Today's devotional
Love. Everybody knows what that is, right? It's gushy sentimentality, flowers and candy, moments of intimacy. But, do common ideas of love square with this definition?:
"Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
Love sacrifices. Love serves. It is far more than an emotion; it is a deliberate lifestyle choice. It chooses the good of others over the preferences of self.
Love's definition challenges us to evaluate our practice of love. Is it patient? Kind? Free of jealousy, boasting and arrogance? Is it self-seeking? Easily provoked? Unforgiving and quick to forget?
Love is the determining factor in truth and knowledge. Zeal for truth and passion for knowledge are undone through the absence of love, but are vindicated by its active presence. Love is the crown jewel of a true believer -"By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35).
Nothing is more basic or essential than love. Love unites when differences separate. It stands resolute for truth and principle while at the same time taking a reconciling stance and position. It is the glue that unites fragmented believers into a seamless body that compels the world to notice and believe (John 17:20-21). Love extends the gospel to the lost even when the lost choose the darkness of hatred. Love qualifies truth and character.
"But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:13)
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Today's devotional
Decisions determine destiny. Sometimes we have no idea just how far-reaching some decisions will be.
Life for one woman had seemed especially cruel. Her and her husband, along with their two sons, moved to a foreign land. There her husband died, and eventually both adult sons. Left with two widowed daughters-in-law, one chose to remain in the land, while there other moved with the woman back to her homeland. The one daughter-in-law, Ruth, eventually met and married a relative of her mother-in-law. Another relative had opportunity to marry this woman, Ruth, but did not. As such, he is a nameless figure in history, whereas the man named Boaz is known through the genealogy of God's Son (Matthew 1; Luke 3). It is a son born to him that makes him a person of note:
"So they named him Obed. He is the father of Jesse, the father of David." (Ruth 4.17)
Decisions that determine our place in the family of God. For us, it is not primarily the choice of spouse (important as that is). The real choice is concerning Boaz and Obed's descendant, Jesus. Nowhere is it better stated than this:
"But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." (John 1.12-13)
A man named Boaz made a decision that aligned him with the family of God. Important as that decision was, our decision to unite with God's family is far more important. Receiving Boaz' descendant through faith and faithfulness places one in a position to be born into God's family in the most meaningful way possible.
Decisions determine destiny. Marriage decisions have lifelong implications for family. Spiritual family decisions determine life in the age to come.
It is a question not too basic to ask: have you chosen the descendant of Boaz to be your Savior and King? Are you choosing to walk in faithful obedience to him this day? These are decisions that truly determine destiny. And, your Father in heaven knows the truth concerning this important choice.
Today is a day of destiny. Decisions made will have far-reaching effect. My prayer is that we each choose faith. And obedience. May we choose to cultivate a real and personal relationship with our Father, through His Son. May we be disciplined to devote time to Bible study, and prayer.
Choose wisely this day, as you make decisions that determine destiny.
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Monday musings
I recently heard the statement, "hope is not a business plan". In one sense I agree, but disagree in another sense. Hope, generally speaking, is little more than wishful thinking - "I hope to get a good job ... I hope to retire some day ... I hope everything turns out all right ... etc." But, biblical hope is the best "business plan" for anyone's life.
"The hope of the righteous is gladness" (Proverbs 10.28)
The hope of God's people is far more than wishful thinking. True hope brings gladness, because that hope motivates. We eagerly expect to receive what our Father has promised, and so that hope filters down into what we do, and don't do. This passages sums it up well:
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God, and Savior, Christ Jesus" (Titus 2.11-13)
In our Father's system, hope really IS a great "business plan". Knowing that our ultimate destiny is the gift of immortality at the return of Christ, and privileged status in serving the government of Christ on earth (Revelation 20.6), our lifestyle is radically impacted. Making sure that we in no way forfeit our privileges, we "deny ungodliness and worldly desires". This great hope, then, directs us to "live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age".
Good sense in this age is sadly lacking. Disastrous decisions are often made in pursuit of pleasure and leisure. God's people sometimes become so immersed in things of this world that they are almost completely disengaged from things pertaining to the kingdom of God and the King. Hope, however, has the potential to bring our wayward lives back on task and target.
