November 26, 2014

This is something that a genealogical search through a well known ancestry website will never uncover. It’s all factual and verifiable, but it won’t show up in your research. But, that rich and famous relative you were hoping to find is indeed part of your ancestry, based on a very important condition.

"For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's descendants, heirs according to promise." (Galatians 3:26-29)

If you were hoping to find yourself related to the Rockefellers, Gates, or Kennedy's, this is far better. There is none more important you could literally be related to than the Creator of the universe. You have become His Son through His Son. And, you’ve become part of a family that knows no distinctions - racial, class, or gender. This equality family lays claim to another very important and influential ancestor: Abraham. To be related to God through Christ is to be related to Abraham. And, to be related to Abraham is to lay claim to his promises; namely, an innumerable genealogy, and a specific land inheritance. It’s all acquired through faith in his descendant, Jesus - yet another promise made to him.

Genealogy and ancestry in life is the proverbial luck of the draw. We don’t have an option as to the family we’re born in to, so there really is no reason or basis for arrogance and pride - or regrets. But, the true family we have opportunity to belong to is determined by a very important step and condition: faith. While we can’t choose biological family, we have a choice in the true eternal family.

We enjoy privileged status in a family so that we can extend that privilege to others. In other words, we’ve been welcomed in to the family of God so that we might invite others in. While this seemingly too-good-to-be-true family we belong to is based on the simple step of faith, never underestimate the monumental importance of faith. “And 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) We enter by faith, and we must always live in the family by faith.

The phenomenal privilege we enjoy in being members of the most prestigious family of eternity ought to be cause for great humility rather than conceited pride. None of us deserve to belong, but we are freely accepted. As such, we must always humbly love and value every family member, and actively seek to enlarge the family through testimony and evangelism. We’ll have all eternity on a renewed earth with father Abraham, Jesus our Lord, God our Father, and a family larger than we can ever count. I for one can hardly wait.

Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2014
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November 18, 2014

Imagine being allowed membership in an exclusive club, only to discover that all the former members had left. Either this was now an extremely exclusive club, or one desperate for new members. Fact is, you became a member only because the former members were no longer there.

“But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, ‘Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in. Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear; for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either.” (Romans 11.17-21)

The image of club membership shifts to another illustration: branches and roots. Certain branches of a tree are broken off, and other branches are grafted in. The imagery is of the people of Israel, God’s chosen; and non-Jews, grafted in believers. Disobedient Israel was cut off from God’s plan, and a people of faith were grafted in. Paul, the writer of Romans, indicates that Israel has not been cut off forever (i,e, Romans 11.25-26), and the grafted in non-Jews ought not to become arrogant in their position. In other words, we’ve been allowed membership in God’s club because of the exodus of former members, but they will be back, and we ought not to become arrogant in our status. It’s summarized well in this verse: “Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off.” (Romans 11.22)

Note well two important qualities of our Creator Father: kindness and severity. There is unfathomable kindness for those who come in humility and faith, but extreme severity for the willfully disobedient and wicked. He is both a loving and exacting Father; qualities which many fail to see in balance. A common stereotype is that of a harsh judge, ready to mete out severe punishment at the slightest infraction to His law. The other extreme is that of a kindly, white-haired benevolent God who would never become angry or act in judgement.

It is a fearful prospect to face the wrath of God in judgment, but those who do so will because of their own free and deliberate choice. As many of us who have been grafted in can testify, His kindness toward us is great beyond measure. "Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!” (Romans 11.33)

Know that the severity of God exists for the disobedient, but savor His kindness in Christ to you, His child. May we be greatly aware and thankful today for His kindness.

Steve

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

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November 17, 2014

There are two orange trees in my back yard that exist on borrowed time. I planted them with the expectation they would bear luscious oranges, but currently one tree is bearing one orange, and the other none. Their green leaves are pretty, but we didn’t plant them to admire their leaves; we planted them to bear fruit. 

