Cheating Death - Martin Wiles

You boast that you have struck a bargain to avoid death and have made a deal to dodge the grave. Isaiah 29:15 NLT

During my teenage years, I often cheated death--or so I thought.

Growing up as a teenager in the 1970s made it easy to rebel. Everyone seemed to be against something. Add to this that I was growing up in the home of a conservative preacher, and it should be easy to understand why I chose to join the rebellious. 

My rebellion took me down the path to bad addictions: tobacco, drugs, alcohol. Like most teens, I thought I was invincible. Although the thought of death frightened me, it didn’t scare me enough to make me change my ways. Driving drunk or drug-intoxicated was the norm on the weekend. How I got home safely without killing myself or someone else is nothing short of a miracle. I cheated death, but only because God had other plans for me. 

Isaiah spoke about death for his listeners who thought they could cheat death. God would send their enemies, and when they came, death would follow. 

I may have cheated death numerous times as a teenager, but I won’t cheat it in the end. If Jesus tarries with his Second Coming, I will walk the way all others have walked. Sickness will overtake me. My organs will finally shut down. A tragedy will strike. Whatever the form, death will strike. 

Death is the great leveler. We may differ from others in social standing, religious beliefs, and other ways, but the ground is level where the end of life is concerned. Science may discover many medical marvels, some of which can extend life, but it will never make a discovery that will prevent death. 

As a teen, I feared death, even while thinking I was unconquerable. Although I don’t enjoy thinking about it now, I no longer fear it. My life is now in God’s hands. He has forgiven my trespasses against him, cleaned the slate, and assured me of a heavenly home. I can now face death with the calm assurance of an eternity with my heavenly Father.

I knew Christ as a teen, but from a distance. Now I know him up close. I cannot cheat death, but I can face it through faith, with the knowledge that I’ll be victorious over it through the resurrection of my body and spirit. 

Don’t think you can cheat death. No one can.

Father, even though I must walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I know you are with me and will protect me.

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Don’t Be a Fence Straddler - Martin Wiles

Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” 1 Kings 18:21 NLT

At twelve, my grandfather learned about straddling the fence. 

When my grandfather was in middle school, his father died. In a time when women mainly worked at home and the man was the sole breadwinner, the family was in a precarious situation. My grandfather was the only one who could take the reins among three brothers.

With the help of his Uncle Ransom, my grandfather got down from the fence and went to work. Taking care of a mother and several female siblings at such a young age wasn’t easy, but he knew what he had to do and did it. Quitting school meant he’d never secure a job that would pay very much. And he didn’t.

When he later quit farming, he worked at the Paradise Ice Company in Orangeburg, South Carolina, where he worked for the remainder of his career. Though his pay left much to be desired, again, he knew what he had to do and did it.

Elijah wasn’t a fence-straddler, either. He summoned almost one thousand prophets and prophetesses of the pagan god Baal to the summit of Mount Carmel and challenged them to a contest to see which god was God. Before the contest began, he asked the people how long they would hesitate between two opinions . . . how long they would live with a divided mind.

Jesus once told people they couldn’t serve God and mammon. Mammon could be money or material possessions. But we can take anything and insert it in the place of mammon. We can’t choose God and Baal. Baal was a fertility god. Worshipping him allegedly brought prosperity and happiness. Our Baal can be anything that proposes to do the same thing.

God presents us with the same question as Elijah did to Baal’s representatives: “How long will you live with a divided mind?” We must choose God as well as the things that represent his nature. We can’t serve him and other gods. Nor does he want half-hearted service from us after we choose to follow him. He wants our undivided loyalty—not a divided mind.

Give God your all. He wants it—and deserves it. And when you choose to get off the fence, you’ll experience life as you never have before.

Father, give us strength to follow you with all our hearts, souls, and minds. 

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The Final Appointment - Martin Wiles

And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment. Hebrews 9:27 NLT

“Did you hear that Richey* died?”

The early morning text came from my cousin, a first responder in the town where Richey lived. She had seen Richey’s sister’s post on Facebook. He had experienced headaches for a few days with no relief. After Richey missed supper with his parents the night before, Richey’s dad walked over the next day to check on him and discovered him dead. 

