September 14, 2016

I have a friend who easily starts conversations with strangers that then leads to gospel sharing. I admire and respect that, but such things don't come easily for me. The fear factor usually paralyzes me before I can speak. Apparently someone else had a similar experience: "I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling" (1 Corinthians 2.3)

Lest we think the apostle Paul was simply being modest in saying this, consider this: "the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, 'Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city.' " (Acts 18.9-10) Apparently Paul was fearful enough that a direct message from Jesus was needed to move him to continue speaking gospel truth.

Perhaps it's not a bad place to be when we are fearful and weak. It is then that "power is perfected in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12.9), and we can be a "demonstration of the Spirit and of power." (1 Corinthians 2.4) He who mightily enables us gets the glory in our weakness and fear, instead of us. 

Hopefully each of us will get a golden gospel (Acts 8.12) opportunity today. And, when the fear factor threatens to shut us down, may we humbly pray for His words and strength, for His glory and honor.  


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

September 13, 2016

Someone I encounter most mornings expressed to my wife that I'm not a very talkative person. Having never been much of a morning person, that's certainly accurate for my disposition at 5:30 in the morning. But, is that how I want to be described? What word or phrase would others use to describe you? 

"Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near." (Philippians 4.5) 

It would be a high compliment to be known as a "gentle spirit," because that's how we ought to be assessed from a biblical perspective. An awareness of the nearness and presence of the Lord Jesus ought to invoke this attitude. So, anything other than a gentle spirit arises when we lose sight of His presence. When tempers flare, and patience wanes, we've likely lost sight of His abiding presence. 

The popularity of the "WWJD" bracelets seems to have faded, but the continual reminder of What Would Jesus Do? is ever needed. We ought to bear increasing resemblance to the One who describes Himself as "gentle and humble in heart" (Matthew 11.30) 

I know there is a high probability that something today will try my patience, likely resulting in something other than a "gentle spirit." We've been working on this for years, but there is a long way to go. But, if I will discipline myself to be more aware of Christ's presence always, victory is more likely within reach.

May His inner presence guide each of us to that gentle spirit He most desires.

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

September 6, 2016

It's a lot easier said than done. In fact, the reality might be that there's more saying than doing. 

"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." (Galatians 2.20) 

There is a finality with crucifixion. The most horrible form of capital punishment ever devised, the executed criminal was dead without question. So, to say that "I have been crucified with Christ" means that I have completed died to myself. Problem is, at least for me, is that my old self seems to have been resuscitated. The life I live has a semblance of decency and Christ-centeredness, but there is much more of the old self active than I care to admit. My life appears to have a "Christ patch" over it rather than a Christ transplant within. 

Christ really does live within each of us who have committed our lives to Him, and been born again. Still, there is a war within. Even Paul lamented that his old self sometimes triumphed over the inner Christ (Romans 7.19). Thus there is a need for daily surrender, vigilance, and battle. Christ within us will triumph, so much as we allow Him to do so. 

There are choices to be made today. By default, our old self will assert itself. But, we CAN allow Christ within to live out His plans and desires. May we pause at this moment to deliberately concede our lifestyle preferences to His. It's a choice and decision we will never regret.

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