Sometimes parenting feels like a rerun of a TV show I already watched. But more often, the themes are similar, but the stories are quite different. And the way God speaks to me about those stories is also different. When I struggled with algebra, God spoke to me and led me through the minefield. WhenContinue reading “Keep the Matter in Mind. Genesis 37:11.”
Author Archives: Steven Wales
Remember. Genesis 35:14.
We make souvenirs of silly things sometimes. The pack rats among us save not just one childhood report card, but all of them. Not just one or two art projects, but all of them. Not just one or two children’s toys—but ALL of them. Eventually you need file cabinets and a rented storage unit toContinue reading “Remember. Genesis 35:14.”
Wrestling With God.
Jacob is the only person to wrestle with God literally. But countless others have wrestled with God, figuratively speaking. Have you? If God seems silent, or seems to be saying no, DON’T GIVE UP! Keep praying! Don’t quit until the Holy Spirit tells you to quit. “A certain woman … heard of Jesus and cameContinue reading “Wrestling With God.”
The Hopefulness of an Open Mind.
Often there are two ways to look at things, a doubting view and a view rooted in faith. And you may not know which view is correct. Can you think of one topic about which you have not made up your mind? We are uncomfortable with uncertainty. We have to KNOW, even if what weContinue reading “The Hopefulness of an Open Mind.”
Do You Ever Feel Mistreated?
Have you ever been treated unfairly? Have you ever felt left out by friends or teammates or family? God sees. He knows what happened and He knows how bad it feels. Can you forgive? Can you leave the problem in God’s hands and trust Him to make things right? We are called to trust Him,Continue reading “Do You Ever Feel Mistreated?”
Repeating a Pattern.
When the Bible repeats a pattern, that means it is important. Here’s one repeated within just a few pages–a single generation. When Jacob needs a wife, he travels to the land of Laban, and sees the shepherdess Rachel coming with a herd of sheep. So what does he do? While he was still speaking withContinue reading “Repeating a Pattern.”
Do You Know What Grace Is?
Could you explain grace, or is it just a churchy, religious word for something like forgiveness? Grace is related to forgiveness, but it is different. God forgives His children and wipes the slate clean. But grace is how God puts value in your life after sin has destroyed it. If you broke a crystal pitcher,Continue reading “Do You Know What Grace Is?”
Biblical Mysteries.
There are things in the Bible that are … peculiar. A talking donkey. People 900 years old. A prophet swallowed by a fish. Ezekiel’s “street-theater” messages including lying on his side for more than a year. A day when the sun stood still. Jesus healing a blind man with spit and mud. And then there’sContinue reading “Biblical Mysteries.”
Being the Right Person.
Someone once said, “Marriage is not so much FINDING the right person as BEING the right person.” That’s a timely word in a culture that views both marriage and careers as some magical romantic fantasy where the person or occupation perfectly fits your every trait, satisfies your every desire, and renders you blissfully happy foreverContinue reading “Being the Right Person.”
Generations.
Americans are obsessed with independence. We want to do OUR OWN thing, no matter what. Period. Mic Drop. It is impossible. As John Donne wrote, “No man is an island, entire of itself.” What we do affects those around us. Your family is a life boat. We are in the boat together: paddling, steering, fishing,Continue reading “Generations.”
Household Words: 