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EXPERIENCING TOMORROW'S REALITY TODAY -- Daily Bible Study Devotionals

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

February 26, 2014

It’s not so much about where you’ve been, but where you are now. Yesterday’s accomplishments and victories are to be savored so as to provide motivation for today’s activities and efforts.

“So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, ‘If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.’ ” (John 8.31-32)

A key word to note in these verses is the word “HAD” (past tense). Apparently Jesus was in the company of those who had previously reached a verdict as to His identity. Commendable as that was, the imperative for today was for them to continue in His word, and thus prove to be His disciples. That ongoing obedience would be instrumental in knowing the truth, and being liberated by it. Unfortunately, if we continue reading the following verses (verses 33-59), we discover that their belief was in the past, and the present reality is contempt and hatred toward Jesus. Past belief was no guarantee of daily obedience. 

There is an important principle here for each of us. Our commitment to Christ is only as good as where we stand with it today. Yesterday may have been a spiritual “high” — with heartfelt prayer, life-changing Bible study, and genuine service. But, if that white-hot flame of commitment is today reduced to dying embers, then yesterday’s triumph is a mere fading memory that provides little value today.

I’ve shared in conversations that sounded like a spiritual museum tour. The focus was on precious spiritual encounters and breakthroughs in the past that were displayed to be relished. Sadly, such conversations were about the past, rather than the present. 

Where we have been in our spiritual journey is interesting and important. But, what is happening in the moment is the great priority. What has God’s word said to you today? What conversation have you had with the Lord Jesus today? What service avenue are you pursuing today? How are you seeking first the kingdom now? These are the key questions and issues before us today, in the moment. May this moment and day be infused with true spiritual vitality.

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

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

February 25, 2014

What’s on your mind? Sounds like a loaded question, doesn’t it? At any moment, most of us are mulling over a myriad of thoughts. But, this question is about getting down to that which is most basic. 

"those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.” (Romans 8.5) 

Essentially, the question before us is: do I have a spiritual mindset, or a worldly one? If I were to categorize my thoughts, are they primarily focused on the things of God, or the things of the world? 

“For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.” (Romans 8.6-9)

Mindset is monumentally important. “For as he thinks within himself, so he is.” (Proverbs 23.7) The tremendous advantage a child of God has is that of a Spirit of God mindset. It produces “life and peace”. Without this Spirit mindset, it is as impossible to please God in thought as it is for water and oil to mix. Our natural mindset is radically opposed to the mind of God.

The fundamental difference between a child of God and a non-believer is this area of mindset. To belong to Christ is to have the Spirit of God dwelling within, generating a new mentality. And, this mindset is to be cultivated and nurtured: “do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12.2) For this reason, we are challenged to mentally cultivate the life of the Spirit by choosing the mindset of “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise” (Philippians 4.8)

We are what we think. Thankfully, believers enjoy the privilege of a Spirit mindset. But, it is a continual choice to nurture that mindset. A continuous mental diet of anxious, sensual, violent, and exploitative thoughts will seriously hinder the life-giving and peaceful mindset of the Spirit. May Spirit-directed thoughts be a blessing to you today, and to others you impact today.

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

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

February 18, 2014

Nothing worthwhile is easy. I’ve often admired talented musicians, and wanted to play guitar or piano like them. But, the unseen reality is that countless hours of disciplined practice produced the skills admired and appreciated. My desire thus far has never quite matched my discipline.

The pathway to the kingdom of God is also one of disciplined preparation. Granted, we enter through God’s abundant grace, which we could never produce on our own. But, pursuing this pathway of grace required personal discipline and perseverance.

“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7.13-14)

The gate and the path are provided, but it requires a decisive step on our part. A theological understanding of “gate-ology” and “path-ology” may be interesting, but eternal life is found in the actual pursuit and walk. The act of deliberately entering is key.

In the original language, both “narrow” and “small” literally mean “groaning”. We enter into the kingdom of God through the “gate of groaning”. It’s not that Jesus wants to put a damper on anyone’s enthusiasm, but rather to provide a realistic expectation. The apostle Paul echoed these sentiments when he said, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God." (Acts 14.22) Anyone who tells you it is cake-walk time from baptism to resurrection isn’t being honest, or faithful to the Bible’s teaching! 

The disciplines we are committed to are the real measure of our lives. The essence is not what we say, but we actually do (“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter." Matthew 7.21) 

I will always be entertained and inspired by gifted musicians. But, it is not likely I will ever have even the slightest chance of joining their ranks unless I make a radical commitment to the discipline of practice. God forbid that I should admire the prospects of life in the coming kingdom age without committing myself to the disciplines of appropriating that life and grace in my life. May you and I so desire that gift that we carefully discipline our lives today.

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

Wednesday, February 05, 2014

February 5, 2014

With privilege comes responsibility. As those who possess an abundance of the world’s wealth, we have a responsibility to do far more than savor our good fortune in a land of plenty. 

"Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.” (1 Timothy 6.17-19)

It’s easy enough to rationalize that those who are poor are that way because of poor choices. Perhaps, but such an opinion easily rises from sheer arrogance. As they are, so we easily can be. Few things are as fickle and uncertain as wealth: “When you set your eyes on it, it is gone. For wealth certainly makes itself wings Like an eagle that flies toward the heavens.” (Proverbs 23.5) 

So, the priority for those with an abundance must be upon the Giver, and not the gift. The responsibility that must accompany our privilege is to “do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.” We have been blessed to be a blessing. Wealth frees us to share, and invest in good works that benefit the mission and purposes of the kingdom. 

Jesus wisely said, “for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6.21) If we treasure our treasure, we can easily miss the kingdom. But, if we treasure investing our treasure for the king and the kingdom, our heart is in the right place. 

Even the poorest among us is vastly richer than the majority of the world’s citizens. May we wisely invest what we have to best benefit the cause of the kingdom.

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

Tuesday, February 04, 2014

February 4, 2014

It’s easy to lose sight of the big picture of justice. The wealthy and powerful exploit the weak and the poor, and there’s little indication that fact will change. As such, there is powerful appeal to resort to the same tactics to try and get ahead in life. 

"Do not let your heart envy sinners, But live in the fear of the LORD always. Surely there is a future, And your hope will not be cut off." (Proverbs 23:17-18)

Personally, the great appeal of the message of the kingdom of God is the focus it brings to my life. I constantly battle cynicism concerning present local, national, and international circumstances. Unjust situations scream at my conscience, and threaten to drive me nearly insane. Were it not for the long view of the kingdom, cynicism would triumph.

"Surely there is a future, And your hope will not be cut off.” Mark those words well. They are not without conditions ("To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God.” Revelation 2.7) Based on that condition, these are words of assurance from the One who uniquely is faithful. We can “go to the bank” on His promise. So, as the writer of Proverbs urges, "live in the fear of Yahweh always”. The ultimate outcome prompts this priority response today. 

Awe and respect of Yahweh God provides today’s guidance, and safeguards against cynicism. That which is now is not what will be. The true essence and reality is found in our faithful and patient Creator Father. To respect Him is to find sure navigation through today’s challenges.

The more we know the kingdom and the King, the less the appeal of the success of the sinner. May the set of our sail be toward the king and the kingdom as we navigate life today.

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