Flashback Friday by Martin Wiles

Welcome to Flashback Friday because we think any devotional is worth reading more than once. 

Take a trip back in time by reading this devotional from the past.

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. 

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Taming the Tongue by Martin Wiles

If it can’t be tamed, why bother trying?

I’ve never tamed something wild, but I have trained a few wild domesticated animals. Presently we have a cat named Emma which we adopted from the animal shelter. She wasn’t our first choice, but somehow she found her way into our house anyway. It wasn’t long before we wondered if we had made the better selection. Emma was young and wild, but through scolding, bribing, swatting, and water squirting we have brought her rambunctiousness under control. 

I haven’t been as fortunate with taming my tongue. It doesn’t wag as it once did, but occasionally a firebrand of impulsivity will cause an unkind or angry word to slither out. But mine is no different than anyone else’s. No one can tame the tongue. (James 3:8 NLT)

James’ list of what the tongue is capable of spewing is depressing. Evil words, hypocritical tirades, curses. But also blessings. Why would God put something into my mouth that’s so proficient with dastardly deeds? Actually, he didn’t. At least not in its current standing.

The tongue—like every other part of the human body’s anatomy, was originally created in God’s image. When sin entered through the first parent’s disobedience, everything experienced corruption…the tongue included. Now it can commit obscenities God never intended it to perpetrate.

Without God’s help, I’m helpless to control my tongue. I’ll speak good one minute and evil the next. It will wag out of control. But with his power, I can tame it. I can encourage rather than discourage, give hope instead of despair, distribute wisdom rather than foolishness, speak blessings instead of curses, and spread love in place of hate. Just as an apple tree doesn’t produce grapes, so my tongue shouldn’t manufacture anything contrary to God’s standards.

Have you tamed your tongue? If not, ask God to help you begin the process. 

Prayer: Father, give us the wisdom and power to use our tongues to build up others and spread Your love. 

 
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Pointing the Finger by Martin Wiles

Amazing how one small part of the anatomy can lead to fierce reactions.

My index finger seems insignificant, but using it incorrectly can drum up heated responses. Pointing it at my dog when he has committed an offense—and scolding him simultaneously, immediately results in bared teeth, growling, and then barking. What is it about the finger that makes him react this way? Putting a finger in someone’s face during a heated argument often results in flying punches or angry words. And when asked “Who did it,” a pointing finger becomes a weapon of accusation. A middle finger—when used in a wrong fashion, can also bring lightning-quick reactions. 

God warns against using our pointers in careless ways. In Hosea’s day, the religious leaders attempted to blame someone else for the people’s wicked behavior when it was really their failed leadership. They weren’t teaching them properly or setting an admirable example. Don’t point your finger at someone else and try to pass the blame! (Hosea 4:4 NLT)

Pointing my finger at someone else evidences my efforts to escape responsibility for something I’ve done or said. I may project onto others bad habits that I myself have, or I can simply avoid admission of my guilt. When I do either, it reveals my failure to accept responsibility. A part of maturity is a willingness to admit my mistakes and apologize for them.

My selfishness pulls me toward preferring to have someone else take the rap for my foibles rather than to do so myself. Experience and age, however, have taught me the importance of manning up, admitting it when I’m wrong, confessing it to God—and to others also when necessary—and seeking forgiveness from him and the person I’ve offended. 

Are you pointing your finger at someone else instead of yourself?

Prayer: Master in heaven, when we wrong You or others, give us courage to admit, confess, and seek reconciliation. 

 
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Throwback Tuesday by Martin Wiles

Welcome to Throwback Tuesdays. Because we think any devotional is worth reading more than once. 

Take a trip back in time by reading this devotion from an earlier time. 

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. 

Begin each day with a dose of encouraging thoughts. Order your print or Kindle copy today from Amazon. 

