Taking Advice from the Wrong Sources - Martin Wiles

Someone may say to you, “Let’s ask the mediums and those who consult the spirits of the dead. With their whisperings and mutterings, they will tell us what to do.” But shouldn’t people ask God for guidance? Isaiah 8:19 NLT

To buy or not to buy, that was the question.

I was three years in on a four-year car mortgage when the transmission began slipping. These were the days when manufacturers built more sturdy outer shells for vehicles, but not engines. When the odometer reached 75,000 to 100,000 miles, it was time to trade. Mine was at 60,000. But the prices of cars had also risen over the last three years.

So I turned to my paternal grandfather. After all, he had grown up on the tail end of the Great Depression and was familiar with “robbing Peter to pay Paul.” He’d never owned a new car but had been particular when buying used ones.

“You can get your car fixed for the price of one car payment,” he said.

Sounded good, but I was getting the itch to trade cars anyway. A faulty transmission seemed like a good excuse.

“If you trade, you’re going to have four more years of payments,” he continued.”

I had thought of that too. At the time, someone could actually afford a four-year payment loan.

Although I consulted a reputable source, I didn’t follow his advice. I traded a good car that mechanics could have repaired for a modest price for four more years of higher payments. I regretted it later, but couldn’t undo my decision.

Isaiah warned his listeners against seeking advice from the wrong sources. Instead of going to a living God, they checked with mediums who supposedly consulted the dead for advice. Their actions were ludicrous—as were mine when I turned down sound advice.

Seeing signs that read “Spiritual Advisor” once was not that unusual. I’ve never been to one, but many have. Going there would be no different than Isaiah’s peers who consulted mediums. God is the only adequate and dependable spiritual advisor. While we can’t visit him in person or hear him audibly, we can know the mind of Christ.

God is our source for sound advice, and he gives the means to discover it through his Word, prayer, mature believers, and Christian counselors. Even some secular sources, when filtered through God’s Word, have sound information for making life decisions.

Make sure you consult the appropriate sources when seeking advice.

Father, guide me to the proper sources when I have decisions to make.

I invite you to try my book Mastering English Grammar Basics. No one escapes life's hurts, but we can move beyond them to hope and healing. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

Butter Pecan Cake

 

Ingredients

1 BOX BUTTER PECAN CAKE MIX

4 EGGS

1/3 CUP VEGETABLE OIL

1 CUP MILK

½ CUP SUGAR

1 CAN COCONUT PECAN ICING

Directions

IN A BOWL, MIX ALL INGREDIENTS.

FOLD IN COCONUT PECAN ICING.

POUR INTO A GREASED TUBE PAN.

BAKE AT 350 DEGREES FOR 35 TO 40 MINUTES.

I invite you to try my book Mastering English Grammar Basics. No one escapes life's hurts, but we can move beyond them to hope and healing. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

Lest We Forget - Martin Wiles

Forgetting what we want or terribly need to remember is a horrible thing.

I once chaperoned an eighth-grade trip to Washington, DC. Memorials reign high on the list of things to visit because they are constructed to help future generations remember a particular person or event.

While not the most popular memorial, for me, the Korean War Memorial ranks as the most interesting. The artist majored on the number thirty-eight. Thirty-eight was the number of the parallel that divided North and South Korea. It was also the number of months affected by the war. A problem arose, however, when trying to place thirty-eight life-size soldiers on the designated plot of land, which had only enough room for nineteen. The artist decided to design a reflective wall. When looking at the wall, one can see thirty-eight soldiers trudging through terrain representative of Korea instead of the actual nineteen there. Problem solved. Statement made.

Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the Lord your God and disobey his commands, regulations, and decrees that I am giving you today. 

~Deuteronomy 8:11 NLT

Memorial Day is the day when America remembers military personnel who have died while serving their country. The holiday originated as Decoration Day, which a group of Union veterans established. Eventually, competing Union and Confederate holiday traditions merged into one and were celebrated together.

God also likes memorials and repeatedly warned his Old Testament people not to forget him or the things he had done for them. In Israel’s history, they needed to recall his delivering them from four hundred years of Egyptian slavery. For Christians, the big unforgettable deliverance is Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.

