Puddled by Puddles - Martin Wiles

He drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, From those who hated me, For they were too strong for me. Psalm 18:16-17 NKJV

Spring showers caused them to pop up everywhere.

My maternal grandmother called them mud puddles, and she knew all about them. Living in the flatlands of South Carolina, I saw them after spring and summer rains. Water crawled into roadside ditches, fields, potholes, and low places in dirt driveways until it had time to soak into the ground. 

And as the puddles waited to be absorbed into the dirt or for the sun’s heat to suck them into the atmosphere, my cousin—who lived beside my grandparents—and I waited nearby to play in them when the rain stopped. 

We knew nothing finer than removing our shoes and wading in mud puddles or running through them—at which point our entire clothes got wet. Since the summers were hot and humid, the water on our feet and bodies felt exhilarating until our grandmother pulled us away from our game. 

Our dalliances in the mud and water meant she’d have to wash clothes—and us. And who knew what might lounge beneath the water’s surface. Ringworms or other parasites, jagged glass, and tin cans come to mind. All recipes for a trip to the doctor or the emergency room. 

As our grandmother drew us from our trysts in the shallow puddles, so the psalmist said God drew him out of many waters, which represented his enemies’ attempt to harm him. 

For the believer, opposition comes naturally. It’s explained by the presence of light and darkness. We walk in the light while those who ignore God choose darkness. According to Jesus, these two things don’t mesh. One will always oppose the other because light exposes darkness’ dastardly intentions. 

Although opposition is unfavorable, God is sovereign over any opposition we face. Even if it brings unfathomable consequences or ends in our demise, he still controls it and is forever greater than any opposition we face. 

Opposition also confirms our identity. Jesus said if his enemies persecuted him, they would also torment his followers. The truth of his statement decorates Christian history.  

Comforting, however, is the thought that one day all opposition against the truth will be brought under the full authority of Christ’s reign. Believers living in the new heaven and on the new earth won’t experience it because God will eliminate all forces of sin. 

Puddles of opposition may be numerous, but God will deliver us from them all. 

Father, thank you for the privilege of suffering for your name. I am comforted in knowing that you will deliver me through or from the puddles of opposition. 

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The New Family - Lynne Phipps

A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families. Psalm 68:5-6 NIV

After my horse Frank’s mother died, he was very lonely. They had spent ten years together and formed their own family unit. Now, she was gone. He moped about for weeks and seemed to lose all interest in life. When let out of the corral onto our fenced acreage to graze, he was fearful and stayed close to the corral. We had three goats as well, plus a pack of dogs, but he shunned their company. 

Not until our property was threatened by a grizzly bear did things change. The goats needed protection, and Frank realized that only he and the dogs could provide it. At that moment, he chose to join the canine pack and confront the grizzly, who, knowing he was outnumbered, fled into the forest. From that time forward, Frank moved out of his grief and into a strong relationship with the goats and the dogs as his new family. 

God cares when we grieve. He cares when we find ourselves alone in life, due to any number of circumstances. He knows the hole that has been left in our heart when loved ones are lost and the depression which can so easily overtake us amidst such loss. He knows, and he cares. He cares so much that he does something about it: He sets the lonely in families. This is a promise. Like Frank, however, we need to embrace the new family he sets before us.  

If grief has us in its grips, we don't have to despair. We can cling to God’s truth: He sets the lonely in families. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, saves those who are crushed in spirit, and binds up their wounds. Healing is happening even now, though it may not feel like it. One day at a time, the darkness will recede a little more. The light will begin to shine as we trust and cling to him who loves us and will never leave or forsake us.  

When our hearts are ready, a new family relationship that God is even now preparing will come our way. It will never take the place of what we have lost, for nothing ever can. It may even be far different than we could ever imagine, but it will be good and right and lovely. It will meet the need of our heart and grant us the joy, companionship, and love that God knows we each crave, long for, and need. 

Ask God now to prepare your heart to accept the good gift that, in his time, will come your way.

Thank you, Lord, that you heal the brokenhearted and save the crushed in spirit. Thank you for promising to set the lonely in families. Prepare the hearts of the grieving from the loss of family to accept the good gift of new family relationships you will bring their way. 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. 

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Perplexed by Trials - Martin Wiles

Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 NLT

Rain is not a deterrent—just an inconvenience. 

