While living in exile, many of Israel’s men married the women of Babylon. They had been told not to marry foreign (non-Jewish) women, but they did not obey. Ezra led the people in prayers of repentance—and Ezra took this sin personally. He was innocent—that is, Ezra did not marry outside the faith. But because soContinue reading “Be Wise! WHEN YOU CHOOSE YOUR SPOUSE, YOU CHOOSE YOUR FUTURE. Ezra 10:2.”
Author Archives: Steven Wales
FOREIGN WIVES. Ezra 9-10; 2 Corinthians 6:14.
How does God feel about dating or marriage outside your own race? Can white people and black people get married? Does it make any difference? God told the Hebrews NEVER to inter-marry with the “Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, … Egyptians, and Amorites.” Ezra 9:1. When Solomon took foreign wives, it was a disaster. The BibleContinue reading “FOREIGN WIVES. Ezra 9-10; 2 Corinthians 6:14.”
Choose a Spouse You Can Agree With. Ezra 9:3, 5-6
Why did God command His people “not to marry foreign women”? Because He knew such a marriage would weaken their convictions and lead to compromise. The New Testament says “do not be unequally yoked.” The image is similar to putting a horse and a donkey under the same harness—such arrangements do not work well, andContinue reading “Choose a Spouse You Can Agree With. Ezra 9:3, 5-6”
“WHEN I RUN, I FEEL GOD’S PLEASURE.” Ezra 7:6.
We love this line from the film “Chariots of Fire.” In this film based on a true story, the Scotsman Eric Liddell, China-born son of missionary parents, tells his sister in 1924 that he is going back to China to preach—but not yet. “I believe that God made me for a purpose—for China. But heContinue reading ““WHEN I RUN, I FEEL GOD’S PLEASURE.” Ezra 7:6.”
EXPERTS. Ezra 7:6-21.
One of the most interesting things I did as a lawyer was to select and prepare expert witnesses. It is fascinating to meet people who are leaders in their fields. I hired an expert in tropical medicine (malaria), in metallurgy (for a suit over oilfield pipe) in orthodontia (for a suit about teeth being pulled),Continue reading “EXPERTS. Ezra 7:6-21.”
When Ministers are Embroiled in Scandal. Malachi 2:1-9.
I am an organization man. A team player. I have a tendency to trust institutions like schools, churches, and the government. Many people are wired the same way. When I was ordained a deacon, I was encouraged to support the church and its staff when others raised difficult questions. Having worked in church staff positions,Continue reading “When Ministers are Embroiled in Scandal. Malachi 2:1-9.”
Respect the Parents That God Chose for You. Malachi 4:6.
Malachi is a book best known for its words on tithing. But I like the words on families: “I will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and I will turn the hearts of children to their fathers.” Malachi 4:6. A father is an irreplaceable resource. No one else can fill that role. Yet someContinue reading “Respect the Parents That God Chose for You. Malachi 4:6.”
MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE. Malachi 2:13-16.
Have you ever felt your prayers stopped at the ceiling? That you could not reach God? The problem may be sin—especially marital sin. My grandfather, born in 1897, hated divorce. Why, because he was old-fashioned? No. Because he knew Malachi 2:16: “‘I hate divorce,’ says the Lord.” How’s that for ‘short and sweet’? God couldContinue reading “MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE. Malachi 2:13-16.”
HARD WORDS. Malachi 1:6-3:9-12.
Have you ever seen a news clip of a judge rebuking a criminal defendant—and you agreed? That’s how I feel about some of God’s rebukes in the Bible: He is holy and just and more than fair, so we cheer for Him, even when the words are terrifying. The fact is, sometimes God must rebukeContinue reading “HARD WORDS. Malachi 1:6-3:9-12.”
Remember How Big God Is. Psalm 50.
Do you ever forget how BIG God is? Do you get so cozy and comfortable that you lose sight of His power and holiness? Psalm 50 addresses that. God says, I don’t need you. You need me. If I had a problem, I would not seek your advice. Consider these words and ask the LordContinue reading “Remember How Big God Is. Psalm 50.”
Household Words: 