For years, I’ve worn paraphernalia with Christian symbols on them—mainly the cross. Since I got in on the tail end of the hippie movement, wearing jewelry came naturally. From necklaces with crosses to watches, bracelets, key rings, and shirts with the same, I’ve worn it all—except earrings. Needles never attracted me.

While jewelry and other clothing articles with Christian symbols can make good witnessing and conversation starters, our lifestyle is a better memorial to the difference Christ has made. Symbols mean little without actions, attitudes, and words to back them up. Just as America’s war memorials would mean nothing if we cast aside our love for freedom and our appreciation for those who bought it.

Americans remember their military dead with a holiday. Build something that will help others remember what Christ has done for you.

Father, may I never forget the sacrifice you have made for us through your Son, Jesus Christ. 

I invite you to try my book Mastering English Grammar Basics. No one escapes life's hurts, but we can move beyond them to hope and healing. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

Influenced - Anita van der Elst

Dear friend, don’t let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God’s children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God. 

~3 John 11 NLT

Bad examples are everywhere. Even we Christians have a tendency to act according to our sin nature and do hurtful things. And that includes a finger pointing at myself. 

As I thought about avoiding behaviors that I shouldn’t emulate, I realized this is not just refraining from following in the footsteps of those who do wrong. The question is, how am I influenced by their unkind and disobedient actions? Do I let what they’ve done affect my attitude or get in the way of my relationship with Jesus?

I realized that when I dwell on the hurtful actions or words toward me and become resentful, I am letting those bad examples influence me. When other believers act poorly, I should not be affected one way or another by them. My course as a child of God is to follow the good path. 

One part of that course involves confessing to Jesus my own sin of harboring resentment and repenting of it. He welcomes me to do so. Because Christ died for all my sins, I am cleansed by the blood He shed. His Holy Spirit is ready and able to help me follow the good. Jesus made it clear that we should pray for those who act spitefully. By doing so, our feet are right in step with Him.

Think of attitudes you need to evaluate that have been influenced by others’ bad behavior. Let the Holy Spirit guide you in confession and repentance.  

Anita van der Elst finds joy in creating with words, believing God gifted her with the desire to do so. Married to her best friend, Edward, since 1976, she is a proud mom of four adult children and Oma to three of the most delightful grandchildren ever. Other joys in her life include bringing beauty to Facebook through photos she takes on her iPhone, exploring the state parks in the PNW, facilitating a small group of women, and participating in a Bible study. 

I invite you to try my newest book, Grits, Grace, and Grands, in eBook or paperback. If you are a grandparent or just want to hear grandparent stories, this book is for you. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

Act like a Child - Martin Wiles

They gathered around their teacher with wide-open eyes, eager to hear what she’d say.

Our annual Vacation Bible School had arrived. Things were a little different this year since our classroom building was under renovation, and we were short on teachers. Our director planned to step in as a teacher, combine two classes, and share her Bible stories in the auditorium.

Following the pledges to the flags and the Bible—and the receiving of the offering—the director dismissed the older children and invited the two younger classes to circle her at the front. Like starving animals, they herded around their teacher. After she settled them down, she began her story. Each night, the process repeated itself with the same anticipation. When question time came, they were eager to respond.

I watched with amazement from the back of the building, thinking how I had never witnessed such a sight with adults—me included. I pondered what happens that causes us to lose our childhood excitement about learning about Jesus and being his followers. But Jesus says if we’re to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, we must become like a little child.

Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.” 

~Matthew 18:3 NLT

Acting like a child means having childlike faith. When the leader told the story of Jonah and the great fish, the children didn’t question whether the event was actual or a legend. Nor did they debate whether it was a large fish or a whale. They took the story at face value and learned the lessons: disobedience has consequences, and Jesus wants us to obey Him.

Acting like a child also involves giving our all: money, time, and possessions. Boys and girls competed to see who could bring the most change. The charitable organization that their money would support had been announced the first night. Though competition drove the total, the children gave to help others.

Further, acting like a child entails never losing the excitement over serving and learning about Jesus. Some of the children attended church regularly; others never went. Regardless, they were all excited to hear and understand. God wants us to grow in our relationship with him—getting more rather than less excited as time marches on.

When it comes to serving Christ, act like a child.

Father, help me never lose my excitement over being your child and maturing in my walk with you.

