Spiritual Better Than Physical by Martin Wiles

Series: Living Life To The Fullest

At 6’ 4,” 200 pounds, his nickname was appropriate.
James George Janos-a.k.a. Jessie “The Body” Ventura, was a professional wrestler from 1975 to 1986. He took the stage name to match his “bleach blonde from California” character and also to coincide with his villainous role. But his impressive physique couldn’t shield him from blood clots in his lungs that ended his in-ring career.

I admit it. My shape may be somewhat affected by my sweet tooth and occasional enjoyment of junk food, but my eating and exercise habits are overall healthy. While I don’t run five miles a day or spend hours at the “Y,” neither am I a couch potato. 

Our bodies are God’s creations. I’ve not always been overly pleased with my body’s shape, but God didn’t consult me when he engineered it. I can minimally alter it by exercise and healthy eating, but I can also shorten its lifespan by a lack thereof. While physical health is important, spiritual health is more so. Paul says, Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you (I Corinthians 6:19)?

We can sport impressive physical figures and have deteriorating spiritual builds. Spiritual disciplines keep us in excellent spiritual shape just as exercise and healthy eating keep us physically fit. Healthy doses of prayer, Bible reading and meditation, corporate worship and regular contact with other believers keep us spiritually robust. Physical beauty doesn’t seep below our skin’s surface, but spiritual excellence goes to the soul. While poor health can signal sinful choices, it’s possible to be genetically unhealthy and spiritually vigorous. Live a full life by maintaining a healthy physical body, but pay even more attention to your spiritual frame.

Prayer: Remind us Lord Jesus that enemies of our bodies are enemies of our potential.

Depending On God’s Presence by Martin Wiles

Series: Living Life To The Fullest

Thousands of children experience it every year. So does one out of every two spouses. Parents aren’t supposed to leave their children nor spouses their life partners-but they do.

Growing up, I could count on one hand the peers I knew whose parents left them. Nor did I know many whose parents were divorced. My parents didn’t leave me, and they didn’t leave each other either. But I have been left. By friends who moved away and by great-grandparents, grandparents and one parent who surrendered to death.

Being left is never easy. Moses was Israel’s leader for a number of years. He led them out of Egyptian slavery and through forty years of nomadic desert wandering. But his earthly sojourn was complete, and it was time for someone else to assume command. As he commissioned Joshua, he reminded him and the nation to be strong and courageous…for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6).

Even though others may leave us, a fulfilling life can still be enjoyed by remembering God never will. He created us in the past, sustains and loves us in the present and will bring us to himself in the future. We are never alone. The continual presence of God’s Spirit gives us power to live with joy, confidence and peace regardless of how difficult our circumstances are. In the good times and in taxing times, God is always near. Joshua faced difficult days ahead as he conquered a land filled with enemies of his people, but he faced each day with enthusiasm knowing God would never leave him. Let God teach you the same.

Prayer: Thank You merciful Lord for being our ever present Comforter whenever we feel helpless, frightened and alone.

Trust God For Your Needs by Martin Wiles

Series: Living Life To The Fullest

Distinguishing between wants and needs isn’t easy for children. And sometimes not even for adults.

When I was young, many of my perceived needs were actually wants. Just any bike wouldn’t do. I needed a Schwinn that sported a banana seat and high handlebars. Nor would any pair of shoes suffice. They had to be high-top Converse tennis shoes. And when it came to blue jeans, nothing but a Levi tag was good enough. Later in life-when I began footing my own bills, I discovered generic brands wore just as well and off brand bikes rode just as smoothly.

Paul discovered how to live with everything and with almost nothing. His stomach had been full and empty. He had been at the summit of the religious establishment and manacled to a guard in a Roman jail. But through his various circumstances, he learned the art of contentment regardless of the conditions and how to trust God for every need. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).

Living life to the fullest initially entails learning to distinguish needs from wants. God obligates himself to meet the first but not the second. Wealth isn’t a sign of God’s blessings anymore than poverty is of his curse. Once we’ve accomplished this often confusing task, trusting God to supply the necessities-and thanking him when he throws in a few wants along the way, follows. Regardless of how many material goods we have or don’t have, we’ll always possess enough to sustain life and energetically accomplish what God assigns us. Worrying about needs only steals our life’s joy. Give your needs to God and leave the details to him.

Prayer: Thank You merciful heavenly Father for promising to supply our every need.

Depend On God’s Strength by Martin Wiles

Series: Living Life To The Fullest

At 6’4”, 412 pounds, Mark Henry is an impressive sight, but even his muscular build can’t fully protect him.

Mark Henry is a weightlifter and professional wrestler. During his high school tenure, he was a three-time state champion, holding the record for squat at 832 pounds, for bench press at 525 pounds and for deadlift at 815 pounds. After qualifying for the 1992 Summer Olympics weightlifting competition, he nicknamed himself the World’s Strongest Man. But Henry discovered muscle couldn’t prevent injury. He was sidelined from his wrestling career for more than a year because of a torn quadriceps muscle.

