A wise sage once recommended investing in real estate because "they aren't making any more land". Investing has historically been one of the tamer methods of land acquisition; war more often being the means. But, neither the investor or the aggressor ultimately gets the land. 

"those who wait for the LORD, they will inherit the land ... But the humble will inherit the land ...  For those blessed by Him will inherit the land ... The righteous will inherit the land And dwell in it forever ... Wait for the LORD and keep His way, And He will exalt you to inherit the land (Psalm 37:9, 11, 22, 29, 34)

The investor and aggressor may gain temporary possession, but the land is ultimately inherited by those who humbly wait for the LORD; His righteous people. The people of God are destined to freely receive what others aggressively seek through war and investment. 

Take a good look around you. Like Abraham, all the land that you see will one day be yours, along with all the people of God. Imperfect and tarnished now by sin and its effects, it will one day by ours in glistening beauty and perfection. What ecology could never do, God will do with stunning magnificence.

You and I know a great secret regarding the future of planet earth. And that secret ought to serve as the basis for confidence and peace as we live and serve this day. Aggression and investment are destined to be ultimately futile; humility, patience, and righteousness will prevail. 

Savor the hope and promise before you, and live life wisely as you prepare to receive what God has so graciously offered. Wait patiently for the LORD; cultivate humility. The world will ignore and mock these qualities, but God will bring His great plans to fruition in and through those who make these priorities. 

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012

Have you lately considered your privileged status? Maybe your immediate response is, "Me? You must have mistaken me for someone else". No, I do mean you.

Your status as a citizen of the kingdom of God, through faith in Christ and the grace of God, is nothing to take for granted. You may have made the simple choice to "sign on", but it has far more to do with God's grace than your choice.

Romans nine contains some rich teaching regarding God's grace toward those who come to Him in faith. Notice these great truths: "For He says to Moses, 'I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOM I HAVE COMPASSION.' So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy." (Romans 9:15-16)

There was a time in my life, as a teenager, when I made the choice to accept God's grace in Christ. But, I more clearly see that God chose me. For reasons I will never understand this side of the kingdom, He chose to have mercy and compassion on me. So, this kingdom life and hope - so real to me today - is not dependent on "the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy." I am completely, totally in His debt for the grace He has shown.

I'll let you in on a little secret: I've lately come to much more clearly see how very little I can do myself spiritually. Fact is, I've been confronted with the impossibility of humanly doing even the least of God's commandments. I've dared think I could at least please God in some small way by human effort, but He has reminded me lately I can't even do what I thought I could do. Humbling as this is, I see it as a very positive development. His grace and mercy can only work fully when I get out of the way.

God's grace and mercy is a bit like an incredible candy store with a wide variety of delightful delicacies. We're the child peering through the glass, gape-jawed at the amazing assortment. Despite our penniless status, His grace freely indulges our appetite. "taste and see that the LORD is good" (Psalm 34:8).

Savor your status today as a chosen kingdom citizen, and anticipate your glorious future - forever basking in the richness of His grace on a renewed and delightful earthly paradise.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012

WHO I AM is sufficient for every "who am I?" Sound confusing? Let's clarify.

Moses is one of the legendary leaders listed in the pages of the Bible. The secret to his greatness was ultimately his willingness to respond to and cooperate with the call of God. His initial reluctance, however, almost overshadowed his eventual obedience.

"The LORD said, 'I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and have given heed to their cry because of their taskmasters, for I am aware of their sufferings. So I have come down to deliver them from the power of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and spacious land, to a land flowing with milk and honey ... Therefore, come now, and I will send you to Pharaoh, so that you may bring My people, the sons of Israel, out of Egypt.' But Moses said to God, 'Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt?'" (Exodus 3:7-8,10-11)

Moses' concern was for himself: "Who am I, that I should go ...?" That concern was ultimately met by this great declaration from Yahweh God: "I AM WHO I AM " (Exodus 3:14). Moses' "who am I?" concern was met with the ultimate reality of "WHO I AM".

What are the concerns you face today? Are you feeling inadequate in light of the tasks and challenges before you? Like Moses, is your focus on, "who am I?"  As with Moses, your personal concern is met with the confident declaration from your Father, the "WHO I AM". 

