Bending Wills not Spirits by Martin Wiles

Only those with exceptional strength can bend metal, but even the weakest person can when it’s done correctly.

I’ve watched people bend metal with their bare hands, but with the proper tools I can imitate their results. Like most materials, metal softens when heated. As the temperature increases, the atoms and molecules vibrate faster causing the material to expand. Atoms and molecules in turn hop from site to site in the solid making the material more flexible.

Children enter the world with wills as stubborn as unheated metal. God gives parents the awesome-and often challenging, responsibility of bending those wills to fit his. Fathers…bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord (Ephesians 6:4 NLT).

Bending metal by heating may be easy, but shaping it into forms is another story. Rearing my children required painstaking ingenuity as well. Children arrive with a bent toward being bad because we’re all sinful from birth. Discipline by its nature entails heat applied so that children will turn in the desired direction. But the challenge is disciplining properly without exasperating by the disciplinary measures we use. Discipline should carry a teaching element and not simply be a momentary reaction that immediately stops an unwanted action.

In spite of a parent’s best efforts to lay a spiritual foundation, most children will try their wings before they’re ready or wander in directions better avoided. I did, and mine did too. But I don’t indict myself. What they do as adults is beyond my control. I pray for them and love them unconditionally, but I don’t blame myself for their periods of wandering. I simply continue bending by teaching and modeling.

Are you fulfilling your God-given obligations to your children? Give them the proper foundation, and if they wander allow God to lead them back on course.

Prayer: Loving God, encourage us to model our parenting techniques after You, our perfect parent.

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Never Beyond Failure…Never Beyond Use by Martin Wiles

“I’ll never deny you.” He was sure of himself when he uttered those fateful words, but now all he could hear was that cursed rooster.

“Hey, you’re one of his followers,” a young girl shouted as Peter mulled around in the courtyard. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he replied. Then she began telling others, and he denied it again. “I don’t want to be identified with him and arrested too,” he muttered to himself. Then bystanders noted he was from Galilee and accused him of being Jesus’ follower. Now he added a curse to his denial. This was also the occasion when the rooster crowed and Jesus stared at him. Jesus’ prophecy came true after all. He was a failure. When Jesus needed him the most, he let him down.

Perhaps this is why on resurrection morning the angel singled out Peter when he told the women to go tell the disciples that Jesus had been resurrected. Now go and tell his disciples, including Peter, that Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee (Mark 16:7 NLT).

In his book, God’s Unlikely Path to Success, pastor and author Tony Evans says, “We’re capable of more good than we know, and we’re certainly capable of more evil than we realize.” Peter was overconfident, and this attitude led to his downfall. Almost a lifetime of following God has taught me that I’m never beyond failing him, but I’m also never beyond being used by him when I repent and acknowledge my failure.

God doesn’t expect perfection; he knows we’re only human. But he does require a heart attitude that truly desires to obey him and shows remorse when we fail.

Don’t let past failures keep you from serving God in the present. God forgives, so we can forgive ourselves.

Prayer: Thank You merciful Lord for not discarding us when we fail. Enable us to learn from our mistakes so we can serve You even more effectively in the future.

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Distracted by Distractions by Martin Wiles

“Curiosity killed the cat.” It hasn’t ours…at least not yet, but only because we try to control her distractions.

Emma is a rescue kitty we adopted from the local humane society. Since she still has a great deal of kitten in her, she’s easily distracted by things we don’t want her to be distracted by. A small piece of litter from her box. A tassel dangling from an expensive curtain. A costly piece of glass nestled on a table. Cords on our plantation blinds. The blinds. Cables connected to our electronic devices. When we leave her alone for a few hours, we never know what devilment we’ll come home to. Controlling her distractions is a full-time job.

David asked God to guard him as he would his own eyes. An honorable request since he was drawn toward distractions as well. Guard me as you would guard your own eyes. Hide me in the shadow of your wings (Psalm 17:8 NLT).

I know the feeling too. I’m often distracted by distractions. And not all of them are sinful but left unchecked they can steal my attention from God, family, work, friends, and my consideration of the most important details in life. Those who are too easily distracted are sometimes diagnosed with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), but when there are spiritual elements involved I call it SADD (Spiritual Attention Deficit Disorder).

Time in God’s Word helps me focus. Here I find general principles to apply to my specific distractions. Through regular prayer moments, God impresses upon me the direction he wants me to travel. And by hanging around other believers, I discover I’m not the only one distracted. They encourage me to focus, and we learn from each other’s mistakes.

So when you’re distracted by too many distractions, let God re-focus you on what’s important.

