What We Have in Christ - Martin Wiles

And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. I Corinthians 2:12 NLT

What I possess cannot be measured with monetary figures. A person living in a poverty stricken third world country might look at what I possess and classify me a rich man. By the normal American standard, however, I dangle barely above the poverty level. I have a fulfilling and exciting job but with pay far less than that of my government funded counterparts. My only vehicle is 12 years old with 200K miles. The only health insurance I can afford is what the government grants me free of charge. Though my employer offers a retirement option, I can’t afford to contribute. And my wife and I live in a small patio townhouse boxed in by neighbors. 

What I don’t have in material things is more than compensated for by what I have in Christ. In Christ, I have forgiveness of all my sins…past, present, and future. I don’t have to worry about dying with unconfessed sin; Christ has taken care of those as well. There is a freeing effect in knowing I’ve been released from sin’s chains and will never stand in the “condemned” position any longer. Forgiveness changes my perspective on life. I now have purpose and can face any challenge with Christ’s indwelling Spirit as my source of strength. Forgiveness brings a sense of peace that can’t be experienced through any other means.

In Christ, my eternity is secure. Knowing this eliminates fear—not the fear of dying but the fear of now knowing what’s ahead. Heaven…and all God offers there, is mine for the enjoyment. 

Having Christ also brings abundance. Not an abundance of possessions or money but a satisfaction that comes from recognizing that I and my Creator have re-connected in a love relationship characterized by every aspect—and more, that I search for in an earthly relationship. He promises to care for me and supply every need I have.

Have you trusted Christ as your Savior? If not, there’s no better time than now.

Prayer: Eternal God, thank You for sending Your Son to die for our sins. We trust Him now as the Savior of our souls. 

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Throwback Tuesday - Martin Wiles

Unforgotten

“Where did you put it?” “I can’t believe you can’t remember.

I’ve said that a few times-as if I’m the king of remembering. Whatever “it” is, where “it” is is a mystery. If I knew, I wouldn’t have to ask myself or anyone else. 

Many who study the human mind claim we never actually forget anything unless we’ve had an accident or mental event that damages our brain. Otherwise, the information is there whether we can access it or not. Most of the time, the right circumstance or sensory experience is all that’s necessary to remember what we think we’ve forgotten. Read more...

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Battling the Weeds - Martin Wiles

“No,” he replied, “you’ll uproot the wheat if you do. Let both grow together until the harvest.” Matthew 13:29-30 NLT

I stared it in the face, and it glared back. How had it gotten there? I had walked by the flower pot every day, but I hadn’t seen it. Had I spotted it when it was young, I could have eliminated it without damage to my flower. But now…it was dangly and gaudy. Perhaps that’s why I hadn’t noticed it previously. The flower and weed’s roots and leaves were intertwined. To remove it now would surely upset the flower’s root system. I had a choice: remove the weed or let it continue growing, hoping the flower would disguise its presence. 

Jesus told a story of a landowner whose enemy planted weeds among his wheat—weeds he chose not to remove. On the one hand, God’s Word tells me Christ has made me holy. And I’m to separate myself from people and things that aren’t. On the other hand, Jesus says I’m salt and light to a world filled with people who are darkened by the weeds of sin’s influence. How can I do both?

To avoid entanglement by the weeds of sin, I must be grounded in what I believe—doctrine. Unless I have a firm grasp on this—an area that studies show many Christians are weak in, I can’t scale the hurdle of influencing without being influenced. And that hurdle can sometimes be quite pronounced. I must know God’s Word well enough to give a defense of what I believe and why. 

Associating with the weeds doesn’t mean seeing how close I can come to being what they are. I don’t want to be a weed; I want others to become wheat. As more wheat grows, good will begin to overrule bad. Too much bad company can corrupt good moral standards. 

Intermingling with the weeds without being intertwined with them requires a heaping spoonful of love. The measure of love God demonstrated by letting his Son die for the sins of the weeds. I can never forget I once was a weed myself. 

How are you confronting the weeds?

Prayer: Almighty God, give us wisdom to love and battle the weeds so that through us You might change them into wheat. 

