Ignoring God - Martin Wiles

I warned you when you were prosperous, but you replied, “Don’t bother me.” You have been that way since childhood—you simply will not obey me! Jeremiah 22:21 NLT

Our challenge seemed simple, but proved more difficult than we imagined.

The final day of school is always a half day. Following breakfast, teachers and students head off to the gym, where eligible students receive various awards. Typically, this had been followed by two hours of dead time. But one year, we teachers decided to show a movie. As a Christian school, we are required to show only G-rated movies unless we have parental approval.

Our lead teacher picked Star Wars, thinking that none of the students would have seen the original and that it would interest them. She was correct on the first count but miserably wrong on the second. What we teachers hoped would be a relaxing time turned into a scene more challenging than the classroom.

Jeremiah, known as the “weeping prophet,” was also given a daunting challenge: deliver a message to God’s people, warning them of coming destruction by a foreign force (Jeremiah 22:21). A destruction they had brought on themselves by ignoring God, just as most of our students ignored the movie.

Most of the students ignored the movie because they had no interest in it. Since it was space-related and showed examples of techy stuff, we assumed they’d love it. The trouble was that our world has advanced so far since the movie’s production that the production itself was now dated. Without God’s intervention, we’ll respond to God the same way the students did to the movie. While we’re born with spiritual interest, we’ll ignore God because of our sinful nature unless we listen to the Spirit of God pulling us in the right direction.

As a believer, I’ve ignored God numerous times because I had my mind on other things. Had we shown the movie earlier in the year, the students might have watched. This was the last day of school, and they were moments away from the final bell and summer vacation. Unless we allow God to keep our minds on spiritual things, we’ll also find ourselves ignoring God.

Initially, a few students were interested in the movie but were eventually distracted by classmates who weren’t. I, too, have been led away from God by others. Going was my choice, but letting them influence me was also my choice.

Don’t let things or people lead you to a place where you are ignoring God. Doing so always has devastating effects.

Father, may I always give you my full attention so I can accomplish Your perfect plan. 

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Rehearsing God’s Word - Martin Wiles

Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Deuteronomy 6:7 NLT

Rehearsed materials tend to stay around longer. For the final two weeks of school, I required my middle school language arts students to rehearse what they had learned during the year. The final exam would cover the entire book, so I wanted to ensure they remembered all the concepts. As we encountered new ideas along the way, I reminded them of concepts we had already learned. By rehearsing material from previous chapters, they had a better chance of transferring that material from their short-term to their long-term memory. The grades revealed that some should have rehearsed a little more.

Rehearsing is essential with much of what we do. Those who plan to sing at church rehearse. Professional singers rehearse. Playing sports requires rehearsing before games.

Rehearsing is also a part of our Christian experience. God told the ancient Israelites to rehearse his commands. Not only were they to know them personally, but they were also to teach them to their children by rehearsing them daily in every situation. Rehearsing would lead to remembering.

Rehearsing God’s Word is essential and commanded by God, but we still have to choose to do it. God won’t force us to learn his Word. As a child, I was required to memorize various Bible verses, along with the books of the Bible. Children in my father’s church practiced sword drills, which entailed a contest to see who could locate a book of the Bible quicker. But as an adult, the choice is mine.

Rehearsing God’s Word forces us to meditate on it. What is on our minds, we will think about often. God will bring his Word to our conscience when it is embedded in our memory. This is beneficial when we’re tempted. God’s Word reminds us of his requirements and his ability to help us fend off my archenemy.

Rehearsing God’s Word also aids when we’re questioned about what we believe and why. When his Word infiltrates our hearts, we’ll be prepared to give an answer to the curious and to the skeptics.

Don’t let anything keep you from rehearsing God’s Word.

Father, thank you for your Word that calms my fears, lifts my spirits, and strengthens me for any circumstances I might face. 

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.

Energized - Martin Wiles

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

He needed energy, but I had nothing for him.

