I Can See It Now

2012-01-25T08:36:00.001-08:00

Every day is a journey into the unknown. The pathway may look familiar, but who knows what experiences will come our way? Comfortable routines may seem predictable enough, but there is a random element in daily living that holds the potential for surprise - either pleasant or unpleasant. Life is best lived as a faith journey.

"be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham ... So then those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the believer ...Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us ... in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." (Galatians 3:7, 9, 13-14)

Faith identifies us with Abraham, the man of faith. We know his story: God called him to an unknown destination, and promised him innumerable descendants while he was yet childless. Few people have had to reach in faith as much as Abraham. But, God was pleased to consider him a righteous man as He looked at his simple and steadfast faith.

God's Son, Jesus messiah, is Abraham's descendant - the ultimate faith promise. Through Jesus and His sacrifice, the blessings of Abraham are richly extended to us, as is the dynamic Spirit of God. We are completed, forgiven, and empowered through faith.

Today's unknown journey need not be one of fear, but of confidence through faith. If God's rich promises to and through Abraham are freely given to us, what is there for us to fear and dread today? What obstacle is truly insurmountable?

Praying that your journey today is exhilarating as you face it with the confident faith of Abraham.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012

2012-01-24T08:09:00.001-08:00

It is said that "he who laughs last, laughs best". It's also said that he who laughs last didn't get the joke, but that's another story ...

The meaning of this pithy statement is that the initial laughter of one who thinks they have prevailed may be premature. When the end of something has come, the one who has prevailed has the satisfying laugh.

Laughter takes many forms. There is the laughter of delight, and there is mocking, disbelieving laughter.

"Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said in his heart, 'Will a child be born to a man one hundred years old? And will Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?'" (Genesis 17:17)

Abraham's laughter was followed by Sarah's when she received this news: "Sarah laughed to herself, saying, 'After I have become old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?'" (Genesis 18:12)

There is an interesting comparison and contrast between Abraham's laughter and Sarah's. There are no comments or questions concerning Abraham's laughter, but the angelic messenger delivering the news to Sarah questioned her private reaction: "Why did Sarah laugh?" (Genesis 18:13) His searching question - "Is anything too difficult for the LORD?" (Genesis 18:14) - reveals that Sarah's laughter was that of disbelief, whereas Abraham's laughter was apparently that of delight. Abraham delighted in God's outrageous act, but Sarah laughed with doubt.

Those of us who live by faith get the last laugh. Few things are more outrageous than God's plan to take a team of obscure misfits in the world, and entrust them with leadership of the world under the jurisdiction of His Son. Many would laugh in disbelief that you and I would serve in the "cabinet" of the coming world ruler. But, as children of faith, we are privileged to laugh last in delight at the assurance that God will do the outrageous thing He has promised.

As you live and serve today, may others take note and ask about the delightful laughter that characterizes your demeanor.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012

2012-01-23T08:22:00.001-08:00

If ever you had an audience with an important government ruler, what would you say? Likely you would get to important topics rather than nonchalantly talking about weather or sports.

You have such an appointment today. An open invitation is given to converse with the greatest and most powerful ruler of all. In fact, this ruler has no equal, or superior. And, I commend these words as a pattern for your conversation:

"Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O LORD, and You exalt Yourself as head over all.Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all, and in Your hand is power and might; and it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone. Now therefore, our God, we thank You, and praise Your glorious name." (1 Chronicles 29:11-13)

In your appointment with Yahweh God, acknowledging His character and greatness is first priority. The purpose is not flattery, but familiarity. If you were headed to a job interview, would you dare go without knowing something of your potential employer? Of course not! You credibility and sincerity would be in question. Such as it is in your appointment today with your Father: knowing something of His character and nature indicates genuine interest, and serves as a bond of connection with Him.

Familiarity with His priorities is also vital. For this reason, Jesus taught us to pray, "Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven". In addition to familiarity with God's character and nature, it is an urgent priority that we be concerned with His agenda. What kingdom work is He about today, where you are? Where does He desire to recruit workers, and for what? These are key priorities for those who seek to pursue the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37).

Of our Creator Father, "it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone." True greatness and strength are found in Him. The One Who is supremely great and powerful has the capability to provide strength and greatness to those whom He would touch. The greatness of being a humble servant of the king and kingdom is worthy of requesting, as well as the strength to serve.

We have a divine appointment today. May we know Him whom we seek, and may we willingly serve His kingdom purposes.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012

2012-01-18T08:13:00.001-08:00

More often than not, He is the God of eleventh-hour solutions. Obviously He could act sooner, but He usually chooses later.

"By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive , even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised. Therefore there was born even of one man, and him as good as dead at that, as many descendants AS THE STARS OF HEAVEN IN NUMBER, AND INNUMERABLE AS THE SAND WHICH IS BY THE SEASHORE." (Hebrews 11:11-12)

God certainly could have made Abraham and Sarah parents at a much younger age. The agony of uncertainty could have been avoided altogether. So, why the delay? Was God slow in seeing the predicament, and in providing help? Were that the case, then His words through the apostle Peter would be nullified: "The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness" (2 Peter 3:9).

God's delays are by design, not distraction or disinterest. They serve faith's purposes, not human timetables. The phrase, "by faith", is especially punctuated when we see God's great design. Sure, He could provide sooner, but would faith be best cultivated and matured in the short-term?

Patience and faith work hand in hand. James reminds us, "be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near." (James 5:7-8)

God certainly could have created an almost immediate growth cycle - a seed is planted and, moments later, a crop is ready. But, the extended cycle of planting, growth, and harvest serve as a metaphor for patience and faith.

Many languish in the cycle of life between planting and harvest. Perhaps growth is evident, but it is not fast enough or great enough, to our way of thinking. If only we could see the full fruition! We are so easily result-driven, whereas God is process-driven. His priority is the development of character and faith; we seek a tangible result.

May we focus more on God's process this day than our desired results. May we see the value of the journey, and let God's Spirit best cultivate the character that He desires, that makes us most fit for His Kingdom.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012

2012-01-17T08:04:00.001-08:00

Age is irrelevant in the grand scheme of things. Society may tell us we are too old or too young for certain things, but how definitive is popular opinion? The ripe age of ninety-nine isn't too old, from the perspective of the only One who really matters.

"Now when Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, 'I am God Almighty; Walk before Me, and be blameless. I will establish My covenant between Me and you, And I will multiply you exceedingly.'" (Genesis 17:1-2)

At ninety-nine, Abram was the father of thirteen-year-old son, with another soon to be on the way. This "faithful father" (Abram) was renamed, "Abraham" ("father of a multitude") at ninety-nine. The great El-Shaddai (God Almighty) implored Abraham to "Walk before Me, and be blameless." This elderly man had made plenty of mistakes in his lifetime, but God drew this man with a heart of faith close to Him and counted his faith as righteousness (Genesis 15:6). The completion of his faith was to walk with integrity before the God of all possibilities.

Whether nine, twenty-nine, or ninety-nine, this is the time to walk blamelessly with God Almighty. Through Abraham, the man of faith, God establishes a covenant of life with us as we come in faith to Him. Today is the day, regardless of age, that He wants us to walk faithfully with Him.

The priority of the day is to consider what a faithful walk with our Father really means in our personal experience. How would He have you walk faithfully with Him? Does your present path coincide with a walk with Him, or will a choice be forced? Where will He take us in our walk as we walk in faith with Him?

May this day be a wonderful day of fellowship and intimacy with our Father as we walk side by side with Him on the journey of life.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012

2012-01-16T08:24:00.000-08:00

A water wall in my office provides the soothing sound of water trickling down over rocks into a reservoir. It is an especially comforting sound for those of us who live in the arid, dry desert land of the Southwest. Here we are reminded how precious and living-giving the limited resource of water really is. And, if we are spiritually attuned, we see that water is a rich spiritual metaphor.

"For I will pour out water on the thirsty land And streams on the dry ground; I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring And My blessing on your descendants; And they will spring up among the grass Like poplars by streams of water." (Isaiah 44:3-4)

There is nothing so truly refreshing as God's Spirit. It flows into our lives like a cleansing and invigorating morning shower. It turns a dry and dusty soul into nourished and productive soil.

According to God's words in Isaiah forty-four, His Spirt would create a legacy. The offspring and descendants of the present generation would spiritually flourish: "This one will say, 'I am the LORD'S '; And that one will call on the name of Jacob; And another will write on his hand, 'Belonging to the LORD,' And will name Israel's name with honor." (Isaiah 44:5).

The refreshing blessings of Holy Spirit flow down from the Only true God: "I am the first and I am the last, And there is no God besides Me." (Isaiah 44:6) Jehovah, Yahweh, alone is God. It is He whom we must specifically seek. A wife can call out for one called, "husband", and many might answer! But, there is only one by name who is truly her husband. Similarly, we can call out for, "God", but there are many so-called gods (1 Corinthians 8:5-6). The God whom we seek is one - Yahweh, the I AM.

The One who alone provides true refreshing and life is our Creator Father. He alone is worthy of our pursuit, and richly rewards those who wholeheartedly seek Him. May it be our great ambition today to better know the One who nourished and refreshes, and truly gives life.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012

2012-01-11T08:10:00.001-08:00

There is just no way around "faithing" it. Trying harder to be a good person is commendable, but without faith it will never work.

"if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? 'ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.'" (Romans 4:2-3)

Trying harder earns no one bragging rights with God. He's not impressed with our efforts, because they amount to nothing more than a pile of stinking, dirty rags (Isaiah 64:6). In God's court, a "not guilty" plea will never cut it; He knows the facts. Best we can do is throw ourselves before the Judge and beg for mercy. And that's where faith steps in; God is rich in mercy through His Son toward those who come in humble faith.

"BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOSE LAWLESS DEEDS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN, AND WHOSE SINS HAVE BEEN COVERED. BLESSED IS THE MAN WHOSE SIN THE LORD WILL NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT." (Romans 4:7-8; ref.Psalm 32:1-2). Who wouldn't want to stand before God uncondemned? What a tremendous relief to be found "not guilty" by the ultimate court!

"For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all" (Romans 4:16)

Abraham leaves us a legacy of faith and grace. He believed God for that which he could not see, and God graciously overlooked his sinful faults. Through similar faith, we too are recipients of God's grace. Abraham's faith has made a deposit in the bank of righteousness "for our sake also, to whom it will be credited, as those who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead" (Romans 8:24).

We haven't actually seen the resurrected Christ any more than Abraham saw the promised land in his day, but our faith is the same as Abraham's, and we are assured that one day faith will be sight.

Keep on "faithing" it today. Grace and mercy are there in abundance for us, as we travel on to the unseen kingdom.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012

2012-01-10T08:13:00.001-08:00

There is power in simplicity. Often things are complicated by unnecessary focus on peripheral, secondary issues, while the main thing is lost. Getting back to basics is essential.

"Then he believed in the LORD; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness." (Genesis 15:6)

Abraham was surrounded by complex problems and circumstances. He was literally called to an obscure journey to an undisclosed location; promised an inhabited land as an inheritance; and declared to be the father of innumerable descendants as a childless, elderly man. The challenges were enough to keep anyone awake at night! But, amidst seemingly insurmountable odds, "he believed in the LORD; and He (Yahweh) reckoned it to him as righteousness." Abraham simply chose to take the LORD God at His word, and God chose to "credit his spiritual bank account" with righteousness. Simple faith overcame all obstacles.

There is power in the simplicity of faith. The easiest thing to do, amidst obstacles and challenges, is to rely on our own power of reasoning. Sit down, figure it out, and then act. Abraham - as we learn in the Genesis account - tried that, and fathered a son whose legacy today is the ongoing Middle East conflict. Better that he had fully comprehended the truth of Proverbs 3:5,6 - "Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight."

The lesson and legacy of Abraham is that simple faith in the LORD God is always the solution. But, this faith is not what is so commonly called, "blind faith". It's a look-before-you-leap faith that carefully evaluates circumstances and "counts the cost". It's an eyes-wide-open faith that realistically sees, and knows what is needed from our Creator.

I would be willing to bet that you and I today face circumstances that challenge faith. We are well aware of what God desires and has promised, but the pathway there seems obscured by insurmountable obstacles. The faith challenge to "let go, and let God" seems incredibly difficult. But, simple faith is what moves the mountain, and propels us to the promise.

Paying the bills. Sharing faith and truth. Managing marriage and family conflict. Serving the kingdom. Faith is the factor in each of these. Take God at His word, with child-like faith and simplicity, and anticipate what He will do in and through you. May faith be our focus and victorious factor as we live for Him today.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012

2012-01-09T08:18:00.001-08:00

Just what does God want from us anyway? Rivers of animal blood from sacrifices? Mindless obedience and compliance? Perfection? Probably more anguish and anger has resulted from faulty notions of God's requirements. And yet, understanding what He wants isn't that difficult.

"Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? And who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood And has not sworn deceitfully. He shall receive a blessing from the LORD And righteousness from the God of his salvation." (Psalm 24:3-5)

Clean hands. He's not talking about washing after work and play, but rather hands that have not participated in evil deeds. A pure heart. He wants first place, and unswerving love and loyalty (see Matthew 22:36-40). He wants passionate pursuit of truth, so as not to lift up our "soul to falsehood". He wants honest vows, promises, and pledges.

The God who owns it all (Psalm 24:1) desires that which He is entitled to. He created us for His pleasure, and to be our pleasure. He wants to know us, and for us to truly, personally know Him. We are designed for relationship with Him.

As humans, we thrive on relationships. While some prefer more solitude than others, none of us truly thrive in life without meaningful relationships. And this is an inherent indicator of God's ultimate purpose for us concerning Him. We cannot truly thrive in this age aside of an enriching relationship with our Creator and Father.

It is Jesus, God's Son, who modeled the relationship that our Father desires, and established the basis for it through His sacrifice. Hebrews 10:19-22 describes what Jesus' sacrifice has done, and implores us to "draw near".

May those words - "draw near" - be our priority today. However that works, and whatever that looks like in your life, choose it as your priority. Nothing will be more enriching and fulfilling than walking in intimate relationship with our Creator, through His Son, Jesus the Christ.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012

2012-01-04T08:44:00.001-08:00

Stories of victory amidst incredible obstacles always fascinate me. Defeat seems certain, and yet somehow victory is won. Perhaps that's why Abraham is such an outstanding example and encouragement. Notice what a man named Stephen - destined to become the first Christian martyr - said about him:

"He gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot of ground, and yet, even when he had no child, He promised that HE WOULD GIVE IT TO HIM AS A POSSESSION, AND TO HIS DESCENDANTS AFTER HIM." (Acts 7:5)

God promises Abraham the land of modern Israel, but he didn't receive so much as a foot of ground in his lifetime. God promised Abraham innumerable descendants, but he was childless in his old age. Talk about obstacles to faith!

The biblical definition of faith is this: "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1) Faith sees the unseen. Undoubtedly, Abraham operated by this kind of faith; he saw as reality that which did not exist. And this is the faith we are called to.

It's difficult for me to imagine that the meek will inherit the earth (Matthew 6:5) when the wicked and arrogant have such a stranglehold on it. A vision of the age to come is often dimmed by tears at the heartache and disappointment of this age. And yet, faith sees that which is to come when human vision cannot see it.

We live much of our life as though it were the bottom of the ninth inning and there are two outs. Faith holds on and sees the victory when so-called reality shouts of defeat.

May we be Abraham people. Amidst circumstances that shout defeat, may we see the unseen victory that is ours in faith. May we confidently move toward that which others cannot see. May faith move mountains in our lives, and move us toward the reality of the kingdom of God that we are called to declare and demonstrate to an unbelieving and cynical world.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012

2012-01-03T08:07:00.001-08:00

It all would be a moot point without decisive action. All the rich promises that extend to us today would amount to nothing had one man not stepped out in faith.

Genesis twelve records phenomenal promises made by God to a man named Abram, and to us: "I will make you a great nation, And I will bless you, And make your name great; And so you shall be a blessing; And I will bless those who bless you, And the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed." (Genesis 12:2-3). Abram, destined to be renamed Abraham, would be the father of the faithful. The amazing nation of Israel would come forth from him, and the Savior of all - Jesus the Christ - would be his descendant. The richest promises ever made by God were made to Abram, but based on one important condition: action. "Go forth from your country, And from your relatives And from your father's house, To the land which I will show you" (Genesis 12:1). To receive, Abram had first of all to go out.

You and I know the story: "So Abram went forth as the LORD had spoken to him; and Lot went with him. Now Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran." (Genesis 12:4). We read these words in God's authoritative source book, the Bible, because Abram did as he was called to do.

I consider it a tremendous privilege to be associated with a body of believers who embrace the phrase, "Abrahamic Faith". Galatians 3:29 ties believers in Christ to the promises made to Abraham, as we read in Genesis 12 and other passages. The implications for resurrection, future reward on earth, and the nature of Abraham's descendant, Jesus, become abundantly clear in light of Galatians 3:29. But, like Abram, they are of little value unless acted upon in faith.

The faith of Abraham involves decisive action. Far be it that Abrahamic Faith be reduced to a mere theological distinctive. It involves embracing the promises, and stepping out in faithful action. It involves the risk of new land and territory - stepping out into the realm of nonbelievers who desperately need the gospel, and going forth in kingdom-enlarging ventures. It is allowing God to "bless the families of the earth" through us as we go out into the unknown in faith.

What is the venture of faith God is calling you to? What unknown is He calling you to, where His richest blessings await? The call to "Go forth" rings as loudly and clearly in our ears as it did with Abram. We know what his response was. What will yours be?

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012

2012-01-02T08:08:00.001-08:00

You and I were created for an incredible purpose. We may live all our days in relative obscurity, and our work may be mundane at best. But, our ultimate purpose is far greater than where we live and what we do. We were designed for an intimate relationship with our Creator Father.

The first man, Adam, was accustomed to walking together with God in "the cool of the day" in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:8). Since that time, God has initiated relationship and covenant with many faithful people down through the ages. Through His Son, Jesus, we enjoy the privilege of the closest possible relationship with Him. So, doesn't it make sense to better understand and marvel at the Creator Father who desires this kind of relationship with us?

Consider these words as you grow in awe of Him: "O LORD my God, You are very great; You are clothed with splendor and majesty, Covering Yourself with light as with a cloak, Stretching out heaven like a tent curtain ... He makes the clouds His chariot; He walks upon the wings of the wind; He makes the winds His messengers, Flaming fire His ministers. He established the earth upon its foundations, So that it will not totter forever and ever ... He made the moon for the seasons; The sun knows the place of its setting. O LORD, how many are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all; The earth is full of Your possessions ... They all wait for You To give them their food in due season. You give to them, they gather it up; You open Your hand, they are satisfied with good. You hide Your face, they are dismayed; You take away their spirit, they expire And return to their dust. You send forth Your Spirit, they are created; And You renew the face of the ground." (Psalm 104:1-5, 19,24,27-30)

Descriptive as these words are, they don't begin to capture the essence of the One who desires to be captivated by us. A lifetime isn't enough for those who will ultimately "expire And return to their dust", when our breathe goes back to Him. The prospect of resurrection life is dependent upon this God who has created all, and gives life and sustenance to all He has created. Knowing and loving Him is the highest priority and privilege.

Sadly, many people speak vaguely of this God who desires to be known. He is far more than a higher being; more than the "In God We Trust", heralded on this country's currency. He is Yahweh, Jehovah, the I AM. He calls Himself the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob - dead men destined for life again in the coming age through His promises. He is the Father of our Lord Jesus, with whom He is immensely pleased (Matthew 3:17; 17:5). He is worthy of our passionate pursuit, because it is eternal life to know Him, and His Son (John 17:3).

Knowing ABOUT our Father is a far cry for personally knowing Him. May the great adventure of our life be that of discovering firsthand the amazing Father who has created us for relationship with Him.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012

2011-12-21T07:57:00.001-08:00

Continuously hitting our head on a brick wall is both pointless and painful. Resisting our Father and His ways is similar. Far better that we should know Him, praise Him, and participate with Him in His will and ways.

"Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul! I will praise the LORD while I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. Do not trust in princes, In mortal man, in whom there is no salvation. His spirit departs, he returns to the earth; In that very day his thoughts perish." (Psalm 146:1-4)

Government leaders daily make the news, and generally in a negative way. Corruption and greed lead to disappointment, anarchy, and ultimately revolution. And yet, lasting reform is elusive. There is no "salvation" in mortal man, who is ultimately destined for death in the truest sense of the word. All will one day "give up the ghost" (cease breathing), as well as cease thinking. Why trust, then, in mortal leaders?

Better that our hope and confidence should be in the LORD Yahweh, the only true God. "How blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, Whose hope is in the LORD his God, Who made heaven and earth, The sea and all that is in them; Who keeps faith forever; Who executes justice for the oppressed; Who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free. The LORD opens the eyes of the blind; The LORD raises up those who are bowed down; The LORD loves the righteous; The LORD protects the strangers; He supports the fatherless and the widow, But He thwarts the way of the wicked. The LORD will reign forever, Your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD!" (Psalm 146:5-10)

True help and hope is with our Father, and His plan. As an active advocate of the poor and oppressed, He desires to bring us alongside those He has compassion for. A godly heart will be drawn to the hopeless and hurting, for it is with these that the Father is working. Little wonder that Jesus, His Son, would declare the blessedness of the poor in spirit, the mourning, the meek, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemaker, and the persecuted.

A cynical sage once said, "the more I know people, the more I like my dog". Perhaps he was dyslexic, because it is God who is to be preferred to mere mortals. Humans and human plans are sure to disappoint and fail, but there is a God who never has and never will disappoint. A choice to trust Him, and follow Him in His compassion for the helpless and hurting, is a sure pathway to true purpose and peace.

Know and praise Your Father. Become intimately acquainted with His Son, for this is life (John 17:3). Serve those who are hurting, because you will find both the Father, and His Son, Jesus, there. In these ways, we come to better understand, live, declare, and demonstrate the kingdom of God.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-12-19T07:59:00.001-08:00

Picture yourself on the deck of a sinking ship. It's ultimate demise is clearly evident and imminent, as is apparently yours. But, a lifeboat is available, with a space left for you. What choice will you make? Kind of a no-brainer. Or is it ...?

