Sausage Balls by Michelle

1 lb Hot Sausage
2 C Shredded Cheese

2 C Bisquick

Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.

Roll into small balls and place on a cookie sheet.
Bake @ 350 for 10-12 min. or until golden brown.

 

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The Power of Praise-Comfort Through Praise by Martin Wiles

Series: The Power of Praise

The changing seasons sickened my wife-literally. Her journey started with the normal symptoms-sneezing, coughing and a scratchy throat, but had quickly developed into swollen glands, a severe sore throat, fever, and coughing. She needed to see a doctor, but we had no health insurance and couldn’t afford the visit.

Three days earlier…“Will you preach for me Sunday night,” the preacher piped as we ate dinner. I quickly answered “Yes,” never imagining I would need the exact compensation for my wife’s medicine and lost time at work. God orchestrated a set of circumstances ahead of time to help us carry our financial burden. Our pastor was oblivious that he was being used as God’s instrument. When I glanced at the finished puzzle, I praised God for his comfort through our financial knot.

David worshipped a God with shoulders broad enough to carry the world’s weight. The LORD lifts the burdens of those bent beneath their loads (Psalm 146:8 NLT).

Burdens have a way of bending our backs and souls, making it extremely difficult to stand erect. Remaining upright under physical, emotional and spiritual weights is taxing and can affect our mind, will and emotions. But wrangling with whether or not God issued the burden shouldn’t necessarily be our main concern. Unless we’re wallowing in unconfessed sin, his aim is never to cause us misery and pain but to grow our faith so we’ll turn to him for comfort regardless of our situations. No person, substance or item can bring satisfactory consolation when life’s burdens weigh us down. Through acts of praise, we demonstrate our reliance on God for the peace and strength we need. Let life’s undesirable circumstances teach you to praise God for his sustaining comfort.

Prayer: Eternal God, when the pressures of life cause us to doubt and fret, remind us there is no burden You can’t help us bear when we trust You by faith.

The Power of Praise-Praising God for All Things by Martin Wiles

Series: The Power of Praise

The LORD…frustrates the plans of the wicked (Psalm 146:9 NLT). Hundreds of years later, Paul parroted basically the identical thing but added that God takes evil plans and manufactures good. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God (Romans 8:28 NLT).

Time for a little philosophizing, which brings me to a few questions. How exactly will God fabricate good from a failed marriage and a broken family? Or from a wreck wherein my daughter totals my favorite truck? Or from my father’s premature death because he contracted Mercer while in the hospital? How exactly will missing work due to illnesses benefit me when I need the money to pay bills? And what about the financial roller coaster it seems I’ve been riding since I was 18? Is there a purpose for these and a hundred other foibles I could reveal from my own personal life-not to mention those I’ve witnessed in other’s lives? Am I really supposed to believe God will birth benefits from such episodes?

Through my acts of praising God, I demonstrate I do. Yes my life has been sprinkled with “bad” events, but God is powerful enough to take each one and weave overall good from them. And he has. Praising him acknowledges my belief he’s doing this because he adores me with an everlasting and unconditional love and because he has promised he would. It also grows my faith.

Circumstances may drag us down-and others may take advantage of our unpleasant situations by intensifying our pain, but praising God keeps our focus on the One who is maneuvering the pieces to complete his wonderful masterpiece called our life. Don’t let undesirable conditions keep you from praising God.

Prayer: We praise You eternal Father for taking the circumstances of our lives-pleasant and unpleasant, and weaving them into a beautiful tapestry that is ultimately beneficial for us and advantageous for Your glory.

The Power of Praise-Praising God for Salvation by Martin Wiles

Series: The Power of Praise

Engulfed by three feet of water, there was absolutely nothing I could do except wait for my final breath.

Coming from a family of nonswimmers, I suppose it’s natural to fear water. So when my friends decided to take the intertube we were floating on to the deep end of the swimming pool, I panicked. My fingers clasped the cement sides as my lifeboat slowly moved toward the outer banks. As I clutched and the intertube released, I slithered slowly into the water and headed for the bottom. Final thoughts went through my young mind: “I’m a Christian, so I know I’ll go to heaven.” “It’ll be okay. I’ll just stop breathing, and it’ll be over.”

When it appeared the end was near, I suddenly popped up out of the water but not of my own accord. One of my friends-seeing my predicament, had jumped in and rescued me. History records many instances when God physically delivered people from danger, but his greatest rescue was spiritual as David notes. The LORD frees the prisoners. The LORD opens the eyes of the blind (Psalm 146:7-8 NLT).

Praising God for salvation reaffirms our belief in the Bible’s message that our spiritual predicament apart from Christ is desperate but can be rectified through faith in him. We are enslaved by a cruel task master-sin (Romans 3:23). Unless rescued, our end is bleak-eternal separation from the God who loves us (Romans 6:23). God’s rescue through forgiveness removes us from the state of condemnation to the position of freedom (Romans 8:1). Nothing can ever again separate us from God’s love and daily guidance (Romans 8:38). Have you been delivered? If so, praise God daily for intervening on your behalf.

Prayer: God of grace and mercy, we praise You this and every day for our salvation.

The Power of Praise-The Need Meeter by Martin Wiles

Series: The Power of Praise

Times were strenuous. My wife and I were in an unpleasant financial situation we didn’t create or have any control over. Our only choice was to walk away.

