Facer or Avoider? by Martin Wiles

In life, there are only two types of people: avoiders and facers.

The first two days of each of my college semesters encumbered me with syllabi I would need for the next five months. Within the pages of these mini books were assignments I was responsible for. Among them numerous research papers. How would I accomplish all this by the deadlines? Simple. By ledgering them down according to date from nearest to farthest. And by starting immediately. My first paper was completed long before the due date, but none of them were late. Nor did I find myself hurrying to complete any at the last minute. I was a facer in college. 

When encountering challenging life situations, there are only two directions I can take. Embrace the challenge, or run from it. Joshua—Moses’ successor who led the Israelites into the Promised Land, was a facer because Moses assured him God was with him. So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you. (Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT)

Occasionally I’m an avoider, but most of the time I’m a facer. Need a problem solved? I’m your man. Need to change something unorganized into an organized marvel, call me. My personality compels me to plunge into problematic situations with both feet. Where the trouble lies is in my tendency to dive in without checking with God first. Doing so either leads to disaster or pride. Neither of which God honors. Joshua was successful because he trusted God to travel ahead of his invading army. 

Problems and challenges don’t vanish when I avoid them. Most of the time, they only increase in size and intensity. Even when confronting them, some aren’t solved instantly. They require a pecking away at like my college writing assignments. But face them I must. When I do so under the leadership of God’s Spirit, they’ll be tackled and conquered courageously, timely, kindly, wisely, and in a God-honoring fashion. 

How are you facing life’s challenging situations?

Prayer: Father, when problems confront us, call to our memory that You are the master problem solver and we are just the instruments in Your hand. 

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Throwback Tuesday by Martin Wiles

WELCOME TO THROWBACK TUESDAY...BECAUSE WE BELIEVE EVERY DEVOTION DESERVES MORE THAN ONE CHANCE. 

Sifted

I watched her turn the handle on the old sifter as I had many times before. 
My wife is a young woman who cooks the old way. And yes, she still sifts flour. “Cake won’t turn out right if you don’t,” she says. Some cooks have given up sifting since lumpy flour and extra protein (bugs) aren’t normally issues anymore. Sifting is painless for the flour but tiring for the one cranking the handle. Read more...

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Corn Bread Dressing by Michelle Wiles

Ingredients

1 PAN CORNBREAD (DAY OLD)

     

1 ONION (CHOPPED)

3 EGGS (BEATEN)

2 CANS CREAM OF CHICKEN SOUP

   

1 CAN CREAM OF CELERY SOUP

         

½ CUP CANNED MILK

2 TABLESPOONS SAGE

                        

1 CAN CHICKEN BROTH

     

1 STICK BUTTER (MELTED)

Directions

CRUMBLE CORNBREAD AND MIX WITH ALL OTHER INGREDIENTS.

POUR INTO A GREASED CASSEROLE DISH.

BAKE AT 350 FOR 1 HOUR

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Bacon & Cheese Bread by Michelle Wiles

Ingredients

1 EGG

1 TABLESPOON MILK

1 CAN PILLSBURY GRAND FLAKY BISCUITS

3 CUPS SHREDDED CHEDDAR CHEESE

1 PACKAGE PRECOOKED BACON

   

¼ CUP CHOPPED GREEN ONIONS

Directions

IN A BOWL, BEAT EGG AND MILK WITH A WIRE WHISK UNTIL SMOOTH.

SEPARATE BISCUITS INTO 8 PIECES AND CUT INTO QUARTERS.

GENTLY STIR BISCUIT PIECES INTO EGG MIXTURE TO COAT EVENLY.

FOLD IN BACON, CHEESE, AND ONIONS.

SPOON MIXTURE INTO SPRAYED DISH AND ARRANGE BISCUITS IN SINGLE LAYER.

BAKE AT 350 FOR 23-28 MINUTES OR UNTIL GOLDEN BROWN.

CUT INTO SQUARES.

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Moving the Mountains by Martin Wiles

Moving a mountain doesn’t necessarily mean the mountain itself moves.