Prayer: Merciful God, when we’re distracted by things that are less than Your best for us, draw us back to the most important aspects of life.

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Loving, Not Enabling by Martin Wiles

I knew her when I was younger. A sweet woman who struggled with rebellious children. Instead of letting them experience the consequences of their poor choices, she repeatedly handed them money to pay for their mistakes and paid their bail when their sins led to jail stints. She called it unconditional love; I called it enabling.

Jesus told a story of a father who loved unconditionally but who learned to differentiate between that and enabling. The younger son told his father, “I want my share of your estate now before you die.” So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons (Luke 15:12 NLT).

Distinguishing the line of demarcation between unconditional love and enabling isn’t always easy for parents, but it’s possible. I remember the call I once received about my adult son: “If we can’t come up with $600, he’s going to jail.” Unconditional love tempted me to say, “Okay I’ll send it,” but knowing I’d be enabling led me to say no.

When a parent loves a child unconditionally, they set no limits…no “I love you ifs.” Rather there is an “I love you regardless” mindset. Regardless of whether you make all A’s, even if you live with your partner before marriage, when you never darken the church doors, and yes, even if your bad decision lands you in jail.

But when a parent enables, they help a child continue unhealthy patterns by rescuing them. If a child is repentant-as the prodigal was, then they should be assisted as the father in the story illustrates, but continuing to help when there’s no evidence of remorse only enables them to continue down their wayward path.

Let God give you wisdom to know when to help your children and when to permit them to feel the heat of their decisions.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we recognize You as our perfect parent. Grant us good judgment to shepherd our children as You shepherd us.

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Mama Hayes Potato Salad by Michelle Wiles

 

Ingredients

6 Potatoes (Boiled and Mashed)

        
½ Teaspoon Mustard

½ Cup Sweet Pickles (Diced)     

¼ Cup Onions (Diced)      

 

3 Boiled Eggs (Diced) 

 

                         1Tablespoon Mayonnaise                              

 

Salt/Pepper

 

Directions

Mix all together.

Add more mayonnaise if needed.

 

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Spring Cleaning by Martin Wiles

“Why do you sweep with that kind of broom,” I asked. “Because it’s better than a stick broom.”

That was the answer my maternal grandmother gave when I asked why she swept with a broom unlike I’d ever seen before. Each year when the broom straw in the field behind her house grew tall enough, she would sickle some and bind it together with twine to make a broom.

I often watched as she used this crude instrument, but as the sun shone through the naked windowpanes I witnessed thousands of dust particles floating through the air. I couldn’t help but think: “When these settle, the room is going to be just as dusty as it was initially.” But Grandmammy was content even though she was scattering more than removing.
Integrity-doing the right thing consistently, is a lifestyle that involves periodic spring cleaning. People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall (Proverbs 10:9 NLT).

Sometimes I’m guilty of using a broom straw broom to spring clean. I scatter things that need to be swept out of the house and into the yard. When I do, my integrity fails me. Some things (and maybe even people) need to go completely out the door. While some play toys in and of themselves aren’t wrong, they can still steal my focus from God things. 

Other things are acceptable to scatter rather than remove. These are the respectable things in my life but at the same time things that need re-prioritizing. Even honorable things can get in the way of living with integrity.

Only God can give you wisdom to know what needs to go and what is permissible to simply scatter. Let him teach you how to sweep with integrity.

Prayer: Father of wisdom, give us insight into what we need to scatter and what we need to sweep out the door.

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Managing Stress by Martin Wiles

“A good man always knows his limitations.” A statement made by Clint Eastwood to his lieutenant in “Magnum Force (1973)-”one of his “Dirty Harry” series, when the lieutenant was bragging that he’d never taken his gun from its holster.

Jesus managed his human limitations-and thus stress, well. Although frequently thronged by crowds demanding his attention, he never burned out. And at the end of his ministry, he was able to say, I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do (John 17:4 NLT).

Stress is inevitable, but how we manage it determines whether it becomes unhealthy. I’ve not always done an exceptional job like Jesus. I’ve stressed myself by taking on more than I could handle, by failing to delegate, and by being a yes man. I’ve also worked for employers who stressed me with their demands. I had no choice; I couldn’t or either wouldn’t walk away. And like most people, finances have caused me stress most of my life.

The three main sources of stress are others, occupations, and finances. I can’t make stress disappear, but I can learn to manage it so it doesn’t affect my health. I can unload it. On occasion, Jesus simply walked away from the crowds. He needed rest. I can also rearrange what’s causing the stress. My want to’s versus my can do’s is often the main problem to begin with. Priority scales are essential. I can also learn to say “no.” What I’m doing may all be good as it was for Jesus, but too many good things can still stress me.

