Why wait when you can worry and work? That question can easily serve as the motto for our rapid-pace society. From a distant vantage point, we must surely appear as busy ants in a colony - and our activities just as important.
I remember a man whose seemingly ceaseless activity was abruptly halted when someone asked him: "have you ever prayed about where you are going?" His response was to stop and pray. And, his life deflected in an entirely different direction.
"But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me." (Micah 7.7)
The prophet Micah causes us to consider a similar question: Have you stopped to pray? Have you sought out Yahweh God? Have you waited for Him, or are you too busy working and worrying?
To "watch expectantly" is more than casual consideration; it implies urgency and importance. It is to view our time with God as the key appointment of the day; not something done if there is time left over.
A friend recently introduced me to the secret of fifteen minutes. Secure a timer, and designate fifteen minutes of time for tasks and activities that should be priorities. At the end of fifteen minutes, we'll have a fair idea as to whether to devote more time, or schedule another fifteen minutes another day.
Is time with our Father in prayer worth fifteen minutes? Is it possible to deliberately schedule time for this priority? Of course it is. And, we might find ourselves resetting that timer for another fifteen minutes. Our fifteen minutes can easily stretch into a half-hour, or an hour.
We do those things we consider important. And, the act of doing reinforces importance. The hardest part is just getting started.
Let's let Micah challenge us to action with a key priority. Seven is a number of completion and perfection, so let's pursue a level of completion and perfection in our lives with the "Micah 7.7 plan". Fifteen minutes a day in watching expectantly, and waiting for "the God of my salvation"; claiming the promise that "My God will hear me". Are you in? I'd love to hear from all who are willing to begin with a basic fifteen-minute discipline.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
Friendships are based on first-hand experience. I can extensively study the life of a famous person, but that does not assure me of a friendship with them. Some things can only be known through first-hand encounter.
Knowing our Creator and Father is more than a textbook study. Granted, textbook study of the Bible prepares the way, but it is not an end in itself. So, this information prepares the way for a personal and dynamic encounter:
"The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, And the LORD will by no means leave the guilty unpunished. In whirlwind and storm is His way, And clouds are the dust beneath His feet .. Mountains quake because of Him And the hills dissolve; Indeed the earth is upheaved by His presence, The world and all the inhabitants in it ... The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble, And He knows those who take refuge in Him." (Nahum 1.3,5,7)
Interesting, isn't it, that those who know little about our Creator zero in on His wrath and anger. And, this truth cannot be denied. But, should this cause us to flee and cower in fear? Would He have us live as an abused child, fearing retribution at any given moment? "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love." (1 John 4.18)
Our God is an exacting God, to be sure, but He is ultimately loving. Only those who know Him personally can agree with Nahum: "The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble, And He knows those who take refuge in Him."
I've recently savored the walk I've had with my Father, and His Son - my Lord Jesus. They have been my protector, comforter, provider, shield, defense, joy, and hope. We converse often. Daily living is a series of conversations that guide, clarify, and encourage.
I may never personally know the United States President, the Queen or King of England, or any other prominent world leader. But, I do know their Creator and Superior. And, He eagerly desires intimate friendship with all who will seek Him. He wants nothing more than for us to know His heart and desires for His creation. He wants to draw us in to His great plan and purposes, and work these out through those who most intimately know Him.
Wouldn't this be a great day to cultivate the most fulfilling relationship you'll ever know?
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
You've probably heard the saying about mind over matter: if you don't mind, it doesn't matter. Fact is, matters of the mind DO matter. "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." (Proverbs 23.7) How we think determines how we live.
In an age of obesity and rampant weight-related health issues, many people are becoming much more conscious of physical diet. But, discernment with mental diet is even more important. The food we serve our mind has implications for this life but, more importantly, it has implications for life in the age to come.