In the early nineteenth century, goods could only reach the Ohio River valley area from Charleston, South Carolina, by bypassing the mountains to the south and traveling north through Georgia and Tennessee. In 1835, residents of Charleston proposed a solution. Why not construct a shorter route for the Blue Ridge Railroad by crafting a series of tunnels through the South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee mountains? Things progressed smoothly until Stumphouse Mountain in Oconee County was encountered. After spending more than three years and a million dollars on this tunnel, the state of South Carolina refused to spend anymore. The tunnel remained unfinished with only 1,617 feet of the proposed 5,863 feet excavated. Some mountains simply refuse to be moved.
   
I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it would move. Nothing would be impossible. (Matthew 17:20 NLT)

Mountains in life aren’t geological structures but rather financial challenges, relationship turmoil, job loss, tragedies, natural disasters, death, rebellious children, and other unpleasant circumstances. Conquering them can be just as imposing as trying to summit Mount Everest. 

But moving life’s mountains doesn’t necessarily entail the mountain literally disappearing. A change of perspective may be all that’s required. With faith and God’s guidance, I can learn to look at the mountain from a different view and find contentment regardless of my surroundings and circumstances (Philippians 4:13).

At the end of the day, I don’t move the mountain anyway. God does. I trust him to handle what’s impossible for me. With him, nothing is impossible. Whether he removes the mountain or simply allows me to see it from a different angle is immaterial. The mountain moves either way.

Trust God to help you move your mountains.

Prayer: Merciful and eternal God, when our mountains seem impossible to handle, nestle us by Your loving side, increase our faith, and move our mountains. 


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Grief’s Gain by Martin Wiles

She sat solemnly with no expression. He wailed loudly. He was a local; she wasn’t. But there was no comfort for either.

Marital problems and alcohol haunted their relationship. She headed to her home state for the weekend, leaving him alone. The accident happened on the return trip. A deer? Too much to drink? Perhaps no one will ever know, but the collision took their child’s life. Now they sat at the funeral-her in shock, him crushed and me wondering what I could say to soothe their pain.

The mom eventually went to jail and I never heard from her again. The dad began coming to church, rededicated his life to God and was serving him and the church faithfully when I left the area. A horrible event with polar responses to tragedy and its accompanying grief.

Solomon proposes grief has redeeming effects: Sorrow is better than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart. (Ecclesiastes 7:3)

I’ve never been a fan of grief or the circumstances preceding it. After all, who grieves when there’s nothing to grieve over? So I attempt to avoid grief creating circumstances. But my best efforts fail. Making wise decisions, planning for the future, being a good community example and parent, obeying my boss, loving my wife, tending to my health and caring for aging parents cannot prevent tragedies or change other’s actions. And when these impact my life negatively, grief follows.

But grief correctly processed contains potential for gain. Healthy grief accepts the reality of adversity and tragedy. The world’s not perfect nor anyone in it. Life can be made brief by bad decisions, criminal actions, and a decrepit world, but redeeming grief will refine character. What doesn’t destroy us makes us stronger. I know; I watched it mold a dad into more than he ever was or imagined he would be. 

When grief strikes, let God bring you gain from it instead of loss.

Prayer: Merciful Lord, in times of grief, when we are tempted to give up on You and ourselves, rekindle our faith in grief’s redeeming power. 

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Flashback Friday by Martin Wiles

WELCOME TO FLASHBACK FRIDAY...BECAUSE WE THINK EVERY DEVOTION NEEDS A SECOND CHANCE. 

Experiencing God Through Forgiveness

The hurt cut deep. After all it was his nephew. 
Emmanuel* was on the wrong road. Though raised in a Christian family, he decided to take a detour down a dead end road. Drugs cost him a place to stay when his parents discovered he was using at home. His uncle seemed his only hope, but he quickly messed that up too. While they were away, he stole a priceless family heirloom and a gun and hocked them both for drug money. Read more...

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Choose Your Friends Wisely by Martin Wiles

Some friends should carry the label, “Dangerous for Your Health.”