Richey and I had been best friends during high school—and for a few years after that. We also worked at the same grocery store in our local town, where we both bagged groceries. After high school, Richey went to work for a small business, where he remained for the next twenty years.

But my life took a different turn. I worked locally, too, for a few years, but a layoff took me several towns over to find another job. Eventually, I went back to college. After graduation, I moved from one city to another—and even to another state, before finally coming back to my home state.

Throughout my transitions, I lost touch with Richey. I thought of him often—after all, he was my best friend. After Facebook was born, I searched for him. I found his sisters and brother, but never located him. I guess he wasn’t a Facebook fan. Now, he was gone.

I’ve heard it said that no parent should have to bury a child, but Richey’s mom and dad had buried two: Richey’s youngest sister and now Richey.

Even though it is appointed for us to die, very few want to. “And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27 NLT).

Depression drives some to an early death by suicide. Pain and disease plague others. And some get tired of living in a world that seems to have gone awry. Dad fell into the last category.

Dad’s first heart valve lasted one year. When doctors told him he needed another one, he didn’t want it. The family talked him into having the surgery, but he matter-of-factly informed us he would not be coming home from Atlanta, Georgia, after his surgery. He had lost the will to live. He had lived the seventy years God had promised and was ready to go to heaven. Dad was right. He never made it home.

Christians believe in heaven—a place where gold lines the streets, where pain flees, where everyone gets along, and where time is erased—but most people I’ve met are in no hurry to get there. Not if it means we must die. We want to enjoy earth as long as possible before passing through the unknown.

Death separates us from earthbound family and friends. But, of course, some of our friends and family—barring a change—won’t make it to heaven. They have no interest in God. In that case, death separates us forever. Not a pleasant thought.

We can’t do much about this death thing though. Unless Christ returns, we’ll all experience it. Exercising and eating right won’t prevent it. Nor will freezing our bodies after death, hoping scientists will one day find a way to bring them back to life. God has appointed death, and it will happen.

As I age, I find myself scanning the obituaries of local newspapers--the same thing my grandparents and great-grandparents did. They lived before the internet when the only sources of information were the local newspaper, the local television station, the local radio station, and the local busybody who knew everything about everybody. As I look over the names, I hope I won’t see anyone I know—but I will because dying is what we do.

Fortunately, we don’t have to live with dread over death. God has made a wonderful, eternal place for us. Jesus said when He left earth, He would return for His children—at His Second Coming or our death. And heaven will inhabit beauty and circumstances we’ve never experienced before.

Before we get there, our earthly sojourn allows us to invite others to travel to heaven with us. This journey also gives us time to accomplish God’s plan for us. To do all the good we possibly can to as many people as we can for as long as we can. Finally, when our time is over, God will usher us into heaven and say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

I don't know about Richey. As a teenager, he never had time for God. I hope somewhere along the way, he changed that. 

Enjoy your time on earth, but don’t forget to prepare for eternity.

Father, let me enjoy my time on earth, but prompt me not to forget to prepare for my death and eternity.

*Name changed to protect privacy.

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When Death Stares - Martin Wiles

The grave wrapped its ropes around me; death itself stared me in the face. 2 Samuel 22:6 NLT

She lay quietly on her bed … pale … yellow … a picture of death.

Though uncommon in their historical time, my parents came from families with only two children. Mom once received word that doctors had detected cancer in several of her sister’s major organs. The prognosis wasn’t good. Six months at best. Her daughter called to say we should come if we wanted to see her.

A number of family members gathered on a cool Friday morning to make the three-hour drive. She greeted us with a smile, especially when she saw two of my grandchildren she had only heard about. One, too young to know what was happening, sat on her stomach and cooed. The other, perceiving something was amiss since she was lying in a hospital bed, shyly gave her a kiss and said he loved her.

After a short visit, most of us said our goodbyes. While Mom hung around a little longer, my brother and I took a stroll. Since my aunt lived next door to what was once my grandparents’ farmhouse, we had a chance to gander over the property. As I took the short stroll, I was struck by a thousand resurrected childhood memories—hunting, playing in the hog pens, picking weeds from cotton fields, and sitting on my grandmother’s front porch.

I knew I’d probably set foot on this property only one more time. Suddenly, it wasn’t my aunt’s impending doom staring me in the face anymore. My mortality gazed into my eyes—intensely.