I’d heard the saying from seasoned hikers. And since I loved to hike, I’d said it a few times myself. Had I postponed hiking trips because of the chance of rain, I would have stayed home more than I hiked. Unless the forecast was for a total washout, I proceeded with my plans and prepared accordingly. 

One such trip was to Tray Mountain in northeastern Georgia. Before reaching the summit, hikers come to a rocky mound with a 360-degree view. But not on this trip. Clouds covered the peak and valleys like a blanket. Occasionally, the stiff winds blew away enough clouds for me to see the surrounding beauty. 

My desire to hike or camp always overruled the inconvenience of rain. I simply prepared for inclement weather by taking a raincoat, a pack cover, and quick-drying clothes. Rain didn’t perplex me. In fact, I learned to expect it when hiking in the mountains—which make their own weather. 

Perhaps Paul was perplexed by his trial—an unidentified thorn in the flesh. He wouldn’t be the first. Old Testament Job—and a host of others—was as well. When living righteously and loving God supremely, it didn’t make sense for life to be tough. Shouldn’t it have been easy?

God has the power to initiate or allow trials. When He allows them, Satan is the instigator. He hopes the trial will make us bitter and frustrated or make us want to give up. That’s never God’s intention when he initiates or allows them. He has good intentions—along with the power to turn around Satan’s plans and overrule them for good.

Rather than getting perplexed by trials, we can focus on their positive effects. They can grow us, making us stronger spiritually so we can face life with a different attitude. They can draw out our ingenuity. God doesn’t usually fix things automatically, but he will give us wisdom, under his power, to discern the correct course of action. Trials cause us to look at life differently—to examine our priorities. And they also propel us into actions we might not otherwise take. 

Instead of being perplexed by your trials, let God show you the positive side effects of them. 

Father, when I move through difficult seasons of life, show me the positive things that can result. 

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Red Velvet Cake

 

Ingredients

2 ½ CUPS PLAIN FLOUR (SIFTED)

1 ½ CUP SUGAR

1 TABLESPOON BAKING SODA

1 TEASPOON COCOA

½ TEASPOON SALT

3 EGGS

1 CUP BUTTERMILK

1 ½ CUP OIL

1 BOTTLE RED FOOD COLORING

1 TEASPOON VANILLA

1 TEASPOON VINEGAR

Directions

SIFT ALL DRY INGREDIENTS TOGETHER.

BEAT OIL, SUGAR, AND EGGS TOGETHER

GRADUALLY ADD ALL INGREDIENTS TOGETHER, BEATING AS YOU GO.

BAKE IN 3 LAYERS AT 325 DEGREES FOR 25 MINUTES.

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Ingredients

               1 BOX POWDERED SUGAR              

1 STICK MARGARINE

1 TEASPOON VANILLA

8 OUNCES CREAM CHEESE (SOFTENED)      

1 CUP NUTS (CHOPPED)

Directions

BEAT ALL INGREDIENTS EXCEPT NUTS.

STIR IN THE NUTS.

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Seeing with Faith Eyes - Martin Wiles

Then at your command, O LORD, at the blast of your breath, the bottom of the sea could be seen, and the foundations of the earth were laid bare. Psalm 18:15 NLT

Jan could see herself healed, but she had no proof she was. 

For more than a year, Jan had suffered with a hacking cough and congestion. Her initial doctor visits resulted in a diagnosis of bronchitis, for which she was prescribed antibiotics. Somewhere along the way, her bronchitis cleared up, but the coughing and shortness of breath didn’t. Her family doctor referred her to a pulmonologist who diagnosed her with asthma. 

After a year of coughing, Jan was tired—physically and emotionally. She rarely attended church because she was afraid her coughing would disrupt the service. Her energy level made going to the grocery store or getting together with friends almost impossible. She was confined and discouraged. 

Carrying on a conversation with her was almost impossible because of her coughing. She apologized; I told her I understood. She told me she wanted to come to church; I assured her the church understood. Then she said, “But I still believe God can heal me.” She still saw life with faith eyes.

David did as well. God hadn’t defeated his enemies yet, but he believed he would. He could see what the earth and sea would look like after the battle was over—the battle that hadn’t taken place yet. 

