Compromise Is Not an Option

And [Potiphar] left all that he had in Joseph’s charge and paid no attention to anything he had except the food he ate. Now Joseph was an attractive person and fine-looking. Then after a time his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph, and she said, “Lie with me.” But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “See here, with me in the house my master has concern about nothing; he has put all that he has in my care. He is not greater in this house than I am; nor has he kept anything from me except you, for you are his wife. How then can I do this great evil and sin against God?” Gen. 39:6-9

Compromise:  

1. An endangering, especially of reputation; exposure to danger, suspicion, etc. “A compromise of one's integrity.”

2. Accept standards that are lower than is desirable. "We were not willing to compromise on God’s Word.”

As I have been thinking about what it means to compromise as a Christian, I thought about Joseph. Although a slave, he had obtained favor in the sight of his master, Potiphar. Certainly, that favor was a result of the favor of God on his life. I believe the favor of God and pleasing God was of the utmost importance to Joseph, more than anything. As I look at the situation in Genesis 39 with Potiphar’s wife, I don’t see anywhere in the bible where it says she was not attractive or Joseph was not attracted to her. She may have been an attractive woman and any slave may have fallen at her feet to have sex with her. Joseph may have thought she was attractive as well. However, none of this mattered to Joseph. His priority, his main focus, his heart only cared about doing right in the sight of God. He refused to compromise and do “this great evil and sin against God.” The next verse says, “And so it was that she spoke to Joseph [persistently] day after day, but he did not listen to her [plea] to lie beside her or be with her.” (Gen 39:10). Can you imagine this type of temptation? This was a grown man being tempted every day to sleep with a grown woman. But, Joseph’s heart was fixed on pleasing the Lord. He was a man of integrity not willing to compromise at all.

Most of the time it’s easier to do the wrong thing than to do the right thing. However, the bible says, “For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins…” (Heb. 10:26). The word that sticks out to me here is deliberately. This means on purpose. It means you just do what you want and live how you want despite knowing the truth of God’s precepts. Make no mistake about it, we can’t fool God. “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked [He will not allow Himself to be ridiculed, nor treated with contempt nor allow His precepts to be scornfully set aside]; for whatever a man sows, this and this only is what he will reap” (Gal. 6:7).

I just want to encourage you today to be steadfast in your faith in Jesus Christ. Remain steadfast and stand on the promises of God. Despite of what tests and trials come your way, remain faithful to Him. Don’t move to the left or to the right, but be still and know that He is God (Ps. 46:10). Set your heart on pleasing the Lord. Make that your main priority. “But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also” (Matt 6:33). So, whatever it is that you need God will supply it and you won’t have to compromise to get it. Don’t allow your tests and trials to pressure you into compromising. But, let your tests and trials press you into His presence.

God wants us to live holy not only in public but in private. He wants us to have integrity not only in public but in private. Our private lives should be free of compromise as well. I’m convinced, that our Father who sees in secret will Himself reward us openly (Matt 6:4). Therefore, be encouraged to fight the good fight of faith so on that day you may hear, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”

Be Blessed!

A.M.

Don't Sleep Your Night Away!

For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life;

Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5

To be honest when I was getting ready to write this blog the title of it was completely different. It was different because I was focusing on the wrong part of the scripture. I wasn’t focusing on what God wanted me to focus on. The title was “Joy Comes in the Morning,” but that’s not what the Lord would have me to contemplate upon today. Normally when we read “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” we tend to concentrate on the morning part. But there is something to be said about the “night” seasons of our lives. First off, what is the “night” season? Many times in the bible the word night would refer to a time of pain, suffering, sorrow, despair and/or disappointment in one’s life. This is the season when nothing that God is doing seems to make any sense. In fact, it may seem as if He is doing nothing at all in your life. The “night” seasons are those seasons where God doesn’t appear to be present or moving on your behalf. It may seem as if God has completely forgotten about you. It can be painful and hard to smile in the “night” season. But as I began to study this scripture, the Lord began to highlight some important elements about the “night” season.

Many times we are too focused on the night being over. We pray for the morning, fast for the morning, weep for the morning to come, but never take the time to fully understand the purpose of the night.

God speaks to us in the night season.  In 1 Samuel 3:1, the bible declares that, “…the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation.” God was rarely speaking to His people and there was no divine revelation at all in that time. But something miraculous happened as young Samuel lies in bed. The Lord begins to speak to him giving him divine revelation and the word of the Lord. Notice the Lord did not speak to him in the morning or in the day, but at night. It was in the night that Samuel began to hear the Word of the Lord. It was also in the night that the Lord began to establish Samuel as the Prophet of God. Two things happened that night: Samuel began to hear the voice of God and his calling was revealed to him. It is in your night season, your darkest moments that God will speak if you will listen. It’s in your night season that the Lord will reveal the calling on your life and unlock your spiritual gifts.

In the night seasons of our lives we should be studying the Word, listening to the Word, fasting, praying, and listening for the voice of God. Some of us have given up and are not doing these things anymore. Many of us are too busy waiting for the morning to come and we are missing what God is saying in the night. My friend, there is more to gain in the valley than on the mountain top.

