January 29, 2014
Make sure that the main thing is the main thing. What's important for the success of a business is important for effectiveness in the Christian life.
"Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you; and that we will be rescued from perverse and evil men; for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one." (2 Thessalonians 3:1-3)
The "the main thing" for the apostle Paul was always the advancement of the word of God. His life was a living testimony to this top-priority purpose. And yet, he knew it was not a work to be achieved through human effort alone; that's why he sought the prayer support of the people of God. God's work was to be done through His resources.
What could be accomplished today if we made "the main thing the main thing"? What if our central focus was to pray, and be prayed for, that "the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified"?
The thought of evangelism and outreach is often met with hesitation and trepidation. Excuses such as, "I don't know enough about the Bible to talk to others about it", or "I don't want to make others uncomfortable with this kind of conversation", are common objections. Such concerns arise when the work is considered strictly from a human standpoint. That's where the key priority of prayer comes in. Paul sought spiritual empowering and opportunity for the gospel. Through prayer, he wasn't so much a gospel initiator as a gospel responder. He was ready and available, but only stepped through divinely opened doors of opportunity (i.e, Acts 16.9-10)
What would happen if we made Paul's prayer request in 2 Thessalonians 3 our prayer request? (perhaps it already is) What if we sought the prayer support of others that "the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified" in and through us? The possibilities bristle with excitement!
With a clear recognition that the word of the Lord is essentially "testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets" (Acts 28:23), let us resolve to be consumed - in prayer and activity - with this great purpose.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2014
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
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January 28, 2014
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it" (George Santayana). The greatest history lessons are those which instruct us to choose more wisely than those who have gone before us. Such are the great lessons to be learned from Bible history.
The apostle Paul takes us to history class in 1 Corinthians 10, and reminds us of some key mistakes made by the people of Israel. Disobedience resulted in an unnecessary forty-year wilderness journey. And yet, God provided miraculous food and drink for them during this time. "Nevertheless, with most of them God was not well-pleased; for they were laid low in the wilderness. Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved." (1 Corinthians 10.5-6)
Applying he history lesson, Paul states: "Do not be idolaters, as some of them were ... Nor let us act immorally, as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day. Nor let us try the Lord, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the serpents. Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer." (1 Corinthians 10.7-10). Poignantly driving the point home, Paul adds: "Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come." (1 Corinthians 10.11) Those who saw the abundant power and provision of Yahweh God somehow digressed to abominable practices of idolatry, immorality, testing, and grumbling. Arrogance and ingratitude seemed to have been pervading attitudes that contributed to their demise, and serve as warning lessons for us today.
Paul's history class is rich with lessons for us today. For starters, he reminds us that we are those "upon whom the ends of the ages have come." Extended as this period of time is, it is the last act of human history. We are those living under the final administration of God before the dawn of the kingdom of God on earth. It's imperative that we view life from that perspective. As we do so, it's important to face the challenges and temptations of this age: "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it." (1 Corinthians 10.13). We are not immune to the mistakes of God's people in other times, but neither are we doomed to repeat their mistakes. Honestly and humbly facing our common temptations, and trusting our faithful Father, is crucial.
In many ways, there are unique challenges and issues that we face at this tumultuous time in history. And yet, underlying the issues are common and timeless temptations. May we be faithful, and faithful trust, as we seek to live victoriously.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2014
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book - https://www.createspace.com/4500045
January 22, 2014
If it's for show, then it's a no-go. "Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 6.1)
Blatant showy 'spirituality', such as sounding a trumpet when giving to the poor (Matthew 6.2), or praying aloud on a street corner, would be personally appalling to most people. But, we might succumb to more subtle forms of practicing our "righteousness before men to be noticed by them". For example, we might speak and position ourselves in group Bible study to appear more knowledgeable than we really are. Or, we might use a different voice or vocabulary in a public prayer to intimate a closer relationship with God than really exists.
Who we are in private is the real test of who we really are. When we are alone, do our thoughts readily turn to our Father? Are we drawn to ponder certain verses and Bible passages? Of course there are mental battles waged when we are alone - unimportant, and even evil thoughts and ideas creep in. But, do we resist or indulge these thoughts in our privacy?
The best remedy for inconsistency between our public and private self is the model prayer given to us by Jesus (Matthew 6.9-13). Focus on our Father, and His holy name. Pray and meditate on the priority of His kingdom on earth as in heaven. Seek His daily provision. Be aware of personal need and practice of forgiveness. Seek victory over temptation and evil.
We are all prone to a certain degree of hypocrisy and inconsistency. Our private times with our Father will do much to bring harmony and consistency in public practice and private thought. Who we are alone before Him is who we really are. May an honest encounter with Him today do much to bring real integrity and consistency to our lives.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2014
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book - https://www.createspace.com/4500045
January 21, 2014
Singular purpose. Find the one thing that matters most, and intensely pour energy and effort into it.
"I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3.12-14)
The focus and passionate pursuit is evident in the phrase, "one thing I do". Not, "one of many things"; "one thing". The "one thing" involved relinquishing the past - both failures and achievements. The "one thing" was proactive effort to attain the resurrection call of God in Christ Jesus. This singular purpose was the focus of Paul's undeterred effort. Nothing would prevent or sidetrack him.
It's been said that the past is prologue. The past is beneficial only so much as it positions us for today's best effort. Yesterday's walk with our Father, and His Son, cannot substitute for today's encounter. Today's encounter is vitally important in light of the important goal and purpose of the upward call on resurrection day.
Is your focus clearly on the great focus which was Paul's? Is that focus keeping you on the great race track of the Christian life, and preventing you for wandering away on side excursions that are unimportant?
