Verses from Mama

Hearing God speak one Bible verse at a time.

Beware of the Danger Caused by Small Breaches

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Psalm 119:1 “Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD.”

Dear Sons:

I found out the other day how small breaches could result in huge disasters.

It was a mundane Monday evening and Abigail suggested we go out to eat for dinner to cheer things up. I had a gift card to Olive Garden I had been carrying around in my purse for quite some time, so I suggested we put it to use. Abigail met us at the office after play practice, and she, Nathan, Dad, and I piled into the van and headed to Beavercreek.

Discovering a Huge Disaster

We had such a pleasant time lingering over Italian cuisine and good conversation that we hated to leave. After paying the bill the four of us drove back to the office where everyone got into his or her own car to head home. I arrived first and upon opening the door a huge shock met me. A fire hose-like spray of water pulsated from the kitchen ceiling onto the dining table where it splattered to all directions. The water spread throughout the whole room, leaving water everywhere.. There is no telling how long the flow had been gushing out of the burst pipe because when I ran to the basement to shut off the water valve I discovered that it, too, was filled with water.

This began a process over the next seventy-two hours of tearing down the ceiling, pulling up the linoleum, talking with contractors and insurance adjusters, and maneuvering around all the displaced furniture and pieces of our lives. The plumber showed me the tiny fissure in a copper pipe that had caused all the damage. Who would have thought that such a small breach would create such havoc and necessitate big time reconstruction of our kitchen?

Small Things Do Matter

We may be lulled into believing that we shouldn’t sweat the small stuff, but it is true that small things really do matter. Young men, in particular, may succumb to the temptation of a quick glance at some inappropriate images on the computer. But these seemingly small indiscretions have the potential of exploding into a full-blown addiction to pornography.

Others have had their marriages devastated by accepting what they considered harmless “friend requests” on social media. A random text here or there to someone other than your wife can lead to wrong emotional bonding, marital discord, and possibly even divorce. One too many drinks of alcohol, a slip of the tongue, a wandering eye . . . all of these have the potential for devastating results in your witness for Christ, your relationships, and your integrity.

God’s word gives wise advice. “Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord.” Those who follow God’s instructions and pay attention to even the small things are blessed. Obedience to God and immediate confession of any violation in your thoughts and actions can help you bypass a whole lot of mess and devastation.

The plumbers fixed our pipe, but the mess was already there. We have many weeks of reconstruction ahead, but we can fix the kitchen. The devastation caused by lapses in our thought life and behaviors are not always so easily remedied.

So, my sons, take great strides to keep your thought life and your actions pure. Let our kitchen be your reminder that even the smallest of breaches can cause big disasters. But those whose ways are blameless are blessed.

Love,

Mama

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

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

Faith-Filled Soldiers, Faithful God

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Sometimes even the strongest of faith-filled soldiers need help.

Photo by Zac Durant on Unsplash

1 Chronicles 5:20 “They were helped against them, and the Hagrites and all who were with them were given into their hand; for they cried out to God in the battle, and He answered their prayers because they trusted in him.” 

1 Chronicles tells of a battle fought by some of the tribes of Israel. The fighting men, trained for war, were strong and skilled in combat. Yet in the midst of the battle they cried out to God for help. The Lord heard their cry of faith, intervened, and handed the enemy over to them.

We are all fighting some kind of battle today. Some suffer with a sickness that is getting the best of them. Others are financially insecure. Relationship struggles, employment issues, disappointments, difficult decisions . . . all of these circumstances can discourage the strongest of God’s children. But there is a way to get through the physical and emotional fray.

Just as the Israelite soldiers cried out to God for help in their distress we, too, can call upon our God to save us. To Him alone belongs wisdom and power. Counsel and understanding are His (Job 12:13). His knowledge encompasses all the intimate details of every circumstance. His wisdom extends beyond the borders of our understanding. His love is inexhaustible and His power is limitless. When we call out in faith He promises to come to our aid.

With His help the mighty Israelite warriors seized all of the enemies’ livestock and took one hundred thousand people captive. The battle was won, but not because of the soldiers’ brains and brawn. These men were beneficiaries of a victory that belonged to the Lord because they trusted Him and looked to Him for aid.

For those who are weak and for those who are strong, God’s message is the same. Turn to Him in every circumstance and in every battle. His ear is open and His hand is ready. Call out today in faith. The victory belongs to Him.

