Dental Discipline and Static Teeth

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Good morning this is Topher, from Washington Church of Christ, with a positive message minute. 

credit: http://wonderopolis.org

Yesterday contained a first for me.  My wife shocked my tooth!  As I was carrying my 9 month old outside, my beautiful bride was attempting to cover her with a fleece blanket.  As she placed the static filled fleece in my mouth to help hold it in place, Ashley brushed one of my incisors with her finger, sending a wave of electricity shooting through a nerve.  Ouch! It really did hurt, and served as a reminder that I don't like tooth pain and will do what it takes to avoid it, including brushing after meals, flossing daily, and not letting anyone touch my teeth while holding fleece in the winter.

What will you do to avoid spiritual pains in life?  

Might I suggest a daily discipline just like your dental plan. 

• Pray at every meal just as Paul gave thanks before eating a meal.
• After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat.  (Acts 27:35)

• Brush up on your Bible daily, just as the Berean church examined Scriptures every day.
• "Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." (Acts 17:11)

• And avoid those people that bring sin-caused pain in your life, because the companion of fools will suffer harm. 
• Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.  (Proverbs 13:20)

Take your spiritual health at least as seriously as you take your dental hygiene.  You'll be glad you did. 

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  Message Minutes are sponsored by  Washington Church of Christ and recorded for the public 107.9 The Memories WAMW morning radio program.  They air at approximately 7:35am on Weekday Mornings.
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Your Most Important Speech?

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Good morning, this is Topher from Washington Church of Christ, bringing you a positive Message Minute.

Someone asked me just this week, "If you could make a 1 minute speech to the entire world, what would you say?"  They probably didn't expect me to laugh in their face because they have no idea that I write one minute speeches every weekday morning.  Yet, the question does have the desired affect as I now contemplate what is most important in my life.  Should I share about faith in Jesus, or family relationships?  Perhaps church, school, and work are the best and most practical speech topics?  Maybe even a sports metaphor about the deep meaning of cooperation in this world is what everyone needs to hear? 

source: saved on Pinterest by "Lizelle Smith"

"If you could make a 1 minute speech to the entire world, what would you say?"  As I contemplated what was most important, my mind went straight to some of Jesus' last words on the cross, which may be some of the most important of the Bible.   Our Lord & Savior said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34)

When I write my most important one minute speech, like Jesus I want my words to be filled with Love and Forgiveness.  I encourage you today to spend a moment considering what the most important words are that you could share with someone else.  You'll be glad you did. 

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  Message Minutes are sponsored by  Washington Church of Christ and recorded for the public 107.9 The Memories WAMW morning radio program.  They air at approximately 7:35am on Weekday Mornings.
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Living Lesson: Life From Another Perspective

Living Lesson: Life From Another Perspective

by: Christopher Wiles

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11

Wednesday morning came and went with me feeling a little frustrated.  I overslept my 4am alarm and didn’t wake till 5:45am, meaning I didn’t get a 3 mile run in before recording for the radio.  On top of that, the 112 students who were present in the homeschool cooperative were a little more rowdy than normal.  By the time I arrived back to the office to work, I possessed a darker mood than usual.  After a prayer I had a plan to help my mood, “I know what will help. I’ll make my visits first today, I’ll go see Jean Moore in the rehab center.  She’s always happy to see me.”

Then I received the text from Donna, “Warren is being lifelined to St. Mary’s, had a heart attack.”  My own heart sank to a deeper and darker place than before.  Prayers for healing were uttered as I headed out the door to Evansville.  Many of you reading this shared the same despondency when you heard the phone tree message.   

Yet, when Warren came out of surgery and was speaking to us, my heart lifted and by the end of the evening I was feeling grateful and excited, thanking God for prayers answered.  So what really changed my mood?  It wasn’t the students that changed.  It wasn’t the volunteers that changed.  It wasn’t that anything amazingly wonderful happened in my life. It was simply my perspective that changed.  God led me to a place where I was refocused on what really mattered in life.  When pitting a dear brother’s triumphant success in surgery against those minor irritations of rowdy students, the frustrations paled in comparison.  Joy and gratefulness fully occupied the space in my heart. 

Sometimes in life we need a perspective checkup when we’re feeling the funk down in the dumps.  Here are a few verses from Paul’s writings to pray about and meditate on that may aid us on our way to a healthier life perspective. May you find reason to joyfully thank God today.  

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28

“For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through Him that we utter our Amen to God for His glory.” 2 Corinthians 1:20

“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. ¹² I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” – Philippians 4:11-12

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” – Romans 15:13

Living Lessons are practical every day lessons that Topher writes from his learning experiences.  They are featured weekly in the Washington Church of Christ bulletin.  Click here to find more: LIVING LESSONS.

Will You Have Said More Than Done?

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Good morning, this is Topher from Washington Church of Christ, bringing you a positive Message Minute.

