Steven Wales

Choose Courage. Psalm 91.

This week (March 12, 2020) has been unprecedented. We have previously lived through hurricanes and floods and the associated hysteria. But I cannot recall anything to match the worldwide fear created by the Coronavirus pandemic. Just a few minutes of television, radio, or internet, and you’re convinced we are all going to die—and that thoseContinue reading “Choose Courage. Psalm 91.”

The Moment in the Cave.

This morning as I considered spraying washer fluid on my windshield to “encourage” a tailgater to back off, it came to me: HERE’S THE GREATEST RULE IN ETHICS: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” Luke 6:31. Are we following that standard? Some politicians follow a different ethic: “Attack your enemiesContinue reading “The Moment in the Cave.”

When Friends Become Enemies.

Have you watched relationships change? It’s amazing when an enemy becomes a friend. That is the greatest feeling, a debt converted to an asset. I’ve seen a few of my “enemies” become friends over the years, and it is so satisfying. But when it goes the other way, it is devastating. When people you loveContinue reading “When Friends Become Enemies.”

Homosociality. Proverbs 18:24.

Homo what? There’s an odd term. Homosociality means “same-sex relationships that are not of a romantic or sexual nature, such as friendship, mentorship, or others.” Think about your best friends, teachers, and coaches—some of these are powerful, intense relationships with members of the same sex. But they are not sexual, merely “social.” Thus, “homosocial.” TheContinue reading “Homosociality. Proverbs 18:24.”

David’s Secret.

How did David have the courage to face Goliath? David was POSITIVE he would kill this man who was ten feet tall. David was so confident, he persuaded Saul to risk everything on David—not a soldier, but an untested boy. How was he so sure? David had previously killed lions and bears when they snatchedContinue reading “David’s Secret.”

Is it Better to Release Emotions or Hold Them in?

Is it better to release emotions or hold them in? That depends on the context. “There is … a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance” Ecclesiastes 3:4. A memorial service is a good time for weeping, but if the county judge were to weepContinue reading “Is it Better to Release Emotions or Hold Them in?”

Your Young Years Are Critical.

The future kings Saul and David were so different. Saul hid from the spotlight, complaining that he was from a clan of nobodies. David welcomed the anointing and was fearless in the face of a ten-foot-tall Philistine with a spear so heavy normal men called it a beam. Samuel anointed each man. The Spirit ofContinue reading “Your Young Years Are Critical.”

Beauty.

Actor Sidney Poitier said something that amazed me. He grew up with no running water, no electricity—and no mirrors. “I didn’t know what a mirror was until I was ten years old. I never thought about what I looked like.” CAN YOU IMAGINE!? Poitier grew up surrounded by people who ignored appearances. Contrast that withContinue reading “Beauty.”

What Makes a Great Preacher? Jonah and 1 Samuel 16:13.

What is the secret to preaching? Is it being funny? Or telling a good story? Or having four points that begin with the letter “P”? How about rightly interpreting a passage of scripture? That is important, but there is more: preachers should explain scripture—AND it should be the passage God placed on their hearts forContinue reading “What Makes a Great Preacher? Jonah and 1 Samuel 16:13.”

Human Resources and the Heart.

Have you ever hired anyone? Ever chosen a person to fill a spot on a team or an officer in a club? Even choosing a roommate can be tricky. When Saul disobeyed God, God rejected him as king and chose someone else. God told Samuel to go to Bethlehem and meet the sons of Jesse.Continue reading “Human Resources and the Heart.”