Throwback Tuesday - Martin Wiles

5 Things about The Male Mind

Series: 5 Things A Man...
My wife and I were eating with another couple when a tale of church “drama” arose. After hearing the story and the blown-out-of-proportion reactions, the other woman’s husband remarked; “Women are crazy. A man would have…” 

Though the writer of Proverbs didn’t say it in so many words, he acknowledged we think, feel and act. For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7). Since males and females think differently, our actions and reactions are different as well. While exceptions abound, the following are often true. Read more...

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How’s Your Listening? - Martin Wiles

Now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. Hebrews 1:2 NLT

Hearing and listening don’t always take place at the same time. 

As a teacher, I’m especially familiar with the difference between hearing and listening. I don’t teach any deaf students, so technically all my students always hear what I say. But on test days or instances when we are orally practicing what they’ve heard, it quickly becomes evident not all of them have listened. Or when I give instructions and a student immediately asks me a question I just answered, it’s apparent hearing took place but listening didn’t. With my ears, I receive sounds, but in order to listen I must engage my attention and mind. Listening requires focusing on what I’ve heard and then processing it so it stays with me and is ushered into my long-term memory. 

The entire Old Testament record is the story of God speaking to people who often didn’t listen. From the very first couple to those living when Jesus arrived, disobedience was a universal thread. God spoke through visions, dreams, prophets, and natural phenomenons. While those who witnessed these feats and heard these messages appeared to listen, many didn’t really hear. Had they, their actions would have been different.

God also spoke his love through the sacrificial system. Rather than requiring a person’s life because of their sins, he allowed them to make a substitute. Animal sacrifices, however, were only temporary and symbolic. Since they weren’t perfect, sin was only momentarily covered. But when God spoke through his Son, he completed the required sacrifice. No more killings are necessary. Just listening to and accepting the one who has been offered on our behalf.

When I truly listen to God’s message of love, actions will follow. Not only will I accept but I will also prove I’ve listened through my lifestyle. I will love God with my entire being, love others as I do myself, and adopt attitudes that honor my Savior. 

Are you really listening to what God is saying to you?

Prayer: Omnipotent God, enable us to not only hear but also to listen to You when You speak. 

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God’s Adequacy, Our Inadequacy - Martin Wiles

Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted. John 6:11 NLT

Inadequacy is never a problem when God is in control.

Adequacy is the state of having enough or being satisfied. For some this means being able to afford the latest play toys: cell phone, television, Xbox, IPod, gun, golf clubs, or sport’s paraphernalia. Others measure it by how many of life’s pleasures they are able to purchase and enjoy. Cars, boats, houses, vacation homes, jet skis, motorcycles. Yet, others have learned to find adequacy in life’s simple things. 

Five thousand plus people clamored around Jesus. Some wanted healing, some were simply curious, and some loved his teachings. As darkness threatened, food became a concern. Searching the crowd, the disciples could find only a young lad with five loaves of bread and two small fish. Sitting the crowd down in groups, Jesus used what appeared inadequate and made it adequate by multiplying the elements and feeding the entire multitude. 

My inadequacy may seem enormous, but God can take my little and make it adequate for any task he assigns. He dispenses gifts and talents to his children, but without depending on his adequacy I’m inadequate to use them properly or to their fullest extent. God’s Spirit residing in me is my Source of adequacy for all life’s challenges.  

Thinking I’m more adequate than I am leads to pride, a characteristic repeatedly rebuked in God’s Word. A more honorable quality is humility which is praised on numerous occasions in the same place. Humility admits my inadequacy while pride will lead me to think I’m adequate without God’s assistance. As Jesus challenged the disciples’ faith level by telling them to feed five thousand plus hungry people with the meager meal from the small boy, so admitting my inadequacy allows God to challenge, strengthen, and grow my faith as well. 

When I recognize God is my adequacy, the impossible becomes possible. 

Prayer: Thank You father that Your grace and strength are adequate for any situation we face and for any duty You disperse.
(Photo courtesy of morguefile and wenx.)

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Flashback Friday - Martin Wiles

5 Things A Father Brings

Series: 5 Things A Man...
The saying is trite but true nevertheless: “Anyone can be a daddy, but it takes a special person to be a father.” 

Fathers in the home are in short supply. Homes with several children, each by a different father, and none living in the home are rapidly increasing. Studies on the consequences of absentee fathers show children’s behavior and emotional well being are affected. Read more...