I had watched Henry’s gait since he entered the building. His appearance was the usual for most students when they first arrived at school: not enough sleep, a late ball game, staying up beyond curfew. Henry fell into this category with unkempt hair, sluggish steps, and a blank stare, but on this particular day looked more drained than usual. As Henry approached my class later in the day, his first words were, “Can I call my mom and see if she will bring me an energy drink?” Without something, he was sure to fall asleep in class.

These days, as age begins to take its toll on my body, I sometimes feel like Henry: I need energy. I can’t do the things I once did—at least not at the same speed. Bones ache and joints creak. Although I eat healthy--at least most of the time--exercise, and take daily vitamins, I am not the man I once was.

Paul seemed energized. He proudly stated he could do anything, and he wasn’t such a young man when he said it. But his energy didn’t ensue from an energy drink, exercise, vitamins, or food. His energy came from God.

Even when my physical energy wanes, God will give me the spiritual energy I need to continue doing his work. I hope one day to retire from my profession, but I never intend to retire from God’s work. What I do for him might change, but he will energize me to do something until I take my final breath.

The power Paul had—and the power available to all believers--comes from the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. God’s Spirit takes up residence when we place our faith in Jesus Christ, but the power comes through being filled with the Spirit, which is not automatic. We must crave for God’s Spirit to consume us. We do this by allowing our bodies to be a holy temple and confessing to God that we desire to be all we can for him. Staying in His Word, prayer, service, and fellowship with other believers proves we’re serious about the request.

Let God’s Spirit energize you for the work God has called you to.

Father, I ask that you energize me with your Spirit so I can do the work you’ve called me to accomplish. 

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Too Many Words - Martin Wiles

The talk of fools is a rod for their backs, but the words of the wise keep them out of trouble. Proverbs 14:3 NLT

Sometimes, when I think I’ve said a lot, I realize I’ve said very little.

The assignment was simple. Students were to write a short paper detailing three things they felt strongly about. When they finished, I collected the papers and re-distributed them to their peers to check for grammatical errors, redundancy, and wordiness. 

One young lady approached my desk. “Doesn’t this sentence say the same as the previous one?” she asked.

“It does,” I replied.

A short time later, she returned. “Doesn’t this sentence say the same thing, too?”

“Yes, it does,” I said again.

With a confused look and a sigh, she whispered, “But that only leaves one sentence in the entire paragraph.”

I shook my head and smiled, then gathered the class’s attention. “Class, life lesson. Sometimes, when we think we have a lot to say, we have very little.”

The student, whose paper was in question, laughed, but I was convinced.

Many are the warnings God gives throughout the Bible with outright instruction or by example about the potency of our words. Taking into consideration those warnings, and noticing that I have two ears but only one mouth, I’ve concluded it’s better to listen more than I talk. I’ll learn more, stay out of trouble, and develop healthier relationships.

The classroom exercise also reminded me of how crucial it is to choose carefully the words we write or speak. Since wordiness and redundancy are rife, we must ensure the ones we give out are worth listening to. Saying the most in the fewest words is challenging and requires forethought, but it is possible.

Since people’s attention spans are growing increasingly shorter, speaking or writing with as few words as possible is wise. Otherwise, we’ll lose those to whom we think we have something to say.

Words also reflect our character—the people we are on the inside. I have a sneaky suspicion the young student was attempting to take a shortcut. Since I require a minimum of five sentences in a paragraph, they were shooting for the goal rather than thinking about that which they felt strongly. However, a student with a watchful eye foiled their attempt.

Make sure the words you deliver are worth listening to. 

Father, may the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight—and pleasant to others.

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Accepting Rejection - Martin Wiles

He did not retaliate when was insulted. When he suffered, he did not threaten to get even. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. 1 Peter 2:23 NLT

Accepting rejection is never fun.

Peer pressure is a part of growing up. As a middle school teacher, I’ve watched the lengths students will travel to be accepted—especially new students who want to fit in. Parents spend extra money so kids can have name brand clothes or the most popular tech games. New students sometimes completely change their personalities, trying to become the person they feel their peers want them to be. I watched one student overdose on an over-the-counter drug just to get attention. Some who have no interest in sports play anyway. Others make poor grades just so they won’t be made fun of for being smart.

