New Yorkers are known for being tough, argumentative, even rude—common traits in a densely populated city. But they have another trait that may not seem to fit: they don’t want to get involved. If a purse is stolen, it’s “I didn’t see nuthin,’ I don’t know nuthin.’” No one wants to help. But sometimes justice requiresContinue reading “New York State of Mind.”
Author Archives: Steven Wales
The Role of Old Testament Law in Health.
Jesus redeemed us from the law. However, Old Testament laws continued to serve an important purpose, because many of them protect people from dangers science would not discover for centuries. Here are examples in addition to the recently mentioned hand washing and burying of “night soil”: “All FAT belongs to the Lord. This is aContinue reading “The Role of Old Testament Law in Health.”
None of These Diseases, Part 2.
Recently I wrote to you about Exodus 15:26: “If you will listen to the voice of the Lord … and keep all His statutes, then I will put NONE OF THESE DISEASES on you…” God promises His people that if they obey, they will not have the diseases of the pagans. For example, those whoContinue reading “None of These Diseases, Part 2.”
Finders Keepers.
You’ve heard the code of the schoolyard: “Finders-Keepers, Losers-Weepers.” Is that the law? Can you simply keep things you find, telling yourself they must have been abandoned? No. That is not the law. Britain actually retains a criminal charge known as “THEFT BY FINDING.” It is possible to find something and be accused of theftContinue reading “Finders Keepers.”
Here’s to the Cooks.
We elevate religious leaders. But the preacher is not a different breed. My childhood pastor was a gifted orator and a man with nearly irresistible leadership qualities. Yet, he was humble and chose to be called “Brother John”—an equal. Preachers, elders, and priests are your equals. So are doctors, lawyers, bankers, statemen. But you knowContinue reading “Here’s to the Cooks.”
“Just as the Lord Commanded.” Exodus 40:34
In Exodus 39 and 40, the artisans used their crafts to build the tabernacle. Do you know what the tabernacle is? If the temple is God’s House, the tabernacle is God’s mobile home: it could be moved. The artists and craftsmen obeyed God in EVERY DETAIL. The result: God’s glory. 39:1— “They made … garmentsContinue reading ““Just as the Lord Commanded.” Exodus 40:34″
ARE YOU A ‘MAKER’? God Uses Artists, Craftsmen, Designers, Engineers, Mechanics, and Hobbyists.
Pictured: Jesus showing his mother Mary a table he built, a scene from the film THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST. I once asked my father, “Daddy, are you a people person, an idea person, or a thing person?” There was a pause while he looked up from the model airplane he was building. “I don’tContinue reading “ARE YOU A ‘MAKER’? God Uses Artists, Craftsmen, Designers, Engineers, Mechanics, and Hobbyists.”
Put Your Heart Into Your Work.
When Moses needed men to build the tabernacle, God brought men with skill AND passion. They had a CALLING. We have many skills, but few callings. That is, you may be good at several things. But your heart will lead you to the one that is right for you. Of course, your heart can getContinue reading “Put Your Heart Into Your Work.”
Who is God?
How would you describe God? Angry? Forgiving? Judgmental? Uninvolved? Deists said he was the Cosmic Clock Maker, who set the universe in motion, but has kept his hands off since. What do you say? Is He involved? Does he consider little prayers, or only wars and pandemics? Is God personal, or is he just aContinue reading “Who is God?”
MOSES.
Moses will forever be one of history’s great men: Miracle worker. Delivered the Jews. Taught them the law and worked as their judge. Founded a new nation. Wrote Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. But more than that, consider his walk with God: the burning bush, encounters with Pharaoh, God spoke to him face-to-face, GodContinue reading “MOSES.”
Household Words: 