David penned these words after God had rescued him from his enemies—particularly his father-in-law and archenemy Saul. On numerous occasions—as he fought and ran for his life--death stared him in the face. But each time, God delivered him.

My aunt wasn’t delivered from death--only its sting. Neither will I when the time comes. Unless I’m alive when the Lord returns, I, like everyone else, will walk through and be overcome by death’s haunting shadow. It is appointed for everyone to die and, after that, to face judgment. Yet I can do like David: cry out to the Lord in my distress.

Death is a reality. We may prolong it by making healthy living choices, but eventually, it will make its appearance. When it might stare us in the face is not as important as being ready when it does. Faith in Christ is the only preparation. We made sure our aunt had taken care of this. She had. Sometimes, we focus so much on others that we forget our family.

Good news awaits. When we’ve made the faith connection, death ushers us into a beautiful eternity prepared by our heavenly Father. Be confident of your eternal dwelling when death looks into your eyes.

Father, thank You that in Jesus Christ, death loses its sting. 

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When Panic Sets In - Martin Wiles

The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm. Exodus 14:14 NLT

Dead ends faced me in every direction I turned.

Every fall, when apple-picking time arrived, my wife and I, along with our daughter and her two boys, made our way to Hendersonville, North Carolina. We enjoy the scenery, love the apples, and enjoy watching the grandboys play on the various attractions.

One activity we always enjoy entails walking through the corn maze. Walking through a cornfield where the corn reaches higher than my six-foot frame brings back fond memories—memories of doing the same as a boy as my cousin, and I ran through our grandfather’s corn fields.

The corn maze also reminds me of an attraction at the local fair where I grew up in Orangeburg, South Carolina: the Glass House. As I recall, I only mustered the nerve to do it one time. Everywhere I turned, I hit a glass wall. I finally made my way out, but not before panic set in.

While I enjoy the corn maze, I always feel a sense of anxiety when walking through it. Paths lead in all directions. I have no way of knowing which one will lead me to the end of the maze. Fortunately, I have my wife ahead of me, and she has a better sense of direction. But even with her excellent nose, we hit several dead ends. A sign greeted us, telling us we had come the wrong way.

Since the corn stalks stretch tall like a church steeple, seeing over them to find a landmark that would direct us back to the apple barn was impossible. Finally, we made our way out. Although I was a little anxious, I did not panic. In this case, I knew I could walk out of the field if I wanted to and see where I was.

Not so easily solved with COVID-19, which hit in full force during 2019-2020. People in China contracted it initially, and many died. Suddenly, the virus left China and marched across the world. The number of infected grew—and thousands died. With no cure available, panic grew. Toilet paper disappeared from shelves like a chicken thief with his goods—even though diarrhea was not a symptom of the virus. Hand sanitizer followed. My wife and I walked through retail and grocery stores and saw empty shelves. People hoarded food items as well. Doomsday thinking reigned.

Panic had a domino effect. Sporting events were axed. Churches canceled services. The President of the United States declared a national state of emergency. Governors closed schools. Even the private school where I teach closed. Everywhere, panic and anxiety rose and multiplied. People were encouraged to social distance themselves from places where fifty or more people would be gathered—then ten. Restaurants closed their dining areas and only opened the carry-out or drive-thrus.

Panic also gripped God’s people. They had just left four hundred years of slavery in Egypt. As they made their way toward the Red Sea, the king of Egypt—who had changed his mind about letting them go—hounded them. When the children of Israel looked around, they saw Pharaoh and his armies behind them and the Red Sea in front of them. Moses, their leader, told them to stay calm. The Lord would fight for them. Moses’ message was the same I heard from official after official during the Coronavirus: stay calm.  

When panic over dire circumstances sets in, we should remember a big but comforting word: sovereignty. The Bible attributes this trait to God. He is in control. He has not stepped away from his throne, where he rules the world.

God will also watch over His children. This does not mean we won’t succumb to the sickness, but God will give us wisdom to do what we need. And if a disease or natural disaster should snatch our lives away, God has an eternal home awaiting us. Knowing this, however, should not prevent us from taking every precaution we can. God gives us a mind to use and His Spirit to guide us along proper courses of action.