My parents always cautioned me to choose friends wisely. Biblical examples were offered of what happens when one doesn’t. Such as the prodigal son. Warnings reminded me that choosing bad company would corrupt my character. Stand your ground on moral principles and don’t let anyone persuade you otherwise. Imagine my surprise when one such distraction appeared in the form of a deacon’s son at the church my father pastored. We became fast friends. I had just entered adolescence, and rebellion was on my mind. And this new friend provided the fertilizer for my stubborn seeds to grow. Within a short period of time, I had acquired several addictions and was traveling down the wrong spiritual road. 

Friendship with the world has consequences. You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God. (James 4:4 NLT)

World in biblical terminology seldom refers to the geographical ball dangling in space. Rather it’s the entire system of action and thought that doesn’t align with God’s standards and commands. Worldly friendships manifest themselves through actions and relationships that dishonor God. 

James makes it clear I can’t have the proverbial cake and eat it too scenario. I either chose the world or Christ. I must select sinful living or godly living. Since the beginning of time, the option has always been God or the world. Adam and Eve had a choice: the fruit of the one forbidden tree (world) or God (the fruit of every other tree). James even uses the good teaching technique of repetition to reinforce the impossibility of having it both ways. Friends with the world equal enemies of God. What I attempted to do during my teenage journey, God says is impossible. 

Who are you choosing as a friend, the world or God? 

Prayer: Give us courage, Dear Lord, to choose godly relationships so our spiritual journey is enhanced and we are encouraged to obey You rather than our sinful desires. 


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God Can Handle Complaints by Martin Wiles

God gives us permission to tell him exactly how we feel.

“God, I just don’t understand. We give our tithes and offerings, we attend church regularly, we use our gifts in your church, we share your love with others. We do all the good things a Christian should, but we never seem to get ahead.”

My wife has made some or all of these statements at one time or another. If I haven’t said them, I’ve at least thought them. Having taken on another part-time job, I hoped we’d finally get our heads above water. My wife did too. That was before she discovered she had inadvertently entered a bank deposit twice. Now there wasn’t enough to cover the rent check, and we were almost one hundred dollars in the red. So we complained to God. 

Sometimes I feel guilty about complaining to God, but I’ve discovered he can handle it. And when I have complaints, he’s the best and safest source to present them to. The psalmist thought so too. I pour out my complaints before him and tell him all my troubles. (Psalm 142:2 NLT)

The psalmist—along with many other biblical characters, obviously had no qualms about complaining to God. So perhaps there’s nothing necessarily sinful about this bold act. And it isn’t. God can handle my complaints. When they arise out of genuineness, it evidences my desire for answers to my personal unpleasant situation or to circumstances that anger or confuse me. 

On the other hand, what I complain about can arise from sinful practices I need to address. The trial may be God’s way of getting my attention about something that needs my attention. Through trials, God refines—and sometimes realigns, me, but when I respond with an attitude of trust, he’ll give me a form of peace that’s impossible to understand or convey to others. It simply has to be experienced.

Is a situation or person aggravating and confusing you? Take your complaint to God. 

Prayer: Prompt us, merciful Lord, to bring our complaints to You where we’ll find wisdom to understand and strength to endure. 

Thanks to all our faithful followers who are "sharing" our posts--please keep it up! We also invite you to follow and like us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter. Help us spread God's encouragement through his love lines. 

Throwback Tuesday by Martin Wiles

WELCOME TO THROWBACK TUESDAY...BECAUSE WE BELIEVE EVERY DEVOTION DESERVES MORE THAN ONE CHANCE. 

Regret’s Poison

I should have listened, but it was too late.  

College wasn’t in the plans. I wasn’t even fond of high school and proved it by quitting my senior year only to return a few months later when the grass on the other side turned tasteless. I eventually graduated but entered the work world instead of another classroom. Read more...

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Enjoy the Journey by Martin Wiles

When finishing the task is all that’s on my mind, I don’t often enjoy the journey.

