Life’s in the Blood - Martin Wiles

The life of every creature is in the blood. Leviticus 17:14 NLT

I saw her lying on the road as I took my morning walk; the victim of a hit and run. The next morning Ms. Mockingbird’s body remained in the same place but was a little more deteriorated. Had scavengers left it alone, heat and insects would have shortly turned it into a pile of bones. 

When the heart stops or too much blood is lost, life ceases. God told his people not to eat blood. You must not eat the blood of any creature, because the life of every creature is its blood. Several reasons explain the prohibition: eating blood was a pagan practice, it destroyed the symbolism of sacrifice wherein an animal’s blood was substituted for a human’s and consuming blood was dangerous since many deadly diseases were transported through it.

But there’s a more important aspect of blood. Not only does it give physical life, it also provides spiritual life. Though his listeners were confused and upset when hearing it, Jesus alluded to this principle when he told them they must eat his body and drink his blood (John 6:41-58). He wasn’t suggesting something the Law forbade and didn’t expect them to literally drink his blood. He referenced a spiritual participation.

We can be physically alive but spiritually dead and it all pertains to our blood. I’ve been physically alive since August 31, 1960, but I wasn’t spiritually alive until 1969. Our first birth is important; the second is essential. Jesus’ life giving blood is received when we ask him to allow it to remove our sins. When his blood enters us we live abundantly, freely and eternally. 

Whose blood is running through your veins? Yours or Christ’s?  

Prayer: Thank You Lord for the eternal forgiveness and life Your blood provides. 
(Photo courtesy of morguefile and greyerbaby.)

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Us and Them - Martin Wiles

"Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us." Mark 9:38

Psychologists call it groupthink-a phenomenon that happens when people in a particular group are so overly concerned with harmony that they won’t listen to alternative ideas, and their desire to minimize conflict overrides their ability to think outside the box.

Bigotry runs in a similar vein. Bigots are undyingly devoted to their opinions and prejudices and aren’t open to challenges. We often associate bigotry with racism but it can also extend to gender, political issues, church affiliation, age, economic status, language or nationality.   

One of Jesus’ disciples may have struggled with one or both mentalities. John appeared to have an “us and them” religious mentality. You were either in Jesus’ group or you weren’t. But Jesus reminded him the team was larger than 12 disciples. Anyone not on an opposing team was on theirs by default. 

History records periods when Protestants detested Catholics and Catholics returned the favor, when Jews were hated so fiercely they were almost exterminated, when slaves and free blacks were forced to sit in the balconies of white churches and when Protestant groups divided among themselves over issues they couldn’t agree on.

Jesus isn’t proposing unity at all costs; some things are worth standing for and dividing over.  He’s merely reminding us we accomplish more together than apart. Groupthink and bigotry divides and prevents the measure of success we could otherwise enjoy. What attitudes keep you focused on the little things and prevent you from working on the big picture with all believers?  

Prayer: God of all creation, unify us in love for each other so our work for You can reach its greatest potential. 

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Throwback Tuesday - Martin Wiles

Free At Last

I hated the way it tasted and more so the way I felt the following morning, but it helped me fit in and made me temporarily forget my teenage struggles.

They say preacher’s kids get in trouble by hanging around with the deacon’s kids, and in my case it was true. My best buddy was a deacon’s son, and he introduced me to alcohol. Drinking became more than just a weekend endeavor with my peers. I wanted to be “badder” so I drank almost daily. And since current rules and regulations weren’t in effect, it was easy to get. Read more...

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How Not to Encourage - Martin Wiles

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. Hebrews 3:13 NIV

John had been drawing disability from the company he had worked with for several years. Sadly, the medical benefit portion of it would soon run dry. He was feeling discouraged when he called his mom for encouragement. Trying to be a good mom, she dished out what she assumed would be encouraging words. Unfortunately, she failed just as I do sometimes. 

“Mom, I was just informed that my health care benefits will be discontinued at the end of the year. Neither I nor the kids will have any insurance. Don’t know how I will afford to buy my medicines.” 

“Don’t worry, son. God will work things out. Don’t let it get you down”

“I’m trying not to let it get me down.”