Seeing with faith eyes lets us see God’s forgiveness. We have no tangible proof that our sins are forgiven and cast into God’s sea of forgetfulness, but we believe they are.

Seeing with faith eyes gives us a glimpse of eternity—even though we’ve never been given a sneak preview. All we have is the picture God’s Word paints, but we stake our lives on the belief it exists.

Seeing with faith eyes helps us believe God has a plan for our lives. We don’t always understand it or see how he is working it out—but we believe he is. He tells us we’re his masterpieces, and that we have potential to be used in his Kingdom agenda. 

Seeing with faith eyes also helps us remember the ill effects of sinful behavior, thoughts, and attitudes. Although we can’t handle sin, we can be handled by it. God says sin violates his standards, and we choose to accept his word. 

Life holds more than we can physically see. Let God help you live with faith eyes.

Father, remind me that I walk by faith—not by sight—and that my faith will be rewarded. 

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Turning Loose the Leaves - Martin Wiles

As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night. Genesis 8:22 NLT

The leaves fell, and I knew there were some things I needed to let fall as well.

During one autumn week, the wind blew, and the leaves descended like dive-bombers from the trees. I watched maple trees, filled with pulsating red leaves, release them, letting them tumble to the ground.

As my feet trudged through the mounded leaves, I thought of the above verse. What God had promised was happening. But just as surely as the trees freed their leaves, I too had to free my life of things that have a habit of hanging on if I were going to enjoy God’s best.

Bitterness was one leaf I had to let fall. Reasons for bitterness—against others, God, or both—can be numerous. Perhaps the trials of life have gotten us down, and we begin to wonder whether or not there is a God who cares. Maybe relationships or jobs have ended unexpectedly. When bitterness hangs on, life is miserable.

Unfair decisions are another leaf. These are made by others but affect us. The decision to end a job, a relationship, a contract, or even a life. We can’t control unfair decisions made by others. The feeling of being powerless leads to despair and can easily usher in hopelessness—and its bedfellow, depression.

Past hurts can hang like unfallen autumn leaves. Life is filled with them. We can hurt others, intentionally or unintentionally, and others can hurt us. Hurts … well, hurt. They put a damper on life. Wishing they could be undone only leads to further misery.

Unforgiveness is like the stubborn leaf that refuses to fall. Hurts must be forgiven, or bitterness and a life of misery will follow.

Physical pain is also an unwelcome leaf. Especially when doctors can’t find the cause, when medicine isn’t doing the trick, or when my prayers for God’s healing don’t bring relief.

While we may have no control over physical pain or others’ unfair decisions that hurt us, we can avoid the leaves of bitterness and unforgiveness. What’s in the past is in the past and should stay there. Reliving it or using it as an excuse for present unwise behavior keeps the leaf from falling where it can do what God designed it to do.

Let the unhealthy leaves fall from your life tree and enjoy the life God gives you.

Father, give me power to let go of those things that keep me from the abundant life you offer. 

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Stamps for Trade - Martin Wiles

Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” Luke12:15 NLT

Who would have thought a book of stamps would buy what I wanted?

As an additional marketing tactic to attract customers, Piggly Wiggly grocery stores offered Greenback stamps. A small machine was located just above the cash register. The cashier punched in the amount the customer had purchased, and the machine distributed stamps. Consumers then licked the stamps and placed them in books.

Mom didn’t particularly like to lick stamps, so she gave me that job with the reward of getting the stamps. The Greenback company had a store in my hometown and distributed a catalog showing items available for purchase. For a young boy who loved to spend money he didn’t have or should have saved, this arrangement suited me fine.

As the blank books began filling, I’d peruse the catalog to see what I wanted. I wasn’t interested in household items—only those things that suited a young boy’s fancy. The joy I felt as I made my way to the Greenback store was only dampened if the store was out of my planned purchase.

At the time, I hadn’t learned what Jesus taught. I still thought things could make me happy. Years later, I’m still working on learning the lesson since it goes against the grain of my human nature.

Of course, Jesus didn’t teach that things were wrong; He just warned against the attachment and disappointment effect they often have. When considering a purchase or investment, I’ve learned to consider several things.

Can I use the item in God’s Kingdom work? If I can’t—even in some small way--maybe it’s not the best thing for me to invest my money in.