The only perfect person who ever lived also faced rejection. But Jesus didn’t retaliate, change his personality, or try to become someone else to fit in. He accepted rejection as a part of God’s plan.

Rejection is worth the cost when the cause is admirable. Jesus’ cause was worth everything he had to undergo. He was going to die for our sins. His death would usher in a new existence for those who accepted him as God’s perfect sacrifice.

As a believer and Jesus’ representative, we should expect rejection. And I’ve received it. During middle school, in fact, I was rejected and laughed at by some because of my moral values. I wouldn’t let anyone copy my homework—which I actually viewed as important. I figured if I suffered through the agony of doing it, the lazy students could as well. Nor would I cheat simply to make a good grade.

With God’s wisdom, however, we can process our rejection. If we're rejected because we follow Christ, we can depend on God’s strength to help us accept the rejection—regardless of how much it hurts.

When rejection comes, we can also be assured that God will never reject us. In the scheme of life, the reasons others reject us are often trivial. Our ultimate acceptance must come from God—even if it means being rejected by everyone else. When we're accepted by God, our purpose in life will become clear and our joy will be complete.

Think about whom you seek acceptance from, and at what cost?

Father, remind me that following you is worth any price I might have to pay.

I invite you to try my book A Whisper in the Woods 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.

Wrong Is Never Right - Martin Wiles

What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil. Isaiah 5:20 NLT

Clay was usually a good student, but on this particular day, he broke the rules.

I sat with my back partially to the class, teaching from a PowerPoint about verbs. I could see most of them with my peripheral vision, including Clay, who sat in the back. As I taught, I noticed his hand continually slipping in and out of his pocket. Each time I looked at him, he gazed back with an innocent look. 

Toward the end of class, I remarked, “By the way, I know you’ve been eating.”

Quickly defending himself, he pulled out a piece of candy and said, “But I’ve only eaten one.” 

My look of disbelief convicted him. “Okay, two,” he said, “but I didn’t get to finish my breakfast this morning, and I didn’t have my milk.”

His remark was so comical that I and the rest of the class melted into a pool of laughter. Still, what he did was against the rules. 

Isaiah pronounced a “woe” upon those who called good evil and evil good. They had twisted values. Clay’s actions proved the mistake still existed. 

Though people and times may have changed, God’s standards haven’t. He still has an ethical and social code that he expects us to obey. I remember when even those who weren’t believers followed God’s code simply because most of society did. Not so many years ago, President Ronald Reagan said, “Without God, there is no virtue because there’s no prompting of the conscience. If we ever forget that we’re one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.” 

Circumstances should not determine right and wrong. Doing so leads to situational ethics. What was wrong initially is still bad and will be when time ends, regardless of whether we think God should change his mind. And following the majority is often the wrong thing for us to do. While the majority may win the vote, they can still be wrong—and they are about many forms of behavior currently accepted as permissible. 

God bases his standards on his nature, which is characterized by holiness and goodness. We can be sure God is not out to make our lives miserable. Following his guidelines will result in the best possible life there is to live. 

Satisfaction and joy never result from calling evil good.

Father, may my standards always replicate those detailed in your Word. 

I invite you to try my book A Whisper in the Woods 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.

Christmas Reflections from a Music Teacher - Chaney McCoy

And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21 NLT

As I finally lay down after a day full of hectic, beautiful chaos, I couldn't help but think of why I pursued music education in the first place.

Music moves people in so many ways. It can touch hearts when sometimes words can't. I found that out long ago and wanted to teach little hearts to love and be moved by words with music. One night, I was reminded by my son that music does touch and move people even when I don't think it does.  

My neck and shoulders ached. I was on a heating pad, tired and ragged from the day's events. My son was ready to play basketball when we got home. He had asked all week about putting our tree up. What's for supper? My husband was called into work again for the second time on the same day. Another main water line had burst. The list goes on. All I wanted to do was take a hot shower and bed down, but I pushed on and did what I needed to do as a mom on her own that night without the person I leaned on. The one who kept me sane and who I really needed. 