Honey Bun Cake by Michelle Wiles

Ingredients

1 BOX YELLOW CAKE MIX

4 EGGS

¾ CUP COOKING OIL

8 OUNCES SOUR CREAM

1 CUP BROWN SUGAR

3 TEASPOONS CINNAMON

Directions

MIX BROWN SUGAR AND CINNAMON AND SET ASIDE.

MIX CAKE MIX, EGGS, OIL, AND SOUR CREAM.

BEAT UNTIL SMOOTH.

POUR ONE HALF OF BATTER INTO A GREASED TUBE PAN.

ADD CINNAMON AND SUGAR AND TOP WITH REMAINING BATTER.

BAKE ON 350 DEGREES FOR 30-35 MINS.

GLAZE

2 CUPS POWDERED SUGAR

4 TABLESPOONS MILK

2 TEASPOONS VANILLA

MIX TOGETHER AND POUR OVER WARM CAKE.

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Grace And Right Living by Martin Wiles

Romans 13:11-14

Introduction:
A. Have you ever been late for something important?
1. The Home Alone movies were some of my favorites. I think they accurately portray what a young boy would do if his parents left him home alone-whether on purpose or accidentally. 
2. In the first two movies, the family is about to embark on a family vacation but oversleep. When they finally wake up and realize they only have a short time to get to the airport, the scenes are amusing. Everyone is running around. Confusion reigns. But they make it. In the first one, Kevin is left home by accident. In the second, he gets on the wrong plane and ends up in New York. 
3. There have been a couple of occasions when I’ve overslept because the alarm clock didn’t go off. I would suddenly awake, look at the time with a confused stare, make sure this was really a day I was supposed to go to work, then jump up and feel as if I was behind for the rest of the day. 
4. For others, being late is more of a habit than an occasional thing. I recall one church my dad pastored. There was a gentleman in the church who was a very dedicated member and Christian but he was fifteen minutes late for every service. I think he was actually on time, just his time and not church time. 
5. Sometimes we miss out on important things when we are late. Think of a door prize drawing with a wonderful prize, but you had to be present for the drawing. They made the drawing, you were running late, they drew your name, you weren’t there, they drew another name and you lost out. 
6. Paul has previously given us some examples of responsible living and what it entails. Now he reinforces that by reminding us the hour is late. Time is running out.

I. Right Living Remembers Time Is Limited (vv. 11-12)
A. God’s original intention may have been for his world and the people he created to exist forever. But being all knowing, he knew humans would sin and sin would not only corrupt them but also his world.
1. Since the wages of sin is death (6:23), our bodies age and die.
2. Sin also brings death to everything else in the form of corruption. Nothing material lasts forever.
3. Jesus tells us to store our treasures in heaven where moths will not eat, rust will not destroy and thieves will not steal. When we store them on earth, all of the above can or do affect them. (Matthew 6:19-21)

B. Jesus also instructs his followers to work while it’s day because the night is coming. (John 9:4)
1. While Jesus says the night is coming, Paul says the night is almost over. 
2. Paul is referencing the night of evil while Jesus is referencing the necessity of doing our work for him quickly.
3. The conclusions are the same, however. We only have a limited time to do God’s work. 

C. The lateness of the hour should determine our lifestyle.
1. Whether we are alive at Christ’s coming or whether he comes for us at death, the result should be the same.
2. Right living involves the personal attention to our spiritual lives and attention to God’s work as we realize the end may be near.
3. One translation puts it plainly: Time is running out. (NLT)
4. At death, it will be too late to get our spiritual houses in order or to tell anyone else about Christ.
5. The work we do and are required to do must be done now.
6. It should be the believer’s desire to live a lifestyle that would be Christ approved. We don’t want to be ashamed if Christ would come and find us with things in our life that should not be there. 
7. Believers are responsible for being spiritually alert, morally upright and diligently serving as we await Christ’s return. 
8. Since we don’t know when he will come, there will be no last minute opportunity to get things settled just as there is no guarantee we will know before we die. Just as it is foolish to live wickedly and depend on having a chance before death to change, so it is foolish for the believer to live with known sin in their life and think they may have an opportunity to change before Christ’s coming. Such an attitude is evidence of a heart not right with God. 