Doing what Jesus gives us to do will never result in stress. If it is for you, re-examine what you’re doing, how much you’re doing, and if you’re doing it in the right order.

Prayer: Teach us all-wise Father to manage our stress so we can be fully effective for You.

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Daniel’s Milkshake by Jeff Wiles

The day had been long, and it wasn’t over yet.

It was the day of my wife’s grandmother’s funeral. We were exhausted by the time we reached home. We sat on the porch for a while, my wife still crying. And then I heard a strange gurgling sound coming from the kitchen. I looked inquisitively at my wife. Through teary eyes, she informed me she had recently taught our son Daniel how to make milkshakes. And since he wasn’t renowned for cleanliness, I sighed, thinking about the mess he’d make. Then the front door opened, and Daniel gently handed the milkshake to his mother. Suddenly I wasn’t concerned about the mess in the kitchen.

Daniel’s milkshake reminded me of the great effect personal acts of kindness have upon the grieving and hurting. Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you (Ephesians 4:32 NLT).

We live in such an impersonal world. We rarely visit nor do we even talk on the phone that much. Communication is generally by text messages and emails. We use ATMs instead of bank tellers. And scheduling appointments means pressing multiple buttons just to hear another human’s voice.

Sadly, many Christians have fallen into the comfort of our impersonal world. We will give to missions and drop canned goods in the soup kitchen box as long as we don’t have to go on mission trips or serve meals to the homeless. But these indirect ways of help will never bring the blessing to us or others that personal acts of kindness will. Such acts of mercy are what separated Jesus from the religious regalia of his day.

My wife and I can’t remember the cards of sympathy we received or who sent flowers to the funeral home, but we’ll never forget Daniel’s milkshake.

Prayer: God of mercy and kindness, motivate us to share Your kindness through a personal touch.

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Why I Write by Martin Wiles

With the exception of the weekends, every morning after I eat breakfast and dress I head to my computer to write a devotion. I’ve been repeating this action for the last four years, but periodically I ask myself why.

I’ve now had four books published with my most recent scheduled to be several books with different themes. In evaluating why I write, the following verse came to mind: And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father (Colossians 3:17 NLT).

Though I’ve written sporadically since my college days, I wasn’t serious about it until my father’s death in 2009. Why this became a demarcation line I’m not sure. He wasn’t a writer...except for his sermons and Bible studies. As far as I know, he didn’t publish anything. His writings were shared only with the college students he taught and congregations he preached to. But for me, God wanted more.

Dad taught me to use the gifts God gave me, and writing is one. And Paul says God uses our circumstances to teach us how to help others traveling similar paths (II Corinthians 1:4). For the last 10 years, I’ve been hobbling along some rocky financial roads. Most of them because of other’s decisions that affected me, but some because of the stagnant economy. Nevertheless, God has taught me important lessons down each road, and my writing is an attempt to help others who are traveling similar trails.

Grits & Grace & God: Manna From Heaven Served Up Southern Style is a series of devotions that represent my effort to use the gift and experiences God has given me to help others along life’s financial journey. Are you using the gifts God has entrusted to you?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, encourage us to use wisely what You entrust to our care.

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Defeating Discouragement by Martin Wiles

Her leg was injured in PE class. Surgery would be necessary to repair the injury. Additionally, she would have to keep her leg straight for several months, and then follow this with physical therapy. Her predicament meant she would have to miss months of school.

Meaghan’s* teachers were pessimistic. How would she keep up? Her parents would help her at home-and one would bring her to school to take missed tests, but how long would this last? In spite of the naysayers, Meaghan excelled. In fact, her grades were superior to those she made while in class. Instead of getting discouraged, she proved her determination to finish well.

King Saul was a discourager. When a young, ruddy lad named David offered to defeat the giant who represented an opposing army, Saul replied, “Don’t be ridiculous…“There’s no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You’re only a boy, and he’s been a man of war since his youth (I Samuel 17:33 NLT).” But David wasn’t deterred. With a stone and sling, he took the heathen down.

People who aim to discourage us are rampant. “You can’t do this.” “You shouldn’t try that.” “You’re not capable. You’ll just be disappointed.” Negative messages abound and so do the people who spew them.

When the actions I take are God directed, I can rest assured I have his support and power. David couldn’t be defeated because God was on his side-not the Philistine’s. When I’m doing what’s right according to God’s principles, I’ll be pleasing the One whose opinion matters most. What others think or how they respond is immaterial.

Don’t let naysayers keep you from obeying God’s plan of action for you. Forge ahead with confidence. You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength.