We were grateful for a relative who agreed to let us stay with them temporarily. Thankfully, our stint was brief. When we finally located employment and a home, we were overly anxious to move. Unfortunately, we had no money to re-stock our kitchen. Condiments and staples are often taken for granted and are quite expensive. But God sent a couple our way who said, “We want to help you stock your pantry.”

I’ve experienced some lean times before, but my grocery shelf has never been depleted, my clothes closet has never been bare, and I’ve never slept without a roof over my head. These are needs God promises to meet. He keeps every promise forever. He gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The LORD frees the prisoners (Psalm 146:6-7 NLT).

Through praise, we thank God for the wants and needs he provides even though they are defined differently. We want “wants” but need “needs.” God often gives us the first but isn’t obligated to. An abundance of possessions can mean he’s favoring us or that our priorities are misplaced. Praising God reinforces our faith that he’ll provide what’s required to survive physically and accomplish his will. Along with physical requirements, God also pledges to supply our emotional and spiritual needs. By praising God, our emotional health is enhanced and our spiritual growth improved. Learn to praise God for all he’s given you, even if it’s not all you may want. What he gives will always be sufficient.

Prayer: Accept our praise, O Lord, for all You have provided for us. We acknowledge You as our ultimate Source.

The Power of Praise-Praising God’s Power by Martin Wiles

Series: The Power of Praise

My brother and I were perched on the precipice of Tray Mountain-a 4,430 foot mountain snuggled in Georgia’s Appalachian Mountains. What we witnessed evoked praise of God’s power.

Reaching Tray Mountain is no small feat even on a good day, and ours wasn’t. Course winds evaporated our breath while mud-caked rocks challenged our steps. One misstep could twist an ankle or send us careening down the mountainside.

Our destination was a few hundred yards from the mountain’s peak where a 360 degree view of surrounding mountains awaited. Unfortunately, a cold front still lingered, bringing with it a mix of clouds, stiff winds and only periodic glimpses of blue sky. As we sat snuggled in our gear, we marveled over God’s power to combine these elements and produce artful masterpieces. Clouds whisked by like angels liberated from a bottomless pit. Neighboring mountains materialized then quickly disappeared. The mountain’s pinnacle afforded a cozy sanctuary from which to worship an all-powerful God.

David often praised God’s power by reflecting on nature. He made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them (Psalm 146:6 NLT).

Omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient. Elaborate theological words describing a God worthy of praise. His power is unlimited as nature often reflects. Anything is possible for him as long as it doesn’t violate his nature. Space can’t confine him. He’s always presently in yesterday, today and tomorrow. He walks in a future we haven’t lived. And we only discover the knowledge he already possesses and longs to share. He knows us personally and intimately, has plans for our lives, and with our obedience can engineer a bright future for us. Let God’s power lead you to praise.

Prayer: Almighty and eternal God, we praise You for Your power over creation and Your power in our lives.

The Power of Praise-Where The Confidence Lies by Martin Wiles

Series: The Power of Praise

Hundreds of thousands invested in it, but overconfidence blinded them to the danger crouching just ahead.

Revolutionary philosophies and economic prosperity characterized the “Roaring Twenties.” But all was not well. Wealth and excess ran rampant, and many assumed the “bull market” was immortal. Wall Street mogul John J. Raskob-in his article “Everybody Ought to Be Rich,” proposed anyone could be worth $80,000 by investing $15 a week in the stock market. After all, it had enjoyed a nine year run of good fortune.

Then tragedy struck. On Black Thursday (October 24, 1929), the stock market lost 11%. On Black Monday (October 28), it lost another 13%. On Black Tuesday (October 29), it crashed. Regardless of whether this was the sole cause of the Great Depression, the crash ushered in a decade long period of lean economic years characterized by massive unemployment, business closures, bankruptcies and financial upheaval. Americans quickly discovered their economic over-confidence was misplaced.

The psalmist reminds us it’s better to place our confidence in God. Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there…But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper (Psalm 146:3-5 NLT).

Praising God reassures us our confidence isn’t in people or possessions but in a God who never fails us even if things and others do. Possessions are temporary. They rust, wear out, break down, lose value and are subject to theft. People fail us too. Even our best friends may unknowingly or unintentionally hurt us with words or actions. Praising reaffirms our belief that God will give us everything needed to accomplish his purposes and that he’s a friend who sticks closer than our most trusted companions.

Prayer: We praise You Father for the assurance that You’ll never leave or forsake us.

 

The Power of Praise-Praising God Continuously by Martin Wiles

Series: The Power of Praise

Praising God is easy when life runs smoothly; it’s a challenge when life repeatedly takes us down bumpy roads. Doing it continually is even more demanding.

Praising God is effortless when the kids get along but strenuous when they’re cantankerous. Having many children by multiple wives made David’s situation fragile. Especially when son of wife one raped daughter of wife two. And when son of wife three wanted the throne God promised to son of wife four.

Praising God is painless when the children are praising you for being the best parent but difficult when they sarcastically spout you deserve “dad or mom of the year” because you made a tough decision that negatively impacted them. David had a son who rebelled, stole the throne and escorted him out of town.

Praising God is undemanding when your spouse thinks you’re the best thing next to God but more difficult when she doesn’t-and even ridicules you for serving him as one of David’s did. Praising God is comfortable when everyone is singing your glory but challenging when back biters, conspirators and fair weather friends plot your downfall.