Yahweh God issues a stern warning in through the prophet Jeremiah: "Do not learn the way of the nations ... For the customs of the peoples are delusion" (Jeremiah 10.2-3). Nothing is easier than adopting the ways of the culture around us. Modern media shouts at us regarding products and services essential to our cultural lifestyle. More often than not, the message is effective. We accommodate budget and time to integrate these so-called essentials.
According to God's words through Jeremiah, the peril for God's people is the lure of idolatry. These idols are "wood cut from the forest, The work of the hands of a craftsman with a cutting tool. They decorate it with silver and with gold; They fasten it with nails and with hammers So that it will not totter. Like a scarecrow in a cucumber field are they, And they cannot speak; They must be carried, Because they cannot walk!" (Jeremiah 10.3-5)
Given this description, it's a wonder anyone would follow and worship such anemic gods. But, the curse of idolatry is that it is rarely seen in these terms. Today's hand-crafted idols provide enticing entertainment, and perform tasks with superior scope and efficiency.
So, are modern conveniences and today's technology present-day idolatry? Hopefully not, because these thoughts are conveyed to you through them. The problem of idolatry is when a tool displaces the Creator, and His wisdom is required to know the difference.
It seems that the best remedy for the problem of idolatry is a healthy love and respect for our Father. The better we know and love Him, the less appeal today's idols have. "There is none like You, O LORD; You are great, and great is Your name in might. Who would not fear You, O King of the nations? Indeed it is Your due! For among all the wise men of the nations And in all their kingdoms, There is none like You." (Jeremiah 10.6-7).
May increasing love and respect for the Father supersede the allure of the modern idols around us.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
You've probably heard the saying about mind over matter: if you don't mind, it doesn't matter. Fact is, matters of the mind DO matter. "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." (Proverbs 23.7) How we think determines how we live.
In an age of obesity and rampant weight-related health issues, many people are becoming much more conscious of physical diet. But, discernment with mental diet is even more important. The food we serve our mind has implications for this life but, more importantly, it has implications for life in the age to come.
Yahweh God issues a stern warning in through the prophet Jeremiah: "Do not learn the way of the nations ... For the customs of the peoples are delusion" (Jeremiah 10.2-3). Nothing is easier than adopting the ways of the culture around us. Modern media shouts at us regarding products and services essential to our cultural lifestyle. More often than not, the message is effective. We accommodate budget and time to integrate these so-called essentials.
According to God's words through Jeremiah, the peril for God's people is the lure of idolatry. These idols are "wood cut from the forest, The work of the hands of a craftsman with a cutting tool. They decorate it with silver and with gold; They fasten it with nails and with hammers So that it will not totter. Like a scarecrow in a cucumber field are they, And they cannot speak; They must be carried, Because they cannot walk!" (Jeremiah 10.3-5)
Given this description, it's a wonder anyone would follow and worship such anemic gods. But, the curse of idolatry is that it is rarely seen in these terms. Today's hand-crafted idols provide enticing entertainment, and perform tasks with superior scope and efficiency.
So, are modern conveniences and today's technology present-day idolatry? Hopefully not, because these thoughts are conveyed to you through them. The problem of idolatry is when a tool displaces the Creator, and His wisdom is required to know the difference.
It seems that the best remedy for the problem of idolatry is a healthy love and respect for our Father. The better we know and love Him, the less appeal today's idols have. "There is none like You, O LORD; You are great, and great is Your name in might. Who would not fear You, O King of the nations? Indeed it is Your due! For among all the wise men of the nations And in all their kingdoms, There is none like You." (Jeremiah 10.6-7).
May increasing love and respect for the Father supersede the allure of the modern idols around us.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
Important things should never be taken for granted. Checking and verifying always makes good sense, because assumptions can be disastrous. Same goes for spiritual matters.
