Stress Buster - Lynne Phipps

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. James 1:5,6 NIV

My Irish Setter, Ruby, suffers anxiety in any unfamiliar situation. Seeing her transform from her exuberant, happy self into a quaking, shaking mess grieves me. She often needs a stress buster. 

Anxiety is not only limited to dogs, however. We humans also have our share of anxious moments. I had one once when I traded my car for a different model. Just thinking about the decision and all it entailed set my insides quivering. What if I spent all that money and got a lemon. What would I do then? How would I afford the repairs on my fixed income?  What if, what if whirled around in my head.

Finally, I did make a choice, but my anxiety level remained high as I repeatedly went over my decision, hoping it was a good one. As so often happens, God dealt with my anxiety by prompting me to go for a walk. As I walked, I realized I needed to review my decision step by step. Had I prayed for wisdom and guidance? Yes. Did I receive peace to move forward? Yes. Did the dealership I chose have a good reputation? Yes. Had I calculated my finances before entering into the deal? Check. Had I involved others who could help me think rationally and wisely about such a major purchase? Yes. 

In light of my review, I needed to make another decision. Would I trust that God had given me guidance and wisdom through each step of my decision? Further, if future problems with the vehicle arose, did I think he would guide me through them and supply all my needs? Or would I doubt and continue to be like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind? 

I chose the stress buster of belief and kept choosing it whenever my mind sought to return to doubting. By doing so, my anxiety was relieved, and I began to enjoy my new vehicle, for which I am truly thankful.

How about you? Any stressful, anxiety-ridden situations in your life today? If so, ask God for wisdom to deal with them. Then, trust the wisdom He gives, for it’s a stress buster that will not fail.

Lord God, thank you that I can count on your wisdom, which you give generously to all who ask. Empower me by your Holy Spirit to trust that wisdom, which can burst my stress levels and bind me to anxiety. In Christ’s name, amen.

Tweetable: What is your stress buster? 

Lynne Phipps and her family live on a small hobby farm in the heart of Alberta, Canada’s farming country. She has been writing devotions for forty years and never tires of the spiritual correlation the Holy Spirit blesses her with. He uses normal everyday events and the behaviors of the multitude of glorious creatures He has brought across her path to point her to the truths of God. Lynne is a devotion writer for VineWords: Devotions and More.

I invite you to try my newest book, Grits, Grace, and Grands, in eBook or paperback. If you are an editor who wants to hone your grammar skills or someone who just wants to improve your writing or speaking, this is the book 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.

Silence Is Golden - Martin Wiles

But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father secretly. Matthew 6:6 NLT

“The Sound of Silence” was written by Paul Simon of the duo Simon and Garfunkle over several months between 1963 and 1964. In 1966, the song, which tells of a man who failed to communicate, hit number one on the Billboard 100.

Although silence can have damaging effects, it can also be golden. After teaching around one hundred middle school students daily, I’m ready for silence when I get home. Following an end-of-first-semester party for our middle schoolers at the local bowling alley—one my wife attended with me—my wife now understands why I want silence when I get home.

Jesus also thought a great deal of silence. People who wanted to hear him teach, see him perform miracles, or do something for them constantly mobbed him. Along with those who wanted something were the religious hound dogs who continually searched for some reason to arrest and even kill Jesus. Getting away by himself or with his disciples was essential for maintaining his and their sanity. It is for me, too.

A little white noise is good. My wife and I sleep with fans blowing. We wake up when the power goes off, and complete silence overshadows us. But the other types of noises that often characterize a day—loud voices, machines, vehicles, horns, train whistles, screaming kids, shouting customers, television shows, and internet voices—can drown out the most critical voice we need to hear. While God can speak amid the noise, we’re more apt not to hear him when noise abounds. Jesus says we need to get in our prayer closet—whether we take that literally or not.

