Chicken and Rice Perlo

 

Ingredients

7 BONELESS/SKINLESS CHICKEN BREASTS

2 CUPS MINUTE RICE

LARGE CARTON OF CHICKEN BROTH

1 STICK OF BUTTER

SALT/PEPPER

½ TEASPOON GARLIC POWDER

½ TEASPOON ONION POWDER

16 OUNCES SOUR CREAM

1 CAN CREAM OF CHICKEN SOUP

Directions 

BOIL CHICKEN IN WATER, BUTTER, SALT/PEPPER, GARLIC, AND ONION POWDER UNTIL TENDER.

REMOVE CHICKEN FROM BROTH, SHRED, AND RETURN TO BROTH.

ADD REMAINING INGREDIENTS AND SIMMER ON LOW UNTIL RICE IS TENDER.

I invite you to try my book A Whisper in the Woods in eBook or paperback. If you seek hope and healing because of the hurts you have faced, this book is for you. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

Trudging Through Muddy Waters - Martin Wiles

When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! Isaiah 43:2 NLT

Before us was a wide river; behind us were miles of unmarked territory. 

Panthertown Valley in North Carolina was the most confusing place I had ever hiked. Numerous trails meandered through hundreds of acres, but none were marked. The maps didn’t seem to match the actual layout of the areas, and several side trails veered off from the main trails, making it extremely difficult to follow the map.

On one particular hike, my brother, son, and I chose an unfamiliar route. After hiking several miles, we came to a bulging river. None of us could swim, and we weren’t sure we could return the way we had come. While the water wasn’t raging, what if it was deeper than it appeared? My brother decided to be the guinea pig and made it safely across. My son was short; I’d have to carry him. So with a child on my back and a hiking staff in my hand, we traversed the cold water and made it safely to the other side.

God’s Old Testament people had been through deep and muddy waters more than once. In their history, wave after wave of foreign invaders attacked them and on several occasions carried them away as captives. But each time, God delivered them.

Like the nation of Israel, I can recount an entire list of muddy water episodes: rebellious children, dying relatives, financial meltdowns, broken relationships, unemployment, low-paying jobs, abuse, cancer, and physical ailments. And if I haven’t faced the muddy waters myself, I’ve been close to someone who has.

God never gave up on the nation of Israel. He always came to their rescue. He’s done the same for me. Just as I couldn’t see the bottom of the river we crossed, so I couldn't see the bottom of the muddy-water episodes I’ve encountered. 

But it doesn’t matter. I knew the one who allowed me to cross through the waters, and he had a reason for doing so. The lessons I’ve learned resulted in spiritual growth. And God has given me many opportunities to share my lessons with children, teens, and adults. I’ve also noticed that people traversing muddy-water episodes listen more carefully to someone who has been through the muddy waters themselves.

When God takes you through muddy waters, enjoy the journey and be open to what he’s teaching you.

Father, I trust you to guide me through life’s muddy waters, believing you will keep me safe and provide something better on the other side. 

I invite you to try my book A Whisper in the Woods in eBook or paperback. If you seek hope and healing because of the hurts you have faced, this book is for you. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

A Time to Be Silent - Martin Wiles

But the people were silent and did not answer because Hezekiah had told them not to speak. Isaiah 36:21 NLT

“You know what your problem is? You don’t know when to shut up and when to speak up.”

I heard the quote from an actor on television, but couldn’t help but think of a person I once knew. When their name appeared on my smartphone’s screen, I sometimes cringed—especially if I was in a hurry. They tended to ramble. Sometimes I never knew why they called. When my wife asked why they called, I often said, “I’m not really sure.” Telling them I was eating or had company meant nothing. 

Nor was my friend easy to have a conversation with. Sometimes I would call them with news or to ask a question. As soon as I shared what I called to tell them, they launched into a story about someone else who may have had a similar issue to mine. They simply had never learned the art of being silent.

King Hezekiah was ruling in the southern kingdom of a divided Israeli nation. When an Assyrian representative invited the people to surrender to his forces, they remained quiet. The king had told them it was a time for silence. 