"See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, and death and adversity; in that I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in His ways and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His judgments ... So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, by loving the LORD your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days." (Deuteronomy 30:15-16, 19-20)

God extends a life and death offer to all people. And, make no mistake: it is a clear choice of one or the other that we each must definitively make. His offer is gracious, but it is absolute. A choice must be made.

Astoundingly, many choose to remain on the proverbial sinking ship. The enemy's deception is to convince many that this present world system is not a sinking ship, but spiritual insight proves otherwise. We are reminded that "the whole world lies in the power of the evil one" (1 John 5:19), and the evil one's fate is the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10).

Life and prosperity is far more appealing than death and adversity, but the real challenge is to see that this is the choice. Given that information, no one would choose the latter.

It is imperative that we face each day seeing the clarity of the choice, and choosing wisely. Then, as the people of God, we are called to clearly represent these choices to those He places in our pathway today. The choice for them will be equally obvious when the options are abundantly clear.

May we abundantly experience life and prosperity today as we consciously choose His plan (Matthew 6:33), and may we be faithful in extending His options to others.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-12-14T07:56:00.001-08:00

If ever you are at a loss for words, here is a suggested topic of conversation. In fact, if ever you wonder what your Creator and Father would have you talk about, here it is:

"The LORD is gracious and merciful; Slow to anger and great in lovingkindness. The LORD is good to all, And His mercies are over all His works. All Your works shall give thanks to You, O LORD, And Your godly ones shall bless You. They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom And talk of Your power; To make known to the sons of men Your mighty acts And the glory of the majesty of Your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And Your dominion endures throughout all generations." (Psalm 145:8-13)

The LORD Yahweh is characterized as gracious, merciful, slow to anger, and kindly loving. His goodness is abundantly evident in all creation. And those who fear and reverence Him freely praise and thank Him. And they are drawn to declare and discuss a subject near and dear to Him: "They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom And talk of Your power; To make known to the sons of men Your mighty acts And the glory of the majesty of Your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And Your dominion endures throughout all generations."

God's kingdom is the primary subject of discussion and declaration by His people, or at least it should be. Not surprisingly, God's kingdom was the central focus of God's Son. Every parable (i.e., Matthew 13) taught something concerning God's kingdom. Jesus both began and ended His earthly ministry declaring and explaining God's kingdom (Mark 1:14-15; Acts 1:3). It was His primary purpose: "I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, for I was sent for this purpose." (Luke 4:43)

If the people of God "shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom And talk of Your power; To make known to the sons of men Your mighty acts And the glory of the majesty of Your kingdom", then they need to be intimately familiar with the subject! It behooves every kingdom citizen to know the fundamental truth of the subject, and firsthand experience the presence and power of the kingdom that is to come, and which has partially arrived in this age. It is a topic too big and important to neglect! Until we know this vital subject, and seriously grapple with how Jesus demonstrated and declared it, we have not truly grasped God's "big idea" and plan. Basically, we don't know anything until we know God's kingdom.

May we, His people, freely and gladly declare His power, and the glory of His kingdom, and commit ourselves to being lifelong students of this most important subject.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-12-13T08:41:00.001-08:00

Some would say it was "off the wall", but in truth it was atop the wall.

The setting is ancient Jerusalem, late fifth century B.C. The city had been sacked and destroyed years earlier, and its inhabitants captured and exiled. Nehemiah had been instrumental in rebuilding the ruined walls, and the time for dedication and celebration had arrived. Note the narrative:

"Now at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought out the Levites from all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem so that they might celebrate the dedication with gladness, with hymns of thanksgiving and with songs to the accompaniment of cymbals, harps and lyres. So the sons of the singers were assembled from the district around Jerusalem ... Then I had the leaders of Judah come up on top of the wall, and I appointed two great choirs,the first proceeding to the right on top of the wall ... The second choir proceeded to the left ... Then the two choirs took their stand in the house of God. So did I and half of the officials with me ... And the singers sang ... and on that day they offered great sacrifices and rejoiced because God had given them great joy, even the women and children rejoiced, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard from afar." (Nehemiah 12:27,28,31,38,40,42,43)

It's easy to visualize this great top-of-the wall celebration. Two great choirs, in ornamental robes, process left and right atop the wall. They converge, and a great singing and worship celebration commences; so joyous that it "was heard from afar." The surrounding countryside reverberated with joyful praise!

Psalm 66:2 admonishes us to "Sing the glory of His name; Make His praise glorious." Our God, Yahweh, is deserving of praise and worship reminiscent of the praise of two great choirs in the days of Nehemiah. There is nothing better than the combined voices and efforts of God's people in exuberant praise!

Singing may not be your forte. Praise isn't synonymous with music; it can be expressed in a multitude of ways. The key factor is a heart swelling with gratitude to our Father Yahweh for what He has done.

May we reflect on His great acts of mercy, provision, and deliverance in our lives, and be guided to "top-of-the-wall" exuberant praise from the heart.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-12-12T08:20:00.000-08:00

Gratitude necessitates expression. Whether a simple, "thank you", a grateful gesture, or a generous act, gratitude motivates expression.

A people living in a land of promise were called upon to express their gratitude in a specific way: " "Then it shall be, when you enter the land which the LORD your God gives you as an inheritance, and you possess it and live in it, that you shall take some of the first of all the produce of the ground which you bring in from your land that the LORD your God gives you, and you shall put it in a basket and go to the place where the LORD your God chooses to establish His name."

Simply put, the people of Israel were to bring the first portion of their abundant harvest as an offering to the God who had brought them to the land of promise. The first fruit offering was closely associated with the fulfillment of God's promise.

There is another very significant mention of first fruits in connection with God's promises: "But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep." (1 Corinthians 15:20) A promise is in process of being fulfilled, and a gratitude offering been given. The land of promise is the coming kingdom on a new earth, and the resurrection of Jesus from the dead is associated with a vast, abundant harvest in the land of promise. In other words, the fulfillment of promise is just around the corner!

You and I who are born again believers in Christ are part of a great crop about to bear fruit in the land of promise. Jesus is the first fruits from among the dead - the precedent for a vast number of dead believers who will rise up out of their graves one day.

As we await the complete fulfillment of what began with Christ's resurrection, we want to experience the great power of His resurrection: "that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead." (Philippians 3:10-11) Like Paul, we want to be closely associated with the great power of God that raised Jesus from the dead, and His suffering and death, so that we will be positioned to attain resurrection from the dead ourselves should we fall asleep in death before His return.

My prayer for each of us today is that we might more fully experience dynamic resurrection power as we live for Him today, and anticipate the fulfillment of hope at His return as He makes the earth the land of promise, the kingdom of God.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-12-07T08:02:00.001-08:00

He was hidden in a cave, expecting to be found and killed at any time. Relentlessly pursued by the enemy, the end was potentially moments away. Where does one's thoughts turn in those dark, desperate hours?

The cave refugee in focus here is not on overthrown Middle Easter despot dictator, but rather King David of Israel. Psalm 142 records the prayer of this man of God, hunkered down in a damp, dark cave.

"I cry aloud with my voice to the LORD; I make supplication with my voice to the LORD. I pour out my complaint before Him; I declare my trouble before Him. When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, You knew my path. In the way where I walk They have hidden a trap for me. Look to the right and see; For there is no one who regards me; There is no escape for me; No one cares for my soul. I cried out to You, O LORD; I said, 'You are my refuge, My portion in the land of the living. Give heed to my cry, For I am brought very low; Deliver me from my persecutors, For they are too strong for me. Bring my soul out of prison, So that I may give thanks to Your name; The righteous will surround me, For You will deal bountifully with me." (Psalm 142:1-7)

Mingled with desperate thoughts and concerns is an abiding sense of faith and hope. With no certainty of rescue, David's thoughts are of his ultimate deliverance by the God who had made great promises to him. And, we know the rest of the story - he was delivered to see many more years, and God's great blessings.

There are plenty of times when we are figuratively holed up in a cave, surrounded by threatening circumstances. Adversity and opposition threaten to consume us, and the short-term outcome is anything but certain. But, these times of trials are the school of spiritual learning and growth. Faith is sharpened; true priorities brought more clearly into focus. When our Father seems most distant, and His voice silent, we truly walk by faith, and not by sight.

The record of the Bible is condensed such that we easily think God spoke frequently to men of old such as David and Abraham. But, a careful study of their lives and times reveal that there were many years of silence and faith. Such as it is with us: there are rare moments of clarity, but there are large stretches of time when we walk in unseen faith. Uncertainty and adversity threaten, but faith sustains us when our God seems most silent and distant.

The call is for us to live our lives expectantly, as David did. "You are my refuge, My portion in the land of the living ... The righteous will surround me, For You will deal bountifully with me." Whatever the short-term prospects are for our lives, the long-term prospects are bright and promising beyond our ability to imagine. Let us live hopefully and expectantly amidst uncertain times as his people today.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-12-06T08:12:00.001-08:00

Remorse. Regrets. Who doesn't have a long list of them? If only life afforded an endless supply of "do-overs"!

The dilemma of reading and hearing God's word is that it all too often incites painful feelings of remorse and regret. Confronted by God's perfect standard, our personal failings quickly provoke guilt. But, it is never God's intent that His word leave us to helplessly wallow in guilt.

Nehemiah eight is an account of a great gathering of the people of Israel to hear the law of God read publicly. A wooden podium was constructed for the reader (8:4), so that he might be better seen and heard by the vast crowd. These words describe what happened: "Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. Then Ezra blessed the LORD the great God. And all the people answered, "Amen, Amen!" while lifting up their hands; then they bowed low and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground." (Nehemiah 8:5-6) Verse eight tells us that the readers "read from the book, from the law of God, translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading."

God's word penetrated the hearts and minds of the listeners, and profound grief over their disobedience resulted. Nehemiah and the other readers implored the people to refrain from sorrow because, "this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." (verse 9) Chapter nine records the events of a later solemn day of confession and fasting - when profound grief was appropriate - but, the day of hearing God's word was to be a holy, joyous occasion.

God's word is to be heard and received with gladness and joy. Later, as we linger over it and allow it to fully penetrate our hearts and minds, a response of confession and grief over sin is appropriate. But, it is to be received with joy because "the joy of the LORD is your strength."

Who doesn't need joy and strength? Life in a fallen world easily robs us of both. Reading, hearing, and studying God's word - individually and in groups - is the source of both joy and strength.

Need some incentive to get in to the word of God today? This is it: it is your source of joy and strength. On its pages your will encounter your Creator, through His Son, and find abundant joy and strength for the trials and challenges of life.

May His word be a delight to you today as you devote yourself to reading and studying it.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-12-05T08:00:00.001-08:00

Stick-to-itiveness is rarely celebrated. In a bygone era, a lifetime of faithful labor with a company was celebrated with a gold watch and well-wishes for a long and happy retirement. Today longevity is a liability. A resume' with an extensive list of short-term company stints shows initiative and drive, and is rewarded with yet one more career move.

I've been with the same "company" for a little over thirty-eight years now. I have no desire for a change; I'm perfectly content right where I am. In fact, any so-called promotion would ultimately be a demotion.

"If we endure, we will also reign with Him" (2 Timothy 2:12).

In the company of the committed to Christ, longevity is truly rewarded. Endurance is the key criteria for governmental responsibility in the cabinet of Christ. Those who persevere will find ultimate purpose in the plan of God known as the kingdom of God. The overcomers will be a vital part of best government the world has ever seen.

A recent timely conversation reminded me that the Bible is very specific about what those who endure in this age can anticipate in the age to come. The Old Testament prophets provide descriptive imagery of lush vegetation, housebuilding initiative, prosperity, peace in the animal world, peace among the nations, and personal health - to name a few. If endurance is motivated by "keeping our eye on the prize", the more we familiarize ourselves with "the prize", the greater the endurance incentive.

Today's task may seem far from glorious - to keep on keeping on. But, there may be formidable obstacles for you to overcome to just keep on keeping on. The pile of debt may be climbing. Job stress may be almost to the breaking point. Tension at home may be nearly unbearable. Peer pressure may be so great that caving in is a very real possibility. Keeping on keeping on may seem like a major stretch today. But, "If we endure, we will also reign with Him". When it's all said and done, no one will regret enduring. The only regrets will be from those who didn't.

As those whose eyes are set on the kingdom prize and goal, these words are a timely admonition: "admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone." (1 Thessalonians 5:14)

Stay the course. Help those who have veered from it, and encourage those tempted to quit. Endure. And inspire endurance. "do not grow weary of doing good." (2 Thessalonians 3:13)

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-11-30T08:01:00.001-08:00

No one knows you better. From your unique smile and frown to your most private thoughts, He knows. There is not a single detail of your life that escapes His notice. He knows you better than you know you. And you will never be able to fully wrap your mind around these amazing truths.

"O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O LORD, You know it all. You have enclosed me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high, I cannot attain to it." (Psalm 139:1-6)

He who knows cannot be avoided. Men like Jonah vainly tried to flee from His presence, but it cannot be done. "Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?" (Psalm 139:7) Physically and emotionally, it is not possible to be anywhere where He is not. He even has prenatal knowledge of us (verse 13).

The One who knows beyond our ability to understand is available to be known. His infinite knowledge is not critical and judgmental, but compassionate toward those who fear Him. He who knows you wants you to know Him. And, if He truly does know all and see all, doesn't it make sense to ask Him to reveal to you what He knows about you? "Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way." (Psalm 139:23-24).

An old song declared, "the One who knows me best, loves me most". Indeed. Our Father does not use knowledge to leverage power over our weaknesses and failings. His vast knowledge moves Him to act compassionately toward us. Is it so much to ask that we take time from our schedule and lives to bask in the presence of this amazing One? Nothing could be more profitable this day - or any day.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-11-29T08:12:00.001-08:00

I wonder how well we understand the realm of possibilities. I'm pretty sure I don't know the half of it. Or the fourth of it. Or the eighth. Or ... well; you get the idea. But, it's truly energizing to begin to imagine what God can do when I let my spiritual mind run free.

Case study in prayer and faith possibilities: a man named Nehemiah. Living during the dark days of captivity following the destruction of Jerusalem at the hand of the mighty Babylonian empire, Nehemiah receives a discouraging report concerning his people's plight (Nehemiah 1:1-3). His response? "When I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days; and I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven." (Nehemiah 1:4)

The essence of Nehemiah's heartfelt prayer is recorded in Nehemiah 1:5-11. I commend it to you for carefully study as a pattern for effective prayer. Notice how he begins:

"I beseech You, O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who preserves the covenant and lovingkindness for those who love Him and keep His commandments, let Your ear now be attentive and Your eyes open to hear the prayer of Your servant which I am praying before You now, day and night, on behalf of the sons of Israel Your servants, confessing the sins of the sons of Israel which we have sinned against You; I and my father's house have sinned." (Nehemiah 1:5-6)

Nehemiah acknowledged the Father's greatness, lovingkindness, and covenant faithfulness, as he appealed to God for attentiveness. And he then elaborated on the problem of sin and unfaithfulness. In fact, the majority of this recorded prayer is confession. And then, finally, Nehemiah seeks success and favor with the king whom he served as a cupbearer.

The remarkable story of Nehemiah is that, in response to prayer, he was instrumental in rebuilding the broken walls of Jerusalem and setting his people on the path to restoration and security.

So, what great things would our Father choose to do through our prayers? Perhaps the starting point is to familiarize ourselves with the covenants He has made to His people. What promises has God made that have yet to be fulfilled? You can be sure He has not forgotten, but perhaps His test of faith for us is that we know them and remind Him of them - for our benefit, not His. Heartfelt and honest confession of sin is also essential. He knows, but wants us to come in honesty before Him, without pretense.

What are the possibilities available to us? Consider the example of Nehemiah. God wants to accomplish great things for His people, for His kingdom, and His glory. Let the possibilities stir your faith, boldness, and persistent prayer.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-11-28T08:06:00.001-08:00

Growing up during the era of the Vietnam war, the sentiments of this unpopular war were expressed in war protests songs that implored, "War. What is it good for?" While the value of war is always up for debate, the reality of it is pervasive in human history. We seem to have great difficulty avoiding war.

The people of God are not isolated from the reality of war. Consider these "war directives":

"When you go out to battle against your enemies and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt, is with you. When you are approaching the battle, the priest shall come near and speak to the people. He shall say to them, 'Hear, O Israel, you are approaching the battle against your enemies today. Do not be fainthearted. Do not be afraid, or panic, or tremble before them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.'" (Deuteronomy 20:1-4)

The Hebrews nation often found itself engaged in battle, and often this tiny nation faced much larger armies than theirs (even as it so often does today). But, as Moses reminded them, the LORD God was their warrior and source of victory.

The people of God today are not exempt from war. We are poignantly reminded that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12). The wars we face are not of our choosing, but the ultimate result of the allegiance we choose. Love for God is ultimately hatred of the wicked world system.

We need not live our lives in fear or alarm. Confident calm can characterize us as we trust that "the LORD your God is the one who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you." Emotional and even physical harm may befall us, but none can touch us spiritually as we fully trust our Father through His Son, our Lord Jesus.

Spiritual battles inevitably come our way, but ultimate victory is ours through Him who loves us. May we draw near to the One who brings victory, and to the encouraging company of His army of people.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-11-23T08:14:00.000-08:00

What is my purpose in life? Why was I born? What am I here to do? Questions we all ponder from time to time, and yet the answer is far simpler than we might realize: to know the God who created us. We were created to know the Creator. And not just to know ABOUT Him, but to personally and intimately know Him. To converse and commune with Him just as we so commonly do with one another. It really is that basic.

The Psalmist declared, "For I know that the LORD is great And that our Lord is above all gods. Whatever the LORD pleases, He does, In heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps." (Psalm 135:5-6)

An old hymn implores us to "ponder anew what the Almighty can do". He who created the towering mountains and the mighty rushing waters, also creates a clean heart and a holy dwelling place in the hearts of those who humbly seek Him. That fact alone is something to "ponder anew"!

The awesome LORD God, who is above all gods, is impossible to approach and know except through His sinless Son - "no one comes to the Father but through Me." (John 14:6) And, through our Lord Jesus Christ, we are made to be "A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9).

I'm savoring my status as I share these words today. But, I'm also reminded that my privileged position also involved a powerful purpose - to "proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light". Praise and proclamation to others is our vital mission.

Could it be as simple as knowing God and sharing His excellencies with others? It would seem. But, we must not let the simplicity of our purpose minimize its importance. That which is easiest to understand can be the most challenging to practice. The proof is in the practice.

May we each savor our privileged status, and freely share with all who are willing to hear and receive.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-11-22T08:13:00.001-08:00

A political mandate to build a house of worship. It either sounds like something from a radical Islamic country and culture, or from a bygone era in a western country. But, from all we know, it was an order given by a ruler who truly recognized the one true God and responded to His prompting.

The modern-day irony is that this political ruler had jurisdiction over the present-day region of Iran (ponder that one for a moment!). Further, another Iranian (Persian) ruler supported and implemented the previous edict to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. Ezra six records these historic events:

"Then King Darius issued a decree, and search was made in the archives , where the treasures were stored in Babylon. In Ecbatana in the fortress, which is in the province of Media, a scroll was found and there was written in it as follows: 'Memorandum - In the first year of King Cyrus, Cyrus the king issued a decree: 'Concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, let the temple, the place where sacrifices are offered, be rebuilt and let its foundations be retained ..." (Ezra 6:1-3)

Now, history may not be your great interest, but this much likely is: the one true God is well able to accomplish exactly what He desires, and that can involve using unlikely means and people. Time and again, godless rulers have served the purpose of God's will.

The model prayer is encouraging and comforting concerning this - "Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven." This prayer is not mere idealistic thinking; it is a declaration of ultimate truth: God's perfect rule is destined to be established over all the earth. No kingdom or country will ultimately stand against it or in place of it. Daniel 2:44 is our great reminder of this fact: "In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which will never be destroyed, and that kingdom will not be left for another people; it will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, but it will itself endure forever."

The encouragement for us this day is in knowing that God's governmental plan is fully on track. No political or financial crisis will disrupt or usurp it. The tide of popularity is no threat to it. It is revolution-proof and corruption-proof. It will come about exactly as planned and according to schedule.

A popular "Occupy" movement is afoot today to enact government and financial change and reform. Perhaps it's time for the people of God to launch an "Occupy the Kingdom" movement to remind ourselves and others of the inevitable triumph of God's coming age.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-11-21T07:58:00.001-08:00

"I will raise up a prophet from among their countrymen like you, and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him." (Deuteronomy 18:18)

One of the most definitive statements about God's Son, the Christ, is this pronouncement uttered by Moses. He would be born of the Jews, and He would be given the very words of the LORD God to speak. You can take it to the bank: when Jesus speaks, He speaks with the full authority of God our Father.

I, for one, am extremely grateful to understand this great truth. The Jewish humanity of Jesus, coupled with His God-given authority, makes Him a believable Savior for me. He is human enough to be one of us, but uniquely authoritative as God's spokesman to be credible. This truth breathes life into a familiar New Testament verse - "For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5)

Is there anything we more desperately need than someone who understands our human nature, and brings to bear the authoritative word of God from that vantage point? As such, He is a victorious friend who helps me understand a perfect Father in ways I would not otherwise understand. He puts a visible face on the Invisible One, and brings the Father's full resources to bear on my human frailty. What a Savior!

This side of the kingdom, I'll probably not fully understand the relationship between My Father and My Savior. But, I know it is the closest possible relationship, and they want you and I united with them in this relationship ("that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me." John 17:21)

My simple desire and prayer today is that each of us might be in absolute awe and delight of the relationship we have with our Father, our Savior, and one another. May we find tremendous comfort and encouragement as we savor the privilege we enjoy.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-11-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

Promises are best not made if they cannot be kept. I've broken far too many in the past, so I'm very selective in the ones I make. Many that I've broken were innocent enough; I simply forgot! Fortunately, we have a heavenly Father who has a perfect track record. And His list of promises throughout the ages is far longer than all I've ever made.

Consider this one: "The LORD has sworn to David A truth from which He will not turn back : 'Of the fruit of your body I will set upon your throne.'" (Psalm 132:11) That sounds like an absolute promise. God has solemnly declared and irrevocably promised that a biological descendant of David would sit upon his throne.

