June 30, 2015
There is one important fact and truth we must never lose sight of: the high price of the grace we so freely enjoy. The prospect of resurrection, immortality, and the coming kingdom of God are free gifts, but they are certainly not cheap. We dare never lose sight of the fact that our Savior suffered horribly to provide that which we enjoy.Reading the Gospel accounts of His suffering, abuse, and death are always emotionally powerful: “after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified … They spat on Him, and took the reed and began to beat Him on the head … And when they came to a place called Golgotha, which means Place of a Skull, they gave Him wine to drink mixed with gall; and after tasting it, He was unwilling to drink. And when they had crucified Him, they divided up His garments among themselves by casting lots.” (Matthew 27.26, 30, 33-35) Somehow the language seems woefully inadequate in describing the intensity of the suffering. Words like “scourged” and “crucified” are hardly descriptive enough. But, no words could ever accurately describe our Savior’s experience in such a way that we would fully comprehend. Perhaps the best that can happen is that we be so moved as to stand gape-jawed, fully ready to surrender in any and every way that would please and serve Him. When His sacrifice moves us to truly be living sacrifices, then the truth has truly sunk in.What wondrous love is this? How could our perfect sinless Savior undergo what He did for us? We will live out all our days without ever fully comprehending. But, the more we understand and appreciate, the more we are willing to respond in sacrifice and service, because this indeed is our “reasonable service” (Romans 12.1 NKJV). May we be greatly moved today to so appreciate our Savior’s sacrifice as to truly be His, in any and every way.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
June 17, 2015
Faith and truth are the basis for confident living. That which is resolutely true is to be wholeheartedly embraced, to serve as our unswerving faith.“But this I admit to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets; having a hope in God, which these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. In view of this, I also do my best to maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before men.” (Acts 24.14-16)The apostle Paul, testifying before Roman government officials, confidently asserted that which he firmly believed. He was certain of a coming general resurrection of all the dead, both righteous and wicked, which prompted within him a need and desire to live an upright life before God and men. His passionate belief translated into lifestyle.We live in an age of rapidly changing and eroding values. Long held values and standards of marriage, in particular, have changed almost overnight. The very moral fabric of our modern culture is being ripped and shredded. And, those without firm convictions are being swept along in the swift current of change. But, the people of God who strongly and passionately embrace the firm truth of resurrection are resolutely unshaken in their lifestyle. The standard of godly living today is the same as it was yesterday, regardless of how popular or unpopular society labels it.I cherish my hope. Nothing is more important than that I escape the inevitable claim of death through resurrection. And this hope is worth fully living for, and even dying for, if martyrdom is our fate. So, let’s let resurrection hope be our confidence for godly living in perverse times. May this great truth and hope inspire us to aspire to be the people God desires, serving as shining lights in a dark and evil age.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
June 16, 2015
A legendary wise investor has been called “the oracle of Omaha.” As the preacher from Phoenix, none would confuse me with Warren Buffett, but I do know a thing or two about investing in a different realm. And, these investments will yield a far greater return.“For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey.” (Matthew 25.14-15)Three slaves, entrusted with varying amounts, managed these resources as they saw best. Two were wise and shrewd, doubling the amounts entrusted to them. The third, however, only preserved the amount entrusted, gaining no return or interest. While the two who doubled the investment were rewarded, the lazy slave who merely preserved it was severely reprimanded and punished. In this story, recorded in Matthew 25.14-30, Jesus is the man about to go on a journey, who entrusted talents to various slaves. We, his disciples, are the slaves. The talents entrusted are things associated with His kingdom, and the need for wise investment is the key point. What has He placed in our hands that He wants invested for His kingdom? The most obvious answer is the saving gospel. What are we doing with “the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ?” (Acts 8.12) Are we, first of all, growing in our knowledge and appreciation of it? Are we savoring the lavish grace extended to us? Secondly, as we so grateful that we are seeking opportunities to share it with others? Are we praying for lost friends and family? Are we asking for opportunities to share this life-saving message? Are we preparing ourselves to disciple those who are responsive? These are all key questions and issues associated with investing the talents placed in our hands by the King.The day of accounting before the King hasn’t come, so this day offers us a wonderful opportunity to do some wise and diligent “kingdom investing.” It is a great day to start a gospel message blog on the internet, or initiate some discussion on social media. It’s a great day to seek a conversation opportunity with an unsaved neighbor, friend, or family member. It’s a great day to ask the Master to place someone in our path who is ready and wiling to hear and respond. It’s a great day for some great investments, that will return eternal dividends.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
June 10, 2015
