Be Secure - Martin Wiles

For I can do everything with the help of Christ, who gives me the strength I need. Philippians 4:13 NLT

Donned in my walking attire, I looked at my wife and said, “Anyone who can wear this is secure in themselves.”

For years, I’ve walked to keep off the extra pounds. But one day, when I dressed in the clothes I intended to wear while walking, my wife took one look and said, “That’s a hot mess.”

My pants had stripes, and my jacket had checks. I topped off my outfit with a striped Fedora hat. I really didn’t care what anyone else thought about my outfit—but that hasn’t always been true.

When I was a young lad, my appearance caused me great insecurity. Somewhere along the line, I stopped caring what others thought and became secure in my identity.

Paul had many reasons to be insecure after choosing to follow Christ. He was hounded frequently by unbelievers who would have loved nothing better than to destroy his ministry. The multiple trials he faced also added to his precarious situation. But he was confident.

As followers of Christ, we can be secure in our identity. The Bible calls us saints. The last time I checked, I was far from sainthood, but that’s my position in Christ. When we trust Christ as our Savior and receive his forgiveness, we trade in the label of “sinner.” Though we still sin, it’s not the pattern of our lives, nor does it have to be. The indwelling power of the Holy Spirit gives us the power to live above sin regularly.

As believers, we can also be secure in our life situations. Paul experienced good times and bad times. He established many churches and witnessed thousands trust Christ as their Savior, but he also experienced patience-trying and life-threatening situations. Yet he was secure. In another place, he wrote, I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content. Learning that lesson isn’t easy or quick, but when we’ve mastered it, unpleasant situations won’t cause us to feel insecure.

Further, as God’s child, we can be secure in our gifts. God gives all believers at least one gift of the Spirit, but most have more. Our responsibility is to use it (or them) wisely, faithfully, and in ways that honor the God who gave them.

If your life is hounded by insecurities, God can empower you to overcome them.

Father, I give my insecurities to you, believing you can help me conquer each one. 

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.

Insecurity Examination - Martin Wiles

Examine yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine. 2 Corinthians 13:5 NLT

Self-examinations can be lifesaving.

Women who’ve had breast cancer or are at high risk due to biological reasons are encouraged to self-examine. Since doctor visits are separated by months—sometimes years--examinations are vitally important and could mean the difference between life and death.

People who’ve had skin cancer are encouraged to perform self-examinations. My cancer was basil cell carcinoma and was barely a noticeable place on the back of my ear. Other than it bleeding when I dried off after a shower, I would never have known it existed. Since then, I’ve had a few different places frozen or cut off. So, I regularly self-examine. My skin doctor appointments come months apart, and a lot can happen in that time.

Another critical self-examination falls in the area of insecurity. Insecurities occur for various reasons. Perhaps the messages a child heard while they were young were primarily negative. “You can’t do that,” or “You’ll never amount to anything.” Similar messages are often perpetrated by those who heard those same messages when they were growing up. Messages like this can form an adult who has low self-esteem, is overtly shy, and may be afraid to set goals or make decisions. Spouses who live with emotionally or physically abusive partners can also face insecurities.

But Paul deals with one area we never have to feel insecure about. He suggests self-examination regarding salvation—faith in Christ. We came into this world a sinner. Left to ourselves, we will carry out the effects of that sinful nature in unhealthy attitudes, actions, and words. Without any action on our part to correct it, we will go to our graves the same way and spend eternity apart from a loving God. But we don’t have to.

Jesus paid for our sins, but we must accept his actions. His sacrifice removes our sins and gives us His righteousness when applied to our lives. This act should also remove our insecurities. After a self-examination, we conclude that, indeed, we’re in the faith and secure in his love. Forgiveness, abundance, joy, power, confidence—and most of all, heaven—are all ours.

Plan to do a regular self-examination.

Father, when I examine myself, may I find my security in your unconditional forgiveness. 

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.

Positioned for Security - Martin Wiles

You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get it all? Luke 12:20 NLT

Like everyone else, I’ve looked for it all my life. I long to be positioned for security.

Security, along with significance and self-worth, is one of life’s basic needs. I needed to know my parents would love me unconditionally despite my mistakes and less-than-perfect body. When I became an adult, I still sought it—burglar alarms, firearms, retirement savings, Social Security. I even married and had children, thinking that would carry on my family line. Searching for a job that provided enough to live on with a little to spare didn’t hurt either.

