Water Fun in the Sun!

We loved visiting family and friends in Middle Tennessee this past week. Yet, one of the highlights for the kids is playing with mom and dad at the riverfront park in Owensboro, KY at the end of our voyages. Here's a just a few photos. We were too busy to take a bunch. Enjoy some Wiles family smiles!
Local friends, I highly recommend a drive down to Owensboro to play and eat pizza on the riverfront!
http://www.owensboroparks.org/?page_id=82

You can find the entire album by following this link: https://goo.gl/photos/fZ4MVDbDRxS9TXGs7

The Power of People and Amen!

The Power of People and Amen!

By: Christopher Wiles

Imagine with me for a moment the roar of the arena, the tumult of the stadium, the jubilee in the gymnasium in the moment the buzzer beater is scored, the overtime field goal is kicked, the extra innings home run is blasted.  As the fans are cheering in unison, the stadium is vibrating, the arena is shaking, and the gymnasium is alive with a tension and an energy that is felt by everyone there. 

Michigan Stadium is the largest in America that holds a capacity of 107,601 people.  Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington boasts a capacity of 17,222 fans.   The Hatchet House has an impressive 7090 seats.  If you’ve been in any of these, you’ve felt the energy in those moments that will never be forgotten.

Now, imagine that you aren’t hanging out with just 10,000 fans, or even 100,000 fans.  Imagine you are with 1.2 million people in a natural stadium that God designed to be an acoustic marvel.  In Deuteronomy 27, after Moses has delivered all the laws he charges the people to stand with half of the tribes on Mt. Gerizim and the other half on Mt. Ebal.  One group is declaring blessings (12) and one group declares curses (13).  The Levites began crying out in a loud voice to all the people a repetition similar to the 10 commandments (15-26).  After each utterance by the Levites, all the people on both mountain sides shout one singular word!  “AMEN!”

It’s just one word.  It’s just one meaning of “So be it!”  It is one simple declaration, but when 1.2 million people say it in unison in a God-made stadium, I’m sure it is a memory burned forever in the hearts of those who were fans of God’s Holy Promises.  Can you imagine a venue 10 times bigger than any we have in America producing that kind of unified message to burn into your memory? 

Yet today and every Sunday, across America, nay, across the world, gathers a people who, like the Israelites, are called out by God to make a declaration, to remember Jesus, and to honor our Lord and Savior. The earth becomes God’s stadium where His people declare the blessings of God and the curse of sin.  May we never neglect to join with others to say “Amen!” to God’s good promises.  There is still power, encouragement, and excitement in our gathering and declaring “Amen!”

“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” – Hebrews 10:25

Do Love

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

photocred: psychologytoday.com

Kids know things about Love that we forget as adults.  We tend to think of Love as an emotion, but kids know that it is an action, a decision.  One kid said, "Love is when mommy makes coffee for daddy and takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is ok."  Another said, "When my Grandma got arthritis and couldn't bend over, my grandpa started painting her toenails for her, even when his hands got arthritis too.  That's love."

Kids know that love is an action and a decision.  That is exactly what the Bible says about it too.  That famous 1 Corinthians 13 passage says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” (excerpt from 1 Cor 13:4-8)

You didn't hear much talk of love as an emotion or a feeling in that reading did you?  Maybe kids know that love isn’t something you just feel, it’s something you do. 

Decide to Love someone today by loving action, with loving behavior, by lovingly DOing something that they deserve as God’s beautiful creation.  DON'T JUST FEEL LOVE, DO LOVE.  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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Gas Station Love

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

Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matt 22:39)  Deuteronomy expounds on the second half of the ten commandments in chapter 24 and informs us that love goes out toward more than just neighbors at our physical address.  Loving your neighbor as yourself in just this one chapter includes: honoring your wife, being merciful to the family, showing grace to a debtor, giving justice to your countryman, treating fairly the poor, being accountable for only your own mistakes, blessing the visitor to your land, taking care of the orphans, and providing for the widows.  And that's just one chapter of the Bible folks. 

photocred: ashtachemicals.com

I recently saw how another acted neighborly in caring for patrons in the local Viking Mart Marathon Gas Station in Montgomery.   As I dismounted my bicycle after a 45 minute ride a middle aged woman hustled out the door yelling to all the patrons soon to pump gas, "Wait!  Wait!  Don't pump!  The price is going down in just a few minutes!  Wait!"  So passionate in her desire to help the present patrons, this gas station attendant looked like she warning people of an impending apocalypse in her efforts to save them a dollar.  She truly cared for people and put forth effort to love as a neighbor. 

