Topher Wiles

Solar Eclipse - Glad it's temporary!

topherwiles@gmail.com (ChrisTopher Wiles) — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 07:47:00 -0400

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

In just a little over 5 weeks, 3% of the United States will get the opportunity to see a truly rare event in our lifetime, a total solar eclipse. From what I understand from friends in Tennessee, Kentucky, and southern Illinois, this is going to be a crazy time. Schools are closing. Governments are shutting down for the day. Police are ramping up to handle the amount of traffic influx they expect for this momentous occasion. Hotels are already booked solid, campgrounds are maxed out, and pieces of farmland are going for $125 a night just for someone to pitch a tent.

Map Credit: http://www.eclipse2017.org

People are really excited to experience this short moment in time where we can feel the temperatures drop during those few minutes where most of the sun's light is blocked, all but the edges. Aren't you glad it doesn't last forever? If the darkness blotted out the light forever, the results on earth would me the end of life as we know it.

In John 1:5, we are told, "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." I take comfort in knowing that the darkness in this world, you know, the tough times, the evil moments, the trials of life, are only temporary. I'm so glad that all the those times are really like a solar eclipse, they really only last a relatively short period of time because the light continues to shine, and the darkness will not overcome it.

If you're struggling with dark times in life, try hard to look for God's light shining around the edges and remember that it is only temporary, for the darkness cannot overcome the light. You'll be glad you did.

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There's No Place Like Home

topherwiles@gmail.com (ChrisTopher Wiles) — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 07:26:00 -0400

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"My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?" - John 14:2

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

Dorothy returned from her whirlwind journey to appreciate the simple pleasures of home. Yes, her life may have been black and white. Yes, her life may have lacked a little adventure. Yes, all she had were simple family that loved her and a dog that followed her around.

Yet, she couldn't return to that humble abode in Kansas until she finally understood and said, "There's no place like home. There's no place like home."

Ashley and I have spent the last couple weeks traveling, camping, and guest speaking in various locations. While all the family time was nice, and the camping weather was wonderful, we finally had to admit the words that echo that feeling when you walk in the front door after along time away, "Ahhh, there's no place like home."

I believe we'll receive that same relieved and relaxed feeling when we finally travel from this life to the next. When Jesus finally meets us with that key at the front door of our mansion in heaven, I think we'll simply say, "There's no place like home."

Today, why not spend a little time thanking God for the blessings of home. You'll be glad you did.

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Do Love

topherwiles@gmail.com (ChrisTopher Wiles) — Mon, 22 May 2017 08:57:00 -0400

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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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Gas Station Love

topherwiles@gmail.com (ChrisTopher Wiles) — Fri, 19 May 2017 07:50:00 -0400

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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.

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Family Laboratory

topherwiles@gmail.com (ChrisTopher Wiles) — Thu, 18 May 2017 07:42:00 -0400

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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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Signs of the End Times?

topherwiles@gmail.com (ChrisTopher Wiles) — Tue, 16 May 2017 07:28:00 -0400

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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.

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So Many Super Heroes

topherwiles@gmail.com (ChrisTopher Wiles) — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 08:01:00 -0400

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

credit: www.ign.com

It's amazing the amount of super hero movies, books, shows, and action figures that are being produced today. Just walk through the toy isle of Walmart to see any amazing amount these heroes. They are created to represent so many power of greatness: running fast, invisibility, super strength, telekinesis, and we're just scratching the surface.

Some say we have so many amazing super heroes today because people feel a great amount of fear and desire to be saved.

There are attributes in the Bible that are developed, disciplined, and inspired inside of human beings by God's Spirit that bring about a lot of relief in our life from the fears that surround us. Oh, and when we share them with others, we become heroes to them. Paul calls them "fruit of the Spirit" and lists them as, "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." (Galatians 5:22-23)

Then there is a true hero that history records coming in this world to save us, the one and only Jesus the Christ. Who else would sacrifice so much? Today, be a hero by modeling Jesus and the fruit of the Spirit, the real super powers, that God grants. You'll be glad you did.