Fast forward to the Day of Pentecost, some fifty days after Jesus was resurrected from the dead. "And so, because he (David) was a prophet and knew that GOD HAD SWORN TO HIM WITH AN OATH TO SEAT one OF HIS DESCENDANTS ON HIS THRONE, he looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that HE WAS NEITHER ABANDONED TO HADES, NOR DID His flesh SUFFER DECAY. This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses." (Acts 2:30-32)

Nothing could be clearer: the apostle Peter boldly declared that day that Jesus is the Christ, the promised descendant of David - destined to sit upon his throne. This should come as no surprise, because this very pronouncement was made by angels announcing to Mary the upcoming birth of her child: " "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever,and His kingdom will have no end." (Luke 1:32-33)

It was necessary for Jesus to have a biological, human connection with David - "the fruit of your body" - in order for God to be a God of promise and truth. Thus it is important that we clearly understand that Jesus uniquely is Son of God and Son of man - a truth often obscured and neglected.

God is a faithful God of promise. What He said He would do, He has done - and will yet do. Of the lengthy list of promises - some thousands of years old - all are destined to be fulfilled through His Son, "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 3:21) We can "go to the bank" on His faithful promises, and we can live in faith and absolute confidence today in that truth.

May His rich promises to us, His people, be an encouragement and strength today as we live for Him.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-11-14T08:14:00.001-08:00

Deception. The problem with it is that it is so subtle. It's like a counterfeit painting: it looks convincing, but something isn't quite right. Careful examination is necessary to realize that a shortcut was taken, or inferior materials used.

That's the problem with truth deception. Rarely is it glaring enough to sound an alarm; it's usually something that's not exactly spot-on.

"If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder comes true, concerning which he spoke to you, saying, 'Let us go after other gods (whom you have not known ) and let us serve them,' you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams; for the LORD your God is testing you to find out if you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul." (Deuteronomy 13:1-3)

Signs and wonders are the ultimate avenue of deception. I've talked to individuals who were sufficiently wowed by the miraculous so as to be anesthetized to the message. The miraculous overshadowed discernment, to their detriment.

Apparently, according to this passage in Deuteronomy 13, God Himself works through miracle-working deceivers, as part of the refining process of His people. He's a proverbial pitcher who occasionally throws a curve ball, to see if we'll swing at it. Amidst truth, there is a cleverly-disguised fake, to see if His people are discerning enough to reject it.

I've heard of preachers who deliberately include a blatant non-truth just to see if the congregation is truly listening and discerning. Such tactics are ill-advised; especially since the messenger himself is not immune to deception. Best that we leave that task to God Himself.

There is a prevailing spirit of accommodation that cuts people a lot of slack with God's truth. The reasoning goes that God is wide with mercy, and that He will surely be extremely tolerant in judgement when the time comes. That's a risky gamble with the prospect of eternal life. Living loose with truth seems far more perilous than making earnest effort to diligently learn and live it.

The danger of deception is very real and ever-present. Passionate love for knowing and living truth is the only true safeguard. And this must be a personal exercise; not reliance on a knowing teacher, preacher, friend, or family member.

May we love truth enough to diligently search and live it, so as to withstand the deception enticement that will surely come this day, and every day.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-11-09T08:27:00.001-08:00

Picture the Great Wall of China. It resembles the type of wall that would surround an ancient city. Imagine a stone tower on the wall, with an opening for a watchman to survey the landscape below. It is a dark, starless night, and a vigilant watchman trains his eye on the terrain below, looking for movement that would indicate the aggressive threat of an enemy.

The stress of the watchman's nighttime vigilance begins to take its toll, and he eagerly waits for the slight yellowish-orange tint in the east that precedes the morning sunrise. As late night gives ways to early morning, he longs for the rays of the sun that will illuminate the potentially treacherous nighttime landscape.

"I wait for the LORD, my soul does wait, And in His word do I hope. My soul waits for the Lord More than the watchmen for the morning; Indeed, more than the watchmen for the morning." (Psalm 130:5-6)

Is our passion for our Father as urgent as that of a night watchman looking for the morning? Must we find Him in His word and through prayer at all costs, or is our pursuit leisurely and passive? "you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul." (Deuteronomy 4:29)

The siren call of life activities easily diminishes passionate pursuit of our Father through His word and prayer. And yet, the more time we yield to Him, the more the urgency of seeking Him grows.

May a passion be kindled in our hearts today for the God who has promised us future immortality, and a life of abundance and fulfillment with Him on a renewed earth. May future kingdom life break through today as we personally and deeply experience relationship with our Father through His Son.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-11-08T08:27:00.000-08:00

The head of the government was a wicked eight-year-old boy. He was quickly replaced by a twenty-one year old arrogant and evil ruler. From there, things only got worse. Such was the plight, not of a malevolent ungodly regime, but of the nation of God's people.

We read in 2 Chronicles 36 of the ultimate demise of the nation of Israel during the days of Jeremiah the prophet. The tragic sequence of events is well summarized in these verses:

"The LORD, the God of their fathers, sent word to them again and again by His messengers, because He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place; but they continually mocked the messengers of God, despised His words and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against His people, until there was no remedy." (2 Chronicles 36:15-16)

The most chilling words in these verses are the last: "until there was no remedy." The compassion and merciful God repeatedly sent messengers to His people to appeal for repentance and responsiveness. Blatant disregard for the message and messenger added to God's growing wrath until the tipping point was reached; the point of no return.

Incredibly, God's mercy prevailed over His judgment - seventy years later He would allow His dispersed people to return to the land, and renew their walk with Him.

Two mistaken extremes often characterize people's views of God our Father. The one extreme is that He is an uncaring and exacting God who metes out punishment at the slightest infraction of His law. The other is that He so benevolent and sentimental that He would never harm the hair of one of His creatures. Until we see that He is both compassionate and exacting in His holy nature, we have not truly known our Father.

The tipping point for this present world is already past; we live in the time in which "there was (is) no remedy." We live in a proverbial Sodom and Gomorrah, and judgment is inevitable. As the people of God, we are the messengers sent to rescue the responsive. That is, so long as we don't succumb to the allure of the "Babylon" we live in. Should that happen, we become a tragic casualty of spiritual war, and lose the ability to be savory salt and illuminating light (Matthew 5:13-16) in a world desperately in need of both.

Wisdom is knowing the true fate of the present world system, and our role in it. It is a Titanic, headed inexorably down, and we are to be those who sound a clarion call for the safety of the lifeboat of the gospel of the kingdom and the name of Jesus (Acts 8:12).

May we live wisely today in a doomed world, and urgently serve as gospel messengers to those willing to be saved.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-11-07T08:11:00.000-08:00

God must surely be the most misunderstood Father. His angry outbursts and exacting punishments lead many to think of Him as an unforgiving taskmaster. His impossible standards and our human failings are considered to be a sure recipe for our ultimate annihilation. But, we grossly misunderstand our Father if we miss His mercy.

"Now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require from you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the LORD'S commandments and His statutes which I am commanding you today for your good?" (Deuteronomy 10:12-13)

Ultimately, He wants our whole heart, not our detached and mindless obedience. And, the obedience He desires is not for His vain personal gratification, but "for your good". Time and again, His commandments have been proven to be beneficial. Obedience to His commandments reap personal benefits.

We cannot read these words from Deuteronomy 10 without thinking of the timeless truth found in Micah 6:8 - "He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?" Practice godly justice. Passionately embrace kindness toward others. Humbly cultivate a vital relationship with your Father through His Son.

To be sure, God's holiness demands ultimate justice and judgment. It is perilous to minimize or dismiss coming judgment on the disobedient, but we are remiss if we let hellfire judgment overshadow His grace and mercy. Annihilation in the lake of fire is completely avoidable; those consigned to it can only blame themselves, not the God of mercy who patiently and richly offers an alternative.

My favorite passage concerning God's true feelings toward is is Psalm 103:8-11 - "The LORD is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness. He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him."

May we be comforted and encouraged by these great words today.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-11-02T09:21:00.001-07:00

Pulling a load of bricks on a pallet up an incline would be stupid if a forklift was available. The timeless wisdom - work smarter, not harder - would definitely apply here. It is pointless to expend energy when work can be done easier.

"Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman keeps awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, To retire late, To eat the bread of painful labors; For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep." (Psalm 127:1-2)

We've not been promised a walk on easy street as the people of God, but we easily work too hard when we choose our own pathways and projects. The all-too-common approach is to develop our plan, take action, and then ask God's blessings on our project. Problem is, what we devise can easily be something that isn't even on our Father's radar. As a Christian writer popularly stated a few years ago, the ideal is to diligently seek out where God is already at work, and partner with Him there.

I've hatched more than my share of plans and ideas that I thought would be good for the progress of the kingdom of God. Sincere as I was in planning, I now more clearly see the arrogance of presuming that God needed me to develop plans on His behalf. As such, many of these "houses" were vain labor. They were little more than the meaningless slave labor task of digging a hole, and then filling it back in later in the day. Work expended on personal plans is futile labor unless the project is God's initiative.

I'm participating in some extended prayer and meditation time these days. What I'm beginning to discover is that I'm not a very good listener. My own plans and ideas easily shove their way to the forefront when I'm trying to be still and know that God is God. I'm piling up bricks for houses God doesn't intend to build. So, I'm slowly learning to quietly humble myself - without presumption and plans - so that I can get on board with His projects.

What are you trying to do today by your own effort that is your plan, and not His? What are you trying to guard and build that is unproductive? Let's pull our personal blueprints off the table, and replace them with His. Let's participate in His projects and plans, and enjoy the benefits and results that truly advance the kingdom of God. Time and energy are too precious to waste on personal pursuits.

Seeking a day of productivity for us all, participating in His plans with His power.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-11-01T09:15:00.001-07:00

Fear factor. It's far more than a reality television program; it's our reality. We've catalogued our fears using Greek terminology.Acrophobia (fear of heights).Claustrophobia (fear of confined spaces). Dentophobia (fear of dentists). Even Ecclesiophobia (fear of church). As one compiler of an extensive list of phobias says, "If you're looking for a phobia name that's not on the list....I'm AFRAID I don't have it." (so, what would that phobia be?)

Fear was the original negative emotion (Genesis 3:10), but far be it that it should be the defining emotion of the children of God. "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love." (1 John 4:18)

Apparently, a godly king named Hezekiah well understood the victory over fear available through the God of love:

"Be strong and courageous, do not fear or be dismayed ... for the one with us is greater than the one with him. With him is only an arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles." (2 Chronicles 32:7-8)

In the face of an overwhelmingly powerful army - when fear would be the more natural reaction - Hezekiah's unwavering faith and confidence in God is clearly evident. His words of confidence to his people were not without basis, because the God of the universe indeed brought miraculous victory (2 Chronicles 32:20-22).

While strength and courage in our Father is the ideal, it is not always the reality. Fear easily creeps in like icy cold on a winter day, robbing us of the warmth of faith and assurance. Much as we desire to live by faith, fear factor becomes the reality.

Thankfulness generated by reflection on past victories of faith is perhaps the best antidote to present fear. God's impeccable record of provision and deliverance in our lives provides basis for dominate faith that overcomes fear. Honestly, has He ever failed you - even once?

"Be strong and courageous, do not fear or be dismayed ... for the one with us is greater than the one with him." Whatever we are up against has no true basis to instill fear. Life's fear factor are based on human frailty, whereas our strength is based in our Father who is greater. "with us is the LORD (Yahweh) our God to help us and to fight our battles." Let's live this day in the power and victory of faith through our mighty empowering God.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-10-31T09:09:00.000-07:00

Imagine going on a remote camping trip, only to realize you forgot to bring along food. Miles from civilization, your only option is to forage for food in its natural habitat. Except that there is very little vegetation in the desert wilderness you find yourself in. Starvation becomes a very real possibility.

Such was the situation the exiled Israelites found themselves in following their miraculous deliverance from Egyptian captivity. But, you know the story: God wonderfully provided sustenance from heaven during their forty-year wilderness wanderings. And, near the end of his life, Moses reminded God's people of God's miraculous provision, and the important lessons to be learned from it.

"He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the LORD." (Deuteronomy 8:3)

The point? Don't let the provision detract from the Provider. The true food is the Provider, not the bread He provides.

This lesson was certainly not lost on God's Son. Amidst hunger pangs from a forty-day fast, in the face of the great tempter, these were the very words He used to deflect the first great temptation (Matthew 4:4). And, this no doubt factored in to what He taught His disciples to pray: "Give us this day our daily bread" (Matthew 6:11). The model prayer is a reminder that the bread we must seek is that which only the Father can provide.

Jesus challenges us to consider that life is much more than the food and provisions we work so hard to acquire: "For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?" (Matthew 6:25) His perspective - and the proper perspective - is best summed up in His words, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work." (John 4:34)

It is too small a thing to only live and work to provide three squares a day. When our primary focus becomes that of Jesus' - "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work." - it is then that we truly live. And it is then that the great truth of Matthew 6:33 rings true in our lives: "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

May we today find and work for the food that is truly food.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-10-26T09:05:00.001-07:00

World peace. It's always been the elusive dream, as it still us. Government leaders have invested considerable time and energy to seek it. Some have sacrificed their political careers in the process. Mideast leaders have been assassinated because of their participation in unpopular peace treaties. Activist protestors have demanded it, carrying placards emblazoned with the readily-recognized peace symbol of the sixties. But, for all the talk and effort, world peace remains an elusive dream. And yet, the opportunity for it is only a prayer away.

"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: 'May they prosper who love you. May peace be within your walls, And prosperity within your palaces.'" (Psalm 122:6-7)

There will never be world peace until there is peace in Jerusalem. And that peace cannot come until the Prince of Peace returns - Jesus Messiah. And that will not happen until the Jewish nation embraces their Messiah, whom they rejected two thousand years ago (Romans 11:25-27). So, we pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and we pray for the conversion of these chosen people.

It is apparent that apocalyptic storm clouds are gathering that will usher in the final events of this age. A great financial tsunami disaster wave is rapidly approaching, which may well figure prominently in the great upheaval of nations and peoples predicted in Bible prophecy. The fragile world peace that exists today would be abruptly swept away as desperate hostilities erupted between nations. But, it will all be the storm before the ultimate calm; the peace that originates from Jerusalem to encircle the globe.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. The sooner Jerusalem knows true peace, the sooner it will be our reality as well. Pray for the peace of the Jewish people, that they might known and embrace their Messiah, Jesus (Yeshua), the only true Son of God. And pray that a people who know the significance of the phrase, "Abrahamic Faith", might be mightily used in this ultimate peace process.

May we truly be the peacemakers that Jesus desires His people to be (Matthew 5:9).

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-10-25T09:18:00.001-07:00

It's been stated that many people can withstand the test of adversity, but few can withstand the test of prosperity. Take an ancient king, Uzziah, as an example.

"And all the people of Judah took Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in the place of his father Amaziah ... He did right in the sight of the LORD according to all that his father Amaziah had done. He continued to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding through the vision of God; and as long as he sought the LORD, God prospered him." (2 Chronicles 26:1, 4-5)

So far, so good. A sixteen-year-old boy, under the godly influence of a prophet of God, rules righteously. And, as he does so, God prospers him. But, as is so often the case, the seeds of destruction are sown in success.

"But when he became strong, his heart was so proud that he acted corruptly, and he was unfaithful to the LORD his God, for he entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense." (2 Chronicles 26:16)

"Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling." (Proverbs 16:18) For all the good that King Uzziah did, he lived out his last days in isolation as an unclean leper. Pride was his downfall.

The inherent danger of being used of God is that we can much too easily attribute His work to ourselves. We can begin to believe that what He is doing in and through us is what we are doing in our own strength and wisdom. Pride begins to rear its ugly head.

"God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:6) Pride and humility work a bit like magnets. With God, pride is like the same polar charge: they strongly repel each other. Humility, however, is like polar opposites: they are attracted and drawn to each other.

The lessons from the life of King Uzziah are of the danger of pride, but also of the opportunity of humility: "Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you." (James 4:10) May our Father find each of us to be humble servants whom He can strengthen and support as we live for Him today.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-10-24T09:17:00.000-07:00

This is top of the list; priority number one. If this isn't first, then nothing else much matters.

"Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead . You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)

In a phrase, know who God is, and wholeheartedly live for Him. But, it's not as simple as it sounds. For one thing, there is much confusion about one. Somehow one has become three-in-one. Without question, God and His Son, Jesus, are in the closest possible relationship. But, as a wise old sage stated, "one really does mean one." And, it was Jesus who framed the priority of this key commandment (Matthew 22:36-40), thus clarifying that His personal priority was subservient to that of His Father.

But, the real rub is what follows the simple mathematical statement about God: loving Him wholeheartedly. Apparently, an important key in this priority is making it central conversation in the home. The phrase, "teach them diligently", punctuates the priority. Church and Sunday School class dare not be left to instill passion for pursuit of the One true God; "you" (parents) are instructed to teach your sons in your house, in your travels together, at bedtime, and first thing in the morning. We make "H.C.I.L.G.M" bracelets and headbands (How Can I Love God More?), and we stencil this commandment on the front door and front gate.

I suspect there is not a single believer parent who does not have some regrets about their Deuteronomy six "home schooling". I certainly do. Unfortunately, the minimal discussion of God's great commandment is detrimental to both parent and child. Parents miss out of the reinforcement of this as a personal priority when it isn't discussed, and children certainly don't pick up on it if it isn't front and center in discussion. Additionally, the absence of this home discussion allows parental hypocrisy to remain unchecked and unchallenged. After all, who is more bluntly honest than a small child?

Whether young children are in the home or not, the opportunity to make the main thing the main thing still exists through conversation starters. Although not as memorable as W.W.J.D. bracelets, perhaps H.C.I.L.G.M can serve as a reminder to discuss God's key commandment in the home with whoever is present. Stimulating and challenging discussion regarding priority commandment number one is a great start in making it a greater reality in our lives.

So, H.C.I.L.G.M today?

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-10-19T09:09:00.000-07:00

I live in a valley, completely encircled by mountains. On a clear day (which is rare because of air pollution), it is possible to see mountains whichever direction you look. They serve as a type of fortress for us valley-dwellers.

"I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber." (Psalm 121:1-3)

Significant things have happened on mountains, and will in the future. God met with Moses for forty days on a mountain. Noah's ark came to rest on a mountain following the great worldwide flood. Elijah the prophet confronted and destroyed false prophets on a mountain. Jesus preached His most radical message on a mountain. He was transfigured before two of His disciples on a mountain. In the coming kingdom, worshippers will go up to the mountain of the LORD.

The mountains I can so easily see remind me of my help that comes from above. My Father, the maker of heaven and earth, is my helper. He guards my steps, and stand eternally vigilant.

How is it possible to navigate life's problems and challenges without reliance on the One true God? How very helpless and hopeless the non-believer must be in the throes of trouble!

The journey of life is a picture of someone walking along a perilously narrow mountain path with a gaping chasm on either side. One slight misstep results in tragedy and death. But, the God who is ever vigilant has promised to not allow our foot to slip. Challenges and difficulties will come, but He will save us from ultimate disaster.

Perhaps your journey seems especially perilous today. The uphill climb is exhausting, and the vertical drop on either side seems alarmingly close. Be assured that your Father, as you place absolute trust in Him, is planting your feet on sure and safe ground as He directs your steps.

The advice given to someone on the heights, afraid of the altitude, is to not look down. Look up. "I will lift up my eyes to the mountains". The true God, Father of our Lord Jesus, is over all and above all. He watches and guards the steps of His children.

So, walk confidently as you walk in faith this day. Let peace flow through your heart and mind as you set you sight above, where your Father is. Surely He will provide all the help you will need this day - and every day.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-10-18T09:25:00.001-07:00

A well-known elderly evangelist enjoyed unprecedented access to at least nine United States Presidents. Although he never held political office, his power of influence was significant. As a trusted advisor and confidante, he impacted important decisions.

Influence is commonly defined as "the capacity or power of persons or things to be a compelling force on or produce effects on the actions, behavior, opinions, etc., of others." This power of influence is clearly exemplified in an interesting historic narrative found in 2 Chronicles 24. Here we read about a seven-year-old boy named Joash who became king (verse 1). We read that "Joash did what was right in the sight of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest." (verse 2). Notice if DIDN'T say he did right all the days of his life; only during the lifetime of a priest named Jehoida.

Notice verse 17: "But after the death of Jehoiada the officials of Judah came and bowed down to the king, and the king listened to them." In short order, the king was influenced to abandon forsake the true and living God and worship false gods. Tragically, King Joash even murdered the son of the prophet Jehoida when the Spirit of God moved him to speak out against their sinful ways (verses 20-22).

Never underestimate the power of influence - for good and for evil. There are those we have allowed to influence us. It is imperative that we we carefully and prayerfully determine if the influence is for good or for evil.

We each have a sphere of influence. There are those around us who are attuned to our opinions and thoughts. As such, our influence is a sacred trust; we can use it constructively, or abuse it for evil.

Jesus exemplified influence. A close look a the gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John - reveal that Jesus' greatest impact was the influence of his life upon those closest to him for three and a half years. We call that influence, "discipleship", and it is indeed a powerful force. It is deliberate, intensive influence in pouring one's spiritual priorities and disciplines into the life of someone else.

I've spent most of my adult life in church pastoral ministry, and I have come to realize that my greatest impact and influence has not been from the pulpit or in the classroom, but in the lives of those I have walked most closely with. Informal conversation, and engaging together in spiritual activities, seems to have thus far made the greatest difference.

Jesus' Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) is about making disciples. It's really not as hard as we might think. It ultimately is exerting the power of influence over those most receptive to us such that they become dedicated followers of Christ who will do the same with others (2 Timothy 2:2).

Assess the influence you have been allowed with others. Determine to focus your spiritual passion and priorities such that they can be caught and taught by those receptive to you. Allow our Father to use the mighty power of influence to serve his kingdom purposes in and through you.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-10-17T09:21:00.000-07:00

I grew up during an era of optimism. The space race was on then during the sixties and seventies, and the pervading attitude was that ingenuity and hard work could accomplish anything. The thinking was, if it was possible to put a man on the moon, then what else could be accomplished? Certainly simple and mundane economic and environmental challenges could easily be met and solved.