I finally got to the tree and lights after a busy day. By then, my fingertips were splitting and sore from being so dry and the constant use of sanitizer and now from fluffing the tree. Then, I heard my son in his room singing "Hope for Everyone," one of the songs they had sung in the Christmas program at school. He made up his own lyrics where he couldn't remember the original, but what stuck with him was "hope for everyone."  

The Lord is good; there's hope for everyone. 

The Lord is Lord; there's hope for everyone.

It's Christmas time; there's hope for everyone.

I'm so glad there's hope for everyone.

He had listened and soaked in the meaning and purpose of the chapel service. The day was worth the aches, tiredness, and sore fingers. Listening to my son and his music gave me peace and calmed my heart. It also motivated me to keep doing what I was called to do: teach others what God has so graciously given me the ability to do--move others through the power of music. 

Find your hope in Christ this Christmas. 

Chaney McCoy is a music enthusiast, teacher, and tutor at Greenwood Christian School, Greenwood, SC. 

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.

God Rewards the Faithful - Martin Wiles

To those who are open to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. Matthew 13:12 NLT

His comment came during one of the most taxing times of a school year.

As I stood outside my doorway during class changes, a young man whom I had previously taught passed my way. I normally speak to him first, but this day, he spoke first.

“Dr. Wiles, you were hard on us, but it paid off in the end.”

His comment shocked me. We teachers rarely hear remarks like this while students are still in school. Perhaps during graduation speeches or after they enter high school or college, but not while still under our tutelage. 

I smiled a large smile, thinking this was one of his normal smart remarks he was known for, and said, “I’m glad.”

With an even larger smile, he remarked, “I’m serious.”

This interaction was one of those rare occurrences when a teacher receives confirmation they are doing a good job at what they do. I thanked him for his comment. The remainder of my hectic day took on a new shape. I had been rewarded, not monetarily, but in a way money couldn’t buy.

Wanting rewards for our actions is normal. Never receiving recognition leads to a miserable existence. Jesus’ disciples were rewarded with something many others weren’t: the ability to understand the parables he taught. When they didn’t, he explained them.

God’s greatest reward is the assurance of salvation and comes when we trust in what Jesus did on Calvary’s cross and follow him as our Savior. The work God assigns to us children can be challenging. Some of the work he has given me taxed my ability to cope, understand, and carry it out.

But God rewards our good works. He gives more opportunities in the present and promises crowns in the future. Regardless of how he rewards us, we must always remember to praise him for any accomplishments that result. We can do all things through Christ—but nothing worthy apart from him.

While good works don’t produce salvation, they should result when forgiveness of sins has occurred. They are the proof in the pudding. Using them to serve God in new and fresh ways—and to say “Thank You” for his salvation—is the only wise thing to do.

Think about what you are doing with the rewards God has given you.

Father, move me to serve you faithfully as I anticipate the rewards you will give for my obedience. 

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Protected from Self - Martin Wiles

Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. James 1:14 NLT

On any given day, stress levels can escalate.

I work well under pressure but don’t handle pressure well. I feel pressured when I’m behind on grading assignments I’ve given students. Or when the internet acts up. Intermittent downtime means more time is required to do the work I’m required to do—if I can do it at all. My students can’t access their online books or complete their online exercises. More than once, students have heard me grunt at the computer.

While I may blame my stress level on the computer, the internet, or the demands of my profession—or just plain life—I am the source. My attitude toward these or other aggravating circumstances swells my stress level. However, circumstances or people can only stretch my stress level if I allow them to.

The source of any sinful actions or thoughts is identical. James says my biggest problem is me—not others or even Satan. I am my worst enemy. On the other hand, he isn’t teaching that Satan or his demonic companions are figments of religious imagination.

We are all born with a sinful nature. When we follow Christ, He replaces it with a new nature but doesn’t remove the “flesh.” Flesh isn’t a reference to skin but to the part of us that still wants to act and think as we did before we met Christ. Satan temps through our flesh, but the flesh is ours, making us responsible. We need protection from ourselves.