Trust is the key. God tells us not to be anxious or worry. He will supply our needs. Whatever we’re anxious about, we can present to him in prayer, and he will give us a peace that exceeds our understanding.

Panic sends a bad message that we think things are out of control, but they aren’t. God controls the timing and the duration of the situation and uses it for his good purposes—as well as ours.

When circumstances appear out of control and you are tempted to panic, remember who controls the situation.

Father, I look to you to lead me away from panic and fear and to trust instead. 

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Don’t Fear the Reaper - Martin Wiles

How frail is humanity! How short is life, how full of trouble! Job 14:1 NLT

They all died . . . one by one, but they didn’t fear the reaper. 

The first funeral I have vivid memories of was my mother’s dad. I had just turned fifteen, received my driver’s license, and wanted to drive in his funeral procession. Numerous strokes preceded his death, each one taking more from him but giving more to my grandmother—who became his primary caregiver. He lost his ability to walk alone, talk clearly, and eat alone—all those things he had once enjoyed. 

Several years later, I watched as both of my great-grandmothers died, one’s death in close proximity to the other. One of my great-grandmothers I wasn’t as close to. I don’t remember how she died. But the other, I saw regularly. She fell, broke her wrist, contracted pneumonia, and died shortly thereafter. 

Then came the death of my mom’s mom. She had developed Alzheimer’s ten years before her death. By the time she died, she only knew a handful of people—I wasn’t among them. 

The deaths that upended my world at the time were my dad’s parents. They had been like parents to me . . . had almost raised me. Although one outlived the other by a few years, I watched them both languish in a nursing home for a short period and then just die. We didn’t know anything particularly wrong with them besides old age. I got a chance to say goodbye before they took their final breaths. 

But the death that rocked my world—and caused me to consider my own demise—was my father’s. My wife, mother, and I watched him undergo heart surgery and then contract Mercer. After almost thirty days in the hospital, we let him go. The doctors offered us no hope. 

Most theologians consider Job the oldest book in the Bible. Even then, Job knew life was short and often filled with trouble. Although he didn’t have the fuller knowledge of the afterlife that God revealed as time progressed, he did believe death wasn’t the end. Trouble filled his life—courtesy of Satan’s attacks—but Job still placed his trust in God. 

Death knows no boundaries and holds to no age categories. It comes to the young, the old, and every age in between. It takes the poor, the rich, and the average. Money can’t stop it, nor can all the exercise in the world prevent it. Sometimes, we know it’s coming, but often, death sneaks up on us unaware. 

With the separation death brings, comes grief. Grief over the loss . . . the absence . . . the emptiness. But Job had a hope we can hold even more dearly. Something exists on the other side. Death is not the end. God has an eternity for those who follow Him—an eternity that will far surpass anything we hold dear on earth. 

Don’t fear the Grim Reaper. Christ has conquered death, and through Him, you can too.

How can you overcome the fear of death?

Father, I thank You for preparing something for me on the other side of this life. 

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Dying in Peace

Lord, now I can die in peace! As you promised me, I have seen the Savior. Luke 2:28-29 NLT

“Preacher, Mrs. ____ just died.”

“I’ll be right over.”

“Marty, your granddaddy wants to see you before he dies.”

“Okay, I’ll leave right now. I should be there in two hours.”

One a shut-in, the other a relative. Two of the many I’ve watched die or seen their bodies shortly after they have. Some struggle before taking the last breath. Others surrender peacefully. These two did.

The shut-in was a long-time member of the church I pastored. Her husband was still able to attend, but she wasn’t. I visited them monthly. They would never let me leave without taking some junk food home for the kids.

When I crossed the threshold of their front door on the day of the call, she sat peacefully in her favorite chair—a calm look of assurance. No struggle. No grief.

As I walked in my grandfather’s nursing home room, he smiled, raised his hands to heaven, and said, “I’m going up.” And shortly thereafter, he did. Peacefully.

For some unknown reason, God had told Simeon he wouldn’t die until he saw the Messiah. One day, the Spirit led him to the Temple. The day Mary and Joseph were presenting baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required. Simeon knew He was the Messiah. He knew deliverance for his nation and the world was on the horizon. Now, he could die peacefully.  