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God, Meet Me In My Tears - Alice Wisler

Chances are, you are spending time in tears and questioning. Something I’ve found helpful is writing your questions on a sheet of paper or in a journal. Don’t judge them or yourself, just freely write. Unleash them, release them from your heart and mind onto the page. Think of this as a service you are doing yourself—letting the pent-up emotions flow onto the paper through your hand. Let the paper share some of your woes for a while so that you don’t have to carry everything inside your heart. Bottled up grief can make our hearts heavy; sharing it with a friend, even the friend of a journal, can alleviate some of our confusion, frustration, or loneliness.

Next, open your Bible to the book of Psalms and read a few of the ones that pertain to sorrow. Read them aloud. Read the verses that speak to your heart over and over. Mark the verbs that you can relate to. Some that deal with tears and crying out are Psalm 18, 61, and 40.

Prayer 
God, meet me. Meet me in my tears. Bring others to walk with me. Sustain me. Lift me up. I want to believe that you are close to the brokenhearted (Ps. 34). Help me in this time of need when it’s hard to see straight and even more difficult to have hope. Amen.

~Excerpt from Getting Out of Bed in the Morning:  Reflections of Comfort in Heartache by Alice J. Wisler (Leafwood Publishers)  http://www.alicewisler.com

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Flashback Friday - Martin Wiles

Confidence Builders

She didn’t enjoy it, but it was her life. Hitting, cursing, anger, rejection. 

Kelly lived in an abusive marriage and had for thirteen years. She wanted out but didn’t know how and was afraid of what might happen if she left. Her husband threatened to kill her if she did. She never loved him; he was only an avenue to leave home. His true colors appeared quickly, and a life of misery followed. Kelly wore a smile but was miserable inside. Read more...

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God’s Mighty Act - Martin Wiles

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. Luke 2:10 KJV

The old prophet foretold it, the shepherds witnessed it, and Mary lived it. 

“In case you haven’t heard, God, I’m just a young unmarried virgin.”

“Don’t worry, I will A.C.T.”

“And by the way, the last time I checked sex was required to conceive a child.”

“I told you. I will A.C.T.”

“But God, haven’t you heard…The penalty for unfaithfulness is death.”

“Mary, I said I will A.C.T.”

“What about my finance’ Joseph? He’ll never believe You made me pregnant. That’s a tall tale for anyone to believe regardless of how much they love you.”

“I’ll take care of Joseph. Remember, I’ll A.C.T.”

And God did. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God (Isaiah 9:6 KJV). 

God Acted by accomplishing what we couldn’t for ourselves. Not in the way many were anticipating…he didn’t send his Son on a white horse to set up an earthly kingdom. Rather he delivered him by way of a poor young peasant woman. But then again, God often acts outside the boxes we attempt to house him in.

God Comforts assuring us he has everything under control. Mary couldn’t fathom it-and sometimes we can’t either, but his plan is masterful and eternal.

God Takes us to the end. He saves and preserves; he finishes what he starts. We act by faith in trusting him, and he acts in faith by remaining true to his Word. The shepherds rejoiced when they heard the good news, and so did Mary…eventually. Has God’s mighty ACT changed your life?

Prayer: Almighty God, we rejoice over Your Mighty acts and thank You this Advent season for acting in our behalf by allowing Your Son to take on human flesh and give His life as a ransom for our sins. 

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Our Little, God’s Much - Martin Wiles

She felt out of place but knew she needed to be there.

Most of the others were seated when she walked in. She felt their eyes burning into her skin as she ambled down the aisle searching for a seat. The music was magical. This was where she belonged, but she couldn’t help but feel those around her didn’t think so. 

She heard someone whisper, “You know she buried her husband.” As if it was her fault he died. She tried to worship, but her mind kept imagining what people were thinking. 

The priest rose for his speech and referenced Joash-an Old Testament king who took a collection to repair God’s temple. He told of how the people gave willingly and challenged his present parishioners to do the same. His message burned in her bones, but what could a poor widow do?

She pondered her predicament as the ushers picked up the offering plates and approached each pew. Perspiration slithered down her back as they inched closer. How could what she had to give compare to what others were giving?

