Verses from Mama

Hearing God speak one Bible verse at a time.

Intimate Knowledge: The Precursor to Trust in God

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Psalm 21:7 “For the king trusts in the Lord, and through the lovingkindness of the Most High he will not be shaken.”

Who do you trust the most? Trust in God.

Who do you trust the most with the details of your life?

 

Dear Kids,

Who do you trust the most with the details of your life? Likely it is someone you know intimately who has proven himself or herself to be trustworthy. As we spend time developing relationships with people we quickly discover whom we can count on and whom we must hold at arms length. The greater the knowledge of the dependable friend the more likely we are to trust them.

Those Who are Trustworthy are Good Friends

There have been times in my life when I’ve shared a secret with someone only to find out they leaked the information without my consent. As you can well guess, I never shared any other personal information with that individual again. On the other hand, those who prove their trustworthiness have become my closest friends and confidants. These I feel confident would stand by me through thick and thin.

David, the king of Israel, wrote that he could trust in God. Because of that confident faith he knew he would never be shaken. Over the years David had come to know God intimately through many life experiences. God had always been with him and had always been faithful.

God protected young David when he was a lowly shepherd taking care of his father’s sheep. With mighty strength and incredible precision he slew wild animals threatening the flock with only a sling and a stone. These frightening and lonely experiences in the fields developed a deepening reliance and trust in his God.

David’s Increasing Knowledge Built Trust in God

David’s increasing knowledge of God’s faithfulness bolstered his confidence to challenge a giant enemy despite his older brothers sneers and jibes. God approved of his faith and this young warrior toppled the boastful Goliath with one stone from his sling.

Years later David clung to God’s promise that he would be king even when forced to live in caves to protect himself from the angry and jealous King Saul. God continued to protect him, teach him, and prepare him for the throne during those difficult years. Finally, in keeping with His promise, God, at the appropriate time when David was ready, placed the crown on his head.

All of these experiences revealed to David God’s lovingkindness and faithfulness despite adversity. We, like David, will also experience difficulties in life. Our ability to face each situation with confidence and peace will depend on how well we know our Lord.

A Deep Relationship with God is Crucial for Faith

David spent much time seeking God while out in the fields of Judea. He carried this habit with him throughout his life. When the difficulties came he personally knew God’s character and could therefore trust Him to deal lovingly and faithfully in all circumstances.

How well do you know the Lord? Your relationship with Him is crucial to your life of faith. We run to those we love and trust when life gets hard. The Lord is the perfect comforter, encourager, and confidant in times of trouble. He will be your most reliable friend. And, like David, the more you know Him the more you will trust Him and in His lovingkindness you will not be shaken.

Love,

Mama

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So Who Can You Really Trust?

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Jeremiah 17:5 & 7 “ . . . Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind and makes flesh his strength, and whose heart turns away from the Lord.”  “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is the Lord.”

Dear Kids:

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord. He will be like a tree planted by the water.”

Every day we trust people. We perform services and believe our clients will pay their bills, hire contractors and feel confident they will do their best work, and elect leaders hoping they will govern our country effectively. But very often our trust is misplaced.

When dealing with humans you never know for sure what you are going to get. This is because no one is perfect. Even the best individuals can make mistakes or let us down. There is only one Person on Whom you can completely rely.

God’s People Turned From Trusting Him

God’s people had strayed far away from Him. In the time of Jeremiah, things had gotten about as bad as they could get. Idol worship was rampant and many misled worshipers even offered their own babies on altars to foreign gods. The religious leaders were just as bad. Many had turned away from the worship of the true God and rejected His prophets. These relied on their own errant understanding of worship and the power of foreign nations to come to their aid in troubled times brought on by their sin.

The prophet Jeremiah warned that those who trust in mankind and rely on the strength and wisdom of humans would be disappointed. He likened them to a bush in the desert  – dried up and destitute. Conversely those who rely on the Lord and put their trust in Him would prosper. They would be like a tree planted by a stream whose leaves stay green and bear fruit even in difficult times.

Even today people claim to worship God but turn first to other sources for guidance and help in times of difficulty. A friend, family member, co-worker, pastor, or government official may become the first choice for counsel or assistance. But even in the best of situations, a man or woman can let you down and leave you dry.

So Who Can We Really Trust?

There is only one way to flourish through every circumstance of life. Put your trust in the Lord and follow His laws carefully. He searches the heart and tests the mind of every individual, giving each a reward according to his ways.