"The righteous will never be shaken, But the wicked will not dwell in the land." (Proverbs 10.30) People locked in on biblical hope will remain faithful and true. While the wicked will not dwell in the land, it is the hope of God's people to do so "(the meek will inherit the earth" - Matthew 5.5)
May hope be powerful motivation for you this day - and every day.
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
today's devotional
The real test is how we handle correction. It's tough to be wrong, but it's tragic to be proven wrong and remain stubbornly uncorrected.
"Reprove a wise man and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser, Teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." (Proverbs 9:8-10)
If our priority is to always prove our viewpoint, reproof will be painful, if not impossible. Wise is the person, however, who remains moldable and teachable. When proven wrong, a wise person is correctible, not defensive. A wise person is ever open to knowing more, rather than presuming to already know all the answers. The wise, teachable person lives continuously in awe of his/her Creator, and seeks always to grow in understanding of Yahweh God.
The older I get, the more I realize I don't know what I don't know. It's not just that I'm lacking information and knowledge in key areas; there are entire realms of knowledge I'm only vaguely aware that exist. Somehow, I thought I'd be smarter than I am by this age! Similarly, I'm coming to terms what all that I do not know of my Father. From the perspective of the truth of His oneness, I'm realizing there are vast areas to be understood and applied.
The most interesting elderly people I know are those who are committed to being lifelong learners. I sense that we truly become old when we are no longer teachable. Tragically, we become less useful to our Creator Father when we cannot be corrected and taught. It is the adventure of learning and being corrected along the way that brings real zest and purpose to life.
A strong temptation, as we age, is to gather information to prove our suppositions and understandings. The challenging question is: am I reinforcing what I already know, or am I open to learning new truth that potentially reorients everything? The real adventure is to always be open to the "aha!-this-changes-everything" breakthroughs that God has designed for us.
May it be true of us that we remain correctible and teachable, regardless of our age.
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
today's devotional
Words from a faithful man of God. Near the end of life - when many might be cynical and negative - he reflects confidence and completion:
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing." (2 Timothy 4.7-8)
The good fight was fought, the course was finished, the faith had been kept. As with anyone, the apostle Paul likely had some regrets concerning his life, but there are none concerning key priorities. Concerning THE faith (singular), he had faithfully battled and persevered. As a result of faithful completion, his confidence for the future was resolute. A "crown of righteousness" was his hope; to be awarded by none other than King Jesus at His coming. He did not anticipate a personal reward immediately following death, but a "group event" - with all faithful followers - at the time of Christ's coming (see Hebrews 11.39-40). The faithful apostle Paul, still unconscious in the grave for approximately two thousand years, has yet to realize his hope. Only at the time when the family of God is complete - at the return of Christ - will he celebrate with all believers the realization of this great hope.
The legacy of this faithful man of God speaks to us today. How goes the fight for truth? How well are we walking the course? How faithfully are we keeping the faith? Are we progressing towards a sense of completion that will be evident at the end of our life? Is faithful living today in harmony with future hope?
Life is progressing far more quickly than I ever imagined as a youth. Years and decades fly by at break-neck speed, and the end of this mortal life is more visible than its beginning. Throughout the course of life, time appears to diminish from a flood to a trickle, and the value of each drop of time becomes more apparent. There is wisdom in weighing life priorities and time investments. The things of true value are the good fight, the course, and the faith. May we each wisely invest in these great priorities today, and every day.
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Monday musings
Lifestyle is the issue. That's a current focus in our preaching and teaching. Belief determines behavior; therefore, make sure the bedrock of your life is solid biblical truth. Having done that, behavior will look something like this:
"The Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will." (2 Timothy 2.24-26)
The goal is for the student to eventually become the teacher, both in word and lifestyle. As such, the mature teacher is not quarrelsome and argumentative, but kind and gentle in approach. There are those captivated by the enemy - who can become abusive and confrontational - who can easily trip up a less-than-mature believer. A kind, gentle, and reconciliatory stance can be effective in rescuing them from the errors of their thinking and action.
A mature teacher always remains a student, because "able to teach" - in the original language - means both a teacher and teachable (able to be taught). We cease to be an effective teacher when we cease to be a lifelong learner.