David mastered the art of praising God continually and pledged to keep it up until he died. I will praise the LORD as long as I live. I will sing praises to my God with my dying breath (Psalm 146:2 NLT).

God-honoring praise should be continuous and lifelong. Circumstances won’t dampen it, and others won’t steal it by unwarranted and unpleasant actions toward us. We’ll give thanks in all situations-whether good or bad. Recognizing God’s in control and is the permitter-or author, of everything touching our lives makes the practice easier.

Prayer: Almighty God who is worthy of our praise, we adore You for all things with confidence that You’ll use each one for our ultimate spiritual benefit.

When Illness Strikes by Martin Wiles

Dan needed a new heart. The one he had was worn out, but he died before receiving it. Frank only needed a new valve. He got it, and the operation was successful. But the recovery wasn’t. He contracted Mercer and died in the hospital.

Fred was dying from a life threatening disease. I prayed with him, he asked Jesus to forgive his sins, but it didn’t keep him alive. John was succumbing to the effects of old age. I listened as he gasped for air and watched as his chest stilled. Mark was a dialysis patient tired of the weekly trips. He decided not to go anymore and ten days later took his final breaths.

Jairus’ daughter was dying. He did the only thing he knew to do. Then a leader of the local synagogue…arrived. When he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet, pleading fervently with him. “My little daughter is dying,” he said (Mark 5:22-23 NLT).

Facing illnesses involves realizing they respect no one. Jairus’ important position didn’t prevent sickness in his family. Nor does obeying God ward off infection, disease or death, but trusting God is essential when all three assault us. Jesus advised Jairus not to fear but to trust instead. Fear and faith are strange bedfellows, and too much of either will shove the other onto the floor.

When enduring sickness, it’s also important to realize ultimate healing is eternal not temporal. Jairus’ daughter died before Jesus healed her. Though Jesus restored her temporally, she had experienced the complete healing of death. All sickness and disease will be forever mended in heaven. Learn to trust the master healer when you’re facing sickness.

Prayer: God of power and peace, we trust You to care for our bodies and to deliver us from illness now and in eternity.

Fixed And Dilated by Martin Wiles

Blinders and dilation may appear to have little if anything in common, but when it comes to focus they’re quite similar.

Blinders are placed on horses’ eyes so they are focused in one direction thereby keeping them from being distracted or frightened by surrounding objects. This in turn deters the animal from turning his head and keeps him plodding ahead in a forward direction.

Pupils are dark circles in the middle of the eye that allow light to penetrate. Dilation occurs when the pupil’s size increases allowing in more light. This normally transpires when entering a dark area where more light is required to see. When we enter brightly lighted areas, our pupils constrict because our eyes are receiving adequate light.

Dilation enables our eyes to adjust and thereby reap the greatest benefits of seeing, while fixation keeps them focused in a single direction. The same principles apply in our spiritual walk. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2 NLT).

When our eyes are centered on Jesus, our pupils constrict so stubbornness, unbelief, misplaced priorities and unnecessary dependency on others are kept out of our sight range. Such traits rein us in, causing us to swing our heads from side to side instead of glaring straight ahead. Simultaneously, focusing on Jesus allows our pupils to dilate so love, concern, kindness, forgiveness, joy, patience and peace can flood our eyes, seep into our minds and flow out into our actions. Fix your eyes on Jesus so he can dilate them to receive all he has in store for you.

Prayer: God of grace and mercy, keep us focused on You so we can be changed and then change others with Your love.

Training For Excellence-The Power Of Vision by Martin Wiles

Series: Training For Excellence

He was only trying to help. Now it appeared it would cost him his eyesight.

Hawkeye Pierce was a top notch physician and lady’s man on the long running sitcom, M*A*S*H. Currently this entailed lighting a cantankerous gas stove in the nurses tent. BAAM was the next sound he and the entire camp heard-followed by complete darkness for him. The stove had exploded, burning his eyes in the process. After carefully wrapping his eyes, the optometrist said they’d just have to wait. But during this sightless journey, Hawkeye gained renewed appreciation for his vision.

Vision is a complicated process involving our eyes and brain. Photoreceptors on the eye’s retina gather light and send signals to other nerve cells. They in turn manufacture electrical impulses and send them to the brain which processes the information and tells us what we see.

As important as physical vision is, spiritual vision is more vital. In ancient times, God often spoke through visions, but prior to Samuel’s calling as a prophet, God’s visions were sporadic. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions (I Samuel 3:1).

Spiritual vision has nothing to do with physical sight but everything to do with accurately perceiving God’s plans and purposes. And it’s an essential element in training for spiritual excellence. God rarely reveals his life plan for us unless we ask. Doing so entails a willingness to do the proper training that will result in clear sight. This involves putting away ungodly habits and confessing any known sin-both of which fuzzy our vision. Don’t settle for less than God’s best. Give him anything that is blurring your vision.

Prayer: Eternal Father, we confess those sins and unwise practices that hinder us from seeing and fulfilling Your purposes.

Rice Pudding by Michelle Wiles

4c. cooked rice
1 1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter
3 eggs (slightly beaten)
2 c. milk

Mix all ingredients together and place in a casserole dish.

 

Bake on 350 for 30 mins.

