today's devotional
It's the legendary story of an impossible battle. A nine-foot giant of a man named Goliath is pitted again a puny, ill-equipped shepherd boy named David. You know the ending, so the outcome easily overshadows the uncertainty of the unfolding drama. But, in the moment, all odds were on the heavily-armored towering giant who cast a literal and figurative menacing shadow over the people of God.
In the face of incredible odds, the young shepherd boy named David outrageously asserted, "This day the LORD will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you. And I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the LORD does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the LORD'S and He will give you into our hands." (1 Samuel 17:46-47)
Lest we think an overly-confident young man somehow beat the odds - and a towering enemy - his confidence was not in himself, but in the God he knew and served. The battle was not for personal prestige and fame, but for the reputation and honor of Yahweh God. The victory would be a lasting tribute to the Creator Father Who alone is infinitely mighty.
From the historic record of this legendary battle comes a timeless lesson and truth: "the LORD does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the LORD'S and He will give you into our hands." Consider this amazing story: what are the chances of one small stone striking a man in exactly the right place in his forehead with enough force to deliver a lethal blow? The odds are astronomical from a human standpoint, but this was a battle not to be viewed in human terms. Every detail was orchestrated by Almighty God.
Goliaths abound even today. Our menacing Goliaths cast a shadow over us in the form of serious illness ... financial peril ... faith crisis ... and family conflict, to name a few. These towering giants can easily reduce us to quivering fear and doubt, unless faith rises up with godly confidence.
The story of David and Goliath is historic fact. The biblical narrative, however, isn't just there for interesting reading, or an engaging Sunday School story. It is the legacy of faith that is every bit as much available to us today as it was to David then. So, the question before us is: what 'Goliaths' are in our pathway today that our Father wishes to conquer for us, for His fame and name? If it's about personal reputation and gain, we've got it all wrong. But, if the victory has a clear pathway to His glory and honor, let faith give rise to confidence in the face of seemingly-impossible battles.
Faith, we are told, is the "conviction of things not seen" (Hebrews 11.1). May we see behind the battle lines of today's conflicts, to the God Who bring overwhelming victory.
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Today's devotional
Trouble is really only temporary. It hardly seems so at the moment, but trouble easily jades the real perspective.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." (1 Peter 1:3-5)
Present reality is that we are abundantly blessed by our Father in Christ. We have experienced a new birth into a living hope through Christ's resurrection. An inheritance is securely reserved in heaven for us - protected by the very power of God until the time it is to be given. These things are important to remember in the face of trouble.
"In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:6,7)
Trouble is easily defeating if we lose sight of our identity and inheritance. Trouble has potential to blur the facts of who and whose we are, as well as the progressive path of life. Troubles are not designed to ruin us, but rather to refine us! If we allow them to strengthen character, we are made more fit for the coming kingdom.
Troubles often come through no choice of our own, but we do have a choice in what we do with them. "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials" (James 1.2) The mental choice to "consider" the value of trials makes all the difference.
I'm convinced that an "identity crisis" is the biggest challenge in handling life's troubles. For that reason, Peter's words in chapter one, verses three to five are especially important. Keep "living hope" in view. Do not lose sight of your assured inheritance. Life's troubles are designed to prepare us to value and receive these great promises.
Life will surely involve some kind of trouble today, whether great or small. Remember your identity and hope. Mentally choose the positive value of these troubles. Press on with the progressive plan your Father has for you.
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Today's devotional
Trouble is really only temporary. It hardly seems so at the moment, but trouble easily jades the real perspective.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." (1 Peter 1:3-5)
Present reality is that we are abundantly blessed by our Father in Christ. We have experienced a new birth into a living hope through Christ's resurrection. An inheritance is securely reserved in heaven for us - protected by the very power of God until the time it is to be given. These things are important to remember in the face of trouble.
"In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:6,7)
Trouble is easily defeating if we lose sight of our identity and inheritance. Trouble has potential to blur the facts of who and whose we are, as well as the progressive path of life. Troubles are not designed to ruin us, but rather to refine us! If we allow them to strengthen character, we are made more fit for the coming kingdom.
Troubles often come through no choice of our own, but we do have a choice in what we do with them. "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials" (James 1.2) The mental choice to "consider" the value of trials makes all the difference.
I'm convinced that an "identity crisis" is the biggest challenge in handling life's troubles. For that reason, Peter's words in chapter one, verses three to five are especially important. Keep "living hope" in view. Do not lose sight of your assured inheritance. Life's troubles are designed to prepare us to value and receive these great promises.
