August 26, 2014

There is more power, potential, and possibilities available to us than we will likely ever realize. These are all wrapped up in an amazing discipline called prayer. Comfort, direction, motivation, intimacy, and earth-shaking power are all available from our Creator through this thing called prayer. Prayer is literally an open invitation from our Creator Father to experience Him and His incredible realm.

"Now while I was speaking and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the Lord my God in behalf of the holy mountain of my God, while I was still speaking in prayer, then the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision previously, came to me in my extreme weariness about the time of the evening offering." (Daniel 9:20-21).

What resulted from Daniel’s prayer was an instant answer in the form of a vision of Seventy Weeks, a prophecy timeline that helps us understand God’s plan for the ages. Many students of the Bible have studied and contemplated the important meaning of this significant timeline, but a key point easily overlooked is that it came about in response to a fervent prayer. Which leads us to consider: what might result this day through the fervent prayers of God’s people? 

The first order of business that Jesus had for his first followers as He prepared to leave the earthly scene was for them to pray and wait for Spirit empowerment: “behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high." (Luke 28:49) These faithful followers devoted themselves to prayer for forty days leading up to the incredible events of the Day of Pentecost. The Church was born through the dedicated prayer of these people, which again presents us with some interesting and exciting implications: what does God desire to do through His people today as we devote ourselves to prayer?

We spend time with people we love. First and foremost, prayer is time spent with our great love - God our Father. Time spent together with the people of God we love, conversing with the God we love, is a blessing beyond measure. This shared experience draws us closer to the people we love as well as to our Creator Whom we love. And, in the process, His mighty power is unleashed to accomplish His Kingdom work. It’s truly a "win-win" situation.

Pondering these thoughts and possibilities stirs my heart this day. I want to be more of a person of prayer, and I want to spend more time together with believers who want to get serious about prayer. Perhaps this stirs your heart as well. And, if it does, how about we find ways to share together in heartfelt prayer?

In hope and expectation,

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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August 6, 2014

Don’t mess with what God has blessed. The surest way to run afoul with our Creator Father is to oppose what has His favor. Take, for example, Edom. Now Edom isn’t exactly a household name and word, so a brief history lesson is in order. These people once inhabited what is today southwestern Lebanon. They were descendants of Abraham and Isaac, through Esau, the brother of Jacob. The descendants of Jacob are the modern Jewish people. The Edomites had a history of opposing these blessed people; not a good idea. Numerous ancient prophecies speak of their ultimate demise, and Obadiah, in particular, identifies the key reason for impending judgment: “The arrogance of your heart has deceived you” (Obadiah 1.3). Their arrogant attitude was manifested in abhorrent actions: “Because of violence to your brother Jacob, You will be covered with shame, And you will be cut off forever.” (Obadiah 1.10) Arrogance and violence would be their undoing. 

These ancient words have a direct bearing on Middle East conflict, and its eventual outcome. But, the more personal lesson and application extends to each of us. Pride and arrogance, unchecked, can be our undoing. Deeds done against the people of God will incite the wrath of God. Check your attitude, and your actions. Anything that pride directs is in opposition to the will and plan of God. Humble love for the people of God must be the priority.

"Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling.” (Proverbs 16.18) “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves” (Philippians 2.3) These two verses serve us well in moving away from the legacy of Edom. Supplant pride with humility. Overcome prideful deeds with humble, loving devotion to one another.

Ancient warnings are powerful promptings for us today. May we live consistently with the favor and blessing we enjoy as His people.

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

August 5, 2014

The date had come and gone, and it was time to discard the wedding invitation. Looking over the invitation and the RSVP card, I pondered the time and effort that had gone into the special event, and how irrelevant these finely embossed cards and envelopes now were. The opportunity to attend was now forever past.

