People like rituals to ensure safety while traveling. One of the most famous is praying to Saint Christopher. For centuries Catholics have prayed to Christopher for “traveling mercies” when setting out on a journey. According to Catholic.org, Christopher, a tall, strong man known for helping people cross a dangerous river, is the patron saint ofContinue reading “Prayer for the Traveler.”
Author Archives: Steven Wales
Don’t Just Stand There! Do Something!
Wait. Is that cliche^^ Biblical? Everyone says it. I’ve had bosses tell me “when in doubt, do something; take the initiative.” They want their people hustling, busy, working, go, go, go! That may be sound advice for employees. But I wonder whether God would tell his children, “don’t just stand there! Do something!” As aContinue reading “Don’t Just Stand There! Do Something!”
“LORD TEACH US TO PRAY”… FOR EACH OTHER. Numbers 6:22-27.
Some Bible passages will forever remind me of acting out certain scenes on stage. In one scene, a disciple turned to me and said, seemingly out of the blue, “Lord, teach us to pray.” And, playing the part of Jesus, I answered, “You should pray like this: Our Father, who art in heaven, your nameContinue reading ““LORD TEACH US TO PRAY”… FOR EACH OTHER. Numbers 6:22-27.”
A Blessing.
Today my Bible reading included my favorite blessing in the Bible. This is my prayer for each of you—God not only wrote this prayer, but He also told Moses to use it as Israel’s official blessing: “Tell Aaron and his sons that this is how you are to bless the Israelites: ‘May the Lord blessContinue reading “A Blessing.”
Giving and Giving Back.
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.”
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”