Life will surely involve some kind of trouble today, whether great or small. Remember your identity and hope. Mentally choose the positive value of these troubles. Press on with the progressive plan your Father has for you.
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Today's devotional
None of us are who we used to be. That's true on several levels. Physically, our bodies are constantly in flux - shedding old cells; generating new ones. We're different than we used to be emotionally and socially, because we've had new experiences and insights. The most important changes, however, should be in the realm of Spirit.
"Then the Spirit of the LORD will come upon you mightily, and you shall prophesy with them and be changed into another man. It shall be when these signs come to you, do for yourself what the occasion requires, for God is with you." (1 Samuel 10.6-7)
Appointed and anointed King Saul was destined to be "changed into another man" through the rejuvenating work of God's Holy Spirit. Tragically, in later life, he would resist and reject that Spirit work, but at the start it had its transforming effect. The mighty work of God's Spirit would invoke prophecy - an authentic declaration of God's word. His very character would be changed as well, and Spirit would inspire appropriate actions at the right time.
The parallel for our lives is not difficult to see. Born again believers (Acts 2.38) can confidently lay claim to these same promises. The mighty work of God's Spirit will invoke the speaking of His word and truth (it will first lead us into studying and knowing it - John 14.26). Holy Spirit will cause us to be "changed into another man (woman)", so much as we yield to its transforming effect. And, that same Spirit will direct appropriate activities and action at the right time.
I've met far too many believers who felt a "Spirit deficiency" in their lives. Such feelings are based on false assumptions. The apostle Paul's words to the most immature of believers should richly reassure us: "in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge, even as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you, so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 1.5-8) What goes for these believers, also goes for us.
This much seems apparent as to the Spirit's work in our lives: it should invoke some means of propagating His word and message ... it should generate genuine, positive change in attitude and behavior (Romans 12.1-2; Galatians 5.22-23) ... and, it should prompt appropriate, godly action at the right time and place. Like King Saul, we can resist and reject Spirit activity in our lives, but - aside of such willful disobedience - we can confidently live knowing we are under Spirit jurisdiction and transformation.
Live and serve confidently today.
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Monday musings
The right words at the right time. Few things stop us in our tracks as do insightful words that have a bearing on our particular circumstances. Spoken at any other time, the impact would be marginalized.
"A man has joy in an apt answer, And how delightful is a timely word!" (Proverbs 15.23)
I periodically hear from readers who comment how a certain devotional thought spoke specifically to a situation in their life. This must be attributed to God's Holy Spirit, because it is impossible for this writer to be that insightful. But, isn't that exactly how our Father operates? Regardless of the source, we quickly recognize when a word or words very personally apply to life circumstances. Most often for me, it is the phrase or verse from the Bible that almost appears to be three-dimensional - standing out from other verses. They may be familiar words I have read many times but, on a certain occasion, they speak with great clarity to a current dilemma or decision.
The more we anticipate godly words to guide us in crucial moments and decisions, the less we stress over circumstances. While we may not always hear what we want to hear, if we have "divine expectation" that our Father will communicate His word to us, then stress can be reduced.
Whatever means our Father uses to communicate, we can be sure that it will never be incongruous with His word. For that reason, the Bible must be our primary source of information and guidance. The enemy will surely trip up those unfamiliar with God's word!
"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) There is no more joyful "apt answer", or delightful "timely word" than that which our Father conveys through His word. May you find the specific guidance and direction you need these day from His word.
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
today's devotional
Wise, unwise, and otherwise. At the risk of oversimplifying, life decisions all fall within these three categories. The "otherwise" decisions and choices are the secondary ones; the less-than-the-best ones - ultimately unwise decisions. But, how do you know, and how do you choose?
"There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death." (Proverbs 14.12)
Human reason and intelligence are poor guides in making wise choices. As the prophet Jeremiah said, "The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it?" (Jeremiah 17.9) Following our heart and passion - as is often recommended these days - can easily be a recipe for disaster. Unless our spirit burns with the Spirit of God, human choice will be unwise. So, the wisest choice of all is this:
"Trust in the LORD 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)
Nothing is more humbling than to realize we are not competent to make wise choices. Who doesn't value their own intelligence and insight enough to make their own decisions? But - as is often said - we don't know what we don't know.
I remember hearing a man state that the most challenging question he was ever asked was, "Have you ever prayed about what you are doing with your life?" Confronted with this question, he realized he truly hadn't. He had presumptuously made life decisions, and plotted a course for his life as he saw best. But, when he truly prayed about it, he realize the Lord had a different path and direction in mind for him. Following that prompting, his life went a different direction, impacting lives spiritually, and bearing fruit.
