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.”
Author Archives: Steven Wales
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.”
WHISTLEBLOWER. Esther 8:15; 10:3.
Parents tire of tattling children, and children use peer pressure to stop each other from tattling. But there is nothing inherently wrong with reporting wrongdoing—particularly reporting FUTURE wrongdoing so it can be prevented. Those who would stop you from tattling often begin by challenging your LOYALTY. If you tell, then you are not one ofContinue reading “WHISTLEBLOWER. Esther 8:15; 10:3.”
The Bible Contains Wisdom for Nations, Not Merely for Individuals. Esther 8:11.
Guess what the pagan king gave the Jews after Haman was killed and his conspiracy foiled? The king’s edict granted the Jews in every city the right to assemble and protect themselves; to destroy, kill and annihilate the armed men of any nationality or province who might attack them and their women and children, andContinue reading “The Bible Contains Wisdom for Nations, Not Merely for Individuals. Esther 8:11.”
Politicians. Esther 9:16.
The worst thing my father ever said about another man may have been: “He’s nothin’ but a politician.” He only said it twice. These two men got under my father’s skin for three reasons: (1) they took on leadership positions not to serve, but to build their influence and their resume, (2) they cultivated friendshipsContinue reading “Politicians. Esther 9:16.”
Insomnia. Esther 6:1.
Could there be anything more irritating than insomnia? I was always a night owl and a light sleeper. I have so many memories of lying in a dark tent for hours with mosquitoes in my ears and the thunderous snoring of my buddy next to me. I would count the seconds until morning, miserable. ItContinue reading “Insomnia. Esther 6:1.”
BEING HUMAN MEANS STORYTELLING: Esther 4:16.
Purim is the springtime celebration of the events recorded in the book of Esther. The celebration requires Jews to attend synagogue where they hear the story of Esther read aloud. Esther may be a bit long to read aloud. But tradition makes it fun: when the name of evil Haman is mentioned, the congregation drownsContinue reading “BEING HUMAN MEANS STORYTELLING: Esther 4:16.”
FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS. Esther 4:13-16.
One day, there may come a moment when it’s all on the line—when the fate of the world, or your future, or your family—turns on a single decision. Have you ever faced such a moment? One day, you just might. May God bless you and give you the courage, faith, and obedience to do theContinue reading “FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS. Esther 4:13-16.”