"Let me sing now for my well-beloved A song of my beloved concerning His vineyard. My well-beloved had a vineyard on a fertile hill. He dug it all around, removed its stones, And planted it with the choicest vine. And He built a tower in the middle of it And also hewed out a wine vat in it; Then He expected it to produce good grapes, But it produced only worthless ones.” (Isaiah 5.1-2)

The tale of a vineyard is similar to my orange trees. Except that the vineyard belongs to Creator God, and it’s really about people and works rather than literal plants and fruit. "For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel And the men of Judah His delightful plant. Thus He looked for justice, but behold, bloodshed; For righteousness, but behold, a cry of distress.” (Isaiah 5.7)

Shame on Israel! Did they not know that God expected produce rather than mere lip profession? But, lest we be overly critical of this obvious failure, the same lesson applies to all His people - anywhere, anytime. As with my trees, bearing the store label of a picture of a tree loaded down with ripe oranges, there is an expectation that those who bear God’s label will also be fruit-bearing. Jesus said it well: "So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7.17-20) 

Lest we think we are responsible for bearing fruit, we are mistaken concerning the process. Only God through His Spirit can do that (Galatians 5.22-23). It is the responsibility of every believer to “abide in the vine” (John 15.1-11) so that life-giving spiritual nourishment can flow, and provide luscious, abundant fruit. 

God, and His Son, Jesus, are in partnership to produce fruit in the lives of followers. Lack of fruit is indicative of lack of connection. Abundant fruit is evidence of a vital connection. May we be vitally connected, and abundantly fruit bearing!

Steve

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

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November 11, 2014

We don’t know the half of it. Or even one-fourth, or one-sixteenth. Or one millionth. You get the idea; whatever we can imagine doesn’t even begin to come close.

"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21)

Our faith and vision are a mere drop in the bucket by comparison to what our Father can really do.   And, even more astounding, is the fact that His matchless power resides and works within us! Little wonder that Paul could confidently assert, "to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” 

Confidence in God’s capacity to provide far beyond imagination directed Paul to pray thusly for the church and every believer:

"For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God." (Ephesians 3:14-19)

His request was that the dynamic power of Creator God would strengthen us internally, and provide for Christ to reside within. Christ’s presence and our Father’s power would then establish a foundation of love in our lives, and create a base from which we might explore the vast love of Christ. In so doing, we would come to experience the fullness of our Father. Now, that’s an amazing and even outrageous request! But, remember: “to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think”. We don’t know a fraction of what He can do, regardless of our capacity of faith.

It’s often said that our God is too small; meaning, that our imagination of Him is too small. According to Paul, that’s right. 

What outrageous dreams and plans can you imagine for His work in and through you? What absurd kingdom project is on your heart and mind? Whatever these are, they are minuscule by comparison to what He can and will do. So, today is a great day to stretch faith imagination. If it’s for His glory and kingdom, nothing is too outrageous. So, dream, envision, and plan big! He is even bigger than what you come up with.

Steve

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

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November 10, 2014

Wise people are teachable people. The wisest people I’ve encountered in life are those who are good listeners, who ask questions, and who are willing to change their mind when error is evident.

Wisdom is personified in the book of Proverbs, and calls to all who are willing to listen and learn: "Does not wisdom call, And understanding lift up her voice? On top of the heights beside the way, Where the paths meet, she takes her stand; Beside the gates, at the opening to the city, At the entrance of the doors, she cries out: ‘To you, O men, I call, And my voice is to the sons of men. O naive ones, understand prudence; And, O fools, understand wisdom. Listen, for I will speak noble things; And the opening of my lips will reveal right things. For my mouth will utter truth; And wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the utterances of my mouth are in righteousness; There is nothing crooked or perverted in them. They are all straightforward to him who understands, And right to those who find knowledge. Take my instruction and not silver, And knowledge rather than choicest gold. For wisdom is better than jewels; And all desirable things cannot compare with her.’ ” (Proverbs 8.1-11)

Wisdom cries out to be heard and heeded. Wisdom will instruct in the way of godliness, and sensible life decisions. But, there must be a willingness to be corrected and instructed. Only the responsive and teachable will benefit.