Fast forward thirty to forty years. Gone is that optimistic, can-do attitude. Moon missions are distant memories. Manned space exploration is even gone, now that the Shuttle program is retired. Economic woes are both persistent and global. Environmental concerns (ie, global warming) seem ominously greater than the ability to solve. Optimism has given way to a general hopeless malaise.

Hope shines brightest when times seem darkest. It has personally been refreshing and rejuvenating to have intensely explored biblical hope in a recent series of sermons. The consistent theme that has been apparent to me is that there IS something better in the future, and it is worth living for today. I find a renewed sense of optimism, not because of human ability to solve problems, but because of divine ability.

I remember a song we sang one year in our Bible college choral group entitled, "In That Great A-Gittin' Up Morning". It was an optimistic Negro spiritual based on resurrection hope. Oppressed Negro slaves, enduring unspeakable hardship, composed and sang songs of hope as they went about their burdensome daily labor. In the simplest terms, they viewed resurrection hope as the "gittin-up" day when the sleeping dead would awake to an unimaginable blissful new life. Reminding themselves in song of better times ahead sustained them in the agony of slavery.

A couple of decades ago the power of positive thinking was the latest rage; possibility thinking, it was called. In retrospect, I believe it was more humanistic than biblical; more closely following the philosophy, "if you think you can, you can; if you think you can't, you can't". Optimism, with no foothold in reality, is merely positive, wishful thinking. That's where biblical hope has the decided advantage; it is the unwavering confidence that God will ultimately do exactly what He said He would do. And what He will do is infinitely greater than our mortal minds can grasp.

I've concluded that hope is not simply a topic of intense focus in teaching and preaching; it must be the pervading tone of our conversations, lessons, sermons, and ultimately, lifestyle. Something and Someone better IS coming, and this is worth living for today. Work, school, and routines are easily mundane. But, biblical hope breathes life and energy into what we do and who we are.

As I shared yesterday, the apostle Paul's prayer has special significance in terms of more fully grasping the implications of what God has promised us: "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints" (Ephesians 1:18)

Praying for heart and head insight for us as we seek to better comprehend our bright future.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-10-12T09:44:00.001-07:00

The right thing is rarely the easy thing (dare I say it is never the easy thing?). Every fiber of human nature within is bent on the wrong thing, so doing right is a colossal struggle. The apostle Paul well stated the dilemma: "the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want." (Roman 7:19) Who cannot relate to his epic struggle?

The secret to doing the right thing is not greater determination. No one can sufficiently will themselves to do the right thing; something internal is necessary. Consider these words:

"How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. With all my heart I have sought You; Do not let me wander from Your commandments. Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You. Blessed are You, O LORD; Teach me Your statutes." (Psalm 119:9-12)

The secret to doing right is God's hidden word in the heart. As we notice from the words of the Psalmist, this is no casual encounter; it is diligent pursuit. Wholehearted pursuit is evident from his words. "Treasuring" God's word in one's heart means that its intrinsic value has been considered and embraced. A priority is established based on value.

Christians are considered to be "a people of the book", but it's fair to ask just how much "of the book" we are. Perhaps the most poignant example is the church attender I once knew who placed their Bible in a particular place where they could pick it up each Sunday; it was never taken home during the week. This person respected the Bible as God's word, but did not value it enough to diligently search its pages daily.

Honestly, what value do we truly place on God's word? Time and energy spent with it is the true test. Treasuring it, or hiding it in our heart, is the secret to Christian lifestyle. It will become abundantly clear, in moments of temptation, just how much we have valued His word and hidden it in our hearts. His word in our heart becomes God's voice in our head to direct our lifestyle. Internalizing God's word allows it to become our "God conscience". Without it, there is no amount of human determination sufficient to overcome the temptation to sin. Our efforts to do the right thing will always translate into the wrong thing without God's word in our heart.

Determine today to assess the value of God's word. Many, if not most of you, have already determined that it is immensely valuable. But, if you honestly realize you are only a casual, occasional reader, let me challenge you to view it as your survival guide in a perilous world, and eagerly devour it as though your life depended upon it. Because it does.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-10-11T09:24:00.001-07:00

Several years ago, an exasperated co-worker complained to me, "you're making more work!" I later recognized that I was making a particular task more complicated than it needed to be, and adding an extra work load for the both of us.

When we fail to fully cooperate with our heavenly Father, we also make unnecessary work. Far too often, with great difficulty, we exhaust ourselves exerting our own energy, when His mighty strength could easily have done the job.

"For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His." (2 Chronicles 16:9)

Our Father is vigilant in His search for those who are wholeheartedly loyal to Him. It is these He earnestly desires to "strongly support". In other words, He is not only favorably disposed toward them; He is ready and willing to bring His full resources to assist them.

The promise easily overshadows the condition. His strong support is base on an important condition: "those whose heart is completely His." That's the real kicker, isn't it? It sounds similar to a promise made by Jesus: "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33) The challenge is in seeking the kingdom FIRST, and having a heart that is COMPLETELY His.

Honestly, aren't divided loyalties the challenge? A controversial statement by a well-known Christian psychologist often haunts me: "most Americans want the good American life with a little Jesus overlay". Sadly, this statement is truer than most of us want to admit. Give me the "good life", and then I'll be able to serve faithfully and effectively. Except, it never works that way.

I've seen more new Christians than I can count start out with a zealous commitment and boundless energy; determined to win the world to Christ and re-enact the Book of Acts. More often than not, however, things of the world eventually crowded out their zeal and determination. They became like the thorny soil (Jesus - parable of the sower and seed - Matthew 13): "And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful." (verse 22)

Truthfully, I'm not exactly sure what wholehearted commitment looks like. I'm thirty-eight years into the process of learning it, but I'm certain I have not arrived. But, I'm encouraged to pursue radical commitment, because therein lies the strong support of my Father (2 Chronicles 16:9). So, if you and I can grew just a bit more in that commitment today, we've stepped closer to the mighty strengthening that our Father reserves for those "whose heart is completely His." And I desperately want and need that.

As our Father looks "to and fro" today, may he find us, not trying harder, but yielding more.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-10-10T09:17:00.001-07:00

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue" (Proverbs 18:21). Nothing is as patently false as the well-worn saying, "sticks and stone may break my bones, but words will never harm me". Physically wounds eventually heal, but wounds from words often last a lifetime. Conversely, the positive power of words can impact for a lifetime as well.

A child was once told by a teacher in grade school he would never amount to anything. These "death words" factored in to his drive for business success to prove the teacher wrong. These words could have easily created a severe self-limiting prison that hindered initiative and vision.

A legendary technological innovator, who died recently, apparently credited an elementary school teacher with providing crucial encouragement that became a key factor in his success. These words brought life in the critical developmental years of a child.

I'm basking in some rich encouragement today that came in the form of cards and notes from a caring congregation. And the wonderful thing about written encouragement is these can encourage many times over in the future. I have a special file folder entitled, "encouragement", that contains notes and cards I've received over the years (it just got considerably thicker since yesterday!). Many times, during the dark times in my life, I've opened the file and sought out the refreshing encouragement that these timeless notes and cards bring.

Yesterday we considered Hebrews 10:25 - "not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near." People who find encouragement in the hope of immortality in the coming age do not withdraw from one another, but rather increase their efforts to encourage others as the fulfillment of hope approaches.

Death and life are the power of the tongue. How desperately we need those life words! And there are no more life-giving words (literally) than the words of the Bible. It has rightly been called God's love letter to us. And in them we ultimately find the life that God offers through His Son, Jesus: "You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me" (John 5:39).

These daily thoughts come to you with the sincere desire that they might encourage you. You who are of the family of God have an incredible hope to be pursued in faith, and expressed in love for one another. My heart of compassion goes out to you today to encourage you to firmly grasp your hope, pursue it steadfastly in faith, and love one another deeply from your heart as you await its fulfillment.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-10-05T09:06:00.001-07:00

When things seem the worst, God's provision and help is the most dramatic. That's been my experience; I can't begin to count the number of times I've been at the end of my rope and desperately needed some kind of emotional, spiritual, or physical miracle. And, in those desperate hours, a perfectly-timed phone call, visit, email, financial gift, or scripture verse provided ample evidence to God's sensitive provision. Such was the case today when I read these extremely timely and appropriate words:

"From my distress I called upon the LORD; The LORD answered me and set me in a large place. The LORD is for me; I will not fear; What can man do to me?" (Psalm 118:5-6)

I'm certainly not at the end of my rope as I read these words today, but they are especially encouraging amidst a bit of an emotional challenge. In other words, they provided a well-timed pick-me-up. They reminded me that I have been heard, and placed "in a large place". They remind me that the LORD God is literally "for me" - favoring me. As such, is there truly anything that anyone can do to me that is detrimental from an eternal perspective. Absolutely not!

I've been a pastor long enough to know that at any given moment, at least one person I am in contact with is enduring a time of distress. In the times we live in, I'm confident that many today are enduring distress. As such, these words of reassurance from our Father in Psalm 118 have special meaning.

Approximately five times we are reminded in this Psalm that, "His lovingkindness is everlasting", or 'His love endures forever". The pathway of life leads us through both prosperity and adversity, but God's lovingkindness remains a constant. Prosperity is not necessarily an indication of His blessing, nor is adversity the result of His curse on us; His love endures always for those who fear Him.

Far be it that I should "rain on your parade" if today is a day of rejoicing, but if today has more in common with the rain than the parade, then Psalm 118 is His well-timed encouragement to you. Take verses five and six to heart, in particular. Print them out. Tape them to your fridge, bathroom mirror, locker, desk, lunchbox, or computer. They are His personal words to you, to remind you that you are no less favored today than yesterday, or tomorrow. If your heart is for Him, His heart is surely for you.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-10-04T08:56:00.001-07:00

If you've been waiting for God to speak to you, then this is it. Here is what He has to say to you today:

"the LORD is with you when you are with Him. And if you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you. But you, be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work." (2 Chronicles 15:2,7)

While these words were actually spoken by a prophet of God named Azariah to a Jewish king, Asa, they directly speak to each of us. The LORD God is with His people as they seek Him. But, to forsake Him is to be forsaken by Him. So, find strength and courage in knowing that there is benefit in serving the one true God.

Honestly, aren't these words spoken through Azariah just what we need to hear? The easiest thing in the world is to wonder if God is indeed with us. As Azariah said, He is "with you when you are with Him". When your heart's desire is for Him, be assured that He is with you. And, of course, the opposite is true. As a stern warning, never forget that He forsakes those who forsake Him.

And there is "reward in your work". Ever feel like you are the only one trying to serve the LORD? Ever wonder if it really matters? Time to 'fess up: I've asked those questions more times than I care to count! I've succumbed to the "Elijah complex" as I'm sure you have ("I have been very zealous for the LORD ... I alone am left" 1 Kings 19:10). While everyone else seems to be partying down in the world, we feel we're the only ones rolling up our sleeves and doing the kingdom dirty work. Except ... deep down, we know that's not really true.

So, the two key watchwords for the day are, "seek", and "serve". If we seek Him, He will let us find Him. If we serve Him, He will faithfully reward our service. All in due time.

Our Father places a premium on steady faithfulness. I have the greatest respect for elderly servants of God who have stayed the course, through thick and thin, and continue with resolute determination in their service and devotion. These are the tried and true ones. They have had every opportunity to turn tail and run amidst adversity and opposition, but they have stayed the course. They are beacons of hope to novices in the faith. Many, even though now sleeping the sleep of death in the dust of the ground, still speak by their example. And I earnestly desire to emulate their example.

God's word to king Asa is His word to you and me. Listen, and really hear them. Let them sink in to the depths of your being. Claim them as promises to sustain faith and hope.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-10-03T09:42:00.000-07:00

This Monday finds me musing over the many devotional thoughts I've written and shared over the years. I began writing in January 2006, and was reviewing one of the first ones I wrote and shared. Likely you haven't read this one, so I'm including it today for your consideration.

HEART SURGERY OR A NEW WARDROBE?

You've been to the doctor and heard the dreaded news that you need heart bypass surgery. But you decide that maybe your heart problem could be cured by buying a new set of clothes. Your reasoning is that if you looked better on the outside you might be made better on the inside.

While we dismiss this "self-diagnosis" as a ridiculous solution to a serious problem, it is a fitting illustration of a common approach to spiritual problems. It's so much easier to "put on a happy face", try harder, and clean up our act. It's much harder to get down to the real "heart problem" that causes us to do the things that we know are not pleasing to the Lord.

The religious leaders of Jesus' day were entirely focused on the outward appearance. Jesus said of them, "Rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: `THIS PEOPLE HONORS ME WITH THEIR LIPS, BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR AWAY FROM ME. `BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE PRECEPTS OF MEN.' (Mark 7:6,7)

However strongly we protest the actions of these they-should-know-better religious leaders, we would have to admit that we are not immune to the problems that plagued them. It's deceptively easy to place a priority on external performance while neglecting inner spiritual vitality. Deeds and actions are much more observable "spiritual barometers" than the inner disciplines of Bible reading and study, prayer, and intimate communion with both our Savior and our Father.

Accountability is the only real remedy for artificiality. It's initially uncomfortable to be bluntly honest with a Christian confidante about your true spiritual condition, but the prayer and support of a like-minded brother or sister reaps - literally - eternal rewards.

Cosmetic remedies for internal maladies make no more sense that new clothes when heart surgery is needed. May we each look closely and carefully at our true condition, and boldly seek what we need to become all we can be as Christ's disciples.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-09-28T08:58:00.000-07:00

Few things are more encouraging and uplifting than to be truly heard. Often the knowing nod and gentle smile is accompanied by vacant eyes - they are listening, but not truly hearing. How very reassuring when we have someone's undivided attention, and they truly are attuned to what we are saying.

"I love the LORD, because He hears My voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live." (Psalm 116:1-2)

David, the Psalmist, was moved by the love of his Creator Father because of His attentive ear. The fact that the Creator of all would give His undivided attention to to a lowly creature was enough to move David to a lifetime of commitment and communion. If God was willing to listen, David was quite willing to speak, share, and also listen.

Fully confident that my Father hears, my challenge is just the opposite: to truly hear Him. The rush of random thoughts and the general noise of my brain too often precludes real listening on my part. The admonition to "be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10) is often lost in practice.

One translation renders this verse, "Cease striving and know that I am God". Perhaps that best describes the dilemma: cease from turmoil and know that God is God. Simplify. As David also says, "The LORD preserves the simple" (Psalm 116:6). The divided, tumultuous person has trouble being still enough to know God, but the uncomplicated person with singleness of heart will be preserved.

I have friends who have enjoyed a weekend of silence. In a peaceful outdoor retreat - with only Bible and notebook - they testify to the renewing effect of silencing their brain noise, unwinding before the LORD, and sensing His special nearness. By the conclusion of the weekend, they have a renewed sense of presence and communion. Their testimony is compelling, and appealing.

The noise of our world is a cancer that gradually steals away the vitality of communion with our Father. What decisions do you and I need to make to return to the renewing silence? Those answers will begin to break through only when we initiate times of silence today.

May we be still enough today to truly hear and be heard.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-09-27T09:20:00.001-07:00

"If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people, and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:13-14)

Are believers responsible for an extended drought in the United States? Is the real cause of global warming the wickedness of the people of God? These are spiritually and politically charged questions. Answering them categorically would be presumptuous and irresponsible. At best, this much can be said: there are consequences for disobedience and wickedness on the part of the people of God. Their "land" (territory) will be in need of healing, but God offers rich promises based upon important conditions.

Whether the land (nation) that believers live in bears the consequences of their sin, or the "land" of the body of Christ, there is always a great need for His people to "humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways". These are three pressing priorities for His people in any land at any time.

None are immune to pride. Humble servants of God, when praised for His work in their lives, are easy prey to pride. Pride, then, must prompt humble prayer. And that prayer must be to "seek My face". We cannot literally see God's face and live (Exodus 33:20), so to seek His face is to turn our full attention to Him; to listen for what He would say, and what He would impress upon us.

We all have wicked ways to turn away from. "If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us." (1 John 1:8). But, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9). This is a similar promise to 2 Chronicles 7:14.

I want God to hear me from heaven. I want my sins to be forgiven through confession and obedience. I want my "land" to be healed. And I desire that for all of God's people. May we each sense a renewed calling to the conditions and promises of of this special verses, 2 Chronicles 7:14.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-09-26T09:39:00.001-07:00

We've probably all heard K.I.S.S. (no, I'm not referring to an aging rock band). It's a popular acronym for the admonition to "Keep It Simple" (I'll leave off the last word commonly used with it). It's an essential reminder to simplify when the temptation is to needlessly confuse and complicate.

The "K.I.S.S." principle is much needed when it comes to the Bible. The Bible has plenty of depth to challenge the deepest of thinkers, but it also has a profound simplicity. Jesus, for example, chose simple parables - basic stories from everyday objects and situations - to convey truth. The theologians of the day were offended by His simple stories, but those with uncomplicated humility found a treasure-trove of spiritual riches in these simple, yet in-depth stories.

The Bible is simple when we read it with an understanding of its basic tenets. A wise elderly pastor states it like this: God really is one; Jesus really is the Son of God; the dead really are dead; and heaven will be on earth, not the other way around. To those basic truths we incorporate the two great commandments, per Jesus: 'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.' This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.'" (Matthew 22:37-40)

Micah 6:8 states is simply and succinctly: "He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God"

Could it really be that simple? I'll dare say, "yes". This simplicity is the springboard to a lifetime of learning and growth. Reading and studying from these basic tenets, the rest of the Bible unfolds beautifully and simply.

I've found myself in the midst of overly-complicated biblical studies and debates more times than I can count. Too often they seemed like the proverbial "straining a gnat while swallowing a camel (Matthew 23:24). The point of the intense discussion was lost on the main biblical picture.

Someone recently suggested to me that what they need to learn from every Bible discussion and study is, "How do I better love God with all my heart, and love my neighbor as myself?" Perhaps the test of these two great commandments should be applied to whatever we study and discuss.

Let's simplify. To do so will never be the end of Bible study, but ultimately the greatest beginning. Profoundly simple truth will guide us to the richest depths that will nourish our souls, and those around us.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-09-21T09:27:00.001-07:00

Passion. That's the catch-word these days. Find your passion in life and pursue it, because that's where your greatest contentment and fulfillment will be found. Not that this is a bad idea, but how do we stir up passion for what we ought to pursue? How do we develop fervent passion for our Creator Father and His Son, and the priorities of the kingdom of God? We know that we NEED to have passion in this area, but it's not automatic.

King David was a man of passion. There are some glaring instances of misguided passion (which is the risk passionate people face), but he was consistently "a man after God's own heart" (Acts 13:22). Time and again, that divine passion is evidenced in the Psalms. For example:

"Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart, In the company of the upright and in the assembly. Great are the works of the LORD; They are studied by all who delight in them." (Psalm 111:1-2)

Wholehearted thanks and delight in studying the words and works of God are hallmarks of a spiritually passionate person. And yet the question remains: how do I cultivate spiritual passion if it is lacking? The answers are basic, but the discipline involved is the real challenge.

Like David, we do well to journal concerning our findings in scripture and daily living. Compose love letters to our Creator Father. Record our innermost feelings and thoughts about Yahweh God.

Let the Lord Jesus serve as guide. He ultimately is revealed to us in scripture (John 5:39), and it is He who has come to reveal the Father to us (John 14:7).

Connect authentically with at least one other person who also desires spiritual passion. "Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another." (Proverbs 29:17)

Make spiritual passion a matter of prayer. My prayer this day is, "Father, stir up a burning desire to know You through Your Son. Ignite a fire of passion for You. Let my desire burn to know You through Your word, Your people, and through service. May a white-hot passion for You so permeate my life that it kindles a fire in others."

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-09-20T09:16:00.001-07:00

What's high on your want and wish list just now? In a down economy, your top concern may have a real sense of urgency - a job, a financial breakthrough, a solution to your mortgage mess, etc. But, that which seems most urgent isn't always most important.

The wisest man of all time didn't get that way by chance. When given a "blank check" of options from God, he chose wisdom.

"Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people, for who can rule this great people of Yours?' God said to Solomon, 'Because you had this in mind, and did not ask for riches, wealth or honor, or the life of those who hate you, nor have you even asked for long life, but you have asked for yourself wisdom and knowledge that you may rule My people over whom I have made you king, wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you. And I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings who were before you has possessed nor those who will come after you.'" (2 Chronicles 1:10-12)

Solomon was divinely gifted with wisdom, but fortune and fame came as a secondary gift from the God of heaven. The results sound similar to a promise made by Jesus: "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33)

I sometimes wonder if we really know what we need most. I've spent more than my share of time urgently seeking the secondary things that seemed so important, while being distracted from the priority of the most important. In other words, I've sought the needs of this world at the expense of seeking the kingdom first.

Who can really trust his/her wisdom? Wise Solomon would later go on to write: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6) How often does life take a crooked turn as we try to figure things out ourselves? In moments of panic and desperation we take matters into our own hands, and forsake trust in God, and end up in even more desperate circumstances.

It's tough when the preacher has to practice what he preaches. These thoughts come at a moment of second-guessing God; a dangerous, but easy habit. So, these important reminders are especially personal as they go out to you as well. Challenging as personal application may be, these things are absolutely true. There is wisdom in seeking first the kingdom, and the siren call of life's practical needs will ultimately be met by the King of the kingdom.

Live hopefully, and faithfully, seeking the wisdom from above to guide in all that happens today on earth.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-09-19T09:20:00.000-07:00

There once was a movie about a fictitious character named Doctor Doolittle, who could talk to animals. Conversing with animals, as we do with one another, has long been a dream of many people. But, there once was an incident involving clear communication between man and animal. It was hardly the realization of a dream; it was more of a nightmare.

Numbers 22 recounts an appeal by a king named Balak to a prophet named Balaam. Balak, king of Moab, had witnessed the deliverance of the people of Israel from Israel, and their increasing numbers and might. He feared for his kingdom and position, and settled on a solution: enlist a prophet of God to pronounce a curse on them. A simple solution ... in theory.