Prayer: All sufficient God, press our steps firmly in Your will even when others attempt to make us walk an alternate path.
*Name changed to protect the privacy of the individual.


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Decisions, Decisions, Decisions by Martin Wiles

“What am I going to wear today?” For me, a no-brainer. As long as it’s not the same pair of pants and shirt I wore yesterday, it’s acceptable. In fact, I’ve been known to wear the same pair of slacks two days in a row-just not the same shirt.

Other decisions aren’t so easy. Which mutual fund should I invest in? Or should I just stick with stocks or bonds? Am I willing to give up my job so I can stay home and care for an aging parent? What college should I attend? Should I repair my car or trade it in for a new one?

Life is filled with decisions. Some require little thought while others take intense consideration and require more time. Some are trivial while others are vital. Knowing how to differentiate between good and bad and moral and immoral is essential. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives (Philippians 1:10 NLT).

Any size decision should be prefaced by consulting God’s guidebook. The Bible may not speak to my specific situation…I don’t know of a verse telling me which mutual fund to invest in, but it does give general principles that relate to any specific circumstance.

When I meditate on the verses, God’s Spirit shows me how to apply them to my particular decision. This requires alone time with God…away from noisy surroundings, so I can clearly hear him.

Nor is “If it feels right do it,” good decision making advice. My feelings are fickle and change numerous times during the day. Good and bad, right and wrong, and sensible and insensible must enter the picture.

Let God in on the decisions you struggle with. He wants to help you choose according to his will.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we admit we’re often helpless when it comes to making some decisions. Prompt us to include You in the process regardless of how insignificant the decision is.

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Chicken Salad by Michelle Wiles

 

INGREDIENTS
3 CHICKEN BREASTS (COOKED)

2 BOILED EGGS (CHOPPED)

                    1 CUP DICED CELERY                   

½ CUP MAYONNAISE

¼ CUP PICKLE RELISH (DRAINED)

1 TEASPOON DIJON MUSTARD

SALT/PEPPER

 

DIRECTIONS
FINELY CHOP CHICKEN

MIX ALL INGREDIENTS TOGETHER BLENDING WELL.

 

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Ringing Reputations by Martin Wiles

I might not be aware of the exact second it will sound, but most of the time I at least know the day. After all, I’m a teacher and need to plan accordingly. Then there are a few surprise fire, tornado, and severe weather drills. Even when I know the day, the piercing squeal sets my nerves on edge. 

As alarms can be heard near and far, so our reputations should be as well. Believers in Thessalonica mastered the art. And now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere…for wherever we go we find people telling us about your faith in God (I Thessalonians 1:8 NLT).

I’ve almost had a lifetime of building a Christian reputation. Overall I’ve done well, but there have been short periods when the alarm wasn’t sounding clearly. Establishing a ringing reputation takes intense work. Like a credit history, it’s built over time. As I live out the reality of my faith in practical ways, I nurture my reputation. If I believe loving God is most important, I must attend to my relationship with him. If patience is a virtue, I should thank him for episodes that nurture the virtue. And if loving others is important, I must look for ways to show it rather than simply giving lip service.

A ringing reputation also entails incidents of forgiveness-mine and God’s. I’ve never been perfect, am not now, and won’t be until eternity. But it’s not periodic failures that tarnish my reputation; it’s choosing to stay the course of rebellion. God forgives continually-though he expects me to learn my lesson, and I must learn to forgive myself also. Unrealistic expectations only hinder my journey toward a ringing reputation.

What can you do to help your reputation ring more clearly?

Prayer: Spirit of grace and mercy, enable us to build reputations that honor You and ring loudly and clearly to others.

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Sandwiched by Martin Wiles

I’m a Baby Boomer, and at times I feel sandwiched.

Baby Boomers represent 76 million people born between 1946 and 1964. I barely made it in, but I’m beginning to feel the pinch nevertheless. For those younger 30-somethings waiting for us to retire, we may be perceived as irritants. But for us, we’re wondering if we’ll have a retirement.

More importantly, Baby Boomers are dealing with taxing life issues, among them being sandwiched between multiple layers of responsibilities. All, however, are encapsulated in the following statement. But those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith (I Timothy 5:8 NLT).

Many of our parents are still alive but have reached the age where they need assistance. I discovered this recently when my mother spent a few days in the hospital after several fainting episodes. No abnormalities were discovered; we simply diagnosed it as dehydration. The doctor nestled in a chair between us and reminded her that her children must now become the parent and she the child. His statement constituted one layer of the sandwich.

The other layer of bread is adult children who continually seem to return or who need frequent help managing their schedules and their children’s. For some of us, a grandparent’s work is never done.

