Welcome to the Lansdale Life Church podcast.
If you're seeking a closer relationship with Jesus Christ, this podcast is for you.
Thank you for joining us today.
Well, we love our mothers. Amen.
Mothers, would you stand?
We just want to honor you this morning and appreciate all that you do through those very
vivid scenes. We can identify what we have either gone through or anticipate going through it. We
went to God bless you this morning, and this message is tailored to just you. So you sit
and enjoy it, and we'll have some interesting conversations about what mothers are. Thank you.
You may be seated. The signs of motherhood. I'm wondering if any of you could identify with this.
You know you have crossed that line into motherhood when you hide in the bathroom alone.
I can remember one time my wife, I came home and she was in the bathroom alone,
and here the little, and I raised three boys, they were sticking their fingers under the door.
Mommy, what you doing in there? You know, and it never ends. Your child throws up and you catch
it. How's that one? You got that one, don't you? Remember that all too well. You don't,
you can't bear the thought of your first son's girlfriend.
Boy, that was us with three boys. I mean, what's this going to be like?
Another one. You fast forward through the scene when the hunter shoots Bambi's mother
to protect your little ones. You stop criticizing your mother the way you were raised. Boy,
I tell you what, that one's a good one. And then finally, you use your own saliva
to clean your children's face. I can identify with that one.
All right. Well, this morning we just want to bless you and spend some time with you
and talk about mothers. We all have a mother. Some of us are fortunate to have a mother that's
still alive. And then of course, some of us have lost our mothers. They're very meaningful. And
you know, it's just always that we never spend enough time with them and appreciate them for
all that they have done. And regardless of where you find yourself this morning,
when you look at what the Bible says about mothers, you will discover that mothers are invaluable
and play a very important role in the home. We know that the life of our children and then the
life of the church also. The scripture tells us as a mother comforts your child, so I will comfort
you and you will be comfort. In other words, God is using motherhood as that type of comfort
and that type of declaration. And then in Isaiah 49 it says, can a mother forget the baby at her
breast and have no compassion on the child that she has born? So there is a real sense of what
mother does, what mother is, and we will get into that. So let's look at the background of
celebrating Mother's Day. In ancient times, the Greeks and Romans celebrated special dates
with festivals held in honor of a mother Goddess. And the precedent of Mother's Day can be traced
back to mothering Sunday. Isn't that interesting? In the Middle Ages, people would return to the
main church in their area, the mother church, and later that evolved into children honoring
their mothers. But the real breakthrough came with this individual here, Emma and Jarvis.
She established a National Mother's Day and she campaigned for that recognition.
Her mother had frequently expressed a desire to establish such a holiday. And after her death,
Jarvis led the movement for this commemoration. The first Mother's Day was held in St. Andrew's
Methodist Church, Grafton, West Virginia on May 10th, 1909. So it's been a long-standing occasion
that we've had an opportunity to present to you our wonderful mothers. Let me share with you some
of the thoughts and observations that I have about motherhood. Mothers stand in the gap.
They teach our children about the Lord in Sunday school and that is a worthy mission.
I can remember when working in church and then being pastor that there was always a need for
mothers to teach little ones. And not that fathers can't do that, but there's just something
about a mother's presence in that little room of babies crying or in the toddlers.
And mothers always seem to do a very successful job of that.
Where they stand against evil on behalf of their children, and we certainly see that today,
they attend school meetings, advocate people to vote for a comprehensive and conservative board,
and stand up against woke school board members. And I think we've all seen that across the land
these days. They champion for and when House and Senate seats in our government,
and praise the Lord for that. And they start and fund nonprofit organizations for truth and
integrity. And they protest and bring legislation against men in women's bathrooms. And if you've
seen that one instance where the young lady had testified in the president's office about
the legislation that he signed, she was so grateful for what he did. And she was a young
lady that was compromised in that situation. And they start national prayer movements and they
become teachers in our schools, especially Christian schools. And if you know a mother,
she would give that up for nothing. The cost of that education is never repaid because
Christian schools can't afford to pay the salaries that public schools do. But because
she's a mother, she does that. The lasting impressions that I have,
and I remember about my mom, is this. She was ever so loving, always wisely,
considering my wants versus my needs. And I was an only child, so I got the manifestation of all the
love from my mother and father. Now that may tell you why I have a personality the way I do.
