November 27, 2013
Who hasn't pondered the question, "why is life so unfair"? The wicked oppress and succeed, and the righteous are often victimized by those more powerful and wealthy. A wise man once keenly observed:
"There is futility which is done on the earth, that is, there are righteous men to whom it happens according to the deeds of the wicked. On the other hand, there are evil men to whom it happens according to the deeds of the righteous. I say that this too is futility." (Ecclesiastes 8.14)
It appears that the righteous are often punished, while the wicked are rewarded. Indeed; this too IS futility. If justice and fairness are to be considered only from that which is observable, then life is horribly flawed and unfair. Such is the perspective when our Creator is exempted from our viewpoint.
"Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and may lengthen his life, still I know that it will be well for those who fear God, who fear Him openly." (Ecclesiastes 8.12)
A faith perspective reasons that it is ultimately better to fear (respect) our Creator. For those who do so, "it will be well" (sounds like an old hymn, doesn't it?). Against the backdrop of life's unfairness, God's people navigate through life by the faith that reasons that God is the rewarder of the righteous, and punishes the wicked.
May the unseen reality of the goodness of our Father guide us today - and always - and spare us from the cynicism that easily comes to those who only view the observable world.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook devotional - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
November 26, 2013
Before you pick up stones to throw, hear me out on this one: sometimes I don't think sin is a big deal. In an age of blurred absolutes, and minimal consequences, sin is almost non-existent. Even those of us with a working definition of sin can much too easily confess and move on. Bonhoeffer well described it as "cheap grace".
Perhaps sin would seem more harsh and real if we lived in an era when dragging one of our prized livestock to the temple was the consequence. This inconvenience, both in time and money, would certainly give ample opportunity to think about the problem of sin. And then there would be the priest at the temple we would hand our animal sacrifice over to. Talk about a busy man! His daily routine consisted of following the meticulous details of sacrifices on behalf of a steady stream of sinful people (himself included). Thank God we don't live in that era. We live in God's "new administration", in which One priest has fully paid the price.
"He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens; who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once for all when He offered up Himself." (Hebrews 7:25-27)
Gone are the days of a continuous parade of people to a temple with appropriate sin sacrifices. Once and for all, the sinless Son and priest paid the price, and now sits victoriously at the right hand of the Father. And what He does now is as amazing as what He did before on our behalf: "He always lives to make intercession for them". Our Incomparable Savior isn't just sitting at the right hand of the Father, twiddling His thumbs, as He awaits the call to return to planet earth. No, His life is consumed with appropriating the resources of heaven to help us, His frail children.
Perhaps sin isn't a big deal to us in this age of grace. Freed from the rigors of a system that demanded regular sacrifices, it's much too easy to cheapen God's lavish grace. But, the truly grateful relish the life of the Spirit, and passionately pursuit holiness. They savor the strength that comes from a diligent Intercessor at the Father's right hand.
May our Father's great grace, and our Savior's unfailing intercession, powerfully motivate us to be living sacrifices this day.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook devotional - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
Monday musings
Instant communication is the norm in our day and age. Instant messaging, social media, email, cellphones, and live audio/video chat are all readily available, and heavily used. Never has such a quantity of information been shared. The quality of information shared, however, is another matter. Social media, in particular, has become a major outlet for daily mundane information.
"How lovely on the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who announces peace And brings good news of happiness, Who announces salvation, And says to Zion, "Your God reigns!" (Isaiah 52:7)
What if those whose vantage point is "the mountains" - the elevated position enjoyed by the people of God - utilized today's technological communication methods to bring good news? Fact is, there are many who do this very thing. But, the proliferation of these modern communication methods allow every believer to do so.
The content to be communicated is very clear from Isaiah 52.7. The "good news" of "peace", "happiness", "salvation", and "Your God reigns" can be nothing other than the message of the kingdom of God. A solution is coming for all of planet earth's ills, and the downtrodden of the world so desperately need to hear this good news! This salvation message shines like a bright beacon of light against the gathering dark clouds of the end of this final era.
How could the people of God be an army of "good news bearers", armed with today's communication technology? It only requires basic Bible understanding, a burden for the lost, and initiative with today's tools. Those who are responsive can then be lovingly and deliberately discipled.
Both the goods news, and the tools to communicate it, our in our hands. What will you do today with what you have been entrusted with?