"When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done?"

credit: picturequotes.com

We all meet those people who talk a big talk but don't have the game to back it up.  Whether in our work, church, school, club, or sports team, these people are a huge temptation for us as we want to match words and wit with them.  Here's a word of wisdom for you, as you consider the answer to the question, "...Will you have said more than you've done?"

James, the brother of Jesus says it this way, "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." - James 1:22

Whatever your dreams, goals, or aspirations are today, especially in spiritual matters, decide to let your actions do the talking for you.  Make steps toward achieving your desire and accomplish something toward your goals so that you can do more than you say today.  You'll be glad you did. 

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  Message Minutes are sponsored by  Washington Church of Christ and recorded for the public 107.9 The Memories WAMW morning radio program.  They air at approximately 7:35am on Weekday Mornings.
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Don't Act Your Age!

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Good morning, this is Topher from Washington Church of Christ, bringing you a positive message minute.

Here's a deep thought.  How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?  If you got knocked on the head and forgot how old you are, how old would you judge yourself to be? 

a bit younger Topher (about 1982)

Does the answer to this question make you happy?  At a funeral dinner this week I had three people in separate conversations attempt my age with one guessing in the 20's, another in the 40's, and one really close at 35.  Truth is, I'm 37, and I believe I am right on that age.  I've not lost my ambition, but it has been tempered with wisdom.  I've not lost my youthful activities, but my body is showing a little mileage.  Now let me ask you another question, with the exception of senior discounts on coffee, does that age number really matter?

Paul had something to say about age to Timothy (1 Tim 4:12).  "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."  I think Paul is offering wisdom in saying that it isn't your age but the things you do that define you.  Today, whatever your age may be, stop "acting your age" and act the way you think you should.  You'll be glad you did. 

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  Message Minutes are sponsored by  Washington Church of Christ and recorded for the public 107.9 The Memories WAMW morning radio program.  They air at approximately 7:35am on Weekday Mornings.
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Wait A Day, It Will Change!

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Good morning, this is Topher, from Washington Church of Christ, bringing you a positive Message Minute.

There is a saying that I enjoy as I meet people from Tennessee, Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois.  I think each state believes this statement to be unique to their geographic location, but in our region it is true none-the-less.  Here it is, "If you don't like the weather here, just wait a day, it will change."  Haven't we seen a strange weather season this year?  From the freedom of shorts to frigid freezing weather, our atmospheric conditions are riding a roller coaster at our expense.  I even saw the forecast for 64 degrees on Thursday and 26 degrees on Friday this week.  What a difference a day will make.

Yet, I think the truth in our statement lies less in the changing weather, but more in patience promoted.  Rather than complain and whine about our current situation in weather or in life, the wisdom of "wait a day, it will change" would do us all a lot of good.  Paul says it this way in Romans 8:25, "If we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience."  If you are hoping for something better to come in the weather or in life, cut out the grumbling about the current situation and wait for better things with patience.  You'll be glad you did. 

photo cred: www.godswordimages.com

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  Message Minutes are sponsored by  Washington Church of Christ and recorded for the public 107.9 The Memories WAMW morning radio program.  They air at approximately 7:35am on Weekday Mornings.
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No Fear

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Good morning, this is Topher from Washington Church of Christ, bringing you a positive message minute. 

Do you remember that brand of t-shirts popular in the 1990's that claimed the moniker, "NoFear."  As a teen I was emboldened when I wore my "No Fear" t-shirts.  Out of curiosity I looked up the company, and I was surprised to see that they also dabbled in relationships with Energy Drinks, MMA, Motorcross, Surfing, Concerts, and eventually even Bankruptcy in 2011.  While the "No Fear" company may be on the ropes, the No Fear philosophy is still very much alive in scripture and in us today. 

In John 14:27 Jesus emboldened his disciples with these words, "Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful."  Paul later shared to the young Timothy, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of Power, and of Love, and of a sound mind." (2 Tim1:7).  My friends, If you're approaching this morning and feeling fear as you take stock of giants awaiting you this week, endeavor to set the fear aside, and grasp the Spirit of Power and Love that only God can give.  You'll be glad you did. 

You remember the tshirt, but did you know "No Fear" made an energy drink? Here's a positive No Fear message minute. https://t.co/VgntsbyqaL pic.twitter.com/3Cp1lWasIx

— Christopher Wiles (@TopherWiles) March 6, 2017

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  Message Minutes are sponsored by  Washington Church of Christ and recorded for the public 107.9 The Memories WAMW morning radio program.  They air at approximately 7:35am on Weekday Mornings.
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Employee Appreciation Day

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Good morning, this is Topher from Washington Church ofChrist, bringing you a positive Message Minute.