“Do you remember Mike Farmer?”

“No.”

“Yes you do. He was married to your first cousin’s best friend. He worked at the cotton mill in Orangeburg—the same one I did. Well, anyway, I was talking to his mother the other day, and she said it took him five years to get his disability. He ended up in a homeless shelter for three years. And then when he finally got it, it was six months before he got his first check.” 

“Well, I hope mine doesn’t take that long.”

“And do you remember Philip Dawson who used to go to that church your dad pastored in Tennessee?”

“No, I was only three years old when we lived there Mom.”

“Well, you ought to remember him. He used to give you and your brother tootsie rolls all the time. Anyway, his son developed some kind of neurological disease when he was young—probably in his thirties. He was turned down every time he applied for disability. In fact, he died before he was ever approved. They didn’t even have money to bury him.”

“Well, I think I will go now.”

“Okay son. But just remember, God is in control. And if you ever need any more stories of encouragement, I’m just a phone call away.”

The temptations to sin and the difficulties of living in a world gone sour make encouragement a necessity—giving it and receiving it. The writer of Hebrews encourages his readers to give it to each other, but not the kind this mom tried so hard to give her son. Encouragement by its very nature should be uplifting. Spirits rise, fortitude increases, and steps are livelier when encouragement is received. 

Who can you give a word of encouragement to today?

Prayer: As You, Father, encourage us each day, so help us to encourage others.

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Hardened - Martin Wiles

You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God.  Hebrews 3:13 NLT

Toasted bread is sumptuous, but hard bread isn’t. When selecting a loaf of bread, I attempt to choose the loaf that is softest to the touch. Soft bread means fresh bread. I’ve also learned putting the twist tie back after retrieving slices ensures the freshness lasts longer. My wife and I often encase our loaf of bread in a Tupperware container. Yet, if the loaf of bread remains uneaten long enough, it will harden, get stale, and perhaps even mold. Hardening of bread is inevitable. 

Moses faithfully led the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery, but many in the loaf weren’t as sensitive to God as he was. No sooner had they left Egypt than they began to complain—not enough water, food, shoes, or clothes. And when Moses stayed on the mountain too long retrieving the Ten Commandments they had his brother construct a gold calf for them to worship. In spite of all they witnessed God do, they readily hardened their hearts. 

Hardening can happen in believer’s lives. I know; it did with me. As a rebellious teenager, I was hardened to God’s voice. I heard him, but his voice was faint because of my sinful practices. Hardening isn’t instantaneous but takes place slowly and sometimes over a long period of time. I didn’t suddenly become a teenager with a hardened heart. My temporary walk away from God came on subtlely and slowly. It began with rebellious thoughts in my pre-teen years and blossomed into full-blown rebellion several years later. 

I’ve discovered the best way to avoid hardening is to stay close to God, making time to meditate on his Word, pray, hang around with other believers, and keep my priorities in order. These practices make it easier for me to reject rebellious thoughts. Since I’m not perfect, I’ll fall occasionally, but it doesn’t have to be purposefully or regularly. When I do, I’m quick to confess so the wrong attitude doesn’t linger and cause more destruction. 

What action can you take to prevent hardening of your heart?

Prayer: Lead us, Holy Father, into a closer journey with You so we might avoid paths leading to hardened hearts.
(Photo courtesy of morguefile and Alvimann.)

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Flashback Friday - Martin Wiles

Bad Decisions

She sat at the airport crying-waiting for the bus that would carry her back to base where she would be discharged ASAP. 

Sarah* was an unmarried young woman who left a stressful job and joined the National Guard. After four weeks at basic training, stress fractures sent her home on convalescence leave. During the recuperation, she learned she was pregnant by a young man she had only been dating three months. Now she was back to be chaptered out of her dream. Sarah’s emotions ran wild as she thought about the drastic changes in store. She had sinned and consequences would follow. Read more...

