Flashback Friday - Martin Wiles

Spiritual Cultivation

My garden is plowed but nothing grows. And with good reason. Nothing is planted. 

I grew up around gardens and have always intermittently gardened myself. My grandparents had them, and most parishioners in my father’s churches did as well. 

I’m most familiar with my paternal grandfather’s. He spent a great deal of time cultivating his garden. Preparation for planting involved tilling, spreading fertilizer and purchasing seeds and plants. Maintenance required hoeing, pulling weeds and spraying for insects. When the fruit was ready, the real work began: picking, digging, snapping, peeling, canning and blanching. Once after watching me sweat in the garden, my father-who wasn’t a gardener, said: “I could go to the market and buy it cheaper.” He was right but that avoided cultivation. Read more...

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Appointed to Death - Martin Wiles

Death is a reality.

And just as it is destined that each person dies only once and after that comes judgment. Hebrews 9:27 NLT

In her essay, “The Existential Frankenstein,” Jennifer McMahon attempts to prove several conclusions about death. The phenomena are ones proposed by existential philosopher, Martin Heidegger, and psychological theorist, Ernest Becker. They include denying death, ignoring the prospect of death, attempting to conquer death, and accepting death. By alluding to various scenes in the movie Frankenstein, she attempts to illustrate the first three phenomena. In addressing certain aspects of horror flicks, McMahon makes true statements about real life. 

Many Biblical scholars believe humans would have lived forever had Adam and Eve not sinned. Disobedience had dire results, among them spiritual and physical. The prospect of death brings fear which in turn leads to anxiety. Adam and Eve didn’t experience this fear until they walked into forbidden areas. 

Fear of death is an innate emotional state that begins troubling us as soon as we’re old enough to understand our mortality. The fear first haunted me when I was of middle school age. Even though a believer, I still dreaded the unknown. I can attempt to deny the prospect of death, but it will arrive anyway sooner or later.

I can also attempt to ignore it. My inattention won’t make it disappear. I—like many others, do this by busying myself with life’s mundane affairs. If I can fill my plate to overflowing, I won’t have time to think about it. Death will still come. In ignorance, I might even think medical science or healthy living will exempt me from it. 

Healthy living is only achieved by accepting death’s reality. Contrary to McMahon’s conclusion that religious systems are invented to deal with death’s fear, belief in the One True 
God is the only way to challenge this unnatural fear. Accepting Christ’s forgiveness of my sins—and believing he has a bright future in store for me where death will once again be absent, is the only way to conquer my fear of death and any unhealthy emotional states it may erect. 

How are you confronting the prospects of your impending demise?

Prayer: Almighty God, we thank You that in Christ death loses its sting.

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Why Do Many Professing Christians Not Live for Christ - Martin Wiles

Series: Hey God…I Have a Question

You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Matthew 7:16 NLT

I remember the day she accepted Christ as her Savior, but now she was gone.

Mary* was a teenager who came from a shallow religious family. Her mother was the only spiritual light in her life. Mary followed in her mother’s footsteps for a number of years. She married a wonderful Christian man, and they had two children together. Yet for some unknown reason, Mary decided to walk away from them all—God included. Twelve years have passed, and she still hasn’t returned. Oh she might take her grandchildren to church, but she continues to live a lifestyle that’s radically different from a dedicated believer. 

Mary’s not the only person I’ve known who demonstrated no visible signs of their declared identity with Christ. I have family members who’ve done the same. When warning his followers about false teachers, Jesus said they could be identified by their fruits. Believers can as well. 

Persistent sin prevents others from perceiving my true identity, keeping me far away from the one I claim to love. Sin creates static between me and God—not the unintentional sins I quickly confess but rather those I repeatedly revel in. Unbelievers won’t see any difference between themselves and me, and Satan will use my persistent sin to make me question my salvation as well.

Deep hurts can also keep me away from God’s desired lifestyle for me. I’ve known many professing believers who haven’t darkened church doors for decades because a church member said or did something unsavory to them. Satan can easily convince me the church is hypocritical. 

Others choose to walk away—and stay away, because Satan convinces them that the church is full of hypocrites and religion was something they choose when they were an innocent, naïve child. Now that they’ve matured, they know better. 

If you’re one of those who have walked away, it’s never too late to return.

