The Wilkes Team

It is Dec. 18^th 2009 just before the big snow storm that is supposed to dump 10 to 15 inches on Northern Virginia. This morning I went out to make sure we had enough milk, bread and eggs, just in case we ended up being snowed in for a few days. Feeding eleven people three times a day means frequent trips to the grocery store to keep the fridge and pantry well stocked. I took my 8 year old Mark Christopher (also known as Mighty Mark) with me. Upon our arrival at the grocery store around 7:45am I realized that I was not alone in my desire to be prepared. The parking lot was full. Mark and I went in to find shelves diligently being stocked and diligently being emptied. We quickly worked together to get our groceries, found a line that was not to long and began to wait.

One of the things that I have taught my sons is that they are responsible for what they look at and think about. It never ceases to amaze me the junk that we are bombarded with in the check out lines at grocery stores. This time was no different, the magazines and articles presented on a majority of their covers were clearly indicative of a culture that is confused with what is right and wrong and important. We are as a culture fixated with looks, sex, popularity and how we feel. We get caught up in new fads and ideas without any thought as to where they come from or whether they are right or wrong. We have lost our moral compass.

Mark took one look at the shelves and turned away guarding his eyes and his thoughts. I reached out to him, got his attention and praised him for his self control. We talked for a few minutes about the battle we are in as individuals and as a culture. It is a conversation we have had many times and will have many times again. When I talk to my children about their responsibility as moral beings I often remind them that the freedom we have been given is not the freedom to do as we please but the freedom to do what is right.

In our time of talking together I shared with Mark a portion of scripture that I have been trying to memorize and meditate on, it is in Proverbs 2

1…..if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;3 Yea… if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;4….. If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;5 ….. Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

It was then that I noticed the clerk, there at the end of the line checking out the customers before me. She was hard to miss and I observed her with much curiosity. When it was our turn to go through she immediately smiled at Mark Christopher and asked him if he had found everything he needed. He said yes and they went on to have a short and fun conversation. She turned to me, said hello and began to ring up our groceries. I smiled at her and said “I have noticed something about you in the few minutes I have had in line here”. She paused and gave me an inquisitive look. I continued “You are a joyful person aren’t you?” She let out a full laugh and said rather gently “Yes I am”. I followed up, “What makes you so joyful?” She again paused, looked straight at me, lowered her voice so she would not share what she about to say with those who would not understand ”My relationship with God” was her answer.

The world we live in offers many things that it claims will bring satisfaction, joy and peace. I in much regret have tried many of them and found them to be unfulfilling at best. It has only been with Jesus Christ that I have found true peace. Yet it is not peace as the world gives but it is peace that only God can give through His Son Jesus Christ. It is a peace that passes all understanding and it is a peace that is given not earned. It is the assurance that you can be forgiven, it is the assurance of hope, it is the assurance that life has meaning, it is the assurance of eternal life, it is the assurance of unconditional love.

People, things, governments, money, houses, health, churches, denominations, political parties, careers and so on will fail us. Jesus Christ never will, in fact He loved us so much that He gave His life for us.  A bumper sticker I saw a few years ago stated Christians are not perfect just forgiven. I fit that description very well and if you don’t, ask Him to forgive you. He will. May the true peace that Jesus Christ gives to those who ask Him be yours in 2010 through out eternity. Wise men still seek Him.

4 Comments » | posted in On the Issues, Tid Bits

The Christmas music was playing, Sarah was making some special cookies, and the rest of us were unwrapping Christmas decorations and decorating the house!

We love this time of year! A time specially set aside to remember the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.

And this year is no exception…….. Merry Christmas!!

4 Comments » | posted in Family News

“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  All Scripture is given by the inspiration of God is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.  That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works”                    (2 Tim. 3:16-17)

What powerful verses! Have you ever considered the wonderful truths emanating from this passage? Have you ever reconciled yourself to the reality of the scripture’s sufficiency for all areas of life? Such a sufficiency by which a man of God may be “thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

Last week I caught a flashing gleam of this reality.  The NCFIC (The National Center for Family-Integrated Churches) put on a special conference called The Sufficiency of Scripture 2009. The purpose of the conference was to proclaim the sufficiency of scripture for church, for family, for manhood and womanhood and all other areas of life. It was an inspiring time. Godly men and Christian leaders spoke on a variety of topics extolling scripture sufficiency.

Scott Brown, the Director of NCFIC started the conference off Thursday evening with the purpose for the conference and a message, exhorting followers of Christ not to follow the ways of the Gentiles.

Doug Philips was next expounding on the battles that are being faced for standing on the truth of ‘sola scriptura’. Furthermore, by studying the word of God both expressly and principally we will receive answers and solutions for every area of life.

 Ken Ham followed with an eye opening message of the Gen. 3 attack, initiated by Satan in the garden of Eden and then continuing in each succeeding generation. Though the attack might be different, every generation of Christians is going to come against it and they must be determined and wise warriors for the cause of Christ and his kingdom.

The first evening concluded which I soon discovered to be only the beginning. Over the next few days, as the hours continued to pass, the challenge, the zeal, and the love for truth, exponentially increased.

Voddie Baucham spoke first Friday Morning.  He shared about Christian America’s need for manly men in churches and families, men who will lead, who will mentor, and who love the scriptures. He also spoke on the need for Biblical womanhood. Later in the conference he expounded further in a message on discipleship making in the church and home.

