Your Actions Reflect Your Beliefs

In an interesting Wednesday night Bible study on philosophy and ethics tonight, I heard the resounding question that beats in the heart of so many Christians. What do I believe? The Truth Project video quoted a Barna research study that surveyed Americans and their belief systems. According to Barna, only 4% of Americans have a biblical world view, and if you narrow that study to Christians, only 9% have a biblical world view. What do we believe and why is it such a struggle for us to maintain a biblical world view?

What do we believe about the Bible? What do we believe about Jesus? What do we believe about our responsibility to live faithfully to him despite what our government and culture might say to the changing wind? At our core, we struggle with these questions, because they tug at the heart of our free will. If God exists, then I have to either accept that He has power and authority in the world or not. If I accept that He has power and authority in the world, then I have to decide whether I believe in His immutable statutes. If I accept His statutes, then I have to recognize that I don't measure up to them. And, I have to wonder why this is such a difficult task for my free will to obey.

I am sitting here looking down at my 3-month old daughter asking God to help me to live well for her, for her Momma, for Him, and also for me. Tears came to my eyes as I contemplated the depth and seriousness of my calling as a God-follower to live rightly. Can I wholeheartedly serve the God of this universe and go to work each day with the knowledge that I will be tested and often be found wanting? Can I come home each day with the struggle of learning to raise an innocent girl in the grace and knowledge of my Lord? Can I bless and serve my beautiful wife in a way that honors our vows and lifts her up to God as my equal partner? I ponder such things as I think through the daily responsibilities of life.

And yet, there is that resounding question. What do I believe?

I believe in the God of this universe that has captured my heart and my attention with His love and attention to detail. I believe that He maintains the best course for my life and seek to follow it daily. I believe that He gave everything in this world to pursue my love and affection. And, I believe that Jesus, God's son, is my saving grace.

With that in mind, I suppose the rest will be quite simple. I choose to live rightly, because at my core I am a reflection of God's image and His love for humanity. I choose to respond kindly to others, because it bears the mark of Christ. I choose to seek appropriate counsel in tough decisions, because true wisdom comes from God. And, I choose to honor God with my family, because there is no better measure of stewardship than your closest and dearest affections.

The question then goes to you. What do you believe? Your actions will reflect those beliefs.

A Captured Heart

My heart is captured and awakened to new love daily

With the intent that it falls ever more closely in line with yours

To know and to love you would take a lifetime of searching

But it is one for which I am presently engaged and seeking

May I always find you when I search you with all my heart

For you and you alone can guide me, my Lord and my God

                I often wonder what our relationship to God would look like, if we sought Him with all of our heart. Jeremiah 29:11 is a very well-known passage, because it speaks to people with the hope of God’s foresight and blessing upon Israel, and in turn their lives: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” But, an even deeper impression of the passion that should invade our lives as lovers of the Lord is verse 13: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” In the seeking-with-all-your-heart action, there is a promise from the Lord in verse 14: “‘I will be found by you,’ declares the Lord, ‘and will bring you back from captivity.’”

The Lord, whether it is obvious or not, is speaking to Israel through the prophet, but it conveys to us a sense of God’s extremely passionate desire to reconnect with His people! This is a message that is written over and again in the Scriptures as God continually tries to reconnect to His people, His creation. He desires a relationship with His people that ties into our DNA as humans. We are designed to seek after Him, but we are also endowed with the free will to reject or ignore that calling. Thus, as one reads the words of the prophet, it can be clearly seen that God is encouraging a two-way relationship, one that involves the entire heart (and soul and mind and strength if you look more broadly at the Scriptures!).

With that said, in what ways are your passion, devotion, and heart for God being daily awakened to new love? If your relationship feels empty and without substance, then I encourage you to consider the poem above and pray for a renewed zeal for our Lord and our God.

A Book of One Thousand Pages

I saw an interesting quote, today, and it started me thinking about life events that we encounter every day.

"Life is a book and there are a thousand pages I have not yet read." - Anonymous

True. At least it's true in the metaphorical sense. However, my mine was percolating on this idea while I had another conversation about the troubles that people face as we go through counseling and helping people.

Imagine, if you will, the woman who has been left by her husband of 10 years. They have children together. The husband didn't leave her for a younger woman, but rather her best friend. Each decision, each birthday party, each present will now be split between two divided houses, encouraging the children to begin choosing sides based on which parent gives them the most. This woman has no one to comfort her or warm her at night, no one to dry the tears of her shattered and wounded heart, and no one to hold things together when she loses all hope in her broken world. Her pages are full of mystery, burdens, heart-ache, and stress, but so many people will never get a chance to read them.