"Son of man, they who live in these waste places in the land of Israel are saying, 'Abraham was only one, yet he possessed the land; so to us who are many the land has been given as a possession.' " (Ezekiel 33.24)
On the surface, the logic of an assumption made here makes sense: God gave Abraham land of promise, and so his numerous descendants would be ongoing recipients of the land. There is only one problem with the assumption: the land promise was based on an important condition. As long as Abraham's descendants were faithful to their Father, they could anticipate inhabiting the land. But, unfaithfulness and wickedness would result in expulsion and captivity. And, they were on the eve of that very punishment because of their lifestyle: "Thus says the Lord GOD, 'You eat meat with the blood in it, lift up your eyes to your idols as you shed blood. Should you then possess the land? You rely on your sword, you commit abominations and each of you defiles his neighbor's wife. Should you then possess the land?' " (Ezekiel 33.25-26).
The lessons extend down to us today: do not presume on God's grace and mercy. He Who has extended a covenant of life to us through His Son expects a lifestyle consistent with that covenant. As John the baptist declared, "bear fruit in keeping with repentance" (Matthew 3.8). Lifestyle needs to be in harmony with profession.
No one gets it totally right. Lapses of sin are inevitable, but habits of willful sin are a major concern. Such as it was with Abraham's descendants in Ezekiel's day: hardened sinful practices characterized their lives, and placed them outside of God's grace. A sobering reminder is given to us in Hebrews 6.4-6 that the same can happen to God's children today.
If the highest commandment is wholehearted love of our Father (Matthew 22.37), it only makes sense that those who that commandment seriously will want to please Him with their lifestyle. It is a reasonable commitment.
If our attitude today is, "What's the least I can do and still live in God's grace?", I suspect we're in serious trouble. But, if our heart's desire is to live for Him and serve Him fully, His grace and mercy will shower down upon us.
May love motivate loving obedience and lifestyle.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
Ever hear an exasperated child shout out, "that's not fair!"? Chances are, we all stated such as children, and may quietly harbor the same opinion even today. Much of life isn't fair and, by extension, God doesn't exactly seem fair.
It's one thing to think God isn't fair; it's quite another to actually state it: "your fellow citizens say, 'The way of the Lord is not right' " (Ezekiel 33.17)
The children of Israel apparently had a beef with God: He wasn't fair. But, when God "called them on the carpet" with their accusation, He followed it up with the true reality: "it is their own way that is not right." (Ezekiel 33.17) God stated His system of fairness succinctly: "When the righteous turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, then he shall die in it. But when the wicked turns from his wickedness and practices justice and righteousness, he will live by them." (Ezekiel 33.18-19) What could be more fair than that?
It's easy enough to observe that wicked people prosper, while righteous people suffer. From all appearances, life is unfair. But, coming judgment is often the missing perspective. What we see is not what always will be. Inevitably, every person will give an account of their life before their Creator. And, that day of reckoning will be based on what is current, not past. Yesterday's righteousness will be worthless if today is characterized by wickedness. Conversely, yesterday's wickedness is forgotten if today is lived in righteousness. There is no "resting on our laurels" of righteousness, nor is their penalty for past forgiven wickedness. What matters is where things stand today.
None of us will be saved in the coming kingdom by worthy works. "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2.8-9) But, a key question is: where do I stand today; right now; concerning that grace? Am I living in it, or trying to take advantage of it? Is it guiding me into a righteous lifestyle, or am trying to allow it to be a covering for unrighteous deeds?
God is perfectly fair, and He gives us this moment to live for Him. " 'As I live!' declares the Lord GOD, 'I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live.' " (Ezekiel 33.11)
Our Father gives us this very moment to choose life and grace. As a holy and perfect God, He demands judgment, but takes no delight in the destruction of the unrepentant. He gladly receives those who choose Him and His ways this moment. What could be more fair than that?
Whether you are a believer living in disobedience, or an unbeliever who has never chosen - choose wisely, and choose now.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
It is said that religion and politics don't mix, but you would never know it amidst the religious rhetoric in an election year. It's politically expedient to take a stand for God, but what if God took a stand for a government leader? It is not without precedent.
