Thinking Thoughts about God - Martin Wiles

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. Psalm23:1 NLT

I turn God into whatever I think of Him.

Dad was a tough disciplinarian—at least when I was young. I’m not sure where his ideas about discipline came from, because he didn’t follow the pattern of his parents or grandparents. Dad went by the book. Severe consequences followed broken rules. His parents were more understanding and lenient.

Dad was also a little strict in his view of God. God had rules and regulations that must be adhered to. When they weren’t, discipline followed. God was also a God of love, but he was quick to punish when someone broke his laws—not lenient or understanding.

While growing up, I noticed Dad’s view of God bled into how he conducted his household. Perhaps his idea of God explains why I had a framed set of rules hung on my bedroom wall—a list of dos and don’ts, accompanied by a set of consequences for breaking each don’t.

Dad was right in one sense. God does have rules he expects us to abide by, and when we choose to break them, consequences follow. I suppose it was the way Dad carried out the process that colored my view of God as a harsh deity instead of a loving Savior—although I’m sure Dad didn’t intend for it to happen that way.

David knew God had rules, too, but he also pictured him as his shepherd, which paints a different portrait. God disciplined him when he went astray—and he did quite a few times, but he also lovingly guided his life journey.

If I think of God as a harsh disciplinarian, sitting in heaven waiting for me to make a mistake, I might still love him, but my relationship with him will be somewhat distant, not close up and personal. On the other hand, if I see him as a grandfatherly type, I might assume he’ll let me get away with anything without consequence, which he won’t.

Jesus showed us the loving characteristics of God that the religious leaders’ rules had almost covered. But he also reminded us that God has standards he expects us to obey. When our view of God is balanced, we’ll obey him because we love him and because of what he’s done for us, not simply because we’re afraid he’ll punish us if we don’t.

Think correct thoughts about God so you will love him deeply and serve him intently.

Father, may the thoughts I think of you cause me to have an accurate picture of who you are. 

I invite you to try my book Hurt, Hope, and Healing in eBook or paperback. If you seek hope and healing because of the hurts you have faced, 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.

Seeking Refuge in Uncertain Times - Martin Wiles

Protect me! Rescue my life from them! Do not let me be disgraced, for in you I take refuge. Psalm 25:20 NLT

The day appeared calm enough, but Mother Nature soon released her hidden fury. I would soon be seeking refuge in uncertain times.

My brother, daughter, and I set out early for a ten-mile hike on the Appalachian Trail. At the five-mile point, we planned to set up camp and walk the remainder of the way without our packs.

But after reaching our destination, we were greeted by the sound of thunder. Mountain storms were familiar to us, so we quickly set up camp. Within minutes of driving the last tent stake, we felt the first drops of rain. Then came a torrential downpour with lightning to match. We huddled on our rubber sleeping mats, hoping lightning wouldn’t strike the tall pines above us.

After sitting for what seemed like hours, we braved pouring rain, intermittent lightning, and puddled water, making it to an AT shelter a few hundred yards away. Here we remained for the next several hours, listening as storm after storm marched through the mountains. Though our refuge was only a three-sided shelter, we felt secure.

David’s enemies were numerous—among them lions, bears, Philistines, giants, and even a jealous king. Regardless of who or what they were, David found refuge in a big God whom he trusted to protect him.

I’ve sought refuge in healthy and unhealthy things. At the end of a stressful day, I love taking refuge in a good book. I cherish the times when my wife and I can go to a restaurant alone, without friends or grandsons. Sitting in our old glider on our back patio in the spring or fall is also nice.

But I’ve also sought refuge in unhealthy things during stressful times. Instead of running to God, I ran to addictions or unhealthy relationships. They brought only temporary satisfaction, along with a foreboding sense of guilt that I was looking in the wrong place.

Where David found refuge is where we should. A healthy relationship with a loving Savior is the only thing that brings satisfaction, contentment, and peace. All other things and people will disappoint. He always loves unconditionally and protects faithfully. Friendships and family can be the icing on the cake, but they can never take God’s place.

Run to God for refuge when times are uncertain.

Father, thank you for being a trustworthy place of refuge when life is stormy—a place that will never disappoint us.

I invite you to try my book Hurt, Hope, and Healing in eBook or paperback. If you seek hope and healing because of the hurts you have faced, 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.