I don’t know how Paul looked, but based on his comments it wasn’t like Mark Henry (Galatians 4). A terrible illness made his appearance detestable to the Galatians, and a thorn in the flesh God wouldn’t remove impaired him. When Paul said, I can do all this through him (Christ) who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13), he wasn’t referring to physical strength and adorable physiques. Paul’s power was spiritual.

Healthy eating habits and wholesome lifestyles are important but aren’t the most essential factors for accomplishing what God gives us to do. We can be healthy and still miss a full life. Our strength comes through a relationship with Christ that is intimate, vibrant, continuous and involves obedience. Since the power comes from God and not us, we can be physically weak and still carry out God’s work with enormous energy.

A fulfilling life involves using our God-given talents and gifts to their ultimate capacity. God will give opportunities along with wisdom and power to succeed at what he envisions for us. Don’t let your perceived weaknesses keep you from doing what God calls you to do.

Prayer: Thank You Father for providing the strength we need to do anything You require.

Live With Confidence by Martin Wiles

Series: Living Life To The Fullest

I didn’t understand how developing a bleeding ulcer, spending five days in the hospital and enduring a year of recuperation was in my best interest. Only later did I comprehend how God was teaching me about priorities.

I was new to the ministry and yearned to make a good impression at my first church. As a Type A, I struggled with desiring recognition and thrived on attempting more than I should in twenty-four hours. I plodded ahead at reckless speeds until God slowed me down and forced me to reconsider what I was doing and why. I wasn’t fond of the way he did it, but had I continued living at break neck speeds splattered with flawed motives, I might be dead now.

Paul wasn’t a stranger to evil intentions against his mission but believed God was powerful enough to transform wickedness into good. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

Believing God is in control isn’t enough for a full life; we must also believe he’s strong enough to transform foul circumstances into ones beneficial for our spiritual growth. God’s goodness smolders beneath what appears to be the ashes of our lives. It may appear the flame of his involvement is extinguished, but the smallest wisp of faith will cause a blaze of enhanced understanding. Hindsight will continually reveal God’s ingenious way of taking the enemy’s plans to destroy and turning them into blueprints that will draw us closer to him and strengthen our faith. Learn to trust God’s heart even when you can’t see his hand.

Prayer: Thank You omnipotent God for taking all things big and small, and using them for my good and Your glory.

Live With Trust by Martin Wiles

Series: Living Life to the Fullest

Clang, clang. The sound of metal against metal was unnerving. They were only doing what Jesus said and this is how he rewarded them? 

Jesus was gone-ascended back into heaven, and the disciples were left with a promised Spirit they couldn’t see, an enormous task they were clueless about how to accomplish and now a jail sentence. A combination that would test the faith of the strongest believer.

Peter and John had already been questioned about their preaching by the Jewish high court and instructed to stop speaking in Jesus’ name. But his final commission burned in their bones, and they continued heralding. Now they were in jail. Bars and shackles, however, aren’t a crisis for almighty God. He simply sent an angel to open the gates and deliver the apostles past guards who were oblivious to the entire scene.

Years earlier, Solomon issued a challenge the apostles understood. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Life is filled with many apparent roadblocks and dead ends-even when obeying God and heading in the right direction. Difficult circumstances aren’t the time to stop depending on God; they give occasion for faith to grow stronger. Living life to the fullest involves trusting God when we don’t understand and even when it doesn’t make sense. Our personal understanding will lead us astray when it conflicts with Christ’s mind, but relying on God in spite of the consequences will always bring ultimate happiness. Is a lack of trust keeping you from a fulfilled life?

Prayer: God who controls all our life circumstances, strengthen our faith so we’ll trust You even when our situations appear dismal.

Living Without Anxiety by Martin Wiles

Series: Living Life To The Fullest

Every resume’ sent and application filed was a dead end. “We’re sorry. We’ve reviewed your application, but your skills don’t match anything we have available.” Or, “Thanks for your interest, but we’ve decided to move in another direction.”

Job hunting in a declining economy isn’t pleasurable. The relentless searching is taxing and provides fertile ground for worry, anxiety, depression and emotional burnout to breed. States of mind that tarnish my soul, poison those around me and obstruct satisfied living.

Paul was no stranger to anxiety-producing situations. From beatings to jail to being shipwrecked and misunderstood by his peers, he faced tough conditions. Yet he discovered a way to avoid anxiety and live an emotionally full life in the process. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything (Philippians 4:6 NLT). Paul was only echoing what Jesus earlier taught: So I tell you, don’t worry about everyday life (Matthew 6:34 NLT).

