Yesterday I watched a documentary about a talented athlete whose career fell apart because his life was a dumpster fire: parties, booze, drugs, and selfishness. This is the life of foolishness. Even though I published my first book Friday (!), the biggest event of this year will be the work involved in honoring the lifeContinue reading “Wisdom Has Built Her House.”
Author Archives: Steven Wales
Profanity.
George Washington said, “The wicked practice of profane swearing is a vice so low that every person of character despises it.” Do you agree? Many would disagree, yet most only swear in certain situations: they won’t cuss at church, a funeral, on television, in front of children, or during a job interview. They know it’sContinue reading “Profanity.”
What Does God Enjoy?
I once visited a preacher in the hospital, and he sat up in bed and preached to us. He said, “People always talk about ‘God bless me,’ but did you know that YOU can bless GOD?” He was so excited about that. One verse he mentioned was “bless the Lord, o my soul, and allContinue reading “What Does God Enjoy?”
The Road to Hell.
We talk a lot at church about the road to Heaven, or the “Roman Road,” or following God’s path. But is there a path that leads the other direction? Is there a road to hell? Or, if you have been born again, is there a path that will lead you to the hell of aContinue reading “The Road to Hell.”
Ruts.
Before paved roads, wagon wheels left deep ruts. When rain dried, ruts pulled wheels into the deep grooves, whether the driver wanted to go in them or not. Ruts do that. Stories create ruts in your mind. Popular stories create the deepest ruts. Consider: Are there any virgins on sit-coms? Not unless they’re being mocked,Continue reading “Ruts.”
Don’t Embrace Fire.
When was your worst burn? Do you remember the way it burns for hours? The redness? Blisters, maybe? Fire is so dangerous and yet we play with it all the time. Some of us play with actual fire, with firecrackers, gasoline, and pyromania. Or maybe you love sparklers or Roman candles. Or twirling the endContinue reading “Don’t Embrace Fire.”
Toxic Sexuality.
People talk about so-called “toxic masculinity” these days, arguing about what that might be. But there is something much more toxic than masculinity: toxic sexuality. God created sex. He designed it to be a wonderful gift within marriage. But people have invented hundreds of ways to twist and pervert this sacred gift, turning it intoContinue reading “Toxic Sexuality.”
Running the Sprinkler.
Have you ever taken a drink from a water hose? We all did it as kids. No one asked how clean the hose was. What about a sprinkler? Could you drink the cool, white water spraying from a sprinkler? This is the time for watering lawns. Times like this make me glad I liveContinue reading “Running the Sprinkler.”
Do You Know What a Cistern is?
When your mother and I went to Mountain Lake in 1994, I found the entire trip fascinating. The small-town, Mennonite community was amazing. But one thing I will never forget is the home of Papa’s parents, Art and Linda Stadtlander. They had a cistern in the house! That is like a basement full of water.Continue reading “Do You Know What a Cistern is?”
Are All Sins the Same?
I run across this idea all the time. What do you think? Does God consider white lies equal to murder? Is cheating on a spelling test as a child the equivalent of cheating on your wife twenty years later? NO. All sins are NOT the same in God’s eyes. The confusion seems to come fromContinue reading “Are All Sins the Same?”
Household Words: 