July 25

Morning

She grabbed Joseph by his cloak and said, “Sleep with me!” But leaving his cloak in her hand, he escaped and ran outside. — Gen 39:12 BSB

In the battle against certain sins, the only path to victory is by fleeing. Ancient naturalists wrote of basilisks whose very gaze would mesmerize their prey, making them easy victims. In the same way, the mere sight of evil can place us in grave danger. To be safe from committing sin, we must swiftly remove ourselves from its presence. We must make a covenant with our eyes not even to look upon what might tempt us, for sin only needs a small spark, and then it ignites into a blazing fire!

Who would willingly enter a leper’s hut and sleep among the disease and filth? Only someone who desires to be infected. Likewise, if a sailor knows how to avoid a storm, he will do everything in his power to steer clear of it. Wise pilots do not test how close they can sail to quicksand or how often they can graze a rock without sinking their ship. Instead, they aim to stay in the safest waters.

Today, I may face great temptations; may I have the wisdom to avoid them. The wings of a dove might serve me better today than the strength of a lion. I might seem to lose out by avoiding bad company, but better to leave my coat behind than to lose my character! It’s not necessary to be wealthy, but it is crucial to remain pure. No bonds of friendship, no beauty, no talents, no ridicule—nothing—should turn me away from my firm decision to flee from sin. We are called to resist the devil, and he will flee from us. But as for the desires of the flesh, we must flee from them, or they will overpower us!

O God of holiness, protect Your Josephs from the enticements of Madam Bubble and her wicked temptations. May the unholy trinity—the world, the flesh, and the devil—never triumph over us!

Evening

Then I will return to My place until they admit their guilt and seek My face; in their affliction they will earnestly seek Me. — Hos 5:15 BSB

Losses and hardships are often the tools the Great Shepherd uses to bring His wandering sheep back into the fold. Like fierce dogs, trials chase the straying soul home. Time and again, we have witnessed how lack and difficulty lead the Christian to become obedient to the Lord. When blessed with abundance, many believers grow prideful, raising their heads too high and boasting confidently like David, saying, “My mountain stands firm—I shall never be moved!”

When the Christian enjoys wealth, health, and a happy family, it’s easy to let Mr. Carnal Security join the table. But if they are truly God’s child, a rod of correction is being prepared for them. Soon, they might see their possessions slip away like a dream. A portion of their estate disappears—how quickly the land changes hands! That debt, that unpaid bill—how quickly losses multiply! Where will it all end? Yet, it is a sign of grace if these losses drive the believer to recognize their backsliding and return to God. Blessed are the waves that throw the shipwrecked mariner onto the Rock of Salvation!

Losses in business can often be the means by which our souls are enriched. If the chosen soul won’t come to the Lord with full hands, they will come with empty ones. If God sees no other way to bring honor to His name, He may cast us into deep trials. If we fail to glorify Him in prosperity, He may humble us in poverty. But don’t lose heart, child of sorrow, when you are corrected. Instead, see the loving hand of God in the chastisement and say, “I will arise and go to my Father!”