September 25, 2013
Few things are more troubling than the schemes of the wicked. Who hasn't wondered how much good could be done if evil energies and plans were channeled toward doing good?
"Do not fret because of evildoers Or be envious of the wicked; For there will be no future for the evil man; The lamp of the wicked will be put out." (Proverbs 24.19-20)
Since this life is the only reality we truly know, it is hard to frame it against the big picture of eternity. The wicked prosper and often succeed, but their gains and accomplishments are temporary at best. As such, it's imperative that we resist the temptation to fret and be envious because of them. Whatever harm they can do is not the ultimate outcome, and whatever they get away with will not last.
We live in an instant gratification age, and an eternal perspective is challenging to say the least. Forgoing revenge, envy, and fretting does not come easily. But, the proper response to evil is not simply to endure it, but to actively seek to overcome it with good (Romans 12.21 "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."). Our reaction to the pervading influence of evil is to proactively do that which is good.
I've lately wondered what active good, in the face of evil, really looks like. It's easy enough for Christian communities to consider that getting people to attend services and programs accomplishes that goal. But, perhaps it's seeking out needs in our neighborhoods, and proactively bringing resources and energy to bear right where the needs, and the needy, are. Maybe it's a more aggressive "go" mentality, and less of a "come here" mentality.
The problem of evil will alway be prevalent in this age. The challenge, in light of that problem, is to see how brightly goodness can shine forth from God's people. May we be bright beacons of goodness today - and always - against the backdrop of evil in today's world.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
September 24, 2013
Commendation, condemnation, or correction? If Jesus wrote a letter to your church or fellowship group, what would He say? Would we be willing to carefully listen, and take to heart His words?
Revelation two and three record His personal message to seven literal churches. To each He says, "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." (i.e., Revelation 3.6). One church is characterized as having left their first love (Revelation 2.1-7); another faces impending persecution (Revelation 2.8-11). Still another has compromised and embraced false teachings (Revelation 2.12-17); while another is excelling in deeds, love, service, faith, and perseverance (Revelation 2.18-22). Another is spiritually dead (Revelation 3.1-6); another remains faithful (Revelation 3.7-13). Lastly, one church is lukewarm (Revelation 3.14-22)
I remember an elderly man once telling me his standard for involvement in the local church was the question, "what would this church be like if everyone's commitment was the same as mine?" A very challenging question! If my personal commitment was the standard, would the church be stronger, or weaker? Would attendance at services be greater, or less? Would there be more, or less service? More importantly, would Jesus commend, or correct my involvement?
All but one of the seven churches Jesus addresses is in need of some corrective measure(s). All that need correction are also given special promises if they would be overcomers (i.e., Revelation 3.21). His desire for His people is summed up well in this verse: "'Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent." (Revelation 3.19)
We are His people. Our assembly and fellowship is as imperfect as we personally are. But, we have a Savior who is intensely interested in His people and His work. Imperfect as His church is, it is still His sole instrument for accomplishing His work, and displaying His presence and power. May we have "ears to hear", and a desire to follow His corrective prescription. Ultimately, may we be overcomers who will have no reason to be ashamed when we personally stand before Him.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
There is danger in guessing what is best for God. In that He is often silent, the temptation is great to run ahead and presume we have a better idea.
King David, a man after God's own heart, felt that a permanent temple was better suited for YHWH God than a portable tabernacle. But, as he was about to proceed, God communicated these words through Nathan the prophet:
"Thus says the LORD, 'Are you the one who should build Me a house to dwell in? For I have not dwelt in a house since the day I brought up the sons of Israel from Egypt, even to this day; but I have been moving about in a tent, even in a tabernacle. Wherever I have gone with all the sons of Israel, did I speak a word with one of the tribes of Israel, which I commanded to shepherd My people Israel, saying, 'Why have you not built Me a house of cedar ?' "' (2 Samuel 7.5-7)
Hundreds of years later, a man named Stephen would echo these words: "David found favor in God's sight, and asked that he might find a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. But it was Solomon who built a house for Him. However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands; as the prophet says: 'HEAVEN IS MY THRONE, AND EARTH IS THE FOOTSTOOL OF MY FEET; WHAT KIND OF HOUSE WILL YOU BUILD FOR ME?' says the Lord, 'OR WHAT PLACE IS THERE FOR MY REPOSE? WAS IT NOT MY HAND WHICH MADE ALL THESE THINGS?' " (Act 7.46-50)
God commanded plans for a tabernacle, but conceded plans for a temple. The emblem of His presence among God's people was to be something portable and flexible. However, a presumed "better plan" was inflexible and ornate, and eventually a source of misguided worship and idolatry.
