October 26, 2016

Injustice weighs heavy on the hearts of God's people. Those with a passion for what is right and good are tormented in their souls when wickedness and wrong prevail.

"Do not say, 'I will repay evil'; Wait for the Lord, and He will save you." (Proverbs 20.22) 

It is not for us to mete out punishment and retribution as we see fit, tempting as this is. The return of Christ and the coming kingdom will ultimately settle the score. With that truth and perspective ever in mind, the greater task before the people of God is the greatest work of justice: the work of the gospel, and the salvation of souls. Good can be done by seeking to do justice through social causes, but there is no greater good than assisting others to become kingdom citizens, with all the justice and privileges this government does and will afford.

"Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord ... be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near." (James 5.7-8)

Steve

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

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October 25, 2016

He is coming, and there's work to be done. "Now after this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them in pairs ahead of Him to every city and place where He Himself was going to come." (Luke 10.1) 

In a very real sense, we are the seventy. The "every city and place where He Himself was going to come" represents His Second Coming to planet earth. Every city and place will eventually come under His governmental rule.

"And He was saying to them, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.' " (Luke 10.2)

It's easy to see a post-Christian country and culture, and lament its passing. Better that we should see a ripe harvest of lost souls who are increasingly deprived of the influence of the biblical gospel. The good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 8.12) may have the greatest opportunity these days that it has ever had in modern times.

I'm longing for Christ to return to this sin-sick world. But, I know there is much to get ready - with myself, the church, and those who haven't responded to the gospel. May His soon return be our motivation to great kingdom action and service today - and everyday.

Steve

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

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October 19, 2016

Honestly, is the return of Christ a passive thought for you, or an eager expectation? Are you living this day as though it could be THAT day? 

"Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him." (Hebrews 9.28) 

He came over two thousand years ago to pay the price for sin, and He is coming again to reward His faithful people who "eagerly await Him." 

I've been a "Second Coming person" for as long as I can remember, but the idea of eagerly awaiting Him intrigues me with renewed passion. I often dream that the present day would be the day of His return, but I wonder how much I truly eagerly anticipate it? To do so presupposes that important kingdom work is done and ready. I've shared the gospel truth with those I'm burdened for. I've taken lifestyle seriously. I've confessed known sin. I've been diligent with the most important priorities. 

Whether from the perspective of His actual return, or my own mortality, this day really could be THAT day. As such, it challenges me - and you - to live this day fully and faithfully in eager anticipation. 

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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October 18, 2016

Availability matters more than ability. Limitations of age, health, location, and time are overridden by a willingness to be available. 

"Then I said, 'Alas, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, Because I am a youth. But the Lord said to me, 'Do not say, 'I am a youth,' Because everywhere I send you, you shall go, And all that I command you, you shall speak." (Jeremiah 1.6-7).

In Jeremiah's case, the limitation of speech and age were not a hindrance in Yahweh God's eyes. To be available to go and speak as He directed was more important.

Nothing is easier than making excuses to not be involved in the work of the LORD. Time and energy constraints, family responsibilities, financial limitations - these all can easily be reasons to defer the LORD'S work to someone else. But, if He has clearly called you to a certain place and work, He will certainly provide you with the words and resources.

It's a dangerous prayer, but a truly worthwhile one to pray: "LORD, I want to be available to You today to go where you want me to go, to do what You want me to do, and to say what You want me to say." 

If you are willing, dare to pray it. And, stand ready for Him to direct. Today could be the adventure of a lifetime!

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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October 11, 2016

Few would argue that the current political process is more bizarre than ever seen in modern times. Morality and character issues that were once inexcusable are clearly evidenced in both major candidates.

"It is an abomination for kings to commit wicked acts, For a throne is established on righteousness." (Proverbs 16.12) 

The issue of character, relevant to leadership, was front and center in a previous administration, when immoral conduct became public knowledge. The biblical fact is that character IS essential to leadership. Our Father is not pleased with "wicked acts" by any leader, whether governmental, business, or spiritual. In any realm, "a throne is established on righteousness." The converse is also true: "thrones" are brought down by unrighteousness. 

It is always the priority of the people of God to assert moral leadership in whatever realm is entrusted to them. In homes, communities, schools, jobs, and churches, we must be moral pacesetters and examples. 

Challenging times are ahead for a country that has no clear moral choices for leadership. But, the need provides an opportunity for the people of God. Our light shines even brighter as we lead with character and moral integrity.

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