Steven Wales

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.”

Justice: a Day of Reckoning. Revelation 20:11-15

Do you like justice? Test days? Report cards? A day of reckoning? Do you ever hear the crazy people on TV or social media and wish they could get a glimpse of the truth—that Jesus is Lord? Sometimes I just want to tell them that “every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess thatContinue reading “Justice: a Day of Reckoning. Revelation 20:11-15”

DEATH. 2 Kings 34:27-28.

We dread the death of friends and family. And most fear their own death. Those who don’t fear death hope nevertheless to postpone it as long as possible. It is rare to find one who welcomes death (though Paul wrote, “to die is gain” Philippians 1:21.) We SHOULD want to live. We should have plansContinue reading “DEATH. 2 Kings 34:27-28.”

BASIC INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE LEAVING EARTH. Philippians 1:27.

Some say the word BIBLE stands for “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.” The Bible has lots of instructions for those ready to hear them–“for those who have ears to hear.” And although some Old Testament rules (such as dietary restrictions) may not apply to our daily lives, that is not true for the instructions inContinue reading “BASIC INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE LEAVING EARTH. Philippians 1:27.”

Comfort for Parents Who Have Regrets. Philippians 1 and 2.

I worry a bit about failing to do all we could as parents. I have regrets. Today I read a verse that brings me comfort. Paul writes to his spiritual children: “I am confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day ofContinue reading “Comfort for Parents Who Have Regrets. Philippians 1 and 2.”

Thoughts on Well-Publicized Celebrity Conversions. Philippians 1:15-18

This post drafted November 22, 2019, following Kanye West’s announcement that he had recently converted to Christianity. What do you think about Kanye West? Some of us have been debating the subject for days. I think he is green and needs to grow and study and continue to be mentored. At this point, he couldContinue reading “Thoughts on Well-Publicized Celebrity Conversions. Philippians 1:15-18”

ARE YOU WILLING TO BE INTERRUPTED BY GOD? Acts 27.

When their ship left Israel to sail to Rome, the captain and crew surely believed no one on board knew more about sailing than they did. This was a huge ship for the first century, carrying some 276 people (more than a Boeing 737). They would travel a thousand miles across the Mediterranean Sea inContinue reading “ARE YOU WILLING TO BE INTERRUPTED BY GOD? Acts 27.”

“CALLOUSED” IS AN ADJECTIVE. Acts 28:26-27.

Have you ever had a callous? Most of us have had one on our hands or feet. Anywhere that the skin must resist rough treatment, an area of thickened skin called a “callous” forms. And the additional strength is welcome—it’s better than a blister. But a callous is vulnerable too. If it is pierced, cut,Continue reading ““CALLOUSED” IS AN ADJECTIVE. Acts 28:26-27.”