Death is a doorway into eternity. Life doesn’t end with our final breath—actually, it just begins. Life as God planned it. At least for believers. But the only way we can die in peace—regardless of the circumstances surrounding our death—is to prepare for it while alive. Neglecting God and living for self won’t do. We may slip peacefully from this world but won’t live in eternal peace. Instead, we’ll experience eternal torment. An eternity separated from God.

Accepting Jesus as the Messiah who died for the world’s sins allows us to die in peace as it did Simeon. Whether we struggle with a disease before death or succumb to a tragic accident won’t matter. Death will be peaceful, knowing we’re slipping into our Savior’s arms.

When your time comes, will you die peacefully?

Father, I thank You for the promise of a peaceful death and a joyous eternity when I know Your Son as my Savior. 

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When Life Falls Apart - Martin Wiles

I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. Romans 7:19 NLT

 

Everything was going well, until . . . it didn’t.

 

Carlton appeared to have it all: a good job, a loving wife, great kids. Everything seemed to work in his favor, until they moved to a different city close to his brother-in-law—who was a drug addict. One day, in a moment of temptation, Carlton’s brother-in-law offered him a little cocaine, and Carlton took it. He was hooked.

 

After that, things went downhill quickly. Carlton couldn’t get enough of his new friend. He loved him so much that he spent his entire paycheck to get more time with him, leaving his family with no money for bills or groceries. His wife worked part-time, but her income only made a dent in the household expenses.

 

Even Carlton’s paycheck couldn’t cover his desire for more. So when he needed more but didn’t have the money, he robbed two stores, each in a different county. The police quickly apprehended him and incarcerated him. But, after all, he wasn’t a career criminal, just a good guy traveling a druggie trail.  

 

Through Carlton’s up and downs, his wife and kids loved him. He eventually reformed . . . somewhat . . . but now and then, he found himself returning to his old friend. Unfortunately, Carlton’s life ended tragically one night when he ran off the road and wrecked. I performed his funeral and watched his wife and family grieve over his death. Years ago, life had fallen apart for them and Carlton, and it never came back together. 

 

I had known Carlton for many years before his addiction. He was a good guy who allowed an addictive substance to ruin his life and the life of his family. But I’m no different. Nor was Paul. Paul was a believer and a great missionary, but he struggled to do the right thing. According to his own confession, he often failed to do the good things he intended to do.

 

Because of our sinful nature, we can do unimaginable things. God understands our sinful nature—but doesn’t excuse our actions. The first step toward healing entails confessing our sins and turning away from them. Then, we must forgive ourselves so that we can get on with life and God’s plan. One slip-up doesn’t make us failures or mean God can’t use us anymore. But if our sin becomes an addiction, we may need professional help.

 

We also need to forgive others who find themselves in untenable situations. Except for God’s grace, we could be where they are. I could be Carlton. We can pray for them and support their recovery from failure—without enabling them. Love doesn’t always mean agreement or approval.

 

When someone’s life falls apart, ratherthan gossip about them or turn your back on them, help them put it backtogether. After all, that someone could be you.

 

Prayer: Father, lead us to those we can help reassemble their lives. 

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Walking Dead People - Martin Wiles

Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. Ephesians 2:1 NLT

Dead people don’t move . . . or do they? Do walking dead people really exist?

I’ve also heard dead people don’t tell tales. But maybe they do. Because of my profession and upbringing, I’ve seen more than my share of dead people. My father performed numerous funerals as a pastor. When I followed in his footsteps, I did as well. The elderly lady sitting in her recliner and enjoying life when death overtook her. Or the small child who was killed because his mother drove drunk and wrecked. The ninety-nine-year-old woman who had the privilege of seeing some of the first airplanes and cars. And my own father who stopped breathing in an Atlanta hospital.

None of the above moved after they breathed their last. They never got off the bed or chair and moved around. They were dead. And as badly as I wanted to talk to them again, their lips never moved, and their voices remained silent.

But I’ve also seen another type of death. The dead people who do walk and tell tales. I see and hear them every day. I’ve worked with them, attended church with them, and belonged to community organizations with them. I even have some of them in my family. In fact, I’m one myself. We are the walking and talking dead.