Will purchasing this item bring me closer to God? If it’s a Bible, the answer is easy; if it’s a flat-screened television or an all-terrain vehicle, I might have to be ingenious.

Could the item I’m buying steal my focus from God? The answer to this question prompts me to consider the item’s long-term possibilities.

Is buying the item sinful? While some things are morally neutral but carry the potential to become sinful, some things are just sinful—plain and simple.

Jesus was right. Life shouldn’t be measured by what or how much we have. Life is about him and our relationship to him.

Measure the value of what you have by whom you’re related to.

Father, may we learn that in You we have all we’ll ever need. 

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WESTERN STYLE RICE SKILLET

 

Ingredients

1½ POUND GROUND CHUCK (BROWNED AND DRAINED)

½ TEASPOON SALT

1 PACK ONION SOUP MIX

1½ CUP WATER

¾ CUP UNCOOKED RICE

1 16-OUNCE CAN TOMATOES (UNDRAINED)  

1 CAN ENGLISH PEAS (DRAINED)         

1 CUP SHREDDED CHEESE

Directions

MIX ALL INGREDIENTS EXCEPT CHEESE IN A SAUCEPAN.

SIMMER FOR FIFTEEN MINUTES.

STIR TO MIX WELL.

POUR INTO A BAKING DISH AND TOP WITH CHEESE.

BAKE AT 350 DEGREES FOR ONE HOUR.

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When God Thunders - Martin Wiles

The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded amid the hail and burning coals. Psalm 18:13 NLT

We counted—1 1,000, 2 1,000, 3 1000—and then ran for cover. 

One church my father pastored was populated by farming families, one of whom grew hundreds of acres of watermelons. When the watermelon farmer offered me a part-time job in the afternoons, I accepted. 

The fields were shrouded with weeds as tall as I was. Humidity sweltered, and I sweated and choked for air as I heaved the watermelons onto the back of the farm truck. The midsummer climate made conditions perfect for afternoon thunderstorms. When we saw the first flash of lightning, we counted. Three seconds equaled a mile. If we didn’t get to 3 1,000s before we heard the clap of thunder, we ran for whatever cover we could find.

I’ve repeated the same procedure while hiking in the mountains. Thunder is the sound of lightning, and though the chances of being struck by lightning are slim, the chances increase when I’m in an unprotected environment. 

When the psalmist described God’s approach to deal with his enemies, he chose the sound of thunder. Thunder is frightening because of its association with lightning. And God’s power can be just as frightening or comforting—depending on whether I’m His friend or enemy. 

Thunder can be a low rumble or an ear-piercing clap. The first doesn’t normally frighten me, but the second sends me scurrying for cover. Hearing God can be similar. Sometimes his voice heard in my spirit is loud and clear, while at other times it’s barely perceptible. 

Unconfessed sin will keep us from hearing God, but sin isn’t the only thing that makes his voice sound like a rumble instead of a loud clap. Busyness, misplaced priorities, and selfishness can all play a part. 

Several conclusions, however, do bring comfort. God is continuously speaking to our spirits. Things in our lives may soften his whisper, but he speaks nevertheless. God wants us to hear him. When we don’t, we tend to do things our way, which leads us astray. Preparing daily to hear God is crucial. Beginning the morning with a prayer asking him to speak clearly and to help you hear clearly helps. Praying on the armor he provides is also a good follow-up (Ephesians 6:11-18). 

Do whatever is necessary to hear God when he thunders.

Father, enable me to hear you clearly when you speak from the heavens. 

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Curing the Whines - Rita Pueschner

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4 NIV

Felicia, my feline child, had the whines one afternoon. Her constant, high-pitched meowing grated on my nerves and left me wondering what she wanted. She showed no interest in playing with Jingles the jellyfish or any of her other toys scattered across the living room floor. We’d had lunch and cuddle time, but evidently catnap time wasn’t on her agenda. She didn’t even want to practice her tunnel tumbling. Things were just not to her liking. I guess she’s forgotten about the year and a half she spent confined to a cage at an animal rescue before I adopted her. She has gone from being homeless to becoming queen of the household. She should be grateful. Where is her appurrciation? She needed to learn a little about curing the whines.

