July 30, 2014

The words seem especially timely amidst an intense Middle East conflict: “Oh let Israel say, ‘His lovingkindness is everlasting.' Oh let the house of Aaron say, ‘His lovingkindness is everlasting.’ Oh let those who fear the LORD say, 'His lovingkindness is everlasting.’ “ (Psalm 118.2-4)

Times of turmoil and conflict, rather than provoking fear and dread, ought to draw the people of God back to a fresh appreciation of His lovingkindness. If it were not everlasting, we would not be here to ponder it. By the infinite grace of God, humanity is allowed to helplessly struggle for solutions, all the while that the humble and contrite seek the Father and His solution. 

Amidst times of most intense challenge, the Psalmist’ searching question rings most true: “The LORD is for me; I will not fear; What can man do to me?” (Psalm 118.6) His resolute trust also resounds with us: “ It is better to take refuge in the LORD Than to trust in man.” (Psalm 118.8)

Fact is, all of Psalm 118 offers the best comfort and assurance to us in the most troubling times. If these days we live in truly are the great birth pangs of the kingdom, then this Psalm will well serve as our mantra. Whatever your personal circumstances today, or any day, may you find great solace and strength in these encouraging words.

Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2014
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July 29, 2014

The proof isn’t the profession; it’s the produce. The orange tree I planted in my backyard had a prominent label that declared it to be an orange tree, but that wasn’t truly apparent until I picked the first ripe orange from it. The label gave me an idea as to what to expect, but the fruit was the proof.

“Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people, producing the fruit of it.” (Matthew 21.43)

These unwelcome and harsh words were uttered by Jesus to some Jewish religious leaders; men who should have specialized in all things to do with the Kingdom of God. Truth was, they talked a good talk, but the true evidence was lacking. The kingdom of God was a theological talking point, not a compelling reality. 

There are few truths I love more than the kingdom of God. It is the very heart of the life-saving gospel. But, it can easily be just as much a talking point with me as with the Jewish religious leaders. There is an expectation that it will produce certain fruit in my life - and yours. Unless this precious truth changes lifestyle, it is suspect that we have truly received it. 

It is a fair question to ask: what does a kingdom citizen truly look like? What characterizes our priorities and activities? What are we DOING and BEING that harmonizes with what we SAY and BELIEVE? Again, the proof isn’t the profession; it’s the produce. 

The harsh words uttered by Jesus to the religious leaders had been spoken before - by Jesus’ forerunner, John: “bear fruit in keeping with repentance; and do not suppose that you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham for our father '; for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham. The axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Matthew 3.8-10) Profession and spiritual heritage were no guarantee of salvation. There will be fruit to evidence true faith.

May the fruit of the kingdom be abundantly evident in your life today, as you seek first the kingdom in mindset and lifestyle.

Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2014
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July 28, 2014

While on a summer vacation trip as a child, I learned I was near-sighted. We made a game out of seeing who could read highway signs first, and I consistently finished a distant last. As I recall, it was my mother who realized there was a problem, and soon after arranged a visit to an optometrist. 

Near-sightedly is likely a universal problem, but not in the sense of my childhood malady. “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained; What is man that You take thought of him, And the son of man that You care for him?” (Psalm 8:3-4)

True near-sightedness cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses, but rather through the simple but important process of “considering”. Problem is, it’s much too easy to rush headlong through daily demands and schedules, and never pause to “consider”. 

Considering the vastness of the universe is a good place to begin. The year was 1968, and astronauts orbiting the moon took the first and famous series of photographs of earth rise. The beautiful blue orb we call home could be seen hanging amidst the eternal darkness of space. Appearing small and fragile from their vantage point, it was immediately evident that our globe of existence is but one minuscule speck in the vast ocean of the universe. Were the astronauts able to travel even further away at the speed of light, our blue planet would have quickly disappeared amidst the infinite array of planets, stars, and galaxies. We are literally infinitesimally small inhabitants on a mere speck in the vast universe. Nothing would appear easier than for our Creator to overlook the habitation and inhabitants of our speck in the universe. But, He highly regards us! And, when we ponder this amazing fact, we are left as awe-struck as the Psalmist: “What is man that You take thought of him, And the son of man that You care for him?” Our God has every right to overlook us, but instead He values and treasures us beyond measure.

