The Wilkes Team

What joy it is when two families come together in the name of the Lord to play and sing praises to the King of Kings!

We love the times we get together with dear friends and family to play and sing the great hymns of the faith.

God has blessed each one of us with talents and abilities for one single purpose – to honor and glorify the Creator of all!

As children of the Most High, we must ask ourselves – How are we using our talents? Are we seeking to make Christ known in all that we do? Or are we using what God has so graciously given us for selfish gain?

Let all that you do bring honor and glory to the name of Christ. Take a moment and look at what you are spending your time on and ask yourself -

How am I making Christ known through this?

Who am I doing this for? Christ or me?

How would Christ walk through this?

If this activity, skill, person, or object was taken away from me would I rejoice and see the hand of God upon it or would I become bitter and angry over my “loss”?

If God is not Lord of all. He is not Lord at all.

This is a sobering thought but one that we must wrestle through and let God settle and perfect us in.

Psalm  95:2

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.

Psalm 95:1

O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

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

On a sweltering hot day, a group of railroad workers were diligently repairing a railroad track. Work was going smoothly when an unexpected interruption arrived; a train car stopped near them and out walked the President of the railroad. Surprise was written over many of the workers faces which then only intensified as the President called one of them to have lunch with him. The worker smiled and followed the President into the train leaving the other workers in wonder. A few hours later out stepped the worker, shaking hands with the President and giving a hearty farewell. Joining his fellow workers they asked why he had received such a wonderful opportunity?

He responded: "The President and I are good friends, we both began working for the railroad at the same time over twenty five years ago."

"That doesn’t make sense, why is he the President of the railroad and you are out here working with us?" They asked.

"Well it’s like this" He said, "Twenty five years ago I went to work for $2 an hour while he went to work for the railroad"

I’ve always appreciated this story. Not for the story itself but for the powerful analogy that relates so well to our own lives. The way we live, in a way, is similar to how we work for the railroad or anything else for that matter. We are either living life for ourselves or for something bigger than ourselves. We either are living for worldly achievement or  the advancement of God’s Kingdom. As children of God we are commanded to *"Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you." This commandment leaves us with only one course of action; life is to be lived for the Kingdom of God.  Our purpose is to bring honor and glory to the King of kings and Lord of lords.

On most tombstones, there is a birth date and a death date. In between those two dates is a dash. What will that dash consist of when your tombstone is placed? Will it be full of temporal endeavors, successes, and praise? Or will it consist of eternal relationships, heavenly blessings, and supernatural works of God? The dash’s consistency is dependent on your choices. It is dependent on whether you live for self or live for Christ. The choice is made minute by minute; one to be made now and not tomorrow. When the inclination for passivity rises, reject it and cling to initiating action. Then throw yourself on the grace and wisdom of God to enable you and empower you.

Fellow citizen! You are called to a pilgrimage! Your home is an heavenly kingdom but now your on a journey. Live for your King, live for the advancement of His cause, His glory, and the expansion of His kingdom. Study His laws, understand His vision, and seek His will. Your a pilgrim for such a short time. It’s even as a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Don’t let it be wasted on yourself! Don’t satisfy your foolish desires! Choose to serve Him who created you, gave you life, loves you, and redeemed you. The greatest fulfillment will result from this choice. You won’t look back and regret it. Therefore I write, in agreement with scripture:

Be a faithful pilgrim!

Live for His kingdom!

Live for the Lord – not $2 an hour!

*Matt. 6:33

4 Comments » | posted in Proclaiming the Truth, Tid Bits

The long awaited day finally arrived – September 23rd, 2010. Two families came together to witness the establishing of a covenant through a betrothal ceremony between their children – Joshua & Lisa.

The Scriptures provide a beautiful picture of betrothal through the relationship of Christ and the church. On the night of His betrayal, Christ lead His disciples through the Passover meal. Upon coming to the 3rd cup of the meal – the cup of redemption, Christ paused and said, “Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins (Matt. 26:27b-28).” In stating that this was the beginning of a new testament (or covenant), Christ was symbolizing the betrothal of Himself to His bride – the church. The disciples – a representation of the church – partook of the cup. A covenant was being established. Christ went out into the Garden of Gethsemane and before His Father, submitted Himself to paying the bride price. Soon after, Christ was hung on the cross where He willingly died for the sins of the world and so paid the ultimate price for His pride – His very life (Jn 15:13). The marriage covenant between Christ and His bride, the church, was established. And now, Christ is in heaven where He is preparing a place for His bride. At the time appointed, He will return with great glory and call His bride unto the marriage supper of the lamb where we, the church, will be joined unto our betrothed. Come Quickly Lord Jesus!

The Lord blessed us with beautiful weather on that glorious Thursday afternoon as we climbed a trail in the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains up to a gorgeous waterfall cascading over the rocks above into the stream below. The families, fully aware of what was about to take place, sat down below as Joshua and Lisa climbed up the waterfall to a rock that afforded a view of the falls above and the stream below surrounded by lush fall vegetation and towering trees. The pictures below share the rest of the story – praise the Lord for great things He hath done!

Following this joyous ‘mountain top experience,’ Joshua and Lisa came down and joined their families for a betrothal ceremony wherein they, with the full blessing of parents and in the presence of their precious families, established a covenant before the Lord. And it is now with much joyous anticipation that we look towards the wedding day wherein they will be united together as husband & wife.

For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church (Eph. 5:31-32)

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A Compilation of thoughts on a Biography of E.M. Bounds:

Some desire wealth, others desire fame, while yet another yearns for peace and quietness, but E.M. Bounds loved prayer and the work of God. He truly had his affection set not on the things of this world but on things above where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt and thieves don’t break through and steal. His treasures consisted not in temporal and worldly investments but in eternal and heavenly rewards. Waking up at four in the morning he’d pray till seven, and then numerous times throughout the day would enjoy intimate communication with his Dearest Friend. If God called him to a work it didn’t matter the trials, the fatigue, the obstacles; God called him to do it and therefore he was faithful.

