On Display by Martin Wiles

I’ve seen them on the end and middle of grocery store aisles. I’ve had to walk around them to get where I was going and have even bumped into a few knocking some of the showcase items to the ground. Displays can be aggravating, but they normally accomplish what they’re intended to do: get my attention.

Reading the word almost gives away the definition. Displays are designed to be eye catchers. Some retailers even ask questions regarding them on prospective employees’ assessment tests. When displays accomplish their purpose, sales increase.

According to Paul our lives are displays. Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you (I Thessalonians 4:1 NLT).

Occasionally I rebel over the fact that my life is open for others to see what I’ve placed on my rack. When being on display chafes me, I remember Jesus’ challenge; In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father (Matthew 5:16).

Being Jesus’ display is an exciting honor. My lifestyle demonstrates how God can take a rebellious young man experimenting with addictions and clean him up, how he can enable me to take hurt and criticism without planning revenge, how he can help me rise above my circumstances and how he can empower me to love those who don’t love me back.

Nobody said being on display was easy. Some will ignore us and others might occasionally bump into us and send us reeling. But God will pick up our pieces and put us back together so we can keep displaying his love. What needs to change on your life’s display?

Prayer: Merciful Father, enable us to display You accurately before others.

Clear Conscience Good Sleep by Martin Wiles

“If you go to sleep with a clear conscience, you won’t have any trouble sleeping,” the older gentleman said. And he was right.

Whether my conscience bothers me because I’ve done or said something wrong or whether it’s just filled with leftovers and undones from the day’s activities is immaterial. Either will keep me up. The mind is a funny thing. During the day when I’m occupied with other things, it doesn’t have much time to wander. But at night it can race with furry.

Peter didn’t have this problem. He was in jail but not for breaking God’s laws. His crime was telling others about God’s love and Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. The King had begun a persecution against Christians, imprisoning Peter with the probable intent of killing him.

In spite of his impending prison time or death sentence, Peter slept. The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance (Acts 12:6). Peter slept because he believed God was in control. God rewarded his faith by sending an angel to release him.

I’ve discovered a peaceful night’s sleep and a peaceful day’s living is still experienced the same way: by believing God is in control no matter how difficult the circumstances and by living in obedience to his commands. When I do, God won’t bother me with the nagging voice of his Spirit and keep me up at night. He will also release me from my prisons of fear, worry and anxiety.

Clean living leads to a clear conscience which in turn leads to a good night’s sleep.

Prayer: God of all power, keep us clean in our lifestyles and committed in our service.

Dealing With Difficult Decisions Part 5 by Martin Wiles

They were old and past the age of having a child, but God promised them one. Unfortunately, Sarah’s impatience led her to give her servant to Abraham in marriage as a surrogate mother.

God wasn’t pleased with the decision. The child was promised to Abraham and Sarah not Abraham and Hagar. In God’s time, Sarah became pregnant and bore the promised child. The elderly couple was ecstatic…until God said, Take your son, your only son…and go to the land of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains (Genesis 22:2 NLT).

Abraham was faced with a tough decision; one he didn’t quite understand. If Isaac was the promised son, why was God asking him to kill him? Fortunately, he trusted God enough to believe he’d raise his son back to life if he allowed him to be sacrificed.

Confessing known sin makes demanding decisions easier. Abraham and Sarah’s initial decision to help God along was sinful. Recognizing this made the next strenuous decision to sacrifice their son easier. Sin always clouds our decision-making capabilities.

Knowing God allows second chances makes taxing decisions simpler. Abraham wasn’t disqualified because he and Sarah made one wrong decision. Neither are we. Prior dishonorable decisions make the honorable ones more attractive and easier to make.

God’s peace is also an indication we’ve made the correct decision. Abraham probably struggled with the initial decision to sacrifice his son, but once the decision was made God provided faith-based peace. He does the same for us.

Confessing known sin and remembering God’s grace allows God’s peace to permeate our decisions.

Prayer: Merciful God, when our decisions are greater than our ability to make them, give us Your wisdom and peace to choose the right path.

Dealing With Difficult Decisions Part 4 by Martin Wiles

My wife was in a jam. Rather we were. If she paid the full balance on her sales account so her customers could receive their products on time, we’d be broke the remainder of the week. We could borrow money designated for another bill, but robbing Peter to pay Paul is chancy.

Financial decisions can be tough, but so can spiritual ones. And Daniel was facing one. His peers were jealous over his promotion and asked the king to issue a proclamation forbidding citizens to pray to anyone except him for thirty days. Disobeyers would join the lions for lunch and be the main course.

Daniel was in a quandary. Would he relinquish his normal practice of praying three times a day or keep up his custom? Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room…. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed… just as he had done before (Daniel 6:10).

Daniel demonstrates how to distinguish God’s voice from the enemy’s. Satan probably said, “Go ahead this once. After all, it’s only 30 days. God will understand. If you get eaten by lions, what good will you be to him then?” But God would respond, “Obey and leave the consequences to me.” Which is exactly what Daniel did. Programming our consciences with God’s Word makes them reliable guides when facing tough decisions.