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Promoted - Martin Wiles

For he was faithful to God, who appointed him, just as Moses served faithfully when he was entrusted with God’s entire house. Hebrews 3:2 NLT

Some days it seemed she despised me; other days it appeared I was her favorite. Imagine my surprise when the boss called me into her office and said, “I’m giving you a promotion.” And not just any promotion but one that took me from just an ordinary office worker to supervisor. I worried about how others in the office who had done more time than I would welcome my new position. With the exception of a few bumps, the transition went well as I settled into my new position with its added responsibilities. I was accountable for more than I had been before, but there were days I wanted to return to my old position. 

Jesus was greater than Moses but like Moses was faithful to the mission the Father sent him on. But Old Testament Moses was admirable as well and served God faithfully. From a small baby hidden in the bulrushes to escape a jealous king to the one who led more than a million people through a foreboding wilderness to the Promised Land, he served God with passion. He ruled over both complaisant and rebellious men and women but handled his promotion well—all things considered.   

Promotions at my various places of employment were always nice. Yet, with more authority came more responsibility—which made the promotion somewhat of a mixed blessing. My best promotions, however, have come spiritually. Born a sinner with a horrendous future, I’ve now been promoted to a saint—not in practice but in position. Ironically, I’ve also been elevated to a servant rather than a ruler. In God’s kingdom, serving makes me greater than ruling. My promotion involved a new heart that would prompt me to love and serve others regardless of their race, gender, cultural background, or financial standing. And though I’m not there yet physically, I’m now spiritually seated in the heavenlies with Christ (Ephesians 2:6). My promotion to heaven from hell is a sure thing. 

Are you enjoying the promotions God has given you?

Prayer: Thank You gracious God for making us something more than we ever could have attained in our own power.

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Just Like Me - Martin Wiles

Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us…so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. Hebrews 2:17 NLT

Imagine my surprise when I received a response that said: “You have the same name as my husband.” The reader who read my devotion saw her husband’s name at the end, but the place of residence didn’t match. That’s because it wasn’t her husband; it was me. He was in Canada; I was in the United States. Through this coincidence, we established a relationship. But even though we shared the same name, we shared little else. He was older and so were his children. We didn’t look the same, and I had no record of him in my genealogical records. He had great grandchildren; I only had a grandson.  

Jesus, on the other hand, was made just like me. He took on human flesh and experienced the same things I do: hunger, thirst, tiredness, betrayal, abuse, hardships, misunderstandings, rejection, financial deprivation, anger, temptation, grief. The only way he could take me to the Father was to become like me in every respect—except for my sin. 

Through Christ, God created everything, but only by becoming like me could he truly understand me. Since he has experienced similar life experiences, Jesus can identify with what I face along life’s journey. The ups and downs, the mountains and the valleys, the temptations and the triumphs. Having experienced how cruel this world can be, he can show me the mercy I so often need. Life’s knock-downs are numerous, but Christ’s grace and mercy are abundant enough to get me through them all. 

The greatest advantage, however, of Christ becoming like me was fashioned at the cross. Through his death, he took away my condemnation. Though he wasn’t sinful, he took my sin so I could go free. By faith, my sins are forgiven and no longer charged to my account. 

Have you thanked Christ lately for becoming just like you?

Prayer: Eternal God, we thank You for the love that motivated You to allow Your Son to become like us and procure our salvation. 

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Flashback Tuesday - Martin Wiles

Limited Sight Distance

I looked at the sign and immediately knew what it meant.

I don’t recall having to learn its meaning for my driver’s test, but then again it’s just one of those no-brainer signs.

Limited Sight Distance signs are usually found in the mountains where sharp curves and protruding rocks keep one from seeing what’s around the next corner. These signs warn us to slow down lest we encounter oncoming vehicles unexpectedly. Read more...

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Scared to Death of Death - Martin Wiles

Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying. Hebrews 2:15 NLT

I was suddenly and unexplainably overcome with the fear of dying. It seemed odd that I should be experiencing this, especially since I was only a pre-teen and statistically had sixty or seventy years ahead of me. This fear was also strange because I had no reason to fear. Dad preached often on heaven and hell. Those who accepted Christ would enjoy the first while those who rejected him would experience the second. I had done the first. Yet, I feared not waking up, having a heart attack, or being involved in a tragic accident. This sense of dread seemed to last forever—though in reality it was only a few weeks. 