Love,
Mama

Warnings For Wise Men Everywhere

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Matthew 2:12 “And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.”

Photo by Inbal Malca on Unsplash

People’s words and intentions do not always add up. A kind gesture or pleasant inquiry may mask a less than stellar plot. This was certainly true when the Wise Men of old came to find the baby Jesus in Bethlehem.

To aid their search these wise men did the logical thing to find this newborn king: they visited the palace. There they spoke with Herod, the ruler of the land, who showed great interest in their search and feigned adoration of the little one, the King of the Jews. Before sending these seekers to Bethlehem, Herod directed, “When you have found Him, report back to me, so that I too may come and worship him.”

The Magi may or may not have had an inkling of the evil intentions of this ruler, but nothing was hidden from God. He saw beyond the pleasant words and promised worship into a heart that was filled with jealousy and wickedness. The Almighty God warned the Wise Men in a dream that they should not return home the way they came, but instead take a different route to avoid the disaster crouched in the palace and ready to spring. God thwarted Herod’s evil plan to learn more about the new king and the baby Jesus was safe.

It is a comforting thought to know that God can read beyond the words and intentions of people around us, but it also gives a reason for personal consideration. What do my outward actions portray that don’t match with my heart? God knows these, too. This warning is for all wise men everywhere. Make sure your heart matches your words and your actions. You may be able to fool your friends and neighbors but nothing gets past God.

Love,

Mama

Be Quiet, Sit Back, and Rest

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Isaiah 30:15 “For thus the Lord God the Holy One of Israel, has said, ‘In repentance and rest you will be saved, In quietness and trust is your strength.’ But you were not willing.”

There are some sad statements made throughout the Bible. Over and over again we read words of comfort and promises of God’s blessings, but often we choose to disregard His message. God offers us so much, and then sadly has to say, “ But you were not willing.”

This has been a very busy season in my life. Graduations, two sons getting married, work, and the regular rhythm of life have all but done me in. I found it necessary in the past couple of months to take a breather from my regular writing schedule so I could rest my body, my emotions, and my mind. Many of you wondered where I have gone. While taking a break from posting I have had time to study and think without pressure. It has been a time of peace and rest.

While reading and praying, the Lord led me to Isaiah 30:15. It has been such a blessing. So much is swirling around me. Wedding preparations are in full swing. Preparing mentally for a huge change in our family structure, as well as balancing work, home, ministry involvement, and so much more bring exhaustion to a new level. But the Lord has continually reminded me of the need to rely more fully on Him in these stressful moments. “In repentance and rest you will be saved, In quietness and trust is your strength.”

There are times when we all need to step back from activity. Somehow we think that we must do it all. We run! We fuss! We strive! When all the while God is telling us to trust Him. Be quiet, sit back, and rest!

Judah was in a big mess! They had turned from the Lord and a foreign nation was breathing down the peoples’ necks. Instead of consulting God they tried to execute their own plan for deliverance. They fussed and planned and then finally decided to go to Egypt for help. There they thought they could take refuge in the safety of Pharoah. But all the while God was speaking to them through the prophet, Isaiah. He told them to repent of their sin, turn back to God, and rest in Him. If they would do this they would be saved. By waiting quietly for the Lord they would receive all the strength they needed.

“But you were not willing.” What a sad statement! All this blessing was at the disposal of God’s people, but sadly they rejected it!”

Today, God offers these same blessings to us. He longs to be gracious and show us His kindness and compassion in the midst of every circumstance of life. But we need to listen to His voice and obey. Sometimes this means taking a break from writing, other times it means saying no to the hustle and bustle that regularly dictates our lives so we can allow God’s peace to fill our souls and give us strength. When we are willing to listen we will experience the rest that God promises to give.

As the summer moves forward I plan to continue my writing, but I will only be posting once or twice a week and maybe sharing some favorite posts from the past as God leads. I hope this summer you will also be encouraged to take a rest, and listen for God’s voice. Do not disregard His message. In the quietness and through trust you will experience His unlimited strength and peace.

Love,
Mama

 

OUR GREAT FRAUD DETECTOR

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Titus 1:15-16 “To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled. They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed.”

Frank Abagnale, Jr’s story reminds us of the need to be alert to false doctrines.

Things are not always what they seem. In a world where solid truth has dwindled away to almost nothing it is not prudent to trust everyone we meet. Instead we must be wary and check the facts carefully . . . and rely on our Great Fraud Detector.