"Thus says the LORD to Cyrus His anointed, Whom I have taken by the right hand" (Isaiah 45.1)
God chose a government leader to accomplish His purposes for His people. Notice:
"Thus says the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker: 'Ask Me about the things to come concerning My sons, And you shall commit to Me the work of My hands.' " (Isaiah 45.11)
Yahweh God was concerned enough about the destiny of His people to enlist the services of a powerful governmental ruler to accomplish His plan. Do you see an application here? He is still concerned about "His sons" (both the physical and spiritual lineage of Abraham (Galatians 3.29). And, He will utilize every means to bring about His destiny for them.
Plenty of people in this country are concerned about its direction, and the implications of the coming election. I'm certain that our Father can utilize whoever is elected to accomplish "the things to come concerning My sons". Ironically, He sometimes uses wicked and evil leaders for His great purposes.
I'm reminded from the book of Daniel that kingdoms, empires, and governments come and go. The kingdom of God alone will last, as will its citizens. I place my trust in its leader, and His Father. Thus, the great priority of Matthew 6.33 serves as the order and confidence of the day. Invest in the kingdom, and trust in the king. Could anything be more important today?
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
It's a sure thing; better than money in the bank. It's as rock-solid reliable as the movement of the sun, moon, and stars. We would be foolish not to plan our lives around it.
"The word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: 'Thus says the LORD: If you can break my covenant with the day and my covenant with the night, so that day and night will not come at their appointed time, then also my covenant with David my servant may be broken, so that he shall not have a son to reign on his throne, and my covenant with the Levitical priests my ministers. As the host of heaven cannot be numbered and the sands of the sea cannot be measured, so I will multiply the offspring of David my servant, and the Levitical priests who minister to me.' " (Jeremiah 33.19-22)
Bottom line: God made a covenant with Israeli king David, and daily celestial movement reminds us that the covenant is irrevocable. As surely as the sun rose today, and the moon will rise tonight, so is the promise that David's descendant will rule on his throne. That promised heir to the throne is none other than Jesus, descendant of David (Luke 1.32-33)
If I were a betting man, I'd put it all on this promise. No matter the outcome of the next national or local election, this "election" is guaranteed. It's a done deal. We're just waiting for the "inauguration".
There are certain results and consequences of every election. Political parties and leaders proceed with their agendas, which impact citizens. Whether healthcare or tax reform, leaders in office affect the lives of citizens.
If it is a sure thing that Jesus is destined to sit on the throne of David, then wouldn't it be wise for you and I to plan our lives around this fact? Wouldn't we do well to cultivate repoire with this leader, and offer ourselves to be enlisted in His government? That's my priority today. I want to know the King, and be about the King's business (Matthew 6.33). Because, fact is, He WILL control the destiny of every citizen of the world - past, present, and future. I would rather face Him and the fact on pleasant terms rather than unpleasant ones.
I choose the government of God today. By lifestyle choices, I choose kingdom priorities today. And, I urge you to do the same. What is His agenda for our lives this day? We do well to ask that question, and have that conversation. It's the best choice we can make today.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
Mark Twain famously stated that the problem he had with the Bible was not what he DIDN'T understand, but that which he DID. It isn't rocket science to understand that wholehearted love for our Father and our neighbor, as well as the mandate to make disciples, are key commandments. The rub is in the doing, not the understanding.
A man named Jonah didn't have a hearing problem, but rather a doing problem:
"The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai: 'Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.' But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD.' " (Jonah 1.1-3)
A lot of men are bad with directions (and refuse to ask for help!), but Jonah's problem with directions were deliberate. He didn't WANT to obey. His obedience to God was conditional - based on his criteria, not God's.
Someone recently commented that the Bible is not an a la-carte menu - selecting what you want, and leaving the rest. Obedience is to be all-encompassing; not selective. Choosing the parts that are convenient and appealing for our obedience just won't cut it in the plan of God. It's an all-or-nothing proposition.