I don't know that, but she always thought about that. She was always one not to speak quickly,
but to consider all. And she fostered an environment that was always positive.
And when my son started to go out and date and begin to go in the fair ways of life, they said,
you know, I just realized what kind of an upbringing we had. We never had arguments at
home and we always had love there. Some people really don't have that in their life. I said,
yeah, I said, it's a messed up world. And she provided a Christ-like atmosphere full of
enough love for just each and every need. Not too much to smother. Sometimes we do that as mothers,
and not too little, too late. My home was truly a refuge where I thrived until my teenage years,
and that was my choice. But still she loved me and fervently prayed for me in spite of myself.
And even when I ran away and went into the service for four years, I came home Wednesday
and told my mother that I was going to leave my father that Friday, and I enlisted in the service.
She cried alligator tears. She said, why? You know, so it was my choice. But through those years,
she prayed and prayed and I came back to the Lord. Thank you for mothers.
My mother never argued with my father. They always talked things through with cool heads.
Maybe they had a disagreement occasionally, but by and large, I never heard arguments.
So let's take a look at 1 Kings 3 that gives us insight into one aspect of motherhood,
and that's where Solomon, and you know the story, Solomon said,
bring me a sword when there was a division of whose child this was.
So he said, bring me that sword. And they didn't know what he was going to do.
But he said he gave the command, cut the living child in half.
And as you mothers cringe on that, she also said the mother whose son was alive,
she was deeply moved out of love for her son. She said this, please, Lord,
give her the living baby. Don't kill him. And that's truly is a mother's heart.
The mother protected the life of her son, even if it meant losing him.
So the story does demonstrate for us caring, compassion, and love that's exhibited by this
particular mother. And we thank the Lord that we concede his patterns through scripture.
So what are the qualifications and the qualities of a Godly mother? Well, first of all,
Godly mothers pray often. Can you ladies say amen to that? Out of need.
Prayer must be an essential part of their life. More than ever, we need mothers, of course,
and fathers who often abdicate their throne of responsibility, who take seriously their children's
needs for family, security, guidance, and Godly love for them. I think prayer is the beginning
and end of those conversations. And as you will see, you know, we have seen our children go on
and get married, and we still fervently pray for each child, each wife, each grandchild,
every day of our lives. And Godly mothers are intentional in what they do. Mothers must be
intentional about training their children, not passive, but active. Teaching biblical truths,
reflecting Christ-like character, encouraging prayer and worship, and disciplining in love.
I can remember one time that my son, he was, he was always, my middle one was always getting into
trouble. And we had a stick, and that stick was obvious in the house. We never used it until
there was a need. And one day, one of my children got up and he said, well, you know,
I'm not, I don't want to be spanked for whatever he was doing. And I said to him,
we'll go get the stick. So he brought the stick and part of the obvious is the anticipation of that.
Well, how many snacks are you going to give me? So, well, you know, and I told him, I said,
you know, this hurts me more than it hurts you. And he looked around and said, yeah.
So it's the idea in that discipline, there was love. And of course, they didn't realize that.
Sometimes this is hard work. There are moments when it looks like the wheels are about to fall off and
nothing was working. But again, we need to stay the course, ladies, and trust what God has said
to you in your heart about raising your children. Godly mothers know when it's time to go. And we've
experienced these things and all you wonderful ladies that have babies that I continually watch
as we worship. And, you know, I have a hard time worshiping because I see these beautiful little
faces being held and being attended to, that we've come to the point in time in our life
where we had to say goodbye. So mothers know when it's time to go. And you must realize
that raising your children is not a permanent job. I used to ask Joni, I said, well, what
are you going to do now that you've raised your children? She said, there's plenty to do,
but only a temporary one. You may have a few decades to do it, but there will be a time
when your work as a mother is finished. And then Godly mothers become long life,
lifelong intercessors for their children. And we have participated in that. All of our children
have gone and started their own families, and we recognize the role that is now different,
especially when we think we want to give advice to them. You know, maybe you should do this,
and until asked, we don't do it because we found out that doesn't go over so well.
So consequently, we've learned that. Joan is no longer a chief instructor, but now she and I
have become the chief supporter in everything that we can do for them and our grandchildren.