D. Paul’s use of the night also gives us encouragement.
1. How often do we tire of living in this sinful world with all its disappointments, diseases and shortcomings?
2. I’ve experienced it with many people in my ministry, but I distinctly recall my dad and grandfather being ready to go home. 
3. Paul says the coming of our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.
4. This again reminds us our salvation is progressive though instantaneous in time. We are saved from the penalty of sin, are being saved from the power of sin and will be saved from the presence of sin.

II. Right Living Remembers Some Things Don’t Fit The Believer (vv. 12-13)
A. Living in darkness doesn’t fit us.
1. Jesus was the light of the world. In his Sermon on the Mount, he tells us we are salt and light.
2. We are to shed evil deeds like dirty clothing. All of us have felt the relief of getting out of dirty clothes, taking a shower and putting on fresh clean clothes.
3. I remember the time I helped a local farmer pick watermelons. Every piece of clothes I had on was sweat soaked. I stunk as well as did my clothes. It felt good to peel them off and get clean.
4. Or the time when my daughter and I backpacked five days on the Foothills Trail of South Carolina and didn’t get a shower for six days. It was a refreshing feeling to hop in the shower, and it also felt good to change into some clean clothes each night even though we couldn’t bathe. 
5. Just as we don’t enjoy sweat soaked or dirty clothes, there are certain things we shouldn’t enjoy as believers because we have been made new creations in Christ. Some things don’t wear well, just as there may be pieces of clothes that fit us in size but just don’t look well or wear well on us.

B. What must the believer put off?
1. Paul makes a general statement when he says evil deeds.
2. Dishonesty. Paul states it in the positive by saying we should be true in everything we do. Honesty in our behavior will be an enormous witness to others. 
3. Wild parties and drunkenness. We may debate whether the Bible requires believers to totally abstain from alcohol, but even if we don’t think it does, it is certain that it forbids drunkenness.
4. Our witness is at stake with this action as it is with other actions we might say are not necessarily wrong but perhaps unwise for the believer.
5. It would be very difficult for a believer to be a successful witness while sitting in a bar drinking with his unsaved buddies. 
6. Adultery and immoral living. What society defines or allows as moral may not-and often does not, match what God says is moral.
7. Being familiar with the Commandments and Bible as a whole will clue us in on what God defines as moral and immoral.
8. Paul mentions adultery but sexual activity before marriage is wrong as well. We can also include homosexual activity.
9. Fighting and jealousy round out his list. Fist fights, brawls, and fighting between God’s children are never good witnesses for the believer. I recall being told the story of two men fighting in the church parking lot, I think over some sports related matter.
10. Jealousy aligns itself with selfishness and should not be found in our life. 
11. Paul appears to lump bad and not so bad behaviors together which reminds us he is of the same opinion as Jesus. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reminds us that hatred is just as bad as murder and lust as adultery. The inner attitudes make us just as guilty as the outward actions. 

III. Right Living Remembers The Things That Do Fit (vv. 12-13, 14)
A. Right living fits. Anything that isn’t wrong fits who we are. 

B. Honesty and decency fit. They are always the best policy. 

C. Not thinking on ways to indulge our evil desires. Believers still do battle with the flesh-our old patterns of thinking and acting, but God gives us power to overcome these temptations. 

D. Letting Christ have control of our life. All areas are included. We don’t maintain control of any territory. 

E. The armor we put on is detailed in Ephesians 6:10-18. 

F. How do we clothe ourselves with right living?
1. Exemplify Jesus’ qualities.
2. Use spiritual weapons.
3. Train our minds not to be persuaded by things that gratify the flesh.

Conclusion:
A. It should not be our desire to see how close we can come to sin without sinning.

B. The believer should stay as far away as possible from anything that would damage their testimony and the name of our Lord. 