Paul was ever pressing on to "lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus". Coming to terms with the call and plan of Christ for his life was an utmost priority. And so it should be for us. We have been rescued so that we might serve His purposes. And therein is the great secret to fulfillment and contentment in the Christian life.
To borrow from Paul, "press on"! Today is a unique opportunity, unlike any other day. May we passionately pursue purpose, and never lose sight of the great goal that infuses this day - and every day - with energy and meaning.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2014
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book - https://www.createspace.com/4500045
January 15, 2014
The modern mantra is, "don't get mad; get even". In the gun-toting region I live in, an incident of road rage a few years ago resulted in the shooting death of one of the drivers; later ruled self-defense.
Revenge is natural; returning good for evil is literally a supernatural response. And, this is the very response God's people are called to make:
"If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; For you will heap burning coals on his head, And the LORD will reward you." (Proverbs 25:21-22) This very passage is echoed in the words of Romans twelve, as we are admonished to forgo revenge in view of God's ultimate judgement and justice.
We might conclude that God's people are called to be the ultimate doormats - passive in the face of injustice, and mistreated by all who would abuse them. And, while our example is Him who "while being reviled, He did not revile in return" (1 Peter 2.23), we are called to an active response to injustice. Retaliation to specific offenses is to be replaced with the overarching lifestyle of active good: " Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12.21)
There is no greater good than to carry the life-changing gospel (Acts 8.12) to those who are enemies of God. I was recently reminded that this great soul-saving work is reflected in Jesus' Beatitude, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." (Matthew 5.9) The true peacemakers are not those who broker an end to hostilities between nations, but those who bring peace to warring people through the reconciling gospel.
The response to the great injustice so evident in today's world, is greater fervor with the gospel message. "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) May we faithfully partner with God's Messiah, and be "lovely feet" who bring good news to all who desperately need it.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2014
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book - https://www.createspace.com/4500045
January 8, 2014
This moment is pregnant with potential. Yesterday's opportunity is gone, and tomorrow's may never arrive. But, in this moment, amazing things can happen.
"Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near." (Isaiah 55.6)
This moment holds potential for a life-changing encounter with our Creator and Father. Abraham, in a moment, heard the call of God to the land of promise (Genesis 12.1-3), and life was never the same again. Moses was tending the flocks of his father-in-law, and, in a moment, encountered God through a burning bush (Exodus 3.1-2). Life took on a new purpose and mission.
God certainly will not force an encounter with us; we must be ready, willing, and attentive. He reveals Himself to the responsive: "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46.10 KJV)
Will you make time in your day to be still enough to anticipate an encounter with your Father? A step of faith and obedience is what He requires: "without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him." (Hebrews 11.6) Our Father's prerequisite is resolute faith in His existence, His availability to us in the moment, and desire to reward the diligent seeker.
Truly this moment is pregnant with potential. Our Father is waiting for us to wait upon Him. We are but a moment away from a life-changing encounter.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2014
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book - https://www.createspace.com/4500045
January 8, 2014
This moment is pregnant with potential. Yesterday's opportunity is gone, and tomorrow's may never arrive. But, in this moment, amazing things can happen.
"Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near." (Isaiah 55.6)
This moment holds potential for a life-changing encounter with our Creator and Father. Abraham, in a moment, heard the call of God to the land of promise (Genesis 12.1-3), and life was never the same again. Moses was tending the flocks of his father-in-law, and, in a moment, encountered God through a burning bush (Exodus 3.1-2). Life took on a new purpose and mission.
God certainly will not force an encounter with us; we must be ready, willing, and attentive. He reveals Himself to the responsive: "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46.10 KJV)
Will you make time in your day to be still enough to anticipate an encounter with your Father? A step of faith and obedience is what He requires: "without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him." (Hebrews 11.6) Our Father's prerequisite is resolute faith in His existence, His availability to us in the moment, and desire to reward the diligent seeker.
Truly this moment is pregnant with potential. Our Father is waiting for us to wait upon Him. We are but a moment away from a life-changing encounter.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2014
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book - https://www.createspace.com/4500045
January 2, 2014
A new year is an opportunity to explore new territory. In a figurative sense, the "land" of a new year stretches before us, clean and unmarred. So, a new year offers a great opportunity to clearly focus on the territory we will travel to and through.
In Jesus' great Sermon On the Mount, he declares, "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth." (Matthew 5.5) The meek and gentle are promised an earthly inheritance. Jesus based this statement, no doubt, on a well-known Psalm - Psalm thirty-seven. Notice the prominence and similarity of these land promises: "those who wait for the LORD, they will inherit the land ... the humble will inherit the land ... The righteous will inherit the land And dwell in it forever ... He will exalt you to inherit the land" (Psalm 37.9, 11, 29, 34) Jesus reemphasized the great truth in Psalm thirty-seven of the blessing of inheriting the earth in the coming kingdom of God.
I suggest that this verse should serve as an important theme verse for the new year: "Trust in the LORD and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness." (Psalm 37.3) Trust in Yahweh God is absolutely a key. None of us knows what the years holds, but our assurance is that our Father will prove faithful to His people, and will provide and protect. His desire is that we "do good" - pursue cultivating His character in our lives through His Spirit. And, the land we dwell in is His domain - the kingdom that is both now and not yet. As we live in that land this year, our priority is to "cultivate faithfulness".
What will be your "kingdom project" this year? A specific commitment to service and outreach? To deliberately be discipled, and to disciple someone else? Resolute commitment to study and apply His word? Concentrated focus on intercessory prayer? Greater commitment to building up the body of Christ?
"Trust in the LORD and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness." My prayer is that this verse will guide you in the "land" that is this new year, and that it will be synonymous with the territory of the kingdom of God that is, and is to come. We cannot go wrong if this is our resolute priority.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2014
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book - https://www.createspace.com/4500045