Knowing we shouldn’t worry is one thing; not actually doing it is another. Paul learned contentment regardless of his situation, and we can too. Constant states of worry and anxiety are physically, spiritually and emotionally draining. They divide our mind and keep us from focusing on-and enjoying, the rich life God has planned for us. And when we’re miserable, it makes those around us dismal too.

I finally found employment-and at an enjoyable position. I couldn’t force an opening, but God made one where there was supposedly not one. When worry’s shadow begins creeping over you, commit the state of affairs to God through prayer and let him have control. Then determine whether there’s anything you can do to help ease the pain of the situation. 

Prayer: Lord, we place our worries in Your hands believing You control every situation in our life.

Living Without Fear by Martin Wiles

Series: Living Life to the Fullest

Fight or flight. Our built-in defense mechanism that forces us to face or run from danger. I’ve done both. I’ve stood up to a mysterious early morning visitor who questioned my raising of the Christian flag at the college I attended. But I’ve also walked away from a bully who falsely accused me of soiling his car and wanted to fight me because of it. In both actions, fear was present.

Abundant life for believers should be the norm, but it’s impossible when controlled by fear. Controlling fear gives us strength to live our days to the fullest. The bolts of your gates will be iron and bronze, and your strength will equal your days (Deuteronomy 33:25).

Fearing because of threats and living with a continuous spirit of fear are radically different. God gives us the good sense to prepare for and escape dangerous situations, but he doesn’t expect us to live with a recurrent sense of terror. Securing our homes against thieves is sensible; boarding up the windows and never going outside is extreme.

Paul reminded young Timothy; For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind (II Timothy 1:7 NKJV). God empowers us to accomplish our daily responsibilities with confidence that he’s our ultimate protection. While foolish decisions can place us in danger, living wisely keeps us in God’s good graces.

Unfounded fears cannot exist where a complete understanding of God’s love is present. We have no reason to worry when assured of his help in every situation that might cause alarm. What disabling fear do you need to give to God so you can live a full life?

Prayer: Thank You Master in Heaven that You’re strong enough to calm all our anxieties.

Feeling Alone by Martin Wiles

“Hey Marty, I’m in a bind. Can you help me,” the voice on the phone echoed frantically. Mickey was a regular at the store I managed, but he hadn’t been in that day.

Mickey was re-tinning his house and had rented a lift to get materials from the ground to the roof but had accidentally slid from one section of the roof to another. He couldn’t get back to the lift, and the roof was too high for him to jump. Cars screamed by, but no one stopped to help him. He did the only thing he could do-call for assistance.

Elijah felt alone like Mickey. When God asked what he was doing in a cave, he replied, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty…. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too” (I Kings 19:10). But Elijah wasn’t alone. His counterpart Obadiah had hidden 100 believers in two caves, and God was about to materialize in a gentle whisper.

I’ve discovered feeling alone and being alone aren’t necessarily identical situations. I can feel alone in a crowd-and have. If I forget God’s lesson to Elijah, I can also feel alone-and shouldn’t, when by myself.

God is always with me, but I often expect his presence to manifest itself in miraculous forms as Elijah did. But God doesn’t have to appear in earthquakes, winds and fires for us to experience comfort. He can soothe my loneliness, anxieties, worries and fears just as powerfully through a gentle “I’m here.” When it seems everyone has forsaken you, remember God is no more than a whisper away.

Prayer: Thank You merciful Lord that You’re always near and ready to relieve our loneliness.

Anger’s Double Edge by Martin Wiles

Behaving like a raging maniac wasn’t my normal style, but on this particular day I was pushed too far.

Mom and I rented a booth at the local Flea Market, and Mr. “I can put my stuff wherever I want” happened to set up beside us. Being young and full of spunk, I impolitely told him he was infringing on our section and mentioned a few unmentionables to reinforce my disgust. Little did I know he was the husband of a fellow church member, and my dad was her pastor.

Anger is rarely pretty because it’s seldom expressed in the only acceptable way-as anger over sin. Herod demonstrated normal. Herod was furious when he realized that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under (Matthew 2:16 NLT). Realizing the wise men had disobeyed his instructions to share the baby Jesus’ location, he retaliated by murdering innocent children.

Age and repeated run-ins with God’s discipline rod have lengthened my short fuse and convinced me nothing good ever comes from wrongly expressed anger. Like all sinful habits, anger must be acknowledged to God before he’ll help. Failing to admit is refusing to recognize there’s a problem.

Once admitted, previous angry episodes can be confessed to God allowing the free flow of forgiveness. If our anger has hurt others, it’s a good time to soothe the hurts we’ve inflicted by asking their forgiveness. After addressing this dangerous emotion, God can re-dress us with kindness, forgiveness, compassion and love. Adorning these traits helps us avoid anger’s double edge. Let God’s love calm your angry spirit.

Prayer: Merciful Lord Jesus, when we’re tempted to let anger make us bleed sinful thoughts or actions, soothe our raging spirits with Your pacifying bandages.

