June 29, 2016

"How odd of God to choose the Jews," goes an old saying. He chose, but they "unchose" by rejecting His Christ. "by their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make them jealous." (Romans 11.11) 

We  who are non-Jews are blessed and privileged to be in on God's grace and salvation plan, which came about through Israel's rejection of Christ. It's a plan with the purpose of inciting jealousy within His original chosen people. It's a potential win/win plan for all who will respond. 

Some conclude that God is done with the Jewish people in light of their rejection. The church, they reason, is now the true Israel; replacement theology as it is called. But note: "a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in" (Romans 11.25). 

This is largely the age of salvation among non-Jews, but the last act of human history will be a wholesale acceptance of Jesus as Christ and Messiah by the Jewish people. 

As we seek to share the gospel with all who will hear, we do well to pray for the opening of the hearts and minds of Jewish people, for surely a coming spiritual awakening among them will signal the soon return of Jesus. Come, Lord Jesus!

Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2016
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June 28, 2016

It is the ultimate understatement. "For the Scripture says, 'Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.' " (Romans 10.11; Isaiah 28.16)

Many things in life don't live up to expectations. The dream job was less than satisfying. The happy marriage wasn't. The new car, boat, or house wasn't as good as expected.

This much is certain: no one will declare, on resurrection day, that immortality and life in the kingdom of God is less than expected. It will far exceed even the greatest expectations!

Life in Christ today certainly has its ups and downs, because that's the nature of life in the fallen world. That ought not to be surprising because such is to be expected: "Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God." (Acts 14.22) But, it is inconceivable to imagine that God and Christ will not deliver on their promises. Unlike political campaign promises, there will be no disappointment when the anticipated time comes. As His disciples resolutely believed and declared,  "that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient time." (Acts 3.20-21) 

None who have come to believing faith in God through Christ will be ultimately disappointed. The reassuring inner presence of Holy Spirit today lovingly reminds us of what is to come. Savor that inner reminder today, and live with zeal and optimism at what is to come.

Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2016
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June 22, 2016

I don't care how much you know until I know how much you care. "Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies. If anyone supposes that he knows anything, he has not yet known as he ought to know; but if anyone loves God, he is known by Him." (1 Corinthians 8.1-3) 

Few things are more loathsome than "know-it-all" Christians. They have all the answers to everything, and you don't have to ask them; they will gladly tell you. Knowledge that is not tempered with love and humility is of little benefit to anyone. Real progress is made when we can honestly declare, "I don't know what I don't know, but this much I do know: I love my Creator Father, His Son, and their children."

Knowledge and love are invaluable partners. Knowledge without love leads to callous arrogance. Love without knowledge becomes compromising emotionalism. Both are necessary to healthy spiritual vitality.

May we ever be growing in both knowledge and love.

Steve

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

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June 21, 2016

A major membership club warehouse introduced a new credit card for its customers, and abolished the old credit card system. Apparently a better contract was arranged. But, that's not the only new contract and arrangement we benefit from.

"For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion sought for a second ... For this is the covenant that I will  make with the house of Israel After those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their minds, And I
will write them on their hearts. And I will be their God, And they shall be My people." (Hebrews 8.8,10)

God's original arrangement with the people of Israel was faulty because they didn't keep their part. SO, a new and better system was introduced: one that involved His supernatural help to keep His will and ways in their minds and on their hearts. 

Such is the covenant arrangement we live under and enjoy through Jesus His Son. Through Jesus' sacrifice, we are afforded the privilege of having Holy Spirit reside within us. That dynamic power does what we could never do. The desire and capability to keep our part of God's covenant is given to us as we submit and obey. 

This is a great day to express our gratitude to our Father who arranged a great covenant with us, and has given us to means to keep it.

 Steve

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

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June 15, 2016

Many lament the serious decline evident in this country. Escalating violence and mass shootings. Dismal political prospects. Corruption and greed in business and government. Such as it is this side of the kingdom of God. "For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come." (Hebrews 13.14) 

The "city" is not lasting. It affords us privileges, and short-term measures perhaps can be taken to correct wrongs, but it cannot and will not last. We seek "the city which is to come." 

Passion for the kingdom of God, the "city to come," does not preclude abandonment of the present system. There are biblical mandates for responsible citizenry. But, the coming city and government must be sought first (Matthew 6.33). This first priority will help establish the lesser priorities for the world system which is passing away.