Today, decide to put forth effort to love someone that has become your neighbor in life.  You'll be glad you did. 

Click the logo below and subscribe to automatically receive these Podcasts every weekday morning on Google Play Music or iTunes. 

  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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An Old Testament Reflection of Jesus' 2nd Command

Study Starter: An Old Testament Reflection of Jesus' 2nd Command

by: Christopher Wiles

photocred: joshjackcarl.com

    Jesus blew minds away when He simplified and summed up the commands with  "Love the Lord your God," (Mt 22:37) and "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Mt 22:39)  He furthered the declaration which silenced Pharisees and Sadducees by adding, "On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets."  (Mt 22:40)  These brazen commandments were really nothing new, but rather a simplification of the ten commandments as they were twice shared by Moses to all the children of Israel. (Ex 20:1-17 & Deut 5:7-21)  The challenge for us today is to determine what this simplification looks like in our lives.  In this two part work, we'll first look at the 2nd Command (love your neighbor) and how that was reflected in daily life of the people whom originally were told not to covet, lie, steal, cheat, murder, or dishonor others.

     Deuteronomy is a second telling of the law, which came a dismal forty years after the Israelites suffered through their unfaithfulness and fear by traipsing through the wilderness.  Israel is poised to accept God's gift of the promised land this time, but Moses puts them on pause to stand on a mountainside and share again the Decalogue (10 commandments, Deut 5:7-21) and what it should look like as we live it out (Deut 6-26).   My recent study in Deut 24 gives me insight into the 2nd part of the 10 commandments.  It tells us what daily living would look like if people followed "love your neighbor as yourself." Check out some of the words in these excerpts from the "sundry laws."

• The former husband isn't allowed to take her again to be his wife… (24:4)
• When a man takes a new wife, he shall not go out with the army… (24:5)
• No one shall take a hand-mill...in pledge, for he would be taking a life… (24:6)
• If a man is caught kidnapping any of his countryman… then that thief shall die... (24:7)
• When you make your neighbor a loan… you shall not enter his house to take his pledge… (24:10)
• You shall not oppress a hired servant who is poor or needy… (24:14)
• Fathers shall not be put to death for their sons… (24:16)
• Nor shall sons be put to death for their fathers… (24:16)
• You shall not pervert the just due a sojourner… (24:17,19,21)

• You shall not pervert the just due a … orphan… (24:17,19,21)

• You shall not pervert the just due a … widow … (24:17,19,21)

     Loving your neighbor as yourself in just this one chapter includes: honoring your wife, being merciful to the family, showing grace to a debtor, giving justice to your countryman, treating fairly the poor, being accountable for only your own mistakes, blessing the visitor to your land, taking care of the orphans, and providing for the widows.  This lists of laws in your Old Testament study might seem a little tedious, till we realize they are still the basis of how Jesus expects us to treat people today. 

     Now, take inventory of your own actions in the past week.  How have you loved your neighbor?  Enjoy reading through more of the sundry laws in Deuteronomy 6-26 as they teach us all how to love our neighbors just as the Lord desires.

Living Lessons & Study Starters are articles written for the weekly Washington Church of Christ bulletin.  You can find more by clicking HERE or searching for "Study Starter" in the right sidebar search.

Family Laboratory

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photo credit: Dexter's Laboratory

Good morning, this is Topher from Washington Church of Christ, bring you a positive Message Minute written especially for families. 

I believe the family is your own personal laboratory, where moms and dads get to experiment on their children to see what hinders and what helps in bringing about the best and most well balanced adults by the time they finally fly from the nest. 

Last week, we noticed a little bit of ingratitude creeping into our kids, you know, that kind that just grates on your nerves because of the thanklessness, complaining, and whining that it brings.   This week, we're experimenting with what we read in our history books about the pioneer days of America.  Our children only have one toy for the entire week, they only have two changes of clothes, we don't turn on the lights and night, and our food is much simpler, more repetitive, and a bit more bland. 