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook devotional - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
November 20, 2013
Family reunions are special celebrations. Coming together with people who know us well, and share a common history and heritage, is an encouraging experience. For that reason, a coming family reunion is something to especially anticipate.
"So the ransomed of the LORD will return And come with joyful shouting to Zion, And everlasting joy will be on their heads. They will obtain gladness and joy, And sorrow and sighing will flee away. I, even I, am He who comforts you. (Isaiah 51.11-12).
The coming kingdom will be the greatest family reunion of all time. As exiles living in this present world system, we will one day assemble together in Zion - Israel and Jerusalem - and share together with our King, and with each other. Stating that there will be "joyful shouting" is an understatement! Completely freed from every encumbrance of this age, we will indeed be crowned with "everlasting joy". Gladness and joy will eclipse the sorrow and sighing of this age.
That which we anticipate we prepare for. Those of us at a distance need plan for travel to a family reunion. Plane tickets must be purchased, and vacation time reserved. Similarly, the kingdom of God reunion is something to plan for. We live in such a way as to be ready for it. We forsake certain worldly indulgences, and cultivate a God-pleasing lifestyle. We invest time, money, and energy, in this upcoming reunion. We do all that we can to enlarge the family - through witness and evangelism. In a phrase, we "seek first the kingdom and His righteousness" (Matthew 6.33). We let nothing detract us from the event of events.
May we see more than today's events and activities. Amidst all that this day involves, may we glimpse the great event on the horizon that matters more than anything else we will do today. May the kingdom family reunion sustain and powerfully motivate you today as you eagerly anticipate it.
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook devotional - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
November 19, 2013
Life is hard, and then you die. Depressing thoughts, aren't they? But, that's exactly the way life is aside of our Creator.
"All a man's labor is for his mouth and yet the appetite is not satisfied. For what advantage does the wise man have over the fool? What advantage does the poor man have, knowing how to walk before the living? What the eyes see is better than what the soul desires. This too is futility and a striving after wind." (Ecclesiastes 6.7-9)
King Solomon conducted an "experiment" to try and determine life's meaning and purpose: "I said to myself, 'Come now, I will test you with pleasure. So enjoy yourself.' " (Ecclesiastes 2.1) Of all that he tried, his conclusion was the same: "and behold, it too was futility." (i.e., Ecclesiastes 2.1). Life is full of inconsistency and inequality. Removing our Creator from the picture always leads to a cynical and pessimistic view of life.
You and I daily encounter people who have done as Solomon did in his "experiment" - they only view that which appears visible in life. They see a wounded world, and fail to see it as it once was - and will again be one day. The world between Eden and the kingdom is one of shattered hopes and dreams, but thankfully is only a transition from perfection past to perfection to come. Unless it is viewed with eyes of faith and hope, it will indeed leave us declaring with Solomon, "Vanity of vanities! All is vanity." (Ecclesiastes 1.2)
As people of faith and hope, our perspective must be that of Abraham, our father in the faith: "By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob,fellow heirs of the same promise; for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God." (Hebrews 11.9-10) We are pilgrims on a journey toward the coming kingdom. Often the journey is difficult, and even heart-breaking, but it IS a journey - not the destination. One day - in a sudden glorious moment - God's kingdom will break through the brokenness of this age, and overshadow the earth with life and vitality such as has never been seen. This is the ultimate reality that causes us to live in hope, rather than despair.
Lift up your eyes, fellow pilgrim. We are on a difficult journey, but we see the destination beyond that beckons us. God's kingdom is just around the corner.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook devotional - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
Monday musings
Everyone eventually trades in formula for forks and knives. The process of growth demands that we eventually nourish ourselves with solid food. And, the same goes spiritually:
"For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil." (Hebrews 5.13-14)
The habit of feeding on God's word equips us to distinguish between good and evil. But, we can digress. The original audience that Hebrews was written to had done that very thing: "you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food." (Hebrews 5.11-12)
These believers had "tuned out" biblical instruction, and had digressed. While they should have progressed to being teachers, they instead needed basic instruction themselves. They had reverted back to a need for spiritual baby formula.
It's as basic as this: we either progress, or we digress, spiritually. No one stands still. We dig deeper into God's word, or we grow weary of reading, and gloss over familiar passages. And, as we grow "dull of hearing", we lose our ability to distinguish between right and wrong.
