Steven Wales

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.”

Men Prefer Justice, But God Prefers Mercy Because He is God and Not a Man. Hosea 11:9.

Pictured: “The Death of Socrates,” by Jacques-Louis David, 1787. Socrates was convicted of “corrupting the youth of Athens” because he asked hard questions about the Greek gods they all served. In the painting, Socrates, who is still teaching, bravely faces his sentence of death by hemlock tea, while his admirers and students look on inContinue reading “Men Prefer Justice, But God Prefers Mercy Because He is God and Not a Man. Hosea 11:9.”

“My People Are Destroyed for Lack of Knowledge” Hosea 4:6.

On the day you were born, our society began pushing knowledge and education on you: Knowledge is Power. Readers are Leaders. Teach a Man to Fish … But to whom does that apply? Does everyone need education? Yes. Everyone needs an education appropriate to the culture in which they will live. A Tibetan proverb says,Continue reading ““My People Are Destroyed for Lack of Knowledge” Hosea 4:6.”

Big Erik Won’t Be on Top Forever. Isaiah 10:15.

When I was in junior high my friend Chris got jumped by a kid named Mike at the 7-11. The two were in the grass outside the store fighting when Big Erik, a much larger, much older boy came along and attacked Mike. Fortunately for Chris, he happened to be losing that particular fight. BigContinue reading “Big Erik Won’t Be on Top Forever. Isaiah 10:15.”

The Fear of the Lord. 2 Chronicles 28:15.

Image: the famous “Earthrise” photo captured by the crew of Apollo 8 on Christmas Eve, 1968. Part One: a Challenge to Put Some Effort into Your Bible Reading. Most of us believe we ought to read the Bible. Many of us start. But finishing is a real challenge and a significant accomplishment. The Good Book,Continue reading “The Fear of the Lord. 2 Chronicles 28:15.”