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Running from Problems - Martin Wiles

Elijah was afraid and fled for his life…There he came to a cave, where he spent the night. I Kings 19:3, 9 NLT

Running from problems never leaves them behind; it just puts us in a different location. 

Jack* was a runner…but not for exercise. He ran from problems—or more accurately addictions. Nor were his addictions chemical. They were sexual. Though he was a happily married man, he had a habit of having affairs. His first was during his military career and with his best friend’s wife. His wife forgave him, but they changed locations by moving across the country. Moving didn’t solve his dilemma. Before long, he had suckered another innocent married woman into his deceptive web. When his wife discovered this affair, they moved back across the country. 

Elijah was also a runner. When the wicked queen placed a death threat on his head for killing some of her pagan prophets, he ran for his life. His final destination was a cave. Here, God brought him face to face with his problems: unfounded fear and lack of trust. 

Running from my problems doesn’t work; examining and admitting why I’m in the predicament does. Like Elijah, I have to answer the question: “Why are you here?” Is it fear, lack of trust, a rebellious spirit, or unconfessed and willful sin? Until I admit my problem, I’ll remain in the cave. Rather than running from my problems, I should run to them by facing them and securing the help I need. The help may come in the form of confession, a Christian counselor, or an accountability partner. 

Instead of facing his problem, Elijah threw a pity party. He thought he was the only one left following God when there were actually thousands more. Wallowing in self pity or seeking sympathy from others won’t cure the problem. God gave Elijah a few tasks to complete that would take his eyes off himself and would focus him on others. In the end, his running ceased when he began depending on God for success. 

Are you running from your problems or running to God for help?

Prayer: Eternal and all-powerful God, remind us You are larger than any problem we may face.

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Can I Know the Truth? - Martin Wiles

Series: Hey God…I Have a Question

“What is truth?” Pilate asked. Then he went out again to the people and told them, “He is not guilty of any crime.” John 18:38 NLT

Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but truth isn’t. 

What is truth? Is there truth? Where can I find it? Is truth for me truth for everyone? Does it change? All questions people wrangle with and reach different conclusions. Relativism makes truth relative, or changeable. Individual relativism allows the individual to set the parameters. Cultural relativism lets each culture define truth. Imagine the missionary’s surprise when, after telling a native tribe about Judas betraying Jesus, he noticed they praised Judas instead of seeing his error. In their culture, betrayal was an honorable trait. 

As Jesus stood before Pilate, he proclaimed to represent truth. Pilate contemplated his statement and asked his infamous question, “What is truth?” Jesus said he was and is the way, the truth, and the life. Not all agree. 

Truth is not relative…either to individuals or cultures. What I think is the truth matters not; nor does what others think. Truth for me cannot not be truth for you. But individual relativism promotes this concept. You do what you want, and I’ll do the same. Stay out of my business, and I’ll stay out of yours. Cultural relativism manufactures the same mistake. What is true in one culture is true in another. Just because a culture may accept rape as legal doesn’t make it so in God’s eyes. 

Individuals and cultures don’t erect the rules for determining truth. There are moral absolutes that transcend individuals and cultures, and God establishes them. They are viewed most clearly in God’s Ten Commandments and in the two commands Jesus said were the most important: love him with all one’s heart and our neighbors as we do ourselves. 

God established moral absolutes...truth…in the very beginning and recorded them in his Word. Jesus represented truth when he resided on earth. What I think should be or is truth is immaterial. It only matters what God proclaims. Have you discovered truth?

Prayer: Thank You, most glorious Father, for giving us the truth.

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Throwback Tuesday - Martin Wiles

5 Things Men Should Find Attractive In Christian Women

Series: 5 Things A Man…
The 1960’s and 1970’s were challenging years, but it was when I came of age and began searching for a wife.

Amidst the sexual revolution, drugs and loose morals, I looked for one who hadn’t fallen prey to the times and who matched the Bible’s teaching about honorable wives. Living in the twenty first century, finding a good wife is more challenging, which may explain why thousands flock to online dating services that match personality traits. Read more...

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Powered to Serve - Martin Wiles

Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. Acts 2:41 NLT

Power can be addictive. Our culture seems to be enamored with power. I don’t want just any computer. I want a powerful one that will start up quickly and do the tasks I desire with lightning speed. No dial up or slow internet connection either. When I click, I want immediate action. And my cell phone can’t be an outdated version from several years ago. I must have the most up-to-date version with all the bells and whistles that performs functions quickly. We crave power…I crave power. 

