Flawed but Functional - Martin Wiles

For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession. Deuteronomy7:6 NIV

Sin had ensnared another victim. He was flawed but functional. 

I listened as the newscaster gave a piecemeal report. The leaders of a noted mega church were meeting behind closed doors. The pastor had planted the church sixteen years before on a college campus. From a small start, it had grown into a mega church with numerous satellite campuses. Thousands flocked to its campuses weekly. The following morning, I listened to the newscaster again. This time, the news was grimmer. The pastor had been accused of alcohol abuse and asked to step down.

Had church leaders polled church members for advice on how to handle the situation, they would have received a wide variety of opinions. Some would have wanted him to stay, some to leave, and some to take intermediary actions between the two extremes. What would happen to his ministry was also up for grabs. Opinions of those in leadership positions would determine whether he ministers again.

Though God proclaimed his Old Testament people as holy, they were often anything but. They dabbled in the pagan worship rites of their neighbors while trying to worship God simultaneously. Their repeated pattern was faithfulness followed by rebellion. Flaws decorated their lifestyles, just as they did the pastor of this mega church.

Flaws are inevitable. I was born with a flawed nature. Christ gives me a new one at salvation, but he doesn’t immediately perfect me. I’ll have to wait for heaven to experience that. In the meantime, I’m flawed like the Israelites and the pastor—and all people. I journey toward experiential holiness, but flaws keep me from reaching it in this life.

But the news isn’t all bad. We may be flawed, but we’re still functional. Though this pastor abused alcohol and had to step down, God can give him power over his addiction and use him again. God used the Israelites despite their rebellion. King David committed adultery, murdered, schemed, and lied, but God still found room in his service for him. And God has continued to use me, even though I’ve made many missteps into areas I should have avoided.

You may be flawed, but you are still functional in God’s service.

Father, thank you for using me even when I fail to be all you want me to be. 

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.

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.

Healing the Hurting - Martin Wiles

The crowds asked, “What should we do?” John replied, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.” Luke 3:10-11 NLT

God brought the saying to my mind; I never imagined anything would come of it, especially healing the hurting. 

Bimonthly, I changed the saying on the sign in front of the church. Since I was tired of trying to find unique sayings—and since we didn’t have anything special happening to advertise--I tried to listen for God’s still small voice. “Hurting people find healing here” came to mind. Appropriate, I thought. After all, churches should be places where anyone can come for emotional, spiritual, and even physical healing. 

A couple in our church who own a construction company had been remodeling our Sunday school area and feverishly trying to finish it before our annual Vacation Bible School. As they worked late one night, a stranger banged on the door. Wary at first to let him in since the stench of alcohol clothed him, they eventually decided to open the door. He wanted nothing but to talk. “You may have saved my life,” he said later when he left. 

Hundreds of years had passed since anyone had heard from a prophet of God. Then John the Baptist emerged from the wilderness. Not the kind of person you’d think God would send with an important message, but, then again, God often operates outside of the box. After destroying their trust in their family heritage as a source of salvation, John hears them ask what they should do. Share with others was his answer. Doing so would demonstrate love. 

Jesus parroted John’s message. As God’s representative, we must share his love with others. The only way we can do this is through tangible acts that touch their lives. Even those incapacitated by health ailments can carry on an active intercessory prayer ministry. Other acts might include supporting an orphaned child, encouraging missionaries serving overseas in dangerous areas, carrying meals to shut-ins, or teaching in a local church. 

Opportunities abound, but healing the hurting is a mandate we can’t ignore. Through acts of love, we validate our relationship with Christ to ourselves and others. When they see love in action, they will be more likely to trust the Savior we serve. 

Think of one way you can help heal those who are hurting.

Father, motivate me to reach out in love to those who are hurting.

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.

We Need Revival - Patricia Jordan

Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction. Proverbs 29:18 NIV

One summer, I attended one of those old-time camp meeting revivals in Western North Carolina, where my husband and I live. This was my second summer of attending the tent meetings. I have a friend who attends the host church, and she invited me to her church’s revival. I went and enjoyed it so much that I returned again the following summer.

The host church covered the tent floor with wood shavings. Nightly, a great lineup of spirit-filled praise singers started and ended the meeting by singing wonderful gospel songs. In between the music, men and women prayed at the altar. Then one of the preachers approached the podium and preached an inspiring message. 

The preachers came from nearby towns scattered across the Blue Ridge Mountains, as well as some from as far away as Mississippi. They each realized it was up to them to spark the revival flame. The preachers and singers knew we live in a dark world. The Spirit anointed each one to be a gospel messenger through their talents and calling. 

Our souls are in a dark place without the light of the gospel message being placed within them. Without Christ, we wander through life looking for meaning, even spiritual meaning. But because we know no restraint but God's law, we never find that peace that passes all understanding.

