But They’re Not Like Us by Martin Wiles

He was traveling through a region with a history of opposition to his people. She was a native who needed help and didn’t know where else to turn.

Jesus met this woman in the predominantly pagan region of Tyre. Her daughter was demon possessed, so she didn’t mind approaching a miracle working Jew for help. Jesus’ answer to her request-“First I should help my own family, the Jews (Mark 7:27),” seems unloving, but it was a faith test. Her answer-“But even the dogs under the table are given some crumbs (v. 28),” revealed her trust and resulted in her daughter’s healing. Even though she was a “them,” Jesus accepted her.

Jesus’ disciples did battle with the “but they’re not like us” syndrome. Master, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he isn’t in our group (Luke 9:49 NLT).

Jesus’ caution to his disciples (Luke 9:50) reminds me of the battle I must wage against stereotyping, prejudice, and “but they’re not like us” mindsets. Attitudes that have been prevalent in many countries throughout history.

Presently (2013) in the United States, we’re waging the war with immigration reform. The polar extremes are “Let’s round them all up and send them back where they came from,” and “Let’s grant amnesty to all of them.”

While laws must be obeyed and policies established, I think Jesus would say love and accept them-whoever the “them” not like us happens to be. Having a “but they’re not like us” mentality doesn’t square with the Bible’s message. Jesus loves all people unconditionally, and I must too. They are his creations who are worthy of his love and for whom he has a unique plan.

Let God change your attitude about the “them” you’re having trouble accepting.

Prayer: Remind us loving Father that all people are created in Your image and are worthy of our respect and love.

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Chewing Gum for God by Martin Wiles

“Hey, I’m going home to chew my gum,” he yelled from the bus as my wife and I entered the resale store where we were vendors. I was clueless, although it didn’t surprise me that she would connect with someone by using gum. Only later did the story unfold.

While working at the store, my wife would occasionally see this physically and mentally incapacitated young man from the Adult Day Care Center parading around in his wheelchair and chewing gum. “Where is my gum,” she would ask, and he would smile.

One day he came into the store with a nurse. “Where’s my gum,” my wife asked again. Just a smile. “What’s your favorite kind?” she queried. “Spearmint,” he said excitedly. “Like this,” my wife said offering him a piece from her purse. “Would you like it?” “Yeah!” he exclaimed with sparkling eyes. 

As he rode his wheelchair down the sidewalk the following day, my wife presented him an entire pack. With a huge smile and a “Wow,” he wheeled off and told everyone about his gift. It finally dawned on me why we spend so much time on the candy aisle while in the grocery store. The gum and candy are a significant part of my wife’s ministry. 

When the disciples became angry because a woman poured an expensive bottle of perfume on Jesus’ head, he reminded them, You will always have the poor among you (Matthew 26: 11 NLT). And the lonely, the elderly, the young, and the mentally challenged.

So I suppose the next time we visit the candy aisle, I’ll keep my mouth shut about how unhealthy it is and how much it costs. After all, if Jesus said a cup of cold water would be recognized when given in his name, I suppose a piece of chewing gum will do too.

Prayer: Father, open our eyes to see how we can use even the smallest of items to give others a cup of cold water.

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Faithful to the End by Martin Wiles

His demise wasn’t pretty, but it was quick and relatively painless. And she was faithful.

I was fortunate to grow up in a two-parent home with both parents being my biological progenitors. Mom had aspirations of being a concert pianist and probably would have made it had Dad not ambled along. He was head over heels in love with her, and obviously she with him. So she gave up her dream and became first an Army wife and shortly thereafter a preacher’s wife. Mom stuck by his side for more than 50 years of marriage and held his hand as he lay dying in an Atlanta, Georgia hospital.

God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord (I Corinthians 1:9 NLT).

God often used the picture of marriage in the Old Testament to represent his relationship with his people. He also used the word adultery when referring to their unfaithfulness to him. When I entered a relationship with him through Christ, God made a lifelong marriage commitment that he’d be faithful to me. But he also expects me to be faithful to him just as I am to my wife. I don’t have to worry about God committing spiritual adultery, but I do have to keep me on my p’s and q’s.

God’s faithfulness is also unconditional. Even if I cheat on him, he won’t on me. And admittedly, I sometimes do. My sins are forgiven, but I have a fleshly nature which if not kept in check will lead me to other loves. Thankfully, God’s unconditional love always prompts him to forgive and grant me another chance.

Let God’s example of undying faithfulness to you inspire you to be loyal to him.