So how do we survive the sandwich without it devouring us? By repeatedly modeling and teaching responsibility to our adult children. We love to help, but after all these are YOUR kids. By remembering the years of care our parents gave us and reciprocating with patience, love, and kindness. And above all else-while groveling in the sandwich, by remembering our purpose to glorify God in everything we say, do, and think. After all, one day we’ll be the outer layer of bread.

Prayer: Heavenly Lord, we pray for strength, wisdom, and guidance to care for those You’ve placed in our families.

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Prone to Wander by Martin Wiles

In 1757, at the age of 22, pastor and hymnist Robert Robinson penned the words to the song “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” Verse four’s conclusion mimics Jesus’ story of the prodigal son: Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love.

Happily for the prodigal, he came to his senses and said to himself …“I will go home to my father and say, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you…Please take me on as a hired servant (Luke 15:17-19 NLT)’”

Becoming a believer at the age of nine didn’t seal my perfection. I’ve wandered down a few stray paths during the course of my spiritual journey. These forays have always been initiated because I-like Adam and Eve, had a wrong desire and craved forbidden fruit instead of God things.

When I-with God’s assistance, failed to take these unhealthy desires captive, I found myself making decisions to depart for far countries. And I didn’t necessarily have to change geographical positions to get there. Just my spiritual mindset and focus.

Usually after only a short period in these strange places, I discovered I’d been duped. The grass wasn’t greener after all. Nor was the relationship more invigorating or the habit healthier. They just claimed to be.

Staying too long in the far country led to spiritual defeat. God could still use me, but he wouldn’t because I was dishonoring his name. So he threw in a spirit of despair and desperation that caused my eyes to turn toward home. And each time I ran back home, I discovered restoration.

And that’s the good news. God’s chances for renewal and restoration don’t stop with two. No matter how many times we fail, he’s always waiting with open arms for us to return.

Prayer: Thank You merciful Lord that our proneness to wander doesn’t lead You to turn us away when we come running back after realizing our mistakes.


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Courtney’s Prayer by Jeff Wiles

(Adapted from “Courtney’s Prayer” by Jeff Wiles. Used by permission)
The most moving and beautiful prayers I ever heard came from a skinny, energetic little girl that my wife and I once taught in Children’s Church. Her name was Courtney, and every time we asked for volunteers to lead in prayer, she always raised her hand.

But something happened to me when I listened to Courtney’s prayers: I cried. And often when I went home, I’d wonder what specific qualities made her prayers so soul-stirring and powerful. Was it her honesty? The simplicity of her words? One day I realized it had nothing to do with her words or requests. What made her prayers so beautiful was the God she prayed to.

Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children (Luke 18:16 NLT)."

Courtney’s God was personal. He was interested in missing kittens, scary math tests, and a baby goat having difficulty nursing. He cared about scratches on her knee, the poison ivy on her arms, and a loose front tooth that wouldn’t come out.

Courtney’s God was also a big God…really big…really, really big. Some kind of superhero God. After all, she had heard those Sunday School stories of how he sent down fire from heaven and parted the Red Sea. Those were pretty impressive feats, and if God could do things that incredible he certainly was capable of handling any issue in her life-big or small.

In the fall of 2009-four months after the passing of my father, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Slowly, I will lose control of my muscles, and movement will become increasingly difficult. I’ve prayed many times that God will give me strength to bear what could be an onerous journey, but occasionally I just ask him to heal me. I’m sure Courtney would ask. In her mind, there was nothing God couldn’t do. She was right of course, and I pray she never forgets it.

There’s nothing you can do that will cause God to stop caring for you, and there’s nothing you can ask of him that he cannot do. After all, he’s personal…and he’s big.

Wandering Jew by Martin Wiles

The name is appropriate because that’s exactly what it does.

Wandering Jew is a plant that lives up to its name. Since it’s vine-like in nature, it has a tendency to wander and will easily fill a hanging basket, making a beautiful addition to any living room, patio, or porch. Every notch from which new growth appears is a potential new flower. The plant can be severed at any juncture and placed directly in soil.

Jesus told a story about a young boy who also wandered. Feeling restless and not wanting to await his father’s death, he requested his inheritance ahead of time. After receiving his money, he packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living (Luke 15:13 NLT). He wandered into an unhealthy situation and quickly wasted what his father worked diligently to preserve for him. Fortunately, he came to his senses before it was too late and returned home to a father who welcomed him with open arms.

My Christian pilgrimage has also been sprinkled with episodes of wandering. Because I thought the world’s philosophy more enlightening, because I thought the world’s manner of behaving more exciting, and because I was just hard-headed.