Training For Excellence-Practice Gets You Closer by Martin Wiles

Series: Training For Excellence

They were battling uncontrollable elements again. This time it was hurricane Sandy’s pulsating rain and relentless wind.

“Old Guard”-the name given to the 3rd Division Infantry Regiment in 1847 by General Winfield Scott, is the official Army Honor Guard. They have escorted Presidents since World War II and serve as military funeral escorts for those buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Perhaps their most touching and honorable duty is guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier-a feat they have continually accomplished since 1948. I’ve witnessed this “walking the mat,” heard the boot heels click when the 63-foot mark was reached, listened as the wind whispered through the cemetery, and wiped away tears that meandered down my face as I marveled over their dedication.

Continued practice is crucial for flawless marches and also for spiritual excellence. Paul practiced continually and urged his son in the faith to do the same; Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness (I Timothy 4:7 NLT).

Jesus said those who endure will be saved (Matthew 24:13). Faith is energized and sustained by rehearsing vigorous spiritual disciplines-a part of which is using our God-given abilities in service to our churches and others. Satan will tempt us to give in to ungodly practices and to give up on our effort to live godly lifestyles. Only God can give us the strength required to “walk the mat” of faith regardless of what spiritual weather blows our way. Live out your faith regularly so you can come closer in practice to who you are in position-a saint of God.

Prayer: Merciful God, give us faith to trust You for the strength we need to keep walking in faith until our journey ends in heaven.

Training For Excellence-Maintaining Our Energy Level by Martin Wiles

Series: Training For Excellence

I was in my late thirties and overweight. Something had to be done. So I thought, “Why not run?” And I did.

Running requires training the body to endure, and I was preparing to run 5K races. Winning wasn’t in the mix; I just wanted to finish. I ran several times each week, but too much weight, bad knees and shin splints slowed my gait. I ran for a while-and even finished several races, but eventually relegated my exercise to walking. I quickly learned that maintaining one’s energy level is vital if running-or any other vigorous exercise, is your forte’.

Running in God’s venue requires high spiritual energy levels also. Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us (Hebrews 12:1 NLT).

Jesus’ stint in the wilderness demonstrates the importance of maintaining soaring spiritual energy levels. Satan waited until he had fasted forty days before tempting him. Charles Stanley, pastor of First Baptist Church, Atlanta, Georgia, uses the acronym HALT and says we should never get too hungry, angry, lonely or tired.

Maintaining intense spiritual energy through prayer, Bible study, faith sharing, meditation, and corporate fellowship are noble practices, but so is maintaining healthy eating habits and pursuing positive emotional states. Ancient philosophers struggled with whether humans were mind or matter or a combination of both. Our bodies are single entities erected with physical, emotional and spiritual components. Low energy levels in any one area can affect all three. Excellent living requires the diligent training of our entire body. Let God show you any areas of low energy.

Prayer: Almighty God, energize us physically, spiritually and emotionally that we might effectively accomplish Your work.

Training For Excellence-Dedicated To The Cause by Martin Wiles

Series: Training For Excellence

She started in middle school and continued through high school-even when she couldn’t breathe.

My daughter loved all sports but was only involved in two-cross country and track. As soon as school was over, the team assembled for stretches before beginning their daily 5K or 3.1 mile run. She loved the “highs” and anticipated the competitions. I don’t recall her ever winning a meet, but she diligently prepared and usually finished near the top.

In high school, things changed. Asthma episodes suddenly pounced after she ran only a short distance. Her running days appeared over, but she persevered through practices and meets. Many were the instances when teammates carried her to the sidelines or brought her home because she couldn’t breathe, but she kept going.

Dedication is parcel to athletic training. Paul used the foot race metaphor to describe his dedication to Christ’s cause. All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize (I Corinthians 9:25 NLT).

Researcher George Barna said “Most Christians mirror cultural goals, desiring happiness, comfort, security, belonging, and popularity. Surprisingly few are focused on completely cooperating with God to experience the kind of whole-life transformation described in the Bible.” Survey results revealed fewer than one in five claimed total commitment to personal spiritual development.

Dedication to the cause involves continually focusing on God’s goal for us individually, sidelining anything that deters us in our endeavor to reach it, persistently pursuing spiritual training so we can fight off temptation, and hanging around with those who encourage us in our journey toward spiritual excellence. Don’t be one of the one in five. God will give you the breathe you need.

Prayer: Almighty Father, strengthen and encourage us in our journey toward excellence.

Training For Excellence-Do The Time by Martin Wiles

Series: Training For Excellence

Time would tell if I’d learn what the teacher attempted to pound into my head: a, s, d, f, j, k, l, ;. 

My adventure started on a manual typewriter while a sophomore in high school. Determined we’d learn what was necessary to make us excellent typists, the teacher rearranged the letter caps and drilled us continuously. Class was time consuming, aggravating and challenging. But my second year was a breeze. I knew every letter without looking.

After graduation, I didn’t touch a typewriter for five years, but the first time I did my fingers automatically moved to the home keys and I typed without looking. Anything worth training for requires time-godliness included.

Paul understood this. But I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be (Philippians 3:12 NLT). He wasn’t satisfied with just being a Christian; he wanted to excel at all God wanted him to. 