Prayer: Thank You merciful Lord for Your unconditional faithfulness to us. Grow our faith so that we might consistently return Your love.

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The Markings of a Hypocrite by Martin Wiles

“There’s nothing but a bunch of hypocrites at that church.”

I’ve heard the statement frequently when inviting people back to a church they previously attended or when inviting someone who wasn’t attending anywhere. Usually details followed. _____________, who is a deacon (the normal prime target), drinks, smokes, curses, etc. Or, So and So did something that made them mad. And of course, the old standby: “The preacher…”

Hypocritical behavior can turn others off and away, but often those pointing the finger are guilty themselves. Jesus replied, “You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote, ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me (Mark 7: 6 NLT).’”

Focusing on my reputation at the expense of my character makes me a hypocrite. Reputation is what I’m known for; character is who I really am. They should match, but with a hypocrite they won’t. Like the Fonz on the series “Happy Days” who had a “rep” to protect, I can protect mine at the expense of molding my character instead of letting my character shape my rep.

Legalism can label me a hypocrite. I’m legalistic if I stress the letter of the law and miss the spirit. I can be known as a super spiritual saint but have a heart that’s rascally. Jesus compared the religious leaders to white-washed tombs…pretty on the outside, dead on the inside.

Being quick to point out the faults and sins of others while ignoring mine also tags me a hypocrite. Jesus warned against looking at the speck in someone else’s eye while ignoring my personal logs. We’re all mere sinners saved by grace.

If you’re guilty of pretending to be someone you’re not, God can fix the issues so the rep will match the real you.

Prayer: Remind us merciful Father that You see the inside as well as the outside. Strengthen our reserve and mold our character so others will see an accurate reflection of who we are and who You are in us.


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Casting the Bread by Martin Wiles

As if things aren’t cheap enough at yard sales, my wife tends to lower them even more.

While participating in a spring fling sale at a local resale shop, a couple with a small child approached our table and poured over our Jell-O molds. My wife…noticing their antics, offered them all three for a dollar instead of one dollar each. A neighboring vendor scolded her…as did I. But she can’t help it. Her heart won’t let her act any differently.

Later in the day, a fellow vendor was re-locating her booth and offered us some items free of charge. In return, my wife sold her our cedar chest for a giveaway price. Once again, I gently scolded her. But later that day a fellow church member directed me to a gas station where he promptly filled my tank with $50 dollars of fuel-more than the amount we lost in the cedar chest and Jell-O mold sale.

My wife cast our bread on the water, and God noticed. Cast your bread upon the waters, For you will find it after many days (Ecclesiastes 11:1 NKJV).

A negative parallel of this positive suggestion is “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” I cast when I invest in others…spiritually and otherwise. God rewarded my wife’s casting by prompting someone to invest in us. 

Recognizing life is more about God and others rather than me re-directs my actions. I spend time with God so I can learn to stop acting like a spiritually selfish child. I look for opportunities to serve others because I know it’s evidence of my love for God and because it demonstrates my appreciation for the ultimate sacrifice of his Son for the forgiveness of my sins.

Don’t let fear of casting keep you from tossing out a few crumbs.

Prayer: Merciful Father, prompt us to take what You entrust to us and cast it into the lives of others.

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Walking the Path by Martin Wiles

“Do black bears walk paths?” Perhaps a silly question to ask Google, but obviously I wasn’t the first to ask it to an internet search engine.

Certainly they do. Why wouldn’t they? Just as it’s easier for a person to walk a mountain trail than climb up and down the side of a mountain through crawling rhododendron and grasping laurel, so it’s easier for a bear to walk a trail as well. No grass, vines, or entangling underbrush. Surging roots are possibly the only thing to contend with. So the feeling of comfort I initially had that walking the trail would diminish my chances of encountering a bear didn’t hold water after all.

Jesus once talked about path walking. You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way (Matthew 7:13 NLT).

Comparatively speaking, the path leading to God is narrow and populated by only a few people. The broad path is easier and more heavily populated. Walking the broad path of disobedience and selfish living is easier. Following Christ requires sacrifices, and at times they’re very difficult to make.

The broad path follows the crowd making it more convenient. I can go with the flow like a river surging downstream with no restrictions. Copying the crowd’s behavior and thinking like the majority is always easier than bucking the system. Walking Jesus’ path requires standing with a few and sometimes alone.

The two paths also end differently…one in heaven, the other in hell. I can’t have my cake and eat it too. I either live for the world and reject Christ-and thereby choose hell, or I select a life of obedience and sacrifice and gain heaven. The choice is mine…and yours.