Silence helps us focus. I want to hear God’s voice and focus on his words. We need to listen to him clearly so we can think soberly. Silence is necessary for accomplishing this task.

Obedience is much easier when we can hear God unmistakably and focus on his words. And when we obey, peace follows. We experience peace when we submit to and follow God’s will. Anything less will produce noise.

Find a place and time where you can be silent before God daily.

Father, I long for silence to hear your Spirit speak clearly to my spirit. 

Tweetable: Where do you find your silence? 

I invite you to try my newest book, Grits, Grace, and Grands, in eBook or paperback. If you are an editor who wants to hone your grammar skills or someone who just wants to improve your writing or speaking, this is the book 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.

Truth That Never Changes - Martin Wiles

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. 2 Timothy 3:16 NLT

I don’t remember whether Mom and Dad explained the importance of what I watched on television, but I remember watching with great interest.

Just shy of nine years old, I sat in the den of our church-owned home and stared at a small black-and-white television. The date was July 1960, and American Neil Armstrong was about to become the first man to set foot on the moon.

Although I didn’t know it then, I discovered later that many Americans didn’t believe anyone was on the moon. I suppose they still thought a space machine couldn’t be launched from earth and land on the moon—much less that someone could walk on it. Despite evidence to the contrary, some wouldn’t believe it.

In giving instructions to a young minister, Paul reminded Timothy about the nature of God’s Word. He, too, would encounter some who would not believe its message despite evidence to the contrary.

Almost two thousand years of history haven’t changed anything. Opinions about the Bible vary. Some believe every word in it is truth, while others think nothing in it is true. Many are in the middle. They believe it records truth when it addresses faith and some historical matters but have no confidence in it when it speaks of scientific things. For them, it’s mostly a collection of myths, legends, and fairy tales.

Regarding God’s Word, we have only two choices: complete truth or not truth at all. If we can’t trust what it says about scientific and historical matters, how can we be sure it speaks truth when it addresses faith matters?

Accepting God’s Word is an act of faith, just like our belief in Jesus Christ as God’s Son and our Savior. We must believe God breathed the words and that those words show the way He wants us to live, think, and speak. Measuring our actions and attitudes based on the Bible’s teachings shows where we need to make changes. Believing its teachings and promises and watching them fulfilled in our lives reinforces its validity. What we think about God’s Word will show up in our lifestyle.

Think about what you think about the Bible.

Father, give me the courage to take a leap of faith and believe the Bible is your true Word. 

Tweetable: What do you think of the Bible? 

I invite you to try my newest book, Grits, Grace, and Grands, in eBook or paperback. If you are an editor who wants to hone your grammar skills or someone who just wants to improve your writing or speaking, this is the book 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.

Sweet Potato Bread

Ingredients

3 MEDIUM SWEET POTATOES (COOKED & MASHED)

1 CUP OIL

2 ½ CUPS SUGAR

4 EGGS  

3 ½ CUPS PLAIN FLOUR

1 TEASPOON SALT

2 TEASPOONS BAKING SODA

1 TEASPOON CINNAMON

1 TEASPOON NUTMEG

1 CUP CHOPPED NUTS

1 TABLESPOON VANILLA

Directions

SIFT TOGETHER THE DRY INGREDIENTS AND SET ASIDE.

BEAT POTATOES, OIL, AND SUGAR UNTIL CREAMY.

ADD 1 EGG AT A TIME, BEATING WELL AFTER EACH ONE.

ADD DRY INGREDIENTS, A SMALL AMOUNT AT A TIME, BEATING WELL AFTER EACH ADDITION.

STIR IN NUTS AND VANILLA.

 

POUR INTO A GREASED LOAF PAN.

BAKE AT 350 DEGREES FOR 40 MINUTES.

Tweetable: Why not add this bread to your fall meal? 

I invite you to try my newest book, Grits, Grace, and Grands, in eBook or paperback. If you are an editor who wants to hone your grammar skills or someone who just wants to improve your writing or speaking, this is the book 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.

