The Word That Lasts Part 3 - Martin Wiles

For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4:12 NLT

Like my parents before me, I attempted to instill in my children a love for God’s Word. Our nightly devotions weren’t as regular as when I was growing up. Life was hectic and busy at the time. Fitting in a nightly devotion was a challenge, but we read Bible stories often.

I carried on the same tradition with my firstborn grandson. Obviously, the need to digest God’s Word stuck despite my less-than-best efforts. Like me, my daughter and son both had their periods of rebellion. Both stopped attending church and involved themselves in questionable activities. Despite their wanderings, they still knew God’s Word and the right path—whether or not they chose it. 

Some question the validity of God’s Word.

They discount the traditionally agreed-upon authors, the miracles, the scientific and historical accounts, and even Jesus’ divinity. Rather than avoiding discussions with those who doubt, we can use the occasion to share our faith and why we believe God’s Word is profitable and accurate.

Some use God’s Word to teach legalism.

In addition to moral laws, the Old Testament contains ceremonial and civil laws. Both related to the nation of Israel and God’s interaction with the Jewish people. Some attempt to bind us by what Christ has freed us from. Grace brings liberty. Legalism majors on the things we can’t do rather than on the things we can do because of our newfound liberty in Christ. It repeats the mistakes Jesus rebuked the religious leaders for. We’re bound only by the moral laws the New Testament reiterates. We don’t have to keep bringing the old sacrifices.

God’s Word has the power to change lives.

Believing it changed me from a condemned sinner to a forgiven sinner. By reading it, we learn doctrine—the “whats” we need to believe as Christ's followers. We’re encouraged by the promises and corrected by the commandments. Like a knife, God’s Word slices into our consciousness. God’s Spirit then gives us the power to make the necessary changes.

Is God’s Word having a lasting effect on your life?

Father, turn me toward Your Word so I can follow Your path with joy and confidence. 

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The Word That Lasts Part 2 - Martin Wiles

Anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be great in the Kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:19 NLT

Doing it is a lifetime habit I don’t intend to break.

I’ve been reading the Bible daily since I was a small tike. I suppose my family instilled in me the importance of doing so. With rare exceptions, we had daily Bible readings. I can remember as an elementary-age child, sitting on the top bunk with my Bible in hand. I didn’t always understand it—in part because of the translation I was using—but Dad was glad to explain the words I couldn’t define. Memorizing it was also a part of my young life. The church my father pastored encouraged children to participate in sword drills and other Bible memorization exercises. Even during my periods of rebellion, I still read God’s Word daily. I still do.

Jesus said obeying God’s Word was important. I’ve found that to be true.

Disregarding God’s Word will lead to leaving God out of daily affairs.

God wants to be involved in every detail of our lives—the small and the large, the important and the not-so important. He wants to give wisdom for the decisions we make and guidance that will see us successfully through life. When we don’t meditate on His Word, we’ll easily forget that God is right beside us during our life’s journey.

God’s Word is more than the Bible itself.

We don’t worship the book—even though all parts of it are true and crucial to believe. Nor do we worship a particular translation. We worship the one the Book points to, and we can use various translations to help us better understand what God says. Loving Him is the greatest commandment. When we do, we’ll obey His commands by fleshing them out in our actions.

Spiritual maturity is built on a lifetime of studying God’s Word.

Surveys continue to demonstrate the lack of discipleship among believers. At one time, I was there myself. Though I’ve grown, I still have a long way to travel. God’s Word gives us the beliefs we need, and His Spirit gives us the power to put them into practice.

How can you spend more time in God’s Word and see the difference it will make.

Father, may I always see the importance of Your Word in my life. 

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Sweet Potato Souffle

 

Ingredients

3 LARGE SWEET POTATOES

½ STICK BUTTER

1 CUP BROWN SUGAR

1 CUP WHITE SUGAR

2 EGGS

1 CUP MILK

1 TEASPOON VANILLA

2 CUP CHOPPED PECANS

2 TABLESPOON PLAIN FLOUR

Directions

WASH, PEEL, AND CUT POTATOES INTO CHUNKS.COOK UNTIL TENDER.

IN A BOWL, MASH  THE POTATOES. 

ADD WHITE SUGAR, 1/2 CUP BROWN SUGAR, EGGS, MILK, VANILLA, AND 1/4 STICK OF BUTTER.

MIX WELL. POUR INTO A GREASED CASSEROLE DISH.

IN A SEPARATE BOWL MIX THE REST OF BUTTER, BROWN SUGAR, FLOUR, AND PECANS. 

PLACE ON TOP OF POTATO MIXTURE.

BAKE AT 350 FOR 35-40 MINUTES

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Continual Feast - Karen Huffaker

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Psalm 34:8 ESV

We always look forward to Thanksgiving Day, one of my favorite days of the year. Aside from the family gathering and sweet fellowship, we enjoy a grand buffet set out before us. Plans may call for one big sit-down-at-the-table meal, but inevitably it becomes a continual feast throughout the day.

For an appetizer, we start snacking on pumpkin bread early on. Anticipation grows throughout the day as we taste and nibble when each new dish enters. The excitement builds to a crescendo until we sit together for dinner, followed by sumptuous desserts. At the day’s end, we’re still savoring the last dessert crumbs over fresh-brewed coffee.

But is our study of God’s Word a continual feast? Do we begin tasting Scripture at first light and think about God’s truths as morning progresses? Do we go deeper and study as the day goes on? Do we meditate, reflect, and feed on more of what God has to tell us? Do we apply His teachings? Are we filled by evening? Did we savor all of what He laid before us?

Examine what you read, study, and experience. Reflect on all that God has done. Open your mouth and taste. See how good God is. Those who hope and trust in God’s truths will be filled, comforted, and blessed.

How can you better experience and savor the Bible?

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Karen Huffaker is a freelance Christian writer. She has taught children’s Sunday school and single mom’s Bible studies and written poetry. She is from the Deep South and loves reading Christian books, devotionals, genealogy adventures, fishing, and all things family. She is also passionate about her grandchildren’s sporting events. 

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The Word That Lasts Part 1 - Martin Wiles

I assure you, until heaven and earth disappear, even the smallest detail of God’s law will remain. Matthew 5:18 NLT

“Do we have to read the genealogical records, too?”

Daily devotional readings were common in my childhood home. And not from a Bible storybook. Our readings came straight from the Bible. I loved them, but I hated knowing the next night’s reading would be nothing but the descendants of so and so. Evidently, my mother didn’t enjoy them either. When she huffed and said to my dad, “Do we have to read that,” he always answered, “Yes.” Whether it bored us or not, every part of God’s Word was important.

Jesus was of the same mindset as good ole Dad. Though only the Old Testament had been written in His time, every portion was significant. I’ve learned a few things about the Bible.

Our opinion of God’s Word doesn’t matter. My father didn’t care whether or not I wanted to hear genealogical lists. I listened because he made the rules, put a roof over my head, and fed me. And sitting through nightly Bible readings was one of his rules. God didn’t consult me when He made His rules and gave the commands. They are for our spiritual, physical, and emotional good—whether we think so or not. And God holds us accountable for obeying them even if we disagree.

Our opinion of God’s Word affects our lifestyle. If we believe it’s God’s Word for us, we’ll obey and teach others to obey. But if we disregard it as nothing more than myths, fables, folktales, and great literature, we’ll adhere to its teachings if it suits us but neglect them if it doesn’t.

A low opinion of God’s Word leads to a low opinion of sin and a reckless lifestyle. What we think about sin affects how we live. If we redefine sin as a mistake, slip-up, or human error, we won’t beat ourselves too much when committing one. We also won’t worry too much about whether our lifestyles match what God says it should be.

A high opinion of God’s Word changes our opinion of sin and leads to a spiritually healthy lifestyle. Jesus said if we loved Him, we would obey His commands. His commands involve what we shouldn’t do or think. Sin. When we choose not to practice sin, we’ll live the abundant life He offers.

What effect is God’s Word having on your life?

Father, may I view the Bible as Your Word to me. 

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Passed Over - Martin Wiles

In honor of the LORD your God, always celebrate the Passover at the proper time in early spring. Deuteronomy 16:1 NLT

Having a team captain choose team members can be a frightening occurrence. There’s always the chance of being passed over. And I was. Often.

Sports were never my thing. I suppose my build fought against my involvement. While I loved attending games and watching sporting events on television, I never played a single one from first grade through graduation. Neighborhood games and PE classes were my only connection—and I hated both. Neighborhood friends never picked me first. Neither did the team captains. I was too skinny . . .  too shy. So, I settled for being passed over until the very last.

Being passed over can damage a young person’s emotions. Feelings of inadequacy surface quickly and often. These feelings affected more than my involvement in sports. They transferred over into academic life and relationships. As a teen, they upset my dating habits. Not until I became a young adult did my self-perspective change.

For the Israelites living in Egyptian slavery, being passed over was a good thing. It meant the death angel that traveled through the land and killed the Egyptians’ oldest children, along with the firstborn of all their animals, would pass over their homes. He would see the blood they had smattered on the doorframe and keep moving.

I didn’t enjoy being passed over by the popular girls or the team captains, but I am glad God passed over me when it came time to deal with my sins. Focusing on God’s love is easy; realizing there is a holy wrath side of His nature is more difficult—yet biblical.

We are born with sinful natures, but we are also responsible to God. Since God is holy, He can’t associate with sin. Sin makes us unworthy to serve on His team. Yet He is willing to pass over that if we do our part. For the Israelites in Egypt, it meant sacrificing an animal and spreading its blood on their doorframes. For us, it entails accepting what God allowed His Son to do on Calvary’s cross—pay our sin debt.

Knowing what Christ did isn’t enough. We have to incorporate Him into our lives. Being on the team doesn’t automatically happen.

Has God passed over your sin because you are in Christ?

Father, I thank You that in Christ You will pass over my sins. I am no longer under condemnation. 

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Pecan Pie

 

 

Ingredients

1 CUP SUGAR

1 CUP BROWN SUGAR

1 STICK BUTTER

2 TABLESPOONS FLOUR

¾ CUP MILK

3 EGGS (BEATEN)

1 TEASPOON VANILLA

1 CUP CHOPPED PECANS

2 UNBAKED PIE SHELLS

Directions

CREAM FIRST 4 INGREDIENTS AND THEN ADD REMAINING INGREDIENTS.

STIR TO BLEND WELL.

POUR INTO PIE SHELLS.

BAKE AT 350 DEGREES FOR 30 MINUTES OR UNTIL FIRM.

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