We know that joy comes in the morning; it’s a promise which means it’s for certain. So why do we sleep our nights away? Why are we sleeping? Spiritually I mean. Many of us are spiritually asleep in our night season. Consequently, we’re not receiving all that God has for us in the spirit realm. I say “we” and “us” because I’m first partaker of this Word.

There is much that God has to say to us if we will seek Him despite of how we feel. There are spiritual gifts waiting to be unlocked if we would press in His presence a little further. Don’t waste this time in the valley. Get all that God wants to give you. Morning will come, but don’t dare go into your next season empty-handed. Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light. (Eph. 5:14). So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober (1 Thess. 5:6). Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God (Rev. 3:2). Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed! (Rev. 16:15). Don’t sleep your night away.

 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Rev. 3:22

Be Blessed.

A.M.

Hold On to the Word of God

Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. Matt. 24:35

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. Is. 40:8

I didn’t know whether to title this, “Stay with God” or “Hold on to the Word of God”. Either way, we need to do both now more than ever. With all that is going on in the world it’s easy to become distracted, discouraged, and down right depressed. Life and all its cares make it easy for us to take our eyes off of God and His Word. Hopelessness and despair can overtake us if we are not reading our bibles, applying the Word to our lives, and staying before God in prayer.

Sometimes we can look around at the world and even our own lives and notice things seem to be getting worse, not better. Sometimes it can seem as if God is not even present or listening to our prayers. But I’m reminded in 2 Corinth. 5:7 that we are to live by faith and not by sight. He is a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). I want to encourage you today to stand. Stand on the Word of God and on the promises of God that have been spoken over your life. We know that the promises of God in Christ Jesus are Yes and Amen (2 Corinth. 1:20). So, stand. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6 that after we have done all, to stand. After you have taken up the full armor of God, after you have believed and prayed, cried and prayed, fasted and prayed, you stand.

Matt. 24:35 and Is. 40:8 reminds us that the only sure thing in this life is the Word of God. The Word is the only thing that will last and prove to be true. Don’t give up on the Word, don’t give up on His promises for you, and don’t give up on God. How will you know if you really have faith if you’re not tested? You say you have faith, so be strong and stand.

I know it’s easier said than done but I’m convinced that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). He honors faith. And He honors His Word (Psalm 138:2). You have to be like David as he encouraged himself in the Lord. He said in Psalm 138, “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me… The Lord will perfect that which concerns me.” No matter what it looks like, feels like or seems like, you have to know that God will perfect that thing that concerns you. You must have faith to know that God will perform His Word. He said that He watches over His Word to perform it (Jeremiah 1:12)

As Balaam said in Numbers 23:19, “God is not a man that He should lie, nor a son of man that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” Be encouraged in these last days and hold on to the Word of God. He is faithful to perform it.

Be Blessed.

A.M.

Stay At the Feet of Jesus

For the [pagan] Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; [but do not worry,] for your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also. Matthew 6:32-33 Amplified Bible (AMP)

It’s been awhile since my last blog. So I wanted to write something that will not only encourage the person reading but something that I know that the Lord is saying to me personally. I received this word in church on Sunday and as my week began I realized this word was just for me. This is just a word of encouragement to you who are reading - Stay at the Feet of Jesus.

In Matthew 6:32-33 we see Jesus giving the cure for anxiety. With the many roles that we play in life, sometimes we can become consumed and distracted by all the different things we face, whether it’s ministry duties, paying our bills, taking care of our loved ones, etc. Life can be a bit overwhelming at times. But Jesus is the cure. We are not like those who are without God and don’t have a prayer life. We are not pagans. We are citizens of God’s Kingdom. Therefore, we need not worry about life’s cares as if we don’t have help. God tells us in 1 Peter 5:7 to cast all our cares on Him because He cares for us. Moreover, God promises that if we seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, all these things will be given to us … and more. What are those things? Well, only you know what you are worried about.

In Luke chapter 10 we see two sisters but two completely different focuses. The one sister Martha was entirely focused on ministry (serving).  And the other Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus. I can imagine all she wanted to know was, “What is God saying?”  Martha complained that Mary wasn’t helping her, but Jesus corrected Martha saying, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered and anxious about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part [that which is to her advantage], which will not be taken away from her” Luke 10:41-42 (AMP).  In other words, Jesus was saying, “You’re putting too much emphasis on the wrong things. Come and sit at my feet. What I have to say is going to keep you in this life.” We can be so busy serving & worried about things, but not have the slightest idea of what God is saying in this hour. I’m not saying don’t serve or take care of your responsibilities, but it shouldn’t take priority over spending time in God’s presence. Additionally, we shouldn’t be so worried about the issues in our lives that we become anxious over them.

Like Martha you may be concerned with this and that…this person and that person. You may be worried about family members, friendships, or even naysayers. In the end, it’s all earthly and carnal. Only what we do for Christ will last. So don’t worry. Realign your focus.

Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth [which have only temporal value]. Colossians 3:2

Be Blessed.

A.M.

