April 30, 2014

Ritual versus real needs. These two ought never to be in conflict but, unfortunately, they sometimes are. 

David, a man after God’s own heart, was once fleeing from his enemies. He and his band of fighting men needed food, and approached a temple priest named Ahimelech for five loaves of bread. “So the priest gave him consecrated bread; for there was no bread there but the bread of the Presence which was removed from before the LORD, in order to put hot bread in its place when it was taken away.” (1 Samuel 21.6)

Many years later, Jesus would reference this incident when He and His disciples were criticized for picking grain on a Sabbath day: “Have you not read what David did when he became hungry, he and his companions, how he entered the house of God, and they ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for him to eat nor for those with him, but for the priests alone?” (Matthew 12.3-4)

God has established certain rituals and observances for our benefit. But, mercy and need always trumps observance of ritual, because this is the true heart of His highest commandments - to wholeheartedly love Him, and our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22.36-40).

It’s been said that good can easily become the enemy of the best. The rituals, habits, and disciplines of the people of God - individually and collectively - are designed for “training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3.16). But, these good things can become the enemy of the best if they stand in the way of urgent and real needs. As is so well summarized by the prophet Micah, “And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6.8). Justice and kindness must walk hand in hand with humble devotion to our God through godly habits and disciplines.

An interesting side note: David requested five loaves of bread for his hungry men. In one of Jesus’ great miracles, He fed over five thousand men,  plus women and children, with five loaves of bread. Is the number coincidental? We have a Savior who is well able to meet the needs of those who are hungry - physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

©Steve Taylor, 2014
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April 29, 2014

Some people delight in serving as God’s parliamentarians. They aspire to be experts in God’s rules and regulations, and serve as self-appointed referees.  They delight in catching and reprimanding ruler-breakers. And, Jesus was often a prime suspect.

The setting was a grain field, ripe for harvest. Jesus’ band of disciples, being hungry, plucked some ripe heads of grain for food - not an illegal activity. The only problem was that it was a sabbath day, and the self-appointed referees cried, “Foul!”, because technically these men were harvesting on a day of rest. Jesus replied and referenced an incident in the life of king David, and a precedent set by God’s priests (Matthew 12.3-5). His response culminated in a stinging rebuttal against these self-righteous referees:

“But if you had known what this means, ‘I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT A SACRIFICE,’ you would not have condemned the innocent.” (Matthew 12.7)

God’s Law and regulations are a pathway to obedience and holiness. Problem is, they too easily become a club in the hands of the legalistic whose desire is to beat all into submission. Such motivation overlooks and abuses God’s overriding desire for compassion.

It is from compassion that God established laws such as the sabbath. A day of rest is proven to be beneficial. Thus, love for a God who has our best interests in mind leads us to break our work routine for a day of rest. But, as Jesus so often demonstrated, any day is a good day to be merciful and compassionate - as His sabbath miracles attest. 

Disciplines are important tools for developing godly character. A disciple is literally a disciplined one. But, when disciplines enslave, and replace compassion and mercy, they have gone too far. 

May the disciplines that aid in developing our Christian character be in harmony with our compassion for people, and our love for their Creator.

©Steve Taylor, 2014
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April 23, 2014

Most of us, at least some time in our lives, have faced an identity crisis. Who am I really? What is my purpose? Why am I here? Here’s an answer that is both simple and profound:

“Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.” (1 Corinthians 4.1-2)

As followers of Christ, we are both servants and stewards. We serve a Master, and we are administrators of a message. In this dual role, it is of the utmost importance that we be trustworthy. We need to know the Man and the message, and be accountable. But, here’s the rub: it’s much too easy to be out of balance. We can make the experiential our focus: knowing Jesus. And, there’s certainly nothing wrong with that; it was Paul’s goal that he might “know Him and the power of His resurrection” (Philippians 3.10). Problem is, this can easily become little more than an emotional experience without a solid foundation. 