Practicing worship also helps determine the right decision in challenging times. Prayer is an act of worship, and Daniel did it regularly. As he did, God re-affirmed his decision to disobey the king’s decree.

When you’re not sure which decision is correct, listen to your conscience and practice worshiping.

Prayer: Merciful Lord, use our consciences and worship to help us make wise decisions.

Dealing With Difficult Decisions Part 3 by Martin Wiles

He didn’t ask to be put in this position; those who are rarely if ever do.

Joseph was forced to change jobs. He descended from top herder to house maid. That’s when the problems began. His boss’s wife had eyes for him and repeatedly pressured him to have an affair with her. The thought crossed his mind. Who would know if the mice played while the boss was away? And giving in might just get him a promotion.

Integrity kept Joseph’s head turned the other way until she caught him by his cloak and said, “Come to bed with me!” (Genesis 39:12) Integrity had to act, so he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house. 

Joseph teaches us something about making tough decisions. Look for God’s stop signs. Stop signs have purpose. Either accidents have occurred where they’re placed, or the intersection is heavily congested and there’s an increased risk of collision. 

When God’s children are heading for a wreck, he erects stop signs. He doesn’t craft them to cause us grief but to save us heartache. If we’re perceptive and walking in the Spirit, we’ll notice the stop signs, and they’ll keep us from making harmful decisions.

Joseph’s example also instructs us to make our decisions based on God’s principles. When the boss’s wife approached him with the invitation, he told her accepting would mean sinning against his employer and God. Joseph knew sin when he saw it because he was familiar with God’s requirements. Familiarizing ourselves with God’s principles makes it easier to handle tough decisions.

When tough decisions come your way, look for God’s stop signs and reflect on his Word.

Prayer: Thank You Lord Jesus for the stop signs that keep us from wrecking our lives.

Dealing With Difficult Decisions Part II by Martin Wiles

“Eenie, meenie, miney mo, catch a __________ by his toe. If he hollers let him go, eenie, meenie, miney mo. A simple childhood chant sang while choosing between several objects or people.

If only making major life decisions were so simple, but it’s not. Some are extremely difficult as was Rehoboam’s. He was King Solomon’s son who inherited the throne upon his father’s death. Solomon’s reign was splattered with high taxes and harsh labor demands. The people craved relief and saw an opportunity with Rehoboam. 

“Your father was a hard master,” they said. “Lighten the harsh labor demands and heavy taxes that your father imposed on us” (I Kings 12:4). To his credit, Rehoboam consulted with others instead of making a hasty decision. His father’s counselors said, “Listen to the people’s request,” but his immature peers told him to rule with a sterner hand than had his father. Unfortunately, he took the latter’s advice, and it led to an unrecoverable division.

Rehoboam’s first recourse when faced with a difficult decision was getting alone with God. “Give me three days to think this over,” he said (v. 5 NLT). God desires we get still before him so that in the quietness he can remind us he’s still the wisdom giver. Silence allows us to hear God clearly.

Rehoboam’s second course of action also bears repeating. Counsel from others can be helpful but only when the advice comes from godly individuals who’ve built their life’s foundation on scriptural principles. Counsel from those who lack a relationship with God is always suspect. When facing tough decisions, get still before God and seek wise counsel.

Prayer: Thank You Lord Jesus for speaking to us when we’re faced with tough decisions. Help us recognize Your voice in the stillness and through others.

Dealing With Difficult Decisions Part I by Martin Wiles

“I have some decisions to make. How do I know when God answers?” The young man who approached me didn’t doubt God’s ability; he simply wanted to make sure he heard clearly.

The human desire to proceed on the right course is hard wired into our system. No one gets lost on purpose. We use MapQuest, Bing and GPS systems to assure our arrival at the desired destination.

Unfortunately, life’s decisions-particularly those with spiritual dimensions, aren’t so easily reached. This young man was only a high school senior, but he desired God’s help with important decisions just as adults do. 

The psalmist requested clear direction as well. Lead me in the right path, O LORD, or my enemies will conquer me. Make your way plain for me to follow (Psalm 5:8 NLT). But since God doesn’t speak audibly, how can we hear him or, more importantly, how can we know we’re hearing him correctly?

Difficult decisions are made simpler through prayer. Prayer periods often involve spouting off our “I wanna” lists to God instead of listening for his still small voice. Getting in a “prayer closet” forces us into silence where the world’s clutter is extinguished. And where our own thoughts are controlled so the worries of today and tomorrow don’t prevent us from hearing God.

Making difficult decisions sometimes entails listening with our hearts instead of our heads. God communicates to our minds but also to our hearts. Occasionally the only affirmation God gives is an overwhelming feeling that the decision is the right one-without any proof to back it up. 
 
Decisions aren’t always easy, but praying and listening with your heart will give you peace of mind you’ve made the correct decision.

Prayer: Father, enable us to listen with our hearts and heads for Your still small voice.

