Love Fulfills - Martin Wiles

For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14 NLT

In a split second, their lives were changed.

Bobby and Jackie were a young couple with a small child. He had been called into youth ministry and was serving in a little church not far from Jackie’s home. Things were going well—until the accident.

Out of nowhere, a truck slammed into their vehicle. Jackie and their infant daughter weren’t seriously injured, but Bobby’s life was changed forever. The wreck placed him in a vegetative state for the remainder of his life. 

I was told the story when I became Jackie’s pastor. Now the daughter was a young child without a father; Jackie was a young wife and mother who, for all practical purposes, had no husband; and Bobby lay in a nursing home fifty miles away. 

I visited Bobby once a month, and every time one of his family members was present. They all took turns caring for him. Bobby was fed through a tube, but he still needed constant attention. Coughing spells racked his body. Fluids drained from his mouth and nose. 

As I watched Bobby’s family tend to his special needs, I realized what the apostle Paul meant. For the committed Jew, the law consisted of the Ten Commandments, the ceremonial laws, and the laws added by the religious authorities. For Paul, it was simply God’s moral laws, and all of them could be obeyed by merely loving one’s neighbor.

I’ve seen enough love for the wrong reasons. The consequences are never pretty. But loving for the right reason paints a beautiful portrait. We can experience and demonstrate love because Christ has loved us. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us and now gives us the opportunity to love others for him.

Loving others sets an example. As I watched Bobby’s family perform the unpleasant parts of caring for an invalid, I was reminded of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet. The example was inspiring. Loving others sets an example for those who desperately need to see love in action. 

When we love our neighbors as ourselves, we also point them to Christ. Our words may not crack the hard shell of someone who doubts or disbelieves in Christ, but it's hard to argue with acts of love. They say what our words can’t adequately speak. 

Just ask, and God will give you myriad opportunities to put love for others into action.

Father, give me the fortitude to love others as you love me so I might point a hurting world to a healing Savior. 

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Fear Not - Martin Wiles

But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 19:14 KJV

Fear kept him from going where he wanted to go.

One of my family’s favorite things to do during the Christmas season is looking at lights. One Sunday evening, my wife, daughter, her two sons at the time, and I decided to ride to a neighboring town where the local park was decorated. And where Santa sat in a Boy Scout hut giving out candy, asking children what they wanted for Christmas, and letting them take a picture with him. The grandkids were excited.

Our one-hour drive had given our grandsons time to fall asleep. Waking them brought tears, whines, and a reluctant agreement to get out and see the lights and Santa. As we stood in line outside the small hut, they screamed, whined, and growled. Our daughter finally had enough and said, “Let’s go.” No Santa.

Both boys calmed down after a stroll around the park, so we decided to try the “Ho Ho” thing again. This time, they were excited. But when we made it inside the hut, only one remained excited enough to sit on Santa’s lap. The younger one wanted to get close enough for a candy cane but wasn’t about to sit on Ho Ho’s lap. Excitement drew him, but fear drove him away.

Jesus must have been a little different than Santa. Since the disciples were trying to keep the children away from him, the children must have been flocking to him—sitting on his lap, gathering around his feet, asking him questions, wanting him to tell stories.

Some maintain the Old Testament God is different than the New Testament Jesus. I beg to differ. The writers of the Old Testament tended to emphasize God’s holy nature. He cannot look upon sin and will punish those who choose to rebel against His standards. Thus the fear—or holy reverence—of him.

Jesus, however, showed us God’s loving side. Yes, he has standards, but his love reaches all people—and so does his offer of forgiveness. Like the little children and the crowds, God wants people to flock to him. He created us for a relationship with him.

Don’t let fear keep you away from God. Like Santa, he wants you to sit on his lap, spend some time with him, and get to know him. It’s a decision you won’t regret.

Father, take away my fear or unconcern so that I will come to you for comfort, encouragement, guidance, and forgiveness. 