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Peyton & Fundies

topherwiles@gmail.com (ChrisTopher Wiles) — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 07:19:00 -0400

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

credit: pinterest user - Bill Agee

I was surprised to see Peyton Manning trending in my twitter feed this morning. Being from Tennessee, relocating to Indiana, I was able to enjoy Peyton as a QB for the Tennessee Vols and Indianapolis Colts, and I genuinely enjoy Peyton's personality. In a news article by the Indy Star yesterday (catch it here), Manning shared this wisdom with some Hoosier student-athletes.

"If you ever think the little things don’t matter, and you can brush those aside, I promise you in whatever you’re doing, your game’s going to slip.”

Just like a good QB needs to continue working on the regular disciplines of the snap, huddle communication, and footwork, we too should focus on the fundamental daily disciplines in life. The Bible says, Rejoice always (1 Thess 5:16), Pray continually (1Thess 5:17), be thankful in everything (1 Thess 5:18), read the Bible daily (Acts 17:11), and honor everyone (1 Peter 2:17). These are some of the daily discipline fundamentals that often get lost in hectic schedules, and if they do, your game of life is going to slip.

So today, pick one of these basic life fundamentals to focus on, study, and practice. Decide to smile everywhere you go. Decide to pray morning, noon, and night. Decide to really meditate on the good Word of God. Decide to treat others better than you want to be treated. Trust me, focus on the fundamentals. You'll be glad you did.

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Tough Wisdom on Tax Day

topherwiles@gmail.com (ChrisTopher Wiles) — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 07:34:00 -0400

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

You know, America really is the land of opportunity because every single person has the opportunity to become a tax-payer! In case you haven't heard, TODAY IS TAX DAY, the one day of the year that makes more liars out of people than golf!

credit: az quotes

With all the joking aside, can I just share with you some thoughts that help me through taxes? As I did the dirty deed of dropping a check in the mail, I tried to remember the following.

I am blessed with a free education.
I enjoy safe drinking water.
I have parks to play in.
I have paved roads to drive on.
I have few cares because a relatively safe place to live compared to much of the rest of the world.

I know that tax day can hurt, especially if you drop a check in the mail like me. Trust me though, it'll soften the blow if you try to remember the wisdom in 1 Thessalonians, "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thess 5:18)

So today, if it is a day you dread, try to give thanks for the benefits you have received because of it. You'll be glad you did.

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Beat that Easter Hangover

topherwiles@gmail.com (ChrisTopher Wiles) — Mon, 17 Apr 2017 07:16:00 -0400

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

credit: elizabethhagan.com

I know what you’re thinking. Good morning, yeah right! I know you don't want to go to work today. I know you don't want your normal routine back. I know you don't want to do your chores. I know you are loathing school at this moment.

Let's face it, this past weekend was good. You had great weather to spend outside. You enjoyed a lot of good time with family all around you. Odds are, you spent some extra blessed time honoring the Risen Savior this weekend. Now you feel like it all has to end because BAM, just like that, life has come back!

What you're experiencing is "Easter Hangover." It comes from not having much of family, friends, faith, and fair skies in your regular schedule, then getting tons of it all in one weekend. It can be rather intoxicating.

There's good news though. Daily life doesn't have to be deficient of these wonderful things. You just have to devote a little extra time in your daily schedule to enjoy these blessings of life. So start this morning by reading or listening to a bit of the Good Word. Write a quick short letter or text message telling your family how glad you were to see them. Be determined to encourage whatever friend you see next today. Go outside on your lunch break for five minutes. Make sure to thank God during the day and before going bed. Get yourself in a good daily routine filled with God's blessings so you don't suffer from a Monday morning Easter Hangover. You'll be glad you did.

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Your Identification Please...

topherwiles@gmail.com (ChrisTopher Wiles) — Thu, 13 Apr 2017 08:30:00 -0400

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Scroll down to view an infographic of a Holy Week Timeline.
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Good morning, this is Topher, from Washington Church of Christ, bringing you a positive message minute.

Yes, I confess, I've been pulled over a time or two: twice when I was 16, once at 18, 21, 26, and 34. Each and every time, those wonderful men in uniform wanted some information about me immediately, so they asked for my ID.