Prayer: Lord God, sustain our steps that we might travel the narrow path which leads to an eternity with You.
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Parroting Jesus by Martin Wiles

I’m not sure why I did it when I was a young boy, but it seemed the natural thing to do. Nor am I sure why my children returned the favor. They certainly weren’t even a thought in my mind when I was doing it to my parents.

Parroting, imitating, mimicking, copying. Whatever the term for this behavior, I know my parents hated it when I did it to them, and as a parent I also despised it when my children followed suit. The game is played by repeating everything someone says ad nauseam until they finally blurt, “Stop copying what I say!”

Jesus, on the other hand, appreciates such behavior. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me (John 10:27 NLT).

Parroting Jesus involves staying on his timetable for me. On more than one occasion Jesus told individuals whom he had healed not to share what happened. A strange command from someone desiring to make a worldwide impact. But there was a reason. He was on the heavenly Father’s timetable and didn’t want his arrest, crucifixion, and death to occur prematurely.

I’ve discovered operating on God’s timetable requires spending daily intimate time with him. Otherwise I usually miss his Spirit’s still small voice directing me in a particular direction or to a specific opportunity. Hearing his voice entails consciously putting myself in an attitude of prayer throughout each day along with actually expecting him to speak to me and accomplish his work through me. The spiritual disciplines of daily bible study and prayer enhance my chances of actually hearing Jesus so I can in turn parrot his attention to God’s timetable.

Learn to parrot Jesus by making a point to live on his timetable rather than your own.

Prayer: Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, when others attempt to pull and squeeze us into a mold of behavior against Your will and plan, give us strength to obey Your plan and operate according to Your timetable.

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Green Bean Bundles by Michelle Wiles

 

3 cans French Style Green Beans (drained)

1 lb. Bacon (cut pieces in half)

1 Stick Butter (melted)

1C. Brown Sugar

1 tsp. Garlic Salt

 

Wrap 7 Green Beans with a half piece of Bacon and place in

 

a greased 9x13 pan.

Repeat until all Green Beans are wrapped.

Combine Butter with Brown Sugar and pour over the Green

 

Bean Bundles.

Sprinkle Garlic Salt over bundles.

Cover pan with Aluminum Foil.

Bake on 350 degrees for 45 mins.

 

 

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Lessons from a Firefly by Martin Wiles

Fireflies…commonly known as lightning bugs, are in the family of winged beetles and are known for their use of bioluminescence to attract mates or prey.

Since their lights are easily observed on dark nights, my friends and I as children spent many evenings running through the yard scooping up these tiny creatures. We then placed them in our ready-made mason jars, complete with a few holes in the lid and grass inside. Placing them in my bedroom provided an inexpensive nightlight. But if not released shortly, they and their light would die.

You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden… let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father (Matthew 7: 14, 16 NLT).

Any type of light has a purpose: fireplaces provided light, heat, and a place for cooking, oil lamps illuminated dark rooms for reading, street lights gave light for travelers, and electricity made it possible for light to appear with the flip of a switch. Fireflies have a purpose for lighting up, and according to Jesus so do his followers…lighting up the Heavenly Father.

While hypocrisy (pretending to be something I’m not), legalism (paying more attention to the letter of the law than the spirit), and inconsistent behavior will cover my light, loving everyone unconditionally, accepting others regardless of their life station, and being hospitable will let it radiate brightly. When it does, others will be attracted to the Christ I serve.

Unfortunately, not everyone will be drawn to our lights even when we let them shine effectively. Some will poke fun…and others will question the validity of our beliefs, but we’re not responsible for their response…just our light. Let God fuel your light so it shines vibrantly.

Prayer: Loving Savior, as You have shone brightly for us on the cross, may our lights for You radiate fiercely so others will be drawn to Your love.

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Cluttered by Clutter by Martin Wiles

As a preacher’s kid, I did it all my young life; as a pastor, I followed suit.

Moving has rarely been on my list of enjoyable things. The last major transition my wife and I made required placing most of our belongings in storage for several months. We realized in short order that our “treasures” weren’t going to fit into the one building we’d rented. I quickly contacted the owner and asked for a second one. By the time we closed the door on the first building, an army of goods confronted us. Our little room was cluttered by clutter.

Jesus tells about a group of seeds cluttered out by thorns. Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants (Matthew 13:7 NLT).