On the seashore, God had re-commissioned Peter—taken away his discouragement and replaced it with confidence. Seven weeks after Jesus’ resurrection, the church was born on the Day of Pentecost. Peter and the other apostles were filled with the Spirit and began speaking the gospel in other languages. When questioned, Peter delivered a power filled message on behalf of the other apostles. Three thousand people believed. 

Peter’s success depended solely on the power of God’s Spirit residing in him. Pentecost saw the coming of the Spirit in a fresh way. The same Spirit Peter possessed is given to all believers. God’s might is unlimited, and God’s power in me is limitless as well. It saved 3,000 people after Peter preached. When I depend on his energy in my life, there is nothing I can’t accomplish when it fits his will and plan. Obedience unleashes the muscle of God. 

When filled with God’s Spirit, I can operate with boldness. Like Peter, I can speak the truth even in the face of opposition…the truth that will set people free from sin’s slavery…the truth that is often unpopular. Yet, as I experience God working in my life, I must be careful not to give pride a stronghold. Peter was incredibly familiar with the trait—an attribute the Bible warns against frequently. Anything that results from my work for God is because of his power in me. 

Are you tapping into your serving power?

Prayer: Almighty God, thank You for giving us the power of Your Spirit so we might do Your work successfully. 

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Down but Not Out - Martin Wiles

After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. John 21:15 NLT

Failure can be a dark cloud that arches continually over our heads. 

When Charles Allen, author of God’s Psychiatry, started in the ministry, he didn’t have a car. He would often walk to the churches where he preached—sometimes borrowing the horse and buggy of an old physician acquaintance. One cold and rainy Sunday morning, he told the doctor he wasn’t going to the little church out in the country. He doubted anyone would show up anyway. The doctor said with a stern voice, “It is your duty to be there. Get the horse and go.”

Peter’s duty was to serve the Christ he had followed for three years. Fishing was no longer in God’s plan—at least not to make a living. With so many failures under his belt, he must have questioned his usability. Jesus reminded him he was still in the game by telling him to get busy feeding his sheep. 

Peter may have been down on himself, but he wasn’t out. God has work for his people to accomplish. Bad decisions may result in consequences that make it impossible to do God’s work the way I may have, but these poor decisions don’t eliminate me all together. My failure is never permanent unless I choose to let it be by refusing to confess my sin or by wallowing in self pity. 

Satan enjoys convincing believers that God can’t use them any longer because of their past sins or current missteps. If he can keep me on the sidelines with depression and discouragement, I’ll not do anything for God—or at least very little. Since he can’t steal my salvation, he’ll work on my effectiveness.

Jesus re-commissioned Peter. Though he had failed miserably, there was still work for him to complete. Jesus told him to get busy doing it. His previous lifestyle wasn’t the present one, and his failures were immaterial. Don’t allow failures and sins you’ve confessed to dictate your future service to Christ.

Prayer: Thank You merciful and eternal God for giving numerous second chances when we fail You.

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Flashback Friday - Martin Wiles

God’s Retirement Plan

Series: Psalm 23 for the 21st Century
I’ve worked in places that had a wonderful one, others where it was mediocre and some where there was none at all. I’ve contributed when possible and opted out when it wasn’t.

Social Security is the only retirement plan many in the United States of America have. For the fortunate who work at places where retirement contribution is offered, hope is brighter than it is for those whose only expectation is a system teetering on the brink of bankruptcy.

Even the best retirement plans have occasional hiccups. No one can predict the flow of a country’s economy. What’s gained during several up years can be lost entirely during a few down years. The rise and fall of stock and bond prices is unpredictable. Read more...

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Walking on Water - Martin Wiles

Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” Matthew 14:28 NLT

I don’t walk on water, float on water, or swim in water. I grew up in a family of swimless people. But being able to float without any chance of going under would be enticing. I’ve never visited the Dead Sea, but if I did I could walk out until I was waist deep in water, lean back, and watch my feet and body pop up like a jack-in-the-box. This lowest place on earth is dominated by salinity that makes floating a breeze. 

Peter wanted to walk not float. He and the disciples were fighting a storm on the Sea of Galilee when Jesus came walking toward them on the water. Impetuous and prideful Peter asks if he could come to Jesus on the water. Jesus granted him permission. Strutting like the sole cock in the chicken yard, Peter did well until he felt the violent wind blowing through his hair and noticed the struggling waves at his feet. As he spiraled downward, Jesus rescued him.