Consider, if still willing, the child who has been beaten every other night for the last two years. There is no safe space in her home, because every hiding spot has been found and every dark corner has been creeped upon. When she goes to school, she lingers at the teacher's side, because she knows that there is a 50/50 chance that she will be beaten as soon as she gets back into her father's truck. Each of the adults that she has shared her story to has brought even more misery when the report reaches back to her father. Her pages are filled with darkness, broken bones, and a wounded spirit, but she goes unnoticed by everyone around her.

Again, think of the teen who has been emotionally abandoned by his parents, since they were too busy to give him the time of day. He fills the void of his time with drugs and pornography, seeking to find anything that will satiate his un-ending appetite for warm love and the soft touch of kindness. Each time that he seeks to build a new connection, he repeats his failure to communicate well. He is left behind the group, with a lack of social skills that will bring him into inclusion. His pages are ripped, torn, and stained with ugly fears that he cannot leave behind.

There are so many pages that have been left unread. And, what's more, we purposefully leave the book on the shelf. It becomes easier to ignore the book and the hundreds of pages of hurt, distress, and pain, because  we only like the remaining ones of joy and peace and prosperity.

And, lastly, consider this final quote with me, which comes from Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus (2:1-10 NIV).

"As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

There are so many pages that have yet to be filled with hope, love, and the grace of our Lord, Jesus, the Christ! We are challenged to live through faith in Him, because He heals broken hearts, He loves immeasurably more than we could ever contain, and He touches those in need of salvation. We are not promised a life without pages of brokenness, but we are called to a life that shares hope and love to those who are in need. Reach out to those around you this week. Don't let any opportunity to help the broken-hearted, because they require Christ just as much as you did. Pull that book off the shelf, and start writing about the merciful Lord, our Savior.

Thank God for Jesus, Our Messiah

Kid: "I want more presents."
Mom (to herself): "What can I do to buy more gifts for my son?"

This doesn't sound wrong, does it? I mean, in this Christmas season, how many of us have been searching for that "perfect" Christmas gift that says, "I nailed it! They will never forget what I got them for Christmas this year." But, out of curiosity, do you remember what everyone got you last year? How about the year before that? Has our obsession with gift-giving truly blinded us from the real purpose of celebration this year?

I am continually saddened by the fact that most of our Christmas season is spent not considering Christ. We go to parties, have family events, exchange gifts, and even take special time off from work, but throughout the whole season, Jesus hardly receives any mention.

Hopefully, this isn't a doomsday post about how the world is ending, blah, blah, blah. My point is not to berate us further, but rather to encourage that we carve out special time to celebrate the birth of our Lord and recognize that He was and is the Emmanuel, Christ with us! We have been blessed beyond measure through a free gift of salvation in Christ Jesus. Thank God for Jesus, our Messiah! May His name be praised for ever and ever more. He is the gift that will never be forgotten!

The Holiness of Marriage

I recently had a friend comment, "Bryan, I now have to use both hands to count the number of my friends that are getting or have been divorced in the last year and a half. We have lost the holiness that should be found in marriage."

I cannot disagree with that comment, nor with the fact that American marriages are struggling to survive. Each of use can probably name at least two or three couples that cohabitate before marriage and some of those couples have no plan to ever actually tie the knot. The prevailing thought is that marriage matters less than it used to and that there is no need to enter into marriage, because most of the time it will not last.

As a newlywed, that saddens me.

When I was engaged to Bonnie - and even shortly after marriage - there were a few people that, when "congratulating" me on our engagement, gave me the look. The look said two things: "I wish I had your happiness," and "I wonder how long it will take him to realize that it won't last." Surprisingly, I do not think that the look was given consciously, but rather as an outpouring of their underlying hurts and pains. Marriages and people have been beaten up for far too long, and it seems like things will stay that way, until there is a renewed adoption of God's plan for marriage: holiness.

Well before getting married, I heard marriage explained thus: The husband and wife come together to become a reflection of God. If the man is blue and the woman is pink, they join together in holy matrimony to reflect purple, the color of God's unquestionable royalty.

Think about that. Marriage is designed to be a royal reflection of the image of God. When did happiness become a requirement or even a goal of marriage? People often say that they look for happiness in a marriage. I do too! However, that is not my primary concern. In my marriage, I constantly check our relationship based on whether or not we are reflecting God in that moment, or day, or week.