Lest we think God's demands are unreasonable, we do well to remember that it's all based on personal choice anyway. Jonah had the option to decline God's prophetic call, just as we have the option to refuse God's salvation plan. But, once accepted, it's all on His terms, not ours. Again, the a la-carte approach isn't optional. We're either all in, or not at all in.
Love isn't based on minimum standards. Few, if any, marriages work when one member has the mentality, "what's the least I can do and still be loved by him/her?" It's about wholehearted devotion, not grudging compliance.
That which our Father calls us to is not always personally pleasing or appealing, but if our mindset is that of genuine love and devotion to Him, then our obedience is our sacrifice and act of worship (Romans 12.1-2). May love for Him guide us today in wholehearted service and obedience.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
How much of life do we spend waiting? The immediate answer from the most impatient among us would be, "too much!" Those who are hard-wired to be punctual (myself included) find waiting for the chronically late almost unbearable. As such, us punctually-oriented people are also prone to have difficulty with our Father's timing.
"The LORD favors those who fear Him, Those who wait for His lovingkindness." (Psalm 147.11)
Waiting for the LORD is a recurring theme in the Bible, and some of us find it especially challenging. We're easily conditioned in our society to anticipate getting what we want when we want it. No money down. Instant access. Microwaveable food. Fast food. Convenience stores.
The older I get, the more I realize God's "waiting plan" may be for the majority of a lifetime. Periods of forty years, for example, seem to figure prominently in the lives of God's faithful people. That's a long time to wait. But then, God is more "process-driven" than "results-oriented". We want results, whereas God is about developing character. Character takes time, and so waiting becomes the priority.
Is there something you are impatient about today? Is there some deadline you've placed on God's calendar, and the time has come and gone? Has your deadline caused you to be impatient, and not fully experience His lovingkindness? "The LORD favors those who fear Him, Those who wait for His lovingkindness."
What our Father most desires of us is that we wait for HIM, not that which He will supply. What a great opportunity this day affords for us to seek Him more than His provision. May we experience His lovingkindness as we take time to personally seek Him today.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
Every moment is pregnant with opportunity. Someone is receptive and responsive right now, but may not be later. A teachable moment exists with someone now. Circumstances will change later, and the opportunity will vanish as quickly as a wave on the beach.
One of the greatest examples of the potential of the moment is Jesus' encounter with a woman at a well, recorded in John four. His intriguing appeal to provide her with living water opened the door to a candid discussion regarding her marital status (John 4.17-18), and true worship (verse 20-24). Her response and testimony to her village prefaced Jesus' remarks: "Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest.' " (John 4.35)
The seizable moment is now, not later. In this instant, eternity hangs in the balance. Life can change drastically, or end, in a heartbeat.
The dilemma of life is that the siren sound of the urgent easily drowns out the true imperative. I've come to believe that one of the devil's most effective tools is the unimportant busyness that demands our attention, and fritters away our time and energy. Our modern frenetic lifestyle deflects us away from true introspection that would remind us that our priorities are askew. Seizable, life-changing moments with people slip away amidst the crush of life's demands.
Right now, who is on your mind or within your sphere of contact and influence? Whose ear do you have, who is eager to hear and respond? What circumstances right now provide the perfect setting for a life-changing conversation.
Carpe diem. Seize the day. May we seize every God-given opportunity this day.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
The story is told of two boys who got in a fight. Eventually, a friend of one of the combatants stepped in to fight for him. As the fight dragged on, a friend of the original opponent stepped in to fight on his behalf. Before it was all over, the original fighters sat on the sidelines as their friends finished their battle. Now those were loyal friends!