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Lemon Glazed Pound Cake

Ingredients

3 CUPS PLAIN FLOUR

3 CUPS SUGAR

2 STICKS MARGARINE

½ CUP CRISCO

1 CUP MILK

6 EGGS

1 TEASPOON VANILLA

1 TEASPOON LEMON FLAVORING

Directions

CREAM BUTTER AND CRISCO. 

BEAT UNTIL CREAMY AND ADD SUGAR. BEAT WELL.

ADD EGGS 1 AT A TIME. BEAT WELL. 

MIX FLAVORING WITH MILK.

ADD FLOUR AND MILK TO BATTER. 

START WITH FLOUR, THEN ADD MILK. ADD A LITTLE AT A TIME, STARTING AND ENDING WITH FLOUR.

POUR INTO A GREASED TUBE PAN.

BAKE AT 350 DEGREES FOR 1 HOUR.

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Wind Grabbing - Martin Wiles

I observed everything going on under the sun, and really, it is all meaningless—like chasing the wind. Ecclesiastes 1:14 NLT

The parking lot symbolized what once was but would never be again.

In the early 1980s, Ryan’s Steakhouse was the most popular eating establishment in Greenwood, SC. One could choose from a bar of meats, salads, vegetables, starches, and homemade desserts—or order from a selection of juicy steaks. Sunday lunches—as well as Sunday nights after church—saw the restaurant packed.  

Then other popular restaurants encroached on Ryan’s territory. Places like Chiles, O’Charley’s, and Outback Steakhouse. Ryan’s cut out their signature steaks and went solely to a food bar. Crowds thinned. And one day, they closed their doors. Financial struggles, along with waning crowds, made the decision. 

What’s left of Ryan’s was once on my daily walking route. As I walked up and down its parking lot, I thought back on what once was. Cars packed the parking lot and overflowed into a neighboring restaurant’s lot. Lines of people snaked out of the front door, waiting to pay and be seated. The smell of steaks simmering on the grill filled the air, along with conversations and laughter as people mingled. 

But no more. Grass grew through cracks in the asphalt. Leaves and pine straw littered the lot. Empty pallets, pieces of rock, and other left-behind paraphernalia spoiled the ground—as if someone was in a hurry or reluctant to leave. 

Sometimes, as I walked through the deserted parking lot, I longed for the good ‘ole days. Yet, I know they’ll never return. What once brought satisfaction to many, me included, won’t ever again. 

King Solomon, the writer of Ecclesiastes, knew disappointment as well. He hadn’t sampled Ryan’s, but he had everything else. As the wealthiest man alive, he could, and did. However, nothing brought him lasting satisfaction. Pleasure was always one grasp away. Just when he thought he had found it, the wind blew it from his grasp. 

Such is the nature of things, whatever they are. Restaurants, relationships, play toys, possessions, power, prestige. They’re all temporary, here for our momentary enjoyment. Perhaps that’s why Jesus said to store our treasures in heaven … to invest in what outlasts time. Those things that will have a lasting influence long after we’re gone. 

The Ryans of the world lose their popularity and often close their doors. Your life, too, will one day end, but you can leave a legacy for others to remember and emulate. 

Father, guide me to invest in what will outlive my life. 

If you seek hope and healing because of hurts you have faced, then Hurt, Hope, and Healing 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.

Lighting Up the Darkness - Martin Wiles

You light a lamp for me. The LORD, my God, lights up my darkness. Psalm 18:28 NLT

As soon as the time changed, the darkness crept in.

Although I love the fall and winter months, changing from Daylight Saving Time to normal time brings a little gloom. For some, it leads to SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). I’m not sure I’ve ever contracted SAD, but I tend to get sad during the cold months when there is less daylight. Ironically, I also want to watch holiday movies that exacerbate my gloomy mood. Movies that make me long for a past that will never return. 

Not only is the outside darker, but the inside is also. This means more light—which those in the know say heightens SAD. When I made all the clocks in the house fall back, I also turned on more lights. Instead of just a lamp, I used several lamps and the overhead light. More light lifts my mood, even though they raise the utility bill. 