Feel free to remark, "Bryan, you're still young in your marriage, so you just haven't gone through the trials that a life of marriage has yet to throw at you," and I will certainly not fault you for your comment. In fact, people far more experienced than me can share better advice on the subject. However, I have to ask this question in return.

What do you really desire from your marriage?

If you seek to be fulfilled in that moment with self-gratification, limited happiness, or a blissful day/week/month without an argument, I think you miss the point completely. To live for gratification (physical, emotional, spiritual, mental) robs God of His throne and title of Provider. To seek happiness, leaves you empty of the joy that comes from a life fulfilled with Christ's over and abundant salvation (and yes this even applies to your marriage). And, to think that every year will be another honeymoon is just foolish; it does not happen at your job or in your personal hobbies and it certainly will not last in your marriage.

Instead of trying to recreate the honeymoon, why not appreciate the growth that has come from years of learning the intricacies of your spouse and how your love for them has grown through hard work and dedication?

Instead of looking for happiness, which is most certainly momentary, why not allow Christ's joy and salvation to fill your marriage with a renewed spirit of heartfelt abundance?

Instead of seeking to be pleased, why not seek to please?

There are so many things going wrong with marriages. Do something right this week! Strive for holiness in your marriage and look for ways to support and uphold your spouse in Christ's love. May you be blessed as you renew these vows to each other.

Playing Second Fiddle

I went to band camp…for one year. My brother and I had received scholarships for a free year of band camp, but it was our first and last experience. I remember how disorganized I felt, because I didn’t have any “solo” pieces memorized, I couldn’t play the scales that they required, and I didn’t fit in with anyone around me. In fact, I sat next to a girl, during one of the rehearsals, who said that she had a music stand that was specifically designed for a cellist. They MAKE those?! I think she was lying, but I didn’t know the difference anyway.

The most humiliating part of the entire experience, however, was sitting last chair in the cello section of the orchestra. For those of you that don’t know what that means, it means that I was the last kid picked for the team. I was the one that they had to squeeze in somewhere, because there was nowhere else to put me.

Although we had an amazing brass section behind me (I know this, because they made me deaf during the concert), I was glad to get the experience over with. I look back upon that summer and realize that it taught me something very important: I’m not the best.

During this period for Lent, I’ve really been trying to focus my attention on the cross, remembering that every one of my actions is a symbol of Christ living in and through me. So, when it comes to those instances in which I want to be the best, I have to stop myself and think about the cross. Jesus put it very aptly, “…Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all” (Mark 10:43-44).

So, it’s no longer about how good or bad or whatever I am. It’s about what can be accomplished for the cause of Christ. As I remember back to that last-place chair in the orchestra, I am also reminded that playing second-fiddle in life isn’t a bad gig – it’s required! I hope that you will take some time as you prepare for Easter to examine your life and what Christ can do through your heart. You have an amazing opportunity to make an impact for the kingdom of God, so please don’t waste it!

The Eye of the Storm

You've probably heard this phrase before - "the eye of the storm" - but, I'm not sure that we actually take it to heart as much as we should. We talk about the calm before the storm or the peace after the storm, but what about the actual storm itself?? What do we do when we're in the thick of everything and are just waiting it out? You come to the eye...

For a hurricane or tornado, there can be a middle to the storm that seems to be much calmer than the rest of the swirling disaster all around. Right in the middle, with destruction on the outside, the center of the storm seems to cease, almost as a brief respite for breathing. The rest of the storm will surge on, and you will eventually feel the second half; but, while you're in the eye, you have relief.

Occasionally, that relief can be mixed with fear. "I've already come through so much, and I don't think I can handle the rest," is a common sentiment when you're going through the storm. Just when you think that everything is over and you can get back to whatever form of normal you enjoy, your realize that you are only halfway through the battle of the storm.

As I sat and contemplated the storms of life, I was reminded of the beautiful text of Be Thou My Vision. The phrase, "High King of Heavy my victory won," seems to settle everything into place for me. No matter where I am in the storm, my High King has already won the victory for me. I don't deserve it, nor can I fully comprehend the idea that He would care about me, but He does. He has freely given His life so that I might have hope through the storm. Whether beginning, the eye, or the end, I have hope through my High King.

So, we sit in the storm; we are tossed about by the storm; we have wind and rain and cold biting at us through the storm; but, we are anchored in the storm. The eye provides a brief respite, but we hunker down to sit it out. And we wait. And He comforts.