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Every Need Supplied by Martin Wiles

Sissy was the godliest woman I knew, so it wasn’t surprising that she asked others to pray for her back pain to subside. And they did.

Sissy did what any sensible believer does: prayed for herself, asked others to pray for her too and then made a doctor’s appointment. But what she witnessed while driving along-before she ever went to the doctor, changed her perspective on her perceived urgent need. An elderly man-obviously struggling to make ends meet, hobbled along with pain etched on his face and one crutch under his arm.

Suddenly Sissy’s thoughts turned to what she had in spite of the pain. A loving spouse, a spacious home, a nice car, a 42 inch television, internet and a host of other luxuries this poor man could only dream of. Her plea for relief wasn’t wrong; just perhaps mingled with a little selfishness. The same dilemma thousands of believers battle.
       
Paul reminded his readers of the complete satisfaction they had in Christ. For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ (Colossians 2:9-10 NLT).

God’s fullness dwelled in Christ. By experiencing oneness with him through faith, we inherit everything required to possess salvation, obey his commands and experience complete emotional health. Having Christ doesn’t mean we’ll never struggle, but he will help us see our “I wannas” through proper lenses-regardless of their apparent urgency. Having the assurance of God’s love, forgiveness and an eternal home is all that’s required to endure whatever life throws our way. Trust God to determine how he’ll best supply your needs.

Prayer: Spirit of love, encourage us to trust You with every need and to thank You for whatever way You choose to meet it.

Wrong Place, Wrong Time by Martin Wiles

Spanish cyclist Xavier Tondo won the sixth stage of the Paris-Nice cycling race in Tourrettes sur Loop in southeastern France in March, 2010. One year later he was dead.

Tondo was planning to compete in the Tour de France for his new Movistar Team, but as he attempted to open his garage door, his car rolled forward pinning and killing him. He was at the wrong place at the wrong time.

So was King David. One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing (II Samuel 11:2).

Spring arrived. The time kings normally go to battle. But not David. When his troops moved out, he stayed in and took a roof walk. A beautiful woman bathing on a neighboring housetop caught his attention. Instead of turning away, he looked, lusted and then sent for her. The encounter led to an affair, lies, murder and the death of an innocent child. David was at the wrong place at the wrong time and made a poor choice.

God promises not to let my temptations be stronger than I can overcome with his power. But successful overcoming entails making sure I don’t intentionally put myself in situations I know will be difficult to resist.

I know my weaknesses. I’ve learned them through a lifetime of failures and successes. Staying away from devilishly enticing circumstances keeps me from the wrong place at the wrong time and from the sin that usually follows. Let God give you wisdom and strength to look away from sinful situations that draw your attention and toward his path of deliverance. 

Prayer: Powerful God, when we find ourselves in the wrong place at the wrong time, give us the fortitude to walk away.

Making The World A Better Place by Martin Wiles

No authentic record of his birth exists. Of the seven children his mother birthed, only three survived. His mother’s death and his father’s alcoholism left him to care for his younger brothers when he was only a teenager.

Ludwig van Beethoven’s promising career seemed over when at 26 he began experiencing hearing loss. Other life struggles followed-some of which may have led to his untimely death at 56, but his contributions to the world of classical music are immeasurable. He remains one of the world’s most influential composers with a genre that includes 32 piano sonatas, 16 string quartets, 5 concertos for piano and 9 symphonies.

Paul wants believers to make the world a better place-but in a different way. I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people (I Timothy 2:1).

Prayer is a powerful exercise that aligns my plans with God’s. I make the world a better place by praying for all people, regardless of their residence, skin color, creed or social class. In a very general way, we’re all God’s children because our lives are held by his power. When I pray for them, their issues become my concern. God gives me a desire to assist them when I can and to love them in spite of what I might not like about their actions.

Praying for others also motivates me to take my concern a step farther. God wants everyone to understand and accept the truth of his love and forgiveness. Through prayer, God directs me to people in my circle of influence who I can share his love with. 

How can you make your world a better place?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, though our contributions may appear insignificant, remind us that when You’re behind them they’re powerful.

Losing The Idols by Martin Wiles

Rodney was a rising star in Little League baseball, but an unusual sermon changed his focus.

Teammates and coaches loved it when Rodney played on their team. He was a star hitter and a more than fair pitcher. But baseball wasn’t Rodney’s idol. He was overly concerned with his appearance and he’d been on a health kick for some time. His diet consisted of nutritious food instead of the junk pre-teens normally consume. And his exercise program was rigorous.
 
Then one Sunday while listening to his uncle preach about stagnant churches, Rodney’s focus changed. Somewhere in the sermon, he heard something his uncle wasn’t even addressing. When his uncle mentioned that possessions had become a rich young man’s idol, the truth hit home for Rodney. Only for him it was exercise. 

