Posts by Josh Moody
Proverbs 6: Wise Advice
Ezra 8, Proverbs 6, Luke 14:25-35, 1 Timothy 4 Proverbs 6: This chapter is filled with wise advice. We cannot parse out every aspect of it in this devotion. I will pick out the core themes of the thoughts which are particularly central. Verses 1-5 urge us to extract ourselves from a deal which leaves us stuck…
Read MoreProverbs 5: Keep a Path Far from Her
Ezra 7, Proverbs 5, Luke 14:15-24, 1 Timothy 3:11-18 Proverbs 5: Perhaps one of the most important chapters in the Bible today. We are told today—subtly, implicitly, overtly, and explicitly—that sexual liaisons, of various and many kinds, without the boundaries of a committed life-long marriage of a man to a woman, is healthy and beneficial. Adultery, fornication, sexuality…
Read MoreProverbs 4: Guard Your Heart
Ezra 6, Proverbs 4, Luke 14:1-14, 1 Timothy 3:1-10 Proverbs 4: Once again, this chapter of Proverbs urges the reader to listen to the Word. There is no doubt that in normal circumstances, in normal situations, your own father will give you wise advice to which it is wise to listen. He wants what is best for you,…
Read MoreProverbs 3: Do Not Forget
Ezra 4-5, Proverbs 3, Luke 13:22-35, 1 Timothy 2 Proverbs 3: This chapter begins with an exhortation to not forget the teaching of God’s Word. They will “bring you peace and prosperity” (3:1). The question that immediately follows that proposition is naturally, “Why should I not forget?” or “What particular benefit does holding onto God’s Word give?” …
Read MoreProverbs 2: The Path of the Righteous
Ezra 3, Proverbs 2, Luke 13:10-21, 1 Timothy 1:12-21 Proverbs 2: How do we find this most precious of all characteristics, wisdom? This chapter tells us that it starts with the area of desire in our own lives. “My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and…
Read MoreProverbs 1: Truly Wise
Ezra 1-2, Proverbs 1, Luke 13:1-9, 1 Timothy 1:1-11 Proverbs 1: As we start this Book of Proverbs, it is worth asking what the purpose of this book is. Providentially, and by divine intention and inspiration, the book answers that problem for us from the very beginning. This book is not simply a collection of random best-thought-for-the-day sayings. It is…
Read MorePsalm 150: Voluminous Exuberance!
2 Chronicles 34-36, Psalm 150, Luke 12:49-59, 2 Thessalonians 3:14-18 Psalm 150: A psalm of voluminous, exuberant praise! Where praise God? Everywhere! Praise God in “his sanctuary” and praise him “in his mighty heavens.” There is nowhere in the universe—mighty heavens meaning the whole universe—where God is not to be praised! How praise God? With everything! Trumpet, harp, “lyre,” tambourine,…
Read MorePsalm 149: Sing a New Song!
2 Chronicles 30-33, Psalm 149, Luke 12:38-48, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 Psalm 149: There is yet more reason for praise, and fuel for praise in this psalm! Here we are given reason for why to sing to the Lord a “new” song. Part of the indicator of healthy Christian spirituality is the writing of new songs. When God’s…
Read MorePsalm 148: This Analysis of Praise!
2 Chronicles 28-29, Psalm 148, Luke 12:22-34, 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 Psalm 148: When we think of “praise,” we typically think of “praise songs” or music sung in Christian meetings, particularly on a Sunday. We don’t tend to think of some of the categories that are introduced by this psalm. According to this psalm, the sky, sun, moon, stars,…
Read MorePsalm 147: Good, Pleasant and Fitting!
2 Chronicles 25-27, Psalm 147, Luke 12:13-21, 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 Psalm 147: Another psalm of exuberant praise. Why? Because it is “good,” “pleasant” and “fitting” to praise God (147:1). It is good to praise God (147:2-9) because God is a good God. He gathers the exiles (147:3). His goodness is not weakness, but capable to achieve its ends (147:3-5). He…
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