May 24, 2016

Everyone loves a good story, and especially stories with surprise endings. Such as it is with Jesus' parables. Things are not as we might expect with the plan and work of God. Big things result from seemingly insignificant beginnings (mustard seed, leaven - Matthew 13.31-35). Things of importance are hidden, and found only by the diligent (buried treasure, pearl of great price - Matthew 13.44-45). Justice is not always swift, or as we might expect (wheat and tares, fishing net - Matthew 13.24-30, 47-52; workers in the vineyard - Matthew 20.1-16). The key issue, then, is: "Have you understood all these things? ... every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a head of a household, who brings out of his treasure things new and old." (Matthew 13.51-52)  To set our hearts and minds on the things of the kingdom of God is to see with increasingly clarity the work and plan of God, both now and in the future age. We unearth timeless old treasures in doing so, as well as striking the motherlode of new insights that excite and redirect our lives.  Seeking wisdom and insight from Jesus' great parable stories is one of our most profitable pursuits. Take time today to study them more diligently, and be open to surprising and exciting discoveries.   Steve ©Steve Taylor, 2016 Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/   Amazon ebook & print devotional http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW paperback print copy https://www.createspace.com/4500045

May 18, 2016

That which makes for world peace also works for personal peace. "Many nations will come and say, 'Come and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord And to the house of the God of Jacob, That He may teach us about His ways And that we may walk in His paths.' For from Zion will go forth the law, Even the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. And He will judge between many peoples And render decisions for mighty, distant nations. 
Then they will hammer their swords into plowshares And their spears into pruning hooks; Nation will not lift up sword against nation, And never again will they train for war. Each of them will sit under his vine And under his fig tree, With no one to make them afraid, For the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken." (Micah 4.2-4) 

The nations of the world will finally realize world peace when they develop an intense interest and desire for the way and the word of the LORD. Submitting to His ultimate authority, He will execute judgment and decisions that will truly work for all. The result will be a deliberate decision be all to end warfare, the making of warfare instruments, and the learning of war strategies. True peace for all will result. 

Personal peace works the same way. It begins with an intense desire for the LORD, His word, and His will. By humbly submitting to His authority, He is able to make decisions in our lives that work for our best good. We turn from aggression toward others, and attitudes and ways that exploit others. It can then be truly said of us, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." (Matthew 5.9) 

The elusive dream of world peace will one day be realized under the sovereign administration of Yahweh God. Personal peace can be experienced now as we submit to His sovereignty. May we experience it today in abundance.


 Steve

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

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May 17, 2016

It gets messy before it gets better. But, it WILL get better. That was often the basic message of the prophets of old, and it's our message today. This present age is on a collision course with God's judgement, but there is a phenomenal future for the faithful people of God. So, we are urged to faithfully endure as we anticipate in hope. And there are some vivid and encouraging portrayals of the future that bolster faith today. 

"Behold, days are coming," declares the Lord, "When the plowman will overtake the reaper And the treader of grapes him who sows seed; When the mountains will drip sweet wine And all the hills will be dissolved ... They will also plant vineyards and drink their wine, And make gardens and eat their fruit." (Amos 9.13-14) 

This idyllic scene is a portrayal of an age of abundance, peace, and prosperity. And, it will be ours for enjoyment if we stay the course of faithfulness and devotion. The more clearly we see what is to be, the greater the incentive for faithfulness and endurance. 

The great scenes of God's bright future for us seem especially relevant today. In our culture, these are anxious and concerning times. A vision beyond current circumstances is necessary, and beckons us to live optimistically and hopeful.

May we lift our eyes from complete focus on what is, to the hopeful vision of what is to be. And, may we then live with vigor and passion for that which truly matters. Stay the course, guided by a clear vision of our great future.

 Steve

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

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May 10, 2016

Amazing. A government leader more concerned about the poor and oppressed than those able to advance his/her political career. Does that sound like anyone currently seeking high office? Likely not, nor has it ever. But, such leadership is on the horizon, and I, for one, can hardly wait until He is firmly seated in power and authority. 

"He will delight in the fear of the Lord, And He will not judge by what His eyes see, Nor make a decision by what His ears hear; But with righteousness He will judge the poor, And decide with fairness for the afflicted of the earth" (Isaiah 11.3-4) 

This prophetic description of God's Messiah's coming earthly rule is absolutely revolutionary. Has the world ever seen a ruler who delights "in the fear of the Lord"? One who discerns and administers justice, not by externals, but true reality? Whose inclination is toward the needy, who cannot return favor? You know the answer.

While we long for this perfect government leader and system, there is a reality partially realized even now. This Jesus is working in unseen ways to prepare a people for His visible manifestation. He is working through His people to bring justice and mercy to the downtrodden of society. His dynamic kingdom of God message is bringing this perfect system of government to bear on individual lives in advance of its full effect upon nations and the world. 

Don't lose heart; a better government system is coming. And that's worthy of our full cooperation and investment. Let the King rule in your life as you prepare for His coming government on earth.

 Steve

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

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May 4, 2016

Legendary coach John Wooden said, "The best thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother." The apostle Paul would agree: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her"(Ephesians 5.25). 

Per the model of Christ, husbands have an especially challenging role. Christ's love for His church is anything but selfish; it is sacrificial. Any wife who is loved this way by her husband will have no problem with her role of submission (Ephesians 5.22). The challenges arise when either or both roles are out of sync with the biblical ideal. And yet, the directive remains: wives are to submit to their husbands, and husbands are to sacrificially love their wives. These are not conditional; based on our spouse properly assuming his/her role. They are absolute: whether reciprocated, or whether we wish to or not. It's the standard for marriage that works.

Many lament the myriads of problems plaguing our society today, and ponder solutions. A great many could be resolved if husbands and wives lived according to the biblical standard of marriage. Within that environment, children would receive healthy nurture, and avert later problems and crimes that arise from dysfunctional home life.

Marriage, at its best, becomes a model of Christ and the church. Perhaps Christ and the church become more appealing to others when they see it magnificently modeled in marriage.

Husbands and wives, may our marriages be a blessing to our children and grandchildren, and positively impact our culture
. 
 Steve

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

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May 3, 2016

How is your garden growing? Not your produce garden in the backyard, but a much more important one. How is your spiritual garden growing? "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Galatians 5.22-23) 

We can't actually make a produce garden grow; at best, all we can do is help to create conditions where growth will most likely occur. The same applies to Spirit produce in our lives: it is God alone who causes growth and increase (1 Corinthians 3.6). But, we can do something about potential growing conditions. No one who plants a garden and expects produce will plant the seed in the ground and then sit back until harvest time. There is weeding, fertilizing, and watering necessary for productivity. And so it is with our spiritual garden: the "Spirit seed" needs ideal growing conditions in order to bear fruit. Things like regular time in God's word. A prayerful mindset. Meaningful interaction with like-minded believers. Compassionate service in training and equipping others. 

How is your garden growing? Is the Spirit fruit listed in Galatians 5.22-23 increasingly evident? Is there work of cultivation you can do that will facilitate greater growth? 

It's a great day to inspect your garden and consider it's growth. And, it's a great day to more closely partner with the Master Gardener for the best possible garden. May our garden be a thing of beauty, pleasing to our Father, and His Son.

 Steve

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

Amazon ebook & print devotional http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy
https://www.createspace.com/4500045