An encourager, I got up this morning early and Joni had already written three wonderful little
messages to her daughter-in-laws, each and messaged them. We are an intercessor for each son,
three, each daughter-in-law, three, and all the grandchildren, seven. So that's our lot in life
presently. So now let's take a look at what the Bible says about motherhood.
I was considering sharing on Mother's Day a lot of different things, and I
began to come back to the question, well, which mother reflected the qualities that I could best
identify with and tell a story? And I thought, and I thought, well, this is what I came up with.
It was a decision. Both Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Eunice, the mother of Timothy,
offer meaningful examples, but different perspectives. So I didn't quite know where
to go, but I ended up, again, realizing that Eunice stood out in the context for these reasons.
Both women embodied love, sacrifice, and devotion, but Eunice's story might feel
more accessible today and relatable today to many of us. Now here's why.
Eunice is, again, she perseveres with life to honor God. So let me give you a historical
perspective. She was Timothy's mother. We all know that in Scripture. A Jewish married to a Greek,
and that simply means that he was not a believer. So now we have already a divided household.
And again, this multicultural background highlights the diversity and yet also the difference
of belief systems. And anyone that has better been involved in that, you know, sometimes it is
very difficult to weather yourself through that issue. Now, what were the cultural implications?
Well, as a devoted mother, she had still biblical values. We know that because Paul talked about
it. But she honored her husband and did not have Timothy circumcised at birth because of
her Greek husband. Only later did Paul have Timothy circumcised in Acts 16.3. So she did
honor that relationship and what difficulty that probably was. And what about her relationship
with Timothy? Well, her faith in God was pivotal in Timothy's spiritual growth. And even
though there was some children, as mentioned in historical perspectives, in mixed marriages,
they weren't allowed to participate in some of the Jewish rituals and were literally excluded.
So that must have been an issue that she had to compensate for. And her perseverance prepared
Timothy for the service of that early church. And he was a young man when he was put into service.
So unison scripture simply represents the faith and nurturing without bounds of a mother who
decided for their children, for her child to follow the Lord. Even her mother Lois reflects
the importance of spiritual heritage and the role of mothers in shaping faith.
I just can't say that enough. I mean, yes, we generate an understanding of God, but
for the understanding and surrounding of what a mother does to execute those scripture verses,
to exhort, to encourage in the Lord, again, is something that lasts for generation to generation.
And I'm pleased to tell you that as proud as I am as a father,
Joni was very instrumental in that. And consequently, our children all are following
the Lord, their wives are following the Lord, and our grandchildren are following the Lord.
And that is a testimony to what generation to generation means.
So Eunice imparted faith to Timothy. It says in 2 Timothy 1.5, taking recollection of the
genuine faith that is in you, Timothy, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and in your
mother Eunice, as I am persuaded that it is in you. So generationally speaking,
there is an annuity that is passed on. And of course, we understand that
Timothy took up that challenge. Again, this verse might highlight that Godly faith that
lived in her was passed down to Timothy. She must have shared experiences and wisdom which
strengthened her faith and his faith as she's these stories. Faith is not just a personal
journey. It is often and relies on the whole family to train and to support that element of
faith. Her hands-on role in mentoring strength in Timothy's character and her nurturing spirit
and commitment to passing down those values that we have remind me of the importance
of our own roles in shaping the beliefs of our children. So here we have it. That's the
background. So what does this real life testimony teach us? What is there? Well, first of all,
a mother's love is truly sacrificial. And I can remember times when after our children were up
and going and we decided that Joni should go back to work. That was her choice. And she worked
the graveyard shift. And some of you know what that is, 1130 to 730. And our bed literally was
never cold because by the time she would come home, I would be getting up and doing the things
that fathers do and going to work. And she would go to bed and then get up in the afternoon
and prepare dinner, do wash. I can still remember her. Three boys, literally in our
large living room, there were piles of laundry, you know, that she would sit there and fold
and work with. So consequently, that sacrificial living is what exemplifies a mother. Caring for her
child, again, bring at birth is the potential to continue through life. And she will sacrifice
everything and anything to do that. And I guess mothers could say amen to that.
Mothers teach in Proverbs 620, my son, keep your father's commands and do not forsake your
mother's teaching. So there again, there is that dual responsibility. And part of the
role of being a mother is the responsibility to continually teach. I can remember it's
and it's not just no, don't do this, don't do that. It's the positive side of what is to be done.