What’s worth standing up for? When push comes to shove, what are your non-negotiables; that which you passionately believe and would never back down from? Hopefully we would be in strong agreement with this emphatic statement: “I am on trial for the hope and resurrection of the dead!” (Acts 23.6)Few truths are as controversial and subject to ridicule as resurrection. The popular, traditional belief of the immortality of the soul renders resurrection null and void in the minds of those who believe it. And, most people generally believe this, whether they are Bible students and church-goers or not. Death really isn’t death if we have an immortal soul.The older I get, and the more I contemplate my own mortality, the more I realize how desperate I am for the solution of resurrection. The aging process will inevitably one day exact the ultimate toll. A healthy lifestyle and medical science may prolong it, but will never prevent it. The outcome is absolutely, one hundred percent certain; no one has yet beat these impossible odds. So, death is an endless dirt nap unless resurrection is a real possibility. Faith could easily give way to cynicism if it weren’t for one notable exception to the endless cycle of death. The prototype, Jesus, “Christ the first fruits” (1 Corinthians 15.23), reminds me there is a way out, and that resurrection is indeed a fact and truth. Resurrection is one of my non-negotiables. I may be mocked, ridiculed, and even abused for more faith in this fact, but I choose to stand with Paul: “I am on trial for the hope and resurrection of the dead!” May resurrection hope by powerful incentive and encouragement 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
June 9, 2015
It’s a fundamental rule of baseball: keep your eye on the ball. Whether at bat, or playing in the field, the priority of the game is to always know where the ball is (a lesson I learned the hard way as a youth). A much more important “rule” of the Christian life is to keep your eye on the return of Christ. Never neglect or lose sight of this vitally important fact. He IS coming back, and vigilance and preparation is of the utmost importance.“Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.” (Matthew 24.42-44)Vigilance dictates lifestyle. Someone invited to and planning to attend a wedding prepares. Such an occasion calls for proper attire, so we dry clean a suit or dress, and polish our dress shoes. Similarly, the greatest event of all times dictates that we “dress up” our lives; that we live focused on key biblical priorities. If we expect a literal, personal encounter with Christ at His return, we want to make sure that we don’t have reason to be ashamed when the day comes. So, pleasing Him, and our Father, is the priority. And this becomes our passion in both Bible study and prayer. How can I better understand and do what is good and pleasing? How can I best surrender to Holy Spirit within to cultivate these qualities? I like the story of the little girl who heard a Sunday School lesson about the return of Christ. She later asked her mother if he could return in the coming week, to which her mother replied that He could. The little girl then asked if He could return that very day, again prompting an affirmative answer from her mother. Finally, she asked if He could return within the hour. Upon hearing from her mother that this was a possibility, she asked her mother to comb her hair. If Jesus was coming, she wanted to be ready! Jesus IS coming again. It might be beyond our lifetime, but it also might be within the hour. To watch for His return isn’t so much about watching for the event as it is watching our lifestyle. Am I ready if He should come today? Is there a habit or practice that is detrimental to my readiness? Have I neglected important spiritual priorities? The return of Christ prompts us to urgently face these issues now, and not later.He is coming; are you ready?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
June 2, 2015
Let’s cut to the chase: what really matters the most? The answer is both simple and profound. Anyone can understand it, but putting it in practice can, and will, take a lifetime.“ 'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.' This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.’ " (Matthew 22:37-40)It all comes down to the Big Two: wholehearted love for Creator God, and selfless love for our neighbor. If we make these our great priority, all else will fall into place. Love the Creator, and love His creation. Both are inseparably bound: “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also.” (1 John 4.20-21)Honestly, it would be easier if these two commandments weren’t linked. God is easy enough to love. He blesses us always, and is never irritating. Not so with fellow humans. Imperfect people have trouble getting along together. Idiosyncrasies sometimes drive us nuts. Perhaps the faults and flaws in others remind us of our own, which we would rather not face. And, some personality types just don’t play well together. Loving others is … well, messy and inconvenient. The amazing pattern of Jesus inspires us to the best of both great commandments, which are really one commandment. He often retreated from the busyness of life for a night of communion and prayer with His father (i.e., Mark 1.35). But, he never seemed to retreat from compassion for hurting people: “Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9.36)Loving God and loving people is impossible through human effort. We will inevitably fail to pray and commune as we ought. We will be impatient with and judgmental of others. We will fall facedown time and again in trying to do what God requires. But, the life of discipline and love is cultivated through the life of the Spirit within. The solution isn’t so much, ’try harder,' but, ‘yield more’. Let the power and life of the resurrected Christ within stir up real love, and a true desire for what matters most. Loving God, and loving others. It won’t come naturally, but it will come supernaturally. That supernatural enabling will draw us into true intimacy with our Creator, and His Christ, and will become a well of compassion within from which we serve, build up, and share the precious gospel with others.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