Among the qualifications of a church elder is that he is “able to teach” (1 Timothy 3.2) In the original language, the thought is that he is both a teacher and teachable. This is the ideal for every follower of Christ. The day we cease to be teachable is the day we become marginally useful to Christ, and to others.

Wisdom calls. What specifically are you hearing today? What correction and direction is being offered? Are you willing to respond? 

Life is a classroom, and wisdom is our instructor. There is much to learn and absorb today, and every day. May the process be profitable as we learn and grow, and increase in our usefulness and effectiveness to and for our King.

Steve

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

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November 4, 2014

Few things are as gratifying as knowing we are favored and esteemed by someone else. This is one of the potential blessings of marriage, and family. It’s also the blessing of belonging to a very special family.

"As for the saints who are in the earth, They are the majestic ones in whom is all my delight.” (Psalm 16.3)

Our Creator Father favors us more than we will ever know this side of the kingdom. As His chosen and holy children, He even regards us as His “majestic ones”. Although we may live lowly and obscure lives in this age, it is His great intent to lift us up to majestic positions of favor and honor as members of the government of the coming kingdom. So, we ought to live according to how He sees us.

A recent study of the book of Ephesians brought to mind the great privileges the people of God enjoy. Our Father has “blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1.3) … “chose us in Him before the foundation of the world” (verse 4) … predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself” (verse 5) … “lavished on us” “the riches of His grace” (verses 7,8) . sealed (us) in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise” (verse 13). And, the great list goes on. These great promises and reminders are designed to prompt us to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called” (Ephesians 4.1) As His “majestic ones in whom is all my delight," we are motivated to live faithfully and fully for and in Him.

Far too often God’s people have a guilt trip laid upon them concerning what they ought to do, and ought not to do. Certainly, there are high and holy standards, but how He desires us to strive for them is the key issue. KNOW that God’s people enjoy His favor, and find strong incentive in this to please Him in lifestyle. To be guilt-driven to try to EARN His favor will never work; it leads only to self-condemnation.

Bask in the knowledge of our Father’s favor today, and let the satisfaction of that favor be the motivation to live for Him and please Him today.

Steve

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

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November 3, 2014

It’s a timeless question, and as relevant as today’s news. It addresses the modern-day issues of ISIS, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Russian aggression, and countless other conflicts around the world. Simply stated, “Why are the nations in an uproar …?” (Psalm 2.1) Complex as diplomatic relations between nations are, the key issue is quite simple: “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!’ “ (Psalm 2.3-4)

A state of war exists between the governments of the world and the kingdom of God. It has always existed, and always will. It’s a territorial dispute in the truest sense of the word. But, the outcome is predetermined: "I will surely tell of the decree of the LORD: He said to Me, 'You are My Son, Today I have begotten You. ‘Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance, And the very ends of the earth as Your possession.’ “ (Psalm 2.7-8) 

In sports, there is nothing more exhilarating than being a fan of a winning team. It’s even more exhilarating to be a citizen of the government that ultimately wins. Therefore, there is no wiser advice than this: "Worship the LORD with reverence And rejoice with trembling. Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way, For His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!” (Psalm 2.11-12) 

Knowing the ultimately outcome gives both confidence and incentive. There is a future for those who worship Creator Father with their lifestyle, and who honor His Son. They are head of the system that ultimately prevails when the system of this world is conquered. And, that victory is well underway today, in spite of skirmishes that will likely make today’s news, and tomorrow’s. None are so blessed as those “who take refuge in Him!” 

May the wonderful insights and assurances that Psalm 2 give us be your confidence and incentive today. May His kingdom come, His will be done, on earth as it is in heaven - in this world, and in 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