I admit there have been many times when I’ve not done much better than my friend. I’ve rambled on, interrupted, or jumped into the middle of someone else’s story.

I have learned many words usually lead to trouble. The rest of the introductory quote went something like this: “That makes you a fool.” 

When we talk more than we should, we'll typically say something we shouldn’t. Perhaps we’ll share a tidbit of gossip. We may let an unkind remark slip. At the very least, talking when we should be listening means we’ll share something that doesn’t have to be shared. Much in any situation is better left unsaid.

When we're never silent, it also keeps us from listening. I continually remind myself that God gave me two ears for a reason. Unfortunately, my tongue seems to get in the way more than it should. 

The people on the wall listened to Hezekiah, but we don’t always do such a good job of listening to God and others. One thing’s for sure: talking and listening are mutually exclusive.

There are times when silence is truly golden. Ask God for wisdom to know when your times of silence are.

Father, give me the wisdom to know when to speak up and when to remain silent. 

I invite you to try my book A Whisper in the Woods in eBook or paperback. If you seek hope and healing because of the hurts you have faced, this book is for you. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

On-Call God - Martin Wiles

I will call to you whenever trouble strikes, and you will answer me. Psalm 86:5 NLT

When you’re on call, anything can happen.

Of all the different jobs I’ve had, being a pastor was the only one that required me to be on call continuously. Always being on call was taxing, but it came with the territory.

I’ve known others who were on call, but it was only for a limited time. My on-call duties differed. Since I had to be available at all times, I had to postpone vacations, come home early from them, get up in the middle of the night to go to the hospital, or miss my children’s activities due to a meeting, wedding, or funeral. No complaints. I knew I’d have to take these reins when I signed up. While one person can’t do it all, someone must be on call when members need assistance.

My mom also expects me to be on call when she beckons. A recent conversation went something like this: 

Me: Hello. 

Mom: Do you have company? 

Me: Yes. 

And then she proceeded to talk for fifteen minutes. I must admit that, since this is typical for her, I sometimes hit the ignore button when I see her name appear. Then I feel guilty. Perhaps something was wrong, and she really needed me.

God, on the other hand, doesn’t share the frustrations I sometimes fight against, nor does he ever hit the ignore button. He enjoys every minute of being on call.

God is continuously on call because he wants to be. His love and concern for us spur him to answer our every beck and call. He cares as no one else can. He exhibits love in its purest form.

God is also on call continuously because he can be. I may be on call, but there are some things that could prevent me from responding immediately. I may have to get up and get dressed. Not so with God. God’s characteristics allow him to be anywhere promptly.

People on call are on call because they have the knowledge and ability to respond to a particular need. God does as well. Regardless of what is wrong in our lives, he can repair it—spiritually, physically, or emotionally. He knows our needs before we ever call and is more than willing to run to our side.

Depend on God for all your needs. He’s always on call.

Father, I thank you that no matter what my need is or what time it is, you are always there for me. 

I invite you to try my book A Whisper in the Woods in either eBook or paperback format. If you seek hope and healing because of the hurts you have faced, this book is for you. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

Chicken and Dumplings

 

Ingredients

1 32-ounce can of chicken broth 

    

1 can Cream of Chicken soup

3 cups of cooked and shredded chicken 

¼ teaspoon poultry seasoning

2 carrots sliced

3 celery ribs diced

1 can of buttermilk biscuits

Directions

Bring chicken broth, chicken, chicken soup, and poultry seasoning to a boil.

Cook five minutes.

Flatten biscuits, and cut into one-half-inch strips.

Drop one at a time into boiling pot.

Add carrots and celery.

Reduce heat to low and simmer 15 to 20 minutes.

Stir occasionally.

Check out our Youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@pastormartinwiles.

