Verses from Mama

Hearing God speak one Bible verse at a time.

Two Paintings, the Heart and a Big Mistake

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Luke 16:14-15 “Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, were listening to all these things and were scoffing at Him. And He said to them, ‘You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God.’” 

Have you ever made a judgment call only to realize after the fact that you got it all wrong? I have and it was a costly mistake.

Two Paintings and a Big Mistake

The Berkeley Hunt by Francis Calcraft Turner

Many years ago I acquired at an auction two paintings of great interest to me. I have always loved horses so these pictures of “The Hunt” were right up my alley. The pawing horses, baying hounds, and genteel riders dressed in red suits and black helmets continually captured my attention. They drew me into the excitement of the chase every time I saw them.

Despite my great love of these pieces of art I realized I really had no place for both paintings, so I decided to sell one of them at a garage sale. After debating for quite some time I chose the one I thought the best and tagged the other one to be taken to the sale with all my other unneeded items.

At the last minute I decided I had priced the painting too high and lowered it from five dollars to three. Satisfied that I had made a good bargain I dropped everything off and waited to hear how well I had done with all my merchandise.

Later that evening my friend shared that everything had sold, but the painting, especially, had been snapped up in a moment. The ecstatic buyer happily declared upon checking out that she was thrilled to find such a fine piece of artwork for a mere pittance. Later when Dad looked at the artwork I had kept he gave me devastating news. This painting was not worth anything at all. In fact, it was simply a paint-by-number probably purchased at a local convenience store! I had sold the real work of art for just a few measly dollars and kept the imitation for my own pleasure.

Only God Can Judge the Heart

Pharisees were the religious leaders of Jesus’ day. People looked at them with their fine clothes, superior knowledge of the Scriptures, and important status and esteemed them greatly. But Jesus saw into their hearts. These men loved their high position and used it to their advantage to control people and gain wealth. They didn’t care about serving God, but only themselves. God knew the evil ulterior motives that lurked underneath the spotless robes and pious looks and He was disgusted.

Often we judge people by the things we consider important. Financial success, while not a sin in itself, can become the template we use to assess someone’s personal worth. But God is not looking for those dressed in high dollar clothes and driving expensive cars. He is looking for anyone who is willing to serve Him wholeheartedly wherever He places them, no matter the cost. This is played out by how well we love others.

When it comes to art, I learned my lesson many years ago. Don’t make a judgment call on a painting’s worth with only a quick outward look. But we must learn an even more crucial lesson: do not esteem people based on the world’s standards of success. Instead look to the Lord for wisdom. Only He can see deep into a person’s heart. Without His guidance we won’t be able to differentiate between a fine painting of great worth and an everyday paint-by-number.

Love,

Mama

A Hidden Display of Impeccable Character

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2 Peter 1:5-7 “Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.” 

Dear Kids:

A True Test of Character

John Wooden, one time head coach at UCLA, said, “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are . . . the true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching.”

I pulled up to the drive-through window at the bank, opened my window and slid my deposits into the plastic tube. That’s when I noticed her. Sitting in a sedan in the next lane sat a woman who looked to be in her 60s. She was waiting for the teller to send her banking paperwork back through the tunnel system to her car. While most people sit and wait quietly, this lady was very obviously listening to her favorite tunes. Though I couldn’t hear the music I could tell because her head was bobbing and her mouth was moving. Every once in a while she would break out into a car-sitting dance move. I couldn’t help but chuckle as I wondered if this young at heart grandma had any idea someone was watching!

The kinds of things you do when no one else is around are the very things that paint the real picture of who you are. Some look over their shoulder before scrolling through pornography on the web. Others may take something that is not theirs or cheat on a test or their taxes. Yet there are many who pick up trash because it needs to be done or who help someone in need without any thought for reward.

Diligent Faith Promotes Moral Character

Peter explains that those who belong to Christ have everything necessary – namely the very nature of God Himself – to escape the corruption of the world. Diligent faith promotes moral excellence, which leads to knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love. These character qualities continue to increase as one grows in the knowledge of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Living in light of these, even when no one is watching, keeps one free from stumbling and sin.