This side of the kingdom, we'll never be able to wrap our minds around the most profound truth of the ages: that our God is the I AM; the self-existing One. All of life, for us, is determined by fixed points in time that are beginnings and endings. All that is began at some point, and will eventually end. Except for our Creator. Simply, He IS. And He is abundantly sufficient for our every, "who am I?" 

May your most searching questions be fully answered today by the "WHO I AM".

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012

What's the secret to getting the attention of important people? If you've got an answer for that one, you've got the potential to make millions. You can publish a hot-selling book entitled, "Quick Tips To Reach the Oval Office, Hollywood Celebrities, and Other Important People". Better still, here's a tip as to how to reach THE Most Important Being:

"Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope for His lovingkindness" (Psalm 33:18)

If you have love, respect, and awe for your Creator, you've got His attention. If you've placed your unswerving hope and trust in His lovingkindness, He is attuned to you. Sure, he sees all and knows all - "The LORD looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men; From His dwelling place He looks out On all the inhabitants of the earth, He who fashions the hearts of them all, He who understands all their works." (Psalm 33:13-15). But, His eye is "on" those who fear Him. He observes all people, but His attention is fixed firmly on those who fear Him. 

Bask in that great thought for a moment. Your voice is not one of millions clamoring for His attention; you already have His absolute attention. As such, what will you say and do? How will you best utilize this privileged position? Will you voice your greatest concerns and requests, or simply savor the privilege of His presence? I recommend the latter. The burdens that hinder the peace of His presence should be named, but quietly absorbing His nature should be the higher priority.

Do not neglect this day to take advantage of the attention your Creator and Father is giving to you. A day of neglecting His presence and attention is a day robbed of its greatest potential.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012

There is a story about two women that you need to hear. It's not so much about who they were, but what they stand for. They were literal women and mothers, but they represent something of great importance for us.

"For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the bondwoman and one by the free woman. But the son by the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and the son by the free woman through the promise. This is allegorically speaking, for these women are two covenants: one proceeding from Mount Sinai bearing children who are to be slaves; she is Hagar. Now this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free; she is our mother." (Galatians 4:22-25)

Bondage to legalism, or freedom through grace. One woman represents religion; the other, the invigorating life of the Spirit through Christ. When the choice is this evident, it's an easy choice to make. Why submit to a restrictive system of do's and don'ts, when real life and freedom is within reach?

Sometimes grace and law are misunderstood. Many have tried and failed to keep the meticulous system of Law delivered by God to Moses on Mt. Sinai many years ago. In so doing, they miss the point: "through the Law comes the knowledge of sin." (Romans 3:20). The Law is about DEFINING sin; not DELIVERING from it.

Grace, on the other hand, is easily viewed as freedom from Law. Do whatever you want; the sacrifice of Christ and the grace of God covers it all. But, that's a gross misunderstanding as well. That which we freely indulge in quickly enslaves us; we submit to the chains of freedom.

The key is to live a disciplined life of grace; freely practicing habits that cultivate the life of the Spirit within. Grace doesn't free us from discipline, but rather draws us to grateful practice of it. We live life in love and gratitude, rather than under oppressive obligation.

Grace is a breath of fresh air in a stale, musty room. It's the scent of springtime in the dead of a cold winter. It's life amidst death.

Live a life of grace gratefully, and freely submit to the liberation of godly discipline. These place us on the road to the kingdom, and make the trip both bearable and joyful.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012

There is a story about two women that you need to hear. It's not so much about who they were, but what they stand for. They were literal women and mothers, but they represent something of great importance for us.

"For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the bondwoman and one by the free woman. But the son by the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and the son by the free woman through the promise. This is allegorically speaking, for these women are two covenants: one proceeding from Mount Sinai bearing children who are to be slaves; she is Hagar. Now this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free; she is our mother." (Galatians 4:22-25)

Bondage to legalism, or freedom through grace. One woman represents religion; the other, the invigorating life of the Spirit through Christ. When the choice is this evident, it's an easy choice to make. Why submit to a restrictive system of do's and don'ts, when real life and freedom is within reach?