Prayer: God of love and mercy, draw unto Yourself those who have strayed from Your fold. 
*Name changed to protect individual’s privacy. 

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Throwback Tuesday - Martin Wiles

Blinded To See

I wasn’t excited about going, but I had no choice.

Hiding the fact you can’t see isn’t easy for a young boy. Contacts and laser surgery weren’t an option for me in the 1960’s. Glasses were. Having friends who had glasses, I knew what was in store-being called “four eyes.” Wearing glasses just wasn’t masculine.

I suppose coming to within six feet of the chalkboard so I could see what the teacher was writing gave my blindness away. She called my parents, and I was given a Mom version sight test and then ushered to the optometrist. I had to admit blindness before receiving help. Read more...

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Does God Really Need Me? - Martin Wiles

Series: Hey God…I Have a Question

Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. Matthew 3:9 NLT

Is it possible that an omnipotent and omniscient being actually needs me?

Among our most important needs are security, self-worth, and significance. Believing there is an individual who can consistently meet these three needs without failure positions me for disappointment. I can’t constantly meet all the needs of any one person nor can they return the favor. Only God has the ability to satisfy every need I have without ever failing. 

So why did God create me? Obviously he had a reason—unless I choose to believe in happenstance. In reality, he doesn’t need me to help him accomplish anything. Some whom Jesus encountered obviously thought more of themselves than they should have. When they appealed to their genealogical heritage to impress him, he discounted their claim by appealing to rocks. 

So why am I here? Though God is complete in himself, he created humans to worship him and enjoy interaction with him. He deserves my worship and adoration because he’s my creator. Every breath I inhale is because he allows it. With one decision, he could snuff out my life. He is holy, awesome, powerful, and almighty. The main reason I worship him, however, derives from appreciation. Through Christ, he provided my salvation. No longer am I under condemnation for my sins. Heaven rather than hell is in my eternal future. My sins are removed as far as the east is from the west. 

While God could use millions of angels to accomplish his earthly plan, he has chosen to include me. Jesus gave me—and all humans, the responsibility of spreading the message of his love across the face of this planet. Angels could accomplish it more quickly, but for whatever reason God furnished people the task. 

Innately, God doesn’t need me, but he has chosen to want me for his Kingdom purposes. No one is created without purpose…you included. Have you discovered yours?

Prayer: O God our Father, You have given us dominion over Your universe. Reveal our individual purpose that we might glorify You through our lives. 

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What if There’s Nothing after I Die? - Martin Wiles

Series: Hey God…I Have a Question

And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world. I Corinthians 15:19 NLT

“What if after you die there’s nothing?” I asked. 

He was one of the godliest men I’d ever met. We often talked about religious subjects. With him, I could discuss the deep things without fear he would judge me for my questions. Knowing his lifestyle, I asked if he had ever considered the question and possibility. “I wouldn’t regret the way I’ve lived,” he answered. A reply seasoned by age and reflection. And one I’ve used myself since then. 

Perhaps Paul had been questioned or was thinking about the possibility himself. “I don’t drink, smoke, chew, or hang around with those who do,” is an old saying but one that reflects a person’s intention to live a pure lifestyle. I could add a few more items to the list: theft, murder, lying, adultery, idolatry, drugs, pornography, gambling. In place of the things I subtract from my life would be added worship of a God who I assume loves me and has prepared a place in heaven for me after I die. But suppose it’s a lie. When my eyes close in death, they never open again. Nothing. Silence. No golden streets, no pearly gates, no heaven, no eternal state of bliss. What then? 

Of course, if there’s nothing in the hereafter, I won’t be aware of it. But as another gentleman recently commented to me, “What if there is something in the hereafter and I’m not prepared for it? Then I end up with hell.” I’m with him. I’d rather take my chances that the Bible’s true, that there is a God who loves me and has made provision for the forgiveness of my sins, and that there is a heaven awaiting my open eyes after I close them in death. 

Like so many other religious concepts, belief in a hereafter takes a step of faith. I haven’t seen it, no one I know has been there and returned—even those who claim to have visited have no pictures. Yet I’m convicted in my spirit that it exists and is mine for the asking. Are you taking the chance that heaven is for real or are you living in misery with your only hope being your present existence?

Prayer: Thank You loving God for preparing an eternal place where You and Your followers can live forever. 

