Integrity in the Face of Temptation

I heard a great message today by Dr. Bill Henard, president of the Kentucky Baptist convention, about Integrity. He looked at Joseph's reaction to temptation in Potiphar's house in Genesis 39:1-9.

I love the description of Joseph's reactions to temptation..."but he refused," "day after day," "did not listen," "he left," & "he fled."

Dr.Henard's three applicational points were:

1)Know when to say no

2)Don't compromise with temptation

3)God rewards the faithfulness of His people

A definition of integrity? "Choosing to do what is right in the eyes of God even when no one is looking"

Another example of a Biblical response to temptation...look to Christ's example in Matthew 4:1-11 when He is tempted by the Devil. That passage convicts me of my need to have Scripture always ready as a defense and a weapon against Satan!

Artwork attached is:

Satan Tempting Christ to Change Stones into Bread, Rembrandt van Rijn, 1635/1640

The Christian & War

I heard a great message yesterday from the current Chief of Chaplains of the US Army, MG Douglas Carver.

The message reminded me of how many people struggle to reconcile the issue of Christians serving in the military. Officers' Christian Fellowship has lots of great resources on this subject...

May a Christian Serve in the Military?
Can a Christian Serve in Combat?
A Christian's Perspective on Killing (you may recognize the author of this one...)

2 Great Reading Lists

Here are two great reading lists compiled by Mark Dever of Capitol Hill Baptist and 9Marks Ministries. 9Marks' purpose is to "to help local churches re-establish their biblical bearings and re-think their ministry methods." Layman's Reading List Pastor's Reading List