Along the way, I discovered some things wouldn’t provide the security I hoped for. The rich fool found out the same thing. He devoted his time to his livelihood. When his barns overflowed, he reared back and planned to enjoy life for many years. Until God reminded him his life was on loan, and God would soon call for full payment.

Wealth won’t position us for security. I’ve never been close to being wealthy, but I have experienced some times when I was comfortable. But I quickly discovered how uncertain that was when the situation that made me comfortable disintegrated overnight. Suddenly, I wasn’t taking it easy anymore. Neither did the rich fool. The life God loaned ended before he knew it.

Nor will health position us for security. I’ve always enjoyed good health, but that, too, can change quickly. And it did. A few months after pastoring my first church, I found myself in the hospital with a bleeding ulcer—a health condition that took me a year to overcome. The rich fool was obviously healthy since he thought he had many years to enjoy his wealth.

Even relationships can’t position us for security—although we often look there too. What appears stable and permanent can readily become unstable and changing. I’ve watched that happen, too, with family and friends—and myself.

The only thing that brings security is our faith connection with Jesus Christ. Nothing else will last, and nothing else will provide the peace and comfort He does. So, if you’re looking for security, look no further than a daily walk with Christ.

How can you position yourself for security?

Prayer: Father, thank You for providing the security I need through my relationship with You. 

Tweetable: Are you positioned for security, now and in the future? 

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Security In . . .

So the total number of Israelite men counted in the census numbered 601,730. Numbers 26:51 NLT

Numbers don’t always provide security; sometimes it’s found in other things.

Our third grandson was what I classified as “high maintenance.” The first we could feed, rock to sleep, and place on the bed. He would stay there for hours. He was content to lie on the floor and entertain himself when awake. While the third loved to be fed and rocked to sleep also, lying on the bed by himself didn’t work. Occasionally, he would sleep for several hours, but it wasn’t the norm. Playing on a blanket on the floor didn’t interest him either.

My wife’s cure was, “I’m fixin' to swaddle him.” Then, she would place one of his blankets on the floor, nestle him in it, and tightly wrap his arms and legs. Once asleep, he would snooze for hours. Security.

Numbers is aptly named. In this particular instance, it’s about the number of men of military age. When the leaders finished the second census, they gave the number to Moses and Eleazar, who must have found great comfort in the results. More than 600,000 men would provide security as the people entered the Promised Land and faced their enemies.

While we often find security in numbers, it’s not sure. Security is one of our basic needs, so it’s essential to find it somewhere. Wrapping ourselves in a blanket or joining the military won’t necessarily provide it.

Merely telling others we find security in our relationship with Christ is somewhat shallow. It goes deeper than a flippant statement. Details are needed. What’s involved in the relationship is crucial for us to understand and others to hear.

Within the relationship is the knowledge God has accepted us into His family and that nothing can separate us from His love. He not only numbers us among his family but also among his friends. What He holds securely, no one can snatch. God actually enjoys hanging around with me.

Knowing God orchestrates the details of our lives and maneuvers them to form us into His Son’s image is also comforting.  Believing this helps me view life’s events—pleasant or not—through a different lens. Nothing happens randomly or by chance. Nor is it controlled by fate.

A relationship with God is the source of ultimate security. In what are you finding security?

Father, I praise You for the security I can find in my walk with You.  

Tweetable: In what do you find security?    

Thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts! We also invite you to follow and like us on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram. Help us spread God's encouragement through His Love Lines.

Flashback Friday - Security in Christ - Martin Wiles

Security in Christ

For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. Colossians 2:9 NLT

What appears secure sometimes isn’t. Money in banks may have appeared secure prior to 1933, but a bank panic could easily close a bank. People who feared a bank might close ran to the bank and withdrew their money. Since banks kept only a portion of the depositor’s money on hand, runs would result in depositors attempting to withdraw more money than a bank had on hand. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation was established in 1933 to prevent such future losses. The FDIC has the responsibility of insuring a commercial bank’s deposits up to a certain amount so depositors don’t lose their money should the bank fail. Even though banks still fail, the FDIC ensures depositors won’t lose their money. Read more...