When God Laughs - 6/6/12

I have yet to see a reference to God laughing in the Scriptures. Except for when He's laughing at the enemy. But, I've had this idea - for a long time now - that God just sits there and laughs at me. I mean, if I laugh at me, shouldn't He get to laugh as well? Yes, He is a jealous God. Yes, He is our Provider. Yes, He is the One crowned in glory. But, doesn't He also laugh?? Doesn't He enjoy His creation? Don't we bring Him joy, as a father receives joy from his children?

I made a short list of things that I do that make God laugh. Well, I assume that they make Him laugh. Maybe He also gets mad. I'd like to think, however, that He enjoys my silly blunders like I enjoy them. If not, I'm in big trouble.

1. I think He laughs at my neurotic list of idiosyncrasies. "Bryan, you can't step on the sidewalk cracks? Are you kidding Me right now?" I know! I KNOW! It's just that...well...I have to step carefully, otherwise my feet will feel uneven. "Bryan, if I could use My own name in vain, I'd probably do it with you."

I should probably be in therapy, but it would cost me too much money. If I went, I would have to have at least three appointments a week like Adrian Monk. I just don't see that ending well, so I hope that God enjoys the show while it lasts.

2. He probably thinks my list  of qualifications for a wife is insane. I always thought that it was a good thing to be specific when you pray. I didn't think it was too much to pray, "Lord, please send me a beautiful wife who will love and respect me (obviously mutual), who will pour her heart into me (obviously mutual), and who will join me in ministry." After He continually responded with, "Bryan, just be patient and I'll take care of everything," I finally got upset and changed my prayer.

When I began to pray, "Lord, just send me a woman with a hand-written note from You that says, 'She's the one,' so that I don't have any confusion about my future wife," I think He might have gotten upset. I mean, He never came out and actually said anything about it, but I'm pretty sure that He was upset. I tried the whole awkward-laugh moment and I don't think He bought it. So, we're still a little touch-and-go on that one.

3. I'm fairly certain that He shakes His head at my control-freak tendencies. I didn't necessarily think that it was control-freakish, but I've been told (obviously by others) that I might lean that way. I always thought that I was calm, cool, and collected. I learned, on several occasions (high school, college, post-college, post-post-college), that I'm not as cool as I thought I was.

Sometimes God says, "Bryan, even I don't know what's going on in that noodle of yours. I created you, and you are more perplexing that anyone that I have ever seen." I was fairly indignant at the comment, so I asked my mother, "Mom, I'm a fairly simple guy, right?" The explosion of expression and fits of laughter told me that she was siding with God on that one.

4. He often questions my choice in wardrobe. I thought that wearing red socks with my black slacks and green shirt was a pretty awesome combination. When He said, "Bryan, I think the entire church can see your red socks when you sit down to play the drums," I started to get a little concerned. It obviously wasn't enough of a concern to keep me from doing it, but He began to question my judgment.

I thought, if ANYone would understand, it would be God. I mean, colorful socks just make everything better. If you're having a rough day, red socks just brighten the mood. If you're in a bad situation, seeing some purple argyle can totally change everything around. So, to this day, I'm still not sure if they're allowed...biblically speaking.

5. I think He is weirded out by my food consumption. I didn't think anything about eating half of a block of mild cheddar cheese in one sitting, until my bro-in-law started laughing at me in the middle of Albertson's. Around that time, God began to talk to me about the condition of my heart. I thought we were just having the normal "conviction speech," but I think He was more worried about my cholesterol.

I've since noticed that I'm in the minority for eating cheese. I didn't think it was weird to just offer someone some cheese when they walked into my house. I thought I was being hospitable, but apparently that's more disturbing than anything. So, God and I are still in the process of that conversation.

It's the simple things in life, right? We should take time to laugh at those small and seemingly insignificant moments, rather than being so concerned over all of the things that could potentially go wrong with the day.

I hope that your life is filled with opportunities to share the love of Christ this week. Don't forget that you have been bestowed an amazing opportunity. Use it wisely for the glory of God.

God's blessings on your life this week,

Bryan

http://thebtaylor.blogspot.com

http://feedourstreets.com

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Don't Forget to Laugh - 5/30/12

This just made me giggle...

"...Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight...Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. 'Don't be alarmed,' he said. 'He's alive!' Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate..." - Acts 20:7-12

Now, I've had people fall asleep while I'm preaching, but have yet to have someone plummet to their death! It's just so crazy to think that, because Paul wouldn't shut up, this man died. And then was brought back to life. And then they went and ate. It's as if nothing had happened. No big deal, this is how it goes when people hang out with us.