Validate The Message by Martin Wiles

I was once employed with a local tax office. Customers could pay online with credit and debit cards, but our in house system wasn’t set up to process them. Cash and checks were the only methods of payment. Since most people didn’t carry cash we received numerous checks.

Mixed in the checks were a few with inadequate funds to cover them. The Treasurer established rules dictating what information tellers must have when taking a customer’s check in order to safeguard our interest. They were typical: correct date address and phone number, driver’s license number and signature. And of course the teller’s initials. Some of these items only helped determine who took the check but some actually validated it. Without the correct date and a signature, the bank would likely return it.

Paul’s motives were sometimes questioned, so he frequently offered his lifestyle as validation for what he taught. And you know of our concern for you from the way we lived when we were with you (I Thessalonians 1:5).

“I can do what I want” isn’t a good attitude to have-especially if we want others to know our Jesus. Technically, we can do what we want-but not without consequence. The worn out cliché, “Actions speak louder than words” will always be true.
People may listen to what we say, but what they see impresses them more.

Designer clothes, expensive jewelry, lavish homes and extravagant cars may impress some, but nothing validates the Biblical message more than simple acts of kindness, encouraging words, a comforting hug that says everything’s going to be okay and unconditional acceptance of others no matter what they’ve done. If you want people to believe what you say, validate it with how you live.

Prayer: Living Savior, form our actions to meet our speech.

Proving Identity With Patience by Martin Wiles

“I guess everybody needs a worst vacation story,” he texted. And they were having one.

My nephew was playing in baseball tournaments in a small nowheresville town. At least he was supposed to be playing. A cold front was slipping through the area bringing with it severe thunderstorms.

The entire family went along for the fun, but after four days they had experienced nothing but disaster. My brother’s texts were predictable. “What’s the radar showing?” Then “Game cancelled.” Between trying to find a place to stay, lining up daytime adventures, ball practice, rain and useless driving, I wasn’t surprised they were having their worst vacation ever.

Having contracted Parkinson’s disease at 40, you would think rain delayed ball games would be pretty insignificant in the whole scope of things. But it’s often life’s little things that send us running for the dugout.

Whether major or minor league stuff, turmoil teaches patience. We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love (II Corinthians 6:6 NLT). Paul could have filled a ball field with the struggles he’d endured, but he confessed patience as one way he proved his identity.

How we respond to life’s fouls says a lot to others about our faith. Is it strong enough to carry us through the tough times or only a faith of convenience? Do we trust God to help us keep our cool only when he’s allowing us to hit homeruns or also when we simply getting to first base? God teaches patience through trials; a life of constant ease teaches nothing. Let your faith in difficult times tell others who you are.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, enable us to respond to challenges in such a way that others will be drawn to You by our response.

Directionally Misplaced by Martin Wiles

I admit-I’ve been directionally misplaced a few times and refused to do anything about it. Directional misplacement is typically a man’s disease made evident by: “I’m not going to stop and ask for directions.” I’ve stopped on several occasions but only because I don’t enjoy going out of the way or needlessly burning up fuel.

GPS systems and smart phone applications have helped the male egos tremendously. Now I simply plug in my destination and arrive safely without having to worry about getting directionally misplaced.

Disciple Thomas didn’t have this disease. He knew he didn’t know the directions to where Jesus was going but wasn’t afraid to ask. When Jesus told his disciples he was leaving for heaven to prepare a place for them and then return, Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” (John 14:5).

Some propose Christianity is narrow-and it is. Jesus subsequently told them; I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6). Good works, positive self talk, immaculate self esteem, friends in the right places, education, family heritage, moral living-and any other roads other than faith won’t cut it. Faith in Jesus is the only highway leading to heaven.

The entrance itself may seem like a narrow one way street, but once in it transforms into a super highway with enough lanes for everyone interested in coming. So if you or someone you know is directionally misplaced, plug in “heaven” and you’ll find there’s only one route whether you’re walking or driving. But the good news is Jesus created enough room for everyone-no matter where you’ve come from or what you’ve done.

Prayer: Thank you merciful Lord for the right directions to our final destination.

Broken But Beautiful by Martin Wiles

I’ve witnessed pieces sell for thousands and others for less than fifty.

My wife and I are antique dealers; not pottery collectors. But we’ve witnessed some pottery enthusiasts. Bids starting at one hundred dollars can quickly escalate into the thousands.

Old pottery collectors won’t pay large amounts for just any pottery though. The pieces must be old, regional, have slave marks or be signed by recognized pottery makers and most importantly have no cracks or repairs. Flaws can easily transform a valuable piece into a fifty dollar flower vase.

God assigned Jeremiah the unpleasant task of telling stubborn people his judgment was on the horizon unless they straightened up. To illustrate how he destroys and restores, God sent Jeremiah to the potter’s house. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot (Jeremiah 18:4).

God’s message was clear. His people were marred by bad decisions, immoral lifestyles, selfishness, idol worship, shallow religion and callous disregard for God. If they’d make a U turn, God could shape them into something beautiful-past mistakes notwithstanding.

