Some conversion stories are dramatic: The boss of a motorcycle gang has raped, killed, and spread crime all over the nation. He lands in prison and finds Jesus—and his life is radically changed! He has seen the dark side, and he’s never going back! Most never see such highs and lows. Many believers grew upContinue reading “Moderation is Not Following Christ.”
Author Archives: Steven Wales
Can You Hear the Whisper of God? 1 Kings 19:11-12.
Imagine you and I head into the wilderness to spend time with God. Life slows down when we leave the city where we are stressed, anxious, and too busy. In the wilderness, there are no honking horns. Phones don’t ring. Notifications are off. No one looks at email or social media. It’s freedom and peace.Continue reading “Can You Hear the Whisper of God? 1 Kings 19:11-12.”
WE CAN PRACTICE JOY AND TEACH JOY. 2 Chronicles 17:6-7.
Everything Andrew touched turned to gold. After college he rented a funky space in downtown New Orleans. He poured money into it and transformed it into a restaurant he called “The Grotto.” The Grotto became the city’s hot spot. It was wildly successful, and Andrew was the owner and chef. Then the landlord raised theContinue reading “WE CAN PRACTICE JOY AND TEACH JOY. 2 Chronicles 17:6-7.”
Beware of Shortcuts.
I love a good shortcut. I’ll never forget taking a shortcut back to our campsite. The rest of our scout troop was convinced I was wrong. But when I arrived back at camp alone, the men looked at me wondering where the others were. Then I took a shower and got cleaned up. An hourContinue reading “Beware of Shortcuts.”
Choices.
Your life is not based on one BIG DECISION, but on thousands of small choices. And the most important of those choices is the seemingly small choice to spend time with God every day. When Israel was a divided kingdom, the nation’s kings made bad choices. King Nadab was an evil idol worshipper and BaashaContinue reading “Choices.”
CAN YOU IMAGINE A MEAL FIT FOR A KING?
When Daniel was taken captive into Babylon, he determined NOT to defile himself with the “royal food and wine.” You know the story: the servant was afraid he’d be killed if Daniel and the other Jews lost weight. Daniel said, “Give us vegetables for ten days, then check. If we look poorly, we’ll eat theContinue reading “CAN YOU IMAGINE A MEAL FIT FOR A KING?”
The Eyes of the Lord.
Who do you depend on? God, or yourself? We train children to work hard and do what they are supposed to do. And wisdom requires you to fulfill your obligations. Why rely on others for tasks you can complete on your own? It’s like a farm: you should plow your own fields, plant your ownContinue reading “The Eyes of the Lord.”
God is LOOKING for Someone to Bless!
Israel fought many wars against pagan nations. As a Bible reader, it is easy to assume God will always intervene so His people win every war. After all, the surrounding nations worship idols but Israel worships the One True God, right? But what if Israel has a civil war? If Judah and Benjamin takeContinue reading “God is LOOKING for Someone to Bless!”
Warning! There are Risks to Success.
Success comes with great risks. David would never have gotten in trouble with Bathsheba were he not the king. All of Solomon’s failures were tied to his royal crown. Many great people end up famous for great failures: Ken Lay, Richard Nixon, Harvey Weinstein, Matt Lauer. “When Rehoboam had established his sovereignty and royal power,Continue reading “Warning! There are Risks to Success.”
“Thus Sayeth the Lord …”
Let me tell you a crazy, obscure story from the Old Testament– Prophet A came to Bethel and prophesied destruction. As he was leaving, the king invited him to the palace for a meal. Prophet A said, “If you were to offer me half your kingdom, I would not eat with you, for this isContinue reading ““Thus Sayeth the Lord …””
Household Words: 