Sometimes I forget to just enjoy what's going on. I get so uptight and worried about doing something wrong, hurting people, or saying something inappropriate that I forget to just enjoy the moment. I mean, in the past two weeks, I've been the cause of three or four pretty epic accidents and all the while I'm thinking, "How on earth could that have happened??" But, we have to laugh, right?

If Paul could take someone plummeting to his death because of his preaching in stride, then I think that we can laugh about things that happen in life. There really isn't much else to do, but live life and allow God to take care of the rest!

I hope that your life is filled with opportunities to share the love of Christ this week. Don't forget that you have been bestowed an amazing opportunity. Use it wisely for the glory of God.

God's blessings on your life this week,

Bryan

http://thebtaylor.blogspot.com

http://feedourstreets.com

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If you'd like to subscribe to this weekly devotional, please forward your email and name to thebtaylor@gmail.com.

Letters to My Wife, Chapter 7

Do you remember when we were dating and I would always ask, “Are you good? Are you OK?” I think you finally just punched me to get me to shut up. Or kissed me. Either one would’ve done the trick. I used to make you so irritated when I would ask that, because, of course, you were perfectly capable of telling me whenever something wasn’t right.

It was just part of the learning process. I would do something stupid, you would look at me to say, “You’re an idiot,” and we’d both laugh and move on. But, there was something more going on than the surface tit-for-tat. We were learning what worked and what didn’t.

I realized that my entire goal was to make you happy, but it wasn’t in a way that meant giving you everything. It was in a way that would point you back to the love of God for His child. While I don’t get a lot of things right, I do know how to point people back to the Father. I think that’s what makes me different – sets me apart from many others. The waiting, the watching, and the preparation all lead me back to one thing: God has gifted me, so that I can gift back to Him through you.

I think this started when I was really young. I would watch my dad take care of my mom. She was fully capable of taking care of herself, but it was a delight to see how they meshed together to work as one. It wasn’t “her” job to feed us and care for us.  In fact, my father actually liked feeding us when we were too small to take care of ourselves. I see it now as he cares for his new children.

He ended up doing dishes, rather than watching a ballgame on TV. If mom was working, dad was working just as hard to take care of the house, the yard, and to provide for the family. Again, this is not to say that she is incapable, but rather to bring to light that their relationship was a two-way street.

I desired that same relationship, one that would allow me to care for my wife and give back to her. It really brings to light the words of Jesus as He said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Sure, we all want things, but those things seem to matter less as we learn that giving takes their place.

A friend made the following statement to encapsulate how I feel about serving you:

“Bryan, your desire is to love someone so deeply, so intimately, that God has placed that desire in your heart for a long time now. I don’t think you could date someone like you. It seems that you have to find someone that is so different, not because it makes you hardcore, but because you are the only person who could ever show them the love of God through what He has given you.”

And, it’s not one-sided. You have given me so much more than you could ever comprehend. My hope – my desire – is that neither of us is left feeling empty, because everything that we do points us back to the love of Christ.

Chapter 1 :: Chapter 2 :: Chapter 3 :: Chapter 4 :: Chapter 5 :: Chapter 6

Top Five Questions to Ask God upon Arrival

Everyone has thought about it, at one point or another. What will I ask God when I die? Granted, some will be asking the obvious question: why can't I walk into heaven? But then, others have been compiling another list of questions that all point to one thing: we just don't know the answer now. So what will you ask? What are those burning questions that are in the deepest depths of your heart?

Here are mine! Well, partly mine, because partial credit goes to my friend Amanda for her amazing ideas!

1. Did you give actual flaming swords to the cherubim that guarded the Garden of Eden or were they lightsabers?

You see, I'm really a Sci-Fi/Fantasy geek, and it think it would be totally cool, if the first lightsabers were actually used in the Bible, rather than in Star Wars. Think about it - the first Jedi could have been angels. That would mean that Jedi attended to Jesus after His time wrestling with Darth Maul in the desert. It all fits together perfectly!

2. When Jesus walked on water, was it more like a moon walk (since it was at night) or like a dancing fairy?

I've always pictured Jesus as being calm, cool, and collected, but who knows. Maybe He just wanted to dance. After all, can't you picture Him doing the moon walk - backwards - across the lake, just to wave at the disciples as He passed by? THAT would be cool!

3. At the feeding of the five thousand, how many different types of bread were there?

Since there were twelve baskets left over, were they each a different type of bread? I'm sure that Jesus had a jalapeño-cheddar, a nice pita, and also a 7-grain wheat bread. If you're going to feed people, then you have to make sure that you give them the best, and that they get a good variