February 25, 2015

There is a certain satisfaction in being at the right place at the right time. Some would call it luck and chance; reality is, it is a divine appointment. 

“an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip saying, ‘Get up and go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza.' (This is a desert road.)” (Acts 8.26)

These are very specific directions. And, they get even more detailed: “Then the Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go up and join this chariot.’ “ (Acts 8.29) It just so “happened” that an important government official was reading a Messianic prophecy from Isaiah at the very time and place Phillip was led to. The opportunity was clearly evident to Phillip: “Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him. As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, ‘Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?’ “ (Acts 8.35-36) A specific, divine appointment led to true enlightenment, and a radical new birth.

Some would argue that such encounters and experiences were unique to the age of the apostles, as recorded in the Book of Acts. Granted, some things were unique to this inaugural period of the church, but the same Spirit remains in force today as it was then. As such, the potential for similar divine appointments exist today. Whether directly or in more subtle ways, we may be nudged to a particular place and a certain time for a life-changing encounter. In some cases, we may be more in the role of Phillip: led to clarify and lead someone else to obedience. In other instances, we may be led to the role of the Ethiopian: to be enlightened, and directed into greater obedience. Whichever it is, the key is to be ready, prepared, and expecting to be led.

The plans for this day may already be established. But, the unseen Planner very likely has already scheduled you for a life-changing experience. The adventure of this day, and every day, is to be sensitive to that divine appointment, and to be ready and willing to respond to it.

Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2015
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/  

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February 24, 2015

The storm will not last, and the boat will not sink. Those in the boat in the midst of the storm, however, were far from convinced of these facts. 

“there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being covered with the waves; but Jesus Himself was asleep. And they came to Him and woke Him, saying, ‘Save us, Lord; we are perishing!’ He said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?’ Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm.” (Matthew 8.24-26)

It would have been an unlikely news headline: “Popular Teacher and Followers Drown In Tragic Boat Accident”. It is inconceivable that God’s plan for His Son and the world could have been thwarted by a freak storm at sea. The storm was merely a passing challenge, and the boat was perfectly safe because of its most important occupant. 

There are basic and encouraging applications here for us. Who is in the boat with you? If you are a follower of Christ, you can be assured that He is there with you. And, as you journey through life, in the boat with Him, there are various storms that assail you. As with the disciples, it might appear that He is asleep in the boat; indifferent to the storm and its perils. But, nothing could be further from the truth. What appears to be sleep is quiet confidence that the storm will not last, and the boat will not sink. Whatever storms of life buffet us, they cannot last beyond this present age. And, none who are in the boat with Jesus will perish, because victory and safety is assured for the coming age. 

The storm will not last, and the boat will not sink. Today’s storm is merely a challenge to faith, rather than a threat to safety and security. The One who went to the extreme measure to raise His dead Son back to life will certainly not let any truly perish who belong to Him. Today’s storm will fade and calm, and the boat whose occupant is the Son of God will never sink. May these two great fact encourage and reassure you today.

Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2015
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/  

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February 18, 2015

The problem is called an edifice complex. It is misguided attachment to a place and building; making a shrine out of brick and mortar.

“the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands; as the prophet says: 'HEAVEN IS MY THRONE, AND EARTH IS THE FOOTSTOOL OF MY FEET; WHAT KIND OF HOUSE WILL YOU BUILD FOR ME?' says the Lord, 'OR WHAT PLACE IS THERE FOR MY REPOSE? ‘WAS IT NOT MY HAND WHICH MADE ALL THESE THINGS?’ “ (Acts 7.48-50)

I live in the shadow of a massive and expensive structure, designed to be the dwelling place of God. Within it is even a room in which those present are supposedly especially close to God. It is an interesting thought and concept, but not a biblical one. As Stephen so clearly pointed out, the Creator cannot be contained within any of His creation. He cannot be placed in a box, so to speak.

It can rightly be stated that there are no holy places; only holy people. “Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3.16) Where the people of God are, there the presence of God is. And therein can lie the source of confusion. Many people feel especially close to God when worshipping in a church building on a Sunday morning. As such, it’s easy to conclude that He inhabits this house of God. But, He does so only so long as His real dwelling place is there: His holy people. On Monday morning, the church is out in the world, and no longer in the place where it met for worship.