We live in a skeptical world. Far too many fads and philosophies have come and gone, and done little more than leave people poorer and disillusioned. Against that backdrop, the reality of our faith is judged by our actions and lifestyle - as rightly it should. Consistency of belief and behavior combine to present a compelling witness that merits a second look by a cynical world.
Lifestyle really is the issue. But, lifestyle is little more than a house built upon the sand (Matthew 7.26) unless it's foundation is solid biblical truth. What do you believe, and how is it behaving today? Perhaps there is no more important question to consider today than this one.
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Difficult times. It's a phrase that aptly describes our circumstances today. A two-thousand-year old catalog of human behavior describing these times is spot-on:
"For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power" (2 Timothy 3.2-5)
What's a believer to do? In a last-days world where menacing dark shadows grow, do we surrender to pessimism and cynicism? Do we retreat, and isolate? This much is certain: we do as the apostle Paul instructed Timothy:
"You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 3.14-15)
Stay the course. In fact, redouble effort to stay the course. Regardless of the times, the course remains. Be a person "of the book". Get in to the word, and allows the word to get in to you. Know it, and live it. Let it have its perfect effect in equipping you for lifestyle.
"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3.16-17)
Let's be clear on the priority: be a student of the Book, not books about the Book. While there are many good supplemental devotionals, lessons, and sermons available, nothing substitutes for firsthand reading and study. What others say and write about it may be interesting and helpful, but replying on these tools is about like substituting dessert for key nutrients in your food diet. Firsthand study and application is always the priority of the day, and especially in the last days.
Honestly, ask yourself: how much personal time am I investing in Bible reading and study? Not time in devotional books and guides, but the Bible itself. And, how careful am I to apply what I read and study? Am I allowing God's word to truly equip me "for every good work"?
Times are tough. But, God's word is still His tool to prepare God's people to live for Him, regardless of the times.
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Today's devotional
The legend of superman. Few kids attending Sunday School haven't heard of the famous strong man, Samson. This mighty man with long hair is at least as much an enigma as a hero. Supernaturally empowered in an unprecedented way, his God-given strength stands in stark contrast to his morality. The sordid details of his two marriages to foreign wives, and at least one visit to a prostitute, are all there. Hardly the conduct expected from a man of God.
Putting this mighty man's life in perspective begins by looking at an angel's announcement to his mother concerning his life purpose:
"For behold, you shall conceive and give birth to a son, and no razor shall come upon his head, for the boy shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb; and he shall begin to deliver Israel from the hands of the Philistines." (Judges 13.5) This angelic announcement sounds similar to the one made to Mary, Jesus' mother. But, that's where the similarities both begin and end.
No one's life makes much sense unless framed against the backdrop of their times. The period of the judges was a brutal time, and unusual measures were divinely taken for intervention in the life of God's people. Strange as it may sound, the marriages of this mighty man to Philistine wives was a key factor in delivering Israel from the oppression of these wicked tyrants.
God's ways and will sometimes seem to make little sense on the surface. Samson serves as one odd example of divine deliverance. But, the fact remains, he was mightily used of Yahweh God. Is he to be commended for his immorality and lack of discernment? Hardly. But, he was God's tool in unimaginable times.
Perhaps the lessons of Samson are that we may need a broader view of where and how God works. The stereotypical view the religious leaders had of God's Messiah caused them to stubble and miss the very One they sought. The lesson of Samson is that we need to be very discerning as to the activity of God. He just might be at work in unlikely ways and people right before us.
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Monday musings
Let's hear it for traditional love and marriage. With marriage in this society being redefined to include same-sex marriage, those advocating lifetime marriage between a man and a woman are lonely voices crying in the wilderness.
"Drink water from your own cistern And fresh water from your own well. Should your springs be dispersed abroad, Streams of water in the streets? Let them be yours alone And not for strangers with you." (Proverbs 5:15-17)
It's not really about wells and water, but romantic passion within the bonds of marriage between husband and wife (see verses 18-19). Having just admonished his young son to avoid the dangers of immorality (verses 1-14), the writer of the Proverbs extols the virtue of passion within the marriage relationship. Misdirected passion leads to ruin, but marital passion is a God-given blessing.