Regardless of how much better our idea might seem, God's specific directives reflect His infinitely greater wisdom and understanding, and are best carefully obeyed and observed. The problem with assuming we have a better idea is not always so much about the specific idea as it is with such an attitude.
David certainly meant well, and is an outstanding example of a man whose great desire was for his Father. Which only goes to prove that we can error with even the best of intentions when we presume our plan is better than God's.
The wisdom of Proverbs 3.5-6 is well proven through the story and legacy of the temple: "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."
May we choose His will and plans, without question or reservation.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
There is danger in guessing what is best for God. In that He is often silent, the temptation is great to run ahead and presume we have a better idea.
King David, a man after God's own heart, felt that a permanent temple was better suited for YHWH God than a portable tabernacle. But, as he was about to proceed, God communicated these words through Nathan the prophet:
"Thus says the LORD, 'Are you the one who should build Me a house to dwell in? For I have not dwelt in a house since the day I brought up the sons of Israel from Egypt, even to this day; but I have been moving about in a tent, even in a tabernacle. Wherever I have gone with all the sons of Israel, did I speak a word with one of the tribes of Israel, which I commanded to shepherd My people Israel, saying, 'Why have you not built Me a house of cedar ?' "' (2 Samuel 7.5-7)
Hundreds of years later, a man named Stephen would echo these words: "David found favor in God's sight, and asked that he might find a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. But it was Solomon who built a house for Him. However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands; as the prophet says: 'HEAVEN IS MY THRONE, AND EARTH IS THE FOOTSTOOL OF MY FEET; WHAT KIND OF HOUSE WILL YOU BUILD FOR ME?' says the Lord, 'OR WHAT PLACE IS THERE FOR MY REPOSE? WAS IT NOT MY HAND WHICH MADE ALL THESE THINGS?' " (Act 7.46-50)
God commanded plans for a tabernacle, but conceded plans for a temple. The emblem of His presence among God's people was to be something portable and flexible. However, a presumed "better plan" was inflexible and ornate, and eventually a source of misguided worship and idolatry.
Regardless of how much better our idea might seem, God's specific directives reflect His infinitely greater wisdom and understanding, and are best carefully obeyed and observed. The problem with assuming we have a better idea is not always so much about the specific idea as it is with such an attitude.
David certainly meant well, and is an outstanding example of a man whose great desire was for his Father. Which only goes to prove that we can error with even the best of intentions when we presume our plan is better than God's.
The wisdom of Proverbs 3.5-6 is well proven through the story and legacy of the temple: "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."
May we choose His will and plans, without question or reservation.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
September 18, 2013
Doing His work our way is a recipe for disaster. A certain man learned the hard way, and paid the ultimate price.
An ancient story requires that we understand the times and the situation. Yahweh God had given specific instructions to the people of Israel concerning an object closely associated with His presence - the ark of the covenant. God was meticulous in both the details of its construction, and in how it was to be transported. In particular, a series of metal rings were attached to both sides of the ark, so that poles could be inserted, and the ark carried (picture pallbearers carrying a coffin). Trouble began when another method of transportation was used for God's sacred object:
"They placed the ark of God on a new cart ... But when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out toward the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen nearly upset it. And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down there for his irreverence; and he died there by the ark of God." (2 Samuel 6.3,6-7)
God specified that His ark was to be carried by poles. A disastrous plan was devised to transport it on new cart. A man named Uzzah presumptuously tried to prevent the ark from sliding or flipping off the cart - something that would never have happened if the ark was transported per God's directives. Tragically, Uzzah died while attempting to touch that which was forbidden, while transporting it in a way God never intended.
God's work is always to be done His way. The best of intentions will never make up for blatant disregard of His directives. Uzzah and his men are not alone in acting presumptuously; we just might find we've done similar things! In spite of what we know He has specified, have we acted and done things that were - in our estimation - "a better idea and plan"? Have we dared believe certain plans and methods - seemingly effective in the secular realm - might work better than what God has outlined?
Second-guessing God can be dangerous business. A man named Uzzah would emphatically agree, if he could. So, let's lift a phrase from an ancient story that serves as an important guide today - and always: His plan, His way. May you be blessed in doing both.
Steve
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
September 17, 2013
Apply yourself. That's the advice I often heard about school work while growing up. Like many - if not most - young people, I spent far more time questioning the value of the curriculum than applying myself diligently to learn it.
"Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, And apply your mind to my knowledge; For it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, That they may be ready on your lips. So that your trust may be in the LORD, I have taught you today, even you." (Proverbs 22.17-19)
The wise advice, "apply yourself", very definitely applies in the area of biblical truth. Jesus often stated, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." (i.e, Matthew 11.15) There is wisdom in being an attentive listener; one who truly hears and allows truth to penetrate heart and mind. To truly hear is to "apply your mind", gain insight, and keep truth within - to be lived out in daily life. Internalized truth provides us with a ready and wise answer and, ultimately, true trust in the LORD.
I fear than many dabble in biblical truth, when instead they should be enrolled in it as they would in a college or university course. God's truth is far too important to merely sample and casually read. The "university of truth" is a course for living that demands our best efforts. "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2.15) Apply yourself.
The danger with dabbling in truth is that it in no way prepares us to discern error. Deception prevention requires diligence. And, nothing could be more unwise than to divert from the pathway to the kingdom.
The most tempting shortcut - in both school work and biblical study - is to cheat by using someone else' work. While a passing school grade can be deceptively obtained this way, it will never work in the realm of biblical truth. Personally handling, studying, and applying God's word is all that can, and will, work. There is no such thing as secondhand truth. Either you have personally grappled with it and claimed it, or you have not.
I've often asked people, "what do you believe strongly enough that you would be willing to die for?" I believe it to be an important question, because such passionate beliefs will not come from secondhand knowledge and information. That which we believe that passionately is that which we have diligently studied, applied, and embodied.
Apply yourself. Every believer is enrolled in God's "university of truth". As such, we each are accountable for what we have done in our course of study. May we "approved to God", with no cause to be ashamed, when the time of accounting comes.
Steve
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Monday musings
Plenty of people are fascinated by it, but most have great difficulty understanding it. The Book of Revelation, with its vivid and sometimes bizarre images, has perplexed many for nearly two thousand years. Is it about the future, things already fulfilled, or an allegory depicting the triumph of good over evil? Regardless of its meaning, there are blessing reserved for those who read and observe its message:
"Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near." (Revelation 1:3)
The human writer of Revelation, the apostle John, identifies himself as, "I, John, your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance which are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus." (Revelation 1:9)
John states three things which we share together in as followers of Christ: (1) tribulation; (2) the kingdom; (3) perseverance. John was intimately familiar with all three as he recorded these words from his lonely exile on the island of Patmos. His motivation was at the heart of these three things - his participation in the kingdom. He says,
"He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father--to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. BEHOLD, HE IS COMING WITH THE CLOUDS, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen." (Revelation 1:6-7)
If we are to suffer and endure for something, it had better be worthwhile! John knew his participation in the kingdom, and anticipation of the Second Coming of Jesus, was well worth it. Having sat directly under the teaching of Jesus, he understood the radical kingdom plan. John knew that this plan was the most important life-changing plan in all the world, and no amount of suffering was too much to deter him from sharing in it. Oh, that we might see it as John did!
John is instructed by Jesus to "Therefore write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after these things." (Revelation 1:19). Revelation is a fascinating account of things past, present and yet future.
In this time of great turmoil and upheaval in our world, it is reassuring to look at the authoritative word of God and be reminded of the "big picture" kingdom plan. As we live, serve, and endure, we eagerly await the inauguration of the restoration plan at the coming of Jesus. Even so come, Lord Jesus!
Steve
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Today's devotional
Love is a verb, contrary to the fact that most people consider it to be an emotion. It's not so much about how you FEEL as about what you DO.
"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." (1 John 4.7-11)
The call to love one another, based on God's example and precedent, is far more than warm feelings for one another. It is not a call to invoke emotion, but rather definitive action. It is well stated in the previous chapter: "let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth." (1 John 3.18)
Genuine love is costly. It involves something of sacrifice, and service. The precedent is clearly seen in the best-known Bible verse - John 3.16: "for God so loved the world that He gave ..." Imagine that His love was only expressed in fond feelings for us from a distance. I shudder to think how utterly lost we would be if that were the extent of His love!
The call to love one another is a call to deliberate action and strategy. It is not unreasonable for us to ask ourselves, then: What specific steps and plans do I have in place for actively loving the people of God? If someone were to look at my schedule, plans, and activities this day, would it be abundantly clear that active love is my priority? Would there be evidence of sacrificial love in action?
There is an old saying that "love isn't love until you give it away". The love we are called to exhibit - agape, from the Greek language - is exactly that, and is precisely described by Jesus: "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends."
May the love we exhibit to and for the people of God be actively expressed through humble service.
Steve
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
September 10, 2013
It was a literal life and death struggle. The hunter was driven with murderous intent. The hunted, however, chose mercy instead of revenge.