You know, and I commend my children for having a patient spirit. I even think more than I,
because I'm German heritage, and sometimes that doesn't go well when you have discipline
in your household. So consequently, they say, okay, well, this is what you shouldn't do,
and you should do, and now go ask for forgiveness from your brother or sister. And I think, wow,
they really did learn something, didn't they? So part of the role of a mother is being
responsible to continually teach. A mother is doing her job well when she is teaching
and instructing her children in ways of the Lord. And a mother will also instill,
it says in 2nd Timothy 3, 15, remember what you were taught from your childhood,
from the holy scrolls, which can impart to you wisdom. Additionally,
relatable circumstances, and here we bring it into the, to the present.
Eunice's story has an audience with today's mothers, because she was a mother raising her
child in a turbulent world with many conflicting rules. And don't we have that today? She had to
nurture Timothy's faith in a household where her husband probably didn't even share the same
beliefs as she did. Yet she lived in that, and that's identifiable today with divided homes.
This mirrors the experience of many mothers today who guide their children's values in
spite of external pressures and differing in family dynamics. And then everyday heroism.
There's nothing special that, that, that other than what we pointed out about Eunice.
So this is what it says is she presents an ordinary mother's picture of what she does
day to day, who achieves extraordinary results through love, teaching, perseverance,
and the guidance of the Lord. And she was instrumental generationally in bringing Timothy.
And we have, we see his ministry. We see the influence that he had. He was a calming
agent for the churches. As Paul would come in and minister and establish churches,
Timothy would come in and guide them and develop that church. So there was a calming spirit
about him. This makes her an inspiring example for today's mother's day's reflection.
Her efforts are more easily paralleled in our daily life.
Now this is what we are, what you are. Today's Christian moms find joy in surrendering to God.
Now that's sometimes that's difficult to surrender those situations. They learn to surrender
again. Their learning to surrender is experiencing freedom from great worry and fear. Now I know
that that's a lot said. Mother's fear and worry. Do they not? Can I see her name?
Now nobody will admit that, but my, my, my, my, my treatise to that. There's a verse in Psalms.
It says, when my fears multiply within me, I think of the consolations of the Lord.
And many times I've written that out, typed it out, put it on a computer, put it on my wife's
mirror, gave it to people. When you have all these fears, think about the consolations of
the Lord, but I'm determined that kind of mothers were made to worry some. So I give her a little
bit of latitude. Their healing from past challenges comes when they see God at work in their own
family because of their prayers. There is an outcome that we have.
They know that they don't have to be in control. Isn't that a good one?
All was silent, which allows them to trust our Lord. And that's tough to understand sometimes.
The words from their mouths, I give up. And how many have ever said that? I give up. Yeah,
okay. No, no show of hands. It allows God to fix an out of control environment in the home
with his love and with his guidance. The declaration that comes from their heart is
not my will, but yours be done, Lord. So you can see a Christian mother here developing.
They realize it's about God providing them with a better view of life for them and their
children, if we let God do what he's supposed to do and wants to do. They realize their weak,
feeble hands cannot control their circumstances. Only God can do that. And when you finally
relinquish that, there is an ability to rest and to see his hand revealed. They cease to hold
on to things in their life, allowing God to be the true source of their life. I can remember
in trying to hold on to things, my feeling is different than, of course, my wife's. And she had
the challenges of her disability facing her after we had raised our children. And I was just thinking
about her career and a nurse and so forth. What she was doing, she said, I just have to give
that up. And I thought to myself, wow, I don't know what I could do that. But the hardship was
just too great. So again, giving those things up and letting God be the source of her life.
They walk with Godly joy in their heart, creating a positive environment for their children and
family to thrive and to grow closer to the Lord. And that's what you're about this morning.
Now, this is my text. So now we're getting back to the meat of things.
We'll let you out of here early enough to go have lunch with your dear wife or with your mother or
whatever. But it says in Proverbs 31, 10 through 31, it is a celebration of the virtues of a noble
and capable mother. It describes her worth as being far more valuable than rubies.
She provides for her family with strength and dignity.
Her fear of the Lord is praised above all charm and beauty.
And her children and her husband honor her for her dedication and kindness.
Now, this has been my theme because at the end, it has said at the end of this 31,
many daughters have done nobly and you have done you excel them all.