Suddenly she knew what to do. Removing two pennies from her purse-all she had to live on, she placed them in the plate. As the plate moved by her, she heard someone remark; “Does she think God is pleased with that?”

After the ushers were seated, the priest glared at his parishioners and said; Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. Mark 12:43 God makes much of our gifts when they’re given with the right spirit and motives. Give your time, talents and money, and you’ll be surprised by what God does.

Prayer: God of all gifts, motivate us to honor You with ours. 

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Throwback Tuesday - Martin Wiles

Why God Cries

Word came his good friend was sick, but he was too busy teaching and defending his cause to break away. After all, the sickness was probably minor. 

Two days later and feeling guilty about neglecting his friend, he decides to go see him. But it’s too late. He’s dead. By the time he travels to his friend’s hometown, he’s been dead four days. One of his friend’s sisters meets him at the town entrance and scolds him for not coming earlier. The other encounters him near the grave site and does the same. They can’t understand how one friend could treat another so flippantly. Read more...

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Coming Apart - Martin Wiles

He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. Psalm 23:2 NLT

If I don’t come apart, I might come apart.

I’m a “yes” man. I know the dangers, but I’m the world’s worst when it comes to saying no. Perhaps accomplishing multiple tasks in a given time frame sparks my adrenaline or enhances my self-image. Maybe I simply enjoy the challenge of seeing how much I can complete in a given day. I suppose it could be I see so many good things that need doing. If I feel I have the skill set to accomplish them, I volunteer. My grandmother continually reminded me about too many irons in the fire. The world is saturated with wonderful opportunities, but if I don’t manage my time I will come apart at the seams trying to complete too many of them simultaneously. 

The psalmist led his sheep to peaceful pastures where they could lie down and digest their food. God did not make my body invincible. Just as he gave an example of the need for rest in his original creation, so my need for rest is just as great. If I keep on keeping on, my body will eventually give me rest whether I purposefully take it or not. 

My intention to come apart forces me to examine my priorities. There are thousands of good things I can do, but my duty is to discover what God wants me to do. I can’t do everything. Because I’m a “yes” man, coming apart entails me knowing when to say “no.” I thrive on deadlines, so declining offers that appear enticing and exciting is difficult. 

Coming apart is not only advantageous for individuals but it’s also essential for families. Family members must take time for each other—to talk, discuss, pray, read God’s Word, listen, and make plans. 

One translation reads, He makes me to lie down in green pastures. I’ve discovered that if I don’t come apart voluntarily, God will make me lie down. He has before, and I have no doubt he will again if I intentionally overload myself. How are you practicing coming apart?

Prayer: Merciful God, show us the need of slowing down long enough to let our bodies and spirits recuperate. 

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Scoring Points at Home - Martin Wiles

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:21 NLT

One by one I plucked them and nestled their stems in the cup of my hand. 

My wife and I once lived in an old home. Next door was an even older deserted home which was slowly dying from age. Numerous weeds snaked across the yard, yet once a year in the spring the yard transformed itself. Jonquils appeared among the weeds and displayed their yellow hearts. I would sneak over and pluck them one by one until I had enough for my purpose. Then finding an old milk bottle, I filled it with water, carefully placed the flowers inside, and placed the arrangement by our kitchen window. Nothing was more precious than the smile on my wife’s face when she noticed. 

Points are scored differently with women and men, but score them we must. Points are scored at home through caring actions. My mother always showed love through these rather than through “I love you’s.” Cooking my favorite meal, buying me something special for Christmas or my birthday, or sending me an encouraging card. Men have to make an effort to score points in these and other ways while it seems to come natural to women. A romantic meal, a date night, fresh cut flowers, a card for no special reason, washing the dishes, and putting the toilet lid down are all things women appreciate. 

Points are also scored through intimacy. Men and women gauge this differently as well. Men tend to think intimacy only occurs through physical sexual acts while women are often content to simply cuddle and hug. Touching and time together enhance a couple’s closeness. 

Communication is an essential for scoring points. An occasional um hum, ah hah, or really will let a woman know her man is listening. I can communicate only on the surface level with my mate or I can progress to the deeper and healthier level of sharing my personal preferences, ideas, feelings, and beliefs. 