Peter was a seasoned fisherman and knew how to swim, but in this case ability failed him. Pride outweighed his skill and sent him reeling toward the sea’s bottom. Pride does this. When I think I’m walking tall, pride will take me down. So popular has Peter’s story become through time that “walking on water” is now used as a synonym phrase for pride. 

God is the one who holds me up day by day. He may give me strength, wisdom, and other natural abilities, but his hand is responsible for my floating and not sinking. He should receive the credit and glory for any and everything I accomplish. While he won’t prevent the storms in my life—self-inflicted or not, he will keep me from succumbing to the warrior waves they bring. And when I cry out to him as Peter did, he will even grow my faith through them. 

Are you guilty of thinking you can walk on water? If so, rebuke pride and invite humility into your life.

Prayer: God of glory and grace, remove any pride from our lives so that we might serve You in humility and power.
(Photo courtesy of morguefile and Alvimann.)

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Down and Can’t Get Up - Martin Wiles

But Jesus said, “Peter, let me tell you something. Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.” Luke 22:34 NLT

Sometimes life’s mountains appear insurmountable.

One life support company made popular the saying, “Help, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up.” Along with the saying was the picture of an elderly lady lying alone on the floor for hours. Thankfully, a neighbor, postman, or family member would eventually find and help her before it was too late. Then the advertisement for the company’s product. A good investment for those times when we’re down and can’t get up. 

Peter didn’t have an accident, but he did seem down for the count. At the last supper, he proudly crowed he’d never desert Jesus. Jesus quickly squelched his confidence by telling him he would disown him three times before the rooster crowed the next morning. Peter probably doubted Jesus’ words, but he soon discovered what it felt like to be down and helpless. As predicted, he said “I don’t know Him” three times. The rooster crowed, Jesus glanced Peter’s way, and Peter was crushed. 

I too can find myself down when I deny Christ, whether it is an outright denial with words—as Peter’s was, or a denial through neglect and hypocrisy. Either way, I’ve placed myself in an untenable position where help is needed. Fear of what others will say if I voice my Christianity can put me down. And in extreme cases, fear of death if I acknowledge my association with Christ can paralyze me. 

A further type of denial that will stymie me happens when I compartmentalize my life, erecting sections for religion, work, family, and hobbies. Believing what happens in one area won’t affect the other will lay me down. Peter quickly discovered his walk with the Lord affected his entire lifestyle. 

The good news is that with Christ I’m never down and unable to get up. I may be down, but by his power and under the umbrella of his forgiveness I can rise to new heights and experience second chances. 

If you feel down and out, let Christ raise you up. 

Prayer: Lord of grace, we give You thanks for the continual restoration You offer.

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Throwback Tuesday - Martin Wiles

Stalked By God

Series: Psalm 23 for the 21st Century
I haven’t been or known anyone who was. But I have seen it on television, heard about it on the news and watched it at the movies. 

Stalking is an age old practice of animals and humans. Predatory animals like bears, wolves and those from the large cat family stalk their quarry. Ambling right up to a food source would only result in it running away. So they stalk. Cats crouch, wolves run in packs and bears suddenly appear and pounce. Regardless of the method, it’s preceded by stalking. Human stalkers often act with typical animal behavior. Victims are selected, followed, observed, often contacted and sometimes assaulted and even murdered. Read more...

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Capable of the Worst - Martin Wiles

Peter declared, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.” Matthew 26:33 NLT

What I say I won’t do may be the very thing I do.

She stood before the minister and uttered the words of most brides. She promised before the congregation and God to be faithful to her husband and to care for him in sickness and in health. For the first few years, keeping her promise was easy. She was in love. Then life got hectic. Her husband’s job kept him away from home for long stretches of time. The attention she craved from him began coming from a work cohort who preyed on dissatisfied, lonely women. Their fling started with innocent flirting but finished with full-blown unfaithfulness. She did what she promised she never would.

Peter felt her pain. Impetuous. Bold. Prideful. When Jesus announced at his last supper that all of his disciples would desert him, Peter proudly proclaimed he never would—even if it meant dying. He discovered, however, he could do what he imagined he never would. 