In America, we have an amazing database system implemented that gives a lot of information about you based on the Identification Card that you give to the police officer, an ID card that you aren't supposed to leave home without.

On Thursday of the Holy Week, just after Jesus has identified his betrayer, he gives his disciples an ID Card, a way that everyone would know who they serve, who they pledge allegiance to, whose follower they were. In John 13, Jesus says, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:34-35)

Friends, an ID card is a useful thing to always have with you, but there is identification that is better than your driver's license that you shouldn't leave home without, Love.

Today, choose to show an extra measure of the love of Christ to one another and others will know that you are His disciples. You'll be glad you did.

credit: www.churchpop.com

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Teaching Tuesday on the Holy Week

topherwiles@gmail.com (ChrisTopher Wiles) — Tue, 11 Apr 2017 08:02:00 -0400

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

About 1984 years ago, give or take a few, Jesus was in Jerusalem during what we now call the "Holy Week" of Passover. On Tuesday of that week, the man who was the Christ, the Messiah, was teaching on weddings, marriage, and the Kingdom of God. These teachings stunned and astonished some of the religious elites called the Sadducees. (Matthew 22:33)

Upon seeing that their political and theological opponents were stumped, the Pharisees got together and put one expert of the law to test Jesus with a question. He asked, "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?" (Matt 22:36) Jesus gave my favorite reply to all the many questions he was asked here in Matthew 22. Here's the Topher summary of what Jesus said in just seven short words.

The Son of God basically said, "Loving God and Loving People fulfills everything."(summary of Matthew 22:37-40, see also Deuteronomy 6:4-6 for the quote in the Old Testament)

This Tuesday, we could do no better than to focus the truth that Jesus shared on a Tuesday so long ago. Friends, simply endeavor to Love God and Love People today. You'll be glad you did.

credit: from www.churchpop.com

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Kick Karma (& other ideas) to the Curb!

topherwiles@gmail.com (ChrisTopher Wiles) — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 11:25:00 -0400

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

You just gotta laugh at some of the silliness that comes out of our mouths sometimes, especially those of us who claim to be people who live by the Good Book.

For instance, We talk about our loved ones, getting their wings and becoming angels when they die. Truth is, angels and wings are rarely connected and we certainly don't become angels anymore than we become camels! Don’t even get me started on the golden ringed halo above the head!
We tell people two of every animal went in the ark, when it was really 7 pairs of all the clean ones. (Genesis 7:2)
Cleanliness is close to Godliness? - Didn't arrive in our world until a sermon in 1778! (source here)
How about decorating our churches with pews, pulpits, and crosses? Oh wait, in the New Covenant, the church isn't even a building.
Then there’s Karma, the idea that if life is bad, you've done bad, if life is good, you've done good.

Folks that's about as anti-Christ as you get. It was Jesus who said in the Sermon on the Mount, "the rain falls on the just and the unjust alike." (Matthew 5:45) It was His follower Paul who said, "the wages of sin is death," (Romans 6:23) and "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) Truth is folks, we deserve death and we can't do enough good deeds to deserve good in life. The scales of Karma just don't fit with sin and God's Justice.

And that's the good news of the Gospel. Christ came to save us and offered grace and adoption to all the lost and wayward children of the world. We may deserve death, but Christ came with the Grace of Life as a free gift. So, for the believer, karma is dead, and Christ reigns supreme. I don't believe in karma, but I believe in the grace of Christ.

Today, be grateful for that unmerited favor of grace and kick Karma to the curb by sharing grace with others. You'll be glad you did.

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Can Justice & Peace Exist Together?

topherwiles@gmail.com (ChrisTopher Wiles) — Fri, 7 Apr 2017 07:56:00 -0400

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

credit: photos combined from
ABCnews.com

It's a little tougher to be positive when your news feed over the last 24 hours was flooded with graphic evidence of the destruction of the innocent and the harsh realities of retaliation. I have my opinions, but I am no expert in the areas of international justice or peace, so my opinions will at this time remain my opinions. Yet I am qualified by God's calling to share with you that Justice and Peace have struggled on opposite sides of picket lines many times in the history of our broken world. Will the world ever find balance between Justice and Peace?

credit: from www.reasonabletheology.org

There is one Bible verse that brings my heart joy in such times as this as it points forward to a time that I know with certainty is coming. I long for this day when Isaiah 32 speaks of a King who will rule in righteousness. In verse 17, it says this, "And the work of justice shall be peace, and the service of justice quietness, and security for ever." (Isaiah32:17) - What a comforting and positive thought that scripture brings! Today, let's combat the negativity in our lives by striving to make justice and peace focal points in our own lives and by looking forward with hope to the day God brings justice and peace together forever. You'll be glad you did.