How to Deal with Life's Slow Leaks - Martin Wiles

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart because I have overcome the world. John 16:33 NLT

My wife and I had felt the feeling before—and things didn’t turn out well.

On one camping trip, our mattress died. My wife and I were tent campers. Not that we didn’t want to be camper campers, but we couldn’t afford the camper at the time. We could, however, afford an air mattress, which was better than sleeping in a sleeping bag on top of a small pad lying on the ground. I had done that before, too, but the aches and pains of aging made that impossible now—if I wanted to get off the ground the following day.

This time, we had awoken to a squishy feeling in the middle of the night. Air mattresses are known to leak a small amount, making it necessary to refill them every several days, but this was different. We had both sunk into the middle of the mattress. No holes appeared; the mattress was simply worn out from age and use.

So, we purchased a new mattress, anticipating our next camping trip as summer arrived. Since we were also in the process of moving three doors down, we figured we would give our new one a try the last two nights in our old place. We inflated the mattress, decorated it with sheets, threw in a few pillows, and settled in for a good night’s sleep—or so we thought.

Two hours into the night, we awoke to that squishy feeling again. Surely not, I thought. This was a new mattress. We got up, mashed the on button, and refilled the mattress. My wife turned off the fan, and a hissing sound broke the night’s silence. After careful inspection, we uncovered the culprit: a pinhole just next to a seam. No way to patch this—and we wouldn’t anyway since the mattress was new. A slow leak, but a slow leak that would eventually land us on the hard floor.

We retired to our recliners for the remainder of the night. The following day, we deflated the half-deflated mattress, boxed it up, and returned it for another. Even slow leaks can take the fun out of sleeping.

Jesus doesn’t sugarcoat one vital truth about life: it’s filled with trials. Sin in the world and people’s lives assures us of that. Besides, God can send trials to teach us important lessons and grow our faith. But Jesus also doesn’t leave out the good news: he has overcome the world—and its trials. If we follow him, we can too.

Sometimes, life’s trials come simultaneously, like the air that suddenly left our old mattress. When that happens, the trials take the air out of us. A tragedy occurs. A child dies. A spouse has a stroke. A pandemic hits the world. We lose a job.

But more often, the trials mimic a slow leak, like our new mattress. They mirror pin holes, which slowly cause our joy to escape. We don’t plunge full-blown into depression and discouragement, but they both creep in gradually. We don’t see them coming, but suddenly, one day, we’re in their grasp.

Life’s trials make refilling necessary. Even air mattresses with no holes need refilling if slept on for more than one day. Weight causes air to escape somewhere. The peace Jesus references comes with the refilling. 

And the refilling comes through the same spiritual disciplines God has commanded from the beginning: regular prayer (not just when we’re facing trials), Bible study, and hanging out with others who will support us and give us beneficial spiritual advice.

Joining a small group Bible study and reading good spiritual books are also good ideas.

Further, peace can come by remembering we won’t always sleep on air mattresses that need refilling. One day, after our death or the Second Coming of Christ, we will live in an eternal home where trials are absent. We will have overcome the slow leaks of life.

Don’t let the slow leaks of life’s trials steal your joy.

Father, I pray for strength so the slow leaks of life will not overcome me. 

Tweetable: How do you deal with life's slow leaks? 

I invite you to try my newest book, Grits, Grace, and Grands, in eBook or paperback. If you are an editor who wants to hone your grammar skills or someone who just wants to improve your writing or speaking, this is the book 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.

Longing for God’s Presence - Martin Wiles

Then Moses said, “If you don’t go with us personally, don’t let us move a step from this place.” Exodus 33:15 NLT

She longed for their presence: her son and husband. Both fought in a Middle Eastern war. She worried night and day, never totally focused on anything she did. What if both were killed? Or suppose they were critically injured? How would that change the life she had known?

