April 27, 2016

We may never know how much encouragement our mere presence is to someone else. Case in point: the apostle Paul, arriving in Rome as a prisoner, was greeted by a crowd of believers; some who had come a great distance. "when Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage." (Acts 28.15) 

It's easy to think of Paul as a strong and brave man with a pioneering spirit, who went about widely evangelizing the world in his day. Indeed, he was all these things, but he also needed help and encouragement as much as anyone. 

The older I get, the more I appreciate the presence of like-minded believers; even if not a word is spoken. Being together with those who hold the same truths and values is immensely encouraging and uplifting. These people form my accountability group, and are role models worth emulating.

The anti-Christian sentiments that exist in increasing measure these days are enough to make even the bravest of us cowardly. Thus, when we see fellow believers - taking the same stand and fighting the same battle - we can, like Paul, thank God and take courage because of them.

A follower of Christ, living in isolation, is in greater danger than he/she will ever know. The risk of abandoning the faith and losing courage is very real. However distant or few, reach out to those who are like-minded for support, and to be supportive. We're in this together, and we need to stay in it together.

 Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2016
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April 26, 2016

It was a unique time, as were the circumstances. But, it's hard not to yearn for a repeat today of what happened then. In Acts 19, we read such things as, "God was performing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul" (Acts 19.11), and, "the word of the Lord was growing mightily and prevailing." (Acts 19.20) 

Such words hardly seem descriptive of our time and circumstances. So, were these things for a specific purpose at that time, and no longer necessary today? Certainly, they were necessary then as the Church was being established, and the written record of Scripture was not yet finalized. But, that rationale may not adequately explain their absence, or near absence, today. This much is certain: such things occurred amidst clear and focused proclamation of the message of the kingdom of God (Acts 19.8-10). Genuine and open repentance of sinful practices was taking place (Acts 19.18-19). 

God through Christ can obviously do what He chooses whenever and wherever. If He should choose to "reenact Acts" today, it will be in harmony with what we see here. A clear, focused proclamation of Jesus and the kingdom of God. Genuine repentance of sin and sinful practices. Only then can His Spirit be freely unleashed to work mightily.

If another chapter is to be added to the Book of Acts, so to speak, it will happen as we do our part to be faithful to the message, and faithful to an authentic lifestyle. Let's do our part, and anticipate exciting things from the God of all possibilities.

 Steve

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

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April 20, 2016

Many people have great concerns about the upcoming election and the direction of this country. Here is both a timely and timeless perspective: "It is He who changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and establishes kings" (Daniel 2.21) 

Candidates and politicians posture and position, but it Yahweh God who ultimately controls their destiny, and ours. Citizens go to the polls to cast votes for preferred candidates, but again, it is God who controls the outcome. As Proverbs 16.33 states, "The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the Lord."

God long ago revealed to King Nebuchadnezzar a vision of a metallic man, representing the major governmental powers to rise and fall throughout human history. It was a digressive image; signified by lesser-quality metals as time progressed. Such is the course of human government: it will ultimately digress and degrade until replaced by the ultimate form of government, the kingdom of God. 

We must live as responsible citizens under the governmental system of the land we live in. But, our actions and involvement must ever be tempered by the truth that all such systems are temporary, and destined for destruction. The only government worthy of full and undivided loyalty is that of the kingdom of God. May we live wisely and responsibly with that great truth in full view.

 Steve

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

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April 19, 2016

An author shared concerning his recent book about baseball legend, Ty Cobb. History portrays him very negatively, but the author was surprised to discover that much of the negative press was unfounded and untrue; character attacks by his enemies. Damage is done when we don't get the facts straight.

"One generation shall praise Your works to another, And shall declare Your mighty acts." (Psalm 145.4) 

The acts of our Creator Father during our lifetime will easily be lost if we are not careful to retell them to the next generation. The stories of His specific protection in the face of harm, financial provision that prevented ruin, and incredible guidance through events that were pivotal, will all be lost unless we tell of them. This is our spiritual legacy, upon which the next generation will build and rebuild faith and spiritual vitality.

I'm personally challenged today by this verse to begin writing my account of His works. And, I think you might do well to do the same if you have not done so. The next generation needs, and wants, to hear your story.