Sometimes grace and law are misunderstood. Many have tried and failed to keep the meticulous system of Law delivered by God to Moses on Mt. Sinai many years ago. In so doing, they miss the point: "through the Law comes the knowledge of sin." (Romans 3:20). The Law is about DEFINING sin; not DELIVERING from it.

Grace, on the other hand, is easily viewed as freedom from Law. Do whatever you want; the sacrifice of Christ and the grace of God covers it all. But, that's a gross misunderstanding as well. That which we freely indulge in quickly enslaves us; we submit to the chains of freedom.

The key is to live a disciplined life of grace; freely practicing habits that cultivate the life of the Spirit within. Grace doesn't free us from discipline, but rather draws us to grateful practice of it. We live life in love and gratitude, rather than under oppressive obligation.

Grace is a breath of fresh air in a stale, musty room. It's the scent of springtime in the dead of a cold winter. It's life amidst death.

Live a life of grace gratefully, and freely submit to the liberation of godly discipline. These place us on the road to the kingdom, and make the trip both bearable and joyful.

Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2012

Future perspectives. Imagine the decisions and choices that could be made based on such insight. Key mistakes could be avoided. Potential opportunities could be seized.

A man renamed Israel, from his deathbed, spoke of the destiny of each of his twelve sons. Recorded in Genesis forty-nine, an especially noteworthy prophecy was that of his son, Judah. He is referred to as a lion (verse 9), and Israel predicted that "The scepter shall not depart from Judah" (verse 10). Something of greatness and authority is associated with Judah, per his father's deathbed prophecy.

Fast forward to a great heavenly scene, revealed in Revelation five. A scroll containing important details of future events is sealed, unable to be opened by any angelic being present. When all have tried and failed, there is One who comes forth to accomplish what others have not. He is introduced as "the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David" Revelation 5:5). He "has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals."

A man on his deathbed speaks of One to come thousands of years later Who would accomplish that of which he was inspired to predict. And we are privileged to know this "Lion of Judah". He has the full authority - a scepter - predicted by a man named Israel. He has opened and holds an important document detailing important events culminating in His return to earth, and exercising His full, God-given authority.

To know this Lion of Judah is to know His great authority. The One who appeared as a humble, sacrificial servant is currently exalted to the right hand of our Father. He has received full authority, and is actively preparing - and being prepared - to fully exercise it. We are privileged to understand and to be in on the plan. Faith has placed us in His royal family, and faithfulness today prepares us to rule with Him when His day comes. And, it's coming soon; sooner than we likely know.

May the Lion of Judah's power and authority enable us to live for Him today, as we prepare to serve with Him tomorrow.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012

Has there ever been a nation that has not eventually fallen from its greatness? Not one. Assyria, Greece, Rome, Great Britain - all worldwide powers in their day - are diminished or nonexistent. The United States is no exception.

"He makes the nations great, then destroys them; He enlarges the nations, then leads them away." (Job 12:23)

Every experiment in human government and rule is temporary at best. Some experiments, such as democracy, have proven better than others. But, inevitably all eventually fail and fall.

This truth is but one reason why investing in the kingdom of God is uniquely worthy of our efforts. Expending energy on something that will last and that will ultimately be successful is a wise investment! As such, Jesus' admonition to "seek first His (God's) kingdom and His righteousness" (Matthew 6:33) is that much more important and urgent.

With each passing election year in this country, I am astonished at the tremendous time, energy, and money invested in political campaigns. Often, followers of Christ are among those heavily involved.

Today is the day to "cast a vote" for King Jesus, and the government of His Father, YHWH God. Become thoroughly familiar with its "constitution"; largely found in the Sermon On the Mount (Matthew 5-7). Willingly serve as its ambassador (2 Corinthians 5:20). Actively involve yourself with the government mandate for action (Matthew 28:18-20). Surely, there is more than enough "political activism" opportunity with the kingdom of God to consume all our time and energy.

The church, the body of believers, is the local "branch office" of the kingdom of God. It exists to serve the purposes of the kingdom. Kingdom relationships are exemplified in and through it. The kingdom good news message is front and center. It is the salt and light that flavors and illuminates a bland and dark world.