Maturity and spiritual growth don’t automatically materialize. God nudges us along, but it takes effort on our part as well. Most of my spiritual growth has been on the back side of my journey rather than the front because that’s when I put forth the most effort. Being God’s child is a one-time decision but also a lifelong journey that requires intense effort if we’re going to enjoy the trip to the fullest. Paul invested time by studying the Word, teaching others, planting new churches, praying, and listening to God-all wonderful endeavors producing spiritual health. Where do you need to invest your time so you can enjoy all God has for you?

Prayer: Blessed Lord, our time is in Your hands. Motivate us to spend it wisely as we work to be all You intend.

Conquering The Past-Unpayable Debt by Martin Wiles

Series: Conquering The Past

After months of praying, we left for our mission field but quickly discovered things weren’t as rosy as they first appeared.

Shortly after arriving, we realized the compensation wasn’t what we assumed, yet we faithfully served the people and community believing God wanted us there. Times were demanding. We were forced to half our payment to one debtor just to make ends meet. Over the next two years, our debt to this creditor accumulated until it finally reached an unpayble amount. We had to make a difficult decision-leave or stay. After receiving God’s affirmation, we left our mission field. Fortunately, a wonderful representative who understood our situation intervened on our behalf and wiped away our unpayable debt.

Our debt to God is similar. Thousands of sacrifices only served to remind God’s people their debt was unpayable. But instead, those sacrifices actually reminded them of their sins year after year (Hebrews 10:3 NLT).

When we trust in Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, God forgives each and every sin. Our resulting good works are not payback but evidence to others that we’ve experienced God’s goodness and mercy. Conquering a past filled with regret involves being cautious about why we perform our good deeds. Serving others with charitable practices because we’re attempting to repay God demonstrates our misunderstanding of forgiveness and also keeps the past alive. If we could have satisfied our sin debt, Jesus’ sacrifice would have been unnecessary. Our acts of love should demonstrate appreciation for God’s mercy-not be an attempt to repay him. Once we confess our debt and receive God’s forgiveness, we can put the past behind us. Let go of your past and move forward. 

Prayer: Almighty God, forgiver of all our sins, remind us there are no acts that can repay that which is unpayable.

Conquering The Past-Living Above Insecurity by Martin Wiles

Series: Conquering The Past

She was a farm girl whose future looked as dim as her present.

Frankie was an only child living with a stern father on a small farm where they both slaved from sunup to sundown. She had no time for girly pursuits and wore the clothes of her trade: overalls and boots. Her hair was plainly brushed and her face unadorned. 

Then Frankie met Ellie who was startled by Frankie’s unfeminine appearance. She began taking female “doodads” to the farm for Frankie, but it took several angry encounters with her father to convince him that dolling Frankie up was more advantageous. A future husband would be of more help than Frankie. Because of her past and present conditions, Frankie struggled with insecurity.

So did everyone before Christ. Sacrifices brought little security. If they could have provided perfect cleansing, the sacrifices would have stopped…and their feelings of guilt would have disappeared (Hebrews 10:2 NLT).

Security is one of three basic human needs. We yearn to know we’re loved unconditionally. Being raised by parents who gave us conditional love messages, living with abusive spouses, working for employers who constantly threaten our jobs, and a few financial meltdowns can all raise our antennas of insecurity.

Regardless of what we faced in the past or experience in the present, God’s unconditional love and acceptance can enable us to overcome feelings of insecurity. He loves us completely because he created us, not because we have spotless track records. While he establishes standards he expects us to obey, he doesn’t cast us aside when we fail. He has perfect love for us. Ask God to help you comprehend his unconditional love so you can face the future with confidence.

Prayer: God of love and forgiveness, we praise You for loving us unconditionally.

Conquering The Past-Focusing Forward by Martin Wiles

Series: Conquering The Past

I noticed her trudging through the parking lot, hopping up and down over the grassy medians as she tried to avoid the deluge of cars meandering alongside her.

We don’t live in a large town, so the sight of a young woman carrying a backpack half her weight and three-fourths as tall as she was was peculiar. All she possessed or wanted was snuggled uncomfortably on her back. Curiosity made me wonder…Who is she? Where is she headed and why? Is she a criminal running from the authorities or a runaway with parents worrying themselves sick? Is she escaping a bad relationship or undecided about who she is and what her future holds and on a journey to find the answers to both?

Of all I didn’t know, one thing was certain. She would never reach her goal if she returned to wherever or whatever she was leaving. Neither will we. Paul understood this. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead (Philippians 3:13-14 NLT).

Focusing on undesirable events in our pasts hinders forward progress by dividing our minds. God desires to share his future for us with us, but continually wallowing in regret over past mistakes and sins he’s already forgiven prevents us from hearing him clearly. Conquering undesirable pasts entails focusing on what’s ahead not what lies behind. Regret drains the energy required to forge ahead into God’s future. Believing God has forgiven our past revitalizes us and gives the optimism necessary to see what we haven’t yet experienced. Ask God to keep you focused forward.

Prayer: God of mercy, keep us moving toward Your future as we remember that what’s behind is covered by Your grace and forgiveness.

Conquering The Past-Forgiven And Free by Martin Wiles

Series: Conquering The Past

“I’ve asked God to forgive me, but I’m not sure he has.” Or “I’m just not sure God can use me with a past like mine.” Statements I’ve thought, heard or made but statements reflecting a misunderstanding of God’s forgiveness.