Looking up for our redemption (Luke 21.28) must preface lamenting at the decline of our culture. The present crisis is prelude to the arrival of the King! We've never been closer to that day than we are today. Rejoice in the hope to soon be realized.

 Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2016
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June 14, 2016

No religion is His "official" representative. That's because He chose an individual, not an organization per se. "God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world." (Hebrews 1.1-2) 

Unless a religion absolutely and faithfully represents everything Jesus reveals and says, it is not the source of revelation from God. Whatever God has to say and reveal, He does so through His Son. For that reason, these words are important and urgent: "This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!" (Luke 9.35)

Faithful pastors and teachers represent the person and message of Jesus to their hearers. But, the responsibility of hearing the voice of God through Jesus rests on the individual alone. If God is exclusively speaking through His Son, it behooves each of us to hear that voice for ourselves, and verify that this is the message His representatives present. 

There is a great danger in trusting too much in the message of preachers and teachers. Regardless of their confidence and scholarliness, the true responsibility falls to each individual follower of Christ. What are you learning from Christ personally, from the pages of Scripture, and in your personal time with Him? This question alone is of the utmost importance.

What others say about and for Christ is interesting, but what is He saying to you personally, right now today? Listen carefully, because you will hear the Father's voice in His.

 Steve

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

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I've met a lot of impressive people in life, but none more impressive than Him. What He says about Himself isn't arrogant boasting; it's verifiable fact. 

"I, the Lord, am the maker of all things, Stretching out the heavens by Myself And spreading out the earth all alone, Causing the omens of boasters to fail, Making fools out of diviners, Causing wise men to draw back And turning their knowledge into foolishness, Confirming the word of His servant And performing the purpose of His messengers." (Isaiah 44.24-26) 

Perhaps one of the greatest tragedies in getting to know Yahweh God is the confusing complexity religious tradition has attached to Him. He is a singular being - "there is no God besides me." (Isaiah 44.6) His Son, in the closest possible relationship with His Father, is also worth getting to know, but they are not one and the same. It is His Son who is the portal and access to God (John 14.6), so let's take advantage of that access to get to know our incomparable Father.

Yahweh God is far greater than I can begin to wrap my little mind around, but what I've seen and what He has revealed is absolutely staggering and awe-inspiring. And that is exactly the response He wants from us. May today be an adventure in wonderment of our amazing Father.

 Steve

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

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June 7, 2016

It's never "good bye" for the people of God. We always have the promise of seeing one another later. Powerful proof is found in these words: "But regarding the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God:  'I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? He is not the God of the dead but of the living." (Matthew 22.31-32)

When Jesus quoted Exodus 3.6 that day, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had been in their graves for nearly two millennia. And yet, Yahweh God considered Himself to be their God, even though they slept in death. From the perspective of resurrection, He sees them as alive, even while dead. Death is but a brief pause in the great plan of our Creator Father.

Each of us have been, and ultimately will be, robbed of the presence of loved ones through death. But, death is never the final reality for the people of God. Our connections are momentarily put on hold, but they will be resumed in the wonderful age to come. This is our hope and comfort. 

Confidence and hope well up within as we consider the prospects of our promised future. We can live life fearlessly and optimistically today because of tomorrow. And, the day of reunion with sleeping loved ones is just around the corner. So, stay the course, run the race, and finish well. We'll never have cause to regret faithfulness now as we enjoy the future age of bliss.

 Steve

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

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June 1, 2016

Purposeful time together. An investment in love, character development, and hopeful anticipation. Such was Paul's goal. 

"Now may our God and Father Himself and Jesus our Lord direct our way to you; and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you; so that He may establish your hearts without blame in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints." (1 Thessalonians 3.11-13)

We do well to deliberately desire opportunities to be together with brothers and sisters in Christ; such that an ongoing prayer request is that "our God and Father Himself and Jesus our Lord direct our way to you." When these prayers are answered, and opportunities unfold for purposeful time together, our discussion goes beyond the superficial. Things of lasting significance become our focus, as they were with Paul. Developing sacrificial love for others. Developing a lifestyle of holiness. Living in full anticipation of the coming of Christ.

Who are we being directed to today for meaningful interaction? It's worth the time and effort to invest in the spiritual well being of someone else. And, we'll also be abundantly blessed in so doing.

 Steve

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

Amazon ebook & print devotional http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
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