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Flashback Friday - Martin Wiles

Trusting In The Storms

Lightning peeled and thunder rolled. All protecting us was a tent. 

My brother and I were camping in the Smokies. The day was beautiful, but darkness brought dramatic changes. Storms rolled in bringing deafening thunder, keen lightning and torrential rain. Our tents provided little security, and we lay awake listening, fearing, praying and contemplating our powerlessness over the storm. Eventually we drifted off to sleep and the storms subsided. Read more...

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Can I Be a Christian and Still Have Fun? - Martin Wiles

Series: Hey God…I Have a Question

The next day there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. John 2:1-2 NLT

For some, Christianity and enjoyment are mutually exclusive. 

My dad was almost legalistic during my growing up years. His idea of having fun was a trip to the mountains or working in his woodshop. Things like going out with friends, shopping with mom, playing a game with his sons, seeing a movie, going bowling, or taking a fishing trip weren’t often on his list of pleasurable things. Still he wasn’t a sad man and didn’t think Christians should be either. His famous saying for those who equated holiness with frowning was, “They looked like they have been baptized in pickle juice.” 

Jesus, too, was often found at places where fun, laughter, and celebration occurred. One excuse given by many who aren’t Christians for not becoming one is that they would have to renounce all their fun. Depending on how they define pleasure, it may be a true statement. Christianity, however, doesn’t have to be boring or unenjoyable. I can follow Christ and take pleasure in life. Jesus classified it as abundant life. 

Yet even innocent fun can affect my spiritual life if I’m not careful. Hobbies can become time consuming, expensive, jumble my priorities, and even lead me to sin. While most hobbies are innocent enough, if it steals time from my family or God, causes my family financial hardship, or makes it impossible for me to give to God, it has progressed beyond the fun stage. Entertainment is also harmless enough. If not guarded carefully, however, it too can lead me down the same path as an out-of-kilter hobby. 

Jesus wants me to enjoy life, but the fun I have must be gauged by thoughtful questions: “Is it sinful?” “Is it unwise?” “Is it harmful to my body?” “Is is financially draining?” and “Does it steal time from God, my family, and my church?” 

Prayer: God of joy, thank You for creating things that enable us to enjoy the world You’ve created and the life You’ve granted us. Keep our focus on You as we enjoy Your world. 

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Why Are There Inequalities Among People? - Martin Wiles

Series: Hey God…I Have a Question

The rich and poor have this in common: The LORD made them both. Proverbs 22:7 NLT

First used by Louis Blanc in 1851, the slogan De chacun selon ses moyens, à chacun selon ses besoins (“From each according to his ability, to each according to his need”) was later popularized by Karl Marx—the father of Communism. Communism maintained socialism’s full development would result in an abundance of goods and services that everyone would enjoy uniformly. Although the philosophy sounded good, it didn’t materialize. Not everyone works equally hard nor can humans perfectly run the structure that disseminates the goods and services. 

Differences abound within humanity…not only in race and language but also in economic standing. Why didn’t God give everyone the same amount of money, possessions, job opportunities, children, pets, etc.? 

Free will often explains the differences. God created everyone with this wonderful feature. Normally he doesn’t interfere with the outcomes of my decisions unless he’s using disciplinary tactics to confront my negative choices. At least within a democratic society, God allows me the choice to reside where I choose—a country where the average annual income is $75,000 or $500. 

Other inequalities appear because of government style. Some are born in countries with totalitarian governments and have no means of escape. Their opportunities are limited. Governments are ruled by errant people, and therefore differences abound. 

Circumstances—whether a particular government style or other aspects, also explain inequalities. Generally speaking, I am who I am and where I am because of genealogical heritage…not necessarily personal choices. There have been occasions when I was able to change my circumstances but others when I couldn’t…because of circumstances. 

Among the inequalities, however, there are commonalities. God has created everyone, loves everyone, and sent his Son to die for everyone. While the color of our skin, the income we earn, and the possessions we own may differ now, there will come a day when we’ll equally enjoy what God has made for us in heaven and on the new earth. 

Prayer: All praise we give to You merciful Father for the great abundance we have in You presently and the unimaginable plenty we anticipate in the future.

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Throwback Tuesday - Martin Wiles

One Stitch At A Time

She was a marvel to observe, and you never knew what she would make next. 