I invite you to try my book Mastering English Grammar Basics. No one escapes life's hurts, but we can move beyond them to hope and healing. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

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.

I invite you to try my book Mastering English Grammar Basics. No one escapes life's hurts, but we can move beyond them to hope and healing. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

Follow the Son - Martin Wiles

Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left. Isaiah 30:21 NLT

The road was covered by shade, except for one spot.

The highway leading to the church I pastored meandered through miles of country. Acres of forest line each side of the road, making for a shady drive. One of the only two turns I had to make was often difficult to see because of the numerous trees—until I spotted a landmark.

As I drove along, looking for my turn, I noticed a stream of sunlight arch across the highway. This was the only break in miles of shade, and it was the exact spot for my turn. If I followed the sun, I never missed the road.

Isaiah reminded his listeners that God would do the same for them. God was behind, in front of, and all around them. If they would listen and look, they’d never miss or make a wrong turn.

My wife tells me I’m directionally challenged, and she’s right. At the time, our car had no built-in compass, so what seemed like east to me might be west, and north might be south. I travel by road numbers; she looks for landmarks. She can get us where we need to go; I can get us lost.

I’ve lost my way in life more times than I care to remember. My misplacement came because I wasn’t listening to or looking for the Son. When I turned where he told me, I always arrived at the correct destination, but if I turned where I thought it looked like a good road, I wound up at the wrong place and with the wrong people.

Since God sees the beginning, end, and everything in between, it only makes sense to consult him for life’s directions. He will shine the light where we need to turn and prompt us when we need to take another direction. His Word provides a road map, and his Spirit gives us wisdom to read it or hear his promptings clearly. Busyness, selfishness, and misplaced priorities will cause us to miss turns. But a sold-out heart to the Son will get us where we need to go every time.

Look for the light. The Son will never lead you in the wrong direction.

Father, as you shine your light to guide my path, give me wisdom and courage to follow where you lead.

I invite you to try my book Mastering English Grammar Basics. No one escapes life's hurts, but we can move beyond them to hope and healing. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

Endure to the End - Martin Wiles

But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 24:13 NLT

Sold at 1.7 million dollars, the 114-year-old artifact now rested peacefully in a glass case. It had endured to the end. 

While on vacation in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, my wife and I visited the Titanic Museum. No pictures or videos were allowed except in one room: the Memorial Room. In this room rested the violin that the band leader had played as the ship sank beneath the icy Atlantic Ocean. In fact, the entire band played as passengers boarded lifeboats and others scrambled for their lives.

Although none of the band members survived the sinking of the “unsinkable” ship, the violin survived and was later sold. We were fortunate to see what museum administrators would only display until Labor Day before they returned it to a hidden vault. I was amazed that a piece of wood could survive water and time and endure to the end.

When Jesus tells us to endure to the end to be saved, he isn’t saying we must live with fear that he’ll take his forgiveness and salvation from us. Instead, despite the persecutions we’ll face as his children, we will be saved in the end. People can kill our bodies, but they can’t touch our souls.

I have no idea what that violin has faced over the last one hundred years; nor can I know what I will face from now until I draw my final breath. What I do know is that only God can help us endure to the end. The power of the one living in us is greater than any other power we might face. When we accept Christ as our Savior, he seals us with his Holy Spirit. God’s Spirit in us will carry us through any persecution, trial, temptation, or disappointment. 

But an element of responsibility is involved in enduring to the end. Our choices are ours. When we choose things that aren’t beneficial spiritually, we complicate the journey, making it more challenging to endure. 

A willingness to make sacrifices is also on the journey of endurance. Anything worth having is worth paying a price for. We must give up everything hindering our spiritual growth. However, the good news is that when we endure to the end, we’ll leave behind a legacy for our family, friends, and acquaintances. 

Let God energize you so you can endure to the end.

Father, give me strength to serve you faithfully to the end, regardless of what might come my way. 

I invite you to try my book Mastering English Grammar Basics. No one escapes life's hurts, but we can move beyond them to hope and healing. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

As Pure as Water - Martin Wiles

But you are pure and cannot stand the sight of evil. Will you wink at their treachery? Habakkuk 1:13 NLT

With most of the world’s rivers, streams, lakes, and oceans too polluted to safely drink from without purification, we looked at one that was 98% pure. I could not imagine being as pure as water.

