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again strengthen your brothers.”

Peter, the brash and prideful fisherman, ignored Jesus’ warning. “Lord, with You I am ready to go both to prison and to death!” Again, Jesus warned Peter that his courage would fail before the rooster would crow and he would deny that he even knew Jesus.

Jesus gave a way to escape along with His warning. Upon arriving at the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus asked His disciples to wait and pray with Him so they wouldn’t enter into temptation. But again the disciples, distracted by exhaustion and sorrow, ignored the caution. They fell asleep at the wheel and cruised through the warning barrier unaware of the danger ahead.

Spiritual Consequences of Unheeded Warnings

Soon the soldiers came to arrest Jesus. His disciples, unprepared for the disaster, reacted by trying to fight and running away. Late that night Jesus’ prediction came true and Peter denied the One he loved so much.

The Bible is full of warnings for us, too. They are there to make us aware of danger and to protect us from making damaging decisions. We must stay alert and heed these warnings if we want to avoid disaster. The alternative could be very scary. It may be denying the Lord or even making a chilling jump across an open drawbridge!

Love,

Mama

Scams and Other Damaging Deceptions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love,

Mama

Guarding Your Shoes and Your Way

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Proverbs 16:17 “The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; He who watches his way preserves his life.” 

There are certain things a person needs to watch carefully. If you don’t you are in for some real trouble!

This past week we made some changes in our family. Monday I happened to look online and found a puppy that looked so sweet. I convinced Dad and Abigail to go with me just to look at her, but as is the usual result when a person goes to look at a puppy, we came home with an 8-week old sable German Shepherd female.

We have had so much fun with this little bundle of energy, but I have found this new adventure to be a lot of work. I can’t let Apache out of my sight for a minute or she will have an accident on the floor or try to snack on something she shouldn’t like my new pair of shoes. Without a constant vigil, things could get ruined and messes can be made.

Similarly, it is important to keep careful watch over our personal thoughts and actions. The wise writer of Proverbs encourages us that if we watch our way and depart from evil we will preserve our lives.

It is very easy to get comfortable with our regular patterns of living and forget to seek guidance from the Lord through His word. When we become slack in this practice our thoughts can become bent towards the world’s way of thinking. Soon our actions begin to follow our natural human sinful tendencies and before we know it we’ve found ourselves with a big mess.

Many families have fallen apart when a husband or wife stopped keeping watch and allowed his or her heart to be drawn away by another. Many young people have sought pleasure or acceptance through worldly vices. Without thinking carefully they followed the wrong path and ended up at a dead end street where only sorrow and regret could be found. Those who want to stay out of trouble would be wise to keep a constant watch on their souls.

Apache is a sweetheart and we already love her, but she needs constant attention. She is a good reminder of how important it is to keep a close watch at all times on the things we know are important; the furniture… our shoes… but most of all the way we live!

Love,

Mama

Skunks and Temptation – Time to Run!

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All the skunks in our town recently reminded me of a post I wrote in 2014. A skunk interrupted me while sitting on our porch and I couldn’t help but think of the similarities between handling that situation and handling temptation. In neither case is it a good idea to stick around. Running is the best choice! Read on…

It was 10:18 PM. Everyone was asleep when Uncle Chuck called to talk. I went out onto our side porch and settled into my new Cracker Barrel rocker to catch up on life. After we hung up I remained on the porch to think and pray. The cool breeze caressed my skin as I breathed in the fresh air. Bright pinpoints of light shone in the clear sky giving a sense of peace. Continue Reading

Please Don’t Feed The Skunks

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love,

Mama

 

The Dangerous Dollar

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1 Timothy 6:9-10 “But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

coinsHow much money is enough? For many citizens of the United States seeking to fulfill the American dream of success and prosperity, the answer is “just one more dollar.” But is this really a delicious dream or a nightmare?

In a materialistic world filled with television commercials advertising the newest and best, there just never seems to be enough money to spend. So from a very young age Americans seek for ways to gain wealth.

Even during the Thanksgiving season many are more focused on Black Friday shopping sprees and Christmas gifts than on being thankful for what they already have. Contentment has no place in our society.