And I picked up this theme when we were married and had our first child and I read this and I
thought, my gosh, she's doing all these things. She loves the Lord. She's sacrificial. She does
these things. So I've always gave that verse to her and encouraged her and just sometimes even
spoke the song of the proverb over her. So these are some of the things that are in that proverb.
Her tongue is the law of kindness. A woman who fears Jehovah shall be praised.
She opens her mouth with wisdom. She also rises while it is still night.
Her value is far above rubies. Her lamp does not go out by night.
Strength and honor are her clothing. She stretches out her hand to the poor.
She looks well to the way of her household. Her sons rise up and call her blessed.
And I can say that because we've had three sons, no daughters.
She plants a vineyard. Never, Joni never planted a vineyard.
But I'll be it. If that's your thing, go do it. She makes fine linen and sells it.
Her husband also praises her and let her works praise her in the gates of the city. In other
words, recognition that she is a loving mom and her works willingly with her hands.
And many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all.
Now, I would like the musicians to come, no hurry, but what we're going to do is a little
bit different this morning. We are going to ask all of you after they come and get situated
to take and bow your head and close your eyes because I want to read some very interesting
things to you. And I pull these things from my experience, and this is all that I can
ever preach on is my experience and not yours. And I want you to think not of my wife, but
I want to think those things about you as I declare them to you this morning.
Mothers, I want to speak encouraging words to you.
These words were said to my wife through years by our children and their wives.
I want you to ponder these for a future reward for you. And this is a tribute to you now and
forevermore. So as you close your eyes and listen to these things, I want to declare these
things to you and for you. As Joan and I have experienced, rewards often come after our work
is finished. And I want you to please claim these words for yourself. You may not see
yourself in these, but it is going to be so. And understand the work that you are presently
doing is placing God's treasure in your children's heart. Everything has a consequence to it.
So these were the words that were said in reflection to my bride and its appropriations
for you today. You, above all else, put God first in your life. You love others with Godly wisdom
and boldness. Kindness is a fruitful completer of others. I find myself at ease with you.
You are so gentle and genuine. You never complain, you always have a smile,
and you prayerfully think on Godly thoughts. Blessed are you, Mom. Thank you for being
an excellent mother, diligent worker, awesome grandparent. Thank you for your guidance,
your prayers, your Godly example, your encouragement, your advice, and the parental blessings over the
years. You are one of the greatest gifts that has ever been given to me. I love how you always
are so peaceful. I grew up in a home of disorganization and things were always a bit chaotic,
lacking in peace and order. I truly value your spirit of peace that you shared with me.
You cry with me and pray with me for my friends and all of us, and you rejoice in tears of joy
when you hear the praise updates that we give. Thank you for your patience,
and it taught me patience. Your actions taught me self-control. Your faith taught me peace.
Your love for me is an agape love, a love of the highest form, a selfless sacrificial love.
It is part of your deeper being. I love you, Mom, but not as much as you love me.
I found myself at ease with you. You are so gentle and genuine from your very first conversations we
had. You welcomed me into your home and family with open arms from the moment that I met you.
I was struck of your purity of heart. You have certainly prayed me into God's kingdom.
As we became acquainted, I realized that you were even more beautiful on the inside.
You are self-effacing and transparent, allowing your true self to be known by your family and friends.
You do what is right all the time. You rejoice with those who rejoice. You weep with those who weep.
You mourn with those who mourn. You comfort with those who need comfort. You continually
think of others and find ways to bless them even in the midst of your disability.
So now I want you, husbands, to lay your hand on your wife, please, and agree with me.
We're going to pray a prayer of commitment.
So, dear Jesus, we ask that you would take these words,
and encourage those that need encouragement, Lord, that what they're doing is right and righteous.
And we ask, Lord, as we pray, that you will graft in them a sense of destiny that they have for
their children and for them. So, dear Jesus, we pray for every mother in this building this
morning as we lay hands on them and the roles that they play in their children's lives.
And regardless of the stage of life their children are in,
give them your wisdom, Godly wisdom, to know what to do and how to live before them.
Let them all be mothers like Lois in Eunice and help them to instill a Godly
heritage in their children and grandchildren. So, we thank you for this, Lord Jesus, and we give
you these precious mothers. In Jesus' name we pray, and everyone said, Amen.
Thanks for joining us at Lansdale Life Church as we praise God and discuss His Word.
Don't forget to join us for worship live Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. Eastern on YouTube.
Be blessed and have a great day!