Do not allow the busyness and activities of this day to obscure the true perspective of our place in the universe, and our value in the eyes of our Father. Take time to consider and, in so doing, appreciate anew the greatness and love of our Father. Thus, you will avoid near-sightedness in the truest sense of the word, and declare emphatically and sincerely with the Psalmist: O LORD, our Lord, How majestic is Your name in all the earth!” (Psalm 8.9)

Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2014
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July 22, 2014

It was a seventh year reminder to be generous and forgiving. "At the end of every seven years you shall grant a remission of debts. This is the manner of remission: every creditor shall release what he has loaned to his neighbor; he shall not exact it of his neighbor and his brother, because the LORD’S remission has been proclaimed.” (Deuteronomy 15.1-2)

Every seventh year was a not-business-as-usual year. Debts and loans were freely forgiven. Burdens were relieved. Everyone could enjoy a fresh start. It was a year of outrageous generosity, backed by a divine promise: “For the LORD your God will bless you as He has promised you, and you will lend to many nations, but you will not borrow; and you will rule over many nations, but they will not rule over you.” (Deuteronomy 15.6) There would be abundant material blessings, and a prosperous people who would impact other nations. The promise that they would “rule over many nations” is a promise that even extended beyond this life to the age to come.

We enjoy the seventh year blessings every day. We enjoy forgiveness of debt, and release from bondage. We are set free from that which captivates and enslaves us. We are beginning to enjoy the benefits of ruling over the nations as we are generous and forgiving of one another in the body of Christ.

Generosity ought to beget generosity. The seventh year commands of Deuteronomy 15 are not a legalistic obligation, but rather an opportunity to respond in grace to grace. The God who has been abundantly generous expects His people to exhibit the fruit of grace. True appreciation of grace is exhibited through expressed grace to others.

May the seventh year reminder of Deuteronomy 15 prompt us to savor and administer abundant grace to today.

Steve

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

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July 21, 2014

Compassion is a constant and universal need. A contemporary Christian song asserts that everyone needs compassion and forgiveness, and a love that never fails. We find these in abundance with our Creator, and His Son. But, those who have received such are challenged to exhibit these qualities through real and tangible acts of compassion and charity.

“you shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt, and that the LORD your God redeemed you from there; therefore I am commanding you to do this thing … You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt; therefore I am commanding you to do this thing.” (Deuteronomy 24.18, 22)

The people of Israel, whom God delivered from slavery and oppression in Egypt, were admonished to remember their deliverance and show similar compassion and mercy to others. How they paid wages to those they hired (verse 15), and how they left some of their harvest for the poor (verses 19-21) were indicators of their appreciation of God’s deliverance. Those who truly appreciate mercy and forgiveness express these qualities freely, in tangible ways.

There is no better summary verse of these important priorities than Micah 6.8 - “He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?” To “do justice” is be fair and honest in our dealings with others, but it encompasses more, as does loving kindness. Being fair and generous in personal transactions with others sets the precedent for the ultimate act of justice and kindness: sharing the life-giving gospel of Christ and the kingdom of God. Fairness and generosity in things of this life is commendable, but cruel without the gospel. But, sharing the gospel without regard for fairness and generosity in things of this life is hypocritical and detrimental to the gospel. Both are important actions.

How are you doing today in both of these crucial areas? May our lives exhibit both in abundance.

Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2014
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July 16, 2014

Business as usual, or an urgent crisis agenda: which will comprise your day today? Of course, none of us know at the start what this day has in store for us. We may anticipate a routine day with predictable activities, but the unexpected can break through with abrupt suddenness and totally override what might otherwise be normal. Each day holds the potential for the uncertain, and even our very existence is uncertain.

