Author Archives: Steven Wales

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.”

A Lawyer Looks at the Trials of the Apostle Paul. Acts 24-26.

Laws are built on beliefs about the nature of man, of justice and fairness, and how best to operate a society. No source played a larger role in the development of Anglo-American (“English-American”) law than the Bible. Not only did the Archbishop of Canterbury write the first draft of the Magna Carta, but the bookContinue reading “A Lawyer Looks at the Trials of the Apostle Paul. Acts 24-26.”

Conspiracy Theories. Acts 23:12-13,16.

Here’s a bit of Texas law: “A person commits criminal conspiracy if, with intent a felony be committed, (1) he agrees with one or more persons that they … engage in conduct that would constitute the offense; and (2) … one or more of them performs an overt act in pursuance of the agreement” TexasContinue reading “Conspiracy Theories. Acts 23:12-13,16.”

How Do You Judge Public Speaking? Acts 23:11.

Every time a candidate for president gives a speech, the pundits on television offer their analysis: how many minutes was the speech? Did the speaker improvise or stick to the script? Was the tone optimistic, pessimistic, or neutral? Did the speaker focus on numbers and facts or on heart-felt human stories? Was there humor? HowContinue reading “How Do You Judge Public Speaking? Acts 23:11.”