You know what we learned in this experiment?  We learned that even dad can be more grateful for the daily blessings of life when he gets tired of eating beans every day. 

1 Thessalonians 5:18 "In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

This experiment has been good for the kids and myself as well.  I encourage you to experiment with your families and be grateful for the blessings you've been given.  You'll be glad you did. 

***Extra:  We've also seen the kids show more imaginative and cooperative play, more help around the house, and the willpower to eat some of the food they don't like, because they know there is no snack and no dessert to follow.  We've treated it as education, not as punishment, and the results have been great!  Oh, and my wife has been enjoying other projects rather than spending so much time in the kitchen and cleaning up toys.  We may need to make this an annual experimental event!***

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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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Signs of the End Times?

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(P.S. Thanks for your patience as I took a little break from Message Minutes.  With multiple funerals in church and in family, combined with travel and preaching gospel meetings, I was burning the candle at both ends and needed to sleep past 5:30am for a while till our schedule calmed down.  We had to make room for our first priorities.  Thanks for understanding.)

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

photo credit: Huffington Post

Let's smile for a moment and ask, "What is going to bring about the end of the world, Armageddon, the apocalypse?"  Some might say the Mayan calendar running out.  Others thought it would be Y2k.  Some hedged their bets on 4 blood moons.  As for me, I think the act that will bring about ultimate chaos will be...wait for it… disobedient children. 

No, really!
 

"There will be terrible times in the last days.  People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents...." (2 Timothy3:1-2)

The end times will be characterized by disobedient children.  And if you've ever sheltered a rebellious child, you know that it either seems like the end of the world to you, or you want to END their world!

Joking aside, I think there is more to the 5th command of the 10 commandments.  Paul said this about it in Ephesians 6:2-3.

"Honor your father and mother - which is the first commandment with a promise - that it may go well with you that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”

Obedient children seem to be part of the recipe for a stable society, avoiding the apocalypse, and for enjoying long lives.  Today, focus on honoring your parents, so that it may go well with you.  You'll be glad you did. 

Click the logo below and subscribe to automatically receive these Podcasts every weekday morning on Google Play Music or iTunes. 

  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.
To find more of the Message Minutes that have been uploaded to this blog CLICK HERE.  
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Seeking Stable Society

Living Lessons: Seeking Stable Society through honoring Mom & Dad

by: Christopher Wiles with contributions from Dan Williams

     Our responsibility to honor our parents is written into the fabric of the Bible.  It is the fifth commandment in the Ten Commandments – this is the way it's meant to be!  The first four deal with our relationship with God, while ­the last six outline our responsibilities to others, our social obligations.  First on the list of the relationship commands:  our obligation to our parents!  This is basic; but it's also beneficial!  Notice the BENEFIT to honoring Mom & Dad in the command and the following verses:  "so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you." (Exodus 20:12)

• ·         Deuteronomy 5:16 “… so that you may live long and that it may go well with YOU in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”
• ·         Proverbs 4:10  "Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many.”
• ·         Ephesians 6:1-3  “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.  Honor your father and mother - which is the first commandment with a promise - that it may go well with you that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”

     God clearly wants us to understand that to be good to our parents is to be good to ourselves.  But why?  Why does honoring THEM mean a good life for US?  The parent/child relationship is a fundamental building block of society, basic to life, what makes the world function.  The command to "honor your parents" gives order and stability to life.  Just remember the Sunday school teacher that asked her students, “Is there a command that teaches you how to act towards your parents?”  The class responded in unison:  “Honor your father and your mother!”  Then the teacher asked, “Is there a command that teaches you how to act toward your brother?”  The group was stumped for a few moments, until one little fellow called out:  “Thou shalt not kill!”

     Every nation is made up of families.  When the family crumbles, the nation will collapse!  This commandment was taken seriously in ancient Israel – they practiced the death penalty for its violation! (Ex 21:17, Lev 20:9).  A rebellious son was a community concern. (Deut 21:18-21)

     Our problems today with juvenile crime, delinquency, vandalism, illegitimacy, etc. are not primarily due to racism, education, or environment – they are primarily family problems.  When the family is functioning as it should then society will be stable.  The command to honor our parents is fundamental; part of the "glue" that holds the world together.  "There will be terrible times in the last days.  People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents...." (Timothy 3:1-2).  Failure to honor Mom and Dad is even part of the terrible times in the Last Days.  To honor our parents is to make society itself stable.