I’m task oriented. Born with a Type A personality and two parents who had the same, I was marked from the beginning. With no chance at being laid back, I live life with rapid fury. How I functioned in college, in particular, illustrates this well. Within the first two days of a semester’s beginning, I received all my syllabi. Contained in those pages were numerous papers I was required to write to receive credit for the course. Rather than waiting until the last minute like many of my classmates, I immediately put my assignments in order by date and began pecking away to complete them. Perhaps my anxiety and hurriedness along the way prevented me from enjoying what I could have learned during the research and writing phase of each project. 

The Israelites Moses led to the Promised Land didn’t enjoy the journey either. And the people thirsted there for water, and the people complained against Moses, and said, “Why is it you have brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?” (Exodus 17:3 NKJV) 

When I’m enjoying the journey, I’ll learn lessons along the way in addition to the ones I discover when I reach the end. I’ll understand how to trust God to meet my needs not only in the end but along the way also. Happiness, peace, and contentment can be mine during the trek. 

Enjoying the journey reminds me that my Christian pilgrimage isn’t just about reaching heaven. Earth is the proving and preparation grounds for my eternity there. Taking pleasure in the earthly sojourn gives me experiences to learn from. I can then use these lessons to assist others who are facing similar circumstances. 

When I get pleasure from the journey, I’ll appreciate the end product more. Are you enjoying your journey?

Prayer: Father, may we take pleasure all during the trip and not just at the final stop. 

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

Driven by Dreams by Martin Wiles

Dreams can be the goad that drives us into God’s bright future. 

Dreams are puzzling. During the Old Testament and early church period, God often spoke through them to reveal his message. Some today put a great deal of stock in dreams, supposing they contain secret meanings. Noted psychologist Sigmund Freud believed this. Many, however, put absolutely no faith in them at all. Still others believe they represent the night’s release of what we’ve experienced and thought about during the day. 

Joseph placed a great deal of stock in his dreams. “Listen to this dream,” he said. “We were out in the field, tying up bundles of grain. Suddenly my bundle stood up, and your bundles all gathered around and bowed low before mine!” (Genesis 37:6-7 NLT) Later, he dreamed of the sun, moon, and stars (his family) bowing before him. 

My most important dreams don’t come at night but are significant nonetheless. They represent my wishes, aspirations, and gut-level desires. They show me where I imagine myself in the future. Like Joseph’s, my dreams should be God-given. God may not speak to me through a vision, but he implants certain aspirations and passions in my heart nevertheless. When I follow these, I will be driven to fulfill his plan for me. 

The dreams that drive me should be God-honoring. And when I get them from him, they will be. Pursuing God-honoring dreams will cause me to better this world—even if only in small ways. They will push me to unselfish activities. Joseph could have made his stint in Egypt all about him, but he eventually used his position to save his family from starvation. 

Appropriate dreams will also keep me forward focused. Joseph remembered the dreams God gave him. The assurance of God’s presence—coupled with God’s promise of a bright future, kept him hanging on during the dark periods of his Egypt. 

Are you being driven into a bright future by following God-given dreams? If not, ask God to give you a dream.

Prayer: Give us wisdom, merciful Father, to understand Your dreams for our future so that we might follow them consistently.

Thanks to all our faithful followers who are "sharing" our posts--please keep it up! We also invite you to follow and like us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter. Help us spread God's encouragement through his love lines. 

Flashback Friday by Martin Wiles

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

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

The Power Of Vision

I wanted to see but couldn’t, so I made another trip to the front of the class.
Like any elementary age boy, I enjoyed the back of the classroom. Trouble was, when the teacher wrote on the chalkboard I couldn’t see. So I carefully crept through the middle of the aisles, copied the material, and made my way back to the desk. Read more...

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Never beyond God’s Reach by Martin Wiles

God’s arm can reach where others’ arms cannot. 

