March 30, 2016

We mark time with watches and calendars, but how can we begin to comprehend eternity? The infinite cannot be understood by us who are so finite. So, this basic truth is beyond our true comprehension: "Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God." (Psalm 90.2) 

The closest we can come to understanding is through this analogy: "For a thousand years in Your sight Are like yesterday when it passes by, Or as a watch in the night." (Psalm 90.4) Vast periods of time, as we measure time, are a mere moment from the perspective of the Infinite One. Our lives are a veritable drop in the bucket compared to eternity ("As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, Or if due to strength, eighty years" - Psalm 90.10)

So, if all of this boggles your mind as it does mine, the real take away is this: "teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90.12) Make life count, because our limited days are an investment in infinite eternity. Sacrifice and service now are richly rewarded in the coming age without end.

Since our days are numbered, we do well to wisely number each one to count for that which truly matters. Live wisely today .
 Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2016
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March 29, 2016

The prefix, "re," usually means something done again; for example, reheat, repeat, replay, etc. So, the word, "rejoice," sounds like a word imploring us to be joyful again. Whether that's an accurate definition, we are called to be joyful repeatedly. 

"Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you." (Philippians 3.1) 

Be glad. Thrive. Experience God's grace. It's like basking in the warm sunshine while lying on a beach. It is soaking up the abundance of God's undeserved favor toward you, and savoring all its benefits.

Sadly, there are too many joy-robbing experiences and events in life, and these easily become our fixation and preoccupation. But, the call the rejoice, and rejoice again, remains. 

Through Christ, we enjoy God's favored status. A holy God is not angered by our sin, but instead delighted in us as we are covered over by His Son's righteousness. 

So, whatever your circumstances, the call to rejoice overrides current conditions. Savor grace, and be a grace-bearer to others. Rejoice. Find joy, and find it again. It's His plan.

 Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2016
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March 23, 2016

General Douglas MacArthur, during World War II, promised the peoples of the Philippine Islands that he would return. Holding to that promise, he eventually did so. A similar but far greater promise has been made that is destined to be fulfilled.

“Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1.11)

The return of Christ is the powerful incentive for expectancy, faithful living, and works of service and evangelism. The confident assurance that Jesus will literally return to the earth, stand on the Mount of Olives, and inaugurate a new and perfect world government, is the great hope and expectation of His disciples. 

The resurrection power of Christ flows through the bodies of His people, providing energy and incentive for kingdom living and priorities (Acts 1.8). The assurance of the promise that He shall return resonates through this inner presence and power. He WILL return, and dedicated living and service truly matter. 

World events and life circumstances easily cast a negative shadow, but we live, not under that shadow, but in the light of the coming King and kingdom. May that brightness permeate your life and experience this day, and every day.

Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2016
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March 22, 2016

Nothing is more gratifying than talking with someone who truly understands. Rather than offering platitudes and idealistic theories, such people relate in encouraging and helpful ways. Such is our Savior, Jesus the Christ. 

"I am poured out like water, And all my bones are out of joint; My heart is like wax; It is melted within me. My strength is dried up like a potsherd, And my tongue cleaves to my jaws; And You lay me in the dust of death." (Psalm 22.14-15)

This prophetic Psalm well conveys the raw human experience of Jesus during the agony of the cross. He knew pain and suffering more than anyone. As such, He relates intimately to our human condition. He truly gets it, and us.

How encouraging and helpful to converse with One such as this! And, to know that He uniquely appropriates the exact help we need from the Father. None can help better than One who can truly relate. 

The most helpful and encouraging conversation we will have today is with this One who gets it and understands us. So, as an old gospel song admonishes, "have a little talk with Jesus." He hears, understands, and helps. And, what He prescribes is the work and activity to which He is committed: advancing the cause and work of the kingdom of God. The best help we can receive is to be enabled to become helpers for the greatest cause.

May your conversations today with King Jesus be real and helpful.

Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2016
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March 16, 2016

"Steady as she goes" is an old nautical term meaning to be careful, and avoid sudden changes. Regardless of the crosswinds, waves, or currents, it was a directive to stay the plotted course no matter what. That's good advice for these tumultuous times we live in. 

"The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, For in God the LORD we have an everlasting Rock." (Isaiah 26.3-4) 

In times of crisis and upheaval, panic easily becomes the order of the day. But, the people of God who remain "steadfast of mind" are assured the perfect peace that the LORD alone can give. Resolute trust in the "everlasting Rock" is our surety when a chaotic world is shifting sand. 

Someone has said that last-day events of this age will be like hitting the fast forward on a movie: events will unfold at bewildering speed and magnitude. It's well described in Jesus' words: "men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world." (Luke 21.26) Such times will make it far easier to abandon ship than stay the course. But, "The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You." 

That which we are mentally preoccupied with determines our reaction in times of crisis. Are you focused more on the current political process, the threat of terrorism, your current financial status, etc. than the things of the LORD and the kingdom? Is His word your Rock and delight, or does exposure to current news override the peace that His presence and word can bring? Let His promise be your mantra today, and always - even amidst crisis times: "The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You." 


Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2016
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March 15, 2016

In an age of confused values, priorities, and lifestyles, those who live "reasonable" lives are apt to earn the respect and hearing of others. 