     So honor your parents on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, the world depends on it. 

Patrons, Progeny, and Priorities

Living Lessons: Patrons, Progeny, and Priorities

by: Christopher Wiles

We all make priority mistakes while getting caught up in life's pursuits.  God uses wisdom in scripture and people around us to perfect our priorities.

Priority Pursuit #1: Viking Mart in Montgomery became the site of a thought provoking experience recently.  As I dismounted my bicycle after a 45 minute ride a middle aged woman hustled out the door yelling to all the patrons soon to pump gas, "Wait!  Wait!  Don't pump!  The price is going down in just a few minutes!  Wait!"  So passionate in her desire to help the present patrons, this gas station attendant looked like she warning people of an impending apocalypse in her efforts to save them a dollar.  Moments later, she greeted everyone by name as the patrons entered into this Marathon gas station.  She truly cared for people and put forth effort for the savings of others.  I'm so glad this attendant took time to show the priority of care for business patrons and unknowingly helped me pursue Godly priorities.

Priority Pursuit #2: Chuck Harmon Little League at the Sports Complex became the site of another thought provoking experience recently as we halted the game for many teachable technique opportunities, but the highest priority teachable moment was rejected by the opposing coach.  As I stood in front of the opposing coach making my case for a game pause to teach fielder safety to our Little League learners, the driven coach dismissingly declared this erring justification, "He (the fielder) was playing the ball.  He had every right to the base path."  So passionate was his desire to win the game, this 9-10 year old baseball coach showed disregard about the dangers of collisions and the rules after his infielder made a potentially frightful mistake on a ball thrown to second base.   I'm so glad my progeny, Gabriel, didn't bulldoze the clueless & empty-gloved child but took time to show the priority of care for an opposing player as he danced around the errant fielder on the way to the base.  Gabriel unknowingly helped me pursue Godly priorities.  

One person was so passionate in her care for others that she halted the workplace hustle-bustle and extra company revenue as a sacrifice for patrons.   One person was so passionate in his desire to win that he refused halting the game to teach children safety and the rules so they may enjoy longevity in the game they love. 

I'm reminded of Jesus in Luke 10 as He dealt with an "expert"(v.25)  wanting to "justify himself"(v.29). To teach this expert a higher way in priorities, our Savior shared the parable of the "Good Samaritan." 

"But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion.  He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him.   And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’   'Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?'   He said, 'The one who showed him mercy.' And Jesus said to him, 'You go, and do likewise.'" (Luke 10:33-37)

I hope for another opportunity to thank this lady for her kindness to patrons and to compassionately teach a coach the priorities of caring for players.  Whether working, coaching, or playing, may we all seek growth in our daily life as we learn to sacrifice our worldly pursuits for the priority of care and mercy for others.  

Reconciliation Day

Living Lesson: Reconciliation Day
by: Christopher Wiles

photo credit: StarTribune

Can you believe it?  I missed Reconciliation Day!  According to the calendar, April 2^nd was reconciliation day, and in my opinion, it’s a great holiday to follow April Fool's day. I remember pulling pranks of forking yards, putting Kool-Aid in the shower head, and prank calling people asking, “Is your refrigerator running?”  Reconciliation day was started in 1989 by newspaper columnist Ann Landers. The intent of this day is to patch up relationships and make amends, especially if you made someone mad by filling their yard with clear plastic forks.  

For the followers of Christ, we reconcile not because the calendar tells us to, but because in 2 Corinthians 5:18, “God reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.”  You and I are called to help people reconcile with each other and with God.  How are you doing with that ministry God has given you?

photo credit: the Guardian

Take the next steps in letting go of your grudges. Pick up a pen and paper to start a letter. Open your email app to start a relationship anew.  Maybe you should make that phone call that will reconcile yourself with your loved ones.  Whatever avenue of communication you choose, be sure to speak kind words, say you’re sorry for your past mistakes, and forgive others as you would have them forgive you. You'll be glad you did. 

“For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.” – Romans 5:10

Living Lessons are articles written for the weekly Washington Church of Christ bulletin.  You can find more by clicking HERE or searching for "Living Lesson" in the right sidebar search.