Caught in the midst of the US Civil War, Bounds wouldn’t forsake the family of God even when danger loomed near. In the mid-1800’s, union Forces moved into Missouri bringing Marshal Law with them. Many pastors opted to flee to the south to safety but Bounds chose to not forsake those God had given him to shepherd. He traveled house to house. It was his duty to minister and preach to the family of God. Finally the inevitable arose, Bounds was banished from Missouri for not submitting to a tyrannical measure of the Union Government. He was soon after captured and sent to prison. While in prison he didn’t tire but sought for opportunities to share Christ, the concept of loving your enemies, and the means of salvation from sin.

Once being freed from prison, he ministered as a chaplain in the southern army. Often at the front lines, he’d help the wounded, stand by a solider while he breathed his last, and share the gospel whenever the opportunity arose. Revival after revival sparked in Military camps as Bounds with his colleagues forsook not the assembling of themselves together and preached the word. Living to the ripe old age of 76 years, he never wearied while in the work of God; he preached, he prayed, and ministered whenever opportunity arose. Though definitely not indwelt with perfection, E.M. Bounds was faithful. Because he was faithful God ministered his grace upon him and poured blessing after blessing of rich spiritual insight, deep intimacy with his Creator, and avenues in which to communicate those blessings that he had been given.

Let us follow this worthy example! May we forget the fascinations that this temporal life has to offer and become bound to prayer and the work of God.

“Good Prayers,” Says an old divine, “never come weeping home. I am sure I shall receive either what I ask, or what I should ask. Prayer pulls the rope below, and the great bell rings above in the ears of God. Some scarcely stir the bell, for they pray so languidly: others give but an occasional pull at the rope: but he who wins with heaven is the man who grasps the rope boldly and pulls continually with all his might.”

That is the best kind of bell ringing—ringing the bells of heaven—making a sensation in the world celestial and pulling the power down upon the word terrestrial. Reader, do you know how to handle the bell rope, to pull it vigorously and constantly? We know some that do. Hell trembles when they seize the rope.

E.M. Bounds

2 Comments » | posted in Book Reports, HIS-story, Proclaiming the Truth

The constellation of fifty stars, the thirteen strips, a cloth of red white and blue, rippling from wind’s touch, flying high to be seen of all, is the flag of the United States of America. Signifying a patriotism that has passed from generation to generation for 234 years. Causing remembrance of a momentous occasion when 50 or so stalwart patriots gathered together to bring a group of people into the sphere of nations. Henceforth, establishing themselves to operate according to certain Biblical principles without arrogant tyranny halting their steps. The flag, the occasion, the patriots, all made possible by Divine Providence are the reasons the fourth of July is a holiday. Let them never be forgotten!

Therefore, so as not to forget, the Wilkes Team piled into the van for a quick trip to the city of Culpeper. Being our first fourth of July in both county and city of Culpeper we decided to discover and explore. Joshua did some quick research on the internet, found some interesting events to go to, we looked them over and decided our destination.

Our destination turned out to be right next to the Culpeper courthouse. The Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) were there, the city mayor, and the vice chairman of the city board. The centerpiece of the event was the reading of the Declaration of the Independence.

  Dad had the opportunity of speaking with the gentlemen who helped coordinate the event. The gentlemen actually was from Africa and had only been living in the United States for nine years. When he began figuring out how this nation was started he was inspired and became deeply motivated to remind Americans of their heritage. This was one of the reasons for coordinating the reading of the Declaration of Independence on the court house lawn. From the conversation we were encouraged by a man, not even born in America, holding up those principles and ideals so integral to the founding of America.

The same call is upon the rest of Americans but even more so upon Christian patriots. For too long the principles of God’s word which established this country have been hid behind the curtain and thrown under the rug. The confusing political drama of the last few years has effectively shown the result of such a seeming minor cover up.

Let us do our part so that the joy of seeing the US flag fly, the excitement of celebrating the fourth of July, and the effort of our forefathers won’t be lost to the preceding generations. 

Leave a Comment » | posted in HIS-story, Proclaiming the Truth

There is no doubt that America stands currently under the judgment of God. For too long, we have neglected those Biblical principles upon which our nation was founded. God will not be mocked, and sin has its consequences.

Nevertheless, amidst the great atrocities of evil and the oppressive power of darkness, there are signs of reformation within our land.

During the month of June, our family had the joy of attending a day conference hosted by the Scott Brown of the NCFIC.

He came bearing a message of hope and a challenge to the Biblical family. It is time for families to live Biblically. As Thomas Manton once put it, ‘family is the seminary of church and state.’ Lawful worldly amusements must be exchanged for intense family worship. Our time is an indicator of where our priorities lie. Lukewarm Christian families are unsavory to our Lord. But amidst these challenging words, the hope comes from focusing not upon our failure but upon repentance and following our Savior. The steps will be little at first but through perseverance it shall yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness.

Pastor Brown exhorts that, “When the focus of our churches or our families is anything other than the glory of God we should expect them to be cursed rather than blessed.

If we change the focus of our families for our own sakes and because we want a better family, we have missed the mark…….

….Has God changed your heart so that it desires to glorify God? Do you believe He is your only hope? Is it He the one you truly admire? This is the heart of all true reformation.”

Pastor Brown and his team have purposed to travel across and around our nation to exhort, challenge, and edify the local body of believers. Our family left the day conference encouraged and with an even greater desire to reform through conforming our lives unto the image of the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Comment » | posted in Ministry Reports, On the Issues, Proclaiming the Truth