The ancient pottery message hasn’t changed. God disciplines when we go astray because he loves us. But his discipline has purpose. God’s desires obedience and like a good parent often has to use corrective measures to help us see our errors. The best news is he doesn’t toss us aside when we make mistakes. Like the potter, he can shape us into something more beautiful and useful than we were before. Some mistakes may disqualify us with others but never with God. He’s the master re-shaper of misfits. Don’t let your past mar your present and future.

Prayer: Thank You merciful Savior for giving us the chance to let You make us into something we wouldn’t be otherwise.

When God Moves His Hand by Martin Wiles

Dad taught me to ride a bike. I don’t specifically remember it, but I know he either held the bike and ran beside me or gave me a push. I know because that’s normal “teach a kid to ride a bike” behavior. And like most kids, I probably fell a few times before getting the hang of it.

When the time came for me to teach my two children, I followed the same pattern. I placed my hands on their bikes and steadied them until they got going. Eventually they looked back and saw they were riding on their own and didn’t need my hands.

God’s hands-on the other hand, are always needed as King Hezekiah discovered. Hezekiah became deathly ill, but God healed him. When envoys were sent by the rulers of Babylon to ask him about the miraculous sign that had occurred in the land, God left him to test him and to know everything that was in his heart (II Chronicles 32:31). Would he give God credit or show foreigners the riches of his kingdom and brag a little? He chose the latter.

God never abandons us literally or completely-after all, he’s God. Nor does he tempt us to sin, but humanly speaking he does occasionally move his hand to test what’s in our heart. God’s tests have a way of bringing out our true character-who we really are beneath the thin veneer that often covers our words, attitudes and actions.

Removing my hand from the bike let my children know whether they had mastered the art of bike riding. When God moved his hand from Hezekiah, pride surfaced. Instead of being bitter when God moves his hand, pay attention to what surfaces. Maybe you’re not ready to ride on your own yet.

Prayer: Thank You Father for caring enough to move Your hand.

Blooming Where God Plants by Martin Wiles

He was a master gardener and member of my church. Each spring-when all danger of frost had passed, he would give my wife and me flowers to plant. One year he surprised us with two hydrangeas sporting rich pink blooms.

But hydrangeas have a way of changing from the original flower received. Depending on the content of the soil, a beautiful pink hydrangea may transform into a pale blue one. And ours did the following year. 

God planted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and told them to bloom there and all over the world. So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them (Genesis 1:27 NLT).

Blooming for God involves recognizing my responsibility to him. He created me, which makes him my Master and Lord. Though I can do what I want-and disregard him in the process, I can’t without consequence. Happiness is fulfilling his purpose for me.

Blooming for God means realizing my responsibility to the earth. I don’t have to be a “tree hugger,” but I should be “green.” God’s “new heaven and earth” will probably be a renovated version of the present and similar to the original creation. The more work I do now to keep it healthy, the less God may have to do in the future.

Blooming for God also accepts my responsibility for others. Loving them is God’s second greatest command. I can’t be all things to all people, but I can be all God desires to those in my circle of influence.

Are you blooming where God has planted you? No one else has the unique opportunities God has given you.

Prayer: Creator of this world and our immortal souls, plant us where we’ll bloom the brightest for You.

Pressured To Walk Away by Martin Wiles

Series: Perfected By Pressure
Rob was the first person I knew who turned their back on God. Oh, I had known people disgruntled with church because someone hurt their feelings, but they were making a point-not turning their back on God. Rob actually walked away.

Rob and I had struck up an immediate camaraderie the first day of college. We were both intellectuals, but Rob’s questions eventually led him to doubt God’s existence. Not finding satisfactory answers to life’s quandaries, he told me one day, “I don’t believe in God anymore,” then he left college. Rob responded to pressure by walking away.

The writer of Hebrews probably imagines a hypothetical scenario, but it’s a warning nevertheless of what responding wrongly to pressure can lead to. It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened…who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance (Hebrews 6:4-6).

Life’s pressures are funded by one of four sources: Satan, God, us and others. While God never sends trials hoping we’ll turn away from him, Satan does. And others might as well. God never allows his trials or Satan’s temptations to be more than we can handle. Nor will he allow others to pressure us to the point of despair. Job’s wife misunderstood the purpose of her husband’s trials and told him to curse God and die. “Walk away Job.”

Instead of us walking away, God wants to build our trust, form our faith and intensify our relationship with him. Pressures accomplish this when we’re willing to ask God “What” instead of “Why.” Rather than leaving God, let life’s pressures cause you to lunge toward him in faith.

Prayer: Lord, when we’re tempted to walk away because the pain’s too great or because we don’t understand Your purposes, encourage us to draw closer by faith instead.
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Pressured As An Example by Martin Wiles

Series: Perfected By Pressure
I shuffled by him as I entered the store. Though we attended the same college, I didn’t know him. I could have said, “Proud of what you’re doing,” or “I’m praying for you,” but I didn’t. I copied the behavior of most others who passed-turned my head and ignored him. They probably passed him off as one of the nuts from the local Bible College. I didn’t think that but neither did I acknowledge his attempts to share God’s love. My antics added to his pressure, but his pressure made him an example.

