One strategy of the enemy is to copy everything God does. If Jesus travels town-to-town talking about self-denial, the devil will create false religions based on itinerate “holy men” who promote self-denial (see Buddhism). If God provides a book of ancient scriptures, the devil will push false religions based on revered ancient writings such asContinue reading “Copycat. Exodus 7:11.”
Author Archives: Steven Wales
There is Nothing Harder Than Turning Over a New Leaf. Exodus 7-12.
Haven’t we all had this experience? You swear off sweets, then arrive at work and it’s the boss’s birthday party and you have to accept a piece of cake? Or you join a gym and suddenly your work responsibilities double and you feel like you’ll never be able to work out and you might asContinue reading “There is Nothing Harder Than Turning Over a New Leaf. Exodus 7-12.”
Child Sacrifice is Not a “Trade-off.”
Cultures around the world have been killing children longer than there has been recorded history, including the Aztecs, the Incas, the Mayans, the Carthaginians (who worshipped Moloch), the Phoenicians, non-Muslim Arabians, Ugandans, South Africans, and more. Why? What could motivate loving parents to toss their children into fires and volcanoes? I believe the devil isContinue reading “Child Sacrifice is Not a “Trade-off.””
Anticipating What God Might Do.
God prepares us before he calls us. Often we are born with the gifts we will need, and our experience births in us a desire to work in the area of those gifts. Some of us will have an overwhelming desire to DO the work, but no idea HOW to do it. Have you everContinue reading “Anticipating What God Might Do.”
God Heard Their Groaning. He Saw. He Took Notice.
When the Egyptians enslaved the Hebrews and treated them cruelly, God paid attention. It must have seemed to go on forever. But God was not ignoring the problem. The Hebrews cried out to God and He was already busily at work raising up a leader who would deliver God’s people. (You know who that was,Continue reading “God Heard Their Groaning. He Saw. He Took Notice.”
Have You Been Desperate for Rescue?
The people of Israel were desperate. Pharaoh was cracking the whip, forcing them to do hard work for long hours. Those who resisted endured the lashings—and then had to get back to work anyway. Pharaoh put cruel slave drivers in charge. The usual rule: be as cruel as you have to be, but don’t injureContinue reading “Have You Been Desperate for Rescue?”
The School of Hard Knocks.
As a child, I broke rules and tested boundaries. I considered rules challenges to be overcome. How do you think that worked out? Poorly, I can assure you. I spent most of my time in trouble, learning everything the hard way. My younger brother, on the other hand, employed keen powers of observation: he learnedContinue reading “The School of Hard Knocks.”
Can You Rest With God?
Our world buzzes, a hive of activity. Watch morning television: four anchors, stories about war, the economy, weather, business, sports, entertainment, consumer advice, cooking, movies, music. The cycle repeats every hour. On the radio people shout news and politics. Phones blow up with viral videos, courtroom dramas, phishing scams. There is no peace. The greatContinue reading “Can You Rest With God?”
Don’t Bury God’s Word Under Empty Distractions. Job 38:2.
Begin your day with God’s word. Don’t let TV and social media fill your head with the noise of the anxious, fighting world. Begin your day with God’s voice. End your day with God’s voice. Imagine: You’ve lost your riches, your status, your health, and your children. Your farm and ranch operation is destroyed. OnceContinue reading “Don’t Bury God’s Word Under Empty Distractions. Job 38:2.”
Who is This Who Questions God?
What if God came to you and said, “WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?” Can you imagine that? That’s what He said to Job. Job suffered greatly; everyone agrees. And he complained greatly. For 37 chapters, God listened silently to Job’s bitter complaints, most of which could be summed up as “I wish I hadContinue reading “Who is This Who Questions God?”
Household Words: 