The language and ideals expressed may sound hopelessly outdated in this era of casual sex and multiple marriages. Few pass through adolescence into adulthood without misdirected passion, and many are no longer quenching their thirst from the original well. If the Proverbs are the standard, is there hope for for those who have failed?
God is a God of holiness, but He is also a God of grace. Our past can be forgiven, freeing us to live for Him in the present. His priority is to empower us right now to direct and re-direct our passion in ways that please Him.
Singleness of heart in romantic passion is a model for the singleness of heart that our Father desires us to have for Him. Faithfulness to one spouse is a daily reminder of faithfulness to One God.
The writer of Proverbs spoke of an ideal he had failed to live up to. Solomon drank from multiple wells and cisterns; perhaps far more than any other man. The record of his words to his son - and us - are a legacy of grace and forgiveness.
Spiritual passion and romantic passion are both powerful streams. There is potential for destruction and loss when they overflow their banks, but they are a source of blessing when properly directed.
We serve a God who has blessed us with the gift of passion. Whether in marriage or in devotion to Him, He entrusts us with directing that passion so as to honor and glorify Him.
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
today's devotional
Heart health. We think of it in terms of diet and exercise. But, there is so much more to it than the health of an organ that faithfully pumps blood. Biblically, "heart" comes from a Greek word, "kardia", which refers to the seat and center of life. It is the very essence of our life energy. We often refer to it as "passion" - the energy for particular causes and work. A "heart" for something is observable. We can distinguish between an athlete or musician who puts their "heart" into it, versus those who simply go through the motions. "Heart" is the drive and passion that supersedes mere technique.
Proverbs 4:23 says, "Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life."
At the core of our being - our heart - is life energy that flows like an endless stream. It's like a garden hose that cannot be turned off; the best we can do is choose where to direct the water flow. So, our heart - with its boundless energy - must be wisely directed. And therein is the rub: many people pour their passion into futile and worthless pursuits, and realize such much too late.
Top of the "passion list" are the two great priorities highlighted by Jesus: wholehearted love for Yahweh God, and for one's neighbor (Mark 12:28-31). These great commandments are the safeguard of our heart. When we direct our heart and passion where they rightly belong, life simply works better.
Knowing that we each have life energy - passion - it is a fair question to ask: What and where is your passion? Recreation? Reading? Writing? The outdoors? Community service? Your job? Your family? The things of the LORD? These are vital questions, because it is not a matter of IF, but WHERE, in terms of passion. We all love something.
Guarding our heart is doubly difficult because it is also adept at deception (Jeremiah 17:9). If we aren't careful, we can easily be deceived by it. Misguided passion may wear camouflage clothing, and appear to be something it is not.
I want my passion to be for the One true God. And for His Son. And for the work and message of the kingdom of God. But, I know that I don't know what I need to know about my heart, and it's convincing ability to pull the wool over my eyes as to its intent.
One song writer summarizes the need very well: "Guard your heart, Don't trade it for treasure, Don't give it away. Guard your heart, As a payment for pleasure, It's a high price to pay. For a soul that remains sincere, With a conscience clear, Guard your heart" ("Guard Your Heart", by Scott Kokaska)
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Today's devotional
I can't count the number of times I've heard, "please pray for me". The personal prayer requests have been for jobs, health needs, marriage problems, and emotional concerns - to name a few. And yet, I've often wondered what the REAL prayer need is. Not that these concerns aren't important, but are they the ultimate prayer priority? In light of this prayer, I think not:
"For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light." (Colossians 1:9-12)
Top of the list is crystal-clear knowledge of God's will, for the purpose of living according to it. Know it in order to live it. This knowledge and lifestyle, then, sets us on a spiritual fruit-bearing path. This, in turn, produces greater knowledge of our Father. And, a more intimate knowledge of our Father, and obedient walk with Him, appropriates His Spirit more fully in our lives. This Spirit enabling provides the power for rock-solid steadiness, and enduring patience. Focused on the hope to be realized, we are characterized as joyfully thankful people.