I have a past. I’m not proud of everything in it, and I’d gladly relive it, but I can’t. It is what it is. On the other hand, I’ve learned a great deal from my past mistakes and have used personal examples to caution others about blunders and sins better left alone.

Only when I grasped the full extent of Christ’s forgiveness did I completely comprehend that my past doesn’t prevent God from using me in the present. This verse is one of many reminding us how important Christ’s sacrifice was. But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time (Hebrews 10:12 NLT).

A part of conquering pasts we aren’t proud of is understanding the comprehensive forgiveness received through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Old Testament believers continually brought sacrifices because their forgiveness was based on a future event-the death of Jesus.
When brought in faith, God accepted the sacrifices and granted forgiveness, but they never felt forgiven because the ultimate price hadn’t been paid. Now that it has, we can be confident God has forgiven every sin we have or ever will commit. They’re all covered by Christ’s blood. Forgiveness doesn’t bring perfection, but knowing all our sins have been cleansed gives us assurance our past can’t hold us back. Thank God for complete forgiveness; then get on with your life and God’s work.

Prayer: Almighty and everlasting God, thank You that in Christ all our sins have been paid for, never to be held against us again.

Conquering The Past-Conquering Guilt Part II by Martin Wiles

Series: Conquering The Past

My journey back to God began with a pack of cigarettes and an offer to teach a Sunday School class.

For ten years, I had experimented in forbidden but enticing areas. Forget what God wanted. I wanted what I wanted. And I fervently ran after it. By the time the offer disembarked, I had put aside my questionable activities-except for tobacco use. After all, the Bible didn’t say, “Thou shalt not smoke.” (But it did say my body was a temple of God’s Spirit).

The question instigated anxiety and excitement simultaneously: “Would you teach a young adult Sunday School class?” I agreed but felt ashamed when I stood before them with cigarettes nestled in my shirt pocket. God overwhelmed me with guilt and I suppose that’s why I was able to lay them aside without medical help.

Guilt is either false or real. Mine was genuine. I had an issue needing attention. The guilt of God’s people was real too.  If they could have provided perfect cleansing, the sacrifices would have stopped, for the worshipers would have been purified once for all time, and their feelings of guilt would have disappeared (Hebrews 10:2 NLT).

As God graciously accepted those faith sacrifices and granted the worshipers forgiveness, so he did for me when I laid aside my damaging habit. Guilt is real when experienced because of unconfessed sin, and repentance is the only proper path of action to absolve it. Fortunately, God doesn’t require perfection, but neither will he use us when we consciously choose to wallow in disobedient lifestyles. If you’re experiencing genuine guilt over sinful practices, repent and choose a different course.

Prayer: Merciful and forgiving heavenly Father, thank You that we don’t have to wallow in sin and its accompanying guilt. Rather, let us experience the joy and freedom of forgiveness.

Conquering the Past-Conquering Guilt by Martin Wiles

Series: Conquering the Past

I was a young adult feeling God’s call into ministry who was also feeling guilty.

God’s call came on top of ten years of running and accumulated guilt-over ignoring the original call, bad decisions, bad relationships and bad habits. While all repented of, their memories tormented me. And Satan stoked the fire: “How could you claim to be a Christian and…?”  Guilt can be genuine or false. Real guilt arises when God convicts us of sin with the intent we change courses. False guilt channels through the same path, but the author is Satan and his goal is destruction.

Paul had a string of reasons to feel guilt over his past, but he didn’t. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead (Philippians 3:13-14 NLT).

Paul’s past included consenting with those stoning the first Christian martyr and also dragging Christians off to prison to be persecuted and perhaps killed. When Christ called him as a missionary, he could have absconded because of guilt over his past, but he chose to forget the past because it was forgiven. I did too.

God doesn’t require a spotless past to give us a bright future. Skeletons lurk in everyone’s closet. Some have more and others less, but they hang around nevertheless. The only ones that hinder God using us are those we haven’t turned our backs on. God doesn’t hold my past against me. He uses me in spite of it, and he’ll do the same for you. Don’t let false guilt over past mistakes keep you from God’s intended purposes in the present.

Prayer: Merciful God of forgiveness, thank You that our sins of the past only tarnish our future if we let them.

Principles Worth Pursuing-Living For The Future by Martin Wiles

Series: Principles Worth Pursuing

I muttered it under my breath hundreds of times and occasionally even aloud: “I can’t wait until I’m eighteen so I can do what I want.”

My parents and I didn’t have the healthiest relationship during my teen years. I was to blame. Rebellious, obstinate, sarcastic, overly independent. Traits they tried to tame-or at least temporarily control, while at the same time encouraging me to channel their positive aspects in beneficial directions. But I wasn’t cooperative. I was living for the future and freedom.

True to my word and plans, I moved out as soon as I conquered eighteen. Life was good-at least temporarily. But I quickly discovered my parents had covered expenses I hadn’t thought about. My future wasn’t what I imagined.

Preparing for the right future is essential. Jesus said, But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal (Matthew 6:20).

The future I planned for was of the earthbound type. No parental control or rules. Doing whatever I wanted whenever I pleased. Freedom at its finest. Supposedly. At mid-life, my flawless future is quickly unraveling. With more miles behind me than in front, Jesus’ future is now more important. One where everything-me and my possessions, are eternal. A future where nothing deteriorates. By chasing my love for God with obedience to his commands, by living a lifestyle demonstrating awareness that my body is his temple, and by loving others enough to sacrifice for them as Jesus did for me, I amass indestructible heavenly treasures. Living for the future entails a different kind of existence in the present. Let God match your portrait of the future with his.