One night, I relaxed in our backyard, enjoying the stars that sparkled across the sky. After a few minutes, I felt in my spirit that God told me that the brightly lit stars represented believers. The dark sky represented the darkness of this world. That’s when I realized how much we need revival. As Christians, we have the responsibility to share God’s message with the world.

Think of ways you can help revive this dark world. 

Heavenly Father, cleanse me of all unrighteousness. Forgive me of my sins. Set my soul and heart on fire for revival. In Jesus' name, amen.

Patricia and her husband are both Christians who stay active in their faith. They are also Air Force veterans. They have three daughters, two granddaughters, and one great-grandbaby. They live in her hometown of Sylva, NC. Patricia went to college, intending to become a writer. After dabbling around at writing, she finally got serious about it and wrote a self-help book about her own journey of overcoming depression (Westbow Press). She enjoys gardening and staying in touch with her extended family. She believes in daily Bible reading as a means of spiritual growth and mental and emotional wellness.

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.

The Job of Encouragement - Anita van der Elst

When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. Romans 1:12 NLT

While staying for a couple of weeks with my daughter after the birth of her firstborn, I visited a nearby church. I was delighted that the church had a small café where one could enjoy a quick breakfast and specialty coffee before the worship service. 

Waiting for my latte and wanting to connect, I tried to engage in conversation with some folks sitting nearby. I was slightly surprised that they didn’t seem interested in doing so. This would have discouraged me in the past, but the Lord has brought maturity over time. I know He wants me to be encouraged, like Paul desired, and to encourage others. So, I looked for a connection somewhere else in the area.

The Lord did not disappoint. The next person I saw stood in the middle of the room in a circle designated “Next Steps.” A sign hung from the ceiling that read, “Start Here.” She smiled, and we conversed. Her job may have been to greet and help people, but her interest was genuine. She offered to sit with me in the sanctuary, and I readily accepted. 

Our shared camaraderie and love for our Savior greatly enhanced the worship experience. We exchanged phone numbers, and although I would go home to another state, we agreed to stay in touch. Our encounter encouraged me in my faith journey, and she said the same.

If I had let the first failed attempt to connect dictate the rest of my morning, what a loss I would have experienced. And the same for my new friend. How much better to go with the motive of seeking to encourage others in the faith.

Think of ways you can encourage others in their faith. 

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.

Less Talk and More Wisdom - Martin Wiles

Even fools are thought to be wise when they keep silent; when they keep their mouths shut, they seem intelligent. Proverbs 17:28 NLT

“It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.” Several have said it in various configurations. Regardless of the version, each entails less talk and more wisdom. 

When I was young, I acted foolishly in many ways. One was talking during church. I suppose the church my dad pastored didn’t have a nursery. These were the days when children still cut their teeth on church pews and were taught to remain silent during church. Acting childishly resulted in a trip outside or to a back classroom for a learning lesson applied to the hindquarters.

My saintly grandmother, who didn’t want her only grandson getting a spanking, brought along a pocketful of chocolate candy, silver bells as I called them. Stuffing my mouth with them for forty-five minutes probably wasn’t healthy, but it helped me keep my mouth closed.

Wise King Solomon had a lot to say about when and what a person should and should not say when they did speak.

Less talk promotes selflessness. Life was about me as a youngster—and for some years thereafter. Kids are narcissistic; so are some adults. But life isn’t about us. By reducing the number of words we speak, we learn to hear about what’s going on in others’ lives.

Talking less enables us to actually hear what others are saying. The other person doesn’t stand a chance if we're doing all the talking. Nor can we hear them if we’re silent but mulling over what we will say when they finish talking. That’s called lack of focus—or focusing on the wrong thing. Looking at the person speaking helps us listen and digest what they’re sharing.

Being a person of few words also helps us consider the importance of our words. One of my college professors had an annoying habit of pausing before he answered a question—so much so that I wanted to answer for him. Later, I understood his reasoning. He thought before he spoke—which, by the way, saves from making many foolish statements.

Listening more than we speak opens up opportunities for us to help others. We hear and understand what they’re saying, and then we can speak and act wisely.

Think of ways you could speak less so others can talk more.

Father, give me wisdom to know when to speak and when to remain silent. 

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.

Sin’s Fallout - Martin Wiles

I punish the children for the sins of their parents to the third and fourth generations. Exodus 34:7 NLT

My wife and I pass a particular church’s parking lot on the way to our church. We were once affiliated with this church and remember when the parking lot and most of the seats inside were full. The music was awesome, and the preaching was vivacious. New members joined regularly, and excitement filled the air.

