Steven Wales

God Comes Through.

When we are desperate, truly driven to the end, with no way out, God shows up. When Israel was outnumbered, King Jehoshaphat prayed a desperate prayer: “We do not know what to do, but we look to you.” 2 Chronicles 20:12. God responded through a prophet: “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of thisContinue reading “God Comes Through.”

God is Interested.

God is interested in the details. He cares about things some might think would be beneath Him. How do we know? The Bible makes it clear. God is interested in justice, for example. The Bible talks about those who give false testimony, about different aspects of civil and criminal trials, and the consequences of lettingContinue reading “God is Interested.”

Whom Do You Serve?

King Jehoshaphat was not a perfect king. But God commended him for several things. One was the way he commissioned judges. The king told them: “Consider what you are doing, for you do not judge for man but for the Lord, who is with you in the matter of judgment.” 2 Chronicles 19:6. Think aboutContinue reading “Whom Do You Serve?”

Apples and Choices.

Jehoshaphat “walked in the way of his father Asa and did not depart from it, doing right in the sight of the Lord” 2 Chronicles 20:32. Nadab “did evil in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the way of his father Jeroboam” 1 Kings 15:26. “Ahaziah … did evil in the sight ofContinue reading “Apples and Choices.”

Resentful and Angry.

Ever been “resentful and angry”? What did it lead to? Probably nothing good. King Ahab, Israel’s most wicked king, let those feelings ruin him. First, he failed to kill the Lord’s enemy, the evil king of Aram. The prophet told him God would take his life instead, and he “went home resentful and angry.” 1Continue reading “Resentful and Angry.”

Some Bad Marriages Do Not Involve Conflict.

It is easy for young people to ask about the basics: Is she hot? Does he have a great career? Does she laugh at my jokes? Does he listen to me? Is she affectionate? Is he romantic? Traits like these are easy. But you must evaluate a potential spouse on a deeper level: does heContinue reading “Some Bad Marriages Do Not Involve Conflict.”

The Sound of God’s Voice.

What does the voice of God sound like? Most hear God’s voice only after we silence the voices around us. The God who created infinite space, who could choose to be the loudest sound in the universe, prefers to speak in the gentlest voice possible. After Elijah defeated the prophets of Baal, he ran awayContinue reading “The Sound of God’s Voice.”

Moderation is Not Following Christ.

Some conversion stories are dramatic: The boss of a motorcycle gang has raped, killed, and spread crime all over the nation. He lands in prison and finds Jesus—and his life is radically changed! He has seen the dark side, and he’s never going back! Most never see such highs and lows. Many believers grew upContinue reading “Moderation is Not Following Christ.”

Can You Hear the Whisper of God? 1 Kings 19:11-12.

Imagine you and I head into the wilderness to spend time with God. Life slows down when we leave the city where we are stressed, anxious, and too busy. In the wilderness, there are no honking horns. Phones don’t ring. Notifications are off. No one looks at email or social media. It’s freedom and peace.Continue reading “Can You Hear the Whisper of God? 1 Kings 19:11-12.”

WE CAN PRACTICE JOY AND TEACH JOY. 2 Chronicles 17:6-7.

Everything Andrew touched turned to gold. After college he rented a funky space in downtown New Orleans. He poured money into it and transformed it into a restaurant he called “The Grotto.” The Grotto became the city’s hot spot. It was wildly successful, and Andrew was the owner and chef. Then the landlord raised theContinue reading “WE CAN PRACTICE JOY AND TEACH JOY. 2 Chronicles 17:6-7.”