"Now, therefore, please come, curse this people for me since they are too mighty for me; perhaps I may be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land. For I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed." (Numbers 22:6)

God initially made it abundantly clear to Balaam that cursing the Israelites was unthinkable, for they were blessed of God: God said to Balaam, 'Do not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.'" (Numbers 22:12)

That should have been the end of the matters, but king Balak was persuasive, and Balaam eventually consented to mount his faithful donkey and journey to Moab. And that's when things got interesting. An angel of the LORD appeared along the way, unseen by Balaam. But, not to his donkey. Three times the donkey diverted course when confronted by the angel, only adding to growing irritation by Balaam. Each time, Balaam struck his reluctant donkey with a stick. But, the next series of events are the real shocker: the angel of the LORD spoke directly through the donkey. Verses 28-33 record the interesting exchange between donkey (angel) and Balaam. Through these conversations, Balaam comes to realize the danger and futility of cursing that which God has blessed (verses 34=35).

A song written a few years ago about this story states that the lesson is that God does the choosing, and could have used the dog next door if He'd been so inclined. Good point, but perhaps not the main point. The real lesson seems to be that what God has blessed will not be cursed. And, that applies to us, His people. As we continue to live in obedience, we enjoy His blessings. No matter who or what may try to curse us, God's favor remains.

We live in a world system set in radical opposition to the kingdom of God and the people of God. Make no mistake; it's all-out war - "the whole world lies in the power of the evil one." (1 John 5:19) But, the curse that the world and the enemy would seek to leverage against us will not and cannot work, because the curse has been removed through a Jewish carpenter from Nazareth. Thus, we are enabled to "bless those who curse you" (Luke 6:28)

As his blessed ones, let's seek to be a blessing to all we encounter today - whether they curse or bless us.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-09-14T09:12:00.001-07:00

It's the ultimate summary. If you are looking for the Cliff Notes, this is it. Nowhere will you find a better summary of the entire plot and plan.

"The Lord says to my lord, 'Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.'" (Psalm 110:1)

That's it; short and sweet. From Genesis to Revelation, this is the ultimate plan and message. The LORD Yahweh, our Creator Father, planned before He created anything to place all enemies under the feet of David's Lord (Jesus, Yeshua) while seated at His right hand. That process continues to this day, destined to one day be completed when the final enemy, death, is defeated (1 Corinthians 15:26).

This summary verse is so important that it is the most-quoted Old Testament verse in the New Testament. Important as John 3:16 is, Psalm 110:1 is the verse that truly gives it meaning. Every believer who has memorized John 3:16 should also commit Psalm 110:1 to memory because of its importance.

This verse is also important: "Your people will volunteer freely in the day of Your power " (Psalm 110:3) We will freely enlist on the day Christ begins to administer the new government of God at His return. When Jesus begins the challenging task of managing an imperfect planet, ravaged by Armageddon, His faithful resurrected followers will gladly step forward for various positions of service.

The obvious lesson and application is this: why wait? Why not participate today in the plan to defeat the enemies of God and Christ, and the coming government? Why not pray the model prayer, "Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven"? Why not serve as ambassadors to the people of this nation? (2 Corinthians 5:20) Why not recruit fellow citizens for the coming kingdom?

To "volunteer freely" is just as applicable today as on the day when Christ returns. May we yield this day to every opportunity to serve the King and the Kingdom.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-09-13T09:26:00.000-07:00

I thought I was a homeowner, but it turns out I am a tenant. A tenant - a renter - doesn't lay claim to the place of residence; he is merely a temporary occupant.

"For we are sojourners before You, and tenants, as all our fathers were; our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no hope." (1 Chronicles 29:15)

These words are part of the recorded prayer of King David, near the end of his life, when offerings were made for the great temple that his son, Solomon, would build. As David considered the immense greatness of Yahweh God, and the temple to be built for His worship and glory, he considered the lowly condition of himself and his people. In contrast to the Almighty, we His creation are mere travelers; temporary residents in this present age. The sum of our lives is "like a shadow", and there is no hope of avoiding the end of our days. A rather dismal picture, huh?

David's words, rather than reflecting a pessimistic outlook on life, reflect a realism necessary for true living. The sooner we see how temporary we really are, the more urgently we seek the eternal. There is nothing "business-as-usual" about living; each passing moment is indeed rare and fleeting. As tenants, we temporarily reside in this world as we await the world to come. And, as tenants, we do well to give all respect and honor to the true homeowner, as David did:

"Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O LORD, and You exalt Yourself as head over all. Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all, and in Your hand is power and might; and it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone. Now therefore, our God, we thank You, and praise Your glorious name." (1 Chronicles 29:11-13).

As a tenant in God's house, I am moved by David's words of praise. Heartfelt appreciation and awe are reflected by David as he pondered God's greatness, power, glory, victory, and majesty. He saw the true ownership that God uniquely has, and willingly expressed his gratitude to the One who is truly source of all. May we join this day in similar praise and gratitude: "Now therefore, our God, we thank You, and praise Your glorious name."

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-09-12T09:26:00.001-07:00

Potential or problems? Obstacles or opportunities? Half full or half empty? Depending on our perspective, we're considered to be generally optimistic or pessimistic.

A recent readings from Number 13 reminded me of the tremendous difference outlook can make. The people of Israel had been led out of Egyptian captivity, and they stood poised to enter the land which God had promised to them. A delegation of twelve spies had been selected, one from each of the twelve tribes. Their mission: To scout out the land - its people, cities, and produce. A realistic assessment was needed in order to develop a conquest strategy. The mission was about "how", not "if", because God has already declared: "the land of Canaan, which I am going to give to the sons of Israel" (Numbers 13:2).

Ten spies return with a negative report; all they could see were the obstacles: "the people who live in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large ... We are not able to go up against the people, for they are too strong for us ... The land through which we have gone, in spying it out, is a land that devours its inhabitants; and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great size ... and we became like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight."(Numbers 13:28,31-33).

But, two men saw the opportunities rather than the obstacles: "We should by all means go up and take possession of it, for we will surely overcome it." (Numbers 13:30) Sadly, their report was negated by the nay-sayers, and the people of Israel were consigned to forty years of futile wandering away from this land of promise.

Twelve men all witnessed the same things, but the assessment of ten was drastically different than the assessment of two. Faith in God's statement and promise by the two men made all the difference.

We are all contemporaries who live in the same world. We generally receive the same news and information about the world we live in. How we assess that information, however, can be radically different. Some will proclaim in despair, "what is this world coming to?", while others will state, "We know what's coming to the world!" We either believe God's word about "the promised land" (coming kingdom), and we despair at the problems that loom large.

Realistically, there are major obstacles to be faced in living, and the prospect of increased hardship as this age comes to a close. But, as surely as Yahweh God is God, His kingdom promise and the return of His Son to rule it are absolute sureties you can take to the bank. What He promises will come to pass, regardless of the challenges along the way. "Your kingdom come. You will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."

May the absolute reality of tomorrow pervade all of today.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-09-08T09:39:00.000-07:00

We can't cherry-pick the promises and neglect the requirements. In an age of "easy-believism", it's done much too often. Promises are always inseparably attached to key requirements. Consider these words from Jesus:

"Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it. If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." (John 14:13-14)

This important prayer promise is firmly embedded in a love condition: obedience to His commandments. The promise applies to those whose love is exhibited by faithful obedience.

He further states, "He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him ... If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him." (John 14:21,23)

The promise of an intimate relationship with Jesus our Lord, and God our Father, is appealing. But, this promise is attached to the condition that we keep His word and commandments.

Let's be clear: no one will earn a place in the coming kingdom. Jesus has done what we could never do for ourselves, and God has validated this work by raising Him from the dead. But, passive faith is not saving faith. The Book of James clearly reminds us that saving faith is evidenced by faithful activity. As has been tritely stated, the faith that saves is the faith that works.

It is a gross inconsistency to claim allegiance to Christ while being ignorant of His requirements and teachings. Heartfelt gratitude for His saving work on our behalf manifests itself in passionate pursuit of His word and teachings.

In nearly thirty-five years of marriage, I've sought to understand and know my wonderful wife, whom God has joined me to. Love has been the motivating factor. Similarly, I've been in relationship with my heavenly Father through His Son, Jesus, since 1973. I've sought to grow in understanding and obedience, not because I have to, but because I want to. I cannot imagine being content with what I know and obey; my desire is to grow, as with my marriage.

May profound gratitude and love motivate growth in knowledge and obedience in us today - and always.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-09-07T09:16:00.001-07:00

You've probably heard the mythical story of the frog in the kettle. As the story goes, a frog dropped into a hot kettle of water will jump out, but one dropped into a warm kettle will remain there as the heat is turned up until it boils to death. Whether or not the story is true, it serves as a fair illustration of the situation most of us are in. Increasingly, the heat is turned up and the stress of life multiplies. Pay cuts or pay freezes come as inflation increases. Less hiring at the workplace means more job responsibilities for those who remain. Greater time demands add stress to already full calendars. Could the scriptural statement - "But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come" (2 Timothy 3:1) - be any more descriptive of our times?

So, what are stressed-out people and families to do? Keep on repeating the chorus to the song. What?

Psalm 107 - initially a song, with only the lyrics now preserved in our Bibles - has a repetitive chorus: "Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble; He delivered them out of their distresses." (Psalm 107, 6, 13, 19, 28) A reading of the entire Psalm catalogues the variety of troubles people find themselves in (you can probably identify with a majority of them). But, the repetitive chorus is a hopeful reminder that our Father Creator delivers from trouble and distress.

You may not consider yourself a songwriter, but you can likely compose your own verses to this song. "I lost my job in the economic downturn ... things at home really took a turn for the worse when trouble with the children brought trouble to our marriage ... in spite of everything I tried, I continued to spiral into the black hole of depression ... I tried to cope, but drugs and alcohol seemed to be my only escape ... etc". Same song, different verse.

The lessons of Psalm 107 are that it's not the verse that matters; it's the chorus: "Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble; He delivered them out of their distresses."

God's ways of delivering from distress and trouble never cease to amaze. His solutions are not one-size-fits-all; they vary from person to person, and situation to situation. The particulars aren't nearly as important as the fact that He DOES deliver. Maybe not the way you and I expect or wish. Much to our personal dislike, sometimes deliverance is strength IN it rather than a pathway out or around it. But, He is still the God of deliverance.

Whatever your verse to the song is today, keep repeating the chorus.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-09-06T09:20:00.000-07:00

He was the wrong man with the right idea. But, the right idea came to fruition at the right time by the right man.

King David had a heart's desire to build a temple of worship for Almighty God. And, while he was a man after God's own heart, he was a warrior who had shed too much blood to be the man to build God's house. "But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 'You have shed much blood and have waged great wars; you shall not build a house to My name, because you have shed so much blood on the earth before Me." (1 Chronicles 22:8)

So, this important task fell to his son, Solomon, a man of peace. "Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise, therefore, and build the sanctuary of the LORD God" (2 Chronicles 22:19).

These two men were instrumental in the construction of a great temple of worship. But, the lessons for us aren't so much about building a temple as being one. "you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 2:5) With this important clarification as to what the temple of God really is, we can readily apply David's words to Solomon: "Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise, therefore, and build the sanctuary of the LORD God". One minor clarification: it is not for us to actually build the temple but, as Peter reminds us, to be built into a temple. We are the stones and wood being crafted into a temple fit for Him.

Few stones are naturally ready for use in construction. In ancient times, rocks and stones had to be carefully hewn to specific dimensions for use in a building. If we are the living stones being built into God's temple, the same is necessary for us. I, for one, have plenty of rough edges He has been chipping at and shaping for quite a few years. And there is still plenty of work to be done on this rock to make me fit well in His temple along with the other rocks and stones. The fit isn't an easy one. We're formed together into a temple, so there is chipping and shaping to be done on each of us so that we can fit together. That means some give and take among us; work that allow us to conform to one another even as we conform to our Father.

Today is a stone-shaping experience for each of us. Don't resist what He is doing, but instead rejoice that the shaping work done in your life allows you to better fit in to His temple, for His glory and honor.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-08-31T09:10:00.000-07:00

The older I get, the more I realize how right elderly people are: life is shorter than you think. The years DO pass much more quickly than previously thought in years of youth. Years and decades eventually pass at the speed that days, weeks, and months used to. It's like someone presses the fast-forward button once we reach mid-life.

Somber and perhaps morbid thoughts, huh? But, the sooner we see life for what it really is, the better. Everything in life is a limited-time offer, so best that we should sort out which limited offers to take advantage of. And, here's one we dare not miss:

"As for man, his days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes. When the wind has passed over it, it is no more, And its place acknowledges it no longer. But the lovingkindness of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children's children, To those who keep His covenant And remember His precepts to do them." (Psalm 103:15-18)

If life is limited, best that we should seize the one opportunity that can extend it. The lovingkindness of our Creator Father is the only option for us who are terminal, and it is is available to those who fear Him, and "keep His covenant And remember His precepts to do them." As mortals, it is imperative that we know the Immortal and acquire His promises.

The "big sleep" is inevitable, but the ultimate wake-up call is ours through faith and obedience. God's Son, Jesus, declared: "an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment." (John 5:28-29) Everyone ultimately gets a wake-up call, but I prefer one to life rather than judgment. I suspect you do too.

A clear mental grasp of the truth about the coming kingdom of God, our mortal nature, and the essential nature of God and His Son, are moot points if my priority is not to seek the hope of resurrection from the dead. And this incredible offer is available through passionate love for the Father, through His Son, expressed in awe and obedience.

The Psalmist implores the Father to "teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12) Let's make them count for eternity by living according to the priorities of the Eternal One.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-08-30T09:22:00.000-07:00

Hats off to the boys in the band. These merry music-makers were literally instrumental (bad pun, I know) in cultivating the worship of the people of God.

"He appointed some of the Levites as ministers before the ark of the LORD, even to celebrate and to thank and praise the LORD God of Israel: Asaph the chief, and second to him Zechariah, then Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab,Benaiah, Obed-edom and Jeiel, with musical instruments, harps, lyres; also Asaph played loud-sounding cymbals, and Benaiah and Jahaziel the priests blew trumpets continually before the ark of the covenant of God. Then on that day David first assigned Asaph and his relatives to give thanks to the LORD." (1 Chronicles 16:4-7)

Few of these names are easily pronounced by English-speaking folks, but their contribution is invaluable nevertheless. Trumpeters, harpists, players of other stringed instruments, and even a loud-banging cymbal player comprised the praise band. Ultimately, one name would stand out because of his lasting contribution to praise and worship - a man named Asaph. You'll find his name associated with numerous Psalms, the worship music book of the Bible.

The praise and worship of the people of God was much too important to be left to chance: "on that day David first assigned Asaph and his relatives to give thanks to the LORD." Music and worship were assigned tasks by none other than King David himself. This man after God's own heart knew of the vital connection between authentic worship and spiritual growth and progress. Appropriate songs and music would do much to educate and enlighten the people of God in His ways.

We are reminded of the important instructional work of music and praise in Colossians 3:16 - "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God." Musical praise is to be designed to instruct, encourage, and correct. As well as invoking an emotional response to our Father, music and worship must train is to know Him better, even as the word of Christ richly dwells within us.

Deliberate efforts to cultivate musical and praise talents for the good of the body of Christ is a pressing priority. "Asaphs" need to be recruited and encouraged in their abilities to compose biblically-sound and musically-inspiring praise and worship music.

May heartfelt love for the Father, through His Son, invoke genuine praise from His people this day.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-08-29T09:37:00.001-07:00

I'm reflecting back on the warm nostalgia that viewing Fred Roger's classic neighborhood television show opener brought to us in church yesterday. The imaginary neighborhood portrayed in the popular children's series bore little resemblance to the harsh reality of modern-day neighborhoods. But, the intent most likely was to portray how things ultimately could be rather than how they are.

I'm intrigued by thinking of the kingdom of God as the ideal neighborhood. Zechariah the prophet portrays an idyllic existence, largely centered on the streets of Jerusalem:

"Thus says the LORD of hosts, 'Old men and old women will again sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each man with his staff in his hand because of age. And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls playing in its streets.' (Zechariah 8:4-5)

This reference to mortals, old and young, seems to indicate that the setting is the millennial kingdom, ruled by Christ and resurrected immortals (you and I). In this kingdom of God "neighborhood", mortals will learn the ways of peace and true "neighborliness" under the direct leadership and government of Christ. What a blessing to be part of a neighborhood characterized by perfect government, and true peace and prosperity! It will be even better than that land of make-believe in Mr Roger's neighborhood.

The hope of the kingdom is to be savored, but it also is to provide evangelistic fervor and motivation. As we considered yesterday, the two greatest commandments are wholehearted love for God, and for our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:36-40). To love God, who has promised us His fabulous future earthly kingdom, is to be moved with compassion for all who have opportunity to be neighbors in it.

Living in the future kingdom of God neighborhood is a matter of personal choice, but it is imperative that everyone clearly have opportunity to make that choice. "How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!" (Romans 10:14-15). The "neighborly" thing is respond to God's call to be sent to them, so that they can have opportunity to hear and believe.

Frankly, I'm a fairly reluctant messenger. Striking up life-changing conversations is not my strong suit. But, a burden for such opportunities - prompted by prayer - will place others in our path who will essentially ask us to share the gospel we have embraced. Of course, that presupposed that we've done our homework and know enough about "the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus" (Acts 8:12; 28:23,31) to share it!I

May we impact the kingdom of God neighborhood today in sharing good news with those who would be our neighbors in it.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-08-24T09:17:00.001-07:00

Reluctance to be decisive can be disastrous. Granted, we can rashly act and determine the wrong course of action. But, so-called "fence-sitting" rarely results in anything beneficial.

"I will set no worthless thing before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not fasten its grip on me ... He who walks in a blameless way is the one who will minister to me." (Psalm 101:3-4,6)

King David's decisiveness with evil is clearly evident. No doubt his earlier reluctance to resist temptation - which resulted in a sordid affair with a married woman and the murder of her husband - factored in to the conviction expressed in this Psalm. Since sin so often begins with the eyes, David resolved to carefully screen that which he saw. Those caught in the grips of apostasy (a falling away from biblical truth) were abhorrent to him, so he also resolved to not let this plight fasten its grip on him. And, he resolved to be counseled and mentored only by those whose lifestyle was not open to accusation.

From the perspective of years, David more clearly saw the distinctive line between right and wrong. From his vantage point, he could see less gray and more black and white. Life is less about multiple choice, and more about true or false. Things help or they hinder; clearly one or the other.

Someone has said that our world is colored gray. Distinctions between right and wrong, good and evil, are blurred into a wide band of gray. Evil can easily be rationalized and situationalized, whereas good is strictly a matter of opinion and perspective.

The need of the hour is for decisiveness, and a clear perspective. Jesus said, "If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell." (Matthew 5:29) If a suggestive image on your computer screen, television, or a magazine, causes your eye to linger and your thoughts to imagine sinful things, deal decisively. Removing the temptation is less painful than eye surgery! And, unrighteous counsel from someone close to you, whose life is open to accusation, is dangerous; close out their words.

Several years ago the "WWJD" (what would Jesus do?) bracelets were popular. Perhaps something with the inscription, "I will set no worthless thing before my eyes", is needed today.

May we be a people who live with a decisive resolve to "examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil." (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22)

Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-08-23T09:12:00.001-07:00

Current news focuses on the end of a tyrannical dictator's reign of over forty years. An oppressed people celebrate in the streets as justice appears to finally be served in their land. Whether in the course of events in this fallen world, justice IS ultimately served.

1 Chronicles ten records the tragic death of King Saul and his three sons. It's not a pretty picture; his three are struck down in battle first. Then, Saul is mortally wounded by enemy archers (1 Chronicles 10:3). Mortally wounded, Saul calls upon his armor bearer to finish him off. Unwilling to do so, Saul ends his own life by falling on his sword (verse 4). But, even in his death, Saul was not ultimately master of his own destiny, for we read:

"So Saul died for his trespass which he committed against the LORD, because of the word of the LORD which he did not keep ; and also because he asked counsel of a medium, making inquiry of it, and did not inquire of the LORD. Therefore He killed him and turned the kingdom to David the son ofJesse." (1 Chronicles 10:13-14)

The topic of God's justice is not nearly as popular in modern preaching and teaching as is His love. All too often, God is portrayed as a kindly, white-haired, grandfatherly being who wouldn't harm a flea. And, indeed, God is in essence love. But, He is also a God of holiness and justice, and He cannot violate His own character. Because He is who He is, judgement is certain. Whether prince or pauper, all will give an account of their lives before the Judge and Creator (Revelation 20:11-15).

Belligerent dictators and rebellious people have unceasingly sought to defy the rule and justice of their Creator."Why are the nations in an uproar And the peoples devising a vain thing? The kings of the earth take their stand And the rulers take counsel together Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying, 'Let us tear their fetters apart And cast away their cords from us!'" (Psalm 2:1-3)

No one shakes a defiant fist at God and "His Anointed" (His Son, our Savior - Jesus, Yeshua) and ultimately gets away with it. Inevitably, there will be a day of reckoning.

I'm often reminded that the coming judgement and the end-time upheaval in the world preceding it calls for a certain lifestyle: "Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God" (2 Peter 3:11-12). A life of service, sacrifice, and sanctity is not too high a price to pay for the privilege of life in the age to come. God's gracious offer of the life of the age to come through His Son, Jesus, precedes the demand for perfect justice and judgement. How thankful I am to know His grace, and respond in gratitude through lifestyle. I pray that all who are saved by grace will live and serve gratefully today, with an eye on coming judgement as added incentive to live God-pleasing lives.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-08-22T09:33:00.001-07:00

A book about prayer has really been speaking to me. The concept of making it a priority to seek God's face more than His hand is helping to rekindle a passion for prayer that has been somewhat dormant for some time. Prayer easily becomes a perfunctory exercise in bringing our wants and needs before the Creator without a real focus on who He is and what He really desires for us.

