The Wilkes Team

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

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching (Heb 10:25).

How paramount it is that we spend time together with the body of Christ for the purpose of exhorting one another towards love and good works (Heb. 10:24).

Our family was recently exhorted from attending a conference put on by the Maxwell family at the home of the Butler family. The Maxwells travel around the country a couple times each year, encouraging families in the homeschool network on the importance of family harmony, marriage oneness, keeping yourself unspotted from the world, avoiding complacency, and rejecting worldly models.

The attacks against the family are intense though they often seep in at unawares. Like small wedges, the ideologies of the world – individual success, entertainment, friends, ineffective churches (glory bubbles), etc – work their way into families. One example was ‘work.’ How often do we look forward with great anticipation to the completion of a tast rather than enjoying our work? What we enjoy will impact those younger.

We were exhorted on a variety of topics that included the roles of husband and wife, preparing young people for Godly marriages, keeping your children’s hearts. the powerful tool of evangelism, the devastating affects of anger and how often it is overlooked under the guise of being ‘disappointed’ or ‘slightly displeased.’

Watching the Maxwell family interact with one another, their submission and lack of an independent spirit, and their heart to invest into others was of great inspiration.

We look forward to the next Maxwell conference!

(click here for pictures and reports on the day conference from the Hynes and Maxwell families).

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

1-Jesus will save His people from their sins.

2-His sheep hear His voice and follow Him.

3-We must agree with His Word to be one of His.

4-What does the Word say that we must agree with in order to prove we are His children and therefore aware of His work in our lives?

We must agree with God that……..

First, that we are sinners.

-Sinners because of the first Adams sin

Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

-Sinners because of our own sin

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Second, that because of that sin we are dead spiritually and will die physically.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death;

James 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Third, that the only hope to escape death is through Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

1 John 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

Fourth, that those who hear His voice will see their need, want to be saved and call out to Him for salvation.

Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

So you have heard the voice of God through the Word of God and agreed with Him that you are a sinner You also know you will not find relief even in death unless you give your life to Jesus Christ. In awareness of your desperate need you have called out to Him to be saved and He has saved you. What is next? Does your life become free of trials and struggles with everything going perfectly? No, for now the real battle begins.

As one of His sheep you have heard His voice and been given spiritual life. You are a part of His family so your loving Heavenly father begins the process of teaching you to live the new life He has given you. He will teach you to live who you really are……

How does this happen? Stay tune for part 5….!!!!

2 Comments » | posted in Proclaiming the Truth

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).”

3 Comments » | posted in Proclaiming the Truth

Discouragement can easily come yet may we remember where our joy comes from and how easy it is to grasp and live in…

 Psalms 51: 8-12

“Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.

Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.”

Christ, our Redeemer is the giver of joy. Trial and problems will always come but what is even more sure then those trying circumstances is the beauty and sublimity of everlasting joy. May we live in this joy! Let it envelope our thoughts, our actions, our words. Ask God for joy – he is abundantly able to provide.

Ps 30:5 ” …weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. “

2 Comments » | posted in Proclaiming the Truth

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