Where are you today spiritually? Do you have a genuine appetite for devouring God's word in study, or is it a casual pursuit? Or, does your Bible remain closed on a shelf or table much of the time? There is a direct correlation between time spent in the Bible and spiritual growth and progress. Basic as this truth is, it is amazing how many believe they can progress spiritually aside of personal Bible study time! Personal service, hearing sermons, listening to lessons, and reading Christian literature all are easily considered adequate for spiritual growth. While these may serve as supplements, they can never be one's main diet. God's word - and His word alone - is the necessary spiritual diet for growth.
The challenge before us today is to read, and dig in, to the word of God. Not a mere five-minute reading, but a study in which we grapple with word meanings, and consider cross-references. And, above all, a serious consideration of the question: "what action and response does this passage require of me?"
May we be spiritually progressive today as we intentionally feed ourselves on His word.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook devotional - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
November 13, 2013
Few things are as encouraging and helpful as someone who truly understands us, and our situation. Savvy as they are in the business world, Bill Gates, Donald Trump, or Warren Buffett probably couldn't relate to our financial struggles and situation.
A distorted view of Jesus can also cause us to see Him as one who doesn't truly understand us. The "fully-God-in-human-form" belief makes Him out to be One who couldn't possibly sin or fail. And, as such, He can't possibly relate to us frail and imperfect humans. Consider, however, this true reality:
"For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:15-16)
Pause for a moment and zero in on this amazing statement: "tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin". Perhaps it's a little troubling to think of God's Son struggling with things like greed, lust, anger, and envy. Granted, He overcame these things, but He actually grappled with them - as we do. Wouldn't you just love to ask Him, "How did you do it? How did you overcome? How did you avoid succumbing to that which I have not always been successful with?" The specifics of HOW aren't nearly as important as the fact that He DID overcome. And, since He did, "He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted". Uniquely knowing our weakness and need puts Him in the ideal position to appropriate the resources of our Father to help us overcome.
It is a huge encouragement to know today that whatever struggle or temptation comes our way is well understood by the One who pleads our case constantly before the Father. There is nothing that you and I will face that Jesus hasn't already faced. And, because He understands, He readily helps.
The priority today is to "draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need".
The victory is already ours in Him. Go with confidence.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook devotional - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
November 12, 2013
Fear. Depression, with suicidal tendencies. Fatigue. Hunger. Thirst. Isolation. All of these are a recipe for serious trouble. Consider a man who was experiencing all the above mentioned.
The story is chronicled in 1 Kings 19. Elijah, a mighty prophet of God, had just come from a mountaintop experience - literally. Going toe to toe with four hundred and fifty false prophets, Yahweh God validated his cause by causing fire to fall from heaven upon Elijah's altar (1 Kings 18.38). But, on the heels of this great victory, the threat of the queen threw his life into a tailspin: "Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, 'So may the gods do to me and even more, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.' " (1 Kings 19.2). Enter the fear factor: "And he was afraid and arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there." (1 Kings 19.3)
Isolated, exhausted, hungry, thirsty, and depressed, Elijah retreated into the wilderness to indulge in some serious self-pity. Miraculously fed and watered by an angel, he was physically strengthened for a forty-day journey, and an encounter with the living God. Twice questioned by God, Elijah answer was both consistent and telling of his true feelings: "I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts; for the sons of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I alone am left; and they seek my life, to take it away." (1 Kings 19.10)
This man of God - suffering from a serious case of the poor-me's - had every need met by his Father, and returned to service a rejuvenated man.
It can - and does - easily happen to us all. Noble service leaves us empty - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We feel dejected by the very people we are called to serve. We retreat into isolation to nurse our wounds. The dark cloud of depression settles over us.
Elijah's encounter with God was not found in the dramatic, but in a still small voice (1 Kings 19.12-13). Sometimes it's necessary to retreat from the noise of our world to encounter the renewing voice and presence of our Father. When we have burned out and removed ourselves from the realm of activity, we are in the best position to hear, reflect, and renew.
Don't wait until you've experienced Elijah's realm of emotions before you seek renewal. Take time today to retreat into the renewing silence of God's word and presence. Read His word with a real ear for how it applies. Converse and listen from your heart. Know that Almighty God is ready to meet your every need, when you quiet yourself to hear and respond.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook devotional - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
November 6, 2013
It is said that "all the forces in the world are not so powerful as an idea whose time has come." (Victor Hugo)
"There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3.1)
In the cycle of life, there is a certain appropriateness to certain actions. The writer of Ecclesiastes lists the wide variety of options before us all (Ecclesiastes 3.2-8), and indicates that each has its appropriate time.