Peter obviously never reflected on what he was capable of—the good, but in this case the bad. What I’m capable of runs the gamut of good and evil. Saying I will never commit a particular sin—as Peter did, sets me up for Satan’s temptation. Words that I speak or think give Satan the information he seeks to establish a stronghold in my life. 

Since I have a sinful nature, I’m able to fall into the uttermost depths of evil if I listen to the wrong voices. Peter did. Two voices vie for my attention. One says, “Do good,” while the other says, “Do evil.” Even as a believer, I still have the flesh to contend with, which makes listening to the wrong voice possible. 

Letting down my guard will also lead me into worse case scenarios. Putting on the armor of God daily keeps me protected from the fiery darts of Satan. Failing to do so allows his darts of sin to penetrate my spirit, and my worst will emerge.

Though your worst can resurrect itself, God can overpower it with good.

Prayer: Merciful God, we thank You that when our worst comes out, You cover it with Your forgiveness.

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Swimming to Serve - Martin Wiles

When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore. John 21:7 NLT

Serving God should evoke excitement. 

When I’m excited about an event, I typically don’t sleep well the night before. My brother, daughter, and I once planned several camping trips during the year. Excitement over the trip itself as well as living in the woods for a few days kept me tossing and turning the night before. Pondering about whether I’d packed everything—as well as thinking about the dangers involved, also kept my eyelids fluttering. Anticipation tends to do this. 

Jesus was gone. Killed by heartless Roman soldiers and jealous religious leaders. The disciples were alone. Several of them—Peter included, returned to what they knew best: fishing. Suddenly, a man on shore called out and questioned whether their fishing trip had been successful. Hearing of their failure, he instructed them to cast their nets on the boat’s opposite side. When they did, the catch was almost more than their boats could handle. John recognized the man as Jesus. Upon hearing this, Peter quickly dressed and swam to shore. Perhaps there was still serving to do after all. 

Christ has saved me to serve, but if I see serving as a burden it will quickly transform into a chore. Chores can be cumbersome and unenjoyable. To serve Christ adequately, I must discover my gifts and then be willing to use them joyfully. Like Peter, I’ll have failures and setbacks along the way, but God has always been in the business of another chance. Through experience, examining my personality, and the wise guidance of others, I can cast my gifts. When I’m willing to serve faithfully and with excitement, God will open doors of opportunity. 

Serving with excitement entails unconditional love. Those I serve may not serve me back, appreciate my acts, or love me in return. I must remember, however, that my deeds of service are not designed to bring recognition for me but rather shine the light on Christ. 

Are you serving God faithfully and with excitement? 

Prayer: Father, for Your grace we are thankful. May we use devotedly the gifts You have entrusted us with. 
(Photo courtesy of morguefile and cheriedurbin.)

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Recognizing God’s Voice - Martin Wiles

So he said to Samuel, “Go and lie down again, and if someone calls again, say, ‘Speak, LORD, your servant is listening.’” I Samuel 3:9 NLT

Listening to the right voices can determine or destroy one’s life course. 

We were simple country boys who loved to romp through the woods for hours at a time. Times were simpler then than now. No cell phones. No video games. Only our youth and imaginations. Our parents and grandparents didn’t fear someone would kidnap or murder us. My cousin and I were allowed to roam at will as long as we listened for the voice—in our case, our grandmother’s car horn. We may have heard other horns in the distance, but this one we recognized. When we heard, we listened and obeyed. 

Young Samuel assisted Eli the aged priest in God’s work, but he’d never heard God’s voice before. Messages from God were rare. But to follow God’s directive, Samuel had to recognize his voice. 

Recognizing God’s voice requires training just as young Samuel had to learn to distinguish it from the other voices that commanded his attention. In his time, Samuel may have heard an audible voice. Presently, however, I won’t be so fortunate. God speaks through his Spirit to my spirit, so I must learn to hear him spiritually rather than audibly. 

When God speaks, what he says will always agree with his Word. Anything I think I’ve heard that contradicts that comes not from God but from the enemy of my soul. Just as becoming a good listener takes practice, so learning to listen for and to God also requires the same. Hearing God isn’t an automatic process. 

Listening to God also demands silence. Silence is difficult in my busy, noisy world. Even doing good things can steal my listening time from God. Jesus left the crowds for a mountaintop meeting with his Father. He often rose early in the morning to speak with his Father. I must be still and know he is God. 

Have you learned the art of recognizing God’s voice?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, give us the spiritual wisdom to recognize Your voice so that we might obey Your directives.

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