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Relationship Thermostat or Thermometer?

topherwiles@gmail.com (ChrisTopher Wiles) — Thu, 6 Apr 2017 07:48:00 -0400

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

Is the temperature comfortable where you are? It probably has something to do with a small apparatus in your home, car, or work called a thermostat. Now, a thermostat is different than a thermometer. A thermometer tells what temperature exists in an area, but a thermostat actually does something about that temperature in the area. A thermostat sends a signal and works in conjunction with other units to bring about that blessed and comfortable 70 degrees that you are struggling to find right now with Indiana weather!

photo credit: www.lowes.com

In life, as you seek to find equilibrium, balance, and peace, are you the thermostat or the thermometer?

In Ephesians chapter 4, Paul is writing wisdom to the people in relationships. Somewhere along the line, someone has acted as a thermometer in reading the relationship temperatures and informed Paul that relationships are strained in this group of people. Paul's words are simple, "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." (Eph 4:3) In other words, quit being a thermometer and be a thermostat by doing something about the relationships around you.

Today, if you are complaining about the strife, dissension, and division in the people around you at your workplace, school, or home, try being a thermostat instead of a thermometer by making EVERY effort to keep unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. You'll be glad you did.

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Those Behind The Scenes

topherwiles@gmail.com (ChrisTopher Wiles) — Wed, 5 Apr 2017 07:32:00 -0400

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

It took many behind the scenes players
to get this photograph of my daughter:
reflector holder, someone holding her,
a photographer, my wife to pick wardrobe,
and the wonderful EastSide Park grounds workers.
Thanks to everyone who helps us excel in life.

Focus on that old phrase, "behind the scenes" for just a moment. In all areas that we excel in life, there is an abundance of people at work behind the scenes that deserve respect and praise. In my case, my wife is the hardest worker I know, enabling me to be a community leader. Eastside Park is beautiful this time of year with a great playground, blooming cherry trees, and a clean environment, yet there is a large crew at work behind the scenes that garners little of the attention of this great area attraction. Yesterday, I heard of the amazing work EMA's and Firefighters did to help save the life of a friend of mine, yet there is little praise for the support staff of dispatchers, accountants, chiefs, and secretaries that make these life saving services possible.

Many of these humble, behind the scenes, servants follow this guidance from scripture in Philippians 2:3-4 when it says, "Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Today, thank a humble servant, a behind the scenes player, a support to the star, who enables someone else to reach forward to do great things. You'll be glad you did.

"Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." - Ephesians 5:20

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March Madness and a Father's Desire

topherwiles@gmail.com (ChrisTopher Wiles) — Tue, 4 Apr 2017 07:53:00 -0400

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

Before we talk about last night's NCAA championship game between the Zags and Tarheels, meditate for a moment on this verse. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

graphic cred: www.campusinsiders.com

It was a tension filled night at the Wiles' home. Our brackets were tied at 105 points apiece before the big game. Gabriel,my firstborn, had Gonzaga bringing home the trophy. I had North Carolina cutting the nets at the end of the night. Whoever won this game would determine who would get bragging rights in our household. It also determined if Gabriel would wash my truck or if I was doing my son's chores for today.

The Wiles point standings before the championship game.

You would think, with so much pride and chores on the line that I would be all-in for my Tarheels, but as the night wore on, I secretly started rooting for the underdogs. Why? Because I love my child. I wanted to see him experience Joy in Victory. I wanted to see my child Smile with Success. I was willing to sacrifice my pride and the cleanliness of my truck just for my son to win.

That's just a small version of how our Father in heaven feels about us, and He was willing to sacrifice much more so that we would could celebrate a Victory with Him in heaven.

