December 18, 2018

“Be strong and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in the LORD.” Psalm 31:24

Hope isn’t really hope unless it is our internal guidance system; our life GPS.  It is hope in what is to come, but it first of all is hope in “the God of hope” Romans 15:13. Hope in the God of all hope, and hope in what He promises us in the future, filters down into the reality of our existence today. If that hope doesn’t affect us, then it is suspect as to whether it really is hope at all. 

So, as Psalm 31:24 reminds us, hope gives us strength and a courageous heart. That stands is sharp contrast to the challenge of the times we live in. Jesus foretold a time when people would be “fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.” Luke 21:26. The nearer we get to that time, the greater the need for hope to strengthen us and give us courage.

Sometimes life circumstances sucker punch hope. I can stand strong and courageous in hope, and then seemingly petty circumstances send me to the corner cowering in fear. Depression and despair put hope on the sidelines. 

By nature, I don’t have the sunniest disposition. I admire those who can light up a room and instill optimism in others, but that doesn’t come naturally for me. My firstborn perfectionist nature easily gets in the way and sets me up for frustration, disappointment, and anger. Too often, unrealistic expectations pave the way for negative emotions. But enough whining - human nature doesn’t win out at the end of the day for believers. Hopeful promises instead are our rallying cry: 

“But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

Either these verses are true or they are not; bottom line. We are overwhelming conquerers or we are not. We can do all things in Christ, or we cannot. These are promises without qualification. But … but … but. How quickly we want to insert our “out” clause. If only I had a better job, a more understanding spouse, better behaved children, a happier childhood. Not to minimize any of these very real issues, but we ARE ultimately designed for more in view of our hope.  We are meant to epitomize these truths, and this can only happen when our hope is set on the LORD. It best happens when He is central in our thinking and focus. By starting our day reading and contemplating His word, the Bible, we align our mindset with Him. We cannot say that our hope is in Him if our attention isn’t on Him. And the best way to fix that mindset is to deliberately start our day in His word and presence, even if it’s fifteen minutes or a half hour. Little is better than nothing.

- From the upcoming book, "Hope for Uncertain Times."

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December 11, 2018

They are obscure names that we know very little about. Names like Amariah, Iddo, Sallu, and Amok - names difficult to pronounce. They are listed in Nehemiah 12, and they made significant contributions in their day. Some were of a priestly line. Some were musicians and worship leaders. Some had helped rebuild a broken wall. All faithfully and wholeheartedly served the LORD God. 

You and I may ultimately be a mere footnote in the pages of history, but our contribution is immensely important, no matter how much press we get. Having faithfully lived and served the LORD God, and His Son Jesus, we have been privileged to have the most significant impact of all. And, we're continuing to write that legacy as we live each day fully. 

An excerpt from a poem states, "Only one life, twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last." From the vantage point of sixty-plus years, I see how rapidly life passes by. How did I get this old this fast? There are more days behind me than ahead of me, which adds emphasis to living each day to the fullest for the cause of Christ and the kingdom of God. The truth of these verses seems more urgent with the rapid passing of time: 

"Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5.15-16

Make it count. This day and moment are ripe with opportunities for service, worship, and impact.

Steve

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December 4, 2018

A gospel song declares, "Joy real joy God's wonderful joy Is flooding the depths of my soul A joy that brings peace and contentment God's wonderful wonderful joy."  Not everyone can say they know the truth of these words. Even though joy is fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5.22-23), it sometimes seems in short supply.  "Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."Nehemiah 8.10 The people of God had heard the Law of God read by Ezra, and were grieved at their neglect and disobedience of it. But, Nehemiah reminded them that they were to gather in the presence of the LORD in joy rather than sorrow. Their focus was not to be on their past failure, but upon the present joy of the LORD that is their strength.  I've known sorrow in recent times as I've experienced the death of my father. It wouldn't be normal not to experience grief, but it is momentary grief. The great reality is that the LORD'S joy is my strength. His presence and comfort are real, and His promises a source of great joy.  "Weeping may last for the night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning." Psalm 30.5  During the darkness of this present fallen world, there are plenty of sources of grief. It is all too easy to focus on these joy-robbing present circumstances. But, the joy of the coming morning of resurrection and kingdom life filters down to us today. The LORD who will faithfully bring about the richness of that coming age is the LORD who gives joy and strength today! Indeed, "the joy of the LORD is your strength." May you find this to be fully so in your experience with Him today, and always. My other blogs http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/   https://kingdomdreamer.blogspot.com/ Amazon ebook http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW Amazon paperback https://www.createspace.com/4500045 Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/azstevetaylor/ YouTube video channel  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxND_ZsDdWXURp9rg88YY7g