To identify with humans, Jesus took on flesh and blood. We experience death, so he decided to face it as well—but for a different reason. Taking my sins upon himself brought death for Jesus. Satan has the power of death, but when I trust in Christ his power is broken. No longer is it necessary for me to live with the dread of dying. 

The ways we try to re-define death are numerous. We refer to the person as deceased or passed rather than dead. Instead of funerals, we attend homegoings or memorials. Regardless of what term I use for the person or the event itself, death is still death. Also fascinating are the ways we try to avoid it—or at least its timing. Lifts on various parts of our bodies, workouts, vitamins, wrinkle creams. The list is endless. Death still comes. 

The only way I’ll escape death is if I’m alive when Jesus returns. Barring that, I’ll die. But in reality, I’ve already conquered death. Christ defeated death by rising again, and since I’m in Christ through faith I’ll do the same. I don’t have to fear death, try to prevent it, or cushion the reality of it with other names. My hope and confidence are in the only One who can set me free from the fear of dying: Jesus Christ. 

Have you conquered the fear of death?

Prayer: Merciful Father, thank You for taking away the sting of death by giving us the hope of a wonderful eternity with 
You. 

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It’s a Family Thing - Martin Wiles

So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters. Hebrews 2:11 NLT

I have two. One came nine years after my birth, and the other around two years later. Since I was nine when my first brother was born, I cared for him in limited ways that gave Mom and Dad a break. He and my younger brother were always good buddies since they were close in age. As they grew older, my middle brother and I became good friends and enjoyed common interests and activities. My younger brother and I share little in common except heritage. Nevertheless, they are my blood relatives, and this in itself molds a common bond between us.  

Jesus had brothers and sisters. On one instance, his family sought him out thinking he had gone crazy. As they stood outside the house where he was teaching and requested to see him, Jesus told the crowd that anyone who followed him was his family. Through the sacrifice of Christ, those who receive him are made holy—not in practice but positionally in the eyes of God. When God adopts us into his family, we become brothers and sisters of Christ and in Christ. We join the family and receive all of the family benefits—and challenges. 

I remember occasions when my brothers fought with each other, tearing up Mom’s living room in the process. This went on until they were in their late teens. I thought they were acting stupid, but, then again, I probably did some dim-witted things along the way as well. Yet my brothers remained close. They hung together. After all, they were family. They shared common blood that ran through their veins. 

All who have received Christ as Savior are also part of a large family. Our looks vary, we come from various cultures, we sometimes fight and act stupid, we might occasionally even betray each other, but we all share common blood and are on the same mission. The blood of Jesus, shed for the forgiveness of our sins, runs through our veins, and the call to share his love haunts our every move. I must love them all. After all, it’s a family thing. 

Have you joined the family and begun the mission? 

Prayer: Thank You God for giving us a common bond in Jesus Christ. 

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Cheesy Noodle Casserole - Martin Wiles

CHEESY NOODLE CASSEROLE

Ingredients

2 POUNDS WIDE EGG NOODLES

½ CUP BUTTER

¼ CUP PLAIN FLOUR

1 TEASPOON GARLIC SALT

1 TEASPOON ONION SALT

6 CUPS MILK

2 POUNDS BLOCK VELVEETA CHEESE (CUBED)

2 TABLESPOONS BUTTER

½ CUP DRY BREAD CRUMBS

Directions

COOK NOODLES AND DRAIN.

MELT BUTTER, STIR IN FLOUR, GARLIC, AND ONION SALT UNTIL SMOOTH.

GRADUALLY STIR IN MILK.

BRING TO A BOIL AND COOK FOR 2 MINUTES OR UNTIL THICK AND BUBBLY.

ADD THE CHEESE. STIR UNTIL MELTED.

THEN STIR IN NOODLES.

POUR MIXTURE INTO 2 GREASED CASSEROLE DISHES.

TOSS BREAD CRUMBS AND BUTTER ON TOP.

BAKE AT 350 FOR 25 TO 30 MINUTES OR UNTIL BROWN.

