Flashback Friday - Born for a Purpose - Martin Wiles

Born for a Purpose

She had never met him before, but she cared for him as if he was the most important person in the world.

Ann* knew she was going to be a single mother in eight months. While she regretted the unfortunate decision that produced the baby inside her, she didn’t begrudge the fact that new life was being produced by her. She ate healthily, got sufficient rest, avoided substances that could harm her and her child, visited the doctor regularly, watched her weight, and took vitamins. All things an expectant mother should do to ensure a healthy baby. Nine months later, Sam* entered the world. A healthy boy with shining skin and smile to match. Ann’s not sure what his purpose is yet, but she’s confident God has one. Read more...

Tweetable: Have you discovered your purpose?

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Throwback Tuesday - No Death's Sting - Martin Wiles

No Death’s Sting

“If I eat this, will it kill me?”

The thought of death first entered my mind as a child and manifested itself in a multitude of questions that drove my mother crazy. Would eating particular things kill me? Would certain substances initiate my demise? I was coming to grips with my mortality. I wasn’t invincible after all.

As a teen, such curiosities took flight. I was unconquerable-or at least thought so. This mindset materialized in various unwise decisions and actions. Reality returned when I became a young adult, and several health issues reminded me I wasn’t indomitable. Read more...

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Act like a Child - Martin Wiles

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

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

Our annual Vacation Bible School had arrived. Things would be 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 older children were dismissed and the two younger classes invited to circle around their teacher at the front. Like starving animals, they herded around their leader. 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 never witness such a sight with adults—myself included. I pondered over what happens that makes us lose our childhood excitement over learning about Jesus and being His follower. Jesus says if I’m to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, I must become like a little child. 

Acting like a child means having childlike faith. 

When the story of Jonah and the great fish was related, the children didn’t question whether the event actually happened or whether it was 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 lesson: disobedience has consequences and Jesus wants us to obey Him.

Acting like a child involves giving my all: money, time, and possessions. 

Boys and girls competed to see who could bring the most change. The charitable organization their money would support had been announced the first night. Though competition drove the total, the children gave to help others. 

Acting like a child entails never losing my 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 learn. God wants me growing in my relationship with Him—and getting more rather than less excited as time marches on. 

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

Prayer: Father, help us never lose our excitement over being Your child and maturing in our walk with You. 

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