I invite you to try my book A Whisper in the Woods in eBook or paperback. If you seek hope and healing because of the hurts you have faced, this book is for you. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

Tragedies Make Good Headlines - Abigail Skelton

Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But God does not take away life. Instead, he devises ways so that a banished person may not remain estranged from him. 2 Samuel 14:14 NIV

Every time a newspaper runs a story of a murder or a fatal crash, I’m immediately sucked into the article. Tragedies make good headlines. 

Even when I read the Bible, the violent stories in the Old Testament capture my attention far quicker than the beautiful sections of prose and poetry. Maybe this says something about me. Or perhaps, this says something about humanity.

We are 100% mortal. And when life gets too comfortable, we can start to forget that. Ferocious crimes and tragic accidents shock us back into the terrible reality of living in a sinful world. A heartbreaking world. All too often, these grim reminders of human mortality leave me distressed. I ask, “Why God? Why so much death?” 

Joab, David’s military commander, reminded the king about God’s character, even in the bitter reality of political coups and vicious murders. 

We live in a fallen world, and death is an effect. But even thousands of years before Jesus came to rescue the banished and estranged, God was still at work, devising ways to bring people to him. He even sent prophets to unbelieving nations to warn them of destruction. (Think Jonah and the city of Nineveh). God worked miracles and appointed righteous leaders. 

And the good news is that God remains the same. He is still at work devising ways so that a banished person may not remain estranged from him.

Joab’s first statement is true: One day we must die. But God is not taking away life for fun. He wants us to know him and the life of freedom that only he brings. Additionally, God promises an antidote to the death and tragedies of the world: eternal life with Jesus. 

Be one of those devised ways that brings those around you closer to Jesus.

Abigail Skelton is from beautiful Southern Oregon, where she grew up with an avid love for Jesus, chocolate, and writing. She has lived in three countries while involved in missionary work and frequently travels and studies foreign languages. You can connect with Abigail on her website: https://abigailskelton.com.

I invite you to try my book Hurt, Hope, and Healing in eBook or paperback. If you seek hope and healing because of the hurts you have faced, this book is for you. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

Safe in the Shelter - Martin Wiles

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1 NLT

The shelter was only a few hundred feet away, but at the moment, it may as well have been a mile.

I had grown accustomed to storms while hiking in the mountains. Which is why I started early in the morning so I could finish before late afternoon, when storms were known to arrive. 

On this particular day, my brother, daughter, and I were on the Appalachian Trail in northern Georgia. We planned to arrive at our destination around noon, set up camp, and then ditch our packs before hiking for a few more miles.

We reached our destination on time, but as soon as we unloaded, thunder rolled across the mountains. We quickly set up our tents. No sooner had we driven the last stake than powerful pelting rain, sharp peels of lightning, and booming bangs of thunder slithered across the mountains. A trail shelter was only three hundred feet away, but we couldn’t reach it at the moment.

During a brief lull in the lightning and thunder, we ran for the shelter like deer from hunting dogs. Soaked to the skin, we huddled in the crude building for the next four hours, listening as one storm after another marched across the mountains.

The psalmist also discovered a shelter in the God he served—a shelter that provided rest and comfort.

The mountain storms I’ve encountered were nothing compared to some of the life storms I’ve experienced. During these times, the shelter of God’s protection often seemed close but unreachable. But it only appeared that way. 

God always has a shelter for our troubled souls. The storm may continue to rage, but we're protected from harm when we rest in God’s sheltering arms.

Just as we had to make an effort to get to the shelter, we, too, must run to the shelter God provides. Our efforts demonstrate to God that we recognize our need and love for him. And that we understand we can’t handle life on our own.

Shelters of various styles dot the length of the Appalachian Trail. God is our ultimate shelter, but he manifests himself in different ways. Sometimes, he shelters us through the presence of others.

God’s shelters are always close when the storms of life pummel. Run to him often, and find the protection and peace he offers.

Father, may I remember that you are my ultimate shelter in the storms of life.

Check out our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@pastormartinwiles.

I invite you to try my book A Whisper in the Woods in eBook or paperback. If you seek hope and healing because of the hurts you have faced, this book is for you. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.