This addiction to money and wealth is a dangerous business. Paul warned Timothy that those with an insatiable desire to get rich will inevitably fall into temptation. Their harmful and foolish desires will plunge them into ruin and destruction. When a Christian takes his eyes off God and focuses only on the dangerous dollar, it may be only a short time before he wanders away from the faith.

Money is not evil in itself; it can be used to help others and pay for necessary needs. But when our love of money overtakes our love of God and others, then we have a problem. Maybe that’s why one of the writers of the Proverbs said, “Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is my portion, That I not be full and deny You and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ or that I not be in want and steal, and profane the name of my God” (Proverbs 30:8-9).

How much money is enough? Read today’s verse again before you decide. You may change your mind about the dangerous dollar.

Love,

Mama

Fluorescent Minnows & Wild Cat Blood – Don’t Take the Bait!

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1 John 2:16 “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.”

If you want to catch a fish you need to use bait!

Fish Bait 2I don’t know much about fishing, but the few times I’ve tried the rod, reel, and bait were crucial to my success. Night crawlers were the usual type of lure for me, but this weekend I received an education on the numerous different types of baits that can attract a variety of fish.

We arrived at the Indian Lake Bait and Tackle shop early on Saturday morning. The store was going out of business and we were called to sell out the inventory. After setting up our auction computers, I took some time to peruse the numerous baits and lures that lined the wall. There were fluorescent minnows, worms, caterpillars, colorful hooks, and even a bag of Wild Cat Blood. There were bobbers, nets, rods, and boxes to hold glowworms, mealworms, softcraws, leeches, shad guts, and more. I was amazed at the wide variety of items, all for the purpose of luring fish to the hook.

I am very thankful I am not a fish! It sounds like a very dangerous life with all the avid fishermen in the area. But the human race also lives a dangerous life. There are various types of baits that lure us into a death trap. The Bible calls these attractions the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life.

Though these attractions may look enticing, they are not of the Father. They are of the world and are the bait of the evil one. So keep your eyes wide open and be aware. These lures are not only for physical acts but also internal thoughts and attitudes.

The Lust of the Flesh: Selfish or greedy cravings to satisfy one’s physical desires outside of the will of God. For instance, we live in a world where sexual impurity in thought and action is a constant struggle, and sex outside of God’s plan for marriage is rampant. The movies are full of it, the computer corrupted with it –  temptation is everywhere you go. Beware of these types of lusts. Stay clear of this lure!

The Lust of the Eyes: The desire to acquire all that we may see. Every day we are confronted with bigger and better stuff. It is easy to be drawn into the trap of materialism. We see what others have and think we will be happy if we only have the next thing. We become dissatisfied so easily with the blessings we have as our eyes are constantly drawn to the bigger and better. Beware of being obsessed with the things you see. Stay clear of this lure!

The Boastful Pride of Life: The inward or outward pride in possessions or status. Humans tend to want to build themselves up. Especially in America the need to be “#1” is emphasized. Often we do this by putting others down and exaggerating our importance. Beware of thinking of yourself too highly than you should. Stay clear of this lure!

No matter who you are, these enticements are a constant danger. The one who thinks he is free from the pitfall of these lures should take heed. Fish are caught with all sorts of bait.

So take heed. When you are least expecting it the fluorescent glowworm that attracts your attention may just be hiding a dangerous hook!

Love,

Mama

 

Falling Prey to Bad Advice

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1 John 2:15-17 “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lust; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.”

IMG_0417One of my favorite parts of auctions is the people. Everyone is so different and I enjoy interacting with them, hearing their stories and learning from their experiences. The differences, not only in looks, but also in personality are what lend a special beauty to the world around us.

Thinking back over the years I can recollect numerous memories of colorful men and women who have intrigued me, given me a good laugh, and even stretched my understanding of the English language.

It took me quite some time to figure out the answer to the question a man dressed from head to toe in fringed leather asked me a few years ago. Swaggering up to our check-in table, he leaned his lanky frame forward and asked where the nearest peach tree was located. Speechless, my mind sought to understand why this stranger to our parts would need a peach tree. Maybe the horse I imagined was tied up outside had a special taste for peaches?

After a few more leading questions I finally figured out his specific need and pointed him in the right direction for the nearest “pee tree” or bathroom as most of us would call it. What a laugh we all got!

