Throwback Tuesday - Why Not Ask? - Martin Wiles

If you don’t have, why not ask?

I was pastoring my first church and living in the church provided home. The church was small, but we crunched numbers so we could pay someone to cut grass at the church and parsonage. But the extra expense was taxing. We considered using volunteers, but no one wanted to commit. 

While pondering our dilemma, someone told me about a local business that made lawnmowers and would possibly donate one to the church. I could cut our grass and the church would only have to pay to have the church’s grass cut. So I wrote a formal letter, explained our situation, and asked for a riding mower. Shortly thereafter, I received a response that read, “Come get your mower.” But if I wouldn’t have asked… Read more...

Tweetable: Do you need and haven't asked? 

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Loving a Neighbor - Martin Wiles

The second is equally important: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Mark 12:31 NLT

The note was attached to the door; the decision had been made.

At nine years of age, he was doing what most boys his age did in the summer: romping and playing. Until his sister noticed how yellow his eyes were. She ran inside to tell their mother, who took him to the emergency room. The local hospital transferred him to the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Two days later, he had a new liver.

This family was our neighbors, but we knew nothing about their tragedy. We only knew we hadn’t seen anyone home for three weeks. Initially, their youngest son did well. Then his body began rejecting the liver. They made several trips back and forth to Charleston, and each time we waited for an update.

During their last trip, my wife noticed the local power company tape a notice to their door. She knew what it was, caught the deliverer of bad news, and asked how much the bill was. The mom had not been able to work due to the circumstances, and the dad had missed numerous days himself. If $450 dollars wasn’t paid by the next day, their power would be turned off.

“Why don’t we take a love offering at church,” my wife asked. 

Since no one but us knew the family, I didn’t know how the people would respond. But I decided to take a chance. We’d had the child on our prayer list. On Sunday morning, the church gave $406. When I announced the total at the evening services, the remaining balance was quickly received. As soon as the power company opened Monday morning, my wife paid the balance.

Loving my neighbor is a good feeling—whether they live right beside me or not. Doing so also helps me obey what Jesus termed the second greatest command. Only loving God with my entire being surpasses it.

Opportunities to love my neighbor—whoever and wherever they might be, abound. But like my wife, I must be attentive to the working of God’s Spirit in my innermost being if I’m to see them. If I live life selfishly, I’ll miss most, if not all, of the opportunities God sends.

Ask God to open your eyes so you can see opportunities to love your neighbor.

Prayer: Father, enable us to love others as passionately as You love us. 

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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. 

Bimonthly, I change the saying on the sign in front of the church I pastor. Since I tire of trying to find unique sayings—and since we didn’t have anything special happening to advertise, I try to listen to 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 surrounded 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 for salvation, John hears them ask what they should do. Share with others was his answer. This would show love. Jesus parroted John’s message. 

As God’s representative, I must share His love with others. 

The only way I 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. Others 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, I validate my relationship with Christ to myself and others. When they see love in action, they will be more likely to trust the Savior I serve. 

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

Prayer: Father, motivate us to reach out in love to those who are hurting.

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