A Fluosilicate of Aluminum to Remember

to·paz [toh-paz]
noun
1. a mineral, a fluosilicate of aluminum, usually occurring in prismatic orthorhombic crystals of various colors, and used as a gem.

Have I ever told you about my first car? It was a gem, and I mean, a real gem. It was a Topaz, to be exact. A Mercury Topaz that was the envy of all who laid eyes on it. When you think, "First car, I wonder what it could be," you may consider a Mustang or even an old-school VW Beetle, but I set my sights on something that was a little more functional than that.

Consider with me the hot summer days of Fresno. In the middle of the afternoon, after your car has been sitting in the sun and ripening all of those spilled drinks, that you desire to roll your windows down and freshen the car hits with the immediacy of one needing to release an evil spirit. Well, not so in this Topaz. I mean, you could roll down the back windows, but they only went halfway due to the child protection locks. The front would roll down, but not go back up. So, if you wanted to get out of the car and guide the window up straight, you could hazard rolling the window down. Why not just turn on the AC? That's a great question. It didn't work. Next question.

What about the look of the car? So it had some mechanical issues...did it still work well on the exterior? Sure! If you consider peeling paint to be gorgeous on a car. Better yet, let me tell you about the functional parts. One of the seat belts didn't work; the lights would turn on, but not off unless you knew the correct angle of depression; the wipers worked when it wasn't raining; the turn signal hung limply and you had to hold it up or down with all of your might to get a blinking light; and, the e-brake was slightly touchy when set in place. But, other than that, it was a beautiful gem that got me from point A to point B.

What was your first car? Did it work? Has it forever more changed your life?

The Transparency of Souls - 1/30/12

I have this thought that has been returning to my mind over the last few days. It really reminds me of an X-ray machine, in that, it allows me to see into the depths of someone's life. Now, before you think that I'm really the next Clark Kent, please don't mistake my awesomeness. And, please don't think that I'm inappropriately using the X-ray machine. I'm just thinking through this ability to see into people's lives and know, beyond anything else, that their soul is at stake.

Last night's sermon was on Amos 4. At the end of the chapter, the prophet says,

"'Therefore this is what I will do to you, Israel,

and because I will do this to you, Israel,

prepare to meet your God.'

He who forms the mountains,

who creates the wind,

and who reveals His thoughts to mankind,

who turns dawn to darkness,

and treads on the heights of the earth-

the LORD God Almighty is His name.'"

And, after reading these verses (12-13), I just get this sense that there is so much more to people's souls than we really take into consideration. Yes, people make their own choices and place themselves in harm's way and do things that they shouldn't and deserve judgment for all that they have done. And, yes, they deserve every, single bit of destruction that is forewarned; because, God is almighty, He reigns on His throne, and He has already spoken of our impending doom, should we continue on in our sin.

But, He have us a way out! That way is Christ Jesus, and each of us (if we are really honest with ourselves), is relieved to not have to bear the burden of sin on our own. But, Christ didn't come to just save you. He came to save you and everyone around you. He came to save parents, children, husbands, wives, co-workers, enemies, agnostics, atheists, hypocrites, and anyone else that you can think of.

When you truly consider the soul of each person that you meet on a daily basis, you begin to see more than just skin color, hair, eyes, perfection, beauty, ugliness, scars, and their physical appearance. You see into the depth of their soul, because your soul is not that dissimilar. You see who they are, because you understand their plight. You desire that they know God, because you were once without Him.

I hope that you can look into their souls this week. I hope that you can see them for who they really are. I hope that you can share the love of Christ with them. And, I hope that God is able to speak through you in every part of your witness!

God's blessings on your life this week,

Bryan

http://thebtaylor.blogspot.com

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We tried kissing, but the Earth didn't move

Leonard: Oh, we tried kissing, but the Earth didn't move. I mean any more than the 383 miles that it was going to move anyway. (The Big Bang Theory, The Fuzzy Boots Corollary)

We're coming close to the "Season of Love," aka Valentine's Day, aka Singles Awareness Day; and, many people are starting to think about what is going to happen on that epic day: February 14, 2012. Some of the men are still wondering how they're going to impress that lady. Some of the ladies are really wondering if they're going to be disappointed. Some of the singles are worried about not having a date. And, some people are just sick of the commercialism found in the day.

But, before you judge me for any cynicism, please hear me out (or read me out). I'm not an advocate for abolishing El Dia de San Valentin. I'm just wondering, out loud, about all of the people that are expecting that ONE moment on that one day to rock their world. They get to Valentine's Day, the anticipation has been building, the chocolate has been purchased, and the food has been paid for; but, the Earth doesn't move and fireworks don't go off. The disappointment that ensues breaks their heart and they feel empty inside.

I've told people, for a very long time, that there can't just be ONE day that is dedicated to your love (or infatuation or like-from-a-distance) to the extent that you neglect the other 354 days of the year. The response from many is, "Bryan, you're single, so you obviously wouldn't understand." Really? That would be applicable had I NEVER dated. That would be applicable had I never been out for a Valentine's Day meal that I wanted to be perfect. But, there is more to life than that one day.