The Hidden Power of Taking a Break - Martin Wiles

Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. Mark1:35 NLT

I’ve never been one to sit and twiddle my thumbs. Sitting and doing nothing makes me feel lazy. Since I only have so much time in life, I want to make the best use of every minute. Having this tendency leaves me open to overcommitment and burnout. Thus, I needed to understand the hidden power of taking a break.

What others ask of me, I usually agree to do—often not pausing long enough to pray first. I love seeing how much I can accomplish in twenty-four hours. Not that I crave recognition or do things for that reason—well, sometimes, I do, until after I’ve prayed and asked forgiveness—but like most people, I enjoy being appreciated. Sitting for hours watching a movie or relaxing in conversation with company is difficult. My mind races with all the things I could be doing that seem more productive.

Jesus was a busy man, too. Knowledge of his ability to heal spread like a California wildfire. Crowds crowded him. Everyone wanted healing for themselves, a friend, or a family member. Had he taken advantage of every opportunity, he would never have gotten any rest or sleep.

After a long day and evening of healing, Jesus rose the next morning, went to an isolated place, and prayed. When some of the disciples found him and told him everyone was looking for him, he told them he had other places to go. He couldn’t stay in this one place forever.

Breaks from the daily grind of life are essential for good health—mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual. We can’t do everything everyone might ask of us. There’s not enough time in the day, nor does God expect that of us. Jesus knew he needed rejuvenation, and it came through a quiet time with the Father.

Quiet times—whether in the early morning, late morning, or evening—are crucial in our service for God. Jesus’ Spirit received refreshing, and He received instructions from the Father about his next move. Ironically, it wasn’t where he was—even though many there needed His help. Rather, the Father told him to move to a different area.

Enjoying life and making sure we’re on God’s track only happen when we take a break long enough to discover God’s will. So go ahead, take a break—and don’t feel guilty about it.

Father, remind me that I need a break to refresh my spirit so I can do my best for you.

I invite you to try my book Hurt, Hope, and Healing in eBook or paperback. If you seek hope and healing because of the hurts you have faced, 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.

Bacon-Wrapped Pork Chops

 

Ingredients

6 one-inch pork chops

Salt, pepper

Garlic powder

Onion powder

Bacon

BBQ sauce

Directions

Season each pork chop and wrap with two pieces of bacon.

Bake in a glass dish at 400 degrees for 30 minutes.

Brush with BBQ sauce.

Return to oven for 5 to 7 minutes. 

(Photo courtesy of asmalllife.com.)

I invite you to try my book Hurt, Hope, and Healing in eBook or paperback. If you seek hope and healing because of the hurts you have faced, 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.

An Army of Misfits - Martin Wiles

So David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. Soon his brothers and all his other relatives joined him there.  Then others began coming—men who were in trouble or in debt or who were just discontented—until David was the captain of about 400 men. 1 Samuel 22:1-2 NLT

What others might consider an army of misfits, God often considers just-right fits.

After my father retired from full-time preaching, he served as an interim pastor for a small church on the lake. Once a thriving church, it now fought to survive. Dad tried to get them to take their eyes off their situation and focus outwardly. If the church grew, many of its problems would disappear.

At Dad’s behest, the church reached out. They ordered door hangers and placed them on houses in the community, inviting all to come. When the church called a new pastor, the preparatory work had been done. He picked up where Dad left off and continued going into the community, inviting all.

And people from all walks of life began to come. Most of them from the wrong side of the tracks. People with sordid backgrounds and questionable lifestyles. The people in the church found the people in their community were quite different, but they didn’t let that stop them. They loved them and took them in. Soon, the church became the fastest-growing church in the local association. But it was a church of misfits—at least according to many.

Jesus also tended to invite those considered misfits to follow him. His twelve disciples weren’t who others might have picked to change the world: fishermen, a tax collector, and other societal outcasts. Nor were those who collected around David as he ran from King Saul’s attempts to kill him. But they became a great army. And those twelve disciples initiated a world revival.

Thinking God can’t use us because we have sordid backgrounds or because we’ve endured unfortunate circumstances in the present is the Devil’s ploy. If he can convince us, he will keep us from being productive.

God, on the other hand, has good plans for us. We were created in his image, and nothing we’ve experienced—or are experiencing—can hinder his work unless we let it. Confession, repentance, and trust wipe the slate clean.

God loves to use those the world considers misfits because when great things are accomplished through them, he gets the credit. And after all, shining the spotlight on God is what life is about.

Don’t let others—or Satan—convince you God can’t use you. All God requires is your willingness.

