Martin Wickens
Speaking the Truth in Love
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Faith in Times of Trial 1/3
Part 1: Faith Encourages Us Despite the Circumstances Genesis 40:1-8 We routinely will find ourselves in difficult situations, often when we least expect it. Joseph, falsely accused and imprisoned, found himself in yet another trial. However, instead of wallowing in despair, he remained steadfast in faith. He had been attacked and sold by his brothers.…
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Book Review: “Endurance”
The story of Ernest Shackleton is perfectly summed up by the title of this book taken from the ship on which he sailed, endurance. Ernest Shackleton’s leadership, skill, and determination not only saved himself but the 28 men who sailed with him from almost certain death. What he and his men went through to survive…
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“The Lord was with Him” 3/3: Secure in His Walk with God
Devotion 3: “Secure in His Walk with God” Scripture: Genesis 39:13-23 Key Verse: “But the LORD was with Joseph, and showed him mercy…” – Genesis 39:21 After Joseph resists temptation, he is falsely accused and thrown into prison. Yet, even in this moment of apparent defeat, the Bible reassures us: “The LORD was with Joseph.”…
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“The Lord was with Him” 2/3: Separated to God
Devotion 2: “Separated to God” Scripture: Genesis 39:7-18 Key Verse: “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” – Genesis 39:9 Temptation is a part of life, but how we respond to it reveals the depth of our walk with God. It’s important to realize that resisting temptation does not make…
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“The Lord was with Him” 1/3: Seen to Walk with God
Scripture: Genesis 39:1-6 Key Verse: “And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand. ” – Genesis 39:3 Joseph’s life illustrates what it looks like to walk with God through the highs and lows. In Genesis 39, we see Joseph endure…
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“Here Am I” 3/3: The Brothers Who Suffered
Text: Genesis 37:31-36 This devotion is a summary of part 3 of a message I preached on January 19th. After their treacherous act, Joseph’s brothers are left with guilt and regret. They cover up their sin, but the consequences, we’ll see, still weigh heavily on them. Meanwhile, as the brother suffer with their conscience, Jacob,…
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“Here Am I” 2/3: The Brothers Who Schemed
Text: Genesis 37:18-30 This devotion is a summary of point two of a sermon I preached on Sunday, January 19th. In stark contrast to Joseph’s obedience, his brothers allow jealousy and hatred to control their actions. They plot to kill Joseph, driven by envy and fear. This passage is a sobering reminder of the destructive…
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“Here Am I” 1/3: The Brother Who Sought
Text: Genesis 37:12-17 This devotion is a summary of point one of a sermon I preached on Sunday, January 19th. In Genesis 37, we see Joseph, the beloved son of Jacob, obediently seeking his brothers. Despite the possible dangers, he remains faithful to his father’s command and is willing to journey to a distant land,…
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Book Review: “The 400 Silent Years”
https://amzn.to/42nBEHh The 400 silent years cover the close of the Old Testament revelation from God and the beginning of the New Testament. They are called silent because during that time there was no word from God. He was silent. I can’t claim to remember a lot of the details in this book. Ironside traces the…
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Book Review: “The Reading Life”
https://amzn.to/4gXaOKI I loved this book. It’s a collection drawn from essays, books, and letters by C.S. Lewis on the theme of reading and being a reader. Parts of it were challenging as it made me consider my own reading habits and consistency. It’s a very amusing book in parts. The intelligence and wisdom of Lewis…