The rich young man Jesus encountered had priority issues. His possessions weren’t evil; they simply occupied the wrong place. Unlike Rodney, he wasn’t willing to re-prioritize. When Jesus told him to sell his possessions and give the proceeds to the poor, the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth (Mark 10:22).

Idols can easily creep into our lives without us realizing the item, attitude or relationship is becoming one. Exercise is good; so is eating healthy. And possessions aren’t inherently evil. Many idols are just things or people misplaced on our scale of importance. Sinful idols need elimination, and God provides us strength to lose them. Innocent idols that have become sinful simply need to be placed in a different order. Anything displacing God or stealing our focus from our relationship with him is an idol. What idols does God need to help you lose?

Prayer: Father, we cast away all idols that keep us from being all You desire us to be.

Where’s The Missing Piece? by Martin Wiles

I’ve never been challenged by one. Annoyed is more like it.

Jigsaw puzzles aren’t my forte. Trying to arrange 500 small pieces of cardboard into what it originally was isn’t my idea of a fun day. But I’ve known people who could sit for hours pouring over the tiny pieces until they completed the project. Assembling the border is typically easy, but finding the missing pieces that make up the center can be challenging.

Paul was ecstatic the believers in Thessalonica were growing in their relationship with Christ, but he knew there were more pieces of their faith puzzle to assemble. Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith (I Thessalonians 3:10).

Going through the motions of religious traditions can disguise the missing pieces of our spiritual journey. A rich young ruler once approached Jesus asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus rattled off a few of the commandments. He claimed to have obeyed them but still felt something was missing. Jesus told him to sell everything he had. His wealth wasn’t wrong; it simply disguised the missing piece of his faith journey.

Nurturing our relationship with Jesus Christ is the missing piece. Having the relationship isn’t all God wants for us. Like Paul, he wants our faith to grow so we can enjoy “on cloud nine” living. When we nurture our relationship through consistent prayer, Bible study, sharing our faith and spending time with other believers, the pressures and frustrations of life won’t get us down. Rather, we’ll rise to the top and soar through and above difficulties.

Where’s the missing piece in your faith puzzle?

Prayer: Merciful Father, show us what’s missing in our puzzle of faith.

Finish What You Start

I couldn’t help but notice it sitting idly in the field. Every morning on my way to work I passed it. Why did no one finish it? What was completed was beautiful, but neglect was quickly overtaking the beauty. Piles of unused dirt lay scattered about, and weeds were rapidly overtaking the property.

Unfinished homes are familiar even though the whys of their status may be elusive. Funds dwindle, contractor reneges, mortgage isn’t approved, housing market goes bust or husband and wife split up.

The Corinthian believers promised to take an offering for suffering Christians in Jerusalem, but a year had passed and they hadn’t followed through. Paul encourages them to finish what they started. Here is my advice: It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago (II Corinthians 8:10 NLT).

My personality causes me to thrive on finishing what I begin when it’s big projects-ones I’ll be recognized for and praised about. Projects putting my name in lights or resulting in raises and promotions. But I can easily get sidetracked from life’s little but more important tasks. Taking time to hug or sit with someone who’s hurting. Praising others for a job well done. Praying for my co-workers. Encouraging a child who’s struggling. Stopping to chat with the homeless person who sits at the same corner day after day. Periodically, God sends me reminders to stop some things I thought were admirable, to start some other things I haven’t considered and to finish everything that honors him.

What have you started or not started that you need to start and finish? If you ask, God will open your eyes to unfinished tasks all around you.

Prayer: God of love, motivate us to finish what we start-even those less than limelight projects.

Bumps In The Dark by Martin Wiles

I watched as teenagers donned the glasses and attempted to walk. None were successful. They bumped into chairs, bruised shins and some almost fell. They couldn’t walk because they were drunk-or at least felt they were.
 
We had enlisted a local law enforcement officer to fit our teens with “drunky goggles” to teach them the dangers of driving drunk. And it worked. Not a single one-even those who imagined themselves invincible and exceptions to the norm, passed the test.

The man Jesus healed probably encountered a few obstacles himself. “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam….”So the man went and washed, and came home seeing (John 9:7).

Jesus’ project was born blind. He had never seen the Pool of Siloam or anything else. Nor was he healed before he washed in it. With mud caked eyes, he stumbled and crashed until he finally plunged into healing. When he finished removing the mud, his obstacles weren’t obstacles anymore.

Jesus doesn’t promise our faith journey will be void of crashes, bumps, scrapes and stumbles. There may even be times when we can’t see at all. But taking steps of faith anyway is essential. God promises to work all things together for our good and his purposes; he doesn’t even waste the bumps. He’ll never allow us to slip and fall permanently but will pick us up, secure our feet on a solid rock and mold us into something we weren’t before. More importantly, what we thought were obstacles when we couldn’t see now transform themselves into opportunities now that we can.

Trust God to lead you around obstacles you can’t see and to heal the scrapes from those you’ve bumped into.