 Steve

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

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April 13, 2016

It's easy to take privileges for granted. Many people assume a driver's license is a right rather than a privilege. The same can be true of the privileges enjoyed as God's children.

"Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”  Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God." (Galatians 4.6-7) 

Children of wealthy parents enjoy certain privileges. As children of God, we enjoy the privilege of the Spirit of His Son within our lives, which leads us to personal, intimate prayer with our Father ("Abba! (Daddy) Father!"). 

The dynamic of Jesus' prayer life, as recorded in the gospels, is abundantly evident. Not only is it a great example, but it stirs up a yearning within sincere disciples. It is that same Spirit of Jesus that is within us, enabling us to have that dynamic prayer life if we are willing. What a privilege!

As children of God, we also are heirs (Galatians 3.29). And who can begin to describe the riches of immortality and the abundant blessings of life in the age to come? Again, what a privilege!

May we never take God's privileges for granted, but always highly prize what we are so blessed to have and anticipate.

 Steve

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

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April 12, 2016

Like air, it cannot be seen; only its effects are observable. And, like air, it is essential to life. "The righteous man shall live by faith.” (Galatians 3.11; Habakkuk 2.5) 

Faith. It's a word often used, and easily misunderstood. It's not general optimism ("just have faith"), but belief with a basis. "without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him." (Hebrews 11.6) It is confidence based on the reality of the existence of Creator God, and His desire to reward sincere seekers. 

The greatest benefit of faith is this: "For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ." (Galatians 3.26-27) 

Again, faith is belief with a basis. It is belief that God's requirements are met in His Son, through His sacrifice, and the simple act of water baptism is the faith step to appropriate that for oneself. As such, the believer becomes a literal member of God's family, and recipient of the benefits of inheritance (Galatians 3.29). 

Faith is confidence of future hope, but also the mode of operation for believers today. We resolutely believe in the existence of our unseen Creator. We believe He welcomes and rewards those who sincerely seek Him. We trust His guidance through this day's events.

May strong faith guide, reassure, and protect you today, and every day.

 Steve

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

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April 6, 2016

I've had plenty of not-so-bright moments in life when I just didn't get it. But, there is one thing that is brilliantly clear: "For God, who said, 'Light shall shine out of darkness,' is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ." (2 Corinthians 4.6) 

The brilliance of our Father is beyond our ability to see and endure (Exodus 33.20). But, His brilliance has safely shone in our hearts, thanks to what we see in the face of Christ. This illuminating presence allows scripture to be abundantly clear as we read and study, enabling us to enjoy the best possible relationship with our Father, and His Son.

We potentially "get it" because He has shone in our hearts. That doesn't mean we have full and complete understanding. It's like entering a dark room and turning the lights on: now that we see we know where to explore. So, we are blessed with clarity as we pursue knowledge, understanding, and relationship.

Thank God through Jesus today that "the lights are on" so that we can see to pursue.

 Steve

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

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April 5, 2016

Don't beat yourself up trying to earn it. The price is higher than you can pay, but there is a solution.

"No man can by any means redeem his brother Or give to God a ransom for him—For the redemption of his soul is costly, And he should cease trying forever—That he should live on eternally, That he should not undergo decay." (Psalm 49.7-9)

Immortality cannot be bought; for oneself, or another person. As the Psalmist says, "the redemption of his soul is costly." So, we are advised to "cease trying"; none can successfully live on eternally and avoid the decay of death and the grave. Sounds hopeless, doesn't it? But, "the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6.23) You can never earn it, but you can have it as a gift through the sacrifice of Christ. 

It's a bit like a quiz I remember taking in high school. We were told to read the directions carefully. The first requirement was to skip to the end of the page, sign our name, and turn it in. Those who didn't read the directions needlessly labored over the tough problems to be solved. Such as it is with grace: the cost of "the redemption of the soul" is impossibly high. Many literally wear themselves out trying to earn it. But, Christ redeemed us from an impossible burden so that we might be liberated to serve and live for Him. What a privilege!

May we gratefully live and serve today in response to the greatest gift ever given.

 Steve

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

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