Life had collapsed. I was falling into the grips of depression but didn’t realize it. Everything I had labored for was gradually slipping from my hands. What I thought was stable proved unstable. Aches and pains were appearing in various places and worrying me in the process. Nights were almost unbearable. Filled with tossing, turning, worrying, thinking, and trying to garner the strength for another day. What I supposed was a normal mid-night trip to the bathroom turned into a fainting episode that landed me in the hospital. Tests revealed nothing. I was simply depressed. 

Though I often felt I was sinking into a bottomless pit, I discovered I was never beyond God’s reach. The psalmist understood the same truth. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. (Psalm 139:9-10 NLT)

I’m never beyond God’s grasp because he’s omnipresent. This is a big theological word that simply means I can’t go anywhere God isn’t. On the mountain, in the valley, in the ICU, in depression, in the hospital, in a wreck, in a terminal disease, in an abusive relationship. Wherever I am—and in whatever state of mind I am, God is there.

Along with God’s presence, I can be assured of his knowledge. Omniscient is the theological word describing this aspect of God’s character. Not only is he wherever I am but he also knows the situation’s intimate details. His all-knowing is accompanied by the wisdom to carry me through each of those circumstances.

God is also omnipotent. All powerful. Nothing evil or challenging that comes against me is greater than his power to transform it for my good and his glory. And in the process he’ll transform me into the image of his Son. 

Regardless of the situation you’re in, you’re never beyond God’s reach.

Prayer: Remind us, dear Lord, that our lives—and every aspect of them, are securely held in your powerfully wise hands. 

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

Better Left Unsaid by Martin Wiles

Just because it can be said doesn’t mean it should be.

They come in various shapes and sizes. Some appear overly wide with large lips and teeth to match. Others seem so small as to make one wonder whether they’re capable of functioning at all. Some are attached to flawless faces while others are implanted on faces scarred with physical disfigurements. Regardless of the shape or size or what type of face they’re connected to, all mouths have the ability to do the same thing: speak. And therein lies the dilemma. For while they can be used for much good, they’re often used for the opposite. 

Gene Hackman, in the movie Mississippi Burning, said to his boss, “You don't know when to speak and when to shut up! That makes you a fool!” Joseph, it seems, had the same problem. One night Joseph had a dream, and when he told his brothers about it, they hated him more than ever. (Genesis 37:5 NLT) No doubt Joseph was excited about the sketchy details God had given him concerning his bright future, but this favored son may have stirred the pot a bit when relaying his two dreams to his family. 

When speaking, I should consider whether what I’m saying is necessary. Not everything I know must be spoken. Some things are better left unsaid. Or if I feel I must disclose them, the manner in which I share them is important. I’ve learned I don’t have to communicate everything I know even if it is the truth. 

My shared words should also be kind. One popular daytime talk show host always ends her show with the challenge: “Be kind to one another.” Not bad advice. 

Another matter for consideration is whether what I share builds others up or tears them down. Are my words helpful? If not, I should probably keep them to myself. 

When you’re thinking of sharing a group of words, consider: “Would this be better left unsaid?”

Prayer: Father in heaven, make the words of our mouths pleasing in Your sight.

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

Throwback Tuesday by Martin Wiles

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

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

Created With Purpose

Why am I here? What's my purpose? Questions I've considered. And most everyone else too. 

Adolescents contemplate them and the answers normally chart their life's course. Not considering them leads to roller coaster rides with little direction and accompanying unwise decisions. Read more...

Thanks to all our faithful followers who are "sharing" our posts--please keep it up! We also invite you to follow and like us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter. Help us spread God's encouragement through his love lines. 

Banana Nut Bread by Michelle Wiles

Ingredients

2 1/3 CUP BISQUICK MIX

1/3 CUP VEGETABLE OIL

1 TEASPOON VANILLA

1 ½ CUP MASHED BANANAS

½ CUP PECANS (CHOPPED)

1 CUP SUGAR

3 EGGS

Directions

STIR ALL INGREDIENTS TOGETHER AND BLEND WELL.

BAKE IN A GREASED 9 X 13 PAN OR A LOAF PAN.

BAKE AT 350 FOR 40-45 MINUTES.

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.