The devil can’t make us do anything. The Spirit in believers is greater than the one (Satan) in the world. When we feed our flesh and new nature with God things, we lessen the chances we’re going to cause problems. Having God’s Word hidden in our hearts gives us a source to run to when our flesh acts up. Remaining in a constant attitude of prayer reminds us God is always present to provide us with wisdom and strength to overcome what Satan—or ourselves—throws at us.

Putting on the whole armor of God protects us from Satan’s attacks. Tending to our inner selves protects us from ourselves.

Father, I ask that You give me an inner desire to obey You rather than the temptations of Satan or the flesh.

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Tackling Life’s Trials - Martin Wiles

I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. Psalm 16:8 NLT

One took advantage of the situation; the other stepped up to the plate.

Watching a few middle schoolers traipse down the hall on crutches or with a limb in a cast isn’t unusual. In addition to the injuries, there are usually health-related issues as well. Students missing class for injuries or health concerns is typical; how they deal with it varies.

One particular year, two stood out. One had a broken limb; the other a health-related issue that kept him home for weeks. Normally, when a student has a broken limb, another student comes alongside them and carries their books. Not for this particular student. He didn’t even ask. He wrote the best he could with the hand he didn’t usually write with. Nothing was late or missing. The other student took advantage of his situation. Their responses are typical.

The psalmist confessed he would never be shaken regardless of what came his way. There was no need. The Lord was with him. The promise he held onto applies to every believer. When trials come—no matter the intensity, time, or shape—being shaken is unnecessary. But how we respond reveals much about our faith.

If we go about our business in the presence of trials as if it’s just another ordinary period—as the student with the broken limb did—our faith will change. Our spiritual walk with the Lord will mature, our faith will develop, and our dependence on God rather than ourselves will get a lift. Trials will turn us more toward God rather than others or ourselves. We’ll remember we can’t handle life on our own. We need more than friends, family, and acquaintances. We need God.

The only other choice is to do what the other student did: milk the system. We can get mad at God for allowing these circumstances into our lives and refuse to spend time with Him in prayer or any other way. We can depend too much on others at the expense of God and perhaps end up in co-dependent relationships. Or we can do nothing and have our own pity party.

Trials test our faith and form our integrity. Tackle the trials that come your way, knowing God is on your side and willing and able to help.  

Father, I thank You that Your strength is enough to enable me to conquer any trial. 

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I Thought I Knew You - Martin Wiles

He’s just the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us. Mark 6:3 NLT

I’d known him thirteen years before. But then he was a baby; now he was a teenager.

I once took a high school teacher’s position at a local private school. As I called the roll in my ninth-grade class, I immediately recognized the name of one of my students. His parents were members of a small country church my father had once pastored.

Since this young man was a baby when I last saw him, I could only judge his character by his parents. They were hard-working, honest people who had been good friends to my family and me. They were dedicated to the church and faithfully supported it. Surely, this young man would mimic his parents. In this case, he did, but he could have misrepresented his family entirely. I judged him by what I knew about his parents and expected as much from him.

Jesus’ hometown was Nazareth. He had grown up as a carpenter, the son of Mary and Joseph. Years later—when he returned claiming to be God’s Son—the people scoffed. They knew him as the carpenter’s son but nothing more. Their preconceived ideas kept them from believing the truth about him. They missed the Savior. Prejudice blinded them to the truth.

There have been a number of occasions when I’ve been disappointed by those I thought I knew. They’ve let me down, gossiped about me, and betrayed me when I needed them the most. I knew the parents of some and expected better but was disillusioned. Stereotyping has also occasionally kept me from seeing the person behind the facade.

God creates everyone in his image. Prejudice, stereotyping, and erroneous first-time impressions can keep us from seeing others’ inner potential and helping them realize it. There’s nothing we can’t do or be with God’s assistance, and the same is true of all people. Many whom we think we know often surprise us by being more than we ever imagined. We see a cheater; God sees a business owner. We see a troubled teen; God sees a future preacher or missionary.

We are all masterpieces in the making. God wants us to see others as he does.

What blinders do you need to remove so you can know others as God does?

Father, help me see others as You do so I can love them as You do. 

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