Like the prodigal, I discovered my life is a trust. God gave it, he determines the length of it, and he can take it if I neglect him or rebelliously refuse the plan he has for me. On my own, I’ll repeatedly wander into forbidden and unhealthy areas, but with God guiding me I’ll make healthier choices and live with an abundant spirit I can’t wander into anywhere else.

Have your wanderings taken you away from God? He’s always waiting with open arms for your return.

Prayer: Father, we acknowledge we often take paths leading away from You. Woo us back with Your gentle love that we might enjoy abundant living with You.

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Love’s Not an Emotion by Martin Wiles

“I don’t love you anymore.” Words spoken harshly followed by a slammed door. Or softly with a tinge of remorse and a gentle walking away. Perhaps relayed on a handwritten note stained with a damp spot from a tear of regret.

Regardless of how the message arrives, the sting of hearing love has dissipated is tragic. It can come after a few months of puppy love, a year of dating your first love, or even after 38 years of marriage.

Love is often cast as nothing more than an emotion. If this is true, Paul’s instruction for older women to train younger women to love their husbands is odd. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children (Titus 2:4 NLT).

Doubtlessly, love does involve emotion. Who can’t remember the rapid heartbeat, sweaty palms, and butterfly laden stomachs when we first “fell” in love. I suppose I, like many others, failed to realize I chose to love this person. It wasn’t forced upon me, nor was I an unwilling pawn in fate’s hands.

Love is an attitude…a choice. And while feelings are obviously involved, love is more about thinking which in turn leads to behaving. Many marriages have been preserved because a betrayed or abused spouse willingly gave a repentant spouse a second chance and chose to love them even when “feelings” weren’t present. What they discovered was that acting in love eventually made feelings return.

And that’s why older women could train younger women to love their husbands and why Paul could command wives to love their husbands and vice versa (Ephesians 5:25).

If you’re tempted to walk away because you don’t feel love anymore, why not stick around instead and train yourself to show love?

Prayer: Eternal God, as You choose to love us even when we’re unlovable, so teach us to love others the same.

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God’s Undo’s by Martin Wiles

I suppose I re-typed many things before I uncovered the meaning of the small backward facing curvy arrow nestled in the quick access toolbar of my Word document.

Somewhere in my journey of learning the ins and outs of computer technology, I discovered the Undo button. A marvelous little gem, probably invented by some young whipper snapper who had enough sense to think, “There must be a better way to undo my foibles than having to re-type them.”  The Undo button saves a mound of frustration. If I change something but don’t like it, I simply click the arrow. Or if I inadvertently delete something? Undo.

“If this is how you intend to treat me, just go ahead and kill me. Do me a favor and spare me this misery (Numbers 11:15 NLT)”! I imagine Moses would have eagerly pointed his mouse arrow at the undo button and clicked if he could have. He reluctantly agreed to lead God’s people out of 400 years of slavery only to have them complain, complain, and complain some more. Not enough water. Not enough meat. Too hot. Mouths salivating for the wide variety of food they consumed in Egypt. 

God is omnipotent and could easily undo my unpleasant situations if he desired. More often than not, however, he allows me to travel through them without the option of undoing them. By doing so-and if I’ll respond correctly, he’ll teach me important life lessons…trust me, obey me, and follow me when it doesn’t make sense.

Learning to rely on God through the tough times keeps us humble and reminds us we really don’t control anything. Whatever we can do, God can do better. Those things it seems we can handle, God can control better.

When you’re tempted to cash in by clicking life’s undo button, trust God instead.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, rather than allowing us to undo our unpleasantries, remind us to trust You instead.

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Broccoli Salad by Michelle Wiles

Ingredients
2 MEDIUM STALKS BROCCOLI

½ CUP RAISINS

1/3 CUP REAL BACON BITS

2/3 CUP MAYONNAISE

2 TABLESPOONS SUGAR

2 TABLESPOONS PURPLE ONIONS (CHOPPED)

1 CUP SHREDDED CHEESE

2 TABLESPOONS VINEGAR

Directions
CHOP BROCCOLI INTO SMALL PIECES.

ADD RAISINS, BACON, ONIONS, AND CHEESE. SET ASIDE.

IN SEPARATE BOWL, MIX MAYONNAISE, SUGAR, VINEGAR, AND SALT/PEPPER.

 

MIX WELL AND COAT BROCCOLI MIXTURE.

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God Among Us by Martin Wiles

“Elvis has left the building.” A statement that devastated Elvis fans.

Elvis Aaron Presley was born January 8, 1935, and eventually became a cultural icon with worldwide fans. Often referred to as the “King of Rock and Roll,” he was one of the 20th century’s most popular musicians.