Prayer: Thank You merciful Lord for healing our hurts and empowering us to take the next step of faith.

Dating God by Martin Wiles

I was nervous when I used to and sure wouldn’t want to now.

When I dated, the process was simple. If a boy was interested in dating a girl, he walked up to her or called her and asked. If he was a nervous type, he might have one of his female friends do it for him. But I was beyond nervous. The thought of asking a girl out sent me into hive mode. So I dated very few girls and the ones I did I normally asked out by letter.

Dating involves looking, listening and acting and occurs because we want companionship, see a possible lifetime partner, or just want to boost our reputation. With the exception of blind dates, dates are usually prefaced by physical attraction. They involve talking and listening. And if marriage is the goal, serious commitment is required.

Dating God should be natural for believers and not something that makes us nervous. One of the main ways we court God is through time in the Bible. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it…will be blessed (James 1:25).

A mere glance focuses on physical appearance, but looking intently gets inside a person to know who they really are-their goals, dreams and aspirations. God wants us to know him intently. Scanning pages just to say I’ve done it is one thing; yearning for God to speak to my spirit from the pages is another. One date doesn’t normally lead to a successful marriage or an enjoyable relationship with God. It takes time.

Just as dating usually changes our attitude and behaviors, so will dating God. How much time are you spending with him?

Prayer: Father, enrich my dates with You and Your Word so my love for You will continue growing.

Barriers To Benevolence by Martin Wiles

Our first year was busy with requests for assistance. Since our driveway connected with the church’s parking lot, it was a dead giveaway I was the pastor.

Things got so bad I stopped answering the front door. But it didn’t work. They went to the back door. We couldn’t even sit in our back yard without people walking around shouting “Is anyone home?” I started classifying them by how they looked, what they wore and what type of vehicle they drove. Some we helped; others we didn’t. A few had legitimate needs; many were scamming us. Unknowingly I erected barriers to the church’s benevolence.
   
Jesus encountered one who destroyed barriers to benevolence. Since he was a Roman, he was hated by the Jews because he represented the foreign power that ruled over them. In spite of their ill feelings toward him, he responded with kindness. When one of his slaves became ill and was near death, he sent some respected Jewish leaders to ask for Jesus’ help. This man deserves to have you do this, because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue (Luke 7:4-5).

Pride, prejudice, unconcern, personal lack and selfishness are potential barriers to benevolence. We’re all on level ground before God, and what I don’t have isn’t an excuse for refusing to share a little of what I do have. God owns all I possess and loans it to me for temporary use.

While God expects me to be a good steward of my money and possessions, he never expects me to erect barriers that keep me from helping others and sharing his love in the process. What barriers do you need to destroy?

Prayer: Merciful Lord, when we’re tempted to focus on us, turn our eyes and hearts toward benevolence to others.

What Jealousy Does by Martin Wiles

She dreamed of being a concert pianist, but her dream never came true.

Diane* started piano lessons while in the fifth grade. Before graduating high school, she was playing for a local dance studio and using her talents in church, but her big dreams changed when she met Bill.*

Bill was in the Army and about to be shipped overseas. They married, and after his mobilization, Diane returned home to finish high school. But she never became a concert pianist. God called Bill to be a minister, and a few years after his discharge Bill followed the call and took Diane with him. Diane’s favorite phrase became, “It must be nice.”

All the royal officials at the king’s gate knelt down and paid honor to Haman….But Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor (Esther 3:2). Haman also had jealousy issues. He descended from the Amalekites-Israel’s ancient enemies. When the king promoted him to prime minister, he seized his chance for revenge by asking the king to sign a decree killing all the Jews.

Jealousy leads to unforgiveness even when it’s illogical. Because they mercilessly killed his people, God told Moses to destroy the Amalekites from generation to generation. Haman wouldn’t let go of an ancient battle.

Jealousy can also result in ungodly and unwise actions. Mordecai represented all the Jews Haman hated, and his refusal to honor Haman’s position infuriated him so he asked the king to sign their death warrant.

Nothing good ever comes from jealousy. When dashed dreams or others’ successes cause you to be jealous, thank God instead for controlling your destiny and for not limiting his work to just a few individuals but for using all who are willing.

Prayer: Teach us Father that while life is not always fair, it is always controlled by You with our best interests in mind.
*Names changed to protect privacy.

Imitation by Martin Wiles

My little nephew was at it again. I played the game and my children did too, but it can be very annoying. I’m not sure the game has a name, but imitation will do. It’s the game where the child repeats everything the adult says-over and over until the adult’s nerves are frazzled. 
 
I also played another game of imitation called preaching. My pulpit was a TV stand and my great grandmother was the audience. From my small vantage point, I preached to her what I heard my preacher father say. I didn’t understand everything I was saying. I was just parroting what I heard every Sunday morning and evening and Wednesday night.