Recently I met another man whose take on life troubled my heart. This well-dressed older gentleman approached the table during an auction. I could tell by his attire and boastful comments that he had lived the high life in all ways. As he engaged me in conversation I got a glimpse into his values that were so different from my own.

He shared some worldly wisdom he had given to his son. “Son,” he said, “when you look for a woman, look for one who has a boatload of money.” Apparently his son took him up on that advice. Thinking he must be joking I responded, “Well, there are some things worth more than money.” I was flabbergasted when shaking his head and turning to leave he said, “No, I don’t think so!”

My heart was heavy as I watched his gray head move away. His love for the world and the things in the world was obvious. He had spent his life seeking for pleasure and meaning from temporal things that don’t last. I doubted he was truly happy.

Jesus’s disciple, John, gave his spiritual children different advice. He warned them, “’Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lust; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.’”

All the glitz and glimmer that the world offers – money, fame, sex,  power – play a siren song that still capture hearts and minds even today. These things can only be enjoyed for a short time, but end in pain and death. The ruler of the world’s system is opposed to God and no one can serve two masters.

The earth is inhabited with many interesting people. Love them as Jesus does, but don’t fall prey to bad advice. The world and all its pleasures will pass away, but the one who does the will of God will live forever.

Love,

Mama

 

Follow the Scout Motto – Be Prepared!

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Matthew 26:41 “Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.”

Be Prepared!

IMG_2698Since 1907 this has been the motto of the scout movement. All Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts make it their duty to be prepared in mind and body to know the right thing to do, to be willing to act on it, and to be physically fit to carry out the action when necessary.

None of our family, aside from my brief stint with the Brownies in elementary school, has been a scout member. Even so, this motto is one that we should all consider making part of our life strategy.

Jesus knew that His time on earth was short. He understood what the next few hours would hold for Him – the betrayal, the ridicule, the pain, the torture, and the weight of the world’s sin. Death on a rugged cross was why He had come to earth and His final hour was drawing near.

During the last Passover supper, Jesus prepared His disciples with much information regarding what was ahead. He acted out a picture of the purpose of His death by washing their feet. He had come not to be served, but to serve and give His life a ransom for many.

He comforted them with the promise of the Holy Spirit Who would give them power and lead them into all truth.

He encouraged them by explaining how they could bear much spiritual fruit by remaining in the vine. By abiding in Christ and letting His words abide in them they could ask whatever they needed and it would be done.

He warned them of rejection and tribulation but reminded them that He had overcome the world.

Finally, He prayed that God would not take them out of the world but keep them from the evil one.

All of this Jesus did so that His disciples would BE PREPARED for what lay ahead.

Yet, even this was not enough. There was something they needed to do.

While in the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus went away by Himself to pray. His soul was deeply grieved over all that was about to occur. He asked His disciples to keep watch with Him, but they could not keep their eyelids open. The warmth of the evening and the activity of the day weakened their stamina and soon there were snores echoing throughout the otherwise quiet sanctuary.

Jesus, heavy with grief, returned, awakened them from their slumber, and urgently imparted some important advice. He knew what was coming and how crucial their preparation of mind and body would be when temptation crept up on them. At the moment of decision His previous teaching and preparation would be forgotten if they had not prepared their minds and bodies through prayer. He said,

“Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation.” 

The men groggily listened to His warning, but then rolled over and continued snoring. The hour of Jesus’s betrayal and suffering was at hand but these followers were not ready for what lay ahead. Though their spirit might have been willing had they understood, their exhausted flesh was weak.

Later we read that all of them deserted their Master in His greatest hour of need. Peter, who boasted of loyalty, went as far as to vehemently deny that he even knew Jesus. How sad they all were when they realized that their lack of preparation caused them to do the wrong thing.

What a lesson this is for us! The Scout Motto, while a good life strategy, is also necessary spiritually to protect us from all temptation. Unlike Jesus, we do not know what a day holds. We must keep watching and praying so that we can withstand whatever comes across our path.

I am glad Jesus was prepared to suffer and die for my sins and yours.

Obey the instructions He gave His disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane. Make it your motto and duty to always BE PREPARED in mind and body to know the right thing to do, to be willing to act on it, and to be physically fit to carry out the action when necessary.

Jesus shared the secret to success – stay alert, keep watching, keep praying.

Love,
Mama