Today I am drawn back to the scripture passage we considered yesterday: “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” (Ephesians 5.15-17) 

Live life carefully, not carelessly. We cannot speed up or slow down the passing of time, but we can make every moment count. The catch word today is “multitasking”, but fervent activity is no guarantee of “making the most of your time”. Sometimes the best thing we can do is nothing - “Cease striving and know that I am God” (Psalm 46.10) Savor the God Who created you, and wants to lead you in the pathway that will lead to immortality in His coming kingdom. 

Regardless of whether we call it intention living, or a purpose-driven life, the point is the same: pro-actively consider your purpose and plan in life. Rather than merely reacting to demands and interests, set a deliberate course toward the kingdom of God, and kingdom priorities. And this is a course that cannot be plotted by our own wisdom and understanding; it requires intense focus and communication with our Father. Jesus set the ultimate example through his many extended times of prayer with His father. These times of prayer helped chart His course to other cities in need of the gospel (Luke 4.42-44), and in selecting those who would be His disciples (Luke 6.12-16). If Jesus needed this kind of guidance and focus, how much more do we!

Nothing is easier than giving ourselves credit for what we hope to do, but the real test is what we actually do. Today presents us with an excellent opportunity to make the most of our time, and to “understand what the will of the Lord is.” Seek out divine guidance, and do not presume you know best how to live your life. Time spent with your Father, and His Son, in silence will provide important direction, and mid-course correction.

May your day be lived purposefully.

Steve

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

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July 15, 2014

The anticipation of what we plan to do often overrides the reality of what we are doing. In other words, it’s easier to dream than to do. But, all the while we anticipate good and important things we will do, precious time is slipping away.

“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” (Ephesians 5.15-17)

Benjamin Franklin stated this truth similarly: “Do not squander time for that is the stuff life is made of”. The most common excuse not to do things is “I don’t have the time”. Fact is, every person is allotted the exact same amount of time every day: twenty-four hours. It’s much too easy to rush headlong through those twenty-four hours, without carefully considering how we have spent them. 

I consider myself to be a fairly wise money manager. Like most people, I’ve always known resources were limited, and needed to be managed well. As such, I’ve generally been careful not to fritter away small amounts on a consistent basis so they could be saved for things that really mattered. If only I managed time as well! Time spent in front of the television, or with electronic entertainment, easily stretches on much too long. Days come and go, and more important things I aspire to do are left undone. 

A regular time study is helpful in getting an accurate picture of time management. Good time managers regularly evaluate their use of time during a typical day and week. As such, they can see how best to maximize their energies for important priorities. This fits well with being “careful how you walk”. A time study, then, allows us to better budget for key kingdom priorities like specific service, study, prayer, outreach, disciple making, etc. 

Each of us are allotted an equal amount of time today. How will you invest your portion to best serve the great plan of our King and the kingdom?

Steve

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

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July 9, 2014

It’s how we handle hardship. Someone loses their job, or takes a drastic pay cut. Medical benefits are reduced or cut. Unexpected bills pile up. There are specific directives as to what we do when adverse circumstances come into the lives of our own.

"Now in case a countryman of yours becomes poor and his means with regard to you falter, then you are to sustain him, like a stranger or a sojourner, that he may live with you. Do not take usurious interest from him, but revere your God, that your countryman may live with you. You shall not give him your silver at interest, nor your food for gain. I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt to give you the land of Canaan and to be your God.” (Leviticus 25.35-38)

No one is immune to the hardships of economic downturn. Whether the result of unwise decisions, or unexpected circumstances, most of us will find ourselves in need of benevolence sometime during our lives. And, in the body of Christ, we take care of our own. Our “countryman” is our brother and sister in need, and it is our priority to “sustain him” through our resources, without charging interest, or exploiting him. 

The early church made this a radical priority: “all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need” (Acts 2.44-45) A part of the bond these believers had with each other was material as well as spiritual. 

Talk is cheap, as they say. “If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,’ and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?” (James 2.15-16) Well-meaning, empty words do nothing for real needs. True compassion moves to action with resources available to us.