Most people don’t do certain things when they think others are watching – singing and car-dancing while waiting at the bank drive-through might be some of these behaviors. But how you respond in all areas of life when you are alone really is the true test of your character. And it may also be an indicator of whether or not you truly are one of God’s children.

Love,
Mama

Finding the Way Back to God – Return to Me

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Zechariah 1:3 “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Return to me, ‘declares the Lord Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the Lord Almighty.”

Dear Kids:

I have always loved the autumn season. The evenings get cooler, the crisp air tingles your nose, and summer fruit trees are ready for harvest. On recent evenings Apache and I have taken a relaxing walk around our fields (well, I relax and walk while she runs). We follow a path that Dad mows around the perimeter of the property. It is especially fun this year because we are hedged in by tall corn.

The stalks create a barrier from the world where I can retreat and get lost in my thoughts. Apache, on the other hand, darts here and there. Hurtling full speed down the long grassy runway to the road, she abruptly stops short and disappears into the corn. After what seems like quite a few minutes I stop and call for her. Soon I can hear the crashing as she returns to me with tail wagging and tongue lolling. I pat her head, release her, and off she goes again. I do not keep her on a leash because she comes when I call!

Often God’s people stop listening for their Master’s voice and get themselves into deep trouble. Time and again the children of Israel would forge their own path, forgetting to Whom they belonged and the commands that He gave them. They worshiped idols and other false gods while living lives that were not in keeping with God’s ways. Their disobedience caused them great grief when God had to get their attention through trouble and trials.

Yet through it all God continued to call them back through His prophets. Zechariah pleaded with the people to heed God’s voice. “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Return to me, ‘declares the Lord Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the Lord Almighty.” In order to enjoy God’s favor and blessing again the people needed to return to Him wholeheartedly. This was the way home.

So often, like Apache, we tear off into the corn as we live our lives. We run on ahead of our Master, thoughtlessly darting here and there seeking to find fulfillment in self-pleasure, growing bank accounts, rising status, peer recognition, and burgeoning careers. These become our idols and what we live for, though in them there is no lasting satisfaction. In our pursuit we miss the voice of our Father.  He wants us to come back! He loves us and longs to bless us, so he continues to call.

Do you hear the Master calling? “Return to Me and I will return to you.” What is your response?

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


Foolish Wisdom

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1 Corinthians 1:25a.  “For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom…”

Today we spend much time and money gaining knowledge. The cost of a college education is extremely high but very important to have. In this day and age it is often expected to go on with your education and get a Master’s degree and even a Doctorate. Even after finishing school and getting a job we are required to take continuing education classes so we can keep current in our field and expertise. Over the years I have learned to enjoy gaining more and more information. There is never an end to what you can learn.


Wisdom is different than knowledge. It is the understanding of what is true and right and the ability to act upon it. Our world has its own brand of wisdom but it is very different from God’s wisdom.

The human mind is so far below God’s mind that there are many things that we cannot comprehend. Scientists have discovered a tremendous amount of information about the creation but there is always something more beyond what they already know. And yet many in the world boast that they know all things and if they don’t understand it then it is not true.  They then base all of their actions on what they think they know.

God tells us in the Bible that the only way to get to heaven is through faith in Jesus Christ’s death on the cross and resurrection from the dead. To the world this seems crazy because they can’t comprehend someone rising from the dead. Instead of believing God they reject this wisdom as untrue and try to figure out their own way – thus their wisdom has become foolishness.

When I was a new teacher I had to help with a track and field event. I was hand-timing a race and was told to start my stopwatch when I saw the smoke of the gun. I didn’t understand why they were telling me this and it seemed wrong to me so I started it when I heard the gun shot. I kept getting the time wrong because I didn’t listen to those who understood the scientific fact that sound is delayed in the air. My false understanding caused me to have wrong action and mess up the timing of the race. In the same way those of the world who are relying on their own wisdom will never come to know God.

Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Why don’t we just admit that our greatest wisdom is nothing when compared to the One who made all things for God has chosen the foolish things of this world to shame the wise, and the weak things of the world to shame the things that are strong.”


For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom… If you just have to boast then boast in the Lord!

Love,
Mama