An ancient battle was once fought similarly. Here's the setting:
"Now it came about after this that the sons of Moab and the sons of Ammon, together with some of the Meunites, came to make war against Jehoshaphat. 2 Then some came and reported to Jehoshaphat, saying, 'A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, out of Aram and behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar (that is Engedi ).' " (2 Chronicles 20.1-2)
God's people were hopelessly outnumbered, and the battle outcome seemed all but certain. The smell of defeat was strong in the air. But, the right response set the stage for a miraculous outcome:
"Jehoshaphat was afraid and turned his attention to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. So Judah gathered together to seek help from the LORD; they even came from all the cities of Judah to seek the LORD." (2 Chronicle 20.3-4)
In the midst of this collective prayer meeting and fasting, God spoke through a man whose words speak to us even today:
"Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God's." (2 Chronicles 20:15)
Like the two boys fighting - whose friends finished their fight - God stepped in to fight a battle that was ultimately His.
Here's a point to ponder today: if you are a child of God, then your life - and all associated with it - is not your, but the LORD'S. Years ago, when my income was severely limited, I was greatly stressed over some potentially expensive car repairs. In the midst of it, I realized it really wasn't my car; it was my Father's. From that perspective, we had a conversation about how He would arrange to repair His car. I don't recall specifics this many years later, but I do know that the problem was somehow solved. More importantly, my changed perspective circumvented ownership concerns.
We all face challenges in various forms today. We're deeply in debt with no apparent way out. Marital and family tension threatens to boil over uncontrollably. Stress at work is to the breaking point. But remember: "the battle is not yours but God's." As His child, your life and its challenges are ultimately His domain. Step back in prayer and even fasting, and surrender to Him what you are totally incapable of fighting and winning.
Remember David and Goliath. Remember Jericho. Consider all the great and miraculous battles recorded in Scripture, and remember that God wants to bring about similar victory in your life. As God's spokesman further stated: "You need not fight in this battle; station yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf" (2 Chronicles 20.17)
May we greatly rejoice at God's great victories today.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
Few things are more devastating than marital unfaithfulness. Thankfully, my knowledge of this fact is secondhand, but conversations with those directly affected provides sufficient validation of the unspeakable pain.
When we realize that our Creator has entered into a covenant relationship with His people that is comparable to marriage, we more clearly see the effects of infidelity. Unfaithfulness is devastating adultery.
A poignant example was acted out through the marital relationship of an ancient prophet named Hosea, and his prostitute wife.
"The word of Yahweh which came to Hosea the son of Beeri, during the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and during the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel. When the LORD first spoke through Hosea, the LORD said to Hosea, 'Go, take to yourself a wife of harlotry and have children of harlotry; for the land commits flagrant harlotry, forsaking the LORD.' " (Hosea 1:1-2)
God's people chose intimacy with false gods as a substitute for the covenant relationship they willingly entered into with Him. In a drastic step to convey the pain of their betrayal, God used Hosea's marriage relationship as an object lesson. Sadly, the point was lost on the majority whose hearts were callously indifferent.
Before we point an accusing finger at these ancient infidels, we do well to consider our faithfulness to our covenant with our Creator. Perhaps our licentious vice isn't in the form of wood, metal, or stone idolatry. We're a bit too sophisticated for that. Ours more easily comes in technological form. The lure of the electronic entices in ways that ancient idols never could.
The thing about marital unfaithfulness is that it rarely is an isolated episode. Long-term neglect of the marital relationship paves the way for an illicit "affair". And, such as it is with spiritual unfaithfulness: it's the result of extended neglect. Gradual erosion in areas of prayer, Bible study, and authentic connection with the people of God pave the way.
I'm reminded of the lyrics of a song that plead, "Oh Lord, please light the fire that once burned bright and clear. Replace the lamp of my first love that burns with holy fear." Sometimes the fire within dims and needs to be rekindled. Joy is sometimes absent from the disciplines that once brought joy and life to us spiritually. We cry out, as King David did, "Restore to me the joy of Your salvation" (Psalm 51:12).
Regardless of where you are spiritually, today is a great day to rekindle the fire. Be assured that your Lover wants you near, and is actively reaching out to you.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
