Martin Wickens
Speaking the Truth in Love
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Fighting an Enemy, Finding an Antagonist, or Creating a Challenge?
“…it is the job of generals and admirals and air marshals to prepare for wars. They can only prepare for war at all sensibly if they envisage an antagonist and when they cannot see an obvious antagonist, then they find unlikely antagonists.” – A.J.P. Taylor It is a good leader that prepares for war without…
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Faith in Times of Trial 3/3
Part 3: Faith Exalts God Despite the Circumstances Genesis 40:23 Joseph had interpreted the butler’s dream correctly, and the butler was restored to his position. Surely, Joseph must have thought his freedom was near. But the butler forgot him. For two more years, Joseph remained in prison, seemingly forgotten. How do we respond when our…
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Faith in Times of Trial 2/3
Part 2: Faith Empowers Us to Help Others Despite Our Circumstances Genesis 40:9-22 Even in prison, Joseph had the wisdom, compassion, and faith in God to look beyond his own suffering and recognize the needs of others. He noticed the sadness of Pharaoh’s butler and baker, and he took the time to ask them what…
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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…