Before and After the Vote - Martin Wiles

Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 1 Timothy 2:2 NLT

The 2016 presidential election year in America was hotly contested. Most Americans were not satisfied with the two primary candidates. Some didn’t vote because they didn’t like the proposals of either candidate. Others chose the lesser of what they considered two evils. In the end, the candidate many thought would never win the White House did. 

Voting is a wonderful privilege. Some live in countries where they don’t enjoy the privilege. Even in America, the right to vote for women and other minority groups was hard-won through demonstrations, fights, misunderstandings, anger, and finally laws. 

While there is no Bible verse telling us to get out and vote—Christians in the first century were under Roman rule and weren’t given the opportunity to vote—God does give us principles that govern our relationship with the governing authorities. 

We should vote our conscience—if and only when it has been programmed by the principles of God’s Word. While God’s Word doesn’t tell us to vote or what political party to align with, it does give us God’s moral standards. When possible, we should choose candidates who follow God’s principles. Unless the candidate is a Christian—which is often not the case—no candidate will do this completely to our satisfaction. But we can choose the one who comes the closest. 

We should make an informed vote. Not liking either candidate, not knowing where they stand on the issues, or not having time aren’t valid excuses. We make time for anything that’s important, and voting, when we have the privilege, should be one of them. 

We should also pray before and after the election. When we pray, God will guide us to make the appropriate selection. If our candidate of choice doesn’t win, we’re still responsible for praying for them. Early Christians were given this mandate while having no voice in who ruled over them. Whether we have a choice or not, we’re still accountable for praying for the governing authorities which God has established for a particular time and moment. 

Voting is a privilege. If you have it, don’t shun it. And after you’ve done it, pray for those who are elected. 

Father, I thank you for giving me the privilege of choosing those who will rule over me. But if I can’t decide, guide me to pray for those who are elected. 

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.

Lessons from a Waiting Room - Martin Wiles

Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD. Psalm 27:14 NLT

My wife and I were once frequent flyers at the local emergency room. On one occasion, my wife had unexpected fluid gain and abdominal pain. Her last visit led to a brief stay in the hospital. My visit involved a minor bleeding issue. 

Although we learned some lessons from waiting in the emergency room, both of us agreed we were sick of going there. But I don’t have to visit an emergency room or even a doctor’s office to experience the benefits of waiting. Life is filled with waiting rooms of various sorts. It was when the psalmist wrote the above words. 

In life’s waiting rooms, I’ve learned things don’t often happen as quickly as I wish. This predicament develops what the psalmist calls patience—a worthy virtue but not one that’s always enjoyable to develop. A typical emergency room stay in our small town is four hours. As much as one hour in the waiting room itself and then three more waiting on doctors and nurses to do what they are going to do. 

Waiting rooms have also taught me that life is unfair. When I see people who don’t have and can’t afford insurance. When I see people who’ve been abused by others or who’ve had crimes committed against them. And when I see people addicted to drugs who are making a visit to get a pain fix. Or when I see bodies mangled by wrecks. 

But waiting rooms should develop compassion in me. When I see and hear about the various conditions that bring people in for emergency care, my heart reaches out to them. I wish I could intervene. I thank God for his grace that has kept me from being in a similar situation.

Additionally, in the waiting room, I learned that unfortunate situations often get better. Yes, some die in the emergency room, but many more are assisted in a way that eventually leads to their healing. Trials have an end, and God determines it. 

Finally, waiting rooms remind me I affect only a few of my life events. God, however, controls them all, and I must trust him with the trial, the length of the trial, and the outcome. 

When life puts you in the waiting room, take time to learn important life lessons. 

Father, give me the faith to trust you when you allow me to spend time in the waiting room. 

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.

Don’t Know, Don’t Understand - Martin Wiles

I do not see him in the north, for he is hidden. I look to the south, but he is concealed. Job 23:9 NLT

Complex sentences. Aptly named because one independent clause and at least one dependent clause compose them. Just as I was dependent on my parents until I reached legal status, a dependent clause is dependent on the independent clause. An independent clause has all the elements that allow it to stand alone: subject, verb, and complete thought. Dependent clauses are missing one or more of the necessary elements. 

“When I was a young child” is an example of a dependent clause. The subject and verb are present, but important information is missing. If someone made that statement to me, I would expect more information. What happened when you were a young child? Since I don’t know what happened, the clause is senseless and fails to communicate.