While on vacation, my wife and I visited Forbidden Caverns near Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. As we descended more than three hundred feet to the lowest point of our tour, we saw flowing water. A river that came from somewhere high above and snaked through cracks and openings in the cavern to flow into the bowels of the earth.

Looking at the water, I could tell it was different. Moonshiners and Native Americans once used it to ply their trade and survive in the wild. And without harm. Our guide told us why. The water was 98% pure. One could drink it without risk of harm—no need for filtration.

God’s purity, however, is greater than the cavern water. Throughout all sixty-six books of the Bible, God is proclaimed as pure—100 percent. Pagan gods were untrustworthy and not always after the best interests of their followers, but the God of Israel was different. Not an iota of evil is attached to his character. He expects His followers to adhere to the same code of conduct. Trouble is, I’m not pure. Nor can I be by my own power.

Polluted water can be made drinkable by filtration. While hiking and backpacking, I’ve drunk from many questionable water sources, but I protected myself by filtering the water. When it comes to my nature, I can’t do anything to make it pure. I can try turning over new leaves—and I may do well temporarily--but I can’t make myself good permanently. Bad attitudes, foul language, greedy thoughts, and lustful looking will creep in.

God must have known He was requiring something we weren’t capable of since he sent his pure Son to do for humanity what we couldn’t do for ourselves. When we accept what Christ did on Calvary’s cross, we’re given his righteousness, his purity. God considers our sin debt paid, not because we paid it, but because his Son paid it for us. God has filtered us by the blood of Christ and made us 100 percent pure. 

Don’t try to be good so God will accept you. Instead, accept God and let him change your nature.

Father, I thank you for doing for me what I could never do for myself. 

I invite you to try my book Mastering English Grammar Basics. No one escapes life's hurts, but we can move beyond them to hope and healing. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

Cheeseburger Pie

 

 

Ingredients

1 POUND GROUND BEEF (COOKED, DRAINED)

½ TEASPOON SALT

1 ONION (CHOPPED)

1 CUP SHREDDED CHEESE

1 CUP MILK

½ CUP BISQUICK

2 EGGS

Directions

MIX ALL TOGETHER.

BAKE AT 400 FOR 25 MINUTES.

I invite you to try my book Hurt, Hope, and Healing. No one escapes life's hurts, but we can move beyond them to hope and healing. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

Spirit Clouds - Martin Wiles

The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. John 3:8 NRSVUE

A much-needed vacation took me to the mountains of Tennessee. I found myself nestled in a cabin high in the Great Smoky Mountains. Each morning, I sat on the porch, admiring the handiwork of my Creator, listening to the birds and turkeys, feeling the gentle breezes, and watching the sun rise above the distant peaks.

One morning was different. The sounds were the same, but the sun didn’t immediately appear. Instead, dark storm clouds marched through the valleys and hopped over the mountaintops. After dropping their cargo in the form of light rain showers, they gave way to wisps of white, dainty clouds that flittered west to east and south to north. As I watched these spirit clouds, I thought of God’s Spirit.

In Greek, the same word is used for spirit and wind. Although I can see the effects of the wind, I cannot see the wind itself. Nor can I view God’s Spirit—only His workings in the lives of people, myself, and the world.

Like the clouds, God’s Spirit is often silent. We hear no audible voice—just a small but effective nudge within our spirit, guiding us in the right direction or to the correct decision. At other times, God’s Spirit is loud. We don’t have to wonder if it is him speaking to our spirit. His voice comes through loud and clear, as clouds that bring vociferous claps of thunder and downpours of rain.

The work of God’s Spirit can be obvious, such as when he brings a change in our lives that is evident to others. Or his work may not be so obvious, as when he slowly changes us from the inside out. Changes that take months, or even years, to ripen to maturity.

As I witnessed the spirit clouds comfort me on that early morning, so my spirit is calmed by knowing that God is always present with me in the form of his Spirit, giving me wisdom and guidance for every decision in life. The clouds went where God sent them, and he never sends them in the wrong direction.

Learn to listen for God’s still small Spirit voice. Then act on what he guides you to do.

Father, thank you for guiding my steps through the still small voice of your Spirit.

I invite you to try my book Hurt, Hope, and Healing. No one escapes life's hurts, but we can move beyond them to hope and healing. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.