Author Archives: Steven Wales

“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 …””

This Devo About Counseling is Rated PG13– Not a Story for Children.

To whom will you listen? There are the older and wiser, sages who have experience.  They give advice. There are also young people, “influencers,” people who have achieved little but are beautiful or good talkers or cool and smooth and fashionable or super-funny.  They too give advice. When Gregg Matte resigned from his college ministryContinue reading “This Devo About Counseling is Rated PG13– Not a Story for Children.”

The Capable Wife.

Chapter 31 of Proverbs is so popular it has become an adjective: “She’s a Proverbs 31 woman.”  It is a great compliment—what woman would not want to be described this way? But we misread the passage when we take it literally. Consider: ‘She buys wool and flax to make things. She rises early to prepareContinue reading “The Capable Wife.”

What Do You Seek in the Opposite Sex?

Most begin with looks. That’s natural, since you see a person long before you have a chance to meet. But there is so much more to relationships. I used to talk to high school classes about a friend of mine who was always on the heavy side, but girls were lined up to date him.Continue reading “What Do You Seek in the Opposite Sex?”

Wine is for “Losers”

Remember Prohibition? One hundred years ago, reformers won passage of a Constitutional Amendment prohibiting the sale of alcohol in all fifty states. Thirteen years later that amendment was repealed. But the Temperance movement had an impact. Churches and families once neutral about drinking took a stand against it. Why? Because alcohol hurt families. The stereotypeContinue reading “Wine is for “Losers””

Education is Not Enough.

The world has never been more educated.  There are more universities today than at any time in history. And the “information superhighway” allows anyone to learn anything. Yet what is suggested as the solution to every problem?  More education. What will keep fatherless young men out of prison? Education. Prevent teen pregnancy? Education. Gangs? Education.Continue reading “Education is Not Enough.”

Don’t Take the Bait.

Every day fish become prey because they take the bait. They see a potential meal—and instead they become the meal. What bait works on you? What fools you? What bait got Solomon? He was the wealthiest king who ever lived, taking in 25 tons of gold EVERY YEAR. When the Queen of Sheba saw hisContinue reading “Don’t Take the Bait.”

Pet Sin.

Do you have a pet sin? An area where you convince yourself what you’re doing is okay? Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived.  Kings from around the world came to visit and listen to his wisdom. He could explain the world—from people and politics to the mysteries of plants and animals and weather.Continue reading “Pet Sin.”

Vocations and Avocations.

We are blessed. Capitalism, fossil fuels, electricity, and other factors have combined to make ours the richest society in history. We can survive working only eight hours a day, while some economies require much more. And that leaves room for hobbies, second jobs, and a variety of “diversions” to give your mind a restful breakContinue reading “Vocations and Avocations.”