The basis for God’s call to benevolence on the part of the children of Israel was His gracious deliverance from their captivity in Egypt. Grateful people “pay it forward”. Thus, we are called to actively seek to be generous and merciful as we have received mercy (Matthew 5.7). May our Father look upon us with favor as He sees a people exhibiting generosity in response to His grace.

Steve

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

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July 8, 2014

Few things are as challenging as overcoming past wrongs done to us. Forgive and forget, as the saying goes. Better still, remember and still forgive. 

“Then Peter came and said to Him, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.’ ” (Matthew 18.21-22)

Forgiving seven wrongs seems abundantly generous. But, it seems minuscule in comparison to four hundred and ninety times. The forgiveness ratio is comparable to the mercy and grace extended to us by our heavenly Father, as illustrated in the parable that follows in this passage. A slave owed a great debt to his master, and, being unable to pay, begged for, and received mercy (Matthew 18.23-27). Released from his burden of debt, he encountered a fellow slave who owed a relatively minuscule debt to him. Rather than “paying forward” the generous forgiveness shown him, he demanded retribution (Matthew 18.28-30). The result was that his master withdrew his generous forgiveness and demanded exacting restitution of his debt. The lesson? “My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.” (Matthew 18.35)

A single wrong can be an overwhelming incident to overcome. Seven wrongs, and up to four hundred and ninety wrongs, is a pattern of abuse. And, I’m certain that there are those of you reading who have known the extreme pain of repeated abuse. For you, forgiveness is indescribably difficult. Deep emotional and spiritual wounds have resulted, and genuine forgiveness would seem to offer little remedy for scars that remain. But, regardless of the level of pain and hurt, the challenge before each of us is the same: “forgive (your) brother from your heart.” He who spoke these words has experienced far more pain and abuse than any of us, even under the worst circumstances, will ever know. And, the wrongs against our heavenly Father far outweigh any wrongs done to us. Thus, mercy can - and must - triumph judgment.

This much seems certain: to bask in the mercy shown to us by our Father is to discover the basis for forgiveness and mercy to those who wrong us. Unforgiveness is an indicator that we have not truly known and experienced forgiveness. 

May we truly savor, and administer, grace today.

Steve

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

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July 1, 2014

It’s like the final transmission before the radio goes silent. Without any further messages, it is vitally important to understand this last one in order to effectively continue navigating.

The very last chapter of the Old Testament is Malachi chapter four. It is God’s final transmission to His people before a period of four hundred years of silence. 

The final transmission was about a coming day. “ ‘For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace; and all the arrogant and every evildoer will be chaff; and the day that is coming will set them ablaze,’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘so that it will leave them neither root nor branch.’ ‘But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall. ‘You will tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day which I am preparing,’ says the LORD of hosts.” (Malachi 4.1-3) This day to come would be both a day of punishment, and a day of reward. It would be a consuming fire for the wicked, but a day of renewal for God’s people. Thus, in light of this day, responsive people should “Remember the law of Moses” (Malachi 4.4) - God’s word and commandments. 

The very last words of this final transmission were about the coming of Elijah, and his work of restoring the hearts of people, to avert judgment and disaster (Malachi 4.5-6); words that were at least partially fulfilled through a rugged survivalist named John, who called the people of God to repentance in advance of the coming of God’s Messiah.

Perhaps it seems as if the radio has now gone silent for you. God’s transmissions once came clearly and frequently, but now there is silence. All there now is to navigate by is the last thing He communicated. Impending judgment and doom for the wicked. Reward for the righteous. Urgent and earnest restoration for those responsive, in advance of a great day. Fact is, that’s His consistent message and last word to us in every page of Scripture. A great day IS coming. Prepare for it, because it is a certainty. Live life today as though it is that day. 

Last words are important words. Know that history is rushing headlong to a conclusion, and our Father is making His final appeal to a hell-bent people. First and foremost, be personally responsive and repentant. Beyond that, participate with Him in the last days “Elijah project” of calling people to renewal and repentance. This is His work and role for us as we await that day. Let’s be faithful, while there is time.

Steve

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

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