Thessalonica incorporated many pagan religions and cultures that challenged first century believers. Paul himself was persecuted during his first visit. Now he was encouraging Christians who were suffering for their faith. And God will use this persecution to show his justice and to make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering (II Thessalonians 1:5 NLT).

Trouble, conflict and the pressure of persecution aren’t enjoyable but they do allow us to set an example for others. Our model of endurance under pressure reflects God’s justice. He will rescue us even though he might not always deliver us from those ridiculing us because we’re standing for his principles. His rescue is often peace of mind that we’re doing the right thing and peace of spirit that he’s in control.

Endurance under pressure also makes us worthy for God’s kingdom. Jesus learned obedience through suffering and re-entered God’s kingdom as the Savior of humanity. In some strange manner, the pressure of suffering prepares us for our eternal home with the Father.

When your pressures seem overwhelming, remember God is forming you into an example for others.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us endure pressure so we can shine for You.

Pressured To Share by Martin Wiles

Series: Perfected By Pressure
Sharing is now one of my favorite things to do. But this wasn’t always true.

Like most people, I had items I didn’t mind sharing, but there were some things reserved just for me. Special books. If I had more than one copy, I’d share, but if not I wouldn’t. Favorite pens. I’d loan them but would also make sure they were returned.

Seems silly now that I think about it, but our selfish natures often require God’s pressure so we’ll open our hands. Paul says belonging to Christ means sharing-in his suffering. And since we are his children, we are his heirs….But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering (Romans 8:17).

Sharing in and sharing with are radically different. Sharing with entails releasing something I have to another’s care and use-usually for a limited time. Sharing in means enduring what someone else is experiencing-pretty or not. 

Jesus was misunderstood, ridiculed and persecuted by the very ones who should have recognized and accepted him as the Messiah. He was beaten, mocked and crucified for sins he didn’t commit and by enemies he had no intentions of making. He stood for decency and honesty, hung around with people considered scum, helped those who couldn’t help themselves and paid a price for doing it.

Darkness despises light. Whenever we attempt to shine God’s love on evil, we’ll suffer in some form. But it places us in good company and God’s power enables us to endure. Don’t let the pressure of being misunderstood and rejected get you down.  Suffering for standing for right makes you a partner with the greatest Man who ever lived.

Prayer: All powerful God, give us strength to endure the suffering that comes when we stand for Your principles.

Pressured To Shine by Martin Wiles

Series: Perfected By Pressure
Leashing up the dog and grabbing a flashlight is a nightly ritual before I go to bed.

Our yard has no outside light, so a flashlight is essential during warm months. Its light prevents me from stepping on snakes and fire ant beds and also helps me see nocturnal creatures that often lurk in our backyard. While not a weapon, I’m more relaxed walking in the dark with a flashlight.

While traveling, Jesus and his disciples encounter a man born blind. Expressing the common misconception, they ask Jesus whose sin caused this situation, the man’s or his parents. But Jesus answered; “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins….This happened so the power of God could be seen in him” (John 9:3 NLT).

The man’s condition had nothing to do with sin but everything to do with shining light on God’s strength. Hardships can result from sin, but difficulties aren’t automatically a sign of mistakes. God allowed the man’s blindness for a purpose greater than his misery. This unprecedented miracle revealed God’s power over the human body.

Our pressures are designed to reflect God’s power, not our ingenuity to deal with or eliminate them. Pressures properly faced reflect God’s control and goodness.

Unexplainable physical cures, unexpected financial rescues, healings of relationships deemed unsalvageable, joyful expressions when in constant pain and giving to God even when there’s no groceries in the cupboard are all examples of our belief God will sustain and deliver us no matter how dreary our circumstances appear.

The blind beggar praised God and told others how God delivered him. Don’t waste life’s pressures. Exalt God through them. 

Prayer: Powerful Lord, enable us to respond in faith to pressures so others might see Your power to sustain and deliver us.

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Pressured To Lean by Martin Wiles

Series: Perfected By Pressure
I didn’t have one on my first hiking adventure, but I bought one soon thereafter.

A hiking stick is a hiker’s best friend. Age has nothing to do with it nor do physical limitations. My hikes were in the mountains. Trails were steep and inundated with rocks and roots, making footing precarious. My hiking stick relieved knee pressure when going uphill, slowed me down when descending and kept me from falling when I twisted my ankle on roots and rocks. When it once slid down a mountain, I didn’t hesitate to slide down after it.

Some believe God is a crutch to lean on when we can’t handle life’s pressures, but Paul had something else in mind when he wrote, And God will provide rest for you who are being persecuted and also for us when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven (II Thessalonians 1:7 NLT).

God’s not my crutch but I readily admit I can’t handle life’s pressures alone. People of the Renaissance may have been able to “pull themselves up by their own bootstraps,” but I can’t. I can do all things through (with) Christ (Phil. 4:13), but I make a mess on my own.