Are you trusting your heart, or the LORD, in making significant life choices? The easiest thing in the world is to trust your own instincts - to your own peril. The wisest choice of all is to wholeheartedly trust the LORD. Today affords you an excellent opportunity to have a heart to heart with your Father about your life direction.
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Today's devotional
The problem with new things is that they eventually aren't new anymore. Today's new clothes are tomorrow's rummage sale items. Today's new car eventually becomes a worn-out clunker. New just doesn't stay new. But, there is one exception ...
"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come." (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Imagine going to your closet every day and finding new clothes (this would especially excite most women!). At the end of the day, dirty, sweaty clothes are discarded, and brand new ones are available for the next day. Such as it is for those who are in Christ: every day is a fresh new beginning. Yesterday's failures are discarded; replaced with new opportunities and possibilities in the present day.
"Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." (2 Corinthians 5:18-20)
Credit where credit is due. Our Creator Father is the source of all. He made, so to speak, the new clothes that Christ has hung in our closet. Through Christ's sacrifice, our Father has been able to set aside our differences, and draw us to Himself. Having done so, He has committed to us the same work of reconciling lost people to Himself. As such, we are His ambassadors - representing Him by life and word in such a way as to appeal to those not of the family of God.
The word, "ambassador", is rich with meaning. An ambassador is a government representative in another land, favorably representing the laws and customs of the homeland. As His ambassadors, our citizenship and allegiance is with the government of God, as we live in this present age. Our mission is to favorably represent the standards and customs of the government to which we ultimately belong.
As new creatures in Christ, yesterday's failures yield to today's opportunities. Among those opportunities is the privileged status of serving as an ambassador; an agent of reconciliation for our Father. May He make an attractive and compelling appeal through you today.
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Monday musings
The greatest breakthroughs often come amidst the darkest of days.
"word from the LORD was rare in those days, visions were infrequent. It happened at that time as Eli was lying down in his place (now his eyesight had begun to grow dim and he could not see well), and the lamp of God had not yet gone out" (1 Samuel 3.1-2)
Those were oppressively dark days. Communication from the Creator was rare; the high priest was nearly blind (in more ways than one); and, the lamp of God - representing His presence - had dimmed to a mere flicker. True light and life hung on by a mere thread. But, against the backdrop of these dark days, something dramatic was at hand; the silence was about to be broken. A young boy named Samuel was about to hear an audible voice from Yahweh God, and this was the message received: "The LORD said to Samuel, 'Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which both ears of everyone who hears it will tingle.' " (1 Samuel 3.11) Judgement was about to fall on a wicked priest and his family, and a disobedient nation would have benefit of a genuine prophet of God in their midst. "Thus Samuel grew and the LORD was with him and let none of his words fail. All Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the LORD." (1 Samuel 3.19-20)
There are similarities in our times and circumstances. We live in a land in which the word of God is diminished, spiritual sight is dimmed, and the lamp and presence of our Father has been reduced to a mere flicker. This might also be descriptive of our own personal lives. Either way, this dark backdrop might serve as the perfect setting for a new work and word from our Father.
Young Samuel, it says, "did not yet know the LORD, nor had the word of the LORD yet been revealed to him." (1 Samuel 3.7) It took three attempts from the LORD to finally get Samuel's attention, so that he might hear and know the LORD. Perhaps we have a similar problem hearing His word, and listening. But, when the breakthrough comes, "both ears of everyone who hears it will tingle." His truth will come with clarity, and will be life transforming.
Are you listening today for His voice? Because He has given us His written word, that voice will largely reverberate from the pages of what you read in the Bible. What new thing is He trying to teach you? What new territories of faith and obedience is He leading you to? If you are willing and responsive, He will guide you there.
"Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). Seek out silence and solitude, and listen carefully to His voice. Regardless of what He will say, the experience of knowing Him better will be the greatest benefit.
These may be dark days, but the voice of God is still to be heard by those willing to listen. May you be a Samuel who both hears and obeys.
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
today's devotional
A childless woman was miraculously blessed with a son, whom she dedicated fully to the LORD's service. Few mothers - or fathers - can comprehend the difficulty of her decision to leave this precious child in the care of a temple priest, only to visit him once a year. Yet, on the occasion of bringing him to the temple to leave him in service there, she prayed this prayer:
"There is no one holy like the LORD, Indeed, there is no one besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God." (1 Samuel 2.2).