Physical death and spiritual death are both realities. The first ends our earthly existence, but we can live for many years while enduring the second. What kills us spiritually is our disobedience to God, and the reason we disobey is because of our sin natures. We’re born with it, and unless we allow God to give us a new one, we’ll live and die with it. And if we die with it, we’ll miss an eternity with God.

But we don’t have to be walking dead people. New natures are available. Natures into which God has breathed life. We can be live people walking. Alive to spiritual things. Alive to God and his plan for our lives. Alive to the abundance he offers. All he requires is that we ask. Jesus died physically to give us life spiritually.

Why walk around dead in your sins when you can enjoy God’s forgiveness?

Father, thank You for giving me the possibility to live life alive. 

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Inheritance in the Waiting - Martin Wiles

Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. Ephesians 1:11 NLT

Mine wasn’t sizable, but it seemed enormous at the time, especially when I had no idea I even had an inheritance in the waiting.

When I was fifteen, my family received a call that my maternal grandfather had died. Strokes had pummeled him frequently, each one leaving him more disabled than the previous one—until he was finally bedridden. My grandmother tended to him faithfully, to her own exhaustion. After his death, his six grandchildren received an inheritance of $1,000 each. To some, that amount wouldn’t be considered much—and it wouldn’t go far now—but in 1975, for a teenager, it was enormous. I eventually used it as a down payment on a new car.

My wife and I currently have three of our four parents still living—none from which we anticipate receiving a sizable inheritance. Nor do we have any wealthy aunts or uncles to bequeath money to us. So, unless something changes, we will live as we do now until we die: modestly.

When I die, however, I expect a sizable inheritance. As God’s adopted child, I own everything his Son does—and that’s everything. But I don’t possess it yet. After death, I’ll get to enjoy what I can only read about presently in his Word. The joys of heaven are indescribable, but God’s Word gives me a hint about what I can expect.

Occasionally, a will—and the stated inheritance therein—is challenged by a disgruntled family member. The inheritance the deceased wished to leave to a relative might be diminished or even taken away. Not so with my future inheritance. It is as sure as the Word of God, which cannot be changed or overruled.

Along with heaven will come the completion of salvation. Though salvation initiates when we choose to surrender to Christ, it will not be finalized until we reach heaven. We’ve been saved from the penalty of our sins, but we will one day be delivered from the very presence of sin.

Do you have a spiritual inheritance in the waiting?

Prayer: Father, we praise You for the rich inheritance we have through faith in Jesus Christ.

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Faithful to the End - Martin Wiles

Your faithfulness extends to every generation, as enduring as the earth you created. Psalm 119:90 NLT

She was a vibrant young teenager who was faithful to the end.

Rachel Scott had a premonition she’d never live to see twenty. She was popular at her high school, even though her witness for Christ wasn’t always well received. Two students who hated her were Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris. She had talked to them and tried to persuade them to stop doing all the weird things they were doing.

During the week of Easter, both boys entered Rachel’s school and started shooting. Before approaching her, they killed another student who was witnessing about his faith. Then they shot Rachel in the leg and back. Realizing she was still alive, Harris walked over to her and asked, “Do you still believe in God?”

Before Harris delivered the final shots that ended her life, Rachel said, “You know I do.” 

I’m not sure how old the psalmist was when he wrote these words, but he obviously had lived long enough to observe God’s faithfulness. And I suppose he must have read and heard about God’s faithfulness as well. Friends, parents, grandparents. They’d all experienced God’s faithfulness and lived to tell him about it.

I too have a heritage of hearing about and experiencing God’s faithfulness. I watched as both of my great-grandmothers witnessed of God’s faithfulness. My grandparents also showed me God’s faithfulness and told me many stories to support it. Both of my parents testified of God’s faithfulness and lived out that belief daily. I did the same with my two children, and hopefully, they will do the same with their children.

I’ve read of God’s faithfulness in the Bible’s historical stories and other Christian literature. I’ve witnessed it in the lives of hundreds of others. 

God was faithful yesterday, he is today, and he will be forever. Faithful to fulfill every promise he makes to his children in his Word. He has to be. Not to would contradict his very nature.

Are you experiencing God’s faithfulness in Your life?

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your faithfulness to us. Enable us to be as faithful to You. 

Tweetable: Will you be faithful to the end? 

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