On the calendar today is marked as the official observance of Employee Appreciation Day!  While I'm sure some have made the claims that this should be a day off for employees, it isn't an official "holiday."   First off, let's be clear, if you are already giving your employees a positive work environment where they earn fair wages toward a quality living for their families, you are appreciating them.  Beyond this basic of working relationships and expectations, what motivation do bosses have for treating their employees better than just the basics? 

The closest parallel I know in Scripture is Paul's conversation to slaves and Masters in Ephesians 6.  He tells the subordinate to give the superior respect, sincerity, and wholehearted service as if serving the Lord and not people.  (Eph 6:5-7) Paul then shares, "And Masters, treat your slaves the same way.  Do not threaten them since you know that He, who is both their Master and yours, is in heaven, and there is no favoritism in Him." (Ephesians 6:9ac)

Today, for Employee Appreciation Day, those of you who serve in roles of authority with people working under you, endeavor to honor God by treating them with respect, sincerity, and wholehearted service.  You'll be glad you did.

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  Message Minutes are sponsored by  Washington Church of Christ and recorded for the public 107.9 The Memories WAMW morning radio program.  They air at approximately 7:35am on Weekday Mornings.
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Here's Our Town, Here's Our Home

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Good morning, this is Topher from Washington Church of Christ, bringing you a positive message minute. 

Henryville Damage photo on
www.fema.gov

Five years ago, on this very day, an EF-4 tornado caused extensive damage to Henryville Indiana, spending more than 50 miles on the ground and destroying churches, schools, and killing three people.  A few members from our church were on the scene hours later as part of a chainsaw crew clearing the roadways where we witnessed the carnage left behind.  You might say, "Wait Topher, that's not positive!"  

Here's the bright spot.  From that moment five years ago I developed some lifelong friends in Henryville.  One of those friends, Robin Embry, whose home was hit by the tornado, posted yesterday a tribute video and a song titled, "Here's Our Town."  It's a beautiful celebration of the life that still exists once a tragedy has passed and it serves as a reminder that good people, places, and times continue to thrive in Southern Indiana.  Robin catches the essence of wisdom presented in James that says, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." (James1:2-3)  No matter the trials facing you today, take a bit of wisdom from Robin and Henryville, meet those trials with joy and desire to serve God and others.  You'll be glad you did.

Oh, and Robin, if you're listening to this Message Minute, thank you for helping our town of Washington when it was hit with a tornado one year after yours.   May God continue to bless you and your family as you serve Him.

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  Message Minutes are sponsored by  Washington Church of Christ and recorded for the public 107.9 The Memories WAMW morning radio program.  They air at approximately 7:35am on Weekday Mornings.
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Evidence of Storms

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Good morning, this is Topher from Washington Church of Christ bringing you a positive message minute.

5am Storm Front in Washington
from my phone

After a strong storm front blew through Washington at 5am leaving power outages and a couple downed trees in its wake, my initial assessment from all my years working tornado chainsaw crews is that our city had strong straight line winds, some even in the 60-70mph range.   Driving main roads and highways throughout the entire city at 5:30am and surveying the damage helped me in determining what I think this storm brought.  You can generally tell the type of storm by the evidence it leaves behind.

Jesus said much the same thing about people.  In Matthew 7:17 He says, "Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit."  In other words, you can tell the type of person by the evidence they leave behind.  Does their life show consistently damaged relationships, paranoia, fear, and hurtful words?  Do they spread the fruit of the Spirit such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? (Galatians 5:23-24) Let's make a decision today, that you and I will leave behind us evidence of good fruit.  Today, you can start by helping your neighbors cleanup tree limbs and trash cans.  You'll be glad you did. 

Here is a copy and paste from my Facebook.  It's my general damage assessment after driving around town for 30mins from 5:30am-6:00am.

Drawing on my cell phone of power outage

"Power and damage assessment. At 5 a.m. straight-line winds came through Washington with a well-defined front-line. Power was lost to the Southeastern quadrant of Washington. This map shows my estimation of the power outage while driving around at 5:30 a.m. Power looks like it was restored at 5:50 a.m. As I've driven around Washington, majority I've seen so far are small limbs down on roadways. Strongest winds look to be on the north side of town around Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. One tree across the road on Highway 57 on the north side of town. I don't see any building or structural damage as I drive around that looks like evidence of tornado, but those were some strong straight-line winds. This is just my unofficial assessment from years of organizing chainsaw crews to chase the tornadoes."  My general estimate is that the north side of town saw 60-70 mph straight line winds while at my house we experienced 40-50 mph winds.  I only saw two whole trees down near Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.  There were several small limbs and debris blown around over the entire city. *Update 7:10am* From social media posts, it appears the power is out in the Cumback and Glendale areas southeast of Washington.

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  Message Minutes are sponsored by  Washington Church of Christ and recorded for the public 107.9 The Memories WAMW morning radio program.  They air at approximately 7:35am on Weekday Mornings.
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