Clutter comes in various shapes and sizes: too many possessions, an overabundance of investments, an excess of unhealthy habits, or maybe just too many irons in the fire with the kids and other relationships. Clutter can be sinful or not and may signify a spiritual issue or merely be a sign of my busyness.

Clutter divides my mind. I want to do what’s right for God and others, but there’s just not enough time for both. So I have to make choices. Will I be selfish and hold on to my own schedule, or will I de-clutter and make time for things advancing God’s Kingdom? Even God’s work must be prioritized. I’ve watched people burn out serving him and have almost done it myself. 

Clutter…regardless of what category it fits into, either leaves God out or gives him leftovers. If your life feels cluttered, ask God for wisdom to reorganize it so he can use you to the fullest extent in your church, family, and community.

Prayer: Eternal God, we admit our lives are often cluttered. Give us wisdom to prioritize them effectively so we can serve You efficiently.

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In the Midst of Anxiety by Martin Wiles

Encountering her in the middle of nowhere was a tense moment. And wondering how she’d react only increased our anxiety.

My brother and I were on the Appalachian Trail in northern Georgia. We had repeatedly heard rustling in the leaves ahead of us but never observed the culprit. Suddenly it appeared as we rounded a curve in the trail: a mother bear with two cubs. We froze in our tracks as she eyed us. We knew this was the most dangerous situation in which to encounter a bear. We slowly backed away, blew a whistle, and rattled branches, hoping she wouldn’t bound around the curve with teeth bared. Fortunately, she mosied along, and so did we.

I’ve lived through many anxious moments and obviously so did the psalmist. When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer (Psalm 94:19 NLT).

When anxiety begins its approach, I’ve learned to ask, “Is what I’m anxious about worth worrying about?” Then I remember Jesus said I shouldn’t worry (Matthew 6:25), and Paul echoed the same (Philippians 4:6). There are some things I should fear…like a mother bear with cubs, and there are many things I should be concerned about, but moving to anxiety or worry crosses the line and demonstrates my mistrust of God.

When I give my concerns and anxieties to God, he promises a peace that transcends my understanding (Philippians 4:7). This peace comes when I believe by faith that he’s in control, loves me, and has my best interests at heart. Sure bad things will happen, but God promises to weave all things together for my good…and yours too.

Regardless of how trying your situations may be, if asked, God will give you wisdom to make the right decisions along with the ability to live anxiety free.

Prayer: Thank You merciful and gracious Father for calming our fears and relieving our anxieties.

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Those Dangerous Leftovers by Martin Wiles

I enjoy leftovers, but left over for too long they become dangerous…even deadly.

Leftover defines itself. Generally speaking, the word refers to food. In my opinion, some foods are tastier as leftovers than when originally cooked. But food left over for too long can spoil and in turn spoil one’s stomach.

God warned Moses about leftovers and the danger they posed. But if you fail to drive out the people who live in the land, those who remain will be like splinters in your eyes and thorns in your sides. They will harass you in the land where you live (Numbers 33:55 NLT).

Lot’s wife turned into a pillar of salt when she longed for dangerous leftovers (Genesis 19:26), and Paul pronounces a believer’s hungering for them fleshly living (Galatians 5:16).

Eating dangerous leftovers for me entails living by fleshly patterns instead of listening to God’s Spirit. Put more plainly…or Southernly, hankering after things I should have left behind when I chose to follow Christ. Things that no longer fit who I am. Patterns that lead to selfish or sinful living. God cleansed my old nature when he forgave my sins, but he didn’t erase from my memory those unwise patterns of living I learned along the way. Only by listening to his Spirit and depending on his power can I overcome these.

Leaving the dangerous leftovers behind often involves changing environments also. As with the gentlemen who recently told me that when he decided to follow Christ he left his bar hopping behind. Initially, he still visited them to associate with friends, but he would drink Coke instead of alcohol. Later, he stopped visiting altogether.

Leftovers left over for too long are best thrown away. They’ll only lead to an upset tummy and a tarnished testimony.

Prayer: Powerful God, encourage us to eat only of those things that are beneficial to our spiritual health.

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Behaving Like a Mockingbird by Martin Wiles

As the final rays of daylight gave way to darkness’ canopy, my wife and I listened to the fading voices of the chirping choir. Eventually all silenced except one…a mockingbird.

Mockingbirds are easily recognizable by their wide variety of sounds as they imitate other birds and even insects and amphibians. As we listened to this bird’s solo chorus, we heard cardinals, blue jays, as well as many other sounds we didn’t recognize.

