The woman grabbed Joseph’s clothing with such force it was clear that only one thing was on her mind. Joseph’s response was also swift and emotional. He tore himself away, leaving her holding on to his cloak. Such a powerful emotional response is not simply an academic decision. Joseph’s response was like Job’s. Job feared God and shunned evil. Wisdom driven by emotion protected Joseph. So, here are three dynamic factors that led to wisdom protecting Joseph: 1.A strong, emotional love of wisdom—so much so that Joseph was driven emotionally to flee from the grip of sexual temptation. 2.Joseph was emotionally tied to the specific content of righteousness. If something was not righteous, it was morally repugnant to him. 3.Joseph […]
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Your unfailing love is better than life! The Psalms never lack for reality. They speak of the difficulty of living in a world cursed with sin. The Psalmists never back away from the desperateness of life’s problems. The language of the Psalms is stark and graphic. We resonate with the truth spoken by the Holy Spirit. We do search for God in the midst of a parched and thirsty land. Yet, it is precisely because the Psalms are in touch with reality that they also bring healing words which reach deeply into your longing heart. The Psalms overflow with the wonder of God despite the harshness of life. As Psalm 63 shouts: God’s unfailing love is better than […]
In 2012, the E L James novel, Fifty Shades of Grey became a best seller. This book was the first of a trilogy by this same author. Many claimed that these books formed a new genre of literature, mommy-porn. The books are about the dark world of pain and sexual perversion. At Amazon, Fifty Shades of Grey was the most popular book of 2012. Not surprisingly, the book is being made into a movie to be released on Valentines’ Day, 2015. The trailer for the movie was released this past week. Americans immediately responded by making this book, once again, the number one best selling book on Amazon. The news headlines are dominated by events in Ukraine, […]
When truth about God is our greatest joy, we will help our children interpret life from a biblical perspective. Truths to impress on our children: • Life does not consist in the abundance of possessions. It is not found in new jeans, a new iPod, a car, one’s abilities, or exciting, heart-pounding experiences. • We need to walk in wisdom, submit to the goodness of God’s way, and turn away from our own agendas. • A life of prayer and godly counsel is our desire. • Choices that are principled rather than popular, foregoing immediate gratification for the sake of eternal reward, are the goal. • God’s authority structures are a blessing. For an eight-year-old this means I can trust […]
Anger, sometimes it just feels right. When your husband is insensitive, when the kids are selfish and squabble constantly, when your wife is disrespectful, anger stands ready to come to your defense. When others are not helpful anger is there to encourage you. When your pride is wounded, anger offers its healing power. When anger is embraced, God is cast aside. But what about righteous anger? That’s always the trap. Paul says in Ephesians 4:26 that in your anger you should not sin. So, since it is possible to be angry and not sin, it easy to welcome anger like a friendly ally when others sin against us. But Ephesians 4:26 is not all that Paul […]
Paul says there are only two ways of living or thinking. One way is to follow the natural path of darkness that all men were born with (Ephesians 2:1-3). The other way is to learn Christ (Ephesians 4:20). This is point must not be missed. Paul wants the Ephesians to put off the dark ways of their birth and to put on the way of light, that is, the person of Christ. Avoiding evil is not the same as learning Christ. This will only encourage sensuality to take deep root in their hearts. Your goals may seem noble. You may earnestly desire that your children will avoid the pitfalls of this world. You can structure your lifestyle to keep […]
Christ’s last words in the sermon on the mount talk about the storms of life. The final four verses (Matthew 7:24-27) teach that these storms will be powerful and that they cannot be avoided. So, the question is not can I avoid the storm, but how can I remain secure when the storm strikes. This much is certain, the storms will come. Jesus is talking about more than physical dwellings. He is talking about your life. The same things – the rains, the rising streams, the winds will attack each house. Don’t be fooled. The security of the house rests not upon the elaborateness and beauty of its construction, but upon the solidness of its foundation. In the Proverbs […]
Don’t trust in those who cannot save. When it comes to the worship of God, is your praise dampened by the events of the world around you? Are your prayers distracted by foreign affairs? Does your song sound less vibrant because of the failures of your elected officials? God says not to worry and praise him with all of your heart. Political leaders are not worthy of your ultimate trust. People can cannot save you. The one who trusts in the Lord is secure. Only in God is there reason for hope. As you worship, pray with a heart that is overflowing. Praise your God for the unique and powerful being that he is. Sing knowing […]
Proverbs 4:23 warns you to guard your heart: Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. In other words the ideas, the images, the influences you allow to flow into your heart become the substance of what flows out of your heart. Do you guard what flows into your heart? Are there things that are more exciting to you than the person of Christ? Are you enticed by anger? Do you long for what you do not have? Are you plagued by bitter thoughts, impure thoughts? Are you conscious of the importance of protecting your heart from a godless, deceptive culture and bitter disappointments? Don’t miss this reality! Whatever you let […]
In an interview with Kevin DeYoung, Pastor Mark Dever was asked to name one of his favorite parenting books. His answer: Shepherding a Child’s Heart. Click here to read this interview with Mark Dever.