Throwback Tuesday - The Whiner’s Corner - Martin Wiles

The Whiner’s Corner

“Could I really be a 1,” I wondered. And not because number one was actually number one in this scenario. I wanted to be a three. 

I sat in the webinar listening to the speaker describe teachers. One’s, two’s, and three’s. We were categorized. The question was which one. And more importantly, which one did I huddle in. “Three’s,” he said, “rarely whine.” They take each day in stride, love the boss, get along with peers, love students, and embrace change with a smile. Two’s do all of those things most of the time. But the one’s? They do them rarely. They’d rather whine…and complain. All of a sudden, I felt guilty. I wasn’t a one, but some days I didn’t feel like a three either. Read more...

Tweetable: Are you a member of the complainer's corner?

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Good Gossip - Martin Wiles

But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Colossians 3:8 NLT 

Word had seeped out; only days and weeks remained before he gave his resignation. 

Ted* and I pastored in the same small town. One day, he received a call. A woman had trouble at home. Her husband treated her with disdain. She wanted to meet and talk. Ted agreed. They met in a public place, and she brought her young daughter with her. He thought it was safe—but he was wrong.  

Tongues soon wagged. "Did you see the preacher eating lunch with _____?" Before long, gossip had infiltrated the church. Few gave Ted the benefit of the doubt. Though he wasn't asked to leave the church, he knew he couldn't stay. Gossip had ruined his effectiveness. Reluctantly, he submitted his resignation.  

Paul must have been familiar with gossip in the early church. Why else would he instruct the Colossians to put away anger, slander, and obscene talk?   

Christianity doesn’t make one immune to gossip. I know. I've been a Christian for forty-eight years but have walked through periods when I gave in to the temptation to gossip or had others gossip about me or my family. Gossip isn't necessarily untrue information. It may be twisted material. Gossip may even be the truth—but truth better left unsaid. Truth that is hurtful if shared with the wrong people. 

Since gossip can be true information, good gossip is possible. Sharing kind information is always a good practice. Kind words don’t hurt. Kindness builds others up and boosts their self-esteem. An angry attitude, on the other hand, leads to sharing slanderous or obscene things.   

When speaking, I try to remember everything doesn't have to be said just because I know it. My fleshly nature urges me on, but God can hold me back if I let Him. He can keep the hurtful—and perhaps untrue material—from rolling off my tongue.  

Some things are better left unsaid. Such as when someone says about their child or grandchild, "Isn't that just the prettiest baby you've ever seen?" But I'm thinking it is the ugliest child I've ever seen. Sharing my thoughts wouldn't build up. In fact, doing so might start a fight.   

When it comes time to open your mouth, make sure you say something worth saying. Share good gossip.

Tweetable: Are you sharing some good gossip? 

Prayer: Father, may the words of our mouth and the meditations of our heart be acceptable to You—and others. 

*Name changed to protect privacy.

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Second Chances - Martin Wiles

The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you. Jesus said, “Feed my sheep." John 21:17 NLT

My gut churned, but I had made my decision.

An opportunity to return to a profession I had left opened. I loved what I was doing but always availed myself to God’s plan. I prayed. Everyone wanted me to take the position. So I did.

Immediately, uncertainty became my best friend, but I couldn’t undo the decision I had made. For the next year and a half, misery slept with me. I prayed for God to put me back where I had been. I talked to my previous employer and asked him to put me on the want-to-return list. Months passed. Nothing happened.

Then, one day as I sat at my computer, the phone rang. My old boss’s name appeared on the screen. I quickly answered the phone—not afraid to let my anxiousness show. He asked if I wanted my old position back. A change of staff had occurred. I couldn’t say yes fast enough. God issued me a second chance.

Peter received a second chance also. Jesus had previously taught him about forgiveness by telling him his should be unlimited. Now Peter had denied association with Jesus—swore he didn’t know Him. On the shore—after His resurrection—Jesus offered Peter another chance. Peter took it and became the leader of the early church in Jerusalem.

God loves to give second chances. Sin has taken me down paths numerous times I should have stayed off. But anytime I confessed and repented, God took me back under His wing and gave me more work to do.

God’s second chances and unlimited forgiveness don’t mean I won’t suffer unpleasant consequences. This is part of the learning process. Through God’s discipline, He gently guides me back to the right path. The consequences keep me from wanting to walk those paths again.

When I’m ready to return, God waits with open arms as the father did in Jesus’ story of the prodigal son. Loves drives God to us. He created us to love and for us to love Him. Sin and foolish decisions interrupt the union, but He’s always eager to restore it.

Although God gives many second chances, His doing so doesn’t give me the liberty to live carelessly. My duty is to mirror His thoughts, actions, and principles.

Regardless of how you may have failed God, He waits for you to return. He has work for you to do.

Tweetable: What second chances has God given you?

Prayer: Father, thank You for always giving us another chance when we fail to live up to Your standards. 

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Skillet Apple Pie - Michelle Wiles

Skillet Apple Pie

Ingredients

1 can apple pie filling

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 can 8 homestyle biscuits

1 stick butter

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1/2 cup powdered sugar

3 tablespoons cream or milk

Directions

Pour apple pie filling onto a cutting board and cut into bite-sized pieces.

Mix in vanilla and stir until mixed.

In a bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.

Cut canned biscuits into bite-sized pieces and add to bowl.

Add in apple pie mixture and stir.

Pour into skillet.

Cook at 375 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes.

While cooking, make glaze: whisk together 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 3 tablespoons of cream or milk.

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