Jesus warned the religious elite against mockingbird behavior. But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven! (Matthew 5:20 NLT)

I’ve been guilty of mockingbird behavior myself. When I imitate others instead of being whom and what God created me to be, I mock. God created my unique personality, gifted and talented me accordingly, and then engineered circumstances for me to use them. Trying to use gifts I don’t have-or even trying to use them outside God’s circumference for me, only leads to failure and disappointment. When asked by his mom what he wanted to be when he grew up, Forrest Gump queried, “Aren’t I going to be me?”

Drawing too much attention to myself mocks mockingbird behavior. The Bible calls it pride and warns against it. Using what God entrusts to me in the ways he desires focuses attention on him.

I also imitate mockingbirds when I pretend to be something I’m not. Growing up in a Christian home, imitating Christian behavior without actually being one would have been easy. Jesus called this hypocrisy. Association with God only comes through a faith connection…not by mocking the actions of those who truly are believers.

Don’t act like a mockingbird. Connect to God, and be who he created you to be.

Prayer: Thank You Father for creating each of us uniquely. Help us discover our gifts so we can tailor them to the distinctive persons You’ve created us to be.

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Looking in the Wrong Place by Martin Wiles

As the early morning light was chasing away the darkness, they arrived at their destination. But they didn’t find what they pursued. They were in the wrong place.

Women were among Jesus’ staunchest supporters. A group of them had watched as Jesus was taken from the cross and carried to a tomb. When the Sabbath ended, they made their early morning trek to the tomb to properly prepare his body.

Uncertainty over how they’d remove the large stone covering the entrance didn’t stop them. As it turned out, they didn’t have to fret after all. The stone was gone, but so was the body. They, like so many others, hadn’t grasped Jesus’ earlier pronouncements that he’d rise again.

Angels appeared to them, and one cautioned that they were searching in the wrong place. Why do you seek the living among the dead? (Luke 24:5 NKJV)

I too have been guilty of trying to find something living among what’s dead…or more appropriately…I’ve looked for fulfillment in the wrong places. Only when Jesus appeared to the women did they realize their mistake. Imagining a living Savior was in a cold dark tomb was like traveling down a dead end street. We live on one, and the only way out is to turn around and go back the way you came.

Sinful habits, unhealthy practices, and careless living are all dead end streets that evidence pursuing fulfillment in the wrong places. Satisfaction is only discovered through a relationship with a living Savior wherein I learn to trust him day by day for my deepest needs. I can’t handle life…its temptations or its trials, but Christ in me can.

Learn to look in the right place for strength to conquer life’s temptations and uncertainties as well as the human tendency toward selfishness.

Prayer: Father God, when we’re tempted to speed down life’s dead end alleys looking for fulfillment, turn us around to the abundance found in You.

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Homemade Cornbread by Michelle Wiles

 

3 cups Martha White Hot Rise Buttermilk Cornmeal Mix

2 Eggs

2 cups of Milk

¼ cup Vegetable Oil

Pour vegetable oil in cast iron skillet.

Heat oven to 350 degrees and place skillet in oven for 10 minutes.

Remove from oven and pour mixture in skillet.

Bake on 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown.

(If sweet cornbread is desired, add ¼ cup of sugar to mixture.)

 

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Treading on Problems by Martin Wiles

They had witnessed a miracle they didn’t understand; now they were about to observe another they wouldn’t comprehend.

What do you do with thousands of hungry people who come to hear your boss speak? Especially when you forgot to have a meal catered? And when you know some of them have ulterior motives for being there? You ask his advice, do what he says, and leave the rest to him. Which is what the disciples did.

But Jesus’ ability to trample on problems didn’t stop there. No sooner had the disciples set sail for a nearby city than a fierce storm arose. Gale force winds tossed the boat, and fat waves crawled across the bow. When they were at their wit’s end, Jesus came walking on the water. He stepped onto the boat, stilled the storm, and immediately placed them at their destination. Once again, a problem treader.

Suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water toward the boat. They were terrified, but he called out to them, “Don’t be afraid. I am here!” (John 6:19-20 NLT)

Problems aren’t problems when viewed through faith’s lenses. Feeding thousands with meager scraps, walking on water, calming a storm…they weren’t problems for the Universe’s Master. Neither are my puny life issues that seem insurmountable to me. Faith will always diminish their size and intensity.