“The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son.” (Matthew 22.2)

Wedding protocol was a bit different in Jewish culture during the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry. An invitation was extended, guests responded, and preparations were made based on the responses (not so different from today). But, a second invitation was extended on the day of the event to those who had previously responded. In the case of Jesus’ parable, these guests did the unthinkable: the refused to attend, and were even abusive to the servants sent to summon them (Matthew 22.5-6). With the elaborate event now ready, the servants went out to freely invite all who would attend. 

The key takeaway for us is the reminder that a very special event is planned, and the date set. This event of the ages is God’s gracious invitation to His coming kingdom. The invitations are printed and sent. The specifics detailed are very clear. We are invited to come, and to dress appropriately. A certain lifestyle is expected of those who anticipate participating in this event extraordinaire. It’s not enough to simply RSVP; proper attire is required.

What good is an invitation once the event is over? What difference does it make if you had intended to reply and attend, but did not? There is ample opportunity prior to the event, but absolutely none once it is past. 

The date of the return of God’s Son to planet earth has been set. The invitation has been freely extended. A response is required, and proper attire (lifestyle) is necessary. Have you deliberately responded and, if so, are you “dressing for the occasion”? There is opportunity this moment, but the next moment might be too late. May we each respond and prepare appropriately this day and moment.

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

August 5, 2014

The date had come and gone, and it was time to discard the wedding invitation. Looking over the invitation and the RSVP card, I pondered the time and effort that had gone into the special event, and how irrelevant these finely embossed cards and envelopes now were. The opportunity to attend was now forever past.

“The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son.” (Matthew 22.2)

Wedding protocol was a bit different in Jewish culture during the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry. An invitation was extended, guests responded, and preparations were made based on the responses (not so different from today). But, a second invitation was extended on the day of the event to those who had previously responded. In the case of Jesus’ parable, these guests did the unthinkable: the refused to attend, and were even abusive to the servants sent to summon them (Matthew 22.5-6). With the elaborate event now ready, the servants went out to freely invite all who would attend. 

The key takeaway for us is the reminder that a very special event is planned, and the date set. This event of the ages is God’s gracious invitation to His coming kingdom. The invitations are printed and sent. The specifics detailed are very clear. We are invited to come, and to dress appropriately. A certain lifestyle is expected of those who anticipate participating in this event extraordinaire. It’s not enough to simply RSVP; proper attire is required.

What good is an invitation once the event is over? What difference does it make if you had intended to reply and attend, but did not? There is ample opportunity prior to the event, but absolutely none once it is past. 

The date of the return of God’s Son to planet earth has been set. The invitation has been freely extended. A response is required, and proper attire (lifestyle) is necessary. Have you deliberately responded and, if so, are you “dressing for the occasion”? There is opportunity this moment, but the next moment might be too late. May we each respond and prepare appropriately this day and moment.

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

August 4, 2014

It’s been said that good is the enemy of the best. There are many good, productive pursuits and projects, but what’s the best? What’s more important than anything else; worthy of our greatest focus and energy? 

"You are to regard only the Lord of Hosts as holy. Only He should be feared; only He should be held in awe.” (Isaiah 8.11 Holman)

It’s been whimsically stated that our Father ought to be our steering wheel, not our spare tire. Rather than keeping Him in reserve for emergencies and crises, we need to make certain that He is first and foremost - guiding and steering our lives. More than that, the priority is for Him to be the ultimate love of our life. The first and greatest commandment is wholehearted love for Him (Matthew 22.36-37).

It is a basic but vitally important question to consider: just how important is my Father to me, and how much do I love him? Do I run to Him when crisis or trouble comes, and disregard Him when all is well? Or, do I pause often for moments of quiet, heartfelt conversation? Am I depending upon Him constantly, or presuming to direct and guide my life as I see best? These are questions that help determine the real answer as to the love and priority of our Father.

We make time for what’s most important. We can emphatically declare our love and allegiance, but the proof is in deliberate devotion and time together. Let’s each ask, and seriously consider today: How important is my Father to me really?

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