If Only - Martin Wiles

If you need wisdom—if you want to know what God wants you to do—ask him, and he will gladly tell you. James 1:5 NLT

No one has penned the “If only” conundrum more appropriately than poet Robert Frost in the selection, “The Road Not Taken”:

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

 

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

 

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

 

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

 

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

 

If not careful, the “If only's” can consume us. Frost seemed to be as he described two paths, only one of which he could take. He wished he could have taken both—or at least gone back to travel the other he hadn’t taken the first time around—but he couldn’t.

Choices fill life. According to James, God will give us the wisdom to make those choices if we only ask.

Not all choices are between good and evil—or even better and best. Frost said both roads looked equally good. He simply couldn’t travel both. I’ve experienced the same. Choosing between right and wrong is easier; choosing between two equally good choices is challenging. Seeking God’s wisdom through prayer, studying His Word, and getting advice from wise spiritual counselors is crucial to avoiding the “If only's” later in life.

Some roads are labeled “Right” and “Wrong” in bold letters, but that doesn’t necessarily make the choice any easier. Our archenemy loves to take us down roads he knows will destroy us spiritually and then watch us wallow in regret, shame, and depression later on. God provides the wisdom to choose in these circumstances and gives us the strength to say “No” and take the other path.

Whatever your life choice, God will give you the wisdom to make it if you take the time to ask.

Father, give me wisdom for the choices I must make in life. May my choices reflect my love for and faith in You. 

Tweetable: Are you plagued by "If only" choices?

I invite you to try my newest book, Grits, Grace, and Grands, in eBook or paperback. If you are an editor who wants to hone your grammar skills or someone who just wants to improve your writing or speaking, this is the book 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.

Chili and Beans

 

 

Ingredients

1 SMALL BAG DRIED PINTO BEANS

          
1 ½ LB. GROUND CHUCK

1 TABLESPOON CHILI POWDER

1 LARGE ONION (DICED)

1 CAN ROTEL

1 CAN TOMATO PASTE

½ TEASPOON SALT

½ TEASPOON PEPPER

¼ TEASPOON GARLIC

1 BELL PEPPER (DICED)

 Directions
SOAK BEANS OVERNIGHT IN COLD WATER IN REFRIGERATOR.

WHEN READY TO COOK, COVER THE BEANS WITH WATER AND COOK FOR 3 HOURS OR UNTIL TENDER.

BROWN BEEF AND ADD ONION AND PEPPER.

COOK UNTIL TENDER.

ADD SEASONING AND CHILI POWDER ALONG WITH ROTEL AND TOMATO PASTE.

SIMMER 30 MINUTES.

ADD PINTOS AND SIMMER.

Tweetable: Why not try this warm delight for your fall evening? 

I invite you to try my newest book, Grits, Grace, and Grands, in eBook or paperback. If you are an editor who wants to hone your grammar skills or someone who just wants to improve your writing or speaking, this is the book 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.

Deciphering Jesus - Martin Wiles

He faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin. Hebrews 4:15 NLT

Whether Jesus could have sinned and, if so, how he could identify with us were theological discussions we preacher boys in training tossed around while in college as we tried to anticipate and formulate a good answer for similar questions others might ask. These two questions are still on the minds of many—particularly those in the teenage to young adult ages.

Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, hold rather untraditional beliefs about Jesus. According to the Barna Group, while most Americans believe Jesus was God, 56% of Millennials are more likely to view him as a religious leader who committed sins just like everyone else. In fact, fewer than half of them admit they believe Jesus was God.

Millennials also struggle with believing Jesus is the only way to heaven. Fifty-six percent believe they will go to heaven because they committed to follow Jesus, but the group, as a whole, is less likely to believe that than their elders. In fact, twelve percent say they'll make heaven because they are basically good people.

Millennials aren't the first group in history to wonder about Jesus. His historicity isn't in question, but his divinity and what he accomplished are. First-century Christians had to explain this to those who didn't believe, to those who doubted, and to those who held mixed views.

When deciphering Jesus, believing he was born to a virgin is essential. The procreation process passes along our sinful nature. Had Jesus had an earthly father, he, too, would have inherited a sinful nature.

Further, Jesus was born, lived, and died sinless. This doesn't mean he can't identify with humans. He was tempted in the same areas we are and could have sinned, but didn't. Through God's power in him, he overcame.

Jesus was wholly human but also completely divine. He said whoever had seen him had seen the Father.

Jesus is also the only way to heaven. When we believe in him, we can be confident he forgives our sins and provides us with an eternity in heaven.

What we believe about Jesus is critical. He is God's sinless Son sent to pay our sin debt. Only by faith in him alone can we enter a relationship with God the Father.

Father, I believe in your Son as the sinless sacrifice sent to die for my sins. 

Tweetable: Who is Jesus to you? 

I invite you to try my newest book, Grits, Grace, and Grands, in eBook or paperback. If you are an editor who wants to hone your grammar skills or someone who just wants to improve your writing or speaking, this is the book 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.

Pride Slices Deeply - Martin Wiles

Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2 NLT

Perhaps I was judging when I shouldn't have been, but my first impression ushered in pride and arrogance.

Jansen was the head of a medium-sized organization. He and I were acquaintances, but little more. He needed someone to fill a position I was skilled in and invited me to join. From the beginning, I felt I had made a mistake. Jansen paraded around like the sole cock in the chicken yard. He made the rules and asked no one their opinion. He rebuked anyone who dared to buck his system.

Something about Jansen didn't seem right, but I assumed my first impression was wrong. He rarely spoke to anyone unless he was spoken to first. In spite of his mannerisms and prideful personality, his charismatic personality drew people.