Peanut Butter Eclair (low sugar) by Michelle Wiles

Ingredients

1 SMALL BOX SUGAR FREE VANILLA PUDDING MIX

                         1 ¾ CUPS MILK                          

¼ CUP PEANUT BUTTER

1 SMALL SUGAR FREE COOL WHIP  

24 GRAHAM CRACKERS

               

1 CAN SUGAR FREE CHOCOLATE ICING

Directions

BEAT PUDDING AND MILK FOR 2 MINUTES.

ADD PEANUT BUTTER AND MIX WELL.

STIR IN COOL WHIP.

LAYER GRAHAM CRACKERS AND TOP WITH MIXTURE. 

REPEAT LAYERS.

TOP WITH REMAINING GRAHAM CRACKERS.

MICROWAVE ICING FOR 45 SECONDS OR UNTIL MELTED.

POUR OVER GRAHAM CRACKERS AND REFRIGERATE.

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What Truth Does

Determining the truth isn’t always as easy as one might imagine.

From the time I entered this world, I was taught to obey God’s standards. As I aged and could comprehend them better, my parents explained why I needed to do this or leave that alone. They never questioned God’s truth, nor did I…until I became an adult. Occasionally, the thought would race through my mind, “What if all I profess to believe is a lie or wishful thinking?” I once questioned an older man about this very possibility. He replied, “I’d rather live like I do and be mistaken in the end than live the opposite way and find out I was wrong.” 

According to Jesus, it’s possible to know the truth and be set free by it. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:32 NLT) But set free from what?

Truth releases me from false guilt. Satan would like nothing better than to convince me that past sins and present faults make me unacceptable for God’s use. God reminds me, however, that he’s cleansed me from a guilty conscience. 

Truth frees me from fear. Fear isn’t from God because perfect love—which God has for me, eradicates all fear. God holds my life in his hands. Nothing can touch me that he doesn’t allow. My future is determined by one who loves me unconditionally and completely.

Truth eliminates the possibility of judgment. As God’s child, I’m no longer under condemnation. Jesus has taken the punishment for me on Calvary’s cross. 

Truth also unshackles me from controlling habits. I don’t need anything to help me through the day or assist me with life. God’s Spirit—along with the peace he conveys, is sufficient to help me handle anything that comes my way.

Do you know the truth?

Prayer: Father, may the truth that Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose again in victory over death and the grave set us free from guilt, fear, judgment, and controlling habits.

 
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God on Call by Martin Wiles

Sometimes it’s just impossible to get through to whom I want.

“You have reached….. For English press 1, for _____________ press 2.” I press 1. 

“If you would like to ______________, press 1, if not press 5.” I press 5.

“You have reached the main menu. For help with ____________, press 2, for help with ___________ press 3, for help with ____________ press 4, or for assistance with _____________ press 5.”

Now I’m stuck. None of these options relate to my call. I press 0 which hopefully will return me to the main menu and a chance to speak to a real person. But I don’t hear, “Thank you. Please wait while I transfer you to a customer representative.” In fact, there’s no option whatsoever that puts me in touch with an actual person. 

Fortunately, when I call heaven, I don’t have to deal with these scenarios. Then call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you. (Psalm 50:15 NLT)

God is always on call and constantly available. No menu to select from and no “Our offices are closed. Please call back after _______.” Whenever I need him, he’s there. Prayer is the avenue through which I summon God. While I have a special concentrated time I spend with God, I send up many “microwave prayers” during the day. I can literally pray without ceasing.

And the wonderful news is God is never too busy for me. He won’t say, “Didn’t we just talk about this yesterday?” He cares about every detail of my life. But neither should I wait until I’m overwhelmed by trouble and have tried all my ingenious tactics before I call on him. He should be my first resort. 

Make it a habit to call on God regularly.

Prayer: Thank You Lord Jesus that our line to You is always open.

Begin each day with a dose of encouraging thoughts. Order your print or Kindle copy today from Amazon. 