The other extreme is a focus on being “stewards of the mysteries of God” to the exclusion of being a servant of Christ. The result is a sterile, intellectual knowledge, devoid of anything experiential. Thus, the need to be trustworthy in both areas. 

The challenge before each of us today is this: how am I coming to better know and serve Christ, and what am I learning and sharing of “the mysteries of God”? It is within these two major realms that our responsibility lies. And, there are wonderful opportunities with both. 

The real measure of our life is not salary earned, social status, or political affiliation. Although society will measure us by these standards, the true priority is to “let a man regard us in this manner”. The real measuring stick is how well we’ve served Christ, and how faithful we have been with God’s mysteries (message). At the end of the day, we do well to evaluate our activities according to those two questions: (1) How well did I serve Christ today? (2) How faithful was I with God’s message? 

May you be abundantly blessed as you measure your life according to these important standards.

©Steve Taylor, 2014
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/  

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April 22, 2014

We have every reason to be optimists in a pessimistic world. In spite of global warming, an uncertain economy, and world tension, we can be certain of a positive outcome.

“But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me. Though I fall I will rise; Though I dwell in darkness, the LORD is a light for me. “ (Micah 7:7-8)

A life of faith is anything but a waste. We have the PRESENCE of the LORD in this age as we wait from the PROMISE of the LORD in the age to come. We “watch expectantly” for His strength in our time of need today, and for “the restoration of all things” (Acts 3.21) in the coming age. Both now and in the future, it is an imperative to “wait for the God of my salvation”. 

“Though I fall I will rise” is a statement with a double meaning. Though I fall because of sin and disobedience in this age, through repentance and restoration I will rise. But, more importantly, though I inevitably fall in death one day, I will rise in resurrection because of His promises. Either way, falling is not truly fatal for those in the LORD. As Paul could so confidently assert, "for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2.13) Whether now or in the age to come, God is working out His good pleasure in the lives of His people.

Present reality is that “I dwell in darkness”. But, the truly reality is that ”the LORD is a light for me.” His light allows us to see that the present darkness is not all that there is. Were that the true reality, we would be the ultimate pessimists. But, praise God, the light of the LORD dispels the shadows, and illuminates the bright age to come on a renewed earth! He has blessed us with true insight that makes sense of a life and world that otherwise seems like nonsense. 

We do well to “watch expectantly for the LORD” today. It’s easy enough to give Him passing thought and consideration, but the greatest priority is to stop, and focus fully on the One Who hears, and blesses those who diligently seek Him.

May you be abundantly blessed as you live in eager expectation today.

©Steve Taylor, 2014
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April 16, 2014

There is a fundamental difference between doing things right, and doing the right things. My birth order and personality type easily steer me toward doing things right. Problem is, I can easily obsess with doing unimportant thing right.

“Then it happened that as Jesus was reclining at the table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were dining with Jesus and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, ‘Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?’ … 
Then the disciples of John came to Him, asking, ‘Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?’ ” (Matthew 9.10-11,14)

Jesus was often challenged concerning procedures - fasting, ceremonial cleansings, observance of the Sabbath, etc. Those obsessed with doing things right often clashed with the One focused on doing the right things. “But go and learn what this means: ‘I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE,' for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners." (Matthew 9.13)

The continuing challenge before every follower of Christ is to guard against doing things right at the expense of doing the right things. The right things done the right way is always the objective, but it is much to easy to “major in minors”, so to speak.

What matters most today? Many of us have a to-do list in front of us to remind us of certain tasks to focus on today. But, amidst the WHAT of these details, will we stop to ask WHY? Why is this on my list? Why is this considered important?

It’s really hard to list loving God with heart, mind, soul, and strength, and our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22.36-40) on our to-do list. But, without question, these are the right things to do. How do I make sure to focus on these right things, and not neglect them by obsessing over doing unimportant things the right way? 

Right procedures; right priorities. May we seek our Father’s wisdom in directing us to make sure that these priorities work in harmony, rather than conflict.