I just want to be an encouragement to all of the rest of us. In the same manner that we consider our relationship to Christ to be a day-by-day thing, our relationship to our spouse or significant other has to be a day-by-day thing. It's great to get excited and do something special; but, if the Earth doesn't move, don't worry about it! There are 364 more days to try and I guarantee that on at least ONE of them, the Earth will move, fireworks will go off and you will be perfectly happy.

But, don't let happiness be your driving force in life. If you only strive for the happy moments, you will miss everything else around you. When Paul talks about contentment in Philippians 4:12, he is expressing an underlying desire to be blessed by Christ - to live for God with everything that you have. You have an opportunity to influence your relationship every, single day. Make every single day a blessed day! And, whether you are married, engaged, in love, in like, or single, make the most of your Valentine's Day!

It's Monday - 1/23/12

It's Monday! Yes, I used an exclamation point, so get over it.

Most of my coworkers realize that I'm not actually awake between 8am and 10am, despite starting work at 8am every day. But Bryan, aren't you missing out on two very valuable hours in the day? Of course not! I work, I'm just not really awake for any type of significant conversation. And, without fail, every Monday morning, between the hours of 8 and 10, it's even worse. I mean, it's not like I do it on purpose. It's just that, after the weekend, NO one wants to go back to work...except maybe the robots...and often I question their salvation.

And, since I technically am a pastor and should probably bring some biblical basis to this whole thought, I'm forced to ask the question: How did the Israelites deal with Monday mornings? Yeah...nothings really coming to mind. There is a LOT written about the Sabbath, but nothing that ever talks about the morning after. Nothing to give us any indication that they required caffeine-filled substances to get their week started. Nothing to prove that they were groggy from 8-10am. Nothing to show that they struggled in this area.

Except...maybe a few different commands.

"Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy." - Leviticus 19:2b

"I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me." - Psalm 3:5

"I obey your precepts and your statues, for all my ways are known to you." - Psalm 119:168

The LORD sustains us. He makes our path clear and gives us guidance every single day. He provides for our needs and is continually faithful. If there is anything that we can take away from Monday mornings, it is that God is still the same God as He was on Sunday; and, He will continue to be the same God tomorrow.

I hope this brings you some encouraging thoughts for the week. As you approach the week, think about the main priorities of your life and accomplish THOSE things.

God's blessings on your life this week,

Bryan

http://thebtaylor.blogspot.com

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The State of Our Israel

First, I pose a question. How long will we continue to make excuses for the way that we live our lives?

Bryan, the response to that is simple. We're not making excuses. We're not hiding what we do - we just don't think that we're as bad as you might make us out to be.

That's an interesting perspective; however, I'd like to outline a little of what was said by the prophet Amos. He is speaking to the Israelites during the time of Jeroboam (just following Solomon and Rehoboam). God has sent him a judgement for Israel, and chapter two, verse six picks up the part that is directed at them.

In verses 6-8, we see, what I will express in modern terms, the innocent and needy are ignored; the poor are left behind; sexual promiscuity is horrific; they're living beyond their means; and, they abuse the good things that should be set apart for the LORD. Now, normally I would have just said, "Yah, that's how Israel was back then," except for the fact that these sins are far too closely related to what is happening today.

What do you mean when you say that the innocent and needy are ignored? Look at our foster system. I could leave it at that, but there is more to the story. We are so concerned with being "politically correct" that there are thousands of children without homes and they shouldn't be. Why? Because people abuse the system. They'll take money for helping children, but as soon as the children stop behaving (most likely due to a lack of care and love), they want to put the kids back into the system. We care more for our animals than we do our children.

Add to that, the number of people in your own community that are without jobs and are helpless, because no one will step up to help them. We haven't even started looking outside our own borders, but there is more and I won't take the time to spell it all out.

What do you mean that the poor are left behind? Didn't they deserve it in the first place? I mean, 80-90% of the homeless are so, because they choose to be. There are so many agencies to help them get back on their feet. The fact that they haven't done anything about it means that they didn't want to do anything.

I'm not talking about the homeless, I'm talking about the poor. Sure, the homeless can be poor and the poor can be homeless; but, often there are people right under our nose that are dying for help and we're too stubborn to look their way. We're afraid that if we acknowledge their need, that we'll have to take responsibility for them. That's just it! No one is taking responsibility to help those that are in need.

I'll admit that the state of our sexuality has gone a little far; but, it's not like we weren't meant to be sexual creatures. Really? That's the hill of battle that you're going to die upon? Israel is accused of allowing fathers and sons to take advantage of the same girl. For one, that's incestuous. For two, it defies God's original intent for marriage.

And, think about the teens that are growing up in today's world! I just read a post the other day that went like this: "I'm tired of guys, so I guess I'll turn to girls." Ten years ago, the argument for homosexuality was, "God made me this way," and everyone would try to use the Bible to argue for or against. This doesn't even come close to that argument. This statement means that no one is helping this young girl to understand who she is. No one is teaching her right from wrong. No one is telling her that her sexual purity is not to be given away on a whim of boredom. What's worse than this? She thinks that she has no one to turn to.