On that thought, God reminded me of my own whiny tendencies. Sometimes, things are just not to my liking either. Perhaps my well-laid plans have gone awry, or I’ve been disappointed, and the whining begins. 

But then I look around and see how God has blessed me. I look within myself and see a woman transformed by His forgiveness and grace—rescued from a wayward, self-indulgent lifestyle. I’ve gone from being on a downward spiral of sin to becoming a cherished child of God Most High, who has promised me an eternal home with Him in heaven. So what do I have to whine about? Where is my appreciation?

The Bible tells us to “rejoice in the Lord always.” Our joy in the Lord should be based on who He is to us—not on how things are going for us. I’ve found that when I get a case of the whines, the best cure is to recall all that God has done for me and show Him my gratitude through thanksgiving and praise. When we focus on God’s goodness and His loving presence in our lives, our whining gives way to rejoicing. 

If you get the whines, pause and reflect on everything you have to be grateful for. Spend time with God, thanking Him for who He is and what He’s done for you. Rejoice in God’s goodness, even when things don’t seem purrfect.

Rita Pueschner is a recent retail retiree and is excited about pursuing new opportunities to do God’s work. She was almost fifty when she acknowledged her need for salvation, and God transformed her life by His amazing grace. Now she wants to share her faith through writing and to encourage others in their Christian walk. Rita leads a prayer ministry for people and their pets and is a devoted cat mom.

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Loving the Misfits - Martin Wiles

Then he (Jesus) added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’” Matthew 9:13 NLT

Carrying a flag, Jeffrey walked the streets of our city.

At one time, seeing a homeless person in our small town was odd. Then Jeffrey showed up. His long hair and scruffy beard waved in the wind, like the flag he carried. I thought he must have landed here from some far-away state. Then I learned from a friend—whose church he had visited—that he lived in the next town over. Because of drug use—and the resulting mental issues—his family had disowned him. 

Occasionally, Jeffery disappeared. Usually because he had been arrested for some minor infraction. After a few weeks, he would reappear, only to disappear again. Once, the authorities arrested him for threatening firemen. He thought they had stolen his bicycle—another of his prized possessions, along with his flag and shopping cart. 

My wife and I saw Jeffrey often since he adopted the street corner two blocks from our subdivision. Recently, he stood there in the dark, wearing dark clothes and dancing to the music only he could hear. We’ve also witnessed him cursing the cross planted on the corner where someone was hit and killed. And cursing the “Sidewalk Closed” sign when the road crew was repairing the road. His antics are comical—yet sad. 

On several occasions, people have tried to help Jeffrey. One paid for him to spend time in a nearby city’s rehab facility to get cleaned up from drugs. Perhaps it worked for a while, but his later antics demonstrated that the demons had overtaken his life again. 

When I see Jeffrey, I wonder how Jesus would respond to him. The religious leaders were good at obeying the letter of the law, but Jesus reminded them there was more. He wanted to see mercy—the mercy he showed to the Jeffreys of his world. 

I can imagine Jesus sitting and conversing with Jeffrey, questioning him about his beliefs and what brought him to this point in his life. I can imagine him offering him something to eat or a place to stay. I can also see him giving Jeffrey the freedom to make his own life choices. Whatever Jesus would do, it would be tainted with mercy. He loved the world’s misfits—and we should too. 

When you see those the world terms misfits, love them as Jesus would.

Father, give me a heart of love for those who need to experience your love. 

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Ritzy Chicken Casserole

Ingredients

2 SLEEVES OF RITZ CRACKERS

1 CAN CREAM OF CHICKEN

1 CAN CREAM OF MUSHROOM

1 CUP SOUR CREAM

½ CAN CHICKEN BROTH

2 TABLESPOONS BUTTER

4-6 CHICKEN BREASTS (COOKED)

Directions

CRUMBLE ONE SLEEVE OF CRACKERS IN THE BOTTOM OF A GREASED CASSEROLE DISH.

DRIZZLE HALF OF THE MELTED BUTTER OVER THE CRACKERS.

MIX CHICKEN WITH SOUPS, SOUR CREAM, AND BROTH.

POUR OVER CRACKERS.

CRUSH REMAINING CRACKERS OVER CHICKEN MIXTURE AND DRIZZLE REMAINING BUTTER ON TOP.

BAKE AT 350 FOR 30-40 MINUTES.

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