"He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end." (Ecclesiastes 3.11)
Again stating the rightness of certain actions at certain times, the writer compels us to step back from this lifetime cycle and consider the God-given eternity perspective He has placed in our hearts. And yet - amidst that perspective - we are unable to clearly see the totality of God's complete plan. We know there is something more than life's cycle, but an eternal perspective is clouded.
There is wisdom in living life in harmony with appropriate actions at appropriate times. But, there is even greater wisdom in looking beyond the cycle of activity in this life. No matter how wise we are in knowing what to do when, we miss the big picture if we don't yield to the yearning of eternity within our hearts.
We are creatures of habit and routine. Indeed, we are made to fit within the cycle of life. But, therein potentially lies a great problem: life's routine can easily cause us to overlook the perspective of eternity. Does today's activity matter in the kingdom of God plan? Am I marking time, or investing in things of eternity? An I serving Christ and the kingdom, and myself and my pleasures? Am I investing in the lives of others, or my own comfort?
There is an appropriate time for everything. The challenge today is to consider if this day's activities are appropriate in God's plan. Timing IS everything. What is His timing for your activities today?
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook devotional - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
November 5, 2013
"You've Got A Friend" is a classic song by a well-known musician. The lyrics convey understanding love and support from one good friend to another. They might well have been the words of our truly best friend:
"Now since the children have flesh and blood in common, He also shared in these, so that through His death He might destroy the one holding the power of death-that is, the Devil- and free those who were held in slavery all their lives by the fear of death. For it is clear that He does not reach out to help angels, but to help Abraham's offspring. Therefore He had to be like His brothers in every way, so that He could become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For since He Himself was tested and has suffered, He is able to help those who are tested." (Hebrews 2.14-18 Holman)
Few things are as comforting and helpful as the truth that Jesus really is one of us, who truly "gets" us. He lived on earth as a flesh and blood human, and ultimately offered His life in sacrifice to destroy the Devil and his power over death. Now seated at the right hand of our Father, He graciously offers ongoing help to us, the descendants of Abraham. None is more uniquely qualified to offer help - because of His exalted status, and His keen understanding of human nature.
A sympathetic and understanding friend is truly a blessing. In times of need, it's great to have someone who will listen intently and non-judgmentally. But, good friends can hear and understand, but are often limited as to the specific help needed in our time of crisis. Enter your best friend of all: One who hears, understands, and actually has the needed resources available. You can't find a better friend!
Those of us who know Him as our best friend are deeply grieved for those who don't have the time of day for Him. Tragedy awaits, because He will one day have no time for those who had no time for Him. Few words are more sobering than those many will hear on that day: "I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME" (Matthew 7.23) He is only the best friend of those who have consciously responded to Him in faith and conversion.
You've got a friend. The best investment of time today is to take time to be with that great friend. Have a heart to heart talk about that which matters. Know that He hears you, and be sure that you also hear Him. Rejoice in His understanding, and help.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook devotional - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
Monday musings
They easily seem larger than life; greater than the average human. These are the men and women of renown; those who stand out prominently in the great stories of the Bible. One such man was a prophet named, Elijah. Among the many outstanding feats in his life was stopping rain for three and a half years through prayer.
"Now Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the settlers of Gilead, said to Ahab, 'As the LORD, the God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, surely there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word' ... Now it happened after many days that the word of the LORD came to Elijah in the third year,saying, 'Go, show yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain on the face of the earth.' " (1 Kings 17.1; 18.1)
We can easily be awe-struck by such men and miracles, but the astounding truth is that such deeds are within the realm of possibility for us:
"The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit." (James 5.16-18)
Is it possible that even the forces of nature can be subject to the people of God through prayer? According to James, yes. There was nothing in Elijah's human nature any different from any of us. What marked him as a mighty man was God's power flowing through prayer.
I cannot help but wonder what our Father might do through His people if we were fervently dedicated to the great work of prayer. Perhaps we might be identified with those who "conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight." (Hebrews 11.33-34)
Each of us can be an Elijah. May the God of all possibilities open our minds, and faith, to the possibilities available through prayer.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook devotional - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