Flashback Friday by Martin Wiles

Welcome to Flashback Fridays. Because we think any devotional is worth reading more than once. 

Take a trip back in time by reading this devotional from an earlier time.  

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. Read more...

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Quitters Never Win by Martin Wiles

He didn’t stick around. What was the use? He was a loser.

Opie’s build made him an unlikely candidate to run a foot race. But the annual Sheriff’s Day boys’ race was rapidly approaching, and this year he decided to enter the 50-yard dash. He convinced himself he could win and collect a medal. Barney diligently helped him train. The day of the race finally arrived and he was pumped…until he was the last to cross the finish line. He didn’t hang around to congratulate the others. He had lost, and now he was going home. (A Medal for Opie 1962)

In my younger years I didn’t have much confidence in myself either. Not until I matured did I develop stick-to-itiveness. According to Jesus, this is what everyone needs. He delivered some hard teachings. Some decided this race wasn’t for them. At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. (John 6:66 NLT)

Quitters never win is a logical saying. If I quit, how can I possibly win? My race for God begins when I trust Christ as Savior and won’t end until death or Christ’s return. In between the beginning of my race and the end, I must persevere. I could quit, but my love for Christ and an appreciation for what he’s done for me keep me going. I must do the training so I can do my best for him. The gifts and talents he gives me are for lifetime use. Along the way, I’ll experience stops and starts, perceived failures, and an abundance of trials, but I must keep arching for the finish line. And the good news…everyone who wants to enter the race is welcome, and all who do can be winners if they choose.

Have you quit on God? If so, get back in the race.

Prayer: Thank You Father for the privilege of being Your children. May we never give up or quit the race You’ve set before us. 

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What If I Make God Mad? by Martin Wiles

I didn’t enjoy it at the time—nor did I repeat the exact same procedures with my children, but it did accomplish their intended purpose. 

Physicians, counselors, and psychologists differ in their opinions over how children should be disciplined. Others disagree over how a given society should react to those who break laws. But one thing is certain…failure to respond to bad behavior will have negative repercussions. Mom and Dad responded to mine with a mixture of corporal punishment and taking away things I enjoyed. Though I didn’t always agree with their methods, I got the message. Don’t repeat what I was being disciplined for.  

No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. (Hebrews 12:11 NLT)

My parents weren’t perfect with their disciplinary methods—nor was I. There were times when I had to apologize to my children for overreacting or for falsely accusing them. But God is the perfect parent. He never makes mistakes with his disciplinary methods, nor does he ever chastise when I don’t deserve it.

I disciplined my children because I loved them and knew their unwise actions would lead them down dead end paths. God knows more than I ever could and gently corrects me because he loves me intensely. He always has my good in mind. He can see where I haven’t been but often want to go. Down roads where the journey will be harmful to me or others. 

The length of God’s discipline depends on me. If I respond by going in an acceptable direction, the discipline may very well cease. But if I demonstrate stubbornness, he’ll let it continue and even intensify. All because he loves me with all his heart.

Are you being disciplined by God? If so, know it’s because he loves you.

Prayer: Thank You merciful God for the gentle corrections You administer when we go astray. 

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Throwback Tuesdays by Martin Wiles

Welcome to Throwback Tuesdays. Because we think any devotional is worth reading more than once. 

Take a trip back in time by reading this devotion from an earlier time. 

Stand Firm

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. Read more...








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Banana Nut Muffins by Michelle Wiles

Ingredients

1 BOX SPICE CAKE MIX

2 EGGS

1 CUP MILK

1/3 CUP CHOPPED PECANS

1/3 CUP OIL

1 BANANA (MASHED)

Directions

MIX ALL INGREDIENTS TOGETHER.

POUR INTO GREASED MUFFIN PANS.

BAKE AT 350 DEGREES FOR 15-20 MINS.

Why not top off your snack or meal with an encouraging devotion? Visit our home page or subscribe by email.

Get your copy of my husband's newest devotional book from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. Now available at Amazon.