I CAN SEE IT NOW:

EXPERIENCING TOMORROW'S REALITY TODAY -- Daily Bible Study Devotionals

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

November 15, 2016

What do you keep, and what do you throw away? Our nearly endless cycle of accumulation forces us to regular ask this question. But, it's a question that pertains to something far more important.

"For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? For what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Mark 8.35-37)

There are no more important 
questions in life to ask than these. So many people work hard to try to get ahead in life, while apparently forfeiting life's greatest opportunity. What possible value is there in gaining as much of the world's goods as possible, while forfeiting the endless life of the age to come?

Honestly, are you placing greater priority on the things of the kingdom than the things of this age? Are you losing your life for Christ and the kingdom, or are you as consumed with success and achievement in this age as non-believers?

The challenging questions of Jesus are our challenge to all today. May we answer honestly, and adjust our lives wisely.


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

Wednesday, November 09, 2016

November 9, 2016

So, who are you for? That's a question that can be asked about political candidates, parties, or sports teams. But, the better question is, WHAT are you for? 

"Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness, in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago" (Titus 1.1-2)

The apostle took his stand for three enduring and important priorities: the faith, the knowledge of the truth, and the hope of eternal life. "The faith" was a singular system of belief, embraced and declared by God's Son and the early church. "The knowledge of the truth" was certainly connected with "the faith," but was also designed to flourish through lifestyle "which is according to godliness." It is living faith and truth. Finally, this faith and truth anticipated "the hope of eternal life;" based upon the resolute promise of "God, who cannot lie."

Now these are great priorities to be "for"! They vastly supersede 
social, political, and sports causes. These are priorities that prepare us, and those we impact, for the life of the age to come. 

Each new day brings changing circumstances and activities. But, for the people of God these great priorities always remain. May our focus and greatest energies be on these qualities of lasting significance.


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

Tuesday, November 08, 2016

November 8, 2016

Regardless of the times or circumstances, we who are blessed are called to be a blessing. 

"The one who desires life, to love and see good days, Must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit. He must turn away from evil and do good; He must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous,  And His ears attend to their prayer, But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." (1 Peter 3.10-12, from Psalm 34) 

"Good days" are not determined by who will reside in the White House, or serve in any elected position, but by how the people of God live their lives. Those "good days" now, and ultimately in the coming kingdom of God, result from a lifestyle consistent with what Jesus our Lord taught and modeled. We refrain from evil and malicious talk. We decisively turn from all evil action and behavior,  and actively pursue peace and goodness. We are ever aware that our Father looks with favor upon those who live in such a way, and we are mindful that His wrath and disfavor will fall upon all who do otherwise. 

Those whose lifestyle is characterized according to these verses in 1 Peter 3 are both blessed and a blessing. The impact of goodness upon an evil culture will be far greater than we might ever imagine. 

So, on this day and every day, our marching orders remain the same: live lives of integrity to be blessed, and to be a blessing to others.


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

Tuesday, November 01, 2016

November 1, 2016

Life circumstances are such that there are people near you who are ready to accept the gospel message. Whether a health crisis, marriage problem, job loss, or death of someone close, there are people we know who are ready to hear and receive. 

"Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest." (John 4.35) 

Personally, I'm feeling an increased conviction to more fully see with "harvest eyes." Just last week I was challenged by Luke 10.2 - "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." A waiting harvest and a worker shortage is personally more troubling than before. 

There are many good causes God's people involve themselves with. While we may differ in our opinion of these priorities, one thing is absolutely certain: nothing is more important in God's and Jesus' eyes than lost people being found for the kingdom of God. Absolutely nothing. Social and political causes pale in comparison to reaching lost people. Improving conditions in this age has limited effect and success; changed hearts and lives are beneficial for all eternity. 

May I challenge your actions and involvement today? Would you carefully consider whether GOOD has supplanted the BEST work of kingdom evangelism and outreach? And, if so, would you prayerfully consider His redirection?

May His passion for the lost be ours.


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