What can you do to score more points with your significant other?

Prayer: Thank You Father God for the special people You bring into our lives. May we love them with the same type of love You have for us. 

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Flashback Friday - Martin Wiles

When Rough Spots Blind

Newfound Gap is nestled between Cherokee, North Carolina and Gatlinburg, Tennessee and was our destination on a cold winter day. We were headed for Charlie’s Bunion-a rock edifice dangling on the edge of sheer cliffs. 

In addition to my daypack, I carried pepper spray in my pants pocket. A steep iced over decline preceded our destination. Leaving the trail, we picked our way carefully through the thick forest but not before a burning sensation on my leg caused me to transfer the pepper spray to my coat pocket. Read more...

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Looks Aren’t Everything - Martin Wiles

“Isn’t there even one woman in our tribe or among all the Israelites you could marry?” they asked. “Why must you go to the pagan Philistines to find a wife?” Judges 14:3 NLT

His untimely death proved to many that looks aren’t everything. 

*Jimmy was born with a severely disfigured face and a medical condition that resulted in seizures. Doctors prescribed medicines to control the seizures, but there was nothing further they could do to change his appearance. My wife and I happened to be good friends with his mother. She shared his difficult journey and how no one would even employ him because of his appearance. Knowing of an open position in a restaurant owned by another friend of ours, my wife immediately called and secured him the job. Unfortunately, Jimmy died from a seizure a few months after beginning his first situation, but at his funeral his employer testified about what a superior employee he had been. Looks mattered not. 

Samson, one of Israel’s judges, wasn’t satisfied with the women of his own country; he pandered after foreign women God had forbidden his people to marry. He, too, soon discovered that looks aren’t everything. His father and mother objected. 

Looks weren’t everything for me as a young lad. A face covered in freckles, a chest bone that protruded, and a skinny frame were only three of my issues. Good looks probably weren’t young David’s strong point either. He started out as a ruddy shepherd boy tending to stinking sheep. 

Happily, looks don’t count in God’s economy. Samson lacked the one thing that makes a person beautiful: God focus. I’m beautiful because of my Creator, and when I focus my attention on loving and serving him with all my being, I get better looking with spiritual age. Fulfilling his personal plan for me, hungering after the things that please him, and sharing his love with others always improve my looks. And when I look good to God, what others think is immaterial. 

You may not look beautiful to others, but you can to God. 

Prayer: Thank You, Father, for making me beautiful in Your eyes. 

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Rejection Hurts - Martin Wiles

But if any place refuses to welcome you or listen to you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate. Mark 6:11 NLT

They were told not to move, but what if moving would quell another’s loneliness and feelings of rejection?

Lunch room rules state a student must remain in the same seat. No getting up or changing places. New students often feel uncomfortable regardless of where they sit, especially if they don’t know anyone—and *Scarlet didn’t. One student, however, took the initiative to break the rule. I assumed she was coming to ask permission to go to the bathroom or her locker. Imagine my surprise when instead she asked, “Dr. Wiles, can me and ____ go and sit by the new girl. She’s sitting by herself?” Last year, she had been the new girl. I suppose she knew how rejection felt and didn’t want someone else to experience what she had tasted. An honorable act of intervention. 

Jesus sent his disciples out with a message of love and an offer of forgiveness. He knew, however, they would be rejected by many. During my lifetime, I’ve been rejected numerous times for various things. When I was young, I was normally the last one picked for a game team. I’ve been turned down for jobs and overlooked for promotions. And I have numerous notches in my belt representing the times one of my articles or devotions has been turned down for publication. 

Yet I take comfort in knowing God never rejects me or anyone else—unless they purposefully ignore him. We are all created in God’s image which makes us important and worthy of acceptance. In fact, Jesus said the second greatest commandment—behind loving him with all my heart, was for me to love others as I do myself. 

The ways I can show acceptance are abundant. Among them are showing forgiveness when I’ve been wronged, giving restoration to someone who has failed, initiating friendships, and encouraging those who are discouraged. 

What’s one way you can show acceptance to someone today?

Prayer: Merciful God, when others reject, enable us to be the ones who accept. 