Jansen's pride, however, eventually came home to roost. Thirteen years after joining the organization, those in charge discovered he had been having affairs with numerous women inside and outside the organization. The ruling board soundly rebuked him and requested his resignation. Pride sliced him deeply and brought him down.

Pride will do for anyone what it did for Jansen. When we're proud, we think more of ourselves than we should. While we shouldn't think less of ourselves than is healthy, we must remember that we are who we are solely because of what Jesus Christ has done. As Christ's followers, we've been given his righteousness, but we had nothing to do with being worthy of it.

Pride will repel others. Jansen may have had a winning personality, but just as many avoided his organization because of his arrogance as joined it. No one enjoys hanging around with someone who thinks they are better than others.

Pride also interferes with our dependence on God. When pride controls us, we'll think we can handle life ourselves, forgetting we can only do all things through Christ . . . not ourselves.

Pride will eventually lead to a downfall, as it did with Jansen. What the downfall might be or how severe the consequences are varies, but the bringing down by God will happen.

Don't let pride slice you. Stay humble, and remember you are who you are solely because of God's grace and mercy.

Father, remove pride from my life so I can humbly serve you as you did me. 

Tweetable: Is pride slicing you? 

I invite you to try my newest book, Grits, Grace, and Grands, in eBook or paperback. If you are an editor who wants to hone your grammar skills or someone who just wants to improve your writing or speaking, this is the book 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.

Friday Night Lights - Karen Huffaker

 

Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous ones; And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart. 

~Psalm 32:11 NASB

It’s fall, which means it’s time for football to return. Excitement and anticipation build as fans await the first game kickoff under the Friday night lights.

Cheerleaders serve breakfast for the players. Later, coaches prepare them mentally and physically and serve them a hearty meal beforehand.

Families gather, wearing their teams’ logos on clothing, gear, and accessories. And don’t forget the cowbells, pom pom shakers, and tailgate parties. The community comes to life after a lazy summer.

But do we do the same in our worship of God? At the games, there is gladness, shouting, joy, hand waiving, singing, swaying to the drum beats, clapping hands, and stomping feet. Our worship should incorporate these enthusiastic displays and expressions of emotion, whether in private or public.

When the school band marches onto the track, it reminds me of the hymn, We’re Marching to Zion. The psalmist said to be glad, rejoice, and shout for joy.

We don’t have to be shy, quiet, solemn, or embarrassed. Nor must we look sad or serious. We have every reason to be joyful and express our gladness for what our Savior has done. Jesus saved us. We have victory in Him. The game has already been won.

Let the overflow of your joy be evident to everyone around you.

Tweetable: Are you excited about worship? 

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. 

I invite you to try my newest book, Grits, Grace, and Grands, in eBook or paperback. If you are an editor who wants to hone your grammar skills or someone who just wants to improve your writing or speaking, this is the book 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 Stew

 

Ingredients

6 BONELESS CHICKEN BREAST

     

2 CANS OF TOMATOES

2 CANS CREAM CORN

2 ONIONS

4 POUNDS POTATOES (COOKED UNTIL TENDER)

1 POUND BUTTER

1 ½ GALLONS MILK

SALT/PEPPER

Directions

BOIL CHICKEN UNTIL DONE. GRIND CHICKEN.

IN A POT, BOIL TOMATOES, POTATOES, CORN, AND ONIONS.

MASH POTATOES AND TOMATOES UNTIL VERY FINE.

ADD ALL OTHER INGREDIENTS TOGETHER.

BRING TO A SLOW BOIL, STIRRING CONSTANTLY.

SIMMER FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES.

I invite you to try my newest book, Grits, Grace, and Grands, in eBook or paperback. If you are an editor who wants to hone your grammar skills or someone who just wants to improve your writing or speaking, this is the book 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.

Don’t Be a Fence Straddler - Martin Wiles

Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” 1 Kings 18:21 NLT

At twelve, my grandfather learned about straddling the fence. 

When my grandfather was in middle school, his father died. In a time when women mainly worked at home and the man was the sole breadwinner, the family was in a precarious situation. My grandfather was the only one who could take the reins among three brothers.

With the help of his Uncle Ransom, my grandfather got down from the fence and went to work. Taking care of a mother and several female siblings at such a young age wasn’t easy, but he knew what he had to do and did it. Quitting school meant he’d never secure a job that would pay very much. And he didn’t.

When he later quit farming, he worked at the Paradise Ice Company in Orangeburg, South Carolina, where he worked for the remainder of his career. Though his pay left much to be desired, again, he knew what he had to do and did it.

Elijah wasn’t a fence-straddler, either. He summoned almost one thousand prophets and prophetesses of the pagan god Baal to the summit of Mount Carmel and challenged them to a contest to see which god was God. Before the contest began, he asked the people how long they would hesitate between two opinions . . . how long they would live with a divided mind.

Jesus once told people they couldn’t serve God and mammon. Mammon could be money or material possessions. But we can take anything and insert it in the place of mammon. We can’t choose God and Baal. Baal was a fertility god. Worshipping him allegedly brought prosperity and happiness. Our Baal can be anything that proposes to do the same thing.

God presents us with the same question as Elijah did to Baal’s representatives: “How long will you live with a divided mind?” We must choose God as well as the things that represent his nature. We can’t serve him and other gods. Nor does he want half-hearted service from us after we choose to follow him. He wants our undivided loyalty—not a divided mind.

Give God your all. He wants it—and deserves it. And when you choose to get off the fence, you’ll experience life as you never have before.

Father, give us strength to follow you with all our hearts, souls, and minds. 

Tweetable: Are you a fence straddler? 

I invite you to try my newest book, Grits, Grace, and Grands, in eBook or paperback. If you are an editor who wants to hone your grammar skills or someone who just wants to improve your writing or speaking, this is the book 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.