"May the LORD judge between you and me, and may the LORD avenge me on you; but my hand shall not be against you. As the proverb of the ancients says, 'Out of the wicked comes forth wickedness '; but my hand shall not be against you." (1 Samuel 24.12-13)
Paranoid King Saul knew that his days as king of Israel were numbered. God's Spirit and presence had departed from him, and a young shepherd boy named David had been anointed and empowered. It was only a matter of time until he would ascend as king. Meanwhile, the reigning king sought to prevent the inevitable by putting David to death. Twice David had opportunity to kill his opponent, but his resolute vow was that his hand would not be against the king.
The story of Saul and David's perilous conflict reminds us of the great temptation of revenge. Few things are harder than not seeking revenge when we've been wronged. As such, few things are more challenging than David's response, or Jesus' words on the subject:
"Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5.10-12)
Let's face it: sometimes we are mistreated because we deserve it! A less-than-loving comment or gesture rightfully stirs the ire of someone else. But, we often are opposed simply because we are a child of God. A state of war exists between the children of the evil one and the children of God, and the specific reasons for conflict are often not apparent. As such, it's easy to be hurt, wounded, and desiring revenge. But, our resolute conviction needs to be that of David: "my hand shall not be against you." And, not only must our hand not be against our enemy, but our thoughts either. Difficult is it may be, we must maintain a reconciling stance to those opposed to us, because God seeks to make His appeal through us (2 Corinthians 5.20).
In the face of the opposition that likely will come our way today, may God's Spirit bolster us, and inspire a godly response. And, may that godly response be instrumental in winning someone for the king and the kingdom today.
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
today's devotional
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans", goes the saying. Lots of energy is spent strategizing, but life circumstances often steer us in a radically different direction. But, that direction is more than coincidental:
"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD'S purpose that prevails." (Proverbs 19:21)
Some plans are merely "plans on paper", so to speak. They are carefully arranged, and logically ordered, but never executed. Other plans have a certain energy and drive; they are passionate plans. These are plans that drive us to execute them, and all the necessary steps seem to fall into place. These are plans with a sense of destiny. These prevail, because they are marked by the LORD's purpose.
Plans can be deceptive. In our minds, we can be convinced that they bear the mark of God. But, amidst the process of seeking to implement them, it becomes apparent that they bear the mark of the human rather than the divine. We may not be able to see what others near to us clearly see: these are our plans, and not God's purposes. As such, there is much wisdom in this verse:
"Listen to counsel and accept discipline, That you may be wise the rest of your days." (Proverbs 19:20)
Perspective is easily obscured when we're too close to the situation. Those close to us can more readily see what we cannot see. Therefore, we are wise to listen to their counsel, and accept correction to our plans.
Few things in life are more precious than loving friends whom we can trust to tell us what we honestly need to know. Criticism is always difficult to accept. But, it is much more palatable when it comes from those we absolutely know to be concerned for our total well-being. Such friendship and counsel is absolutely essential to wise living.
The pathway to the Kingdom of God is more than ours alone; it's shaped by those who care, counsel, and correct.The Lord's purpose truly prevails, but it often prevails through the counsel and correction of others.
May your plans be marked with the purpose of God, and may you be open to the counsel and correction of loved ones through whom those purposes will prevail.
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Today's devotional
The proof is in the action. Talk is often cheap, but the real measure is what gets done. The bottom line is simply this: faith works.
"faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. " (James 2:17)
Real faith takes action. Faith that does not express itself in action is stone-cold dead; non-existent. Faith, by itself, is simply some abject philosophy; devoid of true reality. Real belief always behaves in a certain way. A case study is our father in the faith, Abraham. Consider what is said about him:
"Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, 'AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS,' and he was called the friend of God." (James 2.21-23)
Faith moved this godly man to action. Unswerving faith in Yahweh God prompted the almost-unthinkable act of the sacrifice of his only son. And, because this resolute faith moved him to extraordinary action, God "credited his spiritual account" with righteousness - overlooking faults and flaws in light of this overwhelming faith.
Faith follow-through is the true determining factor in our lives. Sterile theology, in and of itself, accomplishes nothing. "You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder." (James 2.19)
The challenge before each of us is to look closely at our lives for the evidence of faith being expressed in works. What exactly am I doing in response to what I believe? Could someone look at my life and see my faith by my lifestyle and actions? Is there abundantly evident fruit, or is my faith mere idle talk? Let's not fool ourselves; faith without operational works is no more possible than life without breath in our lungs. "For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead." (James 2:26) If faith is real, it is doing something.
It is far too easy to "grade on the curve" concerning the real measure of our lives. We easily give ourselves plenty of credit for good intentions, but God weighs us by the actions that flow from the intentions.
Faith must express itself in action for it to be true faith. Where is your faith taking you today?
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