Seeking God's face is, I'm sure, a metaphor for seeking to know Him personally. We are clearly told that "You cannot see My face, for no man can see Me and live!" (Exodus 33:20). And yet, we are implored to "Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually." (Psalm 105:4)

This seeking of God's face must absolutely be coupled with His word and His Spirit. How will we ever know our Creator Father apart from Him word? And how will we ever truly pray unless we learn of His desires for us through the Bible? But, His word alone is not sufficient, because "we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words" (Romans 8:26)

I recall a night years ago that to date has been my most incredible prayer experience. I was a young pastor struggling with some personal issues. Following a church meeting, moved with deep emotion, I went to the church auditorium to pray. I fell face down on the platform near the pulpit. For an hour or more I shed more tears than I probably ever have in my life, and poured out my deepest thoughts and feelings to my Father. Others were present during this time, and later reported a deep sense of awareness of God's Spirit during my time of emotional prayer.

While many other details of that night are vague this many years later, I recall later returning home with a compelling conviction to read His word that evening. I remember that my mind was flooded with insights and understandings that I had not had before, and I regret even today that I did not record what I saw then.

That evening was the most powerful combination in my life of Spirit and truth worship and prayer that I have known. And now, some thirty years later, a book on prayer stirs those long-dormant memories. Can such a passion in prayer be rekindled? Does God still desire this same intimacy with Him? Indeed He does!

My deep desire in writing these thoughts today is that a fresh passion for biblical and Spirit-led prayer will awaken in each of us. We live in a world of chaos, headed for its appointed end-time calamity, and the need for the people of God who love truth is to find fresh vigor and energy through renewing prayer. May a spark be fanned into a flame today.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-08-17T09:03:00.001-07:00

Songwriting is on par with rocket science, in my estimation. How anyone can arrange notes to form chords, melodies, and harmonies, is beyond my ability to comprehend. Even more astonishing is how anyone can compose a new song. Over the thousands of years of human history, hasn't every imaginable song arrangement been composed?

Psalm 96 admonishes us to "Sing to the LORD a new song" (Psalm 96:1). If this means what I think it means, God is sure to be disappointed. Any song composition I bring before Him will likely resonate with discord rather than well-arranged chords. The Bachs and Beethovens in the crowd will have to offer the compositions, because I am sure to fail.

But, what exactly constitutes new? Does God seek original compositions from His children? Or, perhaps what He seeks is something fresh; something new to our experience.

I've arranged more congregational worship services than I can count. Typically, planning involves looking over a list of familiar songs and hymns and selecting those which are most appropriate to a particular theme. Often, just the right song isn't there to choose from. How wonderful it would have been, on those occasions, to have been inspired to compose that perfect song.

I wonder if rote singing of well-written songs doesn't border on blasphemous plagiarism. Unless the song is truly ours, it hardly qualifies as "singing a new song". In other words, until we take ownership of the meaning of a song through our own personal worship experience, it's just another song. When a song is infused with personal meaning through the dynamic of our experience with our Creator, it then becomes our new song.

The Psalmist further appeals to us to "Sing to the LORD, all the earth. Sing to the LORD, bless His name; Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day. Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples. For great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are idols, But the LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before Him, Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary. Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength." (Psalm 96:1-7)

Our song is a new song when active expression is our passion. A heartfelt desire to sing, proclaim, tell, praise, and ascribe constitutes a new song, regardless of the melody and harmony.

And one other very important consideration: a passion for truly knowing this magnificent God that we praise is foremost. As we are reminded, "all the gods of the peoples are idols, But the LORD made the heavens." This LORD is Yahweh our Father, and eternal life is inseparably linked to a knowledge - intellectual and experiential - of Him, and our Savior, Jesus, who makes Him know to us (John 17:3)

May your song today have a newness that truly pleases the Father.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-08-16T10:08:00.001-07:00

Everyone enjoys a sumptuous feast, but someone has to do the cooking and cleanup. These mundane tasks are rarely celebrated, but they are absolutely essential. Similarly, there are less-than-glamorous roles in the spiritual realm, but these also are vital. Consider this list of labor:

These were the gatekeepers for the camp of the sons of Levi ... the Korahites, were over the work of the service, keepers of the thresholds of the tent; and their fathers had been over the camp of the LORD, keepers of the entrance ... Now some of them had charge of the utensils of service, for they counted them when they brought them in and when they took them out. Some of them also were appointed over the furniture and over all the utensils of the sanctuary and over the fine flour and the wine and the oil and the frankincense and the spices. Some of the sons of the priests prepared the mixing of the spices. Mattithiah, one of the Levites ... had the responsibility over the things which were baked in pans." (1 Chronicles 9:18,19,28,29,30,31)

Countless numbers of people were enlisted and involved in the service of the temple of God. The essential task was offering various sacrifices in the worship of God under the old Law system. Highly visible were the priests who administered the sacrifices and led in the system of worship then. But, none of this would have taken place were it not for the vital, unseen tasks performed in the background.

The lessons and parallels are obvious: every person serving according to their capacity is essential for the church, the body of Christ, to function today. It is so well described in 1 Corinthians twelve through the analogy of the human body. Various parts with vastly different function contribute to the common good of the Body.

Whether your role is gatekeeper (greeter?), keeper of utensils, manager of flour and wine, or overseer of the baking pans, that role contributes ultimately to the worship of our Father. Serve well today, kingdom brothers and sisters.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-08-15T09:25:00.000-07:00

It sounds like a horrible pun, but it really is true: hell is a hot topic these days. A well-known pastor of a large evangelical church dared assert that the wicked will be consumed in hell fire rather than being tormented endlessly as is commonly taught. This sparked a firestorm of controversy and debate that continues to rage. Another well-known pastor responded with a book which takes a sensitive and compassionate view of this oft-neglected subject. His main premise is that this subject is not so much about doctrine as it is about destiny. If hell is a real, literal place, and thousands - if not millions - are destined to go there, the writer asserts that we cannot afford to be wrong on this. Amen.

The common understanding of judgement hell has more in common with Dante's Inferno than the teaching of the Bible. As is often the case, mythology has formed the basis for belief that many adhere to. Hell is a clearly a key biblical topic, and we cannot afford to be wrong on this. If hell fire truly is the destiny of the wicked, then this is far more than a doctrinal distinctive. While I strongly believe that the weight of scripture lies with an annihilating hell (i.e, Malachi 4:4; 2 Peter 2:6; Jude 7, etc), the key issue is that it is the ultimate destiny of unbelievers. And, it is totally avoidable. There is absolutely no reason why hell has to be the fate of anyone.

I have to confess that I've grown somewhat oblivious to the fact there are people I see every day who are destined for hell. Of course, I don't know exactly how God will deal in judgement (thankfully). But, the fact that there will be a literal hell, and that it is the fate of many, is more than enough reason to have a deep burden to prevent as many from going there as possible. The saving message of the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus (Acts 8:12) is the only way out. Neglecting to make others aware of this precious message places you and I in personal peril.

We can erase hell from our conscience, but we cannot erase it from God's reality. Passages such as Matthew 7:13-23, John 5:28-29, and Revelation 20:11-15 need to be carefully studied. Again, it's not so much a doctrinal study as it is one about destiny. People we know and love are destined for this fate unless they too repent and come to faith in Christ.

Hell is an inconvenient truth to ponder on a Monday - or any other day, for that matter. But, it is truth. May the awful reality of the truth about hell stir us to compassionately seek to prevent it from being the fate of those around us.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-08-10T09:20:00.001-07:00

I'm wondering where the idea of "restrained worship" came from. Perhaps the admonition to do things "properly and in an orderly manner" (1 Corinthians 14:40) has been a bit overdone. The Psalms, in contrast, seem to indicate that worship should have more in common with sporting event frenzy.

"O come, let us sing for joy to the LORD, Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms" (Psalm 95:1-2)

In two verses "joy" is mentioned three times. Joy is associated with exuberance and energy; unbridled enthusiasm. But, joy cannot be conjured. I've sat in worship services where the primary role of the worship leader or team seemed to be that of spiritual cheer leader. Admonishing the congregation to "sing like they mean it" seemed unnecessary, in that they truly were!

Joy is evidence of the work and presence of Holy Spirit ("the fruit of the Spirit is .. joy - Galatians 5:22). Fruit can't be forced. In due course of watering, fertilizing, and sunshine, fruit eventually comes. Similarly, joy results as Holy Spirit within brings it forth in its season.

Singing with joy to God our Father, and shouting joyfully to Him can be artificially stimulated, but it will lack authenticity. When we have cultivated a deep, personal relationship with Him through His Son, our Savior Yeshua, joy springs forth as naturally as fruit on a tree. Thanksgiving and praise are as natural as breathing when Spirit-inspired.

It is interesting that the Psalmist admonishes "us" to come before Him with joy and thanksgiving. Joy, worship, and praise originate individually, but they are to be expressed collectively. Personal praise is important, but corporate praise is a priority.

Coming before our Father in joyful praise and thanksgiving is the ideal. But, if joy is lacking, it likely has less to do with worship song selection, and more to do with personal spiritual vitality.

Corporate worship gatherings provide excellent opportunities to evaluate personal praise. Is group worship a time to make up for what is lacking personally, or a forum for expressing the abundance of personal praise?

Joy is not synonymous with happiness, nor is it necessarily equated with worship energy. But, it is the optimistic quality of victory as seen through kingdom eyes that ideally should permeate every group gathering. May that spirit of optimism abundantly overcome any and all challenges in your life today, such that you have ample reason for great joy in your next group worship gathering.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-08-09T09:07:00.001-07:00

We know little about him other than a prayer that he prayed, but that prayer was a life-changer.

"Now Jabez called on the God of Israel,saying, 'Oh that You would bless me indeed and enlarge my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and that You would keep me from harm that it may not pain me!' And God granted him what he requested." (1 Chronicles 4:10)

Jabez was clear and concise in his prayer, and God granted him the specifics that he sought - blessings, presence, territory, and safety. It all leads me to reconsider this prayer statement: "You do not have because you do not ask." (James 4:2) What do I not have because I simply have not sought it from my Father?

Jabez' requests were unselfish. James indicates in chapter four that God does not answer our prayers such as to indulge our selfish desires - "You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures." (James 4:3). The "border" Jabez sought to have enlarged must have had more to do with influence and service than property fences.

To seek the blessings of our Father God, and for His hand to be upon us, is a worthy prayer request. When we enjoy His special, supernatural presence and blessings, we can anticipate that He will enlarge our borders. Is that not essentially what we pray when we recite the model prayer - "Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven"? We are asking that God will enlarge His kingdom borders, and work through us to do so.

What would happen through the people of God if they focused regularly on Jabez' prayer when they meet together for prayer? What might God impress upon His people as they sought this request? Perhaps a great prayer exercise, individually and collectively, would be to pray this prayer and be sensitive to that which God impresses upon His people.

May the blessings, presence, and protection of God be yours in abundance, even as He enlarges your borders.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-08-08T09:19:00.001-07:00

Hope in uncertain times. Hope is always vital, but especially in the times we live in. A perfect storm of unprecedented events has prophetic implications that leave us unsettled at best. Apocalypic-type flooding, drought, heat, tornadoes - added to economic and worldwide political turmoil - place us in new, uncharted territory. A pervading anxiety over the uncertainty of our times characterizes the emotional climate of our world today.

Christian hope is never diminished, but it's brightness is less apparent in times of security and affluence. When the world's provisions are threatened and shaken, people of faith look to their hope with renewed fervor. Hope shines brightest when the darkest clouds of a fallen world roll in.

Hope is not easily obtained. It is the end result of the tempering experiences of life's trials and challenges: "tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:3-5)

Novices to tribulation develop perseverance - a resolute determination to stay the course. But, it is only those who have graduated cum laude from the school of tribulation who ultimately develop hope through proven character.

Diploma mills grant prestigious degrees to those willing to fork over the funds to buy them. But, this short-cut to credentials circumvents the process of education that adds true value to the degree. Such as it is with hope - the "school of tribulation" is that which adds value to the hope which is attained as a result. Hope that is not forged in the crucible of tribulation is really no hope at all.

The prized acquisition of hope is worth all the trials of the school of tribulation; "hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Hope is invigorated through the comforting love of God conveyed to us through Holy Spirit.

Rare is the individual who embraces trials, in spite of the biblical admonition to do so ("Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials - James 1:2). And yet, it is only through the refining process that trials bring that hope can truly be acquired.

The challenges of our uncertain times offer us unprecedented opportunity to cultivate true hope. Rather than lamenting the losses, may we rejoice in the gains that these character-shaping times afford us.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-08-03T09:19:00.000-07:00

Life is limited. Need we be reminded? Nearly everyone struggles to stretch their strained budget. Finances are limited. But, so are the days of our lives.

"As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, Or if due to strength, eighty years, So teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:10,12)

Life expectancy is longer now than at any other time in history. Advances in health care have factored in to people living ninety and even one hundred years plus. But, natural immortality is elusive and always will be. God has set limits that cannot be exceeded.

Like money, time must be budgeted. I often lament areas of life that I neglect, but little will change until my time management habits do. Better budgeting is key.

Wisdom appeals to us to "teach us to number our days" (train us to make them count). Each day and moment is a rare and precious gem, never to be seen or experienced again. It is a gift of opportunity and potential that can be invested or squandered.

The apostle Paul admonishes us to "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). A foolish person devalues the day through laziness and pointless pursuits; a wise person invests in people and the things of eternity.

This moment is the only moment we can say with certainty that we have. It is wisely invested if we use it to know our Creator better through His word, and cultivate greater intimacy with His Son and our Savior. This moment will be wisely spent if we use it to convey our feelings to someone we cherish who has made a difference in our lives, or if we reach out in compassion to someone who is hurting.

Time can sift through our hands like sand, or we can grasp the granules and value their purpose and meaning. That's the opportunity of the moment.

If these thoughts have helped you in some way value the day and moment more than before, then I have wisely budgeted my time and efforts in this moment. I pray that it is so.

Carpe diem. Seize the day.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-08-02T09:23:00.001-07:00

The tragedy of precious, broken things. In a fallen world, things of great value are often severely damaged. The loss is beyond calculation when the things broken are the possessions of God.

The record of 2 Kings 25 recounts the terrible defeat and destruction of Jerusalem. As the armies of Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian ruler, destroyed the city and dispersed its inhabitants, we read this concerning the instruments of worship and service in the temple of God:

"Now the bronze pillars which were in the house of the LORD, and the stands and the bronze sea which were in the house of the LORD, the Chaldeans broke in pieces and carried the bronze to Babylon. They took away the pots, the shovels, the snuffers, the spoons, and all the bronze vessels which were used in temple service. The captain of the guard also took away the firepans and the basins, what was fine gold and what was fine silver. The two pillars, the one sea, and the stands which Solomon had made for the house of the LORD - the bronze of all these vessels was beyond weight." (2 Kings 25:13-16)

Meticulously-crafted items devoted to the worship and service of Father God were destroyed and carried away for secular and sinful purposes. The Book of Daniel records how a wicked king would later use some of these precious, sacred instruments at a personal party characterized by drunkenness and debauchery. The sacred would become victim to the sinful.

Tragic as these circumstances are, a greater tragedy is when God's precious people are broken in a fallen world. Made in the image of God, we were designed for praise, worship, and service. And yet there is an enemy whose sole agenda is to break and destroy God's precious people (1 Peter 5:8). Tragically, in this age, the enemy succeeds all too often.

Much of what was lost in the Garden of Eden was our perception of who we are in the eyes of our Father. A horrible sense of wrong, symbolically covered by fig leaves, was the first result of original sin. From there, faulty perception skewed decisions, which have led us further away from the worship and obedience the Father desires. Were it not for the timely arrival of His Son, the brokenness would have been irreparable.

Precious lives are still broken today. The enemy infiltrates the lives of the people of God, and is all too effective with his evil schemes. And yet, there is no brokenness that is irreparable in the plan of God. Repentance and restoration are constant options so long as there is life in this age. This side of the kingdom, the mending and repair will look flawed and imperfect, but the kingdom hope offers the fullest possible restoration.

God's precious possessions are not immune to brokenness in a fallen world. But, the hope believers must never lose sight of is this: "I am making all things new." (Revelation 21:5). May we be faithful and hopeful as we await the newness that only the Father can bring to restore brokenness. And, may we experience a portion of that newness in our lives today.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-08-01T09:38:00.001-07:00

The inability of two political parties to reach agreement on significant financial matters has shaken the confidence of many people in this country. Even as an eleventh hour solution is brokered, the fickleness and stubbornness of human leadership is all too apparent.

I personally believe that people get the leadership they deserve - good or bad. Judah and Israel's history is punctuated with such descriptive phrases as, "He did evil in the sight of the LORD ... Judah did evil in the sight of the LORD ... he did what was right in the sight of the LORD" ... etc. Leaders rose to power who was were consistent with the spiritual climate of the day. Like people, like leadership. Like leadership, like people.

Someone has said that the lessons from history are that we don't learn from history. Inevitably, every experiment in human government has ultimately failed. Whether malevolent dictatorship or benevolent democracy, each system is ultimately short-lived. This is nowhere better illustrated than in the vivid image ancient king Nebuchadnezzar saw in a nighttime dream (Daniel 2). The metallic and mud image of a man, as Daniel revealed to him through inspiration of God's Spirit, represented the major governmental powers of human history. Most significant is the end result: "In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which will never be destroyed, and that kingdom will not be left for another people; it will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, but it will itself endure forever." (Daniel 2:44).

Investing in lost causes is unwise. Why would anyone continue to pour money into company stock that continues to devalue? And yet, if we pledge undue allegiance to any human government we have done just that. An ambitious experiment in political reform by evangelical Christians - the Religious Right - is now a footnote in history. But, those who clearly see their biblical responsibility to government continue to pray for their leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-4), pay taxes (Romans 13:6), and submit to its authority (Romans 13:1).

Investment in government that will last is of utmost priority to the follower of Christ. For this reason, Jesus appeals to His followers to "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness" (Matthew 6:33). That kingdom and work is all-encompassing, and provides abundant opportunity for our best efforts. This foremost pursuit leaves little, if any, time for secondary pursuits. And, nothing provides greater fulfillment, satisfaction, and joy than kingdom pursuit,

We are reminded that "No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier." (2 Timothy 2:4) Our "marching orders" are abundantly clear. May we be wholeheartedly focused today - and always - on our highest calling and priority.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-07-27T09:37:00.001-07:00

I remember hearing an elderly saint pray, "Lord, if it be your will, save me in Your kingdom". This prayer was prayed with the utmost sincerity and humility, but what I found troubling was the uncertainty this godly woman had concerning her prospect of entering the coming kingdom of God.

There is a danger in believing once saved, always saved, in that it can easily lead to a life of spiritual neglect. But, the uncertainty of hope in the coming kingdom is crippling personally and in one's outreach.

Parents and children experience daily changes in their interaction with each other. But, relationship is never in question. Regardless of how strained communication and emotions may be, the relationship is a constant. And so it is with our heavenly Father.

"If his sons forsake My law And do not walk in My judgments, If they violate My statutes And do not keep My commandments, Then I will punish their transgression with the rod And their iniquity with stripes. But I will not break off My lovingkindness from him, Nor deal falsely in My faithfulness. My covenant I will not violate, Nor will I alter the utterance of My lips." (Psalm 89:30-34)

God established a solemn covenant with David and his descendants. Those who violated His commandments would be punished, but God promised, "I will not break off My lovingkindness from him, Nor deal falsely in My faithfulness. My covenant I will not violate, Nor will I alter the utterance of My lips." What God promises, He keeps.

We are reminded succinctly and powerfully that "there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1). Disobedience and sin will always be a factor in day-to-day intimacy with the Father, but the covenant remains except in the most extreme circumstances (Hebrews 10:26-27).

Live confidently today in God's grace and covenant. Deal decisively will sinful habits and thoughts, but never question His covenant of life with you. It IS His will that you be in His coming kingdom, and He has adopted all who come by faith through His Son, Jesus. Savor grace, and be a conduit for it to others.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-07-26T09:44:00.001-07:00

If you knew how much time you had left to live, how would you live? If we knew the specifics, it would likely have a radical impact on living and perspective.

A man lay dying on his deathbed, with only a short time to live. He deeply lamented his life's end: "'Please Lord, remember how I have walked before You faithfully and wholeheartedly and have done what is good in Your sight.'" And Hezekiah wept bitterly." (2 Kings 20:3)

Now, the end of the story is not the end of King Hezekiah's life. God, in His mercy, granted him an extension of life: "I will add fifteen years to your life" (2 Kings 20:6). Hezekiah's life was not only spared, he was allowed to know just how much time he had left. Imagine the perspective that gave to him! Not surprisingly, this is recorded of his remaining years: "Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah and all his might, and how he made the pool and the conduit and brought water into the city, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? (2 Kings 20:20). He worked diligently during his remaining years, as anyone would do with specific knowledge of their life's end.

Mercifully, we are not privy to specific information about our life's end. None of us accurately know whether we have 50, 20, 10, or 5 years, or even 1 day left. But, we intuitively know that our days will come to an end, sooner or later. So, the challenge and opportunity before us every day we live is to make the moment count. Don't take loved ones for granted. Savor friendships. Be moved with compassion for those who haven't responded to the gospel of the kingdom and the name of Jesus.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-07-25T09:05:00.001-07:00

How well would it work if love was law? Imagine a husband and wife compiling their "love list" - specific things to be done to qualify their love for one another. Each would be expected to regularly comply with the minimum requirements or else the marriage covenant would be null and void. Not much of a basis for a loving marriage!

Fact is, it's all too easy to have this kind of relationship with our Creator Father. In looking at the so-called "sundry laws" of God contained in books like Leviticus, it is easy to reduce relationship to ritual. Obedience to God is measured with meticulous law-keeping rather than heart-felt devotion.

The religious leaders, in the days of Jesus' earthly life, had digressed from sincere devotion to obligatory compliance. They had even gone so far as to create law loopholes for their own convenience! (i.e., Matthew 23:13-35). The spirit of the law was lost amidst the letter of the law.

When asked concerning the greatest commandment, Jesus succinctly replied, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important commandment. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commandments." (Matthew 22:37-40) A lack of wholehearted love for our Father and our neighbor renders every commandment and teaching of Scripture null and void.

Relationships are not ultimately defined by compliance to lists. Healthy marriages are characterized by unselfish acts of kindness and generosity, motivated by unconditional love. Similarly, our relationship with our Father is best served through unselfish acts of devotion, motivated by loving gratitude. Obligatory service is satisfying neither to us or our Father.