Your clients may fail to pay for your services. Elected leaders may make bad decisions. Co-workers may let you down. But if you put your trust in the Lord, despite what life may bring, you will surely be blessed. You can count on it!!

Love,

Mama

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Hearing God’s Voice in the Storm

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Acts 27:25 “So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as He told me.”

Dear Kids:

Photo courtesy of www.wallpapersbuzz.com

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could control everyone around us? Unfortunately there are times we are forced into difficult situations because of decisions made by someone else. While we may know the right thing to do we are powerless to act. Instead we are left at the mercy of another’s lack of wisdom. These circumstances may be frustrating, but we are not left alone as helpless victims of another’s insanity. God is still in control, and we can fully trust Him to accomplish His purposes.

Paul’s Stormy Trip to Rome

Paul was en route to Rome although he had warned the ship’s captain  it was too late in the season to set out to sea. The decision was made against Paul’s will. Now he, along with the rest of the crew, was in danger of losing his life.

The angry winds howled around the battered ship with fierce malice. The reeling vessel was barely held in place by a lone anchor dangling beneath the churning waves. On deck the captain and crew frantically tried to hold the ship together in the face of the hurricane by passing ropes underneath the straining hull. Thick darkness surrounded them and reached out inky fingers which tightened around the men’s terrified hearts, squeezing out their last ounces of courage. The crew had thrown all the supplies overboard to lighten the ship’s load. They, weakened by lack of food, were beginning to lose hope of survival.

God’s Voice in the Storm

Suddenly out of the gloom and darkness Paul heard a comforting voice. “Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.” Paul recognized that despite the captain’s bad decision, God’s plan could not be thwarted. He repeated these words of comfort to the fearful men, and their courage returned. God stepped into the storm, delivered the crew, and Paul finished the task that God had for him.

Many times in life we are placed in difficult situations against our will. The bad decisions of others force us into places we never wanted to be, and we feel helpless to change the course of our life. Take courage! God’s perfect plan will never be thwarted by anything or anyone. If you listen, in the midst of the storm, you, like Paul, can hear His voice saying, “Keep up your courage, my loved one! Trust Me!”

Love,

Mama

 

The One With All The Answers

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Isaiah 40:13-14 “Who has directed the Spirit of the Lord, or as His counselor has informed Him? With whom did He consult and who gave Him understanding? And who taught Him in the path of justice and taught Him knowledge and informed Him of the way of understanding?”

Knowing where to find answers is a crucial 120315_tech_encyclopediab-jpg-crop-original-originalability. Some may have encyclopedic knowledge, but there is no way one person can recall all information about every topic. However, when that person has the ability to search the appropriate source, they are well on their way to success.

A huge part of my job is answering the phone. Throughout the day I answer questions or direct callers to someone who can give them the information they need. Many times I say, “Hold on, while I check on that.” I then make another phone call or search our files for the appropriate response. Hopefully, I can satisfy the customer’s inquiry.

I wish I had all correct answers stored away in my brain, but there is only one person of Whom that is true. The Lord God has infinite wisdom and knowledge. There is no one who compares to Him. When we call on Him in prayer He never has to say, “Hold on while I check on that.”

No one has ever directed Him in what He should do, and no one has ever given Him counsel. His understanding is unfathomable. His justice is perfect. He is so large that he has measured the waters of the earth in the hollow of His hands and marked off the heavens with His fingertips. He knows the correct number of all the dust particles on the face of the globe. He tabulates the weight of each mountain and hill in His mind. He has personal knowledge of every individual who ever was from every tribe and nation that ever existed. And he knows every star in every galaxy of the night sky by name.

So why do we fret and worry when we don’t have all the answers? The important thing is that we know where to go to find what we need. So call on the Lord when you have questions. He will not say, “Hold on while I check on that.” He is One with all the answers.

Love,
Mama

Be Still My Soul

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Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know I that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Being still is not something our country knows much about. The typical American experience is all about hurry and action. If we are not rushing to the next event, then we are scrolling through our emails, checking the web for the latest news, or planning what we can do next. Being still even has a negative connotation – most consider someone who does this to be lazy or to “have no life.” But being still is essential to knowing God and experiencing His peace.

When I was young we would sing a hymn that has always been special to me. Through the years the words have become even more meaningful as I have faced the trials and difficulties that life can bring. I wonder what the author, Kathrina von Schlegel, was experiencing when she penned the words of Be Still My Soul. Though we don’t know her story, we can certainly all relate to the struggle as she reminded her own soul to be still in the midst of trial and to recognize God’s faithfulness.

Consider her words:

 

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.

Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All mysterious shall be bright at last.

Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.
Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.

Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.
Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.

Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
Be still, my soul: begin the song of praise
On earth, believing, to Thy Lord on high;
Acknowledge Him in all thy words and ways,
So shall He view thee with a well-pleased eye.

Be still, my soul: the Sun of life divine
Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine.

Take some time today to be still. As you quietly listen for the Lord to speak, He will show you that He is God and that He has everything under control – even in a crazy world full of hurry and action.

Love,
Mama

 

Do Not Fear

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Joshua 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Have you ever noticed how many times God tells His people not to be afraid?

As I have been reading about Joshua, Moses’ successor, I have heard God tell him over and over to be strong and courageous. Joshua had a huge mission ahead of him. He would be the one to lead the children of Israel into the Promised Land. There were lots of strong enemies and the task was daunting.

I am encouraged by the fact that Joshua must have felt some fear. God would not have told him over and over not to be afraid if he were completely fearless in the face of all that was before him. God promised that He would go before him and be with him. He pledged never to leave him nor forsake him. What a comfort that must have been to Joshua!

I am glad that God put these stories in the Bible because they give me courage to face my own life experiences. Whenever I feel afraid I return again and again to the promises God gave to Joshua, to others, and to me. The God Who never changes promises never to leave nor forsake me either. And He will be there with you, too, as you learn to know and trust Him.

Do you have something scary ahead of you? You are not alone. Put your trust in the God of Joshua. Do not be afraid. He will go with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you.

Love,
Mama

Grow Deep Roots

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Psalm 1:3 “He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.”

Ohio springs often bring strong winds. Living here for the past twenty-one years has given me several opportunities to experience the devastation that these powerful gusts can create. It was only a year ago about this time that a tornado ripped through our community, yanking trees out of the ground like dandelions, demolishing barns into a mess of mangled metal, and flattening farmhouses that had been long-time landmarks of productive rural life. One misplaced strong wind and a whole life-time of memories were instantly gone.

The winds of life don’t come only in the spring. The dangers of being blown into a sinful path are always a real possibility, and our natural inclination to do wrong and suffer the consequences is just one bad decision away. A single misplaced word or action can be the cause of a ruined testimony, a crumbled relationship, or a missed opportunity.
Yet there is a way to protect ourselves. Psalm 1 says, “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers.” When dealing with life we need to get out of the path of the storm. Don’t listen to counsel from those who do not understand or care about God’s word. Their worldly wisdom will be contrary to what God desires and will only cause grief. 
Instead delight in the the law of the Lord. Think about it day and night. For His testimonies are perfect, restoring the soul. His precepts make the simple person wise and enlighten the eyes to the truth. His commandments warn of impending danger. They keep His followers blameless and protect them from being ruled by their sinful nature that produces death (Psalm 19).
Those who take these precautions will not be blown away with the storm. They will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water. Their roots will grow deep into the rich soil where they will be supported and anchored against life’s strong winds. They will have the nourishment needed to produce beautiful leaves and bountiful fruit even in the midst of violent weather. And they can have the assurance that, though the wicked will be swept away when the judgment day comes, their way will be known to the Lord and they will prosper.
It’s spring in Ohio! Batten down the hatches and get ready for some wind. But more importantly grow your life roots deep into God and His word. Then when the daily storms come, you will be anchored deep in Him.
Love,
Mama


What Are You Afraid Of?

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Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you?Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

What are you afraid of? Come on, now, everyone is afraid of something! It may be that you’re afraid of meeting a scary stranger while trying to find the car in a dark parking lot. Or maybe you fear failing a big test. Possibly you are afraid of rejection or of receiving bad news from a recent medical test. Everyone is afraid of something.

I love to take walks, but sometimes, depending on the time of day or the place, I am afraid to go by myself. Usually I will take Cherokee, our black German Shepherd, with me. Though she is such a sweetheart, she can look mean and I believe she would protect me if I got into a dangerous situation. I feel much safer when she is with me. 
Moses, the great leader of Israel had just died, and Joshua, his aid, was taking leadership of the children of Israel. He was assigned the task of bringing the nation into the land that God had promised them. This was not going to be an easy job because there were very strong and violent inhabitants already living in the land. They were not going to take kindly to this group of nomads coming to take their lands. 
The last time Israel had planned to enter the land they sent spies to evaluate the situation. All but two of the spies were completely awed by the size and strength of the “giants” who were living there. Consequently, because of their lack of faith, God sent them back into the desert to wander for forty years until all the faithless followers had perished. Only Joshua and Caleb, the two believing spies, were allowed to live and enter the land God had promised. 
Joshua was now Israel’s leader. In preparation for the conquest of the land God reassured and encouraged him four times to be strong and courageous. The basis for his courage would be God’s presence. God promised Joshua that “No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you. I will not fail you or forsake you.” 

As Joshua and the people obeyed God’s instructions and followed His guidance in all areas, they were assured of success no matter how strong the enemy seemed to be. There was no need for them to tremble at the circumstances or to be dismayed at the greatness of the difficulty for the Lord would be with them wherever they went.
For those who put their faith in Jesus Christ and follow God’s commands there is no need for fear either. God’s presence will be with them wherever they go. There is no place that one can go that He is not there. Psalm 139 says, “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?”  He is with us in good circumstances and bad, in the morning and in the night, on the land or on the sea. His presence will surround us and we never need to fear.
So what are you afraid of? Whatever it is always remember that those who belong to God will never be alone. There is no need to tremble or be dismayed. Instead, like Joshua, be strong and courageous for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go – and I will take that assurance over Cherokee any time!
Love, 
Mama

Not Just a Conqueror – MORE than a Conqueror

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Romans 8:37 “…in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”


What does it mean to be “MORE than a conqueror?”

I remember a few years ago watching a marathon on TV. There was a woman who had made it to the end of the race in utter exhaustion. You could see the sweat and pained look on her face, but the worst part was that her legs were starting to buckle. Despite these physical limitations she pushed her way to the end, passed the finish line, and collapsed to the sound of tremendous applause. She had not given up and had conquered the race.
Though this woman’s determination to persevere was a great inspiration to those watching, I don’t think one could say she was “MORE than a conqueror.”  She made it to the end and practically fell across the finish line, completely drained without a drop of energy left. She conquered, but that was about it.
When we belong to Christ, there will be many times when we will experience difficulties. As we run our life’s marathon we will meet temptations and trials around many curves. There will be times when our enemy, Satan, may cause us to doubt God’s wisdom and love as well as our ability to finish the race well.
At times like these we must remember God’s promise to work all things for the good of those who love Him. If He did not spare His only Son, but gave Him up for us all, isn’t it reasonable to believe that He will give us all the strength we need to finish our life-race strong. He does not want us to fall across the finish line, but to run across, giving praise to Him.
God’s desire for His children is that we would grow to be more like Christ. He accomplishes this as we run through difficult terrain. When the going gets tough, keep in mind that there is nothing that can separate us from God’s love – not life, nor death, not angels nor demons, not present nor the future, nor any powers. There is no hurdle too high, nor sin too deep because Jesus is at God’s right hand interceding for us. 
When I get to the end of my life I don’t want to crawl across the finish line. I want to be “MORE than a conqueror” and sprint across in full strength giving all the glory to God. Are you with me?
Love,
Mama

Commitments and Credit Cards

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Proverbs 16:3 “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
I knew the day had the possibility of stress from the time I left the house at 7:45. We had an auction, but our auction clerk manager was out of town. I was the substitute “go to” person for getting the computers up and running and ensuring that everything ran smoothly. Though I have done it plenty of times before, I don’t like the extra stress that auction day can create.
On my way to the site I spent the fifteen minutes in prayer committing the day to the Lord. I do this regularly, but this day I had a special emphasis on computers and logistics. The sale started out as usual with no glitches until noon when we started two auction rings. At that time our credit card machine decided to run out of tape and, of course, we did not have a spare. Somehow that had escaped the supply checklist.
This may not seem like a big deal, but when it comes to auction day, even a small issue becomes a stone in the cogs of the finely running machine of progress. Auctioneers don’t stop for anyone or anything, even the clerks and cashiers.
About this time I would usually start a panic attack, but with my job having earlier been bathed with prayer I felt a calmness steal over me.
With both auctioneers continuing their chants and bids coming in fast and furious, I came up with a plan. I sent one of the girls to the nearby Geyer’s Office Supply store while the others held down the fort clerking and cashing out. I was able to continue clerking on our handheld machine which sent bids directly to the computer instead of switching to the more laborious process of pen and paper. Within a short time we were back in business and finished the day no worse for the wear. 
It was such a small problem in the whole scheme of life, but one that could have ruined my day. I am glad that the Lord cares about all our circumstances. It is a great comfort to know that if He cares to help in the minor glitches of a day, then surely He will be there when things really go wrong.
No matter what a day holds, you must commit yourself to Him. He will establish your plans for dealing with whatever comes, whether it is something really crucial or just a lack of credit card paper.
Love,
Mama