"make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need" (1 Thessalonians 4.11-12) 

Lead a quiet life. Not that we refrain from speech, but that we refrain from matching voice with the hysteria of our age. We stay the course. We tend to personal and family responsibilities. We are conscientious workers who do our best to provide for ourselves, and help others. We live lives of integrity amidst a world gone mad. 

Reason and responsibility seem to be in short supply these days. Violence fills the land. The political process is anything but peaceful and orderly. The absurd has become the ordinary. The foundation of society is being destroyed before our very eyes. 

Last day living is prophesied to bring unique challenges. But, those days offer unparalleled opportunities. The light never shines brighter than against the darkest night. The confused and helpless look for reason and sanity amidst such times. The "quiet," industrious, and morally sound people will gain a great hearing for their hope though the gospel. Our days of greatest usefulness for the Lord and His message will be in such times.

May He abundantly strengthen and direct us (as He surely will!) as we live amidst such times.

Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2016
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March 9, 2016

The list of anxiety-producing circumstances can easily be lengthy. The threat of terrorism. Personal illness or injury. Financial crisis. Marital and/or family conflict. But, what situations or circumstances are peace-producing? A vacation? A day at the spa? A good book, or movie? 

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful" (Colossians 3.15) 

Personal peace, for the follower of Christ, is not about circumstances but inner presence. The perfect peace of Christ is to be the ruling, authoritative force in our lives and in our connectivity with the body of Christ. This peace is closely associated with a thankful attitude. 

I've come to realize that peace is most elusive when I'm least grateful. Nothing is easier than lamenting what I don't have rather than rejoicing in how I've been blessed. Fact is, the peace that Christ offers transcends externals. "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you." (John 14.27) Only those who have experienced the peace of Christ can attest to the fact that it exists even amidst circumstances that appear the least conducive to it. 

A part of the believer's testimony in a stressful world is an abiding peace that is compelling and appealing. Stressed people will be drawn to us in our peaceful existence, and seek "an account of the hope that is in you." (1 Peter 3.15) 

May the peace of Christ be personally satisfying to you today, and outwardly appealing to all you encounter.


Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2016
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March 8, 2016

The Caribbean. The Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. The Gulf of Mexico. The Great Smokey Mountains. The Rocky Mountains. The Grand Canyon. I've been blessed to see some of the world's most beautiful places. These are God's gift to us. 

"The heavens are the heavens of the LORD, But the earth He has given to the sons of men." (Psalm 115.16) 

Tarnished by the disaster in the Garden of Eden, a curse weighs heavy on planet earth. And yet an amazing beauty shines through, reflective of the majesty of its Creator. Imagine the splendor with the curse removed! 

It is encouraging that more and more Bible students and theologians are coming to understand that God has not given up, nor will He, on His original creation. He has given the earth to the sons of men not only for this age, but the age to come. When Jesus stated that "the meek will inherit the earth," He wasn't kidding! His statement summarizes the plan of His Father. 

We are made of the elements ("dust") of the earth, and our fate is inseparably bound with the earth. God's great restoration project is to translate mortals into immortals, and to also renew planet earth from which we are made. 

So, we are privileged to savor earthly beauty today, and know that we will forever enjoy it in all its splendor when God's restoration project is completed. May we be encouraged and strengthened in knowing that His project is underway even now.


Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2016
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March 2, 2016

The basic choice in life is to either lament what we don't have or celebrate what we do have. Celebrating what we have is prescribed in these words: 

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle." (Psalm 103.1-5)

The so-called "attitude of gratitude" is beneficial in this life, as well as the age to come. The grateful ones are promised youthful renewal "like the eagle" - a promise to be fulfilled in the coming kingdom. 

The Psalmist specifically lists godly benefits: forgiveness, healing, salvation, love and favor. The more specific the focus on benefits, the greater the gratitude. 

So, the prescription for a fulfilling life of gratitude and genuine praise to our Father, Yahweh, is specific focus on His benefits to us. Making even a short list of ten benefits from your Father will make all the difference in your outlook today.

May we bless Him through specific and heartfelt gratitude.

Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2016
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March 1, 2016

There are two kinds of people in the world: those who understand, and those who don't. 

"Many will be purged, purified and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand." (Daniel 12.10) 

An angelic being, looking to the distant horizon, saw and revealed to Daniel the course of the age. There would be an ingathering of souls into the kingdom of God; those who would be "purged, purified, and refined." But, wicked people would resolutely continue in their wickedness, never truly understanding their actions or the plan of God. The people of God, those of "insight," would and do understand. 

Those words give insight into the tumultuous and even perilous times we live in. Why do people act as they do? Why violent behavior? Why are some so enamored with certain political candidates? Why do some seem so blind and callous to spiritual truth and insight? 

It's always helpful to know that two systems, governments, and entities exist side by side. A kingdom of darkness and a kingdom of light have coexisted for nearly all of human history. In the best of times the differences are nearly indiscernible, but in worse times the differences are sharply pronounced. In this country and culture, the differences are becoming more pronounced. Today's trends are baffling and alarming, but our confidence is that "those who have insight will understand." The people of God will be given wisdom to navigate the treacherous waters of threatening times. 

Our ultimate confidence is found in the last words spoken to Daniel: "But as for you, go your way to the end; then you will enter into rest and rise again for your allotted portion at the end of the age." (Daniel 12.13)

Stay the course of righteousness, ever mindful or mortality. Be confident of resurrection and reward. Never forget: the best is yet to come.

Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2016
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/  

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