May the joy of loving and grateful devotion to your Father, through His Son, our Savior, be yours in abundance today.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-07-20T08:56:00.001-07:00

Knowledge ... obedience ... respect ... gratitude. These are four key essentials for living.

"Teach me Your way, O LORD; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name. I will give thanks to You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, And will glorify Your name forever." (Psalm 86:11-12)

We cannot act upon that which we do not know. Knowledge opens new vistas, and enlightens our pathways. A phrase that is God's watchword is, "observe to do" (i.e, Deuteronomy 5:32). Read His word in order to heed His direction.

Knowledge must never be an end in itself. Unless knowledge leads to action, it is not truly knowledge. Truth is designed to be lived and walked - "I was very glad to find some of your children walking in truth, just as we have received commandment to do from the Father." (2 John 4).

Knowledge and obedience ultimately are designed to lead to respect for the Father who has "granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness" (2 Peter 1:3). As the Psalmist pleaded, "Unite my heart to fear Your name". Create an unwavering and undivided heart's desire within to respect our Father who has a name. Even as my earthly father has a name, I need to know my heavenly Father's name (YHWH) and reverently respect that holy name such that I am not guilty of taking it in vain (Exodus 20:7).

Knowledge of and obedience to God's word, and respect for God's holy name, ultimately lead to a life of gratitude. Wholehearted thanks springs forth from a life thus centered.

Psalm 86 wonderfully outlines for us four key essentials for living. These qualities are characteristic of citizens of the kingdom of God. As we allow God's Spirit to cultivate these essentials, we make great progress in being training to rule the world with God's Son, the Lord Jesus, when He returns.

May our growth and progress in these areas be evident today as we live faithfully.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-07-19T09:03:00.000-07:00

Leadership is a two-edged sword. How it goes with leadership is how it goes with those leadership serves.

"In the twenty-third year of Joash the son of Ahaziah, king of Judah, Jehoahaz the son of Jehu became king over Israel at Samaria, and he reigned seventeen years. He did evil in the sight of the LORD, and followed the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, with which he made Israel sin; he did not turn from them ... Nevertheless they did not turn away from the sins of the house of Jeroboam, with which he made Israel sin, but walked in them; and the Asherah also remained standing in Samaria." (2 Kings 13:1-2,6)

The legacy of a ruler named Jeroboam was his sinful and evil influence. Succeeding kings followed his evil ways and influenced the people of Israel to do the same. As the old saying goes, like leader, like people.

Much can be determined about a culture by examining its leaders and models. Who do young people emulate? Who do adults respect and admire? Their values and priorities are those of the culture that reveres them.

The record of Judah and Israel's kings, recorded in 1 and 2 Kings and 1 and 2 Chronicles, reveal how abruptly things change from one generation to the next. Of one king it is written, "he did right in the sight of the LORD", and then of his successor it is all too often written, "he did evil in the sight of the LORD". The pendulum abruptly swings away from the spiritual gains of one generation to spiritual degradation in the next.

So, the lessons of biblical and secular history are this: be careful who you follow. Charismatic and persuasive leaders exist in every generation, and have the ability to sway individuals and the masses. Wise are the people who scrutinize both the teachings and lifestyle of those who aspire to lead. Humility and a genuine servant heart must characterize those who would lead; especially those who would exert spiritual influence.

We choose who and what we follow. Persuasive leaders exert influence over those decisions, but ultimately we allow or choose to follow. For this reason, these words of the apostle Paul are important watch words for each of us: "But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil." (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22)

May it be recorded of this generation that we "did right in the sight of the LORD",

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-07-18T09:14:00.001-07:00

If I asked you, in five minutes, to tell me what you believe and why you believe it, could you do it? That's the question before each of us today, and every day.

"always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence" (1 Peter 3:15)

I've heard of churches that regularly feature a segment in worship services called, "the witness stand", in which an individual in the congregation is asked to do just that. Not a bad idea.

The priority of first-hand truth cannot be overstated. In a moment of blunt introspection, we might discover that much too often the beliefs of others have become our unchallenged beliefs. If there is such a thing as second-hand truth we may have more of it than we can to admit.

Nothing is more revealing than having to defend your position on something. Expressing your position on a political, social, or biblical issue necessitates a thorough review of the basis and logic for that position. A flimsy and weak argument becomes apparent in such circumstances, and a personal embarrassment.

Several years ago I felt impressed to develop a series of messages on beliefs I was so firmly convicted of that I would be willing to die for. This was one of the most important exercises I have ever undertaken. I was forced to confront what i read on the pages of the Bible and assess the priority of these words and teachings. It became evident to me that key teachings were non-negotiables, and that they indeed affected how I lived.

Preachers enjoy the rare privilege of teaching and preaching their convictions. But, in over thirty years of experience, I've learned that expounded on life-changing truth is no guarantee that it will become first-hand truth in the lives of others. It is only when each individual personally accepts the challenge to discover and defend truth and why it matters to them that it becomes firsthand truth. And that's when and where the adventure of a lifetime truly begins.

May today be an important step in this life-changing discovery.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-07-13T09:11:00.001-07:00

In God we trust. This phrase is well known to Americans who are reminded of it regularly as they exchange currency in business transactions. It's also part of the nation's pledge of allegiance: "one nation, under God ...". But, increasingly, the question begs to be asked: which God? Is He the traditional three-in-one God? The muslim God? the nebulous god of pantheism? The God of Judaism?

The God of the Bible admonished His people to "Let there be no strange god among you; Nor shall you worship any foreign god. I, the LORD, am your God, Who brought you up from the land of Egypt" (Psalm 81:9-10)

The God of the Bible has zero tolerance for substitute gods. He insists that He alone is God, and that no other god is to substitute for Him: "You shall have no other gods before Me." (Exodus 20:3). So God, whoever you perceive Him to be, just doesn't cut it. If He alone is God, and allows no room for substitute gods, it is imperative that we specifically and personally know who He is.

Most English Bible translators have placed an obstacle in our path by substituting a name for a title. Time and again, we read "LORD" when "Jehovah", or "Yahweh", should be used. This is the God whom we know to be Father through Jesus His Son. And this God Yahweh can only be known and approached through His exalted, created Son: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." (John 14:6).

It's hard for me to imagine Judgement Day involving an extensive essay exam in which pass or fail is determined by how accurately we describe the facts about God. Rather, intimate, first-hand knowledge will be the true test: "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." (John 17:3)

"Let there be no strange god among you; Nor shall you worship any foreign god." Per the Father's own words, we have the great privilege and responsibility of accurately and personally knowing who He is. May today be an incredibly fulfilling experience in knowing Yahweh God, who is our Father, through His beloved Son, Jesus.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-07-12T09:02:00.001-07:00

It ranks up there with pigs flying. Iron doesn't float on water, except that it once did.

"But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water; and he cried out and said, 'Alas, my master! For it was borrowed.' Then the man of God said, 'Where did it fall?' And when he showed him the place,he cut off a stick and threw it in there, and made the iron float. He said, 'Take it up for yourself.' So he put out his hand and took it." (2 Kings 6:5-7)

Now, if we get hung up on the specifics of what it was that made a borrowed axe head float on water, we miss the main point. Bottom line is, things are not as they seem in the spiritual realm.

Consider what we read further in 2 Kings six. Elisha the prophet and his attendant were surrounded by a large army, bent on their destruction (2 Kings 6:14). Elisha's servant was rightly alarmed. But, Elisha stated confidently, "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." (2 Kings 6:16). These were not the words of some starry-eyed dreamer, completely detached from reality. No, this man of God provided his attendant with overwhelming proof of his confidence: "Then Elisha prayed and said, 'O LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.' And the LORD opened the servant's eyes and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha." (2 Kings 6:17)

Faith works this way. "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1). Faith makes the invisible visible. Eyes of faith bring into focus the unseen reality that changes everything.

Jesus saw the kingdom of God in the everyday. A majority of His parables begin with the phrase, "The kingdom of God is like ...". He saw the kingdom in mustard seeds, yeast, buried treasures, pearls, and fishing nets. As the ultimate person of faith, He saw the kingdom to come existing already in the present.

It's not really about iron floating on water, or vast armies hidden on hillsides. It's about resolute faith in the One true God who is the God of all possibilities. His Son came to be a living demonstration of the reality of the One who is invisible to the human eye. In Jesus we see faith most fully expressed, and made available to us.

Reality is not as it seems. Insurmountable debt, irreconcilable differences in marriage, and intense frustration at work seem like harsh reality. But, there is One who offers the ultimate reality of victory over obstacles.

"Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." May our eyes be opened to see the greater reality, and may we live confidently and victoriously in that which we see.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-07-05T09:11:00.000-07:00

There is nothing quite so refreshing as a cool dip in dirty water. This statement probably makes little sense to most of us, but it did to a man named Naaman.

"Now Naaman, captain of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man with his master, and highly respected , because by him the LORD had given victory to Aram. The man was also a valiant warrior, but he was a leper." (2 Kings 5:1)

Naaman was a powerful and important man with an embarrassing problem: leprosy. Leprosy was a skin disease for which there was no cure. Those who contracted this dreaded disease were most often relegated to leper colonies, away from contact with other people. The contagious, unclean nature of the disease necessitated that they loudly declare, "unclean!", when others approached.

2 Kings five details how Elisha the prophet came to be involved with Naaman and his leprous condition. With great fanfare, Naaman arrived at the house of Elisha, only to be greeted by his servant and given these simple instructions: "Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh will be restored to you and you will be clean." (2 Kings 5:10).

How could a muddy river possibly cleanse this important man? The whole idea was offensive, but this reluctant military man eventually heeded the advice of his servants, and found ultimate cleansing for his condition.

Naaman's cleansing is a picture of baptism, an equally absurd practice. How is it possible that physical water - regardless of how clean or unclean - could cleanse the soul? Like Naaman's cleansing, we do well to not focus on the mechanics of it, because it will never make sense. This one verse clarifies it best: "baptism now saves you-not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience -through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him." (1 Peter 31:21-22)

Far more than a ritual washing, baptism is simply an appeal, based on faith, for Christ's cleansing work to reach into the depths of our being. This simple act is essential if we hope to enter the coming kingdom of God: "Jesus answered, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (John 3:5).

Have you, like Naaman, taken this simple but important faith step? If not, why not? If so, are you faithfully living according to this commitment?

God's gracious offer is freely given, but not forever offered. So long as we have life, and/or until the day of Christ's return, the offer is available. But, don't let delay become denial. Choose wisely in the moment you have.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-06-29T08:32:00.000-07:00

God serves up a cup of wine that few care to sample. "For a cup is in the hand of the LORD, and the wine foams; It is well mixed, and He pours out of this; Surely all the wicked of the earth must drain and drink down its dregs." (Psalm 75:8) It sounds like a cup of bitter wine.

Last-day non-believers who choose antichrist over God's Christ are given a similar warning: "Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, 'If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.'" (Revelation 14:9-10) Again, this sounds like a cup of bitter wine.

Our innocent Savior drank a cup of God's bitter wine so that we don't have to. As He agonized in the Garden of Gethsemane, prior to His suffering, He earnestly prayed, "Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done." (Luke 22:42). The bitter cup of suffering and the cross was a drink Jesus preferred to avoid, but He ultimately submitted, giving special meaning to another cup He invites His followers to drink from. "And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.'" (Matthew 26:27-28)

Because Jesus drank from the bitter cup of God's wrath, we are able to drink from the sweet cup of grace. No wine is more mellow, or satisfying. We drink in life and vigor when we drink from this precious cup. And we drink in optimistic hope for the future: "I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom." (Matthew 26:29). We expect to raise a glass together, along with our Savior, as we drink a toast to the ultimate fulfillment of faith and hope.

Believers regularly share a drink together in an observance known as the Lord's Supper. It's a powerful reminder of who we are and Whose we are. And it's a reminder of the cup we are able to freely drink from every day. I choose to drink from that refreshing cup through Bible study, prayer, and fellowship with His family.

May we each drink deeply today, and find the refreshment that only this cup offers.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-06-27T09:28:00.001-07:00

Some of God's ways are a bit disconcerting to me. His Law requirements for animal sacrifices seem downright gory. Passages such as Leviticus eight are almost too graphic to stomach. The specific details as to the death and dismemberment of animals for sacrifice are hard to read; imagine being there to personally witness such things!

One verse is especially striking: "Moses slaughtered it (the ram) and took some of its blood and put it on the lobe of Aaron's right ear, and on the thumb of his right hand and on the big toe of his right foot." (Leviticus 8:23)

The right side of our body is considered to be the "good" side (much to the chagrin of us lefties). The right ear represents good hearing. And the right thumb; just how important is it? It's been said that the thumb separates man from ape. The thumb affords us dexterity for intricate tasks that could not be done otherwise. And the right toe: those who have suffered the accidental loss of their big toe can testify to the extreme difficulty of walking. We are critically dependent on it for balance.

The blood of a sacrificial animal on these body parts is rich with symbolism: consecrated hearing, consecrated actions and deeds, a consecrated walk. And isn't that exactly what the sacrificial blood of our Savior provides? Through His sacrifice we are afforded spiritual hearing and insight, holy deeds and actions, and a spiritually balanced walk.

Jesus often prefaced His important parables with the phrase, "he who has ears to hear, let him hear". As those covered by the blood of His sacrifice, may we read and truly hear His words. May those words direct the actions and works of our hands. And may those words guide are steps such that we walk in the path that honors Him and our Father, and leads us to the coming kingdom of God.

Thankful for the cleansing covering of His blood,

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-06-23T09:15:00.001-07:00

Picture yourself at a wedding reception, seated at the finest table in the room, overlooking all the other tables. Conversation and laughter emanates from each table, while you sit alone in silence at your exquisite table. Suddenly, the announcement is made that the wedding party has arrived, and the bride and groom enter amidst much fanfare. Before the eyes of crowd assembled, they make their way to the head table to be seated. In a moment of supreme embarrassment, you are asked to move from your superb seat as the realization sinks in that you occupy the position reserved for the bride and groom.

"When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for someone more distinguished than you may have been invited by him, and he who invited you both will come and say to you, 'Give your place to this man,' and then in disgrace you proceed to occupy the last place. But when you are invited, go and recline at the last place, so that when the one who has invited you comes, he may say to you, 'Friend, move up higher '; then you will have honor in the sight of all who are at the table with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 14:8-11)

Often the Christian life seems like traveling on a two-lane highway in which all the traffic is going in the opposite direction. The crowded lane opposite us is filled with people trying to exalt themselves, and build a name and reputation for themselves. The lonely lane we travel seemingly takes us nowhere; to obscurity and debasing circumstances. And yet, it is the crowded lane opposite us that ultimately leads to a dead-end because, "everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." In the spiritual realm, self-abasement wins out over self-aggrandization.

Jesus' wedding banquet parable is rich with imagery. His original audience easily recognized this as a picture of the coming kingdom of God. This future celebration is to bring the ultimate vindication. Those traveling the self-aggrandization highway will come to the ultimate dead-end, while those traveling the self-abasement highway will find status that is elusive in this age. The score will be settled for all eternity.

The lesson is both obvious and practical: travel the road of selflessness and servanthood today if kingdom reward is your priority. From a kingdom perspective, fame and fortune in this age is clearly seen as fleeting. Investment in the lives of others with the good news of the kingdom of God and name of Jesus is all that matters, and all that will ever be ultimately exalted. A life of put-downs in service will be richly rewarded in the age to come.

Serving Christ and serving our Father through serving others with the kingdom gospel is the ultimate principle of success. May we each be guided by this important principle as we live in the world today.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-06-22T09:17:00.000-07:00

What will it take to get good government? As politicians ramp up for their run for office in an election year, the future sounds bright (according to their campaign promises). And yet, experience tells us the rhetoric is much more about getting elected than the good of the people.

Here are some appeals for good government leadership that we would all like to see: "May he vindicate the afflicted of the people, Save the children of the needy And crush the oppressor ... In his days may the righteous flourish, And abundance of peace till the moon is no more. 8 May he also rule from sea to sea And from the River to the ends of the earth ... May there be abundance of grain in the earth on top of the mountains; Its fruit will wave like the cedars of Lebanon; And may those from the city flourish like vegetation of the earth." (Psalm 72:4,7-8,16)

This much is certain: no mortal government leader or earthly government will ever deliver on these high ideals. Every experiment in human government - from dictatorship to monarchy to socialism to democracy - will inevitably fail. The reason is quite simple: "the whole world lies in the power of the evil one." (1 John 5:19) No reform or revolt will ever sufficiently purge a government system of its ultimate control. For this reason, I choose to invest my energies in the only government that will ever succeed.

Jesus announced the ultimate political revolution at the beginning of His earthly work: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel." (Mark 1:15) The gospel was - and is - the message declared by the coming King of the kingdom. That kingdom, which He declared, was a kingdom "of God" - a realm of rulership belonging to His Father. This truth was well understand by king David, ultimate author of Psalm seventy-two. As such, his final words were: "Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, Who alone works wonders. And blessed be His glorious name forever; And may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen, and Amen. The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended." (Psalm 72:18-20) The LORD God Yahweh will ultimately usher in a perfect age of government, as His Son - the king of the kingdom - emphatically announced.

The latest round of political posturing and campaigning on the eve of yet another election year will be as fleeting and disappointing as every previous one. The government of God, destined to abolish every failed governmental experiment, is alone worthy of our investment and energy. I pledge allegiance to this government, and vow to be completely consumed with its advance. I pray that i stand shoulder to shoulder with you in this truly excellent cause.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-06-21T10:57:00.000-07:00

Risk it all, or conserve what's left? Such was the dilemma for a widow and her son with extremely limited resources.

"when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks; and he called to her and said, 'Please get me a little water in a jar, that I may drink.' As she was going to get it, he called to her and said, 'Please bring me a piece of bred in your hand.' But she said, 'As the LORD your God lives, I have no bread, only a handful of flour in the bowl and a little oil in the jar; and behold, i am gathering a few sticks that I may go in and prepare for me and my son, that we may eat it and die.'" (1 Kings 17:10-12)

Amidst a desperate situation, Elijah the prophet extended an extraordinary challenge: "Do not fear; go, do as you have said, but make me a little bread cake from it first and bring it out to me, and afterward you may make one for yourself and for your son. For thus says the LORD God of Israel, ' the bowl of flower shall not be exhausted, nor shall the jar of oil be empty, until the day the LORD sends rain on the face of the earth.'" (1 Kings 17:13).

This same challenge is extended to each of us: "whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it." (Matthew 16:25). Conserve what little we have of our lives, or sow it in faith and service - this is our Master's challenge to us.

Serving the King and the kingdom is worth the risk. It's certainly not the path to fame and prosperity, but it is ultimately the way to make our lives count. The scope of our influence is greatly multiplied when we risk losing our lives for the King and the kingdom. We are brought near to many who are hungry for life-changing truth. Our lives are extended like a seed planted in the ground that becomes a fruit-bearing stalk or tree.

Life is full of risks. A wise person carefully calculates before taking a risky step, but then boldly moves ahead having done so. We do well to count the cost of kingdom investment, but then to forge ahead in faith and confidence having done so.

May the risk of kingdom service today bring a sense of fulfilling adventure to your life.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-06-13T09:10:00.000-07:00

To lead is to serve. On the surface, such a statement sounds like an oxymoron. Conventional wisdom states that leaders take charge; servants are at the end of the line, performing menial tasks. So, choose which it will be, because it appears impossible to be both. And yet a phrase subject to ridicule because of abuse of position captures the ideal - "public servants", referring to elected government officials.

A current Sunday School class focused on Elders and Deacons unswervingly centers on this concept of leading through serving. Perhaps no passage clarifies this radical concept better than this one from Mark ten:

"Calling them to Himself, Jesus said to them, 'You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them. But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.'" (Mark 10:42-45)

This lofty concept of leading through serving was no idealized philosophy spouted by the CEO of the Kingdom of God while seated in His plush Oval Office. No, these were the words of the ultimate public servant, with basin and towel in hand -lowly serving His disciples at the Last Supper through the most menial task. This was the One aptly described in these memorable words: "although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men." (Philippians 2:6-7).

If the highest and most exalted of God's creation could abase Himself through humble service, how much more should we His followers? Sure, there is the danger of being a doormat, but there are lessons here from the Savior as well, who chose service on His terms. But, the key fact is, He chose. And we do well to do the same.

Another English translation adds special emphasis to Jesus' words from Mark ten: "But it must not be like that among you." (Mark 10:43). In contrast to the heavy-handed lording-over system of the world, Jesus states that such tactics are to find no place among His followers. As such, His church is to be characterized by deliberate service to others rather than calculated ladder-climbing leadership. Sadly, church history indicates Jesus' words have largely been ignored.

The world will little note eloquent elaboration of Jesus' lofty ideals, but it will sit up and notice those ideals in practice. A community of believers characterized by humble service, genuine consideration of others, and unqualified acceptance, will be too compelling for the world to ignore. And such a community will gain a hearing for the radical, life-changing good news of the kingdom of God and life in it through Jesus.

May we deliberately choose the life of a servant, and gain the opportunity to effectively declare the life-changing good news of a coming kingdom whose reality is exhibited through a community of servants.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-06-09T09:53:00.000-07:00

Supply and demand are keys to free enterprise. Give people what they want at a fair price and everyone profits.

In God's economy, however, there is a critical problem with supply in relationship to demand. It's a supply crisis worse that any oil or food crisis the world has ever seen. "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)

Growing up in the fertile Midwest, I well remember the many acres of ripe corn and soybean fields in the fall. Through the hardships of spring planting amidst plentiful rains, and the challenges of summer heat, a healthy crop ready to be harvested is eagerly anticipated. Nothing, then, seems more ironic or unjust, than a waiting harvest with woefully inadequate harvest workers! The time of harvest is limited, and thus the urgency of the need for workers.

If Jesus pronounced God's harvest ready, then the urgency of the task is great. Harvesting too soon would be pointless, and too late would be incredibly wasteful.

It appears to me that a certain degree of "harvest discernment" is essential in God's economy. We live in a society that exhibits what I will call "harvest reluctance". The need for harvest is especially urgent, but the willingness just isn't there. It's like trying to run a combine through a field of steel poles. These are people characterized in the parable of seed and the soil (Matthew 13:1-23) as thorny soil - things of the world crowd out growth of the word about the kingdom (the gospel).

