A New Day

It has been almost a month since I have blogged...to my shame. For the past 3+ weeks it has been a mad dash to renovate a new facility for our church...but today was our first meeting time in the new building. It's a new day...for us...for me...a new chapter in the life of our church and my ministry. No, we did not change churches. Nor is it about the building. But it is about turning a page on the journey and with each new page comes new excitement and energy to keep pressing on for the Kingdom.

This morning I spoke about integrity from Genesis 39 and the life of Joseph. As I studied, I realized that our integrity is not lost when we are falsely accused (as was Joseph). However, the effect of public perception is normally the same as if we had actually 'done the deed'. I learned that our integrity must be intentionally protected on a daily basis in order for us to be consistently used by God for His glory and purposes.

But there was one truth that really struck me between the eyes. Potiphar's wife was consistently pursuing Joseph. Yet her intent was not to ruin his reputation. Rather, it was for her own selfish desires. Most people are not enticing us to ruin our integrity...but to serve their own purpose. So what's the point? The heart of temptation and testing of our character is really a part of a battle that has been going on for thousands of years...between God and Satan.

The cause of our temptation is Satan's attempt to embarrass God...through His children. He cannot get to God directly...but he can discredit Him through our actions. So how does that impact you and me? We should resist temptation under the motivation that is greater than our personal reputation. God's reputation is at stake and our effectiveness in His plan. And Satan's tactics have not changed.

Most of us can resist testing in the very adversarial times when we are 'loaded for bear' and 'prayed up'. However, Joseph was tempted when things were going well and he was left in charge. We must actively pray and act to put a wall of protection around our hearts, minds, and bodies so that we don't mess up our own lives...but more importantly we will not tarnish the Father's name.