The Wilkes Team

The wild nature of the untamed creature attracted the attention of our entire group. Detained within the confines of a simple live trap, a native bobcat from the mountains of North Carolina lie crouched with eyes darting this way and that. Upon approaching, not a few were surprised by its vicious behavior. Her powerful claws and jaw had already torn a rod of the metal cage. With eyes glaring and teeth showing, the bobcat growled and hissed at the approaching audience. An attempted but futile lunge, let us know this was no pussy cat ready to curl up on your lap but rather a ferocious fighter.

The battle is raging. The lines have been drawn. Neutrality is not an option. Our enemy is no novice. He walks about as a ferocious & roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. We must stand. The battle will be intense. But if we faint in the day of adversity, our strength is small.

Men, there is a temptation to seek the vanities of riches, comfort, and fame and so rest content with mediocrity and half-hearted warfare. But may we remember that Godliness with contentment is great gain. Paul exhorted Timothy to, “endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ (2Tim. 2:3).” How often have we, in the face of fear and discomfort, chosen the ’soft choice?’

It is time to push through the hardness. To, “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. (1Co 16:13).”

Brethren, let us, “Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the LORD do that which is good in his sight (1Ch 19:13).”

1 Comment » | posted in Proclaiming the Truth

Oh the memories, the adventures, the camaraderie, the   opportunities, the giggles, the fun, and the way life wondrously slows down as the snow descends!

Northern Virginia has weathered seven fantastic snow storms this winter: breaking all time national weather service snow accumulation records (since their inception in the late 1800s) across the region. Our little corner of Virginia has seen close to 75 unprecedented inches of snow.

Reports and stories have come from far and wide! And though there were the long lists of canceled appointments, changed plans, and government, school, & business closings, it was the resulting family time, Providential protection, reaching out to neighbors, and enduring hardness through somewhat extenuating circumstances that resulted in opportunities for families to draw closer to each other, serve their local communities, and rejoice in the  marvelous doings of our Creator God!

God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend. For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength (Job 37:5-6).

A Highlight of the last big snow was having our cousins over to sled on the big tubing hill which was created under the creative leadership of Daniel & Dad!

2 Comments » | posted in Family News, Outdoor Adventures

“Without God there is no virtue because there is no prompting of the conscience….without God there is a coarsening of the society; without God democracy will not and cannot long endure….If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a Nation gone under.”  – Ronald Reagan

“Religion and virtue are the only foundations, not only of republicanism and of all free government, but of social felicity under all governments and in all the combinations of human society.” – John Adams

“The laws of nature are the laws of God, whose authority can be superseded by no power on earth.” – George Mason

“And now for a little space grace hath been shewed from the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in his holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage.”

These words from Ezra 9:8 offer a bulwark of hope amidst the carnality of a nation forgetting that they are under God. For though the “heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing….” and though, “The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed (Ps.2:1-2),” yet have we a king who sits upon the holy hill (Ps. 2:6). He is Sovereign in the affairs of men, putting down one and setting up another (Ps. 75:7).

Through the Divine Providence of Almighty God, Virginia received the blessing of righteous leaders this past November: Governor Bob McDonnel, Lt. Governor Bill Bolling, and Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli.

Having now held office for just over 30 days, we rejoice to report that they are holding high the principles of morality. They are making the difficult choices and preserving the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.

Wednesday night of this week, we had the distinct honor of attending a meeting hosted by the Family Foundation in Richmond, VA. The purpose of the meeting was to report on  the work of the Family Foundation and on how the Lord has been at work in our state’s capitol. Three of the night’s featured guest speakers were Gov. Bob McDonnel, Speak of the House Bill Howell, and Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli.

Chairman of the Board, Dave Barrett, shared with the audience that each of these men could be introduced as a man of prayer, a man who believes the Bible, a man who  believes life begins at conception, a man who is committed to the sanctity of marriage, and man who is seeking to protect the family.

Mr. Barrett, challenged us that with the election of these Godly men to positions of influence, we have a Divine opportunity. For to whom much is given, much shall be required (Luke 12:48). It is not a time to sit idly by. There is much work to be done.

Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli reminded us that the principles upon which our nation was founded transcend time and cultural change. These principles, said Cuccinelli, originate in our Creator God. Government has a first and foremost responsibility to uphold righteous law before the will of the majority.

A candle shines brightest within the darkest corner. We praise the Lord for these lights God has raised up to shine. They are standing as bulwarks of freedom and preservers of liberty’s light.

5 Comments » | posted in On the Issues

The precious hand of Providence never allows but what is within His Sovereign will. Furthermore, as one Pastor puts it, “He is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” Satisfied in all that He brings our way!

  The long awaited date for departure had come. Bags were packed and confirmation made with our dear hosts. Anticipation was building and all was coming together well until word arrived that our van needed some unexpected major repairs which would deter departure until the following day. The situation was beyond our control – He is trustworthy. It took a choice to rejoice.