Father, I thank you that my past doesn’t hinder you from using me in your Kingdom’s work. 

I invite you to try my book Hurt, Hope, and Healing in eBook or paperback. If you seek hope and healing because of the hurts you have faced, 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.

The Anchor - Lynne Phipps

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. Hebrews 6:19 NIV

The windstorm was fierce. I was thankful for the anchor.

The howling awoke me from a sound sleep. As I lay cozy under the blankets, I heard a loud roaring and flapping, like some huge carpet shaken in the heavens. I rose and ventured outside to see where the noise was coming from. Everything seemed fine. Since the noise had decreased, I returned to my bed.

In the morning, my daughter came over and told me to look at something. The wind from the night’s ferocious windstorm had lifted our ten-by-twenty-foot steel hay shed and moved it several inches. This was the noise I had heard in the darkness, but could not see because of the tree barrier between my house and the shed.

Fortunately, our shed was anchored to the ground. Although it moved slightly, it did not flip over or move from its foundation. Within hours, my son-in-law had it pushed back squarely onto the foundation. He then proceeded to drive in even deeper anchors for protection against the next severe storm that might come our way.

Likewise, today’s scripture ensures that we also have an anchor for our souls, one that holds us firm and secure against life’s storms. Our belief in Jesus Christ is our hope now and for eternity. Our trust in Christ ties us to him as our Savior, who even now abides in heaven with God our Father and is busy preparing a place for us. This anchor of hope is secure because through God’s written word, God has said so, and he cannot lie. His word is true and firm now and forever.

Life will seek to beat against us with its often-ferocious winds of suffering, turmoil, confusion, and discouragement. It may even, at times, cause us to doubt God’s eternal love and care, threatening to shift us from our foundation of faith. Amidst it all, however, Christ, the anchor of our souls, will never leave nor forsake us. Through Scripture and his still small voice, the Holy Spirit will comfort, encourage, and remind us that we belong to him. He will gently move us back to our firm foundation of faith.

Pray that these truths might be more deeply anchored in your heart and mind. Then, no matter what may blow your way, your faith will not shake.

Father God, grant me a hunger and thirst to know the truth of both Your written and living Word. Remind me that Jesus Christ is the hope that anchors my soul. Keep my faith from shaking or moving. In Christ’s name, amen.

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, Christian Devotions, and Love Lines from God.

I invite you to try my book Hurt, Hope, and Healing in eBook or paperback. If you seek hope and healing because of the hurts you have faced, 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.

Keeping the Death Vigil - Martin Wiles

Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8 NLT

He lay almost motionless—a Superman tattoo on his arm. And as he did, my wife and I were keeping the death vigil.

My brother-in-law often kidded that he was Superman. And he had been. He survived things that had killed many people. Although a young man, he had suffered several heart attacks that damaged his heart beyond repair.

Not only had he survived health issues, but he had also made it through many years of reckless living. He had endured beatings, robberies, and a near-fatal shooting. He made it through work injuries. When I perused the list in my mind, I could understand the Superman tattoo on his arm and his mentality.

But at last, the great leveler of all humanity was about to conquer him. Doctors had done all they could. Now he lay in a hospital bed in a local Hospice house. The doctor talked to the family. His body was shutting down. There was nothing else they could do but make him comfortable. My wife swabbed his mouth, used a machine to suck bodily fluids, held her phone to his ear to play one of his favorite songs, and cried. Family members took turns talking to him and expressing their love.

Had his dilemma happened six months before, we would have worried more. A part of his reckless living was holding God at arm’s length. He grew up going to church, but had left that part of his life many years before. Although filled with grief, we weren’t as worried now. He recently made his peace with God and spoke often of his readiness to meet his Savior, which comforted our hearts.

Paul also took security in knowing that if persecution took his life, he would immediately be in heaven with his Savior.

Losing a loved one is never easy, but knowing they will enter heaven’s gates and that we will see them again in eternity makes the process easier. Heaven isn’t a pie-in-the-sky fairy tale believed by those who need courage to face death, but an actual place prepared for those who choose to follow Jesus Christ. Jesus said there are many rooms there—enough for as many as believe in him.

Our family took comfort in knowing our loved one would be waiting for us. We invite you to join us. Believe today. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Father, thank you for preparing a place for those who love and choose to follow you. 

I invite you to try my book Hurt, Hope, and Healing in eBook or paperback. If you seek hope and healing because of the hurts you have faced, 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.