My Mother Taught Me...
Mother's Day, May 13, 2007
Pastor Gerry White

How does a man become wise? The first step is to trust and reverence the Lord! Only fools refuse to be taught. Listen to your father and mother. What you learn from them will stand you in good stead; it will gain you many honors.

Proverbs 1:7 (TLB)

To Be Furthest From Mother

Two little girls were starting out to play. One insisted on going quite a distance away.
"Why do you want to go so far?" the other asked.
"So that if my mamma calls me I won't hear her," was the candid reply.

Encyclopedia of 15,000 Illustrations - 1259

God says you should listen to your mother.

One way you're supposed to listen to her is by practicing what she has taught you. For example, when is the best time not to open your mouth?

The Bible Says,

let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce God's righteousness.

James 1:19-20 (NRSV)

16 TIMES MOM SAID YOU'RE NOT TO OPEN YOUR MOUTH

  1. WHEN YOU ARE TEMPTED TO TELL AN OUTRIGHT LIE.
  2. WHEN YOUR WORDS WILL DAMAGE SOMEONE ELSE'S REPUTATION.
  3. WHEN YOUR WORDS MIGHT HURT A FRIENDSHIP.
  4. WHEN YOU MAY HAVE TO EAT YOUR WORDS LATER.
  5. WHEN YOU HAVE ALREADY SAID TOO MUCH.
  6. WHEN YOU HAVE PROMISED TO KEEP A CONFIDENCE.
  7. WHEN YOU TEND TO TALK BEFORE THINKING.
  8. WHEN YOUR WORDS STIR UP DISSENSION.
  9. WHEN YOU ARE TEMPTED TO PRAISE YOURSELF.
  10. WHEN YOU'RE IN THE HEAT OF ANGER.
  11. WHEN YOU DON'T HAVE ALL THE FACTS.
  12. WHEN IT'S TIME TO LISTEN.
  13. WHEN YOU ARE TEMPTED TO JOKE ABOUT SIN.
  14. WHEN YOU WOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOUR WORDS LATER.
  15. WHEN YOUR WORDS MIGHT CONVEY THE WRONG IMPRESSION.
  16. WHEN THE ISSUE IS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS.

The more you talk, the more likely you are to sin. If you are wise, you will keep quiet.

Proverbs 10:19 (TEV)

don't wander off from your mother's teachings. Wrap yourself in them from head to foot; wear them like a scarf around your neck. Wherever you walk, they'll guide you; whenever you rest, they'll guard you; when you wake up, they'll tell you what's next. For sound advice is a beacon, good teaching is a light, moral discipline is a life path.

Proverbs 6:20-23 (MSG)

A woman's family is held together by her wisdom, but it can be destroyed by her foolishness.

Proverbs 14:1 (CEV)

Mom's you have the biggest job in the world - HOLDING YOUR FAMILY TOGETHER!

God says you hold your family together by wisdom.

Proverbs will teach you wisdom and self-control and how to understand sayings with deep meanings. You will learn what is right and honest and fair. From these, an ordinary person can learn to be smart, and young people can gain knowledge and good sense. If you are already wise, you will become even wiser. And if you are smart, you will learn to understand proverbs and sayings, as well as words of wisdom and all kinds of riddles. Respect and obey the Lord! This is the beginning of knowledge. Only a fool rejects wisdom and good advice.

Proverbs 1:2-7 (CEV)

HOW DOES A MOTHER HOLD HER FAMILY TOGETHER?

1. BY RESPECTING AND OBEYING GOD

Respect and obey the Lord! This is the beginning of knowledge. Only a fool rejects wisdom and good advice.

Proverbs 1:7 (CEV)

2. BY BUILDING A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST

It is the Lord who gives wisdom; from him come knowledge and understanding. He provides help and protection for those who are righteous and honest. He protects those who treat others fairly, and guards those who are devoted to him. If you listen to me, you will know what is right, just, and fair. You will know what you should do. You will become wise, and your knowledge will give you pleasure. Your insight and understanding will protect you and prevent you from doing the wrong thing.

Proverbs 2:6-12 (TEV)

THERE ARE 3 BIG ISSUES THAT ALL MOTHERS FACE

  1. Being afraid
  2. Feeling terror
  3. Having trouble

for the LORD is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.

Proverbs 3:26 (NLT)

Whoever listens to me will have security. He [she] will be safe, with no reason to be afraid.

Proverbs 1:33 (TEV)

WHERE DOES A MOTHER GET STARTED?

1. Have a daily Bible study

Remember my teachings and instructions and obey them completely.

Proverbs 3:1 (CEV)

2. Develop habits becoming of a Godly Mother

Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart. Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own.

Proverbs 3:3, 5 (NLT)

HOW DOES A MOTHER DEVELOP THESE HABITS?

1. Begin by trusting Jesus in your heart

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.

Proverbs 3:5 (NLT)

2. Talk to Jesus every day about life's issues

Always let him lead you, and he will clear the road for you to follow.

Proverbs 3:6 (CEV)

3. Don't assume you know all the answers

Don't assume that you know it all. Run to God!

Proverbs 3:7 (MSG)

4. Show your family where your heart is by tithing

Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first and best part of all your income.

Proverbs 3:9 (GW)