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Throwback Tuesday - Martin Wiles

Packing And Unpacking

Go to retail store, beg for boxes, buy tape, and head home. Assemble boxes; carefully taping the bottom. Insert items, making sure breakable objects are wrapped with bubble wrap or newspaper. When box is full, write contents on the outside and what room it belongs in. And if contents are fragile, note this as well. Load truck, drive to new home, unpack, break down boxes and hopefully enjoy a few years of not packing.

Packing, unpacking and moving are bedfellows of some professions; mine included. I did it by default as a preacher’s kid and have been doing it myself since entering the ministry. While unenjoyable, it goes with the territory. Read more...

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The Cure for Pessimism - Martin Wiles

What I always feared has happened to me...I have no peace…only trouble comes. Job 3:25-26 NLT

A glass half-full to one is half-empty to another.

Charles was a pessimist. If anything bad could happen, it confronted him. Fate and the forces were against him. If his bad luck wasn’t caused by one of his poor decisions, then someone else had made a decision that led to his misfortune. The future was bleak. No hope now and no ray of sunshine ahead. His days dragged by, and he faced each one with a frown. Those who chose to closely associate with him were also affected by his negative attitude.  

Job shared Charles’ pessimistic outlook. He had lost everything a person could lose and still exist. Though his outlook was pessimistic, he never lost faith in God. Job could have taken his wife’s advice to curse God and get it over with, but he chose what psychologists call cognitive restructuring instead. Thoughts are powerful, and negative, pessimistic thoughts can be devastating. Whether circumstances or others are inserting these thoughts into my head is immaterial. They carry the potential for harm either way. 

I can turn my pessimism into optimism by re-ordering my thought pattern. Rather than degrade myself because I’ve made a bad decision, I can learn from it. And while circumstances may be beyond my control, I serve a God who controls my circumstances. Restructuring my negative thoughts into positive ones will create a new mindset and lead to healthier behavior. Through prayer, association with encouraging friends, and reading God’s Word and other uplifting books, I can renew my mind. 

God gives me the power to take my thoughts captive under his authority. Those thoughts that would destroy his purpose, crush my self-image, or lead me into sin if acted upon must be discarded. Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but God can give me a life outlook that will enhance my attitude, lead to emotional health, and build good behavior patterns. 

Let God give you a spirit of optimism.

Prayer: God of grace and hope, guide us to grasp the truth that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us because we are Your children. 

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The Power of Teamwork

Moses commanded Joshua, “Choose some men to go out and fight the army of Amalek for us.” Exodus 17:9 NLT

Spaghetti noodles, ribbon, tape, and a marshmallow. How would teamwork bring anything from this conglomeration?

The first day of school had arrived. Chapel was replaced by a spill from our Middle School Lead Teacher who emphasized our theme for the year: teamwork. After explaining the importance of working together, she planned two activities demonstrating it. While gathered in homeroom groups, students worked together and used the above ingredients to construct a free-standing object. I watched and listened as my homeroom students shared ideas, made failed attempts, and finally concluded with a project that tied for the winning spot. While one person could possibly have completed the project, many hands made it easier and quicker. 

Amalek was a sworn enemy of Israel. Joshua—nor any other single person, could have defeated them alone. It required teamwork. The apostle Paul compared the church to a body; all parts are needed even though it can still function without some—yet not at its full capacity. I can live without one or even both hands, but my abilities would be affected. I can even survive without both of my legs, yet my challenges would be greater. 

I’m not a lone ranger in God’s service, nor should I attempt to be. When Jesus gave the Great Commission instructing his disciples to spread his love across the world, it was meant to apply to individual Christians and the collective church. By myself, I’m limited; with Christians worldwide working together, there’s nothing that can’t be accomplished. 

Through teamwork, we exemplify our Trinitarian God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Working together enables us to discover our unique differences and learn how to use them creatively for the greater rather than lesser good. Teamwork also prepares us for heaven where all races, cultures, talents, gifts, and personalities will be represented. Make it your goal to work together for the greater good of God’s Kingdom.

Prayer: Everliving God, inspire us to work together to ensure Your message of love covers our earth. 

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