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Flashback Friday - Martin Wiles

Faithing Finances

“What will you do?” “Where will you go?” “How is having no income better?” All questions asked by concerned people when I resigned. I wasn’t sure of the answers.

I was pastoring a small church in Low Country South Carolina. They were doing the best they could with pay and my wife was trying equally hard to stretch it. But the longer we stayed the more debt we accumulated. 

After months of intense prayer, I resigned. Read more...

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Priceless Doll - Alisha Ritchie

For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession. Deuteronomy 7:6 NIV

She was the most beautiful doll I’d ever seen. Given as a Christmas gift from my aunt, I loved this porcelain doll with all of my 7 year old heart. She had long, golden hair cascading down her shoulders and back and wore a fancy pink dress trimmed in blue. She was just the right size for carrying—everywhere. To this day, I still have the doll tucked away safely at my house. 

I visited a local antique shop the other day and was surprised to see the very same doll. But she wore a price tag of only two dollars. Two dollars? Surely the doll was worth more than that? 

Believers sometimes fail to recognize our value in God’s eyes. Poor self- esteem or failed relationships can cause us to doubt our worth and purpose. We may see ourselves as having very little value. But God tells us something completely different. 

Moses addressed the Israelites as they prepared to destroy their enemies Just as God chose the Israelites to be His sanctified people, we too can be part of His cherished possession. This verse confirms God’s intense love for us. So much so that He calls us holy or sacred to Him. He values us not because of what we can do for Him but because of His wondrous goodness and grace He chooses to lavish on us. 

Stop viewing yourself in a negative light and see yourself as God intends—a beautiful masterpiece treasured by God Himself. We all make mistakes and will feel bad about ourselves from time to time. But those negative thoughts demean our value and blur the perspective of how God truly views us. None of us have time to waste seeing ourselves like the depreciated doll at the antique shop. 

Pray that God will help you see yourself as a treasured gift, just as I see the gift of my priceless childhood doll.
(Photo courtesy of morguefile and cheriedurbin.)

Alisha Ritchie is a wife, mother of two wonderful children, Physical Therapy Assistant by profession, dedicated church member, and Sunday School teacher. She resides in the small town of Stanfield, North Carolina, where she enjoys writing, spending time with her children, and ministering to others through her work and small group Bible studies. You can read other devotions she has written on www.christiandevotions.us.

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Leaders Lead - Martin Wiles

And it was only right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation. Hebrews 2:10 NLT

As he pondered whether to go to Ecuador or India, his family and friends suggested youth ministry in the states. But international missions was his call. On February 21, 1952, Jim Elliot and Pete Fleming arrived in Ecuador, began working with the Quechua Indians, and made plans to begin missionary work with the Huaorani. Elliot and four other missionaries had made contact with them from an airplane and felt good about visiting them. Before their arrival, however, another indigenous group of people lied to the Huaorani about the missionaries’ intentions. Huaorani warriors awaited them. When they arrived, they were murdered. An earlier journal entry by Elliot reveals the heart of a leader: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.”

Through the suffering Christ experienced during his short ministry and more so through what he endured on the cross, he was made a perfect leader. He identified with humanity’s experience, and by giving his sinless life in their behalf, he brought salvation.

When I’m expecting God to speak to my spirit, I’ll hear his voice and obey. Many thought Jim Elliot should have stayed in the states. He heard another voice telling him to serve internationally. Jesus heard Satan’s voice which told him to take a short cut to accomplish God’s will, but he listened to the higher voice who told him to go to the cross.

If I’m to lead effectively, I must be willing to sacrifice. Jim Elliott gave up a great deal—and eventually his life. Jesus did the same, and he taught that I must serve to be great in his kingdom. If I lead with pride instead of humility, I won’t be the leader he desires.

Vision is also necessary when I lead. Jim Elliot’s was converting the Ecuadorian Indians to Christ. Jesus’ was saving humanity. Mine will be specific to me, my circumstances, and my time. When I ask, God will reveal it and give me the wisdom to lead others to see it as well. 

What steps can you take to become a more godly and effective leader?

Prayer: God of wisdom, give us insight, courage, faith, and strength to lead those You’ve entrusted to our care. 

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