Prayer: Almighty God, give us wisdom to prepare for our future even while we live in the present.

Principles Worth Pursuing-Honoring God With Finances by Martin Wiles

Series: Principles Worth Pursuing

Her text simply said, “Call me.” What she said added more grief to my already hectic day.

Our adult daughter has shared our cellular phone plan for a number of years on the condition she pays her portion. Having been unemployed for a few months, her bank account was busted. She couldn’t pay, and neither could we. We had no choice but to suspend her line.

Stuck with her portion of the bill-and a depleted bank account, I cringed when my wife blurted, “If we don’t pay by midnight, they’ll disconnect our service.” I fretted and prayed.  God’s answer appeared in the form of a $100 bill stuffed in my wife’s pocketbook along with a note that read, “Because I love you and you’re my best friend.” Once again, we learned to trust God with our finances.

Through the prophet Malachi, God instructed his people to do the same. “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse…and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven (Malachi 3:10).”

Our expenses make us want to keep 100 percent of our income; our faith prompts us to give a portion to God and to use it all in ways that honor him. I tried the first way and quickly discovered I have more when I give a percentage to God. Giving when we don’t have enough to begin with doesn’t calculate mathematically to us or others, but when they question us we simply tell them the stories about the numerous 100 dollar bills that have been stuffed in our hands by strangers and friends. Honor God with your finances, and he’ll reward you by meeting your needs.

Prayer: Accept our prayer, O Lord, and stretch our faith so we’ll trust You with our finances and give to You liberally.

Principles Worth Pursuing-Using Our Gifts by Martin Wiles

Series: Principles Worth Pursuing

Eddie* was a talented young man I met shortly after high school when I became employed by the same industry he worked for. He soon became my idol and good friend.

Eddie seemed to know how to do everything. If it was something unfamiliar, he mastered it quickly. He farmed on the side and periodically invited me over to help him. Whether repairing a fence, disc harrowing a field, mending a barn, repairing his car or building his house, he conquered it all with ease.

But Eddie wasn’t stingy with his talents. If a neighboring widow needed a field plowed, he left his for hers. Or his building project to help someone else with theirs. Eddie’s selflessness was well-known around the community and in his church because he continually shared his gifts.

David urged his son to use the gifts God gave him in building the Temple he himself longed to erect. So take this seriously. The LORD has chosen you to build a Temple as his sanctuary. Be strong, and do the work (I Chronicles 28:10 NLT).

God endows everyone with natural talents but also delivers spiritual gifts to his children. Both are designed to enhance our personal pleasure and to serve others in Christ’s name. God may never paste your name in lights as a reward for generous acts, but recognition isn’t important. He only desires faithfulness. Gifts not honed may well be taken from us and given to those who will use them. Eddie’s greatest joy came in helping someone else accomplish a task, not complete one himself. So does mine. Yours can too. 

Prayer: Merciful God and Father of all, as You have commanded us to love all people, may we use our gifts to serve them in love.
*Name changed to protect the privacy of the individual.

Principles Worth Pursuing-Worshiping God With Devotion by Martin Wiles

Series: Principles Worth Pursuing

They once proudly held the majority in the United States but not now. Protestants. Those who willingly received their name because they protested the abuses of the ancient Roman Catholic church.

A recent survey by Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life reveals current U. S. Protestant adherents have for the first time slipped below 50 percent by two percentage points. And not because some are disgruntled and have left the church but because “nones”-those who willingly reject affiliation with any church, have increased from 15 to 20 percent over the last five years. Researchers concluded; “(Y)oung adults today are much more likely to be unaffiliated than previous generations were at a similar stage in their lives.”*

This disturbing trend makes what David told his son even more relevant. And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind (I Chronicles 28:9 NLT).

Worshiping God corporately and individually reminds me I’m part of a bigger plan. Life is not solely about me. Through the act of worship, I acknowledge God as my creator and sustainer, get in touch with my spiritual side, present needs I’m powerless over to One who has unlimited power, and engage with others who share the common thread of faith in Jesus Christ. Worship is not a crutch I lean on because I can’t handle life but a prop I freely seize because I believe there’s only One who can equip me to. Worship is exciting, fulfilling and necessary. Neglecting it starves us spiritually; eagerly participating in it satisfies our innate spiritual yearning.

Prayer: Almighty and everlasting God, You have created us to adore You through our worship. Captivate us with Your presence so we’ll come before you willingly and regularly.
*For more info, visit
www.pewforum.org/Unaffiliated/nones-on-the-rise.aspx

Principles Worth Pursuing-Discovering God’s Truth

Series: Principles Worth Pursuing

“Attention.” With my heels tucked tightly and my sword dangling by my side, I awaited the commander’s next order. “Draw swords.” I raised my sword to waist level, hands resting on either side of my weapon, while I awaited further instructions. Then I heard the words that riveted adrenalin to my arms, hands and fingers: “Charge.” With unmitigated fury, I flipped my sword and diligently flew into action. If I was the first to complete the mission, I would be awarded the prize.