Worship God Anyway

While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house: And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped…  Job 1:18-20

This is just a word of encouragement to you who are reading this blog today. In all honesty, this morning I woke up with the urge to sulk and be sad. I woke up disappointed and didn’t even want to pray. But me being the kind of person I am, I got up and told myself, “You don’t have time for this today. Get up, get dressed, and keep it moving. You don’t have time to be sad…sorry.” When you have been praying for change and God has promised you change, but you don’t see anything happening, it can become wearisome. Your heart can become weary from waiting on the Lord for years and trying to keep a smile on your face. The temptation to stop praying and do your own thing presents itself and seems like the reasonable option. The urge to be sad and depressed instead of worship can seem logical. However, as I was driving to work the Holy Spirit reminded me of this righteous man named, Job. As everything that was beloved to him was taken away, he fell down and worshipped God. When things were not going his way, when it seemed God had forgotten him, he worshipped. The bible says in Job 1:22, “In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.”

As I drove I poured out my heart before the Lord. The Holy Spirit began to tell me to worship God anyway. As I exalted Him, the Holy Spirit began to bring to my remembrance certain scriptures. I then I began to recite them back to God. As you’re standing on the promises and Word of God, you have to give God back His Word. The bible tells us that He magnifies His Word above all His name (Psalm 138:2). The HCSB version says, “You have exalted Your name and Your promise above everything else.” He is a God that is true to His Word regardless of what it looks or feels like. The Holy Spirit then reminded me of Abraham as he believed God; it was accredited to him as righteousness. In the beginning of Genesis 15, God makes a covenant with Abraham. He gave Him a promise that seemed impossible to believe. Yet, he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness (Gen. 15:6). Abraham, being fully persuaded that, what He had promised, He was able also to perform (Romans 4:21). We have to believe that whatever God has promised, He is able to perform it, even now. And He will do it according to our faith.

Be encouraged. Don’t give in to the enemy today. He wants you to get depressed and not believe the promises of God. He’s after your faith. Hebrews 11:6 tells us that, “Without faith it is impossible to please God.”  Decide that you will bless the Lord at all times and His praise shall continually be in your mouth. The bible says in 1 Thess. 5:18, "In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." We are justified by faith in Jesus Christ and the just shall live by faith. So by faith, worship God anyway.

Be Blessed.

A.M.

 

Don't Be Moved!

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24

I must say that one of my favorite people in the Bible is Apostle Paul. This man went through hell and back, all for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We as believers and disciples can learn a lot from Paul. As we see in Acts 20:17-24, Paul is exhorting the elders in Ephesus. He knows very well that tests and trials await them as they continue to serve the Lord, so he encourages the people before he heads off to Jerusalem. He says in Acts 20:18-19, “Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons. Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews.”  In other words, you guys know me. I have been instant in and out of season, doing the will of God. Serving the Lord not high mindedly but with all humility, with many tears. Wait a minute, did he say with many tears? As I read this the Holy Spirit began to let me know that yes, there will be great days. There is joy in fulfilling your God-given purpose. However, there will be many tears. Why do we think that when we finally surrender and begin to do the will of God sorrow does not follow?

Matthew 13:21 tells us that because of the word persecution comes. Because of the word that you have hidden in your heart you will have trouble. Because you refuse to stop doing the will of God you will have tears. Because you have forsaken the ways of the world persecution will come. This is what Paul was trying to tell them. He said there were many tears and temptations which befell him by the plotting of the Jews. The Jews…the very same people Jesus came to die for…the very same people Apostle Paul was trying to pull out of the fire. Yet, the man of God stood his ground.

As he stepped out on faith and obedience, he headed for Jerusalem knowing that trouble awaited him. He says, “And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me” (Acts 20:22-23). The Holy Spirit let him know that trouble awaited him. Nevertheless, he went forward with only one thing on his mind: doing the will of God.

The next verse is so profound that I read it over and over.  He says, “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24). This is what you call dying to self. He said, “Neither count I my life dear unto myself.”  He was more concerned with doing the will of God than his own happiness or comfortability.  Persecution, temptation, the evil deeds of men, and even imprisonment…through it all he says, "But, none of these things move me." How often do we allow situations, circumstances, or even people to move us? God wants us in a place where our hearts are so loyal and stout in Him that nothing will stop us from doing the work that He has called us to do. Furthermore, God wants us to have joy through it all. In all these things Paul said he wanted to finish his course with joy.

Situations will come where it seems God has left you. People who said they loved and supported you will leave. The very same people you pray for will turn their backs on you. You will be persecuted and talked about because you take a stand for Christ. But, let none of these things move you! God alone is your Rock and your Salvation; He is your Defense; You shall not be greatly moved (Psalm 62:2).

Keep going. Don’t give up. Don’t be moved by what you see or how you feel. King David reminds us in Psalm 55:22 to cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord [always doing your best and doing more than is needed], being continually aware that your labor [even to the point of exhaustion] in the Lord is not futile nor wasted [it is never without purpose]. 1 Corinthians 15:58

Be Encouraged.

A.M.