Another time and place. Another person. She and her husband longed for the presence of their son. He had made some unwise decisions that landed him in jail. Six years had passed with only temporary visits. They longed for him to be released so he could move back home, where they could talk and visit regularly.

Moses, too, longed for God’s presence. He had agreed to God’s assignment and led God’s people out of slavery. But no sooner had they left Egypt than the rebels rebelled. While Moses received the Ten Commandments on a mountain, they lounged below and wondered what had happened to him. Additionally, they fashioned a golden calf to take God’s place. God considered annihilating them and starting over with Moses. Moses, however, interceded for the people and begged God to go with them on their journey to the Promised Land. He didn’t want to move one step if God wasn’t by his side.

Emotions can trigger our longing for God’s presence. A soul-stirring musical concert or fiery sermon can easily arouse them. We can be stirred, feel God’s presence, and be ready to take on the world for Christ. However, the danger of longing for God’s presence only when something stirs our emotions is that the feeling is typically short-lived. Though important and necessary, emotions mimic a roller coaster’s up-and-down movement.

A longing for God’s presence that results from an inner conviction that we need and want his presence is more permanent. Faith and a firm commitment will carry us farther than an emotional experience.

When we long for God’s presence, as Moses did, we strive to please him with our actions, words, and attitudes. We live a holy lifestyle, recognizing that our bodies are a temple of his presence. And we move closer to him daily, long to grasp the opportunities he sends and share him with others.

Pursue those things that will help you long even more for God’s presence.

Father, I believe you are with me always. Help me long to feel your presence with me continuously. 

Tweetable: Do you long for God's presence? 

 

I invite you to try my newest book, Grits, Grace, and Grands, in eBook or paperback. If you are an editor who wants to hone your grammar skills or someone who just wants to improve your writing or speaking, this is the book 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.

The Burden Bearer - Martin Wiles

Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. Isaiah 53:4 NLT

For the first eighteen years of my life, my parents assisted me with burdens. From teaching me responsibility to getting me jobs to tending to my basic needs, they helped me carry the burdens of growing up. Since then, there have been other occasions when they helped me bear unwanted burdens: when I lost a job, when a relationship failed, when a child rebelled, and when my only car broke down.

Others have also helped me carry burdens. Church members who’ve come to my side when death took a loved one, grandparents who helped me purchase tires for a vehicle, a child who forked over hard-earned money to help me pay a bill, total strangers who helped me free my truck from a snow drift, and a spouse who helps me bear every burden that surfaces.

The ancient prophet told of how the coming Messiah would help bear burdens. He would not blow in on a white horse and conquer Israel’s enemies. Instead, he would bear burdens the first time and conquer at his Second Coming.

The greatest burden Jesus Christ helps carry is sin. We need a burden bearer since we’re born with a sinful nature. On the cross, Jesus bore the sins of humanity. Though paid for in full, the results of what he accomplished are only effective when we ask him to apply the results of what he did to our lives. Forgiveness doesn’t automatically happen.

When we ask Jesus to carry our sin burden, he not only carries but also removes and throws the sin as far as the East is from the West. He also shoves them into the uttermost depths of the ocean. In other words, he eliminates the penalty for this burden: eternity apart from him.

Unfortunately, life also has other burdens that result from living in a world tainted by sin. We also need help bearing these burdens. While others help us shoulder these burdens, only God can do it consistently and permanently. Others will disappoint us—not necessarily intentionally but simply because they are human.

Though the help of others is wonderful and needed, the help of an all-powerful and all-knowing God is crucial. He is the burden bearer who will never leave or forsake us. Let him bear your burdens.

Father, thank you that there is no burden so great that you can’t bear it for me. 

Tweetable: Who is your burden bearer? 

I invite you to try my newest book, Grits, Grace, and Grands, in eBook or paperback. If you are an editor who wants to hone your grammar skills or someone who just wants to improve your writing or speaking, this is the book 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.