Tweetable: Where do you find your security? 

Thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts! We also invite you to follow and like us on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram. Help us spread God's encouragement through His Love Lines.

Flashback Friday - Martin Wiles

The Safety Net

They ran as quickly as possible; their life savings were at stake. But they were greeted with only a “Closed” sign and the demise of their savings.

The Wall Street Crash of 1929-along with hundreds of banks closing, led to loss for thousands of people. No safety net hung above the bottom to prevent people from falling into poverty’s pit. Fortunately, American President Franklin Roosevelt saw the need for one. With Congress’ help, he signed the Banking Act of 1933 and established the Federal Deposit Insurance Cooperation (FDIC) which insured depositor’s savings up to $250,000. Read more...

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Throwback Tuesday - Martin Wiles

A Tax Collector’s Attitude

I was once one so I can imagine how he felt…unappreciated, hated, scorned, threatened, and misunderstood. 

For five years, I worked at a county tax office where vehicle and property taxes were collected. And where property was sold and driver’s licenses suspended for those refusing to pay. My responsibility was suspending driver’s licenses. Most assumed the dealer paid their initial taxes…a misconception some dealers cultivated. When I attempted to collect, I was cursed at repeatedly, threatened occasionally, and hung up on regularly. It wasn’t the most fulfilling job, but someone had to do it…and the boss selected me. Read more...

Looking for a wide selection of genres in Christian books at discount prices? Use coupon MWiles for 20% off. Click here to see selections.

Thanks to all our faithful followers who are "sharing" our posts--please keep it up! We also invite you to follow and like us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter. Help us spread God's encouragement through his love lines.

Be Secure - Martin Wiles

For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need. Philippians 4:13 NLT

Donned in my walking attire, I looked at my wife and said, “Anyone who can wear this is secure in themselves.” 

Lately, I’ve been trying to walk off the extra pounds. On this particular day, I dressed in the clothes I intended to wear while walking. My wife took one look and said, “That’s a hot mess.” My pants had stripes, and my jacket had checks. I topped off my outfit with a striped Fedora hat. I really didn’t care what anyone else thought about my outfit—but that hasn’t always been true. 

When I was a young lad, my appearance caused me great insecurity. Somewhere along the line, I stopped caring what others thought and became secure in whom I was. 

Paul had many reasons to be insecure after choosing to follow Christ. He was hounded frequently by unbelievers who would have loved nothing better than to destroy his ministry. The multiple trials he faced also added to his precarious situation. But he was confident. 

As a follower of Christ, I can be secure in my identity. The Bible calls me a “saint.” The last time I checked, I was far from sainthood, but in Christ that’s my position. When I trusted Christ as my Savior and received His forgiveness for all my sins, I traded in the label of “sinner.” 

Though I still sin, it’s not the pattern of my life, nor does it have to be. The indwelling power of the Holy Spirit gives me the power to live above sin on a regular basis. 

As a believer, I can be secure in my life situation. Paul experienced good times and bad times. He established many churches and witnessed thousands trust Christ as their Savior, but he also experienced patience-trying and life-threatening situations. Yet he was secure. 

In another place, Paul wrote, I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content. Learning that lesson isn’t easy or quick, but when I’ve mastered it, unpleasant situations won’t cause me to feel insecure. 

As God’s child, I can also be secure in my gifts. God gives all believers at least one gift of the Spirit, but most have more. My responsibility is to use it (or them) wisely, faithfully, and in ways that honor the God who gave them. 

Is your life hounded by insecurities? God can empower you to overcome them. 

Prayer: Father, we give our insecurities to you, believing You are able to help us conquer each one.

Looking for a wide selection of genres in Christian books at discount prices? Use coupon MWiles for 20% off. Click here to see selections.

Thanks to all our faithful followers who are "sharing" our posts--please keep it up! We also invite you to follow and like us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter. Help us spread God's encouragement through his love lines.

Insecurity Examination - Martin Wiles

Examine yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine. 2 Corinthians 13:5 NLT

Self-examinations can be life-saving.

Women who’ve had breast cancer or who are at high risk due to biological reasons are encouraged to self-examine. Since doctor visits are separated by months—sometimes years, examinations are vitally important and could mean the difference between life and death. 