God can even take my faith tests and transform them into opportunities. What the disciples witnessed built their faith and gave them stories to testify about. When Jesus treads on my problems, it does the same for me. My so called problems are always under God’s authority, and he’s always on top of things…water, food, clothing, a home. Whatever constitutes necessities for me.

When it appears your problems have mounted you, let God do a little treading on them.

Prayer: Give us the faith dear Lord to trust You in all situations, even when they appear useless, confusing, and unbearable.

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God Out of the Ordinary by Martin Wiles

They normally arrive late afternoon or evening, but this one sauntered through at noon.

My brother, two children, and I were on the Appalachian Trail for an overnight hike. We intended to set up camp around noon and then hike farther, but an out-of-the-ordinary mid-day thunderstorm interrupted our agenda. After hurriedly setting up camp, we dashed to a nearby shelter to wait out the storm. For three hours, we watched lightning dance across the sky and listened as thunder bounced between the mountains. It was the first time we’d witnessed a noon day thunderstorm. 

Jesus’ actions were normally out of the ordinary also. After his resurrection, the first person he appeared to was a formerly demon possessed lady. After Jesus rose from the dead…the first person who saw him was Mary Magdalene, the woman from whom he had cast out seven demons (Mark 16:9 NLT).

Mary Magdalene was only one of the out-of-the-ordinary followers Jesus called or attracted. Others included fishermen, a tax collector, and people the religious elite considered scum. Quite an unusual bunch to continue a worldwide campaign after his death, but they performed immaculately.

God doesn’t live in our boxes nor can they contain him. Scripture portrays him as all powerful, all knowing, and everywhere present. Traditions can distort our picture of God just as the prevalent Jewish belief put the coming Messiah in the box of conquering King. But he arrived as a Suffering Servant who would be killed instead of kill.

Boxes confine, but God’s attributes prevent our attempts. God has a plan for your life, and he’ll do what’s best and necessary to help you realize it…even if it means working in out of the ordinary ways to accomplish it. All he asks is that we trust him.

Prayer: Thank You merciful Lord for always being and doing more than our simple minds anticipate. Enable us to accept by faith the out of the ordinary surprises You send.

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Chicken Casserole by Michelle Wiles

 

 

5 chicken breasts – cooked (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.

 

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Be Still by Martin Wiles

They were trapped, and their leader’s advice simply didn’t make sense.

Four hundred years of slavery should have taught them not to disobey God, but it didn’t. Through a series of plagues, God finally convinced their ruler to free them, but no sooner had Pharaoh given the order than regret melted over him. His entire labor force had vanished.

Assembling an army, he pursued them through the wilderness, finally catching them at the Red Sea. The newly liberated captives panicked and adopted a disobedient spirit again. They complained and accused their leader of bringing them into the wilderness to die.

Moses’ advice to the people is still apropos during times of restlessness. The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm (Exodus 14:14 NLT).

Patting my bottom was the only way to get me to sleep when I was a baby. Any motion would awaken me. Even as a middle-age adult, I still have problems staying still. I tend to shake my foot or leg when sitting, and I still enjoy my wife rubbing my head or arm as I’m falling asleep.

I also haven’t completely conquered the urge to jump ahead of God instead of being still while he accomplishes his purpose in my life’s details. Fortunately, this verse comes to mind when I’m tempted.

Regardless of what battles God allows us to fight or what unpleasant circumstances we encounter, he wants us to quit struggling. Our stillness recognizes his control and reflects our trust that he can handle the situation better than us. He’ll give wisdom for our next steps.

The seas of unforgiveness, anger, financial meltdown, family difficulties, aging parents, injuries, and disease often appear deep and wide, but if we’ll be still…stay calm, God will show us how to come out dry on the other side.

Prayer: Father, when we’re tempted to take matters into our hands and not trust You, remind us we need Your wisdom not our own.

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Lessons on Bathing by Martin Wiles

Clean. People define it differently and engage in various activities to achieve it.

Before running water and electricity, once a week baths with sponging off in between constituted clean. Even after these inventions, my grandparents didn’t bathe every day but still considered themselves clean. For others, clean involves showering or bathing daily.

Beyond bathing is our obsession with hand washing and hand sanitizer. Although some germs are actually beneficial, we wash them away with our compulsion. Wipes are carried to sponge them away, and hand sanitizer bottles are toted like Kleenex. Too much of a good thing can actually be bad.

Jesus did a little cleansing himself. Jesus made a whip from some ropes and chased them all out of the Temple (John 2:15 NLT).