Job lacked information as well. He had faithfully served God but now experienced the loss of practically everything he had—and with no explanation. God seemed far away. Job’s questions received no answers. God gave him a dependent clause only but had not finished the statement. 

Many things in life don’t make sense. A child killed in an accident because a parent was driving drunk. Natural disasters that steal the lives and property of innocent people. People living homeless because no one will offer them a job. Cancer. Other incurable diseases. Family members not caring for their elderly loved ones. Terrorist activity. A spouse lost to depression or Alzheimer’s. 

Sin is the simple answer, but that doesn’t always provide comfort. Knowing sin is behind the cancer that killed their small child doesn’t take away the grief the parents face. Believing God is love and is sovereign is a better path to follow. 

Many things in life are unexplainable. Some take comfort in thinking God will answer all our questions when we get to heaven—but he may not. Peace and abundant living come from accepting that God is in control and knows what he’s doing, that He acts consistently out of love, and that his plan is always best. 

Don’t let the unexplainable things of life throw you for a loop. God has them under his control. He will give you the strength to endure and overcome, even when you don’t understand. 

Father, when life happens in ways I can’t explain or understand, help me to believe that you are in control and that your plan is best. 

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.

Spoon Bread

 

Ingredients

1 ¼ OUNCES ACTIVE DRY YEAST 

2 CUPS WARM WATER

 ONE-FOURTH CUP SUGAR

              

SELF-RISING RISING FLOUR

THREE-FOURTHS CUPS BUTTER (MELTED)

1 EGG (SLIGHTLY BEATEN)

Directions

COMBINE YEAST IN WARM WATER. LET STAND FOR 5 MINUTES.

STIR IN REMAINING INGREDIENTS. MIX WELL.

BAKE IN GREASED MUFFIN PANS AT 400 DEGREES FOR 13 MINUTES.

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.

Running by Faith - Martin Wiles

For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV

The steps came at him faster than I could get to him.

My wife and I and two of our grandboys were out for a visit to Star Fort in Ninety-Six, South Carolina—the site of an American Revolutionary War battle. As we walked onto the battlefield, we were met by a small overlook tower. Our oldest grandson—then three and excitable—wanted to climb the steps to take a look. Since the steps weren’t steep, I gave him the go-ahead.

When I finished giving him a rundown of the battle and answering his questions, he was ready to walk the trail across the battlefield. A little too ready. He forgot he couldn’t run down steps as he ran on level ground. Halfway down, he stumbled and fell face forward down several steps. I hollered for him to hold on as I tried to pick up my pace and rescue him.

Fortunately, he only received a wood burn. After a few minutes of crying, he was off to the next “clue”—as he called the informational signposts—which told him more about the battle.

The apostle Paul walked by faith and said all believers should as well. But I often have the same trouble my grandson did. I want to run by faith when I need to slow down and walk. When I do, I fall down the steps and have a number of things potentially happen.

When I run by faith, I get ahead of God—as Sarah and Abraham did when they tried to hurry up God’s plan to give them a promised son.

Running by faith can cause me to outpace my spiritual maturity level. I may think I’m ready for God’s next assignment when I’m actually not.

Running by faith leads to overdependence on self. I forget I need God in every detail of my life. There is nothing I can handle by myself without making a mess of it.

When I try to run by faith, I often fall into sin, disobedience, and manipulative behavior. All actions that will interfere with God’s guidance of my life.

Experiencing any of these hurts that come from trying to run by faith can make us bitter, angry, and frustrated—none of which will enhance our faith walk.

Don’t run by faith; just settle for walking.

Father, hold me closely as I walk with you by faith. 

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.

A Voice of Thanksgiving - Patricia Jordan

That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, And tell of all Your wondrous works. Psalm 26:7 ESV

Using a voice of thanksgiving is one of the best ways to witness for God.

During our children’s childhood, we attended churches where, on the fifth Sunday night, folks gave testimonies or asked for their favorite hymns to be sung. I enjoyed it and chatted with many people about how their testimonies uplifted me. 

One summer, I attended a friend’s church revival. People gave testimonies about how God answered their prayers. A woman in the choir told how God delivered her from heavy alcohol consumption. Since then, her life had become fuller and more enriched than ever before. She cried tears of joy over her new life in Christ. I didn’t see her as being too emotional, and neither did those around her. They hugged her or patted her on the back as the choir stepped down. 

In 1975, I lived in Atlanta, GA. I had lived an ungodly lifestyle for several years, moving from place to place and job to job and running from my bad decisions. I worked full-time, but still lost my car. I felt discouraged. But my sister Deena encouraged me to join the military.