Her resolute trust was in the singular, matchless Creator, Yahweh. Praying before a wicked and disobedient priest named Eli, her prayer recognized his spiritual condition, and appealed to him for repentance:
"Boast no more so very proudly, Do not let arrogance come out of your mouth; For the LORD is a God of knowledge, And with Him actions are weighed ... "He keeps the feet of His godly ones, But the wicked ones are silenced in darkness; For not by might shall a man prevail." (1 Samuel 2.3,9)
No one "pulls the wool" over the eyes of Yahweh, so to speak. It is he, not us, who possesses true knowledge. He weighs our actions, and preserves His righteous people. But - make no mistake - He eventually brings down the wicked. Human effort cannot prevail against our Creator.
There is no god in all of time Who has acted as has Yahweh. It's a fair question to ask of other so-called gods, "what have you ever truly done for me?" False gods are memorialized and sacrificed to, but are completely inept in providing and protecting. Yet, Yahweh has an abundant record. He alone is credited with the mighty deeds recorded in the Bible. Time and again - far too often to count - He has done the miraculous, and provided and protected.
He would also have us know His Son, and be truly known through His Son - "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." (John 17.3) To know Him, and His Son, is to experience them. Hannah, the mother of the prophet Samuel, may well have been limited in her theological expertise. But, she know Yahweh God in a very personal way, and had experienced His intervention and providing her with a precious son.
Knowing Yahweh is not reserved for the scholar alone. He has often worked and intervened in the lives of very ordinary people, to do great things. Regardless of our level of knowledge, it is the greatest privilege of all to know our Creator Father. May we each know Him today in the most personal way.
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Today's devotional
It's a blunt truth, but truth nevertheless: "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, But he who hates reproof is stupid." (Proverbs 12.1) A wise person is a lifelong learner; able to be corrected and taught. The stupid person (per the writer of Proverbs) is unteachable; set in his/her ways, and convinced they are always right.
The first step in being a teachable person is to be approachable for correction. We might be surprised to learn that those closest to us are apprehensive about approaching us for correction, because of being unsure of our reaction. I've certainly learned that on numerous occasions, much to my chagrin. Correction, to be sure, is not easy (no matter which side of it you are on), but it is ultimately helpful to our growth and maturity. And so, perhaps the best approach is to be pro-active. Seek out your closest friends and confidantes and regularly ask for their assessment. Ask them: what blind sides do you see in my life? Where am I stubbornly wrong and misdirected? What are the areas I most need to grow in? Challenging as it may be to listen objectively, take in what you hear, and evaluate the truth of what was honestly shared with you.
Some of the most delightful elderly people I've met have been those who still retained childlike teachability. Rather than speaking with pride from the perspective of their years, they ask probing questions, and humbly share lessons learned. These exemplify the wise person described by the writer of Proverbs.
An important step today is to approach someone to seek counsel and correction. And, as an exercise in growth and correction, seek to learn something new today that challenges your beliefs and convictions. Truth left unchallenged easily loses its dynamic.
One of the qualifications of a church elder is that he is "apt to teach" (2 Timothy 2.24). In the original language, this phrase means that he is able to both teach, and be taught. The teacher is a lifelong learner.
What are you learning new today? What corrective measures are you utilizing to stay on track spiritually? Wise is this person who considers and acts upon these things.
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Monday musings
Winston Churchill is credited with this extremely short speech: "Never, never, never, never give up". There can be little doubt as to his point, and it sounds similar to a point made by the faithful apostle Paul:
"Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart, but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God." (2 Corinthians 4.1-2)
These words have served as my personal mantra during my years of Christian service. As Paul indicated, the ministry we each have received is not through our own choice, but God's mercy. As such, we don't lose heart; we don't quit. We don't sugar-coat, use manipulative tactics, or water down God's word and truth. It is the priority of all of God's servants to present truth clearly so that hearers can determine with their conscience what to do with it.
Paul knew how fickle life could be, in the face of the priority of proclaiming God's eternal truth. Again, his resolute conviction to "Never, never, never, never give up" rings out: "Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day." (2 Corinthians 4.16)
The task remains, although we each are aging and decaying. Pessimism does not overwhelm us, however, because of our daily inner renewal.
There is a timeless saying, "Only one life; 'twill soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last". Today affords us a precious opportunity. How will you seize upon the key work entrusted to you? How will you encourage a discouraged soldier of Christ? How will you seek to impress precious truth on a lost friend, coworker, or family member? What deliberate effort will you make to incorporate Christian discipline more fully in your life?
As Paul twice declared in these verses, "we do not lose heart". Press on, brothers and sisters. The work is worthy, and the reward will be great. Our Master is counting on us to be available to Him to carry out His work though us. Be encouraged in what He is doing in and through you, and stay strong and faithful to the task.
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