Worshippers came from distant lands making it inconvenient to bring a Passover animal sacrifice. They also brought coins with pagan ruler’s inscriptions. Local merchants took advantage of the situation by charging outrageous prices for the animals they sold and the coins they redeemed. Jesus reacted by giving them a spiritual bath.

God wants to conform my actions and attitudes to his Son’s…he wants me to act and think like Jesus. In minor and major ways, he bathes my attitudes to transform my actions.

The response is up to me but determines the final outcome. I can resist his cleansing as the religious leaders did. They wanted to know who gave him the authority to do what he did. Or I can accept his cleansing reluctantly. My actions may change temporarily, but they won’t permanently because I’m convinced against my will. The proper response is accepting the bath joyfully and learning from it because by faith I believe God knows what type of spiritual bath suits me best.  How are you reacting to God’s attempts to bathe you?

Prayer: Thank You Father for loving us enough not to leave us in our disobedience and unwise patterns of thinking and acting. Give us faith to respond to Your baths with obedience and an eagerness to learn.

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Our Perfect Guide by Martin Wiles

Sherpas are perfect guides when navigating the Himalayas, especially Mt. Everest.

An ethnic group from the mountains of Nepal, the Sherpa are renowned for their skill, stamina and experience at high altitudes. Some even propose they have adapted genetically, making them the logical choice for guiding climbers at high altitudes with low oxygen levels.

David didn’t circulate at high altitudes, but his guide was equally trustworthy. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. (Psalm 25:9)

David was a guide himself and naturally familiar with qualities of a good shepherd. He observed the same qualities in his Guide, believing He would always take him down right paths. But just as shepherds don’t drive sheep, neither did David’s Guide force him to travel particular paths or make specific decisions.

God guides but doesn’t remove our choice to obey or disobey. His goal is conforming us to His Son’s image-and following His direction will ensure the process succeeds, but we must choose to obey regardless of the consequences. As Everest is reached only by resolute individuals who train and plan, so making our bodies and minds pure involves determination, constant examination of motives, and continual assessment of actions.     

God’s primary means of guiding is through His Word. When coupled with a humble spirit, these principles will seep into our mind’s pores allowing us to quickly recognize wrong paths and erroneous ideas that prevent us from reaching the holiness pinnacle.  

Reflection: When pulled in different directions, determine you will choose God’s.

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Avoiding The Heavyweights by Martin Wiles

Brown Bomber was a nickname synonymous with one of history’s famous heavyweights-a name given to boxers weighing more than 200 pounds.

His given name was Joseph Louis Barrow. Better known as Joe Louis, he held the heavyweight championship title from 1937 to 1949, established a reputation for honesty and hard work and successfully defended his title 25 times.

Jesus issued a heavyweight warning almost 2,000 years ago. Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life. (Luke 21:34)

His followers needed to watch for his return. It remains a necessary warning for me because of my tendency to lose focus or get weighed down when something doesn’t happen quickly enough.

In the world of life, the heavy weights of carelessness, addiction and anxiety keep us from winning the battle for holiness. Whatever has my focus has me, and lack of godly focus always leads down a path of disappointment and spiritual frustration.

When the weight of life’s ups and downs gets too heavy, it’s easy to adopt addictions as crutches to help us make it through. But they never deliver the promised fix. They’re only temporary solutions to deeper issues.

Anxiety is a heavy weight too, often leading to physical and emotional challenges. A better avenue is presenting our concerns to God and letting Him give His incomprehensible peace.

Christ will come. Prudent waiting entails avoiding focus stealing heavy weights that hinder our journey toward godly living.

Reflection: With God’s help, cast off any weights hindering your holy living.

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Waiting In Holiness by Martin Wiles

Tim told his story, and I listened enviously.

Fear of disappointing his godly mother kept Tim from succumbing to normal teenage temptations associated with peer pressure. He also knew if he did and got caught his parents would come for him and he wouldn’t like what they brought.

I wasn’t as wise. I didn’t want to disappoint my mom either-and I was a believer, but I allowed peer pressure to overtake good judgment. And my parents came. With discipline I didn’t enjoy and rules I despised. I wasn’t ready for the consequences.

Peter admonished his listeners to live spotless and blameless lives and prefaced it by reminding them Jesus was returning. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him (II Peter 3:14).

Since the time of His return was unknown, it made sense to be continuously ready if they were to avoid unwelcome consequences.

In Christ I’ve received His righteousness, but in practice I have spiritual work to do and only a limited time to accomplish it. My death or His return can occur momentarily.  A journey toward spiritual maturity is essential and commanded. Children who don’t develop mentally or physically are diagnosed challenged. I am as well if I make no progress toward holiness in my actions, thoughts and attitudes.

