April 29, 2015

It’s a basic message, but so very important. The God who is unknown to many has made us, and given us life, breath, and all that we have. From one person He has made us all, and established the parameters of our lives. His great desire is that we would seek Him, although He is not far from us. He graciously overlooks our previous disregard of Him, but not forever. His earnest desire is that we all repent and seek Him, because a day of judgement is coming. This judgement will be administered by His Son, and the proof of His ability to do so is established in the fact of His resurrection from the dead. 

So goes a timeless message by the apostle Paul, given long ago on a hill in the city of Athens, Greece (Acts 17.22-31). To say that this is the entire gospel message would be to oversimplify it, but it definitely serves as a pattern for sharing life-changing truth with those who have only a basic understanding. It is simple enough and basic that anyone can quickly learn it, thus refuting the objection some have as to not knowing enough to witness. 

Paul had many approaches with the gospel, depending upon the audience. We do well to do the same. But, one thing was common to all: resurrection. He would emphatically state, while on trial, “I am on trial for the hope and the resurrection of the dead!” (Acts 23.6; i.e, 24.15; 26.8) They key central truth was of a Savior, raised up from the dead by our Creator Father, who establishes the precedent for believer resurrection one day.

The words of 1 Peter 3.15 are applicable: “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence”

May we know the life-changing gospel well enough so as to be wise and sensitive enough to share it as is appropriate with those who are receptive.

Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2015
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April 28, 2015

If we could just see it now. For several years, I’ve written these devotional thoughts off of the premise of seeing tomorrow’s reality today. The more clearly we see the coming future reality, the more energy and optimism it generates in our lives today. And, that especially applies to this fascinating verse:

“And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light.” (Matthew 17.2)

Many have been perplexed by this mysterious event commonly called the Transfiguration. In essence, it seems to have been a momentary breakthrough of the future into the present. For one brief, shining moment, Jesus appears before Peter, James, and John in His coming kingdom glory. Brilliantly white and majestic, this image was designed to sustain His disciples during the dark night of Jesus’ suffering and death. If they could see the coming reality, present circumstances would not deter or discourage them.

The more clearly we see the triumphant Jesus and the coming kingdom reality today, the more resolute our faith with be, and our abiding optimism. If we lose sight of the then, we’ll likely be overwhelmed by the now.

Revelation 1.12-16 presents a picture of the victorious Christ. It’s a description difficult to comprehend, but the sense of majesty is inescapable regardless of how well we visualize Him. This is the Christ now seated at the Father’s right hand.

My earnest prayer for today is that we would see more clearly our Christ and the coming kingdom, and that this clarity of vision would stir us as it never has before. May it generate greater passion for our personal walk with Christ, and for the work of the kingdom. May it overshadow present circumstances that discourage our threaten us. May we better see tomorrow’s reality today.

Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2015
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April 22, 2015

Some of the greatest good comes from adversity. Not only do such times and experiences build character, they also can radically impact the lives of others around us. Such was the case with two men.

“When they had struck them with many blows, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to guard them securely; and he, having received such a command, threw them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.” (Acts 16.23-24)

Paul and Silas faced a hostile crowd, and were severely treated by the local authorities. With a night to potentially nurse their wounds, and a grudge, they chose to respond far differently than would be expected: “ But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them” (Acts 16.25). Shocking as this response was to ill-treatment, what followed next was even more shocking. A great earthquake rocked the jailhouse, opening prison doors and releasing shackles (Acts 16.26). Jailbreak by every prisoner was imminent, so the jailer determined to commit suicide rather than face the penalty for dereliction of duty. Paul restrained both jailbreak and suicide, and the penitent jailer asked the most important question anyone can ever ask: “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16.30) What resulted was the late-night conversion of the man and his household. Undoubtedly, every prisoner there that night was also greater affected, although there is no written record.

A dark chapter in two men’s lives was the springboard to a great advance of the gospel. Such is often the pattern. Setbacks are mere stepping stones. Retreat and defeat are, in reality, advance and victory. 

Many lament the unjust suffering that seems to often come to those who actively seek to do gospel work. Good work is no guarantee of good treatment, but good results will come; often in unexpected ways. The key is to resolutely forge ahead with good gospel work, regardless of treatment. And, knowing that the good work done in faith will bring about precisely the results that the Lord Jesus intends.

The end result of the gift of resurrection and immortality provide powerful incentive for our service: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15.58) 

Keep on faithfully serving, faithful saint.

Steve

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

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April 21, 2015

Just one undeniable indicator and encounter. One conclusive bit of evidence would forever settle the issue of faith, and dispel doubt. At least that’s how the reasoning goes. But, a sure sign is apparently no guarantee.

