I Remember Momma's Simple Lessons
Prov 1:7-8

Introduction HIS MODEL WAS HIS MOTHER
Bartholdi was the famous sculptor of the majestic statue entitled "Liberty Enlightening the World," which has stood for more than one hundred years near the entrance to New York Harbor as a symbol of America's freedom.

At the start of his project, when Bartholdi was seeking a model on whom to pattern "Liberty" he received a great deal of advice from various art experts. Most of the leading authorities advised him to find a grand heroic figure as his pattern. After examining countless heroes, however, Bartholdi chose as his model his own mother. Just as no other statue in the world so eloquently lights the way to freedom, so no other woman so beautifully lighted Bartholdi's own world.   --Excerpted from "God's Little Devotional Book for Mothers," Tulsa, Oklahoma: Honor Books, 1999, p.133
 
 

A.    The Infallibility of Scripture. Ps 19:7-9
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.   9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. (NAS)
 

B.    The Importance of the Scriptures. Ps 119:9-12
9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping {it} according to Thy word. 10 With all my heart I have sought Thee; do not let me wander from Thy commandments. 11 Thy word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee. 12 Blessed art Thou, O LORD; teach me Thy statutes.(N AS)
 

Illustration A MOTHER'S PRAYERS
When W. .P. .L. Mackay was seventeen, he left his humble Scottish home to attend college. His mother gave him a Bible in which she had inscribed his name and a verse of Scripture. Unfortunately, college was only the beginning of a downhill slide. At one point, he pawned the Bible to get money for whiskey. His mother continued praying for him until she died.

Eventually, Mackay became a doctor. While working in a hospital, he encountered a dying patient who repeatedly asked for his "book." After the man died, Mackay searched the hospital room to find what book had been so important to a dying man. He was surprised to find the very Bible he had once pawned!

Mackay went to his office and stared at the familiar writing of his mother. He thumbed through the pages, reading the many verses his mother had underscored in hopes her son might heed them.

After many hours of reading and reflection, Mackay prayed to God for mercy. The physician later became a minister. -- From "God's Little Devotional Book for Mothers," Tulsa, Oklahoma: Honor Books, 1999, p. 111

Application

What did your mother teach you about the Bible? How are you as a mother teaching the Bible?

                        ". . . and do not forsake your mother's teaching. "
 
 

A.    Witnessing as a Command. Matt 28:19
19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, (NAS)
 

B.    Witnessing as a Commitment. Matt 13:3
3 And He spoke many things to them in parables, saying, "Behold, the sower went out to sow; (NAS)

Illustration
My mom went out on Church Visitation. She contacted people over the phone, and she talked to the Ladies she worked with.

I hold in my hand the Ohio Baptist Messenger. It is the State Baptist Paper for the Ohio Baptist Convention. The Editor is Will Pollard. As a boy he lived across the street from me and his family attended the Methodist Church.

My mom got to talking with Will's mother shared what we believed about salvation. Will's mom liked what she heard and soon they were attending our church.   Will's dad eventually became a deacon and Will surrendered to the call to be a minister.

Application

What did your mother teach you about Witnessing? How are you as a mother teaching about Witnessing?

                                ". . . and do not forsake your mother's teaching. "
 
 

A.    The Beginning of Giving. 1 Cor 16:1-2
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. 2 On the first day of every week let each one of you put aside and save, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come. (NAS)
 

B.    Blessing of Giving. Mal 3:10
10 "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this," says the LORD of hosts, "if I will not open for you the windows of heaven, and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows. (NAS)

Illustration
In my first job I worked as a caddy at a golf course. On Friday I told my mom what I was going to do with my money and she said what about the tithe? I asked what do you mean? She was surprised that I had not understood so she explained the tithe to me. I remember her asking what would you rather have $10.00 without the Lord's blessing or $9.00 wit the Lord's blessing.

I did not question for a moment I wanted to give the tithe. My mom taught me about the Beginning of the tithe and the Blessing of the tithe.

Illustration
Dr. G. Campbell Morgan had 4 sons and they were all preachers. Someone once came into the drawing room when all the family was there. They thought they would see what Howard, one of the sons, was made of so they asked him this question:

"Howard, who is the greatest preacher in your family?" Howard had a great admiration for his father and he looked straight across at him and then without a moments hesitation he answered, "Mother." A. Edersheim, Sketches of Jewish Social Life, , p. 139

Application

What did your mother teach you about Giving? How are you as a mother teaching about Giving?

                                    ". . . and do not forsake your mother's teaching. "
 
 

A.    The Example of My Words. Ps 19:14 (NAS)
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.
 

B. The Example of My . . Walk. Phil 1:27
27 Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ; so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; (NAS)

Illustration Mother's Influence
When Robert Ingersoll, the notorious skeptic, was in his heyday, two college students went to hear him lecture. As they walked down the street after the lecture, one said to the other, "Well, I guess he knocked the props out from under Christianity, didn't he?"

The other said, "No, I don't think he did. Ingersoll did not explain my mother's life, and until he can explain my mother's life I will stand by my mother's God." James S. Hewett, Illust. p. 381
 

Application

What did your mother teach you about Example? How are you as a mother teaching about Example in Work and Walk?

                                ". . . and do not forsake your mother's teaching. "
 

Poem   "I Didn't Drink Momma"

I went to a party, Mom, I remembered what you said. You told me not to drink, Mom, so I drank soda instead I really felt proud inside, Mom, the way you said I would. I didn't drink and drive, Mom, even though the others said I should. I know I did the right thing, Mom,

I know you are always right. Now the party is finally ending, Mom, as everyone is driving out of sight. As I got into my car, Mom, I knew I'd get home in one piece. Because of the way you raised me, so responsible and sweet. I started to drive away,

Mom, but as I pulled out into the road, the other car didn't see me, Mom, and hit me like a load. As I lay there on the pavement, Mom, I hear the policeman say, the other guy is drunk, Mom, and now I'm the one who will pay. I'm lying here dying, Mom..

I wish you'd get here soon. How could this happen to me, Mom?

My life just burst like a balloon. There is blood all around me, Mom, and most of it is mine. I hear the medic say, Mom, I'll die in a short time. I just wanted to tell you, Mom, I swear I didn't drink. It was the others, Mom.

The others didn't think. He was probably at the same party as I. The only difference is, he drank and I will die. Why do people drink, Mom? It can ruin your whole life. I'm feeling sharp pains now. Pains just like a knife. The guy who hit me is walking, Mom, and I don't think it's fair. I'm lying here dying and all he can do is stare. Tell my brother not to cry, Mom.

Tell Daddy to be brave. And when I go to heaven, Mom, put "Daddy's Girl" on my grave Someone should have told him, Mom, not to drink and drive. If only they had told him, Mom, I would still be alive. My breath is getting shorter, Mom. I'm becoming very scared. Please don't cry for me, Mom. When I needed you, you were always there. I have one last question, Mom, before I say good bye, I didn't drink and drive, so why am I the one that has to die?
 

This poem speaks of a young lady who followed her moms advice and she was hurt by someone who either didn't get advice or didn't follow it. Which Child would most likely be yours?
 
 

And Beyond.    Amen?    Amen!