My great grandmother was a master crocheter. She would sit for hours with needle and thread, seemingly content to labor tirelessly on her projects. But nothing began until the yarn was rolled into a ball. This is where I came in. I held the mass of string firmly while she pulled and rolled. This prohibited tangles while crocheting. Then she carefully placed the rolled yarn in a cloth bag so it wouldn’t escape when she stitched. 

I never saw my great grandmother use a pattern; I suppose they were ingrained in her mind. Her motions seemed repetitive: pull a little slack, make a few stitches and then repeat the process. Read more...

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Why Does God Seem Silent? - Martin Wiles

Series: Hey God…I Have a Question

At times, God may appear silent, but he always speaks loudly and clearly.

And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. I Kings 19:12-13 NLT

I recall a time when God seemed silent. My wife and I had followed a call which appeared unambiguous at the moment. Shortly after arriving at our destination, however, we wondered if we’d heard God correctly. We persevered for several years. Our successes were mixed with failures, false accusations, and doubts. In spite of our questions and efforts to escape our dilemma, God seemed to take forever to deliver us. Even after the deliverance, we found ourselves in another difficult situation. God was working…he wasn’t silent…but from our perspective it certainly looked as if he was. 

Elijah probably felt the same. Elijah was accustomed to God behaving in spectacular ways. When he faced the false prophets representing the local pagan gods, God proved his reality with fire from heaven. But when the queen placed a death sentence on Elijah, he ran like a scared rabbit. He expected God to be in the earthquake…but he wasn’t. Perhaps he was in the fire…not there either. Where he was was where Elijah least expected him—in a still small voice. 

Appearances can be deceiving. When it appears God is silent, he never is. Satan would love nothing better than to deceive me into thinking God doesn’t care about my circumstances or that he’s forgotten about me. But God hasn’t—and he never will. 

Thinking God can only work in one certain way—as Elijah apparently did, can prevent me from hearing God. He often works outside of the box in which I attempt to confine him…just to prove he can…simply to remind me he’s God and I’m not. 

Loving God with all my heart and seeking his kingdom first will always keep my ears clean so I can hear clearly when God calls. Are you perceiving God’s call plainly? 

Prayer: Gracious Father, we thank You for speaking Your will into our lives so that we might enjoy the abundant life You offer. 

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Why Have You Led Me Where I Am? - Martin Wiles

Series: Hey God…I Have a Question

The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you.” Genesis 12:1 NLT

“I wouldn’t be where I am today had *Tony not brought me here.” 

As we enjoyed a relaxing but candid conversation, *Fred admitted the above truth. His confession confirmed his humility. It also reaffirmed in his mind why he was where he was. God had used him for ten years to pastor a church that may have never considered him had it not been for the influence of a fellow pastor. 

I too have been in places and wondered about God’s purpose. Perhaps Abraham pondered God’s directions also.God had a rationale for asking Abraham to trade one pagan land for another—one he’d never visited. He and his descendants would be given a small geographical area of land where they were to be God’s light to those captured by sinful lifestyles. God can lead me to particular places because he wants me to influence a person or group of people. 

God took Moses from the house of Egypt’s Pharaoh—where he enjoyed unlimited luxuries, to the backside of a desert where he tended sheep. All because Moses let his anger get the best of him. After a cooling off period, God instructed him to lead his people out of a 400-year-old slavery stint. God can guide me to specific places so he can teach me important lessons— instructions I’ll use for future assignments.

God led Jonah from his comfortable homeland to a city populated with people he hated. After running from God—and spending a few nights in the belly of a large fish, Jonah obeyed and watched an entire city turn to God. God can maneuver me through certain periods to teach me how to love all people as he does. 

When God has led you to a particular place and you’re wondering why, ask him to reveal how he plans to use this journey for your good and his glory.

Prayer: O God our Governor, teach us patience as we await the reasons for why You have led us down new life avenues. 
*Names changed to protect individual’s privacy.

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Trusting God In The Desert by Martin Wiles

WELCOME TO FLASHBACK FRIDAY...BECAUSE WE THINK EVERY DEVOTION DESERVES A SECOND READING. 

Trusting God In The Desert by Martin Wiles

She agreed to follow the Chief Shepherd to the High Places. Instead he led her into the desert. Now she was confused. 