"The Pharisees and Sadducees came up, and testing Jesus, they asked Him to show them a sign from heaven. But He replied to them, 'When it is evening, you say, `It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.' And in the morning, `There will be a storm today, for the sky is red and threatening.' Do you know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but cannot discern the signs of the times? An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign; and a sign will not be given it, except the sign of Jonah.’ And He left them and went away." (Matthew 16:1-4)

The sign sought by the religious leaders wasn’t for the purpose of confirming fundamental faith; it was something to dispel their doubt. Already steeped in cynicism, they wanted a sign to change their mind. In essence, it was an I-dare-you-to-make-me-believe sign.

If signs could guarantee faith, the chosen of God Jewish nation ought to be the most resolute. Their heritage included miraculous manna for food, the visible presence of YHWH God in the form of a cloud and fire, the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, and countless miracles and signs through the prophets. Signs were in abundance, but their legacy today is to exist as an unbelieving people who have rejected Jesus as Messiah.

The old saying, “Seeing is believing,” isn’t quite right. Truth is, “Believing is seeing.” Hebrews 11:1 states, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Signs don’t lead to faith sight.

Like nearly every believer, I’ve longed at times for some convincing sign. Just let Jesus physically materialize in a room for a moment. Miraculously alter something physical right before my eyes. Speak to me with an audible voice. Truth is, to long for such things is to taunt and test my Father, rather than to accept and believe what He’s already revealed. 

The sign of Jonah is proof enough. The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus is all the proof needed. If the pulsing Spirit within isn’t enough evidence of the resurrection and presence of Christ, nothing else will be either. If I don’t believe the sign already given, I won’t believe any additional signs.

Let’s settle the issue in our lives. God has raised Jesus from the dead. He is seated victoriously at the Father’s right hand. He has received and poured out Holy Spirit in the lives of His people as the medium of His convincing presence. He is working out the kingdom agenda within and through us. He is coming back victoriously very soon. So, let’s confidently move forward in faith today, participating in all He wants to do through us.

May the walk of faith be an exciting and rewarding adventure today.

Steve

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

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April 14, 2015

Heart disease has been directly linked to diet, but there is another form of heart disease indicative of something far more serious.

“Do you not understand that everything that goes into the mouth passes into the stomach, and is eliminated? But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders. These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile the man.” (Matthew 15.17-20)

Physical heart health is dependent upon such things as proper diet and exercise, but spiritual heart health is directly linked to thoughts. What we think resides in the heart, considered in biblical times to be the center of life energy. Just as diet and exercise impact physical health, how we think impacts how we live. "as he thinks within himself, so he is." (Proverbs 23:7) And, if our inner thought life is filled with evil thoughts, it is inevitable that evil deeds will eventually result.

We live in a time when there is increasing awareness of the impact of diet and exercise on physical health. Sadly, there seems to be little awareness of the impact of our thought life on spiritual health. We cannot fill up our time with worldly entertainment and expect God-pleasing results! It’s about like watering a garden with salt brine and expecting a healthy crop. The computer adage, “Garbage in, garbage out," is applicable. 

Lest I be mistaken for the epitome of spiritual health, I’ll be the first to admit that the battle for my mind is a very real one. A simple time study reveals more leisure time spent in front of a television and not enough time in scripture and helpful Christian literature. The siren call of the world’s entertainment easily appeals more than the demands of mental spiritual discipline. 

A man who fell into the bad habit of one fast food meal a day faced his day of reckoning in front of a bathroom scale. Having gained twenty-five pounds in a few weeks, he faced the reality that he would either have to walk six hours a day to offset his caloric indulgence, or restrict his diet. The choice was not easy. Similar choices need to be made be all who wish to live godly lives. Do I live delusionally believing I can be a spiritual giant while mentally feasting on the world’s junk food, or do I face the reality that my mental preoccupation must be the word of God and its principles?

We daily are engaged in a battle for the mind, and knowing that it is a battle reminds us that it is not easy. When we honestly face the facts as to what we do with our discretionary time, we have taken a huge step in the right direction. And then, as we cooperate with the inner Spirit of God, the battle becomes winnable as we join forces with that dynamic Spirit.

Steve

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

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April 8, 2015

It may not be a popular message these days, but it is an important one. The apostle Paul returned to the churches he had helped found with this priority and message: “strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, ‘Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God’ ” (Acts 14:22).

A message about hardship hardly seems like encouragement, but it is the reality of the Christian walk. It is essential, if we are to “continue in the faith”, that we clearly understand the nature of the walk we are committed to. The “man of sorrows”, who is our guide and pattern, has established the precedent. The Father’s will was accomplished in His life through suffering and sacrifice, and we dare not expect anything different.

