Do you ever think about how easy life is in the United States? We find ourselves on the wrong side of a political decision and say we are being persecuted. Yet we know nothing of real persecution. Or we wallow in a bad mood (I’m in a funk today!), never realizing how mild an AmericanContinue reading “Psalms: a Book About the Heart. Psalm 149:4.”
Author Archives: Steven Wales
The Ringing Voices of Ten Thousand Maniacs on Social Media. Psalm 118:5-6.
Image generated with A. I. Scrolling through social media is something like walking through a carnival: There are crowds everywhere, people of all ages, all types. Some beautiful, some that make you cringe, some violent and dangerous. There are artists and writers and thinkers and experts and there are clowns and buffoons and scumbags andContinue reading “The Ringing Voices of Ten Thousand Maniacs on Social Media. Psalm 118:5-6.”
Love Him … in the in-Between Time When You Feel the Pressure Coming. Job 19:25-27.
The title is a line from an excellent song from 1974: “All Day Song (Love Him in the Morning)” from the album Still Life, by John Fischer (a credited founder of “Jesus Music”). The image is Mr. Fischer in more recent years. https://johnfischer.bandcamp.com/track/all-day-song-love-him-in-the-morning Have you ever prayed or spent time praising God or worshipping Him, yetContinue reading “Love Him … in the in-Between Time When You Feel the Pressure Coming. Job 19:25-27.”
Praise: Talk to God About His Greatness, Part 2 of 2. Job 19:25-27.
Suffering is a universal truth of life. Everyone suffers, whether rich or poor, powerful or weak. As Jesus said, “He … causes the rain to fall on the just and the unjust” Matthew 5:45. Suffering does not become easier as you get older. When it hurts, it hurts! But handling suffering becomes easier—because with experience,Continue reading “Praise: Talk to God About His Greatness, Part 2 of 2. Job 19:25-27.”
Praise: Talk to God About His Greatness, Part 1 of 2. Psalm 22:3.
Praise is an essential part of your prayer life. Praise has so many benefits! The Bible is FILLED with words praising God. Use them. Praise God right now by reading the following words to the Lord: Dear God, we praise you for your grace and forgiveness: “You have forgiven the iniquity of your people. YouContinue reading “Praise: Talk to God About His Greatness, Part 1 of 2. Psalm 22:3.”
Praise and Thanksgiving: Two Keys to Mental Health. Psalm 46:9-10.
We understand the value of gratitude because it is talked about so often. Many non-believers in our culture talk about the “healing power of gratitude” and are dedicated to regularly giving thanks. Americans know that a posture of thankfulness helps us feel happier and more at peace. But there is another practice that may haveContinue reading “Praise and Thanksgiving: Two Keys to Mental Health. Psalm 46:9-10.”
Have You Lost Your First Love? Don’t Give Up! 2 Chronicles 31:4-8.
In the Book of Revelation, Jesus dictates letters to seven young churches in modern-day Turkey. Jesus says that the church in Ephesus has done many things well, but “you have lost your first love” Revelation 2:4. What can you do if you have lost your first love? What is the solution? The loss of firstContinue reading “Have You Lost Your First Love? Don’t Give Up! 2 Chronicles 31:4-8.”
That Time Solomon’s Temple Was Looted and Boarded Up. 2 Chronicles 29:15-16.
My Uncle Bob’s farm had the most perfect house set on a hill. The house was always filled with happy voices and laughter and the smells of a wood fire in the fireplace and something delicious in the kitchen. The view from the front porch was the most peaceful thing I have ever seen. ButContinue reading “That Time Solomon’s Temple Was Looted and Boarded Up. 2 Chronicles 29:15-16.”
Humiliation Stories. Isaiah 2:11-17.
The tales are legendary. Ford rejected the minivan, arrogantly believing Americans would buy what Ford told them to buy—more station wagons. Struggling Chrysler, led by former Ford executive Lee Iacocca, said yes to minivans and saved its business (sinking the station wagon forever). Hitler paid his architect, Albert Speer, to design a new Berlin—a capitolContinue reading “Humiliation Stories. Isaiah 2:11-17.”
Is it Better to Arrest a Villain or Gun Him Down? Isaiah 28:21.
I once polled my friends on Facebook about their favorite films that end with the death of the villain. There were so many good answers: The wicked witch falls off a cliff in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Emperor Palpatine falls to his death in Return of the Jedi. While fighting Frodo for theContinue reading “Is it Better to Arrest a Villain or Gun Him Down? Isaiah 28:21.”
Household Words: 