Again, I share the Lord's words. "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11) Today, choose to believe in the Father's loving words and desires for your life. You'll be glad you did.

Ashley captured this photo of my son and I in 2011.

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Finding "Fun" in Fundamentals

topherwiles@gmail.com (ChrisTopher Wiles) — Mon, 3 Apr 2017 07:30:00 -0400

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

Fowler #25 scores! (Credit: Getty Images / Dilip Vishwanat)

You don't even have to like baseball to have heard about the Cardinals bottom of the 9th win against the World Series Champion Chicago Cubs last night. With both teams garnering a lot of fans on this opening night for the Cards, there was a lot of tension in the air in Busch Stadium. After a Cardinals season that could be described as flawed, flat, and full of faults, these St. Louis sluggers seemed to find fun in the fundamentals last night. With no errors in this exciting win, it seems getting back to the basics and focusing on fundamentals paid off.

If you are struggling through a flawed and flat season of life, consider refocusing on one fundamental to jump-start a new season. In the Bible, Jesus reoriented his people during that great Sermon on the Mount by telling them to focus on this fundamental idea when He shares, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33)

Today, enjoy a fresh season of life with a new focus on the fundamental teachings of Jesus. You'll be glad you did.

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Baseball Buildup?

topherwiles@gmail.com (ChrisTopher Wiles) — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 08:33:00 -0400

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

Here's a positive direction for all you parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, coaches, and friends out there who will be following one of America's great past times this spring and summer. Consider following Paul's words in Ephesians on the baseball field as he says,

"Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building others up…" - Ephesians 4:29a

I'm coaching Gabriel's little league baseball team, which means I'm charged with teaching these young impressionable boys some baseball and life skills. I know, I know, I know, our current culture tells us that it is ok to direct, yelling, insults, distractions, and things we call "chatter" toward kids and adults to diminish their performance (as long as they are on the OTHER team). Yet, if we believe the Bible gives us direction for what we do on the baseball field and off of it, then we might be convicted in heart by the direction, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building others up."

Now, about those umpires…

I challenge you to consider changing your voice this season in sports and in life to an encouraging one that seeks only to build others up. You'll be glad you did.

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Forgiven Much

topherwiles@gmail.com (ChrisTopher Wiles) — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 08:06:00 -0400

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

Wow, I love my wife! Do you want to know how I know that I love my wife? Let me tell you a quick story.

Topher in 2003

Fifteen years ago I had the perfect setting to propose. A blanket in the park, comfort food, mood music, a bouquet of roses, and a ring hidden inside one of the roses. While the sappy music about love was playing, I dropped to one knee, grabbed the rose with the ring…. And panicked! The ring wasn't in the rose! She saw the look on my face and knew I had botched this one. I began frantically searching the grass around us looking for that precious symbol of love that had fallen out of the rose! Eventually, I found it, and even though I'm a blundering idiot sometimes, she said yes!

How do I know I love her? Is it because I gave her a symbol of love, a ring?

Ashley and Topher in 2004

Jesus spoke of it this way in Luke 7 about a woman who was a sinner, "Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven--as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little."

The best evidence of my love for my beautiful bride isn't what I give her, but in my response to how much she has forgiven me!

Consider how much you've been forgiven in life and show your love to those who forgive you. You'll be glad you did.

Ashley and Topher in 2017

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Fear, Faith, & the Father

topherwiles@gmail.com (ChrisTopher Wiles) — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 09:21:00 -0400

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

It was about 9pm in the dark woods, and it certainly was not quiet. My wife and children were helping me clean up after an exciting weekend retreat in woods. I can't even begin to describe the various participants in this cacophony of sounds that at least included owls, woodpeckers, crickets, toads, coyotes and more. My children were walking along a path in the woods with no flashlights and no fear. Why were the children unafraid of all the supposed monsters lurking in the dark?

Topher & Ethan about 7 years ago. Photo taken by Ashley.

Pauls describes it this way in Romans 8:15, "For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”

I think of it this way, when children know that their Father is near, they can be free from the chains of fear.