©Steve Taylor, 2014
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/ 

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April 15, 2014

We are attached to that which we value. As Jesus so well stated, “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6.21) The real key, then, is to make sure we value that which is truly valuable. 

“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.” (Matthew 13.44-46)

A wise person sees the value of the kingdom when he discovers it. And, a person seeking something of real value in life will know that the kingdom is that great treasure. In both cases, when this priceless treasure is discovered, he/she will be “all in” for it; gladly selling out totally for it.

No one makes a total commitment for something they half-heartedly believe in. It is a sense of value that prompts wholehearted commitment.

The glitter and appeal of today’s kingdom easily gets in the way of the magnificent brilliance of the coming kingdom. It is “hidden in the field”; a pearl of great value among other pearls - discovered only by those diligently seeking it, or astute enough to see its value when they discover it. The kingdom of God does not shout above the world’s noise, nor flash brighter that the world’s message boards. We can easily miss it, and its value.

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6.33) Few teachings of Jesus are more clearly known by His followers than this one. But, do we easily mouth these words without being truly committed to their directive? Is the priority of His kingdom and righteousness truly first, or in word only?

We are attached to that which we value. Perhaps it’s a good day to open the treasure chest of our lives and take a careful look at what’s inside. Hopefully the valuable kingdom is the first treasure there. But, it may be buried beneath family, home, car, recreation, and leisure. If so, dig it out, look at it carefully, and study its real value. When a sense of its true value washes over us, it’s the only treasure we’ll truly want to possess.

©Steve Taylor, 2014
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April 9, 2014

Tree roots can do amazing things. I’ve seen heavy concrete slabs lifted from the ground to an odd angle by the gradual pressure of a tree root. The amount of power needed to do this would be very difficult to measure.

"What is the kingdom of God like, and to what shall I compare it? It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and threw into his own garden; and it grew and became a tree, and THE BIRDS OF THE AIR NESTED IN ITS BRANCHES.” (Luke 13.18-19)

Some would suggest that Jesus is describing the great growth of the kingdom of God when He compares it to a tiny mustard seed that grows to become a large tree. Perhaps, but He also is describing the power of the kingdom. Once the seed is sown and begins to grow, it is unstoppable. And such is the case with the kingdom: the seed has been sown, the growth is underway, and the ultimate triumph is assured. You can “go to the bank” on that fact, so to speak.

A prominent university professor once stated that war is permanent to the human condition, and that in war it is better to win, for no one ever had to accommodate a loser. Leaders of nations and governments likely understand this very well, and strategize accordingly. But, their efforts place them in direct opposition to the one system which will ultimately triumph. “The kings of the earth take their stand And the rulers take counsel together Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying, ‘Let us tear their fetters apart And cast away their cords from us!’ He who sits in the heavens laughs, The Lord scoffs at them.” (Psalm 2.2-4) Like it or not, the leaders and nations of this world will one day have to accommodate the plans and desires of the King and the unstoppable Kingdom of God.

We belong to a system of indescribable power destined to triumph victoriously. “For the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power.” (1 Corinthians 4.20) That means that whatever we do within the realm of that kingdom cannot fail. So, we can live and serve with the utmost confidence. Although we may be few in number, and limited in our scope of influence in this age, there is power at our disposal beyond measure. Like a tree root exerting pressure and moving large buildings, we are part of a powerful and unstoppable force. Thank you, Father, for that power and victory.

Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2014
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/ 

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April 8, 2014

Never overlook the potential of the miniscule. If you had but one penny, and doubled it every day, you would have over ten million dollars in thirty-one days (do the math if you don’t believe this is true).

Perhaps Jesus had in mind the miracle of compound interest when He stated:

“How shall we picture the kingdom of God, or by what parable shall we present it? ‘It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the soil, though it is smaller than all the seeds that are upon the soil, yet when it is sown, it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and forms large branches; so that THE BIRDS OF THE AIR can NEST UNDER ITS SHADE.” (Mark 4.30-32)

The key point made is that there will be exponential growth with the hidden kingdom of God before its visible coming at Jesus’ return. Perhaps this means a growing number of disciples; perhaps a growth in knowledge of and obedience to the truth and lifestyle of the kingdom. Perhaps all of these. 