At the age of 13, Presley moved from Tupelo, Mississippi, to Memphis, Tennessee, where he began his music career in 1954. He worked for Sam Phillips-owner of Sun Records, who wanted to bring the sound of African-American music to a wider audience. His energized performance style made him popular and controversial.

Presley’s untimely death at the age of 42 rocked the world. When he was among us, excitement reverberated. Those who doubt his actual death, still feel their hearts quiver when an Elvis sighting is announced.

God among us in the person of Jesus was also exciting yet controversial. So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness (John 1:14 NLT). But when Jesus left, he didn’t leave as Elvis. He sent his Spirit to inhabit his people so he’d always be present with them.

As God among his people then, Jesus was the perfect example and ideal sacrifice. In his words, actions, and thoughts, he was flawless and thereby provides a perfect model to emulate. More importantly, the insufficiencies of the Old Testament sin sacrifices became adequate in Christ. 
 
As God with me now, he’s the perfect teacher. I like to think I’m a fair grammar teacher, but my qualifications and experience don’t compare to the skills of One who has complete knowledge about all matters. Who better to guide my decisions?

When God is among us, we have a perfect guide and model, but without him the building is empty.

Prayer: Thank You merciful God for giving us an ideal example to follow in Your Son.

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A Different Kind of Jesus by Martin Wiles

He was pastor of the First Baptist Church in my college town, but he wasn’t typical.

When you entered First Baptist Church, Graceville, Florida, and saw Dr. Jerry Spivey* sitting on the platform chair or standing behind the massive podium, it was immediately clear he didn’t fit a First Baptist mold.

Dr. Spivey wore a plain suit, not the three piece variety with a cuff linked shirt underneath. He didn’t carry an entire Bible to the pulpit but sported a small New Testament. His sermons weren’t Greek and Hebrew laden orations. Just simple stories and applications even small children could understand. And if he came to visit you, he might be wearing shorts. 

Neither was Jesus the stereotypical Messiah. No white horse…no diamond and gem loaded crown. Instead of conquering those who troubled his people, he allowed them to crucify him. And supposedly this was God’s plan. He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him (John 1:10 NLT).

I’ve discovered this different kind of Jesus is still unusual almost 2,000 years later. Each night, I give him a list of requests along with the way I’d prefer he fulfill them. But more often than not, his answer expresses itself in a completely dissimilar manner than I demanded.

That his ways are higher than mine also makes him distinctive. With the ability to see the end from the beginning and everything in between, he’ll work in my life in much healthier ways than I could ever envisage if I’ll trust he knows best. My struggle-although I’m getting better at it, is accepting God’s will whether I understand it or not along with believing his plan is always superior to mine.

Instead of bucking God’s unusualness, accept it with excitement and enthusiasm.

Prayer: Eternal God, we admit our human limitations and our frequent ploys to run ahead of You and manipulate Your plans. Give us faith to accept what You offer even when it’s not what we ask for or desire.
*Name changed to protect the individual’s privacy.

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Sober Thinking by Martin Wiles

We were on our way to eat South Carolina Low Country barbecue, hash and rice when he pulled out in front of us and began driving erratically. The driver swerved from side to side, barely missing several head-on collisions. Several episodes of veering off the road made us cringe as we imagined the vehicle turning over.

These and other irregular actions made us pronounce the driver drunk, but we may have been mistaken. He could have been texting or high on drugs. Perhaps his passenger was having a medical emergency, and he was doing his best to get them to a hospital.

Just as it’s easy to misjudge someone’s actions, so it’s also easy to misunderstand what God states about his children. Isaiah, however, was sure of his status. The LORD called me before my birth; from within the womb he called me by name (Isaiah 49:1 NLT).

Sober thinking means admitting I’m not perfect, but I am God’s masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10). I’m the only one like me, and there’s not another that comes close. God didn’t clone me, nor is anyone else a clone of me. Since God doesn’t create junk, I’m special and unique.

Sober thinking requires accepting God’s security. Nothing can touch my life that isn’t allowed by a merciful Heavenly Father. Even if others reject me, he won’t. I’m unusual because I’m set apart for his service.

Since I’m special, I have potential. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. I also have a marvelous future…a place Christ is preparing for me…a destination beyond comparison to anything I’ve ever witnessed.

Thinking these thoughts isn’t being proud or stuck up. It’s simply saying what God says. So go ahead and think God’s thoughts about yourself. It will change your outlook on life.

Prayer: Enable us Father to think Your thoughts about us so we can be spiritually and emotionally healthy.

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Over the Edge by Martin Wiles

I heard their stories but had difficulty believing family could actually turn their backs on other family members.