Pressure-whether sent or allowed by God, accomplishes what he ultimately designs: that I lean on him for rest, guidance, strength, and wisdom to take the next step and to know how to respond. It also reminds me this world is not my home. One day I’ll live in an eternal heaven where God will relieve the pressures I face now, but until then I must lean. When pressures come, learn to stretch upward and lean forward.

Prayer: Merciful Savior, thank You that no burden we bear is more than Your shoulders can handle if we’ll roll it onto You in faith.

Pressured To Expose by Martin Wiles

Series: Perfected By Pressure
I hated it but couldn’t afford the monthly cost to eliminate it.

Unless you’re subscribed to satellite radio, you’re familiar with static. Driving around town isn’t normally a problem, but road trips are different. Just when I’ve found the perfect station playing my favorite songs, static creeps in. At first, it’s not so noticeable, but the farther I travel the worse it gets. Before long, I can barely determine what song is playing and eventually I lose the station entirely.

Sin produces static and invites God’s discipline which is his attention getting pressure. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water…. Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt (Psalm 32:4-5 NLT).

David wasn’t a stranger to sin. His “man after God’s own heart” mentality didn’t keep him from fowl ups; some were major blunders. Like the time he had an affair, then murdered the woman’s husband to cover his sin. God pressured him with discipline until he confessed.

Discipline is God’s pressure applied by his Holy Spirit. It’s designed not so much to inflict pain-though it does, as it is to help us see the light, encourage us to confess our sin and motivate us to get back on track. God’s discipline comes because he loves us, has a plan for our life and wants us to enjoy his best. His discipline is designed to help us uncover what we’re attempting to hide. When we “fess up,” God’s station comes in much clearer.

Are sinful thoughts or behaviors holding you back from enjoying God’s best?

Prayer: Thank You merciful Lord for loving us enough to discipline us when the static of sin is hindering our spiritual journey with You. 

Pressured To Comfort by Martin Wiles

Series: Perfected By Pressure
“I know how you feel.” I’ve said it to people experiencing crises and I’ve had others repeat it to me. While my intentions were honorable, I didn’t really know how they felt. Neither did they completely understand my pain.

The statement seems to naturally slip out when we don’t know what else to say. While we all experience grief differently and have unique experiences, pressure does equip us to comfort others and is one of God’s teaching tools.

Corinth was a bustling trade center with thousands of sailors and merchants visiting yearly. The city developed a reputation as one of the most immoral cities in the ancient world and hosted numerous pagan temples where idol worship and immorality were encouraged.

Christians living in Corinth faced many pressures and conflicts. Paul comforted them by telling them their trouble had purpose. He (God) comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others (II Corinthians 1:4 NLT).

I’m not a fan of pressures, and I often gauge God’s comfort by whether he makes them go away-not by what usefulness I gain by experiencing them. But if God’s comfort entailed always making the trouble vanish, I’d only turn to him to relieve my pain not because I loved him and was searching for profit in the pain. God won’t allow troubles to overwhelm us, but he will leave the trouble long enough for our faith and courage to grow and for us to develop a compassionate heart for others who are experiencing similar life pressures. Redeem your troubles by letting God teach you how to more effectively show his love to others.

Prayer: God of mercy, give us strength to endure our troubles with the assurance You’ll use them to help us be more effective comforters.

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Pressure By The Inch by Martin Wiles

Series: Perfected By Pressure
PSI. Pound per square inch. Or more accurately pound-force per square inch. With tires, it means pressure resulting from one pound of force applied to one square inch. Putting too much pressure results in a rough ride while too little can damage the tire, shortening its lifespan. An extreme amount results in the tire exploding and injuring whoever is nearby.

When James says, For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow (James 1:3 NLT), he’s talking about another kind of PSI. Pressure per square inch. Pressure resulting from a pound of force (whatever it might be on any particular day) to one square inch of my mind, will and emotions. Or my physical body.

When I’m filled with too much pressure from people or circumstances, I can easily mimic a tire by exploding all over the place, damaging myself and others with anger, unkind words, physical confrontations, addictive behaviors, immoral activities, unwise decisions and emotional breakdowns.

But too little pressure-or an absence altogether, isn’t healthy either. When I’m low on pressure, I tend to let my guard down by slacking up on spiritual disciplines like Bible reading, prayer, getting together with other believers, giving and sharing and living out my faith. I can easily forget how much I need God.

God knows we all have pressure issues. That’s why he monitors our PSI. He never applies-or allows anyone else to apply, too much pressure. But he pumps enough to remind us pressure forms our faith and develops trust in him as our sole provider and deliverer. He knows low pressure leads to selfishness and self reliance. And that always results in a rough ride.

Prayer: All wise Father, keep the pressure on so we’ll keep our eyes focused on You.

Formed By Pressure by Martin Wiles

SERIES:PERFECTED BY PRESSURE
Our family was shocked by the news. We had noticed his slurred speech, trembling hand and dragging leg but never imagined the diagnosis: Parkinson’s. After all, my brother was only forty. He was in the prime of life and had a wife and three young children.