Then, things changed. Attendance declined to half as much, and an air of despondency filled the sanctuary—not because of anything the current members had done, but because of sin’s fallout effect. A leader—and a few members—chose to delve into sin, and the entire church felt the effect.

I once thought this verse was confusing . . . even unfair. Why should children and their children suffer for something they didn’t do? Then I discovered a better interpretation. God isn’t saying they are responsible for their relatives’ sins but that they will feel the fallout from them.

Though I’m responsible for my personal sins, rarely do they only affect me. Thousands of children suffer physical and emotional ailments because their moms chose to use dangerous substances while they were pregnant or because their parents chose to berate them with emotionally damaging messages. Numerous spouses experience irreparably ruined credit records due to poor decisions by an ex-spouse. And many reputations suffer when the person themselves has no control over a bad situation.

Since we’re involved with others in some fashion, our closest associates will feel the effects of our decisions. Choosing to sin is never just about us. Our sinful choices will take us where we really don’t want to go—even though we think we might. Additionally, we’ll carry others with us who don’t want to go but who are carried along by association. And we’ll then keep them and ourselves longer than we want to stay. Further, the cost can be astronomical. 

While confessing sin is crucial, it rarely removes the consequences of poor decisions. Consequences are God’s reminders. Better yet is making a commitment to live a pure life and walk in the power of the new nature God has given. When we do this, we’ll experience less of sin’s fallout effect—and so will others close to us.

Think of ways to prevent sin’s fallout effect in your life.

Father, remind me that my body is a temple of your Spirit and that I should present it to you as a pure and holy sacrifice. 

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.

When the World Changed - Martin Wiles

So the Lord sent poisonous snakes among the people, and many were bitten and died. Number 21:6 NLT

I once thought I would have enjoyed living during the Great Depression, but . . .

When I was younger, I could find people who had suffered through the Great Depression. I loved talking to them—my grandfather included. I enjoy reading history books about that same period. The stock market crashed, banks closed, unemployment skyrocketed, bread lines opened, work programs appeared, people traveled across the country looking for work, and, unfortunately, many committed suicide. Some lost all they had. People learned to survive on the bare essentials. However, good things came from the economic breakdown as well. People pulled together and demonstrated kindness. They looked to each other and God. But that was then, and this was now.

“We need some groceries,” my wife said.

My monthly paycheck had arrived. Usually, my wife made a list and headed there herself. Not now. COVID-19 changed our lives and the world. Officials enacted social distancing. Some stores closed early to disinfect, our retailer being one of them.

Having just gotten over strep throat, my wife didn’t need to be around too many people. That meant going as soon as the store opened. Some stores allowed no one except senior adults in during the first few hours. I qualified. Additionally, we had two of our grandboys during the week, and we didn’t want them exposed.

So, at 6:30 am on a Sunday—enough time to shop and return before going to church, where I preached to empty pews—we pulled into the Walmart parking lot. A few others had the same idea. Go early and avoid the risk of exposure. The store would be disinfected, and most people would still be home in bed. And the shelves might even be stocked, since hopefully the hoarders would still be asleep, too. We struck pay dirt, getting everything we needed and avoiding seeing more than thirty people.

The previous day, pen sickness had overcome us. When I used the phrase on my adult daughter, she said, “What?” I had to explain. My wife and I had tired of the four walls. We needed to get out. Living in town differed from living in the country. There, we could have roamed acres of land without coming in contact with anyone. Not so in the city.

We called a couple and asked if they wanted to ride to a nearby park that officials had yet to close. The park hosted a few hiking trails, and we imagined a nice getaway where we could enjoy God’s creation and still maintain social distancing. Getting out in nature and doing a little exercise did us all a world of good. We were thankful for a place we could still go without the threat of contracting the virus that ravaged our world.

Never in all my life had I used so much hand sanitizer or washed my hands so often. I’m a firm believer that exposure to germs builds an immune system. And I think I’m right. I lick my finger before passing out papers to my middle schoolers and handle the papers they turn in without thought, washing my hands only after using the restroom or touching poisonous materials. But not then. Coronavirus changed my world.

The Israelites’ world also changed. They did their usual thing: disobeyed God. God had punished them in various ways, but this time, He rocked their world with poisonous snakes. Many died. Only those who looked at the bronze serpent Moses erected lived. Their look was one of faith. After all, faith is the one thing that gets us through a changed world.

Never in my lifetime—or in the lifetime of anyone I have known—has something changed our world as COVID-19 did in 2020. Thousands died, medicines were only experimental, and no vaccine existed. Social distancing made us feel disconnected, even though social media kept us together. But Twitter, Skype, Instagram, and Facebook didn’t substitute for a good hug, sitting next to someone, or shaking a hand.