Bible sword drills were part of my catechetical training while growing up in my father’s churches. Adherence to the drill’s tactics taught me the Bible’s books and helped me memorize verses. But rote memorization and the rigid actions of the drill didn’t automatically enable me to follow what God commanded of me in particular. Be careful to follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live (Deuteronomy 8:1).

Knowing where important verses in God’s Word are and committing them to memory are honorable endeavors, but allowing the truth of the instruction to seep into every crevice of my mind so it produces actions of obedience is more important. God desires that I be a doer of his Word, not just a driller of books and verses. Through careful study of his Word, I learn who I was without him, who I am in him-and more importantly, who and what I can be with him. His promises equip me to fight each day’s battles and give comfort that carry me through even the most severe trials. So what are you waiting for? “Charge” into God’s Word.

Prayer: Gracious God, giver of Words that prepare us for life’s battle, bleed Your Word into our very souls that we might conquer evil and live abundantly.

Old Wine, New Wineskins by Martin Wiles

And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins.

It was 2010 and Upstate South Carolina was expecting snow. My wife and I were visiting family for the holidays and excitedly anticipating a white Christmas-something that hadn’t happened in forty seven years.

Most of Christmas day was rainy, but around mid afternoon sleet and a wet mix of snow began falling. By 9 p.m. it was entirely snow. Since accumulation occurred before midnight, Christmas day was registered as a white Christmas. Though alive in 1963, I had never witnessed a white Christmas I remembered.

Snow continued throughout the night and into the next day which happened to be Sunday. Churches across the region cancelled services. This was disappointing since it was the perfect day to celebrate the season’s old message in a new setting.

Jesus said it was unwise to put new wine into old wineskins (Mark 2:22). As new wine fermented, it stretched the goatskin bags. Old skins were already stretched so putting new wine into them would cause them to burst, losing the skin and wine. The illustration was a veiled rebuke of the religious leader’s practices-practices that were religiously rigid like old wineskins. Jesus’ message didn’t accommodate their philosophy of hypocritical rules.

But it’s possible to put old fermented wine into new skins, and this is what Christmas is about. The Christmas message isn’t new; it just came in novel form. Since the beginning of time, God had presented his message of love to humanity. Jesus taking on human flesh and dying on a cross was old wine in new wineskins. Christmas-along with Good Friday and Easter, are graphic displays of how far God will stretch to save humanity. Have you welcomed his outstretched arms?

Prayer: Father, help us stop among the hustle and bustle of the season and drink of your old wine.

Mexican Dip by Michelle Wiles

1 PKG. TACO SEASONING

1 (16OZ.) CAN REFRIED BEANS

1 (8OZ.) CREAM CHEESE - SOFTENED

1 (16OZ.) SOUR CREAM

1 JAR SALSA

SHREDDED LETTUCE

2 C. SHREDDED CHEDDAR CHEESE

MIX TACO SEASONING AND BEANS TOGETHER.
IN A SEPERATE BOWL MIX SALSA, SOUR CREAM AND CREAM CHEESE TOGETHER
THEN LAYER IN A DISH STARTING WITH BEANS AND ENDING WITH CHEESE.
SERVE WITH TORTILLA CHIPS.

Lemon Pie by Michelle Wiles

Quick and Easy Lemon Pie

1 LARGE CONTAINER COOL WHIP

1 CAN CONDENSED MILK

1 SMALL LEMON JUICE

2 GRAHAM CRACKER PIE SHELLS

MIX ALL INGREDIENTS AND ADD TO PIE SHELLS.
REFRIGERATE 1 HR BEFORE SERVING.

Quick and Easy Dip by Michelle Wiles

Quick and Easy Dip

1 - 8oz Cream Cheese
2 C. Shredded Mexican Cheese
1 can Rotel
1 lb. Sausage (cooked and drained)
1 can Refried Beans

In a casserole dish smooth the cream cheese on the bottom.
Layer Beans, Sausage, Rotel, and top with Cheese.
Bake 350 for 10-12 mins. or until bubbly.
Serve with your favorite Chips.

Principles Worth Pursuing-Loving God Supremely by Martin Wiles

Series: Principles Worth Pursuing

I knew of him but didn’t know him intimately. And even after meeting him intimately, I didn’t love him supremely.

Before I could comprehend him, I heard about God. Mom reading Bible stories to me while I was still in her womb. She and Dad having devotions together and me hearing God’s Word and a prayer. Later, I understood and invited Jesus to become my Savior. But it was fifteen years later before I loved him enough to say; “Lord, whatever You want, I’ll do.” And that prayer took my life in a radically different direction.

David gave his son the same advice my parents gave me-get to know God. And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately (I Chronicles 28:9 NLT). Knowing God and loving him supremely produce different results. Supreme love entails putting God ahead of any earthly relationships I have regardless of how intimate they are.

Loving God supremely alters my activities. Some things I enjoy must fall lower on the importance scale so what God has in mind for me can inch upwards. God doesn’t want me to be miserable-and I can enjoy activities outside the church, but he wants me to maintain my focus.

Giving God first place also modifies my view of earthly possessions. It’s perfectly acceptable to enjoy what God gives, but intense satisfaction is only reached by using my possessions to serve him by serving others. I can’t take my money with me when I die-or anything else, but I can store it in heaven by helping someone with financial needs I have the capacity to meet.

Let God change your life by loving him supremely.

Prayer: Eternal God, whose love manifested itself in ultimate sacrifice, turn our hearts supremely toward You in love and service.