Steven Wales

TALKING IS EVERYTHING. Colossians 3:8; 4:6.

Talking is Everything. Nothing will have a bigger impact on your life and future than your conversations. Are you a good talker? Are you a good listener? First, let me recommend we all become better listeners. Make an effort. PRACTICE LISTENING. “Let each one of you be QUICK TO HEAR, slow to speak, and slowContinue reading “TALKING IS EVERYTHING. Colossians 3:8; 4:6.”

“I’M NOT RELIGIOUS. I’M SPIRITUAL.” Colossians 2:3,8-9.

It’s the latest cliché: “I’m a spiritual person.” I’d like to ask, “How is your spirituality different from someone who reads poetry while sipping coffee and admiring nature? What is ‘spiritual’ about it?” Most who claim “spirituality,” focus on a mindset: they appreciate beauty, they think about gratitude, and they acknowledge there may or (mayContinue reading ““I’M NOT RELIGIOUS. I’M SPIRITUAL.” Colossians 2:3,8-9.”

Be Careful What You Consume—With Your Mind. Colossians 2:8

Remember the kosher dietary laws—telling the Hebrews what they can and cannot put in their mouths? There are similar rules for our minds. We are not supposed to just open up and swallow everything. “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, accordingContinue reading “Be Careful What You Consume—With Your Mind. Colossians 2:8”

NOW WHAT? Colossians 1:15-20; 3:1-4:2.

We know that Paul said “to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21. If so—NOW WHAT? How do we honor Christ now that we know the truth? Do we obey rules? Or do we “do a good turn daily” as the Boy Scouts say? Or do we smile more and convince everyone we are happy? Paul elaboratesContinue reading “NOW WHAT? Colossians 1:15-20; 3:1-4:2.”

Philemon: the Book About Slavery. Philemon 8.

For centuries abolitionists searched the Bible hoping to prove that slavery was wrong. But many topics in the Bible are not addressed in neat little essays the way we might have hoped. Nevertheless, one book that does address slavery is Philemon. Philemon is a private letter to a close friend. This letter is not theContinue reading “Philemon: the Book About Slavery. Philemon 8.”

HOW DO PEOPLE DESCRIBE YOU? Philippians 4:5.

We spend years telling children to ignore other children. Don’t listen to the mean words, and definitely don’t let them convince you. (When boys in middle school call you ‘gay,’ for example, imagine how preposterous that is: are you going to allow people completely ignorant in all areas of sexuality to influence your adult choices?)Continue reading “HOW DO PEOPLE DESCRIBE YOU? Philippians 4:5.”

When You Need Courage. Proverbs 28:1.

Have you ever been afraid? Fear is a difficult emotion. Sometimes fear is vague, dull, and unfocused: you feel anxious, but you’re not sure why. Other times it is acute: you know EXACTLY what you’re afraid of! Fear, whether in the form of fright, worry, anxiety, terror, or dread, affects everyone. What is the answer?Continue reading “When You Need Courage. Proverbs 28:1.”

Do you ever feel discouraged? Philippians 4:8-9

Sometimes we feel discouraged or depressed because of the stories of hopelessness and despair so common in today’s entertainment. God counsels us to fill our mind with good things. Are you putting good things in your mind or bad? Consider Philippians 4:8-9: “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever isContinue reading “Do you ever feel discouraged? Philippians 4:8-9”

HUMILITY = HONOR. Philippians 2:5-11.

God honors humility. God HIGHLY honors great humility. Jesus—the WORD and expression of God, the LOGOS of God—set that aside, humbled himself to become a man, a squalling infant born on the road, then nailed naked to a cross, and even submitted to the ultimate indignity of death. He took humility further than anyone, andContinue reading “HUMILITY = HONOR. Philippians 2:5-11.”

DIGNITY vs. INDIGNITY: HUMILITY OR HUMILIATION? Psalm 22; Philippians 2:8.

Have you been mocked, scorned, or made to feel small or weak? Have you had your dignity attacked? It happens to everyone—particularly as children. And even when you are grown and strong and proud, you are not immune from indignities. You are simply fortunate to be enjoying a few years on top. Everyone succumbs, whetherContinue reading “DIGNITY vs. INDIGNITY: HUMILITY OR HUMILIATION? Psalm 22; Philippians 2:8.”