Loving God supremely and others as ourselves establishes pure motives, setting us on a spiritual pilgrimage that prepares us to meet our Redeemer.

Reflection: Choose practices that enhance your journey toward holy living.

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Stand Firm by Martin Wiles

His posture gave him a nickname still recorded in history books.

Thomas Jackson is one of the most well known Confederate generals of the American Civil War after Robert E. Lee. Though he excelled in many battles, the First Battle of Bull Run gave him the nickname “Stonewall.” As Confederate lines crumbled under Union assault, Jackson’s brigade continually provided reinforcements leading General Bee, Jr., to remark; “There is Jackson standing like a stone wall.” It was good news in a devastating time.

Believers in Thessalonica stood firm. For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord (I Thessalonians 3:8 NIV).

Despite distress and persecution, Paul was encouraged by Timothy’s report of their strong faith and love. He hoped they would continue living blamelessly and holy as they awaited the Lord’s return.

Trials, temptations, persecution, sickness, and emotional struggles have a way of stealing our focus and leading to addictive crutches. While God never initiates what contradicts His nature, He allows an assortment of whatever accomplishes His ultimate goal of forming us into His Son’s image.

Washing blue jeans too often diminishes color and durability. Washing them less and turning them inside out when washing leads to a longer lifespan. God turns us inside out by using experiences we’d rather avoid.

Holy and blameless living begins on the inside and works its way out. Thoughts produce feelings which in turn birth actions. Genuine change never proceeds in the opposite direction.

Reflection: With God’s help, choose thoughts that produce holy actions.

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Better World…Better Body by Martin Wiles

At twelve he quit school to plow fields with a mule.

He had no choice. His father died of cancer and his mom and siblings needed care. With an uncle’s assistance, my grandfather kept the farm going. He didn’t know what it was to use a tractor, so long after his farming tenure ended, he still sang; Oh, the old gray mare, she ain’t what she used to be.

According to the apostle, the old gray mare isn’t the only thing that’s changed. The world and our bodies have too. We ourselves…groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. (Romans 8:23)

No one knows how long the world or Adam and Eve existed before sin’s entrance, but things deteriorated drastically when they decided to disobey God.

God’s perfect world was tainted and now longs to be what it was previously and will be finally. Nothing endures. What we don’t dispose of is destroyed by rust, the elements, insects, or other humans. Natural disasters are common. Our bodies fare no better. In spite of our best efforts to prevent it, they reflect results of the aging process and are often afflicted by disease. Eventually, death overtakes them.

But there’s good news. God will redeem the world and our bodies. We have the responsibility of caring for both because God created both. Caring for His world and our bodies honors Him and reminds us who we are accountable to.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us develop habits that enhance our health and the environment.


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Free Indeed by Martin Wiles

All eyes were carefully curved to the President. Would what he warned about actually appear?

New Year’s Day 150 years ago was awaited with immense anticipation. Black churches held Watch Night services in anticipation of President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation taking effect in the midst of a bloody Civil War ripping the nation apart. One hundred days prior-following the Battle of Antietam, Lincoln advised rebel states to rejoin the Union by January 1, 1863, or have all slaves in those states declared free.

The rebel states ignored Lincoln’s warning, and he did exactly what he promised-freed the slaves. Though the proclamation didn’t and couldn’t immediately end slavery-since areas under Confederate control couldn’t be enforced by the Union President, the wheels were positioned for all men who had been created equal to actually experience equal freedom.

Yet there is a greater freedom, and Jesus unshackles it. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free (John 8:36 NLT). His Jewish listeners claimed they had never been enslaved, though they had…to the Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians, and currently the Romans. Jesus introduced a different variety of liberty -spiritual liberation.

Each new day gives an opportunity to start with a clean slate. A chance to throw off the shackles of unfilled dreams and expectations, the chains of addictions, the manacles of misplaced priorities, the irons of unforgiveness, and the fetters of emotional entanglements and to enjoy the freedom possible through a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ.

Knowing all our sins are forgiven and that we are made righteous in God’s sight is a freeing experience with which there is no equal. And living with his strength that confers power to cast off binding habits, actions, and emotional states is life in abundance. Let Christ declare you once and forever free.

Prayer: To the Almighty God who has power to release us from all enslaving practices, we humbly ask You to infect us with Your power so we might bask in the fullness of the freedom You provide.

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