So, what we really need to pray for one another is: clear knowledge of God's will ... faithful obedience ... fruit-bearing ... Spirit power ... endurance ... patience ... increasing intimate knowledge of our Father ... joyful thanks in light of our hope. So, in light of these things, perhaps you'll want to start a new prayer list, and pray these things for every believer you know. In so doing, you will have prayed for their highest good.
What would happen if the people of God embarked on a forty-day adventure in simply praying these things for the family of God they know? How might things change? What transformation would occur in our church fellowship, or home group? What would be the effect on us personally as we prayed these things for others? The possibilities are fascinating!
Praying for one another is a noble cause. But, prayer can be vague and ineffective, like shooting an arrow without aiming. Effective prayer aims for the bulls-eye, and that bulls-eye is this great prayer in Colossians. May we truly hit the mark as we pray for one another.
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Monday musings
In God We Trust. Such is the assertion made in every financial transaction in this country, per this emblazoned statement on our financial currency. But, is this the true motto of those doing business, or mere words - long devoid of real meaning?
"Trust in the LORD (YHWH) with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3.5-6)
There is no area more challenging to trust the LORD in than financial matters. In this one area it is especially tempting to trust our own instincts, and invest and spend as we see best. "For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." (1 Timothy 6.10)
True wisdom, exhibited through resolute trust of the LORD, causes one to "Honor the LORD from your wealth And from the first of all your produce; So your barns will be filled with plenty And your vats will overflow with new wine." (Proverbs 3.9-10) The adage, "put your money where your mouth is", definitely fits this area of financial stewardship. As Jesus stated, "where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6.21) No matter how dedicated we are in an area of service, if we are not investing financially our heart truly is not in what we do.
You may be asking, "Is this a preacher begging to have more in the Sunday collection plate?" Hardly. Put the money in another offering plate, if that is a concern. No, the greater benefit is not the recipients of financial giving, but those giving. Because, this is ultimately an area of trust. Do you truly trust God's wisdom regarding finances, or do you prefer to "lean on your own understanding"? Until we act according to His teaching, we indicate trust in our own understanding.
I'm a far cry from a wealthy man, but my family has been blessed materially far more than I ever could have imagined. The source of those - and so many other blessings - has been resolute trust in God's directive for giving (more trust by my wife than myself, I might add - who faithfully has written checks for years). Indeed, He has abundantly "filled our barns", and caused our "vats" to overflow.
Perhaps you'll look differently at the currency in your pocket after pondering these thoughts. And, however you are led to do it, invest in the King's business, and reap the abundant blessings that flow through truly trusting in the LORD.
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Monday musings
In God We Trust. Such is the assertion made in every financial transaction in this country, per this emblazoned statement on our financial currency. But, is this the true motto of those doing business, or mere words - long devoid of real meaning?
"Trust in the LORD (YHWH) with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3.5-6)
There is no area more challenging to trust the LORD in than financial matters. In this one area it is especially tempting to trust our own instincts, and invest and spend as we see best. "For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." (1 Timothy 6.10)
True wisdom, exhibited through resolute trust of the LORD, causes one to "Honor the LORD from your wealth And from the first of all your produce; So your barns will be filled with plenty And your vats will overflow with new wine." (Proverbs 3.9-10) The adage, "put your money where your mouth is", definitely fits this area of financial stewardship. As Jesus stated, "where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6.21) No matter how dedicated we are in an area of service, if we are not investing financially our heart truly is not in what we do.
You may be asking, "Is this a preacher begging to have more in the Sunday collection plate?" Hardly. Put the money in another offering plate, if that is a concern. No, the greater benefit is not the recipients of financial giving, but those giving. Because, this is ultimately an area of trust. Do you truly trust God's wisdom regarding finances, or do you prefer to "lean on your own understanding"? Until we act according to His teaching, we indicate trust in our own understanding.
I'm a far cry from a wealthy man, but my family has been blessed materially far more than I ever could have imagined. The source of those - and so many other blessings - has been resolute trust in God's directive for giving (more trust by my wife than myself, I might add - who faithfully has written checks for years). Indeed, He has abundantly "filled our barns", and caused our "vats" to overflow.
Perhaps you'll look differently at the currency in your pocket after pondering these thoughts. And, however you are led to do it, invest in the King's business, and reap the abundant blessings that flow through truly trusting in the LORD.
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