On a Sunday morning in April, while sipping coffee, I thought about my life’s direction. While lost in thought, I saw myself sitting with my parents and four older siblings on a church pew during a revival night. I was nine that summer. As the choir sang their last song, the preacher looked in my direction and asked, “Are you washed in the soul-cleansing blood of Jesus?”

I wasn’t a Christian but wanted to be one. I went forward, confessed my faith in Jesus, and was baptized Sunday night. My decision on that revival night, along with reliving that memory, changed the direction of my life. I found a local church, joined it, and then investigated the military idea. I’ve lived a Christian life ever since. 

Sharing testimonies strengthens our faith and the faith of others. I love telling the story of how I returned to faith in God at twenty-three. 

With a voice of thanksgiving, tell others what God has done in your life. 

Patricia Jordan is a seventh-generation southerner from the Appalachian Mountains. She is thankful to return and live there after living in various parts of the world with her retired military husband. They have raised three daughters. She has published You Are Valuable (Westbow), which is her story of how she overcame chronic low-grade depression through Bible study, prayer, and talk therapy. Lately, she has turned her writing talents to writing devotions about walking with God.  

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.

Conquering Depression - Martin Wiles

I lift my hands to you in prayer. I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain. Come quickly, Lord, and answer me, for my depression deepens. Psalm 143:6-7 NLT

Many people experience small bouts with it at winter’s onset; others do battle with it more often. 

SAD—or seasonal affective disorder—was first named by Norman Rosenthal and his colleagues at the National Institute of Mental Health in 1984. Symptoms include oversleeping, overeating, difficulty waking up, lack of energy, trouble concentrating, and withdrawing from friends, family, and social activities.

SAD and other types of depression can result from medical, self-inflicted, circumstance-related, or Satan-instigated sources. Conquering it is possible, but how?

Consult the proper Source. David’s present depression was circumstance-related and Satan-instigated. God anointed him as Israel’s king, but prior to assuming the role, he faced jealousy and life-threatening tactics from the sitting king. He found himself running for his life.

God is our ultimate emotional healer when we’re depressed. Our efforts toward restored health should include praying for guidance, searching his Word for comfort, socializing with those who share our beliefs, and confiding in trustworthy Christian acquaintances. When God directs—and when conditions warrant--we may need to visit a medical professional for counseling and/or medication.

Admit helplessness. Depression often brings with it feelings of “darkness” and confinement, as if lingering under an ominous cloud that neither dissipates nor delivers rain.

I’ve taken a few cave tours in my lifetime. While I enjoy pondering underground structures, one part makes me nervous: when the guide turns off the lights. What if they don’t come back, or what if the flashlight batteries die and he has no extras? Darkness is eerie; absolute darkness is nerve-racking.

David was a darkness expert. He slept in it as a young man while tending his father’s sheep, and he hid in it in a wilderness cave because a jealous king wanted him dead.

Helplessness isn’t easy to admit. We’re more likely to have an attitude of “There’s nothing I can’t conquer.” But like the addict who must confess their addiction before help can be effective, so conquering depression involves admitting to God we’re helpless to overcome without his assistance.

Examine our relationship with God. Charlie was a good girl. Although her father rarely darkened the church doors, her mother made sure she and her brothers attended. When a teenager, she accepted Jesus as her Savior at a church revival and after graduation married her high school sweetheart. They soon entered full-time Christian ministry.

But somewhere along the way, Charlie changed. Her love for church dwindled, and her new friends led her down roads taking her away from God. She began experimenting with sinful behaviors, which accelerated her downhill slide. Eventually, Charlie walked out on her family.

David once ventured into forbidden areas after becoming king and discovered what Charlie did: sin never delivers what it promises. He attempted to enjoy life with lies, sexual immorality, and murder—but inherited only depression and God’s discipline. 

Disobedience can be a major cause of a believer’s depression. Anytime we choose to walk away from God, an emotional struggle develops. If not quickly settled by confession and repentance, our emotional war will be lost to depression. Sin always takes us farther than we want to go, keeps us longer than we want to stay, and costs us more than we want to pay.

If depression threatens, start by taking it to God.

Father, draw me to you when the dark clouds of depression hover over me. 

*These issues vary greatly from individual to individual, so it's impossible to address every need. If you or someone you know suffers from mental illness, seek professional guidance.  

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.