So, why does any of this matter to us? Because the temptation to put God in a box severely limits our perspective of, and experience with, our Creator. As the One who is infinitely greater than the sum total of all He has created, He can be partially found in many places and ways. But ultimately, He can only truly be experienced through His Son, Jesus: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (John 14.6)

An edifice complex easily becomes a form of idolatry, and a tragic substitute for a vital relationship with our Creator through His Son. He is to be worshipped in spirit and in truth (John 4.23). May we be led by His word, and the Living Word, to the changing and growing experience of daily worship He most desires.

Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2015
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/  

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February 17, 2015

When I was grade school age, I once forgot my lunch money on a Monday. I still recall my Dad making a special trip to my school to bring it. I wouldn’t have had hot lunches that week otherwise. Concern for my well-being was his motivation.

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!” (Matthew 7.7-11)

Imagine if my Dad drove to school and handed my teacher a rock for my lunch that week. Not only would my appetite have been less than satisfied, I likely would have questioned my Dad’s care and concern for me. Good parents don’t do such things. So, as Jesus reminds us, “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!” We can be confident that, when we persistently ask, seek, and knock, our heavenly Father will abundantly provide the best for us.

Experience has taught me that I have often sought less than the best from my Father. Quite often, I’ve presumed my will was His, and my motives were unselfish. I look back and breathe a huge sigh of relief that He didn’t give what I asked for. In retrospect, I more clearly see that, had He done so, it would have been to my detriment and loss. Little wonder that the writer of Proverbs implores us to, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3.5-6) 

Our Father has our best interests in mind. As such, why not ask for His wisdom and direction as you navigate through your day today? Rest in the confidence that His good for your life will prevail amidst all that happens this day, and every day.

Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2015
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/  

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February 10, 2015

Perspective determines priorities. We commit ourselves to what we believe to be important. Thus, it’s important that we have the right priorities.

"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6.22-23)

We gain a perspective of life by how we see things. But, sight is more than physical sight; it’s also insight - seeing beyond appearances to the real heart of the matter. Our eyes are the filter through which we see and evaluate. If we accurately evaluate what we see, our “whole body will be full of light.” But, the wrong perspective is a darkness greater than the darkest night. 

The perspective Jesus urges us to gain is summed up in this memorable and important verse: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6.33) The perspective of highly valuing His kingdom is key to real sight and insight. Life’s priorities will be arranged and ordered as they should be when we value the work of the kingdom.

The real proof of the priority is evidenced in time, energy, and resources. What do I devote my discretionary time, energy, and money to? Would a time study and financial review indicate that the kingdom is top priority, or would other priorities be evident? This stuff of life is the real proof of priorities.

The call to prioritize the kingdom first is the urgent and important call of the day. Life is fleeting, and priorities can be deceiving. Partnering for the kingdom with our Creator Father, and Jesus our Savior, is an investment in eternity. Let them help you order your day today so that the work of the kingdom gets top priority. You’ll be blessed, and a blessing, beyond measure.

Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2015
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/  

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February 3, 2015

There is good news for the broken, beaten down, and belittled. Wrongs are destined to be righted, and justice will be served. Maybe not right now, but then.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5.3-10)

The qualities of blessedness, called Beatitudes in Jesus’ Sermon On the Mount, are not as we might think. We tend to think of the whole and the wealthy as happy and blessed, but Jesus says otherwise. Those who are broken and hurting, and know they need help, are the blessed ones. 

The kingdom of God is the answer for problems and needs. It’s called “the period of restoration” (Acts 4.21), and it’s exactly that. Our Father has carefully noted what’s gone wrong with His perfect creation, and has a plan to meticulously return it all to its former state of perfection. And that includes us. The crippling effects of emotion, physical, and spiritual brokenness will one day be fully removed, and we will enjoy a freedom and zest for life such as we’ve never known before. 

Those destined to be restored are about the restoration plan and work. That’s our life purpose. Restoring broken relationship, with each other and our Creator. Experiencing restoration through the internal re-creating work of the risen Christ by Holy Spirit, and serving as His exhibit for others to see a sampling of what He fully intends to do. 

None are exempt from brokenness, but today’s brokenness is only temporary. A restoration plan is afoot in our lives and in the world. The best is yet to come.

If this happens to be an especially painful chapter in your life just now, do not lose sight of the fact that it is truly only temporary. Intense as it might be, it is destined to give way to “times of refreshing” (Acts 3.19) that will characterize the coming age. 

Stand strong, faithful friend. Relief and restoration are on the way, and they will far outweigh the trials and troubles of this life.

Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2015
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