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"Create more than you correct." This blog is intended to be a place of creating positive content that will inform, inspire, and involve you in what God is doing in this wonderful life!
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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.
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. To subscribe to a Message Minute podcast feed on iTunes or other podcast player, copy the following URL into your subscription list.
http://feeds.feedburner.com/topherwiles/MessageMinute
Click "Play" to hear a Message Minute.
Download the Podcast here: Google Music, iTunes, Stitcher, PlayerFM, mp3
"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.
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. To subscribe to a Message Minute podcast feed on iTunes or other podcast player, copy the following URL into your subscription list.
http://feeds.feedburner.com/topherwiles/MessageMinute
Click "Play" to hear a Message Minute.
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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.
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. To subscribe to a Message Minute podcast feed on iTunes or other podcast player, copy the following URL into your subscription list.
http://feeds.feedburner.com/topherwiles/MessageMinute
Click "Play" to hear a Message Minute.
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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.To find more of the Message Minutes that have been uploaded to this blog CLICK HERE. To subscribe to a Message Minute podcast feed on iTunes or other podcast player, copy the following URL into your subscription list.
http://feeds.feedburner.com/topherwiles/MessageMinute
Click "Play" to hear a Message Minute.
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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!***
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. To subscribe to a Message Minute podcast feed on iTunes or other podcast player, copy the following URL into your subscription list.
http://feeds.feedburner.com/topherwiles/MessageMinute
Click "Play" to hear a Message Minute.
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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. To subscribe to a Message Minute podcast feed on iTunes or other podcast player, copy the following URL into your subscription list.
http://feeds.feedburner.com/topherwiles/MessageMinute
Click "Play" to hear a Message Minute.
Download the Podcast here: Google Music, iTunes, Stitcher, PlayerFM, mp3
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.
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. To subscribe to a Message Minute podcast feed on iTunes or other podcast player, copy the following URL into your subscription list.
http://feeds.feedburner.com/topherwiles/MessageMinute
Click "Play" to hear a Message Minute.
Download the Podcast here: Google Music, iTunes, Stitcher, PlayerFM, mp3
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.
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. To subscribe to a Message Minute podcast feed on iTunes or other podcast player, copy the following URL into your subscription list.
http://feeds.feedburner.com/topherwiles/MessageMinute
Click "Play" to hear a Message Minute.
Download the Podcast here: Google Music, iTunes, Stitcher, PlayerFM, mp3
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.
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. To subscribe to a Message Minute podcast feed on iTunes or other podcast player, copy the following URL into your subscription list.
http://feeds.feedburner.com/topherwiles/MessageMinute
Click "Play" to hear a Message Minute.
Download the Podcast here: Google Music, iTunes, Stitcher, PlayerFM, mp3
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.
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. To subscribe to a Message Minute podcast feed on iTunes or other podcast player, copy the following URL into your subscription list.
http://feeds.feedburner.com/topherwiles/MessageMinute
Click "Play" to hear a Message Minute.
Scroll down to view an infographic of a Holy Week Timeline.
Download the Podcast here: Google Music, iTunes, Stitcher, PlayerFM, mp3
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
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. To subscribe to a Message Minute podcast feed on iTunes or other podcast player, copy the following URL into your subscription list.
http://feeds.feedburner.com/topherwiles/MessageMinute
Click "Play" to hear a Message Minute.
Scroll down to view an infographic of a Holy Week Timeline.
Download the Podcast here: Google Music, iTunes, Stitcher, PlayerFM, mp3
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
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. To subscribe to a Message Minute podcast feed on iTunes or other podcast player, copy the following URL into your subscription list.
http://feeds.feedburner.com/topherwiles/MessageMinute
Click "Play" to hear a Message Minute.
Download the Podcast here: Google Music, iTunes, Stitcher, PlayerFM, mp3
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.
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. To subscribe to a Message Minute podcast feed on iTunes or other podcast player, copy the following URL into your subscription list.
http://feeds.feedburner.com/topherwiles/MessageMinute
Click "Play" to hear a Message Minute.
Download the Podcast here: Google Music, iTunes, Stitcher, PlayerFM, mp3
Good morning, this
is Topher from Washington Church of Christ bringing you a positive message
minute.
credit: photos combined fromABCnews.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.
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. To subscribe to a Message Minute podcast feed on iTunes or other podcast player, copy the following URL into your subscription list.
http://feeds.feedburner.com/topherwiles/MessageMinute
Click "Play" to hear a Message Minute.
Download the Podcast here: Google Music, iTunes, Stitcher, PlayerFM, mp3
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.
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. To subscribe to a Message Minute podcast feed on iTunes or other podcast player, copy the following URL into your subscription list.
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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
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. To subscribe to a Message Minute podcast feed on iTunes or other podcast player, copy the following URL into your subscription list.
http://feeds.feedburner.com/topherwiles/MessageMinute
Click "Play" to hear a Message Minute.
Download the Podcast here: Google Music, iTunes, Stitcher, PlayerFM, mp3
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.
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. To subscribe to a Message Minute podcast feed on iTunes or other podcast player, copy the following URL into your subscription list.
http://feeds.feedburner.com/topherwiles/MessageMinute
Click "Play" to hear a Message Minute.
Download the Podcast here: Google Music, iTunes, Stitcher, PlayerFM, mp3
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.
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. To subscribe to a Message Minute podcast feed on iTunes or other podcast player, copy the following URL into your subscription list.
http://feeds.feedburner.com/topherwiles/MessageMinute
Click "Play" to hear a Message Minute.
Download the Podcast here: Google Music, iTunes, Stitcher, PlayerFM, mp3
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
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. To subscribe to a Message Minute podcast feed on iTunes or other podcast player, copy the following URL into your subscription list.
http://feeds.feedburner.com/topherwiles/MessageMinute
Click "Play" to hear a Message Minute.
Download the Podcast here: Google Music, iTunes, Stitcher, PlayerFM, mp3
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.
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. To subscribe to a Message Minute podcast feed on iTunes or other podcast player, copy the following URL into your subscription list.
http://feeds.feedburner.com/topherwiles/MessageMinute