Fear is promoted in our society because it's a big money maker, and odds are, you struggle with more fear than you'll ever need. Today, I remind you of your mission to promote faith instead of fear, in your own heart and the hearts of those you love. Remember that the Father is near. You'll be glad you did.

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Remember the Birds

topherwiles@gmail.com (ChrisTopher Wiles) — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 08:06:00 -0400

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

Bald Eagle at EastSide Park
credit: James D Clarke

You know what I love this time of year? Birds. Every morning as the sun smiles on Indiana I hear their sweet songs rising up as praise to God in the heavens. This is that time of year when the birds begin to sing their loudest and we are blessed to be able to enjoy it. Here in the middle of the city of Washington we enjoy birds of all types. Even a true bald eagle was photographed in East Side Park recently!

Bald Eagle at EastSide Park
credit: James D Clarke

I also enjoy the birds for another reason. They remind me not to worry. After healing and showing compassion on people, Jesus went up to a high spot so the crowds could Hear him and He said these words, "Do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" - Matthew 6:25a-26

God finds birds valuable. God finds you valuable. Today, go out and listen for the birds sweet songs and remember to worry a little less about life. You'll be glad you did.

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A New Favorite Crayon?

topherwiles@gmail.com (ChrisTopher Wiles) — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 07:38:00 -0400

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

credit: pixabay.com

Let me take you back to one of those great childhood memories with just one word. Crayon. Whether you pronounce it "Crown", "Cran", or "Cra-yon", these little wax sticks were a privilege to use and our artwork from them was masterful to behold in those toddler and elementary years. How many hours did we spend picking out just the right colors that fit this curve and that shape? Crayons were a way of expressing ourselves and we got to choose from 12 or 108 different expressions.

Disney thought the same thing too!

As we grow older, I think Crayons are a lot like our attitudes. We still get to choose the one we want for every situation. Joy, Anger, Peace, Depression, Mercy, Frustration. These are some of our colors of expression.

I'm working on a new favorite crayon, you know, that go-to crayon that you could use in any situation, and I'd like to share this color through a Bible verse. Paul says this in Philippians 4. "In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance, and need. I have learned in whatever situation I am, to be content."

Today, let's try out a new color from that crayon box of responses, because it just might be your favorite that fits every circumstance. Try to enjoy being content today. You'll be glad you did.

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Micah's Tough Questions

topherwiles@gmail.com (ChrisTopher Wiles) — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 07:38:00 -0400

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

I have a wonderful three year old son. Here's a brief introduction to Micah's little voice.

**Micah sings a portion of "Jesus Loves Me"**

When Micah isn't singing faith filled and fun songs, he likes to ask questions. Questions such as, "Why is the excavator there?" "Why are we going to the store?" "Why do we need a jacket?" "Why does the dog use the bathroom?" The questions never end and I try to answer, not because Micah needs my knowledge, but because he needs to know I care.

Jesus too asks a lot of difficult questions in the gospels, and I think we need to try to answer, not because he needs our knowledge, but because we need to show that we care. Questions such as, "Where is your faith?" (Luke 8:22-25), "What do you seek?" (John 1:35-42), and "Do you know what I have done for you?" (John 13:5-15) But maybe the toughest that I need to wrestle with is the one that requires the shortest answer. Jesus asks, "Do you love me?" (John 21:15-17).

I encourage you today, to take some time out of your busy and hurried schedule to wrestle with some of the tough questions that come in life. You'll be glad you did.

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Am I Indecisive?

topherwiles@gmail.com (ChrisTopher Wiles) — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 07:43:00 -0400

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

credit: www.successwithkirk.net

Someone once said, "I used to think I was indecisive, but now I'm not too sure."

It's Monday morning and I'm already struggling with making some decisions. Yet, I don't want that indecisiveness to set the tone for the rest of my week. Well there's good news friends, because God has the remedy when He inspires James to write, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting." (James 1:5-6a) God gives wisdom generously to all. What a comforting thought that is as we face the many decisions of the day.

If you're already struggling with decision fatigue, I encourage you to pray for wisdom, to read your Bible for inspiration, to go with the best decision in front of you, and to be content with what God has given you. You'll be glad you did.

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