After three years of watching the disease take its toll, the doctor prescribed the “last pill.” Usually reserved for when everything else has been tried. But my brother wanted to enjoy the here and now. Trouble comes when we least expect it, and I’d be lying if I told you our family didn’t ask “Why?” My brother did too.

Believers in Thessalonica were wondering too. They were being persecuted for their faith, their loved ones were dying, and Christ hadn’t returned. But Paul thought they could learn from pressure. And God will use this persecution to show his justice and to make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering (II Thessalonians 1:5 NLT).

As much as I despise difficulties, life has taught me troubles form character, and character is who I am under pressure. Many materials crack under pressure and pressure will crack me too if I’m not careful. It’s easier to stand for God’s principles when no one is opposing me or when life is sailing smoothly. But pressures reveal the strength of my life’s foundation.

Foundations built on the unchanging and unmovable principles of God’s Word never shake or shatter when we rely on God’s strength to help us obey them. Regardless of the pressure’s intensity, obedience will always sure up the foundation even more. Is your character being formed or foiled by pressure? Do you stand regardless of the consequences?

Prayer: Sweet Jesus, we ask You to strengthen our character through life’s pressures.

Betrayed by Martin Wiles

He was in cahoots with his arch enemy, and now he had betrayed him.

Israel’s throne was David’s; the reigning king just wasn’t ready to concede. In the meantime, the king was making his life miserable-including several jealous attempts on his life. Finally with the help of the king’s son he escaped.

At Nob, David met Ahimelech the High Priest who gave him food and a sword.  Unfortunately, the sinister Doeg witnessed the whole affair and told the king. In a fit of rage, he murdered the priests and their families as punishment for helping David. Only Abiathar escaped.

From an earlier encounter, David knew he’d be betrayed. That day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, I knew he would be sure to tell Saul (I Samuel 22:22).

Doeg was David’s enemy, but it’s not always enemies who betray us. More often it’s our friends, work associates, children, spouses or other family members. Betrayal hurts, but it’s especially painful when coming from those close to us. And it’s tempting to take the wrong course responding to the hurt.

Forgiveness is always the right response to betrayal. True forgiveness is immediate, and while we can’t forget the wrongs we can choose not to dwell on them. If seeing that person causes anger to boil inside us, it’s a clue we haven’t forgiven or that we need to forgive again.

Forgiveness may have to be repeated for complete healing to occur. Some hurts cut deep, and at other times the person simply isn’t interested in continuing the relationship. Even though it’s not always possible, restoration is the ultimate goal of forgiveness.

Unforgiveness destroys emotionally, physically and spiritually. Have you forgiven your betrayers?

Prayer: Merciful Lord, give us strength to forgive those who hurt us as You have forgiven us for hurting You.

No One Cared When He Died by Martin Wiles

I’ve officiated at many funerals and attended even more. Some homegoings draw thousands who come to say goodbye to a good friend or influential person and to express sympathy to the family. Others draw only a handful; either the deceased had no family living or very few friends.

But never have I been to a funeral where no one bothered to show up or didn’t care that the person died. Jehoram’s was such a funeral. He passed away, to no one’s regret (II Chronicles 21:20).And it’s no wonder. After he was crowned king, he killed all his brothers-probably out of jealousy, and other leaders in Israel. He married wicked King Ahab’s daughter Athaliah, led God’s people down a path of disobedience, built pagan shrines and encouraged the people to worship pagan gods.

Jehoram’s disobedience wasn’t without consequence. Foreigners attacked his city and stole his valuables-including his sons and wives. Only his youngest son escaped. A severe intestinal disease finally did him in, and when he died “Good riddances” tolled throughout the kingdom.

Our influence determines whether people care when we die. I’ve heard people say, “I don’t care what people say about me after I die,” but I do. I want my family, friends and even strangers to remember me long after I’m gone-to rehash stories, to ponder over pictures, to reread my books. I want to leave a good influence others will remember.

Good and bad influences have a tendency to hang around for years, but when we love God supremely, we’ll contribute good things to other’s lives and our world that will remain long after we’ve gone. Will anyone be sorry when you die?

Prayer: Father in heaven, help us build good influences that linger after our death.

Purged By God by Martin Wiles

All I could remember was that it was black, greasy and stunk. But it would relieve soreness, clear up infections and draw out imbedded splinters. Now that my ingrown toenail was pestering me, I needed some.

So I visited the local pharmacy in our small town, walked up to the pharmacist, described it and asked if she knew what I was talking about. To my surprise she said, “It’s Ichthammol.” When I asked if it was still available, she handed me a tube.

I was the proud owner of an old remedy. I went home, removed my shoe and sock, smeared a drop on my big toe, covered it with a bandage and waited. In a few days the soreness had vanished. Ichmmathol purged my toe.

David may have been a man after God’s own heart, but he was often guilty of bad decisions and sinful acts. To his credit he requested that God search and purge him. Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts (Psalm 139:23). When God revealed what he found, David confessed.

