When I was a child, our church launched a building campaign so we could replace our decaying building downtown with a new and much larger building on the west side. Everyone knew the slogan “two by two” meaning we would give two times as much for two years. That is, we would “tithe twenty percent”Continue reading “Giving and Giving Back.”
Author Archives: Steven Wales
Watch Your Eyes. Numbers 4:20
People say “watch your mouth.” We know we can sin with our mouths. My dad used to tell me: “You’re a good kid, but your mouth is gonna get you in a lot of trouble.” But I thought my eyes were harmless, that I could look at anything and remain innocent. I was wrong. YourContinue reading “Watch Your Eyes. Numbers 4:20”
Logistics of the Exodus.
Have you ever planned a trip? It is challenging. One person can plan and pack for a one-week trip in a matter of minutes. But what if you are bringing a family, or a group of families, or a youth group? There are variables to consider: food, fuel, clothing for various activities and weather, chronicContinue reading “Logistics of the Exodus.”
The Seeds You Plant Determine What You Harvest.
After God promises blessings to the obedient, he promises curses to the disobedient. But one thing remains consistent: PEOPLE REAP WHAT THEY SOW. “If you do not observe My commands and you break My covenant, I will bring terror on you—wasting disease and fever that will cause your eyes to fail …. I will turnContinue reading “The Seeds You Plant Determine What You Harvest.”
You Reap What You Sow. Leviticus 26:3-8.
God created the world to follow rules. Science was based on the Christian notion that if God is a God of order, then his creation must also be ordered, and thus, Creation should be predictable. Pagans and other religions had always believed creation was controlled by random chance or the cavalier whims of uncaring gods. Continue reading “You Reap What You Sow. Leviticus 26:3-8.”
The Bundle of Sticks
Can a man own land? The English enshrined property above all else. An Englishman holding title could sell land, rent it, sell some rights and reserve others—anything a seller could conceive. Land ownership was compared to owning a bundle of sticks. A man walking home with firewood on his back might sell you one stick,Continue reading “The Bundle of Sticks”
Provision.
I paid bills yesterday. First I sent money to the church. And it was sort of hard. I thought about the way that I feel disconnected from my church: I don’t teach Sunday school, many worship from home, I attend the Cypress campus for convenience but not out of a sense of calling. I’m inContinue reading “Provision.”
Holidays and Celebrations.
Do you ever wonder what God thinks about all our celebrations? Isn’t our calendar full of holidays, covering topics from the sublime to the ridiculous? Many Americans decorate their yards nearly year-round: Valentine’s, Saint Patrick’s Day, Easter, July 4th, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas. Advertisers go even further: President’s Day Sale!, April Fool’s Folly!, Cinco de MayoContinue reading “Holidays and Celebrations.”
Why Do We Obey?
God provides reasons to obey His laws. Most obvious? To avoid punishment. Consider: These punishments are SEVERE and are a warning that God takes them seriously. He knows we need the fear of consequences. When we are tempted, sometimes only the fear of horrible consequences can stop us. But as we grow in Christ, aContinue reading “Why Do We Obey?”
“Do Not Be Partial…”
Can you be neutral? Can you listen to both sides before reaching a decision? Can you be objective when every friend and family member and church member, work associate,—EVERYONE is on the same side? And they expect you to join them? Can you RESERVE JUDGMENT? Most cannot. But here is a Biblical principle that willContinue reading ““Do Not Be Partial…””
Household Words: 