March 31, 2015
If you’ve ever been to a theme restaurant, you’ll know what I mean. It’s expected that table waiters will have a certain attitude, ridicule your menu selection, and practically throw your food order at you when it’s ready. If you don’t understand that, you’ll be disappointed and likely even outraged. The theme takes precedent even over food quality, but then that’s what customers are there for. We might say the same for Jesus’ parables. Were we part of the original audience, we might mistake His simple stories for entertainment rather than information. That is, if we didn’t understand the main theme. “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted.” (Matthew 13.11)The story plot is about the kingdom of God, and if we don’t understand that, we really don’t understand anything. "I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. In their case the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says, ‘YOU WILL KEEP ON HEARING, BUT WILL NOT UNDERSTAND;YOU WILL KEEP ON SEEING, BUT WILL NOT PERCEIVE’ “ (Matthew 13.13-14) To miss Jesus’ kingdom “plot” is to be doomed to fulfill an ancient prophecy from the prophet Isaiah.I never cease to be amazed at the blank stares I’ve received when I’ve posed the question, “What did Jesus mean when He spoke about the kingdom of God?” His main plot has been largely ignored or misunderstood. And yet, nothing is more important! To miss His plot is to miss out on who He really is.Matthew 13 contains a rich collection of kingdom parables. Few passages are as important for our careful study as this one. To gain insight into His key teachings here is to have our eyes opened to exciting and life-changing truth, and to ultimately know the Savior we desire to walk closely with. Don’t miss the main plot! Look at all of Jesus’ teachings, and the entire Bible, with this key plot in mind. You’ll forever be amazed at what you will discover.Steve©Steve Taylor, 2015Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/ Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GWpaperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
March 25, 2015
Even if you believe in the potential of prayer, this is a story that will expand your horizons.The setting is a prison cell. The prisoner is the apostle Peter, and the outcome of the trial scheduled for the next day likely will be a death sentence. But, “prayer for him was being made fervently by the church to God.” (Acts 8.5) What happens next sounds like something the special effects department for a movie production company would come up with:“On the very night when Herod was about to bring him forward, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards in front of the door were watching over the prison. And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter’s side and woke him up, saying, ‘Get up quickly.' And his chains fell off his hands. And the angel said to him, ‘Gird yourself and put on your sandals.’ And he did so. And he said to him, ‘Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.’ And he went out and continued to follow, and he did not know t hat what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. When they had passed the first and second guard, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened for them by itself; and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.” (Acts 12.6-10)The fascinating story continues with Peter showing up at the house of the prayer meeting, and astonishing those gathered inside; perhaps giving us a glimpse of doubt by those fervently praying.The point of it all is that, if this is a precedent and pattern for prayer potential, amazing possibilities are at our disposal. And, making sure to not overlook a key point here, this prayer potential is largely to be realized through group prayer. This amazing answer was given to the church gathered and united in prayer.What might happen if believers gathered together in united, concerted prayer? A glimpse of the possibilities is given in this, and other accounts, in the Book of Acts. May this exciting story provide incentive for God’s people to do as the early church did.Steve©Steve Taylor, 2015Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/ Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GWpaperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
March 24, 2015
An inescapable fact of life is that we all inseparably bound to family, and largely defined by family. Our genetic traits, values, and priorities are greatly influenced by family. But, family may not exactly be what we think it is.“Someone said to Him, ‘Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside seeking to speak to You.' But Jesus answered the one who was telling Him and said, ‘Who is My mother and who are My brothers?’ And stretching out His hand toward His disciples, He said, ‘Behold My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother.’ “ (Matthew 12:47-50)Rather than being dismissive or degrading, Jesus in reality redefined family. True family reality is spiritual rather than physical. But, what a blessing when physical family is also spiritual family. I personally delight in father, mother, sisters, in-laws, cousins, aunts, and uncles who are all true family through faith in Jesus Christ. We share a family connection not only in this age, but also the age to come. But family is much larger even than this; as members of the family of Abraham (Romans 4:16), our family is as vast as the sands of the sea and the stars of the sky. We are kingdom family, with our true Father being Yahweh God, and Jesus our brother. Are destiny is to do the Father’s will alongside Jesus in ruling the world at Jesus’ return. By reminding, encouraging, and challenging our true family of this destiny, we make a significant investment in our family life.Steve©Steve Taylor, 2015Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/ Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GWpaperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
March 18, 2015
Never underestimate the power of encouragement; it can make more of a difference than we might realize. Case in point is a man named Barnabas, whose name literally means, “son of encouragement.” Here is the story of the impact of his encouraging words to the fledgling church in the city of Antioch:“And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord. The news about them reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas off to Antioch. Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord; for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord. And he left for Tarsus to look for Saul; and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And for an entire year they met with the church and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” (Acts 11.21-26)Barnabas was not a man to offer false flattery for encouragement; he was characterized as “a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.” There was true substance to his encouraging words, as prompted by the active work of Holy Spirit in his life, and his resolute faith. As such, there was a clear aim to his encouraging words: (he)”began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord”. His words of encouragement were directed to new believers to persevere and remain faithful. His encouragement doesn’t end there. He deliberately sought out a man named Saul, and partnered with him for an entire year for teaching and encouragement in Antioch. There was substance and direction to his encouragement.It can be argued that we wouldn’t have over half of the New Testament were it not for Barnabas’ impact on Paul, but perhaps the real lesson here is the substance of encouragement. Anyone can offer a kind pat on the back and a “keep-up-the-good-work” encouragement, but the real encouragement is faithful supportive teaching to assist others to persevere and progress in the Christian life. Saul, later to be called Paul, would go on to state the purpose of encouraging instruction: “the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” (1 Timothy 1.5) Now that’s encouragement with substance!The church and the world needs an abundance of Barnabas-type men and women. May we be used of the Lord to be those men and women.Steve©Steve Taylor, 2015Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/ Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GWpaperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
March 17, 2015
An emblem of work hardly seems a fitting symbol for rest. "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)A little agricultural lesson is necessary to make sense of Jesus’ words. In ancient times two animals - usually oxen - would be paired in a yoke to pull a plow or other farming tool through a field. If one animal was stronger, the other animal merely had to keep facing the same direction and moving at the same pace. The work largely fell to the stronger animal. The weary and heavy-laden are invited to put their neck in the yoke with Jesus. He is the stronger “animal” in the yoke, and will carry the work load, if we meet two important conditions: (1) we face in the same direction with Him; and (2) we keep pace with Him. He declares that He is “gentle and humble in heart," so we don’t have to worry that He will be like a wild donkey - bucking and fighting the yoke and causing us stress and pain. He assures us that He moves at a steady pace along a simple path.We face two choices in our life journey: go it alone, or pair up with Someone possessing superior strength and a sure path. Jesus’ offer is gracious and generous, but again the conditions are extremely important: keep facing in the same direction, and moving at the same pace. Lest we think Jesus offers the weary and heavy-laden life in an easy chair, never lose sight of the fact that a yoke is a symbol of work. But, what He offers is refreshing, fulfilling work. The common problem of burnout is not so much overwork as it is work without purpose and meaning. Jesus offers fulfilling, rejuvenating, gratifying work. As the words of an old hymn suggest, “There is joy in serving Jesus.” The yoke is fitting symbol of the life of a follower of Christ. We are paired with Him for meaningful work, moving in the same direction, at the same pace, as He does the bulk of the work. Perhaps we each do well to find a picture of a yoke to place visibly where we will see it often. Committed to the same work, the same direction, and the same pace. What could be more important?Steve©Steve Taylor, 2015Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/ Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GWpaperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
March 4, 2015
A word of encouragement can accomplish far more than we might ever imagine. Fact is, the Bible might be missing about half of the New Testament were it not for a word of encouragement.“Saul kept increasing in strength and confounding the Jews who lived at Damascus by proving that this Jesus is the Christ … When he came to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus.” (Acts 9.22,26-27)A formidable enemy of the church had been miraculously converted but, understandably, many followers of Christ were skeptical. Arriving in Jerusalem, no longer to persecute but to partner, he was held at arm’s length. But, enter a man named Barnabas. Taking Saul by the hand, leading him to the apostles, and explaining on his behalf the powerful evidence of his conversion, skepticism melted. Thanks to Barnabas, Paul was able to partner with Peter and the other apostles, and we are today enriched through the letters written by him that comprise over half of the New Testament.Imagine what good our encouragement might do. Perhaps there is someone we know who is new to the faith. Others may be skeptical, but we may uniquely see the evidence of their conversion, and the great potential they have. Our encouragement could make all the difference!We live and die by encouragement. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18.21). Someone who is foundering in the faith just might be revived and restored by a word of encouragement from us. It is said that it is good for every person to consider at least one positive touch daily. By that it is meant that we each should administer some form of positive reinforcement and encouragement to at least one person daily. So, who is the one person today you can encourage in their life, service, and faith? You may never know how much good your encouragement will bring, but be assured it is worth the effort. May an army of Barnabas’ be unleashed today!Steve©Steve Taylor, 2015Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/ Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GWpaperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
March 3, 2015
Nothing is more compelling than someone with a clear-cut mission, motivated by compassion. “Jesus was going through all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness. Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.’ ” (Matthew 9.35-38)It is abundantly clear that Jesus was a man with a message. Front and center was a message about the kingdom of God. But, this was no philosophical principle; it was demonstrated by powerful and compassionate actions: healings and miracles. The point of it all was to declare and demonstrate the coming of a new reality, which could be experienced in part in this present age. A burden for this message, and compassion for all people, was powerful and compelling. And, He sought to increase and multiply the mission by challenging His disciples to see the opportunity and need, and partner in the work.When we most fully know and experience the reality and hope of the kingdom, we are deeply motivated to share it with others. The power of the kingdom that pervades in part today gives rise to compassionate acts of help and healing. The partial experience of wholeness moves us to administer it to the broken around us. The more we know and experience, the more we care and share.A powerful message gives rise to compassionate mission. I pray that we each see and experience the message more clearly, and that it give rise to compelling and compassionate mission.Steve©Steve Taylor, 2015Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/ Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GWpaperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