I’ve discovered God searches and purges me through a combination of his Word and his Spirit. His love will let him do no less. Before I was his child, he lovingly drew out my stubbornness, letting me know I was on the wrong road. After I became his child-when I strayed down selfish or destructive paths, he penetrated my sore spots until I came to my senses.

God wants to purge us of anything keeping us from him or hindering a full and abundant relationship with him. Ask God to search and purge you.

Prayer: Merciful Father, we ask You to search us and reveal anything that needs to be removed so we can be all You desire us to be.

Where’s The Confidence by Martin Wiles

Clara Peller probably never imagined she’d be famous, but her performance in one chain restaurant’s ads put her in the limelight and brought smiles to millions of faces.

Wendy’s first aired the ad on January 10, 1984 and featured three ladies examining a large hamburger bun with a miniscule piece of meat. The other two ladies made comments about the bun but Peller interrupted with “Where’s the beef?” Her comment became a catchphrase used to question the substance of ideas, events and products.

But I sometimes wonder “Where’s the confidence?” Ananias obviously didn’t have any in Saul-and with good reason. Saul was persecuting the church, dragging Christians off to prison and consenting to their deaths. When God told Ananias to find Saul and lay his hands on him so his sight would return, he said, Lord…I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem (Acts 9:13). So Ananias went, but no doubt reluctantly.

One of my favorite “Where’s the confidence” verses is: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13 NKJV). In spite of my faults, failures, fears and misgivings about myself, I can actually do whatever God wants me to do because his power flows through my veins.

God can do the same in others. Ananias thought Paul was useless and dangerous. I’ve occasionally been guilty of “Ananias thinking” too. When I am, God gently reminds me that apart from his grace I’d be useless as well. No one is beyond God’s grace or use regardless of who they are or what they’ve done. Have confidence in yourself and others. God does.

Prayer: Great God, when we don’t think we can, remind us You can through us.
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Hummingbird Cake by Michelle Wiles

EASY HUMMINGBIRD CAKE

1 BOX DUNCAN HINES YELLOW CAKE MIX
1 (3.4 OZ) VANILLA INSTANT PUDDING
1/2 C. VEG. OIL
1 (8OZ.) CRUSHED PINEAPPLE
4 EGGS
1 T. GROUND CINNAMON
1/2 C. CHOPPED PECANS
1 RIPENED BANANA (MASHED)
1/4 C. MARASCHIO CHERRIES

RESERVE JUICE FROM PINEAPPLE PLUS WATER TO MAKE 1 C.
MIX ALL INGREDIENTS EXCEPT BANANA, PECANS, AND CHERRIES.

MIX WELL, AND STIR IN REMAINING INGREDIENTS. POUR INTO A GREASED TUBE PAN.

BAKE AT 350 FOR 45-50 MINS.

Easy Cookie Dessert by Michelle Wiles

 

1 PACKAGE CHIPS AHOY COOKIES
BOWL OF MILK
1 LARGE COOL WHIP
DIP EACH COOKIE IN THE MILK AND LAYER IN A CONTAINER.
TOP WITH COOL WHIP.
LAYER UNTIL ALL COOKIES ARE USED.
END WITH COOL WHIP.

Broccoli Bread by Michelle

4 Eggs
1 stick butter (Melted)
1C. Cottage Cheese
1 Box Chopped Broccoli (cooked, & drained)
½ Tsp. Salt
1C. Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 Box Jiffy Corn Bread Mix

Mix first 6 ingredients together and then fold in Jiffy Mix.
Place in a greased 8x8 pan.
Bake 400 Degrees for 35-40 Mins.

Faithing Finances by Martin Wiles

“What will you do?” “Where will you go?” “How is having no income better?” All questions asked by concerned people when I resigned. I wasn’t sure of the answers.

I was pastoring a small church in Low Country South Carolina. They were doing the best they could with pay and my wife was trying equally hard to stretch it. But the longer we stayed the more debt we accumulated.

After months of intense prayer, I resigned. We sold a fourth of our belongings, loaded a truck with the remainder, stacked our earthly possessions in two storage buildings and moved in with my mom. We quickly learned the truth of the verse; And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).

People bought our treasures without haggling over prices. We received monetary gifts from friends and strangers. A few paid writing assignments materialized for me, and some baking jobs rose up for my wife. She remarked; “It’s amazing how much money we still have even though we’re spending it on bills.”

God is teaching us a few things about faithing finances. Financial situations aren’t a big deal for him. My concern over finances occasionally borders on worry, but it doesn’t worry God. And if he isn’t worrying, why should I? He obligates himself to meet my needs.

God will be faithful to me when I am to him. Though our income bottomed out, we decided to honor God with the firstfruits of any income whether we could afford it or not. We tithed whether it made sense or not, and we’re convinced that’s why the money is staying in the bank even though we’re spending it.

I never imagined I’d be where I am at midlife, but I don’t worry about it anymore. Your financial decisions may not make sense to others, but if God leads you to them you’ll come out ahead. He promises to meet all your needs and he will when you faith your finances.

Prayer: Father, teach us that all we have belongs to You, comes from You and will be used by You to meet every need we have in every situation we’re in.
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