Paul Washer, filled with a passion for the gospel of Jesus Christ, spoke on the sufficiency of Scripture and the gospel.   This message will be a complete failure, he told us, because it is impossible for man to fully understand and communicate the deep and powerful truths of the gospel. He challenged his audience to throw themselves on Christ, not on their standards, their morals, or their manners. Character is important but it doesn’t save you. In Christ alone is salvation and everlasting joy.

The list of godly men and their messages made it hard to pick and choose during break out sessions. The character and wisdom stemming from the scripture and issuing out of these men, such as, Geoff Botkin, Kevin Swanson, Joe Morecraft, and many others was so inspiring.

With the conference over, I’m filled with a deeper passion then ever before for the Holy Scriptures to be my deepest joy, my favorite study, my constant companion, and a light to guide my steps. This is easy to speak about but hard to actually do. Herein manifest the deep and ever deepening need for Christ and for his never ending strength. I’m not sure how my futile abilities can accomplish anything yet with the power of Christ’ resurrection I am victorious – in this I do rejoice now and, I pray, forevermore.

5 Comments » | posted in Family News

We heard of Him at the well outside of Bethlehem! The star was pointed out to us travelers by some towns people.

We walked through the streets of this bustling town. The venders were out displaying their wares and the inns were past capacity. But there in a lowly manger laid the babe who would be the Savior of the World!

I wonder, how many heard of him that night yet did not come to see him? What was their reaction to the news? What would have been yours? Here they had the chance to see the Savior! Were they to busy with their daily lives to take the time? Or did they follow the shepherds example and go and see him?

Let me encouraged you to not get so wrapped up in the festivities of this wonderful time of year that you don’t take the time to “Go and see the Savior!”

Let this time of year draw you all the closer to Christ as you take the time to read the very letter that He wrote to us. Delight yourself in the Lord! Take the time to pray and hear from the Lord.

He promises to be one that sticketh closer than a brother. He says the thoughts I have towards you are not of evil but of GOOD to bring you to an expected end. Will you trust me with you life? Will you take my promises as truth?.. And believe them?

Christ was given to us that night to bring us these promised gifts of hope, joy, peace and eternal life! Once we receive Him as our personal Lord and Savior, will we believe that we truly have these promised gifts? By faith we must! Once a child of the King we must choose to believe God and His promises even when our feelings say something different.

May the Lord truly bless each one of you as you pursue your Savior during this Christmas Season and for the rest of your life!

2009 Bethlehem Walk

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!!!!NEWS FLASH:

It was a wonderful evening yet someone was missing! Matthew’s absence has been noticed in more ways than one. But we wait with great anticipation to his arrival home and we can’t wait to hear about his trip and tell you all about it too!!

6 Comments » | posted in Family News

How often have we looked forward with great anticipation towards a scheduled event only to have plans suddenly changed. Of course – we all have! It is in such circumstances that we call to remembrance God’s promise to work all things together for good – He always writes the final chapter.

The ALERT Men’s Chorus traveled from Texas all the way to Washington D.C. area this past week for a series of several local performances, one being the White House.

Last night we had the privilege of hearing them sing at a church in Leesburg. Attired in their Dress Uniform, all 18-20 ALERT men sang a collection of beautiful hymns and carols with passion that spawned great inspiration and joy for all in attendance.

Through our discourse with them, we learned that their group received a potential trial of faith when the opportunity to sing at the White House was lost. Feelings of disappointment were assuredly worked through, but God orchestrated events. He opened up an avenue wherein the choir was able to sing in the rotunda of our Nation’s Capitol and aboard one of the few ships that actually returned fire upon Japanese airplanes in Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941. Joy was further realized when an opportunity afforded them to sing for a 95 year old WWII veteran.

Last night was their final performance on this tour and the joy and passion with which the ALERT Men’s Chorus is known shone through unhindered. An example of great inspiration!

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!!!!NEWS FLASH:

Matthew was the only member of the Wilkes Team not present last evening at the performance. His location is currently classified info . We are finding his absence most noticeable and are eagerly awaiting his return which will bring with it great joy to our hearts and an abundance of thrilling reports on theWilkesTeam.com – stay tuned for details!

3 Comments » | posted in Ministry Reports, Tid Bits

One of my many favorite traditions to do around Christmas time, is to go with my family and pick out our Christmas Tree. We usually go in the evening when all  the Christmas lights are on in the neighborhood and when the busy-ness of the day is past. This year we decided to get our tree at the wonderful store: Home Depot. Upon arriving, we invaded  the place in search of the best and loveliest Christmas Tree for the Wilkes team’s home.  Looking, seeking, peering, and trying to find a tree isn’t an easy task for a family of eleven . When someone would think they had the right one, we all would  gather around and inspect it, but none of them were quite right. What could be our problem?

  

Finally after looking at ten to fifteen trees and about  thirty minutes later the answer came. One of the employees came to the rescue. He seeing that we were in need of a tree, went to work on finding one. All of us stood back wondering if he would be able. To our amazement, he chose the best one for us out of the many long rows of trees. Cheers rang out as he showed us the perfect tree that would soon be in our living room. Quickly and happily we all piled back into the car with the Christmas tree and drove home.

9 Comments » | posted in Family News, Sunny-Side Up