People who’ve had skin cancer are encouraged to perform self-examinations. My cancer was basil cell carcinoma and was a barely noticeable place on the back of my ear. Other than it bleeding when I dried off after taking a shower, I would never have known it was there. Since then, I’ve had a few other places frozen or cut off. So I regularly self-examine. My skin doctor appointments are separated by at least six months. A lot can happen in that time period. 

Another self-examination that’s important is in the area of insecurity. Insecurities can occur for various reasons. Perhaps the messages a child heard while they were young were mostly negative. “You can’t do that,” or “You’ll never amount to anything.” Similar messages are often perpetrated by those who heard those same messages when they were growing up. 

Messages like this can form an adult who has low self-esteem, is overtly shy, and who may be afraid to set goals or make decisions. Spouses who live with emotionally or physically abusive partners can also face insecurities. 

Paul deals with one area we don’t ever have to feel insecure about. He suggests self-examination where it concerns salvation—faith in Christ. But why? I came into this world a sinner. Left to myself, I carried out the effects of that sinful nature in unhealthy attitudes, actions, and words. Without any action on my part to correct it, I would go to my grave the same way and spend eternity apart from a loving God. But I don’t have to.

Jesus Christ paid for the sins of the world, but I must accept what He’s done. When applied to my life, His sacrifice removes my sins, and I’m given His righteousness. This act removes my insecurities. 

After a self-examination, I conclude that indeed I’m in the faith and secure in His love. Forgiveness, abundance, joy, power, confidence—and most of all heaven—are all mine. 

What do you find when you perform a self-examination? 

Prayer: Father, when we examine ourselves, may we find our security in Your unconditional forgiveness. 

Looking for a wide selection of genres in Christian books at discount prices? Use coupon MWiles for 20% off. Click here to see selections.

Thanks to all our faithful followers who are "sharing" our posts--please keep it up! We also invite you to follow and like us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter. Help us spread God's encouragement through his love lines.

Never Forsaken - Martin Wiles

My God, my God! Why have you forsaken me? Why do you remain so distant? Why do you ignore my cries for help? Psalm 22:1 NLT

I had a few chickens and a couple of ducks, why not add a goat?

The call came from a church member: “I have a goat whose mother won’t nurse her. Would you like to have her?

“Sure, why not,” I said. I’d bottle fed a pig some years earlier. Why not try a goat.

We made her a bed in our utility shed. My schedule was flexible—unlike the rest of the family, so feeding her fell to me: morning, noon, evening, before bed, and once in the middle of the night. When she was weaned, I placed her in the pen with the chickens and ducks. She was more of a pet than a farm animal. Gracie discovered being forsaken by her mom didn’t mean everyone would forsake her.

Why the psalmist felt forsaken and penned this psalm, I’m not sure. But Jesus used the same words while hanging on the cross dying for the sins of humanity. He said it because He was bearing the full weight of the world’s sins. Being the holy God that He is, His heavenly Father had to turn away in that moment. How the Divine could turn from the Divine is unexplainable, but it was only momentary. When the deed was done, God accepted what His Son had accomplished, raised Him from a grave, and received Him back into heaven. 

I’ve felt the pains of being forsaken by others: peers who thought I was different and didn’t want anything to do with me, work associates who thought I attended to my responsibilities too intricately, church members who didn’t like the changes I suggested, and others who were turned off by my faith stand. 

Being forsaken happens in life. Though others forsake us for various reasons, God will only do so for one reason: unbelief. Even then, He continues to prick our consciences with His Spirit, desiring that we repent of our sins and trust Him. As His child, He’ll never turn His back on us. Even when we’re unfaithful to Him, He’ll be faithful to us. He made the promise that He’ll never leave or forsake us. And we can depend on His word. 

Gracie may have felt forsaken, but she wasn’t. We may feel God has turned His back on us, but He never does. 

Prayer: Father, we thank You that we can always be sure You are by our side.

Looking for a wide selection of genres in Christian books at discount prices? Use coupon MWiles for 20% off. Click here to see selections.  

Thanks to all our faithful followers who are "sharing" our posts--please keep it up! We also invite you to follow and like us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter. Help us spread God's encouragement through his love lines.

Positioned for Security - Martin Wiles

You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get it all? Luke 12:20 NLT

Like everyone else, I’ve looked for it all my life. 