But some darkness has nothing to do with seasonal changes. The psalmist knew all about it. It was the darkness he felt when pursued by enemies. Those who wanted to make his life miserable … dark … or who wanted to destroy it altogether. Those who wanted him sad instead of happy. Those who wanted to harm his family. 

Just as we can’t change the daytime-nighttime cycle, we can’t change periods of darkness that assault us throughout our lifetime either. They will come—disguised as depression, hurt, anger, frustration, broken relationships, rebellious children, lost jobs, failed classes, addictions, and disappointments. 

What we can do is turn to the one who can light up dark periods. Regardless of what dark period he faced, the psalmist turned to God to light up his life. God will do the same for anyone who asks—but particularly his children. Jesus said he was the light of the world and then told his followers to be light too. 

Letting God shine light into our dark moments turns on the light, lifts our spirits, gives us hope, and changes our perspective. When God turns on the light, it enables us to turn on the light in others’ lives. Everyone faces moments of darkness and needs a little light in their life. 

God can enable you to be a light bearer. All you must do is ask.

Father, may I bear your light of love and compassion to a dark and hurting world. 

If you seek hope and healing because of hurts you have faced, then Hurt, Hope, and Healing 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.

Living with the End in Mind - Martin Wiles

And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment. Hebrews 9:27 NLT

I walked to the casket and peered in sheepishly. 

Nothing was out of the ordinary about this funeral visitation. In the South, it’s the way we do it—most of the time. A death occurs. The family makes arrangements for their loved one. Visitation happens the night before the funeral or just prior to. Following the funeral, the body—or ashes—is taken to the cemetery for burial. At least, that was typical before COVID-19 changed the way we do many things, including funerals. 

I was in the visitation line, a line that snaked around corners and through several rooms. As I got closer to the casket, I could see family members greeting friends and acquaintances. I supposed this person must have been special … must have influenced countless people … must have touched numerous lives. Perhaps he was famous. Some family members struggled to compose themselves. Others smiled as they hugged and shook hands. 

As the line shortened, I heard bits and pieces of conversations. “He sure does look good.” (How can a person who is dead look good?) “I’m so sorry for your loss.” Normal things people utter when they try to comfort someone—when they really have no idea what to say. 

Then my turn came to step forward. But something was strange about the family members—something was strange about the person in the casket. As things came into focus, I noticed they were my children and grandchildren. My spouse stood beside them, and I was in the casket.

It had happened, just as the biblical writer said. I had done what every human being must do: die. But I must have done many good things along my life’s journey, because so many people were here to comfort my family, share stories, and tell how I had touched their lives. I wondered what I had done. I wished I could have stood by them as those in line passed by so I could have heard their remarks. 

Life is short, and death is certain. Two of the points in the first funeral sermon I delivered many years ago. Points that are still true and will remain valid when I deliver my final funeral sermon. And since death is certain—and since every funeral reminds me of this—I stop often to consider my life’s goals, aspirations, and priorities. And also what type of influence I’m having on others. 

Consider the certainty of death in your life.

Father, remind me that I must die and give an account of my life to you. May I live with that in mind each day. 

If you seek hope and healing because of hurts you have faced, then Hurt, Hope, and Healing 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.

PUMPKIN SPICE CAKE (LOW FAT) - Martin Wiles

 

Ingredients

1 BOX SPICE CAKE MIX (DRY MIX)

      

1 1/3 CUP WATER

1 15-OUNCE CAN PUMPKIN PIE FILLING

CREAM CHEESE ICING

CINNAMON SUGAR

Directions

MIX FIRST THREE INGREDIENTS TOGETHER.

POUR INTO A GREASED 9 X 13 DISH.

BAKE AT 350 DEGREES FOR 35 TO 45 MINUTES.

SPREAD ½ CAN OF CREAM CHEESE ICING OVER HOT CAKE.

TOP WITH CINNAMON SUGAR.

If you seek hope and healing because of hurts you have faced, then Hurt, Hope, and Healing 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.