As individuals and members of a kingdom community, may we freely and fully invest in the government of God as we fervently pray, "Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10).

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012

Love and lifestyle. It's that basic. We can cut through a multitude of commandments, teachings, and doctrines, and arrive at these two key essentials. Everything else must spring from these.

"Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. For this, 'YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, YOU SHALL NOT MURDER, YOU SHALL NOT STEAL, YOU SHALL NOT COVET,' and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. " (Romans 13:8-10)

Jesus reduced the essence of it all to these priorities: love the LORD your God with heart, mind, soul, and strength, and your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:36-40). Paul echoes this great truth in Romans 13:8-10.

Add to this the priority of lifestyle; especially in light of the urgency with shortness of time: "Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light." (Romans 8:11-12)

Without love, we are nothing (1 Corinthians 13). Without lifestyle, we are disqualified and in danger of missing the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 9:27).

While love and lifestyle are key, they are not an end in themselves. They are the beginning, not the sum total. Important teachings and disciplines are to be added to these essentials, as we train for citizenship in the kingdom of God. As such, we are left with a great summary challenge in Romans thirteen:

"But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts." (Romans 13:14)

The ongoing priority - based on love and a desire for godly lifestyle - is to always "cloth ourselves" with Christ, and not "make plans" to indulge our sinful nature. These two are mutually exclusive! We must deliberately plan to put on Christ, and we cannot - at the same time - plan for sinful indulgence. A choice must be made.

May we be intentional and focused in our growth and progress today, with love as our motivation, and lifestyle our goal.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012

Famous last words. Some are profound; others whimsical and even mundane. Some are especially ironic; like the words of a Union general during the Civil War, when he declared, "they couldn't hit an elephant at this distance". It's recorded that he didn't even complete the word, "distance", before being struck down by a sniper's bullet.

Especially significant are these famous words uttered by Jacob, renamed Israel by God: "The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, The God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day, The angel who has redeemed me from all evil, Bless the lads; And may my name live on in them, And the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; And may they grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth." (Genesis 48:15-16)

In the presence of his son, Joseph, and Joseph's eldest two sons, Manassah and Ephraim, Jacob conferred the blessings of God that he had abundantly enjoyed to each of them. He freely acknowledged the blessings and protection he had enjoyed from the hand of YHWH God, Father of his earthly grandfather and father.

It's imperative that we live life with a view of legacy. Unsettling as the thought is, a day will come when we will breath our last, and that which we have been about will either be carried on by those closest to us, or it will come to an end. So, how do we instill true spiritual passion into the lives of family and close friends? How do we help the next generation(s) cultivate a genuine walk with the God of Israel? How do we create a hunger and thirst for truth, and integrity of lifestyle? These are questions best considered now, rather than on our deathbed!

Procrastination is the great enemy of all things worthwhile. The best of intentions today becomes the sedative that lulls us into inactivity and lethargy.The thought of doing deceptively convinces us that we have actually acted.

Today is the day to live life with a view of legacy, whether we're nineteen or ninety. Rock-solid faith, passion for truth, commitment to service, and integrity in lifestyle are all qualities to cultivate and live today. May the next generation see a shining example of these qualities is us today, and the rest of our days.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012

Here is a conversation starter - and stopper. You can't do better than this great topic. Not everyone is eager to hear about it, but your Father will never grow tired of it being talked about.

"All Your works shall give thanks to You, O LORD, And Your godly ones shall bless You. They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom And talk of Your power; To make known to the sons of men Your mighty acts And the glory of the majesty of Your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And Your dominion endures throughout all generations. (Psalm 145:10-13)

We're in good company talking about the kingdom of God. It is not an exaggeration to say that Jesus was obsessed with it. It's the message He began with (Mark 1:14-15). It was the subject of His parables (i.e., Luke 13:18). It was the demonstration of His miracles. It was His last intensive focus before leaving the earthly scene (Acts 1:3).

Vital as to topic of the kingdom of God is, it is far more than a talking point; it is something of immense power and potential (1 Corinthians 4:20).

In the simplest sense the Kingdom of God is the place where God reigns and rules. We might say, "where God is, there the Kingdom is." The Kingdom of God is in our lives so much as we let Him rule there. It will eventually cover the entire earth as water covers the seas when God finishes the work of bringing every enemy and authority under the feet of Jesus as a footstool.