Hannah Hurnard was born to a well-to-do English family, but shyness and a speech impediment made life miserable. It wasn’t until she turned nineteen that she finally discovered happiness. Sensing God’s call on her life to mission work, she began traveling with the Friends’ Evangelist Band spreading the gospel in England and Ireland. 

In 1955, Hannah began composing the allegory Hinds’ Feet on High Places. Published in 1975, the work describes Much-Afraid’s decision to follow the Chief Shepherd to the High Places. Read more...

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Is There a Purpose for My Trials? - Martin Wiles

Series: Hey God…I Have a Question

When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy…When your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow…for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete. James 1:2-4

She was on a mission of mercy, but her journey didn’t end the way she anticipated.

Our church began a Sunday evening feeding program recently—a program supported completely by member donations. One elderly lady was bringing supplies for the upcoming feeding when she missed a step and fell. A severe break to one of her femurs resulted. For eight weeks, she was unable to put any pressure on the injured leg. For an active senior like herself, this was a major trial—yet one that had purpose. Shortly after arriving at the rehabilitation center, she led one of her nurses to a relationship with the Lord. 

God always has a purpose when sending or allowing trials. One purpose for trials is to teach me joy’s real meaning. I’m often happiest when everything goes my way and when I’m able to purchase what I want and go where I desire. I’m smart enough to realize, however, that this type of joy is circumstance related. My joy should be found in my relationship with Christ—regardless of my circumstances. Trials help this realization surface. 

Trials increase my endurance. Life is difficult, and an easy road doesn’t prepare me to challenge it. Muscles are forged by resistance, and my ability to endure what life hurls my way is developed through difficult—not trouble-free, episodes.

Trials also form my character. If I sincerely want to know who I am and how I’ll respond to any given situation, trials will reveal this information rapidly. My character is who I am when everyone is looking or when no one is staring. Trials allow my faults to rise to the top so I can allow God to rub off the rough edges and forge them into strengths. 

God doesn’t allow or send trials without purpose. Respond correctly when they come, and let God help you experience the purpose for which he sent them. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may we view life’s trials as Your proving ground for our faith. 

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God’s Cover - Martin Wiles

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. I Peter 4:8

Even if it only covered a small portion of my chest, I had to have it.

My maternal grandmother lived in an old farm house void of central air and heat. By the time I arrived in the world, the fireplaces were covered and replaced with gas heaters. No air conditioner appeared until after my grandfather died and then only a small window unit. 

Sleeping in the hot humid atmosphere of a South Carolina summer is a challenge in an air conditioned house and particularly one that’s not. Since I can’t sleep without some vestige of cover, it was especially difficult for me to sleep when visiting. Add mosquitoes hovering around my head and singing in my ear and sleep was almost impossible. 
My grandmother sprayed the window screens with repellant, turned on a prehistoric oscillating fan, and tucked me in for a restless night. The heat tempted me to throw off all cover, but I maintained a sliver for security. 

Peter mentions a different type of cover; although one more essential and comforting. Unlike cover draping only a portion of my body, God’s love demonstrated in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross covers sins completely. All that remains is accepting his love. When I do, complete forgiveness occurs, judgment is averted and eternal life is assured. 

God’s security blanket provides warmth presently and eternally, assuring us what he freely gives he won’t remove. Regardless of how often Satan hovers nearby trying to convince us we’re too rotten for God’s forgiveness, his lie is always covered by God’s truth. And spreading God’s cover over others multiplies forgiveness’ impact. 

Are you covered? If so, cover someone else. 

Prayer: Thank you merciful Father that Your love covers a multitude of sins. 

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Throwback Tuesday - Martin Wiles

WELCOME TO THROWBACK TUESDAY...WHERE WE BELIEVE EVERY DEVOTION IS WORTH A SECOND READING.

Friendship’s Bond by Martin Wiles

“If you don’t like the weather, just hang around a while and it will change,” my friend said. And it did.

Our vacation in Colorado was sprinkled with rollercoaster weather. Mild sunny days materialized into warmer than normal afternoons. Who would have thought we would need sunscreen in March? Two days later, temperatures hovered in the mid 40’s and struggled to reach the mid 30’s the following day as snow fell gently across the open fields and covered the nearby mountains. The day we left temperatures returned to normal. Read more...

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