I am reminded of a book I read a number of years ago. Catch Me If You Can tells the story of Frank William Abagnale, Jr., a brilliant con artist. Between the ages of fifteen and twenty-one, this young man fraudulently posed in numerous professional capacities. Without significant trouble he masqueraded as a Pan American World Airways pilot, a Georgia doctor, a Louisiana lawyer, and a US Bureau of Prisons crime agent. Somehow he was able to pull the wool over peoples’ eyes for a short time, but eventually each charade unraveled and he was forced to escape to his next identity. After being caught and imprisoned, Abagnale developed a successful business to help other professionals recognize fraud.

Within the greater Christian community there has long been fraudulent activity. From the time of Jesus, Pharisees and other spiritual leaders professed to know God in special ways and used their elevated positions to control worshippers. They created laws that went beyond what God intended and used them to suppress the community and benefit themselves. On two different occasions Jesus entered the temple and removed by force those who were oppressing the people.

In more recent church history there have also been those who have used their leader status for personal gain. In the late Middle Ages, certain clerics, preying on peoples’ fear of death, fraudulently implemented the sale of indulgences, which were supposed to protect the sick and elderly from eternal punishment. Many spent hard earned cash to purchase what could never save them based on promises from leaders whom they wrongly trusted.

Even today there are those who preach fraudulent doctrines. They deliver false messages of salvation by works, of Christian wealth, or of the equality of all religions. They betray their listeners by pointing them to hopeless and misleading doctrines – ones that do not call the hearers to a pure faith in the Lord Jesus.

Frank Abagnale failed in each of his masquerades. Over time it became apparent to the genuine professionals that his actions and words didn’t fit the part he was playing. He often had to flee when the game became too hot.

We also can detect fraudulent religious leaders by comparing their words and actions to the truth of the Scripture. Imposters in the church may acknowledge God with their words, but a careful study of their beliefs and deeds will eventually show that they are promoting false doctrines.

Things are not always as they seem. So if you don’t want to be duped like the victims of Frank Abagnale, be aware of the danger, check the facts carefully, and rely on our Great Fraud Detector – God’s written word.

Love,

Mama

All I Want For Christmas Is…You

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Psalm 27:4 “One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord And to meditate in His temple.”

There are only a few more days until Christmas. As the celebration creeps closer and closer some of us are still running around seeking to find the perfect gift for those we love. We scour the lists of ideas that have been given to us and make our choices about which present would best express our thoughts and make our loved ones happy. Hopefully we will choose that perfect something!

It has been interesting over the years to think about the different things people have wanted for Christmas. If you listen to some of the holiday songs you will be amazed by some of the desires. The only thing one little child wanted was “his two front teeth.” Another declared that she wanted “a hippopotamus for Christmas; only a hippopotamus will do.” Others express the desire for a white Christmas and mistletoe. Still others hope for peace on earth. But I think if the writer of today’s Bible verse could have his choice of modern Christmas songs, he would agree with some of the lines from Mariah Carey’s, All I Want For Christmas Is You.

I don’t want a lot for Christmas
There is just one thing I need
I don’t care about the presents
Underneath the Christmas tree
I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true oh
All I want for Christmas is you
-Mariah Carey

Though her song is speaking about the love and nearness of a boyfriend or girlfriend, the Psalmist expressed similar thoughts about the Lord. He said, “One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord And to meditate in His temple.”

David had experienced God’s faithfulness throughout his life. The Lord had been his protection during dangerous times. He had been his defense when evildoers had sought to destroy him. He had provided food and shelter, wisdom, friendship, love, comfort, help, guidance, and courage. Everything David’s heart desired was found in the person of the God in Whom He trusted. Though this man was a king and could have had anything he wanted, his only request was the presence of the Lord at all times.

What about us? Even if we should find every material thing we ever wanted or hoped for underneath the tree this season, would it really satisfy? If we were able to receive good health, financial stability, deeper friendships, the perfect marriage, or unlimited success, would these last forever? No, none of these would account for much without a relationship with the God Who is the giver of all good things. His salvation through Christ offers eternal life, and His grace provides for everything we need to live here on earth. Even the ability to enjoy earthly things comes from Him. These are gifts no one can do without!

So, I don’t know about you, but I’ve decided what I want for Christmas – the same thing the Psalmist wanted so many years ago. Lord, All I want for Christmas is YOU!

Love,

Mama