I was one who had also given up everything to be where I was-at college preparing for the ministry. Though I didn’t sell a house, my family and I had moved to a strange place where we knew no one. My prior employment didn’t provide lucrative income, but it came with benefits and a steady paycheck. Now our family was 400 miles away, in another state, and presently unemployed.

But when classmates relayed stories of family rejection because of their decision to leave everything for God, I couldn’t identify. My family encouraged me. No doubt some were labeled “over the edge,” religious fanatics, and Jesus freaks.

Jesus could identify though. He was so busy doing his Father’s work that he didn’t have time to eat. Crowds thronged him. When his family heard what was happening, they tried to take him away. “He’s out of his mind,” they said (Mark 3:21 NLT).

Following God’s call puts me at risk of misunderstanding. Some won’t comprehend why I do some things “without pay.” Others will question how I can believe what I do. Jesus was foregoing rest and nutrition.

Taking up Christ’s cross also involves the danger of isolation. Jesus’ family thought he was out of his mind. Some will avoid me because of who I am and the stands I take on various moral issues.

I also chance persecution when others view me as having gone over the edge. Persecution typically follows what is labeled different or odd. Persecution can be physical, social, or mental, but it will come. Jesus said so.

Is following Christ so important that you’ll risk misunderstanding, isolation, and persecution? Will you go over the edge for Christ?

Prayer: Give us courage Lord Jesus to go over the edge for You as You did for us.

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Forgiving Me by Martin Wiles

I was tired of my parent’s rules and regulations. Since I could drive and owned a car, I packed my belongings and a few groceries and hit the road.

Since I loved the mountains, I headed for the hills of North Carolina. Winter was in full force, and I soon found myself stranded in snow and ice. I walked to a nearby hotel to summon help. No sooner had I made the call than a police cruiser sauntered up and ushered me to the local station.

I’m quite sure my parents held no grudge against me for my unwise behavior, but I also had to forgive myself for rewarding them with theft and dishonor. Years later, this single verse helped me forgive myself as God had forgiven me. So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1 NLT).

Forgiving others for wrongs they’ve committed against me is only one small piece of the forgiveness puzzle. I must also forgive myself if I’m to be used fully in God’s kingdom work.

Feeling guilt over actions or thoughts God has forgiven and I’ve confessed is false guilt. The source may be Satan, others, or my misunderstanding about forgiveness, but it isn’t God. He only convicts when my behavior contradicts his commands and hasn’t been admitted.

Understanding that Christ has paid for all my sins frees me from the burden of false guilt. Confession is my acknowledgment of failure, but Christ has secured the forgiveness. When I forgive myself for past failures, I can move on with God’s work and my life. Self forgiveness is also my recognition that while forgiven I’m certainly not perfect.

Failure to forgive yourself for sins Christ has paid for only holds you back when he desires you forge ahead. Free yourself from unforgiveness so God can free you.

Prayer: Forgiving Savior, help us release what You’ve forgiven so we can serve You with a clear conscience.

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Recognizing God’s Voice by Martin Wiles

I heard ministers and teachers say God did, but I’d never heard him. At twelve I thought I sensed him telling me to be a Bible teacher, but I wasn’t sure it was him speaking.

Thirteen years of running and rebelling separated me from that initial “call” and when I heard God again. And I wasn’t any more certain the second time around than I was the first. Now I heard “I want you to preach.” But how could I be sure it was God and not a passing whim? Was I confusing God’s conviction that I needed a closer walk with him with a call into the ministry?

Samuel wasn’t adept at recognizing God’s voice either. He lived when messages from God were quite uncommon. Samuel did not yet know the LORD because he had never had a message from the LORD before (I Samuel 3:7 NLT). After three times of mistaking God’s voice for his mentor’s, Samuel finally realized it was God speaking.

God speaks, but how do I distinguish between his voice, the enemy’s, and my selfishness? God’s voice is recognized through prayer and Bible meditation. His whisper isn’t audible, but he uses examples and teachings from his Word to address my present needs and guide me toward his personal plan for me.

God also speaks through others. Quite a few people informed me God was calling me to preach before I ever acknowledged it. He relayed to others what hadn’t sunk in for me. He also speaks through practice. As I experiment with what I feel is God’s plan, I’ll quickly discover whether or not I’ve heard him correctly. Frustration and disappointment-rather than excitement, usually mean I’ve misunderstood.

God isn’t silent. He has plans for us and wants to relay them clearly. Are you listening?

Prayer: Thank You Eternal God for choosing to use us in Your worldwide plan. Open our ears that we might hear clearly Your will for us.

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