Along with significance and self-worth, security is one of life’s basic needs. To be loved unconditionally. I needed to know my parents would in spite of my mistakes and less than perfect body. When I became an adult, I still sought it. Burglar alarms, firearms, money in retirement programs, participation in Social Security. I even married and had children, thinking that would carry on my family line. Searching for a job that provided enough to live on with a little to spare didn’t hurt either. 

Along the way, I discovered there were some things that wouldn’t provide the security I hoped for. The rich fool found out the same thing. His time was given to his livelihood. When his barns overflowed, he reared back and planned to enjoy life for many years to come. Until God reminded him his life was on loan and He was about to call for full payment.

Wealth won’t position me for security. I’ve never been close to being wealthy, but there have been times when I was comfortable. I discovered how uncertain that was when the situation that made me comfortable disintegrated overnight. Suddenly I wasn’t taking it easy anymore. Neither did the rich fool. The life God loaned him ended before he knew it. 

Nor will health position me for security. I’ve always enjoyed good health, but that too can change quickly. And it did. A few months after pastoring my first church, I found myself in the hospital with a bleeding ulcer—a health condition it took me a year to overcome. The rich fool was obviously healthy since he thought he had many years to enjoy his wealth. 

Even relationships can’t position me for security—though I often look there as well. What appears stable and permanent can readily become unstable and changing. I’ve watched that happen too—with a spouse, children, and friends. 

The only thing that positions me for security is my faith connection with Jesus Christ. Nothing else will last and nothing else will provide the peace and comfort He does. 

If you’re looking for security, look no farther than a daily walk with Christ. 

Prayer: Father, thank You for providing the security we need through our relationship with You. 

Looking for a wide selection of genres in Christian books at discount prices? Use coupon MWiles for 20% off. Click here to see selections.  

Thanks to all our faithful followers who are "sharing" our posts--please keep it up! We also invite you to follow and like us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter. Help us spread God's encouragement through his love lines.

Security in … - Martin Wilies

So the total number of Israelite men counted in the census numbered 601,730. Numbers 26:51 NLT

Numbers don’t always provide security; sometimes it’s found in other things. 

Our second born grandson is what I classify “high maintenance.” The first we could feed, rock to sleep, and place on the bed. He would stay there for hours. Still will. When awake, he was content to lie on the floor and entertain himself. While the second loves to be fed and rocked to sleep also, lying on the bed by himself doesn’t work. Occasionally, he’ll sleep for several hours, but it’s not the norm. Playing on a blanket on the floor doesn’t interest him either. My wife’s cure: “I’m fixin to swaddle him.” She places one of his blankets on the floor, nestles him in it, and wraps his arms and legs tightly. Once asleep, he’ll snooze for hours. Security. 

The book of numbers is aptly named. In this particular instance, it’s about the number of men who are of military age. When the leaders finished the second census, they gave the number to Moses and Eleazar, who both must have found great comfort in the results. More than 600,000 men would provide security as the people entered the Promised Land and faced their enemies. 

While security is often found in numbers, it’s not certain. Security is one of humanity’s basic needs, so it’s important I find it somewhere. Wrapping myself in a blanket or joining the military won’t necessarily provide it. 

Merely telling others I find security in my relationship with Christ is somewhat shallow. It goes deeper than a flippant statement. Details are needed. What’s involved in the relationship is crucial for me to understand and others to hear. 

Within the relationship is the knowledge God has accepted me into His family and that nothing can separate me from His love. He not only numbers me among his family but also among his friends. What He holds securely, no one can snatch. God actually enjoys hanging around with me. 

Knowing He is orchestrating the details of my life and maneuvering them to form me into His Son’s image is also comforting.  Believing this helps me view life’s events—pleasant or not, through a different lenses. Nothing happens randomly or by chance. Nor is it controlled by fate. 

A relationship with God is the source of ultimate security. What are you finding security in? 

Prayer: Father, we praise You for the security we can find in our walk with You.  

Looking for a wide selection of genres in Christian books at discount prices? Use coupon MWiles for 20% off. Click here to see selections.  

Thanks to all our faithful followers who are "sharing" our posts--please keep it up! We also invite you to follow and like us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter. Help us spread God's encouragement through his love lines.