Paul was an imitator himself and was being imitated. You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit (I Thessalonians 1:6). Since entering a faith relationship with Jesus Christ, Paul tried his best to imitate him and wanted others to do the same.

Imitation can be rote or real, have meaning or simply be motions we go through because they’ve been traditionalized in our life. My nephew’s had no meaning. He continued playing and at the same time parroted everything the adults said. My preaching motions were identical. Not until I entered the same relationship as Paul did the meaning of the motions change.

Religious imitations are admirable-church attendance, giving, charitable deeds, prayer, Bible reading, but they can never substitute for a real relationship with Jesus Christ through faith. Are you imitating others by going through motions that have no meaning?

Prayer: Father God, may our acts of service never be mere rote imitation but have real meaning.

Model Living by Martin Wiles

Even though they were popular when I was growing up, putting one together wasn’t on my list of things to do.

I’m sure technology has dampened the model car industry, but it was once a booming business that interested millions of young boys. Putting model cars together required patience, time and the ability to understand complicated instructions. Having some mechanical knowledge about cars also helped. Super glue had been invented but wasn’t sold commercially like at present. Model car glue was required, and it took hours to dry. Many of the parts were small, making it difficult to fit them in the correct places.

Since I was impatient and mechanically illiterate, I put very few together in my lifetime-and then only the simplest ones.
As model cars were small replicas of the actual things, Paul was a spiritual model to believers in Thessalonica and they became models for others. As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ (I Thessalonians 1:3).

Believers have the exciting privilege of being L. J.’s (little Jesus’). Our lives can be constructed as closely to his as humanly possible. Attitudes, motives, words and thoughts should be glued together carefully with attributes that reflect our Heavenly Father. Satan wants us act like L. D.’s (little Devil’s), and only God can provide the wisdom and power we need to say and do the right thing on a regular basis.

Faithful work in God’s big mechanic shop and loving those we work on helps us build models that will transport God’s love throughout the world. Let God make you a model for others.

Prayer: Powerful Father, enable us to model Your love before others.
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Talking With God by Martin Wiles

If she were alive today (2012), she would be 93. My paternal grandmother was special. Because I was the first grandchild I received abundant attention. And the fact that she babysat me added opportunities for spoiling.

I rode with her as she rang doorbells announcing “Avon calling” and watched as she crocheted for hours. But most of all I enjoyed our talks. Spiritual subjects were common as was family genealogy. She was the family matriarch and knew the answers. What saddened me today was a family question that ran through my mind yesterday and I couldn’t ask her.

Jesus’ disciples probably felt the same. He had answered their questions for three years but was now leaving. Only by his departure could the Spirit come. But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you (John 16:7).

God is Spirit. While we can’t talk to him face to face, we can in our spirits through prayer. We can’t hear him audibly, but when in a close relationship with him-which involves confessing known sin, his still small voice becomes as loud as if he were shouting at us.

Not having Jesus physically present shouldn’t dampen our spirits; he’s as close as a prayer. Remaining in a continual attitude of prayer makes us more aware of his presence and more in tune with his will for each situation.

Prayer is carrying on a conversation with God like we do with others. Our prayers should be reverent but don’t have to splattered with awkward words. Learn to talk to God like he’s your best friend.

Prayer: Thank You Heavenly Father for allowing us to approach Your throne of grace where we always find mercy and a listening ear.

Childish Reactions by Martin Wiles

“I used to go to that church, but the last preacher they had. . . .” “Mr. ________ used to come regularly, but he and Mrs. _______ couldn’t see eye to eye on _________, so he . . . .”

Sometimes we act our biological age; sometimes we don’t. Two-year-olds act like two-year-olds. Temper tantrums, selfishness, testing authority. It goes with the territory. But when fifteen-year-olds behave identically, something’s amiss.

The same holds true with our spiritual reactions. We tend to act out where we are spiritually. Paul takes a physical fact and alludes to a spiritual principle; When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me (I Corinthians 13:11).

I recently bumped into an old friend whose conversation revealed he had conquered Paul’s challenge. His church recently built a 1.6 million dollar sanctuary and had to borrow half that amount to pay for it. “I opposed it,” he said but hastily added he continued to support the church because the majority voted to build. A mature reaction from a biologically mature person who also happened to be spiritually mature.

Reactions say a great deal about our spiritual spot. Childish reactions are understandable if we’re new Christians but not if we’re long time believers. Regularly reading, meditating on and incorporating Biblical principles into our minds will help transform immature spiritual reactions into spiritual actions. Kindness instead of revenge. Unselfishness rather than stinginess. Love instead of hate. Trust in God rather than bitterness toward him. Well, you get the picture. Ask God to grow you up in the faith so your reactions will accurately reflect your identity.

Prayer: God in heaven, help our reactions to situations and people be spiritual instead of childish.

Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing by Michelle Wiles

 

2 boxes Jiffy Cornbread Mix (cooked)
4 Biscuits (cooked)
2 Eggs
1 Onion
2 Cans Chicken Broth or the Broth from the Chicken
3 Boneless Breasts (Boiled)
2 T. Sage
2 T. Butter
Salt/pepper
2 cans cream of Chicken Soup

 

Mix cornbread, biscuits, eggs, sage, salt/pepper, and butter in a large bowl. Set aside.
Boil chicken and onion together. Once chicken cools, pull it apart and place in a separate bowl.
Pour chicken broth in the cornbread mixture and mix. If needed, add broth from the chicken.
Grease crock pot and add one can of Chicken Soup. Add half of the dressing mixture, followed by the chicken, and then by the remainder of the dressing. Top with the other can of Cream of Chicken Soup.
Cook on Low for 3-4 Hrs. If needed sooner, you can cook on high for 1 Hr.

Chocolate Caramel Truffle by Michelle Wiles

1 Box Devil Food Cake Mix
12 oz. tub of Cool Whip
1 can milk chocolate icing.
Chocolate/Caramel Syrup

 

Bake cake as directed on box. Let cool.
In large bowl, crumble ¼ of cooked cake in bottom of bowl.
Cover with ¼ of chocolate icing.
Top with Cool Whip.
Cover with chocolate/caramel syrup.
Continue layering until all ingredients are used.
End with chocolate/caramel syrup.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.

 

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Chicken Tortilla Casserole by Michelle Wiles

1 CAN CREAM OF CHICKEN SOUP
1 CAN ROTEL
8 OZ. SOUR CREAM
1/2 C. MILK
2 1/2 C. COOKED SHREDDED CHICKEN
8 TORTILLA SHELLS (TORN INTO BITE SIZE PIECES)
1 1/2 C. SHREDDED MEXICAN CHEESE

 

IN A LARGE BOWL MIX SOUP, ROTEL, SOUR CREAM, MILK, AND HALF OF CHEESE. MIX WELL.
STIR IN CHICKEN AND TORTILLA PIECES.
PLACE IN A GREASED CASSEROLE DISH.
COVER WITH ALUMINUM FOIL AND BAKE AT 350 FOR 40 MINS.
UNCOVER AND SPRINKLE THE REMAINING CHEESE ON TOP.
BAKE UNCOVERED 5 MINS LONGER.

 

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CHICKEN DIVAN

 

3 C. CHICKEN COOKED AND CUBED
1 C. MAYONNAISE
1 BAG FROZEN BROCCOLI SPEARS (THAWED)
1 TSP. LEMON
2 CANS CREAM OF CHICKEN SOUP
1 C. SHREDDED CHEDDAR CHEESE
1 SLEEVE RITZ (CRUSHED)

 

PLACE BROCCOLI IN A 9 X 13 CASSEROLE DISH. TOP WITH CHICKEN.
IN A SEPARATE BOWL MIX SOUP, MAYONNAISE, AND JUICE.
POUR OVER CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI.
TOP WITH CHEESE THEN RITZ.
BAKE AT 350 FOR 30 MINS.

Chicken Casserole

5 cooked chicken breasts(keep broth)
1 onion
1 can Cream of Chicken soup
16oz. sour cream
1 bag Pepperidge Farm dressing
Salt/pepper and onion salt
2 c. shredded cheese

Shred chicken and place in a bowl with all other ingredients except cheese.
Mix together and place in a greased casserole dish.
Top with cheese.
Bake on 350 for 20-25 mins.

Rehearse Or Release by Martin Wiles

When I thought about it, my stomach knotted and my head pounded. Reflecting only allowed anger to boil up inside me.

My wife and I were temporarily living in unpleasant circumstances (with a relative). While not easy, we had no choice. Different personalities and routines have a way of crashing into each other when two independent families are thrown together.

When three more family members arrived for a visit and a three day sleepover in an already overcrowded house, it was more than we could take. Unkind words, hurt feelings and slammed doors erupted. Retreating to separate rooms and “running to town to pick up something” simply couldn’t resolve the issues. Rehearsing the situation only made it worse. I knew I had to release it and the offender to God.

Conflict is a part of life. Imagining we’ll always get along with everyone-even our family members, is wishful and foolish thinking. Paul gives us the key to resolution when conflict evolves. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you (Colossians 3:13).

Forgiveness is the key to unity. Rehearing injustices committed against us can lead to tension, anxiety, outbursts of anger, unkind words, making plans for revenge, acts of violence and even physical and emotional ailments.

Releasing the person (forgiving) who has wronged us keeps all of the above at bay. Forgiveness should be instantaneous and continual and may have to be repeated in order for it to “stick.”

Releasing those who harm us physically, emotionally and financially isn’t easy but it’s possible when we remember how much God has forgiven us. Who needs your forgiveness?

Prayer: God who forgives all sins, enable us to forgive those who need it most.