If we lose sight of the kingdom of God, the tribulations of our present experience will be magnified, and cause us to be discouraged. The kingdom is the prize we keep our eyes on as we endure the disappointment and trouble that so often characterizes this age. 

I have the greatest respect for the faithful saints I have known who bravely and resolutely faced life’s adversity. It’s as though they slowly, with determined steps, walked unswervingly through storms with gale force winds and lashing rain, only to come out of the other side of the storm still faithfully walking. These are the ones who offer rich encouragement by their example and lives.

When I need counsel, as I walk through the valley of adversity, I turn to someone who has already faithfully walked through that which I am in the midst of. Such individuals are like the “cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12.1): the faithful who have stayed the course and kept the faith. These are individuals who exemplify Paul’s words of continuing in the faith through tribulation, never losing sight of the kingdom.

Tribulation comes in many forms, and I am sure you have faced a variety of them. Fact is, you might be in the midst of some intense tribulation just now. Be encouraged in knowing that adversity is the common experience for the follower of Christ, and that the promise and hope of the kingdom is what puts it all in perspective, and will make it all worthwhile. That day just might be far closer than we imagine!

Steve

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

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April 7, 2015

A man from Minnesota wryly stated that walking on water is no big deal; folks do it all the time in the winter there. Walking on frozen water may not be a big deal, but walking on liquid water is.

"Immediately He (Jesus) made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side,while He sent the crowds away ... But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, 'It is a ghost!' And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.'Peter said to Him, 'Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.' And He said,'Come!' And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, 'Lord, save me!' Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, 'You of little faith, why did you doubt?' “ (Matthew 14.23,24-31) 

Astonishing as it must have been to Jesus’ disciples to see Him doing something so remarkable as walking on water, it’s equally remarkable to note that Peter thought he could do the same. And, he did, at least for a short time. His outrageous faith and impulsive attitude moved him out of the small boat into the open, raging sea. But then reality must have struck; his focus quickly moved from faith to fear. 

The lesson is basic but oh-so-important: faith works when we keep our eyes on Christ, but fear overcomes when circumstances become our focus. And that’s the take away for us each today: keep focused on Christ, and faith will accomplish great things. Focusing on circumstances leads to fear and disillusionment. 

Peter ought not to have been able to walk on water. The only precedent for such an action was right in front of him, but then this was the Son of God; He alone was capable, should have been the reasoning. But, something stirred within Peter that incited him to act outrageously. In spite of his momentary failure, at least he acted. The same cannot be said for the other disciples, who remained safely in the boat.

Better to falter while acting in faith, than to remain safely in our comfort zone. The great faith chapter, Hebrews 11, is all about those who chose to forego security for the adventure of faith, and they were commended for it (Hebrews 11.39-40)

So, what step of faith are you being called to take today? What does the Master want you to step out of the boat to do? Better to step out and risk sinking than to remain safely in the boat, risking nothing.  Taking that step of faith today just might be the beginning of the greatest adventure of your life. 

Steve

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

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April 1, 2015

Amazing things can happen through our dedication and commitment. Case in point is an incident in the lives of five men.

“While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” (Acts 13.2-3)

There were five men in a church who served as prophets and teachers. As they went about their service, they devoted themselves for a period of time to the practice of fasting. In fact, fasting is twice mentioned here: a specific call from the Lord was received as they were fasting, and prayer and fasting accompanied the commissioning of Paul and Barnabas to that work. And what a work it was! This marked the beginning of the first of three missionary tours that resulted in many new churches, and eventually letters that would comprise over half of the New Testament. We are immeasurably blessed through what resulted from the practice of fasting by these men.

I recently had an interesting and ironic conversation about fasting while eating a piece of cake. Aside of that irony, I reflected back on a time in my life and service when fasting was a regular part of my lifestyle. There were rich and tangible blessings that perhaps at least in part resulted from the habit of fasting then.

The misguided religious leaders in Jesus’ day regularly practiced fasting, but were none the better spiritually because of it. Fasting, in and of itself, does not guarantee spiritual insight and vitality. But, the lack of its practice can be at least as detrimental. If the Lord’s voice and calling was abundantly clear during a period of fasting, as recorded in Acts 13, then such possibilities exist today for those who discipline themselves to fast. 

I seriously doubt any of us approach the prospect of fasting with any great enthusiasm, but the potential good and blessings that could result hopefully stirs an interest and desire to practice it. By denying our physical appetite, we just might find our spiritual appetite stirred and satisfied in ways we could not otherwise imagine.

Steve

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

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