New normals get our attention, making us sit up straighter and focus. And this one did. I’m not saying God sent the virus—He could have. After all, He did send snakes. But at the very least, He used it to bring out the good in people, to promote unity, and to help us love each other more.

When massive change comes, we can hoard and turn inwardly or turn outwardly and upwardly. Undoubtedly, COVID-19 changed our world in a way it had never experienced before. For those who responded appropriately during the virus, we, in the aftermath, now see people differently, love God more passionately, and rearrange a few of the things that we once considered necessary. After all, whoever thought toilet paper would top our grocery list?

Don’t let change diminish your trust in the God who controls.

Father, when things seem out of control, turn my eyes to the One who remains in control. 

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Spilled Out - Martin Wiles

All of us must die eventually. Our lives are like water spilled out on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. 2 Samuel 14:14 NLT

What’s spilled can be wiped up but not typically recovered.

A number of us enjoyed ourselves at our annual church picnic and campout. I had joined a local couple and their family at their campsite and helped them prepare supper. As we tried to fit all the condiments on a small picnic table, a two-liter bottle of Coke tumbled off and rolled down the hill. Not thinking, I picked it up and unscrewed the top. Coke spewed everywhere—not one was recovered. 

A wise woman once compared death to water spilled on the ground. King David had a rift with one of his sons and refused to see him. His military commander sent a wise woman to tell the king a story that applied to his situation. In doing so, she used a simile to compare spilled water and death.

Death is a reality for all except those living when Christ returns. I don’t enjoy thinking about death, although the thought enters my mind more now than in the past. As I age, I know I’m closer to D-day than I’ve been. Practical preparations include life insurance policies and a will. However, these items only ensure my family is taken care of and possibly that my heirs won’t argue over what I leave behind. They won’t affect my eternity—which is more important.

Like spilled water, life is temporary. God spends His time trying to gather us to Himself since sin has separated us from Him. He’s not satisfied with wiping up our spills and tossing the rag away. He wants more for us. Nor should we so carelessly toss others aside.

Repentance of sins and faith in Christ are the only things that ultimately prepare us for death. Once this initial step is taken, a life of spiritual growth and learning to trust Christ in every aspect of our lives should follow.

As we near the end of our lives, we’ll not fret or fear. Confidence that we belong to God will usher us through the death event. Like spilled water, we’ll melt into the presence of our loving heavenly Father.

Make sure you are ready when your time to go comes.

Father, even though I must walk through the valley of death, I will not be forsaken by You. 

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Better Together - Tranece Harris

Two people are better than one, because they can reap more benefit from their labor. For if they fall, one will help his companion up, but pity the person who falls down and has no one to help him up. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NET

Feelings of defeat and hopelessness overtook me as life’s circumstances proceeded to kick me in the side and punch me in the gut.

I sat paralyzed in my office chair, allowing rivers of tears to stream down my face. I threatened to call someone but convinced myself no one would understand. How could I live in a community of like-minded believers, yet feel isolated and alone? As I reflected, reality sank in. My loneliness was a self-inflicted wound. My assumptions and lack of healthy conflict resolution caused me to convince myself that relationships were too much work. There I sat in the desert, left to face the hardest person I had ever faced—me.

Metaphorically, I felt battered, bruised, and broken and wanted to scream out to the Father and ask Him why He had forsaken me. But at that moment, something clicked, and I felt closer to my Savior than ever before. If no one else could relate to my emotions or understand my circumstances, Jesus certainly could.

I attempted to peel myself from my desk chair to no avail, justifying my withdrawal by verbally reminding myself that Jesus was all I needed. I pictured a hollow chocolate Easter bunny—the only image I could produce to convey my feelings. Isolation proved more difficult than fellowship.

King Solomon explained that we all fall and need encouragement from fellow believers, but we must connect to the body of Christ to get it. We can accomplish more working together than on our own. Even if we think no one can relate to our situation, we may be surprised at how many others experience something similar. Exposure to others provides varying perspectives and new insights.

We were not meant to go through life alone. We are relational beings, meant for fellowship with like-minded Christ followers. Realizing we need others evidences spiritual growth and maturation, not weakness.

What are some ways you can encourage others?

Tweetable: Are you feeling down in the dumps? 

Tranece Harris is pursuing a M.A. in Christian Education at Dallas Theological Seminary. She serves as the president of the ARISE Women Student Fellowship at DTS and works as an admissions counselor. Upon graduation, Tranece plans to start her own nonprofit to offer life coaching to women at no cost. She wants to help women discover their God-given purpose, identify their unique design, and realize their self-worth. She and her husband, Terrence, serve as spiritual growth facilitators. When Tranece is not studying or working, she spends time with her three beautiful daughters, Thalia Faith, Tianna Grace, and Tamara Peace.

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