Our greatest effectiveness is in working with the "crop" that is ready, and is yielded to harvest. And we all encounter such people regularly. These are people that have a need in their lives and know it; people whom we especially have their ear. These are people who longingly look toward us for the "supply" they see in our lives that they perceive matches the "demand" and need in their lives.

Jesus exhibited "harvest discernment" in his service on earth. He declared truth to the masses, invested Himself in a certain "seventy" (Luke 10:1) that He sent out, and poured Himself intensely into twelve, three, and ultimately one person. His efforts varied according to the ripeness of the harvest.

A vast harvest is ready around us, and it is essential that we have a harvest mentality. It's much too easy to focus on ourselves and those in our immediate circle, and neglect to see the waiting harvest. It's far bigger than us, so the Jesus' priority is our urgent priority as well - "beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."

May our harvest mentality be expanded this day.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-06-08T09:19:00.000-07:00

We all need something to shout about, and we've got it: "Shout joyfully to God, all the earth; Sing the glory of His name; Make His praise glorious." (Psalm 66:1-2) Psalm 66 provides us with plenty of shouting material for the God who deserves the highest praise from every living creature. For years, I failed to see that the God who deserves shouting and glorious praise has a name that should be celebrated and sung about - "sing the glory of His name". With reverence and respect, but with clarity, Yahweh God is the focus of our praise.

Heartfelt praise results when we draw near to Him and consider what He has done - "Come and see the works of God, Who is awesome in His deeds toward the sons of men." (Psalm 66:5) Ponder that amazing phrase: "Who is awesome in His deeds toward the sons of men." Is He not actively and intensely involved in the lives of all His children? Indeed! And so there is not one of us who does not have ample reason for praise and thanksgiving.

Personal problems will always be center stage in our lives if we fail to focus on the praise of Yahweh God. Psalm 66 leads us wonderfully away from personal fixation to the vast arena of praise to the One who is ultimately deserving.

I was personally reminded in a fresh way today that my praise will always be imperfect and inadequate unless I learn from the One who reveals the Father to me. Jesus' great statement in John 14:6 is such an important guide: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." Often I attempt to come to the throne of God and bypass my Mediator, and such efforts are futile. Only my King can truly bring me to my Father. And, unless I learn of the Father through Him, I'll never really know Yahweh God, to Whom I should make "His praise glorious".

Pause today and consider the great praise guide of Psalm 66. Let these powerful words move you away from self to serving up praise to Him who is worthy. Make His praise glorious.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-06-07T09:11:00.001-07:00

It's easy enough to have a God-in-the-box mentality. Just because we had a special encounter with Him in a certain place doesn't mean that's the only place where such things can happen.

"But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain You, how much less this house which I have built!" (1 Kings 8:27)

King Solomon, on the occasion of the dedication of a great temple built for Almighty God, uttered words we do well to always consider. While God chooses to bless certain times and places with a dynamic display of His presence, He cannot be limited by such. He is the God who supersedes all creation; how then is it possible than anything created could ever begin to contain Him?

Note how Solomon addressed the Almighty: "O LORD, the God of Israel, there is no God like You in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing lovingkindness to Your servants who walk before You with all their heart" (1 Kings 8:23). The God who transcends place and time is unequalled in heaven and earth; He is the God of covenant promise toward those whose wholehearted lifestyle is in harmony with Him.

The times and places where I encounter my Father give me a perspective of Him, but these provide me with only the roughest sketch of the God I cannot begin to picture in totality. I don't know the half of it ... or thousandth of it ... or millionth ... well; you get the idea. He is immensely larger than the self-imposed box I contain Him in.

Someone once stated, "Your God is too small!" I would have to agree; MY God is too small. However, the God I can only fractionally glimpse this side of the Kingdom is immensely more than I can think or imagine. Fortunately, His Son allows me - and you - to see Him with greater clarity: "He who has seen Me has seen the Father " (John 14:9) His uniquely created Son puts a face on the Father that we could never see in any other way.

Any time I can have the "box" expanded in my perception of the Father, my faith and love for Him grows. I'm thankful for words such as Solomon's in 1 Kings 8 that remind me there is far more to discover about the God I already love and an wowed by. Further revelation can only deepen these things. May our God-horizon be significantly expanded today through our walk with His Son.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-06-01T09:15:00.000-07:00

Cravings. We mostly have them for food - chocolate, ice cream (chocolate ice cream?), steak, seafood. Cravings are more than just a mild desire or appetite; we are obsessed with finding what we desire. Call it passionate pursuit.

Men are especially familiar with passionate pursuit. Youthful pursuit of the young woman we've determined we cannot live without is our sole obsession. Whatever it takes to win her heart is all that matters.

Spiritual passionate pursuit, for many, sounds like an oxymoron. And yet this phrase well describes David's relationship with our Creator Father.

"O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and weary land where there is no water." (Psalm 63:1)

Such words may sound strange to us; even somewhat erotic. David knew much about what someone has called, the sacred romance. Unbridled passion for his God and Father was key priority.

Spiritual passion is clearly evident in the life of Jesus our Lord. This statement is very telling: "But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray." (Luke 5:16). Jesus nurtured spiritual passion through frequent time alone with the Father.

Passionate pursuit of Jesus is prerequisite to passionate pursuit of our Father. As Jesus declared, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." (John 14:6). We cannot sidestep the Mediator at the right hand of the Father in our pursuit; it is only through Him that we approach the throne.

Jesus Himself issued the sternest of warnings to a band of followers who had lost their spiritual passion: "I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place -unless you repent." (Revelation 2:3-4).

They had left their first love. Spiritual passion had waned, and a spiritual separation had occurred. Divorce was inevitable unless they remembered and returned. A passionate appeal is made to return to spiritual passion.

Assumptions can easily be erroneous, but I believe I can safely make this one: each of us are likely not as spiritually passionate as we could be. We may not have left our first love, but we're tempted to have an affair with something we love in the world. Or maybe we are cheating on our first love and thinking we can have it both ways. Either way, the need is real to remember and repent.

A careful reread David's passionate declaration in Psalm 63:1 is a great way to rekindle the passion. Perhaps the fire has burned down to embers that are barely glowing. At least they can be fanned into flame.

Return today to the sacred romance. Remember and repent, while there is opportunity.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-05-31T09:12:00.000-07:00

A cold and lonely man, facing the consequences of poor parenting skills. This is the picture of king David, near the end of his life, as portrayed in 1 Kings one. Hardly a fitting picture of this man after God's own heart, characterized by feats of bravery and faith.

"Now King David was old, advanced in age; and they covered him with clothes, but he could not keep warm. So his servants said to him, 'Let them seek a young virgin for my lord the king, and let her attend the king and become his nurse; and let her lie in your bosom, that my lord the king may keep warm." (1 Kings 1:1-3)

In spite of having numerous wives and concubines, this unusual arrangement made to keep elderly king David warm seems to indicate a lonely man who has not achieved genuine intimacy and oneness in even one marriage relationship.

"Now Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, 'I will be king.' So he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen with fifty men to run before him. His father had never crossed him at any time by asking, 'Why have you done so?' And he was also a very handsome man, and he was born after Absalom." (1 Kings 1:5-6)

One phrase is especially telling: "His father had never crossed him at any time by asking, 'Why have you done so?'" In spite of David's superior fighting skills and fervor for His walk with God, he apparently was sadly lacking in parental skills - at least with one son.

So, is this portrayal of a cold and lonely man, lacking in parental skills, designed to degrade his character? Hardly. It is an accurate picture of a flawed man who enjoyed the favor of God throughout his lifetime. And lingering on this fact should bring encouragement to us all. After all, who of us cannot point to at least some failure in marriage, parenting, or relationships in general? If these failures become our focus - and God's - then there is little reason for optimism and hope. But, the fact that God's blessings rested on David in SPITE of these failures is rich encouragement for us.

I've lately come to especially appreciate the fact that God has not preserved a sanitized record of the lives of His faithful people. A common characteristic of the record of the lives of Adam, Abraham, Noah, Moses, David, and so many others is that we see them "warts and all". We may idealize them in our minds as we interpret what we read, but God's biblical record is raw and unrefined. Imperfect people whom He blessed and used.

Sadly, too many people never pursue a vibrant walk with their Father, through His Son Jesus, because they just don't feel they are "good enough". And yet the biblical record is abundantly clear that God works with and through imperfect people.

I write these words today as one who stands in grace, not personal piety. His overwhelming grace provides the motivation to pursue an intimate walk with HIm through His Son. In my weakness and imperfection I find purpose and hope as I pursue the kingdom, my King, and my Father. May you find the same in abundance.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-05-25T09:01:00.001-07:00

Some people suffer in silence while others find renewal in it. One of life's great secrets is learning that we are renewed through times of silence.

"My soul waits in silence for God only; From Him is my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken." (Psalm 62:1-2)

Few times in history have been more tumultuous than the times we live in. Apocalyptic warnings, economic crisis, great earthquakes, Middle East political turmoil, and historic Midwest tornadoes have unsettled many, physically and emotionally. As the world seems to be coming apart, so are many people who tie their security to the world's stability. And the people of God are not immune unless they find strength in silence before their Creator.

As the Psalmist states, "My soul waits in silence for God only", I picture the solitary figure of Jesus alone on a mountaintop at night, seeking solace in the silence with His Father. If our Savior saw the priority of prayer and silence before God, how much more should we!

How very difficult times of silence are, however. My mind is so cluttered with the activity of the world that times of silence are a great struggle. My times of silence are largely spent lassoing the wild horses of random thoughts. Precious are the moments when my thoughts are so subdued that I am calm enough to sense the presence of my Father in the room. But how very refreshing these silent moments are! In them, I am physically improved, with lower heartbeat and respiration. But, more importantly, I am emotionally and spiritually healthier because I am fixed on my God, and experiencing peace that surpasses understanding. In those moments, "He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken."

I strongly suspect that most believers have little experience with times of silence and solitude. Prayers times are more often than not marked by frenetic and urgent requests for intervention and aide. Our minds, and even bodies, strongly resist such efforts to engage in silence when our frantic schedules demand that we be busy every moment. We cannot comprehend how times of silence can provide true purpose and provide energy for the work that otherwise would not be found.

I am certainly no master of times of silence, but I know that I find renewal and steadiness when I devote myself to such times. Elusive peacefulness is attainable in such times, and the physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits are satisfying beyond description. A sense of intimacy with my Father, as I come into His presence through and with His Son my Savior, is realized in ways otherwise not attainable.

Perhaps you are willing to try an experiment in silence today. If silence before the LORD has not been a habit, then fifteen minutes will seem like an eternity. But, try waiting in silence for fifteen minutes today. The majority of that time will be spent lassoing your random thoughts, but if you succeed, the breakthrough in silence will be worth the effort. And, the renewing silence will provide incentive for extended times in the future - a half hour, forty-five minutes, an hour.

"My soul, waits in silence for God only". May we find the refreshing silence that the Psalmist knew so well.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-05-24T08:57:00.001-07:00

Days of breakthrough and victory. Perhaps they don't seem to come often enough, but they do come, and they are cause for celebration. A negative habit is finally broken. Financial discipline literally pays off. A communication breakthrough occurs with our spouse, children, or parents. It is a watershed moment when trials and challenges give way to victory.

The twenty-second chapter of 2 Samuel is prefaced with these words - "and David spoke the words of this song to the LORD in the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul." (2 Samuel 22:1)

Absolute victory! Plagued with setbacks, defeat, and humiliation, there came a time when the LORD God provided the ultimate breakthrough and victory for David. His victory party was a song of celebration to the God who had protected and vindicated him. The tone of his words reflect humble confidence in his Creator Father:

"The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge; My savior, You save me from violence. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, And I am saved from my enemies." (2 Samuel 22:2-4)

Victory through deliverance should be celebrated. Perhaps we are not surrounded by enemies bent on our death, but destructive habits that enslave us are equally harmful. Through our Father's intervention and deliverance, we should celebrate those breakthroughs over alcohol, tobacco, or drug abuse, or over negative emotional patterns and/or physical behavior. When those hard-fought victories come, pull out all the stops and celebrate the God Who delivers!

Victory benchmarks are vital to faith and confidence in future victories. The God who delivered in the past will deliver in the present and future as we remain resolute in faith in and trust of Him. What He has accomplished in the past provides precedent for victory today and tomorrow. That's one of the great purposes of the record of God's mighty works in His people's lives, as recorded in the Bible: "Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come." (1 Corinthians 10:11)

I pray that today is a day of victory such as David enjoyed. If not, however, I pray that a past victory provides optimism and encouragement as you look to His deliverance to come.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-05-23T09:08:00.001-07:00

May 21, 2011. This was the much-publicized date for the so-called rapture of the church. It's now May 23rd and we're still here, and the world appears pretty much the same as it was on May 20th.

Rarely has there been such a media frenzy over an apocalyptic prediction as there has been over this one. Students of church history will note the similarity between this event and the famous prediction by William Miller in the mid-1800's. And perhaps a comparison of those times and the times we live in provide insight into the opportunities that exist for us today.

The mid-1800's saw the gathering storm clouds of the United States Civil War; times which were no doubt viewed as anything but normal times. This era provided a fertile breeding ground for public fixation on a convincing apocalyptic prediction. And perhaps the inordinate amount of attention given to this current apocalyptic prediction is a revealing reflection of the mood of our day. These are certainly not "normal" times. Believer and non-believer alike is keenly aware of the string of natural disasters as well as the worldwide economic crisis in the past few years. Secular media has even openly pondered the significance of these events with titles such as, "Apocalypse Now?". Little wonder that a convincing date-setter with significant finance resources could garner such attention!

These days and weeks following this current great disappointment will be very telling. Will it be ho-hum, business-as-usual, or will a heightened sense of expectation remain? Do we stand on the threshold of of a new era of cynicism and skepticism, or of eager anticipation and preparation?

Some people lament the latest apocalyptic deadline as discrediting all of Christianity. And yet, much publicity was given to those who denounced the error of date-setting, based on Jesus' words that "of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone" (Matthew 24:36). Perhaps the ultimate result of the current end-time prediction will be much like that of the mid-1800's - it is wrong to set a date, but it is not wrong to anticipate that this event will come, and that preparations should be made.

Recent events have given the non-believing skeptic yet one more reason to dismiss the faith and truth of the Bible. But, the words of the apostle Peter have never been more relevant, if the skeptic is willing to listen: "Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, 'Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.'" (2 Peter 3:4-5). If they would listen, they would find a truth regarding the gathering apocalyptic storm cloud that would jolt them into preparation and anticipation: "but by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men." (2 Peter 3:7).

Two days removed from the so-called beginning of the end, we can accurately so it was not so. But, we are reminded that these are not "normal" times, and that the blast of a great trumpet has never been closer. Although May 21st was not a pivotal date in the plan of God, perhaps it was in the conscience and awareness of a world perplexed by the events of our times. And, perhaps this has been a pivotal date for the people of God who now see their mission and hope with greater clarity. I pray this is the case.

We will never be lacking for date-setters and charlatans. But, if they help remind us that time is short, and that gospel opportunities are limited, they will have served a greater purpose. Because this much we know: He IS coming back, and we believe the day to be soon. We have this moment to prepare, and prepare others. Carpe diem. Seize the day.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-05-18T09:03:00.000-07:00

None of us likely know what it's like to have someone in hot pursuit, ready to kill us if they find us. But, we may know what it is like to have someone with a murderous mental attitude toward us; mentally desiring harm and not good. Animosity towards us, even if not a real physical threat, takes an emotional and spiritual toll.

There was a time in King David's life - before he became king - when he was hotly pursued by King Saul and thousands of soldiers, intent on his destruction. With several hundred loyal fighting men, they took refuge in a cave to evade capture and death. Hunkered down in a lightless subterranean pit, David's faith and confidence are reflected in these words:

"My soul is among lions; I must lie among those who breathe forth fire, Even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows And their tongue a sharp sword. Be exalted above the heavens, O God; Let Your glory be above all the earth. They have prepared a net for my steps; My soul is bowed down; They dug a pit before me; They themselves have fallen into the midst of it. My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises!" (Psalm 57:4-7)

An underground cave is the next closest thing to a grave, and for David this cave of refuge must have felt in many ways like a grave. He was in a place of danger; discovery by his enemies was a very real possibility, and death would be certain. And yet his focus is on God's glory and status among the people of the earth. Although his "soul is bowed down", his heart is steadfast. The prospect of praise is on his heart and mind.

We can likely relate, at least figuratively, to time spent in a cave. Circumstances threaten. A crisis looms. We feel cut off from the land of the living, isolated in a dark cave mentally and spiritually. Despair easily seeps from the darkness and in to our souls. Where is God in the darkness? Will we be forever swallowed up in this cave of darkness?

There are no satisfying pat answers when we find ourselves in these figurative caves of darkness, but David's words reflect realism and hope. We clearly acknowledge the reality of threatening circumstances. We focus on God's reputation and work. We maintain steadiness of heart through confident faith. We anticipate future praise.

Beyond David's cave experience were rich years of kingly leadership. So it is with us - our future holds the prospect of royalty as co-rulers with Christ our Lord in the coming kingdom of God. Therefore, the watch word for this day and time is "steadfastness". Stay the course. Bolster faith from His word. Savor your hope. Victory is ultimately ours through Jesus our Lord!

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-05-17T09:25:00.001-07:00

Distraction is deception's close ally. The easiest way for deception to trick us with the counterfeit is for distraction to turn our attention away from what is essential. Determined vigilance is essential.

"For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face, that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God's mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this so that no one will delude you with persuasive argument ... See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ." (Colossians 2:1-4,8)

The plan is incredibly simple, but perhaps the problem arises out of its sheer simplicity. God's plan - His mystery (something once hidden but now revealed) - is that we each live in vital relationship with His Son, Jesus. God has reserved His wealth of understanding and wisdom for this relationship, for He has "hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" in Him. All that God eagerly desires us to know of Him is found through Jesus His Son. Jesus is the Teacher who literally open our minds to understand the Scriptures even as He did the first disciples (Luke 24:45).

Perhaps it is our desire for things more complex that leads us away from God's simple plan. In our restlessness we are seduced by other things that take the rightful place of relationship with Jesus - books, entertainment, philosophy, even "religion". Such was the problem with the churches at Colossae and Laodicea that Paul writes to and prays for: they had moved from relationship with Christ to a legalistic system of "do's" and "don'ts".

I'm not likely to return to the old system of animal sacrifices and grain offerings, but I can easily worship at my own altar of "righteousness". A good way of reading and studying the Bible and praying becomes the only way. I all too easily become a rigid wine-skin that no longer flexes and stretches with the dynamic new wine of relationship with Christ. Rather than bending and stretching, I resist and risk loss.

There is much "philosophy and empty deception" that is packaged and promoted to subtly take the rightful place of relationship with Christ. Much of it even looks and sounds "Christian". The only way to avoid its deception is a vital relationship with Jesus in which He opens our minds to Scripture and reveals the Father to us.

It really is that simple but don't overlook the value of God's "mystery" because of its simplicity. May you live today and each day in awe of the power and effectiveness of God's simple plan.

Steve

2011-05-16T09:39:00.001-07:00

Some people would say the devil is in the details, but in reality God is. Exodus twenty-eight contains a detailed description of God's "dwelling requirements", and they are extremely detailed. He required an ark of certain dimensions and materials, angelic figures, rings, poles, a table, and a lamp stand. Down to the most minute details, God gave specific instructions. And all this is prefaced by one key directive:

"Let them construct a sanctuary for Me, that I may dwell among them." (Exodus 25:8)

Now, I'll be the first to admit my lack of understanding regarding all of God's exacting details and requirements. Why would He care about almond blossom lamp holders, and pure gold hammered pieces? I don't know. But, I do know that He is a God of incredible detail. As Creator, look at the intricacies of His creation. What is more detailed and complex than our human bodies? It is these complex creations that He has ultimately chosen for His dwelling place:

"Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16)

God truly is in the details. Through Christ Jesus His Son, He finds a holy place for His presence to reside in the complex and intricate bodies of believers. And, He is intimately involved in the details of His people's lives. Nothing escapes His notice; nothing is too unimportant for Him to overlook.

"Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). Find a quiet place and a quiet time today to ponder the God of intricate details. He is in the details, and wants to make you profoundly aware of His presence and participation.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

2011-05-11T09:13:00.000-07:00

Watershed moments. Times when everything hangs in the balance, and the outcome is anything but certain. I've always been intrigued by the stories of such moments in the lives of famous people.

There was a time when king David was a fugitive in an enemy land, without certainty that he would ever be allowed to leave. Looking back today, we know the outcome. But in that watershed moment, when all hung in the balance, what did he think and do? Psalm fifty-six, written during that uncertain time, records his thoughts for our understanding and encouragement.

"Be gracious to me, O God, for man has trampled upon me; Fighting all day long he oppresses me. My foes have trampled upon me all day long, For they are many who fight proudly against me. When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me? All day long they distort my words; All their thoughts are against me for evil. They attack, they lurk, They watch my steps, As they have waited to take my life." (Psalm 56:1-6)

Be it never said that David wasn't a realist. He candidly describes the desperate peril he found himself in. Desperate times called for desperate measures, as 1 Samuel 21:10-11 record - the historic background for this Psalm. But, David's optimistic faith shines brightly amidst these times - "In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me?"

Are these times of uncertainty for you? Is there some crisis looming, or some desperate situation that threatens safety and security? Such times bring the true character of our faith into focus. Do we falter in faith, and surrender to despair? Or do we assess our situation as David did - "What can mere man do to me?"

In one such watershed period of time in my life a few years ago, I found a greater faith than I thought possible. The reality of a particular promise of Jesus became my stronghold, and continues this day to hold special meaning. The perspective of promise redefined the true nature of those circumstances.

Present circumstances, no matter how threatening, will not deter us from entering the kingdom of God at the return of Christ. Our destiny is immortality, and exalted status in the age to come. Like David who would escape threatening circumstances to go on to be Israel's king, we too will escape today's perils to go on to be kingdom citizens and high government officials in Jesus' coming government. Therefore, may our perspective be the same as David's: "In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid."

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011