As someone has aptly stated, the kingdom of God is both now and not yet. It exists in hidden form today, as it progresses toward full visible expression at the return of Christ. For today, it is the realm where God displays power and direction in the lives of His people. It is the source of testimony to others that God is actively at work, performing mighty deeds today as in the past.

God's godly ones "shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom". This doesn't sound like an option. Speaking of God's kingdom, power, and works is as natural as breathing air. And it's a subject we'll never exhaust as we talk about it.

Our mission today - and every day - is to seek ways to introduce the kingdom of God into normal conversation. There is no prescribed formula for doing it, so seek your Father's wisdom as to how best to do it. But, above all do it - not because you must, but because you can't refrain from doing so.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012

It's an open secret: a revolution is underway. Current governments and political systems are being undermined with a definite goal in mind: to create a single, worldwide governmental system. Here's the scoop:

"The LORD (YHWH) says to my (David's) Lord: 'Sit at My right hand Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.' The LORD will stretch forth Your strong scepter from Zion, saying, 'Rule in the midst of Your enemies.' Your people will volunteer freely in the day of Your power; In holy array" (Psalm 110:1-3)

The concept and plan is really extraordinarily simple: Our Father and Creator has initiated a revolution to place all current authorities and enemies in subjection to His Son - David's Lord - Jesus the Christ, seated at God's right hand.

No other Old Testament passage is quoted as often in the New Testament as Psalm 110:1. Jesus spoke of it in discussion with the religious leaders of the day (Matthew 22:41-45). Peter the apostle referred to it on the day the church was born (Acts 2:34-35). This "open secret" is monumentally important.

Now, here's where it gets personally exciting: you and I will "volunteer freely" to serve in His government on the day when the plan comes to fruition, as we stand before Him "in holy array" (our new resurrection bodies). We get to freely participate with Jesus in ruling the world. He's got big plans for us!

This great "open secret", outlined in Psalm 110:1, adds an exciting dimension to our lives as we get out of the bed in the morning. As the new day stretches before us, we can be assured that our Father is active in weaving the details together to help prepare us for the important task of ruling the world with Jesus and returning it to perfection. We're not defined as factory workers, secretaries, electricians, business owners, students, and salespersons; we're government officials of the Age to Come. Every day we serve as the government in training and in waiting.

I've never harbored visions of greatness, but I do yearn for my life to really count for something important, as I'm sure you do too. Understanding "the big secret" of Psalm 110 is key to a life of purpose greater than anything we could possibly imagine.

Live humbly and confidently today as you are prepared for greatness in the plan of God.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012

A man at sunrise is seen walking down a road, limping.

"Now the sun rose upon him just as he crossed over Penuel, and he was limping on his thigh." (Genesis 32:31)

A man named Jacob had just spent a sleepless night in an epic, life-changing struggle. "a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When he saw that he had not prevailed against him, he touched the socket of his thigh; so the socket of Jacob's thigh was dislocated while he wrestled with him." Genesis 32:24-25)

Jacob's life had been anything but exemplary up until this time. Words such as "liar", "cheat", and "thief" best described him. But, this nighttime struggle with God's angelic messenger was as much a struggle with his past as it was with an angelic being. And, when it was over, the past was the past, and a new name was given:

"Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed." (Genesis 32:28)

The tiny nation in the Middle East that so often captivates the news media bears the ancient name of its founder, and what a fitting name it is! The descendants of Israel are characterized as those who struggle with God and men and prevail.

The story of Jacob's night-long struggle with an angel is rich with application for us. The "ghosts from our past" that hinder us must be wrestled with and overcome. Like Jacob, broken promises, deceit, and theft must be faced and reconciled. These things will hold us back in the present and future until we clearly face and wrestle with them. Although victory comes through the struggle, we'll likely walk away limping as a reminder of the struggle.

We're members of an all-inclusive sinner's club; the club of sinners. Our epic struggle leaves us with a limp all our mortal days, but God has graciously given us a new name and a new beginning. Relish His grace even as you walk with a limp.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012