"Our sexuality has gone a little far" is the greatest understatement of the last decade.

How are we living beyond our means? Well, let's start with foreclosures. But, go beyond that. People are living off of so much credit, they don't even see the light at the end of their payment tunnel. Rather than doing our best with the resources that we have, people are spending all of their money to prove to others that they aren't poor. THAT is living beyond your means.

Who cares if you have jewels on your jeans? Who cares if you have the greatest pair of sunglasses that the world has ever seen? Who cares if your car has 22-in rims and a sound system that can be heard in the next county? Aren't these all material possessions and in the grand scheme can't be taken with us?

We keep the church sacred, so don't even try to argue that one. Well, we used to keep it sacred. Now, it doesn't mean anything to us. I don't care if you go once a month or four times a week; if, the LORD's things are not kept sacred, then you're just wasting your time. We don't worship the LORD. We worship the act of worship. No, actually, we worship feelings. And honestly, that's not any better than abusing sex.

I was listening to "Arms Open Wide" by Hillsong United. In that song, we sing, "My whole life is Yours, I give it all, surrendered to Your name." When are we going to stop lying about that. Our whole life isn't His. We haven't surrendered anything that we didn't feel like giving up in the first place. And, nothing has been given to God, except our wasted time and breath.

This is the state of our Israel. When are we going to fully commit everything that we have to our LORD? Because as of now, we're just making excuses.

Considering Others - 1/18/12

Consider this the late edition :) When we have a Monday holiday, my whole week is thrown off.

I was recently walking down the sidewalk and saw a coworker headed my way. In order to be polite, I smiled and he smiled. Then I said, "Good morning," and he responded, "Good morning." Well...we still had 10 feet to walk before we passed each other. What was I to do?? So, I said, "How are you?" Casual. Just a quick, socially accepted protocol. Phew. That one was easy. And, he responded, "Good."

THAT'S IT??? You're not even going to ask me how MY morning is going? You're not going to ask why I'm so cold? You're not going to wish me well today? That's IT?

Well, I was already 20 feet away at this point, so it wasn't like I was going to turn around and shout across the campus at him.

As I walked into my office, I just kept thinking, "Consider others better than yourself..." It was almost as if I shouldn't care about myself so much, but rather should start caring for others. It would've almost been prophetic, had it not been written 2,000 years ago to the church at Philippi. Well, it can still be prophetic, but I wasn't hearing anything new that hadn't already been said. In Paul's letter to the Philippians (specifically chapter 2), he very simply calls us to have the love of Christ, to maintain a common presence in the Spirit of God, and to value others above ourselves.

I'm not very good at that. Honestly.

So, that's probably what upset me about this very short and very brief social interaction. I wanted to know why he wasn't valuing me above himself. And, the only answer that I could come up with, is that I wasn't valuing him as long as I was trying to get him to value me. I know that sounds like circular logic, but it's true. As long as I'm worried about what others can do for me, I'm not making them my first priority. I'm making ME my first priority.

It's a new year. I hope that you are able to value others above yourself this year. Being selfless is a habit, and not an easy one to acquire; but, I know that you can do it, as I will be attempting the same.

I hope this brings you some encouraging thoughts for the week. As you approach the week, think about the main priorities of your life and accomplish THOSE things.

God's blessings on your life this week,

Bryan

http://thebtaylor.blogspot.com

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Slowly Slipping By - 1/9/12

Slowly slipping by? Or slowly getting by? Or...is it the same concept. God has been speaking to my heart, lately, from the book of Amos. As I spent some time reading through the first couple of chapters, I realized that God was getting on to the people of Israel, because they had rejected Him. But, I had to keep asking the question of "HOW" they had rejected Him? This pointed me back to 1 Kings 11:29-39 and the issues that arose at the end of Solomon's reign as king. God said, "I will do this because they have forsaken me and worshiped Ashtoreth...Chemosh...Molek...and have not walked in obedience to me, nor done what is right in my eyes, nor kept my decrees and laws as David, Solomon's father, did."

I honestly don't think that the Israelites started out with a desire to worship the other gods. I mean, they were committed to God; but, over time, they allowed the things of the world to slip into their lives. Similarly, we live in the same manner. And, before we know it, we're casually just slipping in and out of church; or, the Word of God; or, our prayer lives. We don't intend to slip by, but it just happens, because we aren't paying attention.

We're in the second week of January - a new year - and, some of us have already been slipping by. We made resolutions or we had great plans for an amazing year, but are already disappointed by the way this year is shaping out. Let that go and let God restore you. But, Bryan, we're only 9 days into the new year! Yes, that's OK. Let Him restore you back to Him. The more that we allow God to refocus our lives throughout the year, the more clearly we will see His plan and His will for our lives.

I hope this brings you some encouraging thoughts for the week. As you approach the week, think about the main priorities of your life and accomplish THOSE things.

God's blessings on your life this week,

Bryan

http://thebtaylor.blogspot.com

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