One extraordinary man came to declare and demonstrate the kingdom of God. He chose twelve men (eleven who were faithful) to implement His plan. In the first century, their number grow to several hundred, and then several thousand. It rapidly grew to an incalculable number.

So, what is the potential today of one dedicated disciple of Jesus and the kingdom? What might be accomplished in and through your life, and mine? What if our “kingdom project” was to intensively disciple one other person for a year? If you and that disciples made it your “kingdom project” to do the same thing with two other people the following year, and each disciple was faithful to do the same each year following, in approximately thirty-two years there would be over four billion disciples. And perhaps that is exactly what Jesus envisioned when He commissioned us to “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28.19). 

We have the opportunity to participate in Jesus’ parable of the mustard seed. What small “kingdom project” is within your heart and mind? Take action. This small beginning may multiply and serve the purposes of the kingdom in a mightier way than you can imagine.

Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2014
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/ 

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April 2, 2014

VIP status. It gives access to special lounges and amenities at airports. It affords entrance to exclusive clubs. Special investment and purchase opportunities open to those who have it. Whatever privileges VIP status offers, we have the ultimate:

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” (Ephesians 2.4-10)

Nowhere is there a better description of the VIP status we enjoy. We are loved, forgiven, raised up, and seated with Christ in His exalted position. And that’s only prelude to what is to come! In the ages to come, it is His desire and design to show “the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” This lavish grace is a gift, so self-centered pride ought not to rear its ugly head. And this grace has fashioned us to be God’s workmanship, prepared in Christ for a life of good deeds and works that God has predesigned for us.

VIP status now, in preparation for even higher status in the age to come. We can spend a lifetime savoring these privileges, and we’ll never fully wrap ourselves around them. So, we stand gape-jawed at our marvelous good fortune from God in Christ, and busy ourselves with works of gratitude. We work, not to gain favor, but because we have it. 

May we better comprehend God’s matchless grace and favor today, and fully live and serve in response.

Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2014
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/ 

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April 1, 2014

Although I heard the saying on a popular television sitcom a few years ago, the quote is credited to Pierre Teilhard de Chardin: “Growing old is like being increasingly penalized for a crime you haven’t committed”. The older I get, the more this saying makes sense.

“Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4.16-18)

It is a fact: we will all eventually wear out and die. Medical science may help us prolong our years, but it cannot halt the degenerative course we all are on, which ultimately leads to death. Depressing facts, aren’t they? But, there is a more important reality for the born again child of God: “our inner man is being renewed day by day”. The internal Spirit of God, coupled with the difficulties of daily living, are molding and shaping us to prepare us for the coming kingdom of God.

The apostle Paul’s perspective was not based on that which was visible, but rather the invisible. His was truly a faith perspective: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11.1) Not distracted by the visible and temporal, Paul saw - with eyes of faith - the invisible realm that is eternal.

It is a recipe for cynicism to merely look at the visible and temporal. The world is not becoming a better place. Only recently, deeply disturbing news about looking environmental catastrophe made headlines. World peace and harmony eludes us as aggressive dictators and nations prey upon weaker nations and peoples. Morality spirals downward, not upward. But, the true reality is beyond human sight. Behind the world’s stage is the developing reality of the coming kingdom of God age. The mustard seed has taken root, and is flourishing. The yeast is permeating the dough. The seed - the word of the kingdom - has found fertile soil in the lives of the children of God. The birth pangs of the kingdom are increasing in frequency and intensity.

As those who are made from the elements of the earth, our outer body is wasting away. But, as those within whom resides the Spirit of God, our real being is being renewed and prepared for the day of our ultimate change at the return of Christ. May we be encouraged by the true reality that cannot be seen this side of the kingdom.

Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2014
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/ 

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