Joyfulness: the spontaneous enthusiasm of my spirit when my soul is in fellowship with the Lord.

While sitting around the family table later that evening, we received news that our usual means of care for our dog would not be available due to an unprecedented 12-40 inch snow forecast. Plan after plan was proven futile until a complete change of decision arose, through the gracious offers of our dear hosts, to bring the dog.

Flexibility: Not setting my affections on ideas or plans which could be changed by God or others.

Early next morning, the van was packed with great  enthusiasm as we anticipated a quick departure. But upon inspecting the van, we were alarmed by an unexplainable flat tire. A motivated team was set to work on inflating the tire followed up by a trip to the gas station to finish the inflation. Seeing obvious roadblocks for a trip that we knew the Lord desired us to make, we were encouraged to press on. That tire remained inflated for the rest of the trip.

Determination: Purposing to accomplish god’s goals in God’s time – regardless of the opposition.

Rainy weather in North Carolina made for potentially adverse driving conditions. While many were taking a much needed nap and a couple others engaged in conversation, all eyes suddenly became alerted to danger. The pickup truck immediately in front of us hydroplaned and so began spinning uncontrollably from one side of the road to the other. Through the direct hand of almighty God our van narrowly missed the spinning truck by but a few inches. His guiding hand moved our van safely to the side and out of the way of danger. Immediately following, each member from the youngest to eldest praised the Lord for His watchful care. Later on, we discovered that two different people were praying for the safety of our trip.

Reverence: Awareness of how God is working through the people and events in my life to produce the character of Christ in me.

As subsequent posts will relate, the Lord blessed the visits with our friends exceedingly more than we could of asked for. Much was accomplished unto the furtherance of the Kingdom of God!

The trials were not over, however. On our return trip home, we were somewhat concerned when the power windows, windshield wipers, turn signals, and radio ceased working. Knowing it could be one of several causes, we pulled off the interstate and stopped by an auto store. The Lord allowed us to get in touch with a friend who is a car mechanic. We discerned the issue not to be a serious one. And after shutting off the car and restarting, all mechanisms were restored.

Cautiousness: Knowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions.

A final tribute to the divine hand of God upon our trip was seen as we drove into our snow covered court Monday night.  24+ inches of snow covered the back half of our court all the way across our  driveway and up to the front door. Realizing we had an amazing amount of snow to shovel, preparations were made to begin removal. Suddenly, the lights of our neighbor’s truck came shining down upon us. He asked us to move our van over and then proceeded to clear all the snow from in front of our driveway leaving us with a greatly reduced amount of work.

Love: Giving to others basic needs without having as my motive personal reward – thank you Mr. Vilareal!

For our family, the trials proved to be a strengthening of character as we came to recognize once again our need to fully submit to God’s Sovereign will. For from God’s perspective, it matters not so much our circumstances but rather our response. For, “He is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”

5 Comments » | posted in Family News, Proclaiming the Truth

Hospitality is defined as using what God has given to us to demonstrate His love for others. It is the bringing of guests to a home in which the character of Christ is being lived out on a daily basis.

Imagine having invited over a family for dinner and going through the many preparations to make the evening special when you suddenly receive the news that your guests will be staying the night……….

Our family was recently the recipients of such sacrificial love and gracious hospitality during a memorable trip to the Potters home. We had a full evening together that included everything from canvassing a local neighborhood in preparation for Potters pending After School Bible Club to playing dutch blitz, eating lemon cake in honor of Lee Jackson Day, learning about the China mission field (thank you Michael), milking the cow, and more!

The all too short evening came to a fast close………or so we  thought. For at an undisclosed time and in a silent but steady motion, snow began to fall. Temperatures continued to drop and the once barren landscape now had approximately 1 inch of snow, sleet, and ice. Now in most cases such circumstances would prove of little concern until you take into consideration the hill one’s vehicle must ascend upon departure. The snow continued to fall as plans of departure were discussed. Without having prepared for such an event, the Potters suddenly invited and encouraged us to stay the night – and they were serious!

In reviewing our current dilemma, we did not see much hope of safely departing without considerable effort and risk. Within minutes, the Potters began pulling out sleeping bags, pajamas, pillows, and even ‘tooth brushes .’ It was as if we had stopped at a 1st class hotel. They even pulled out a late night snack of fried chicken! The decision was made to stay.

Hanging up in the family room of the Potter’s home is their family vision statement. Though the exact wording of this portion slips the memory, in a nutshell,  it is the Potter family’s goal to disciple with the love of Jesus the ones God brings along their path. Watching the whole family work together in harmony re-arranging rooms, preparing for a hearty breakfast the next morning, and making everyone feel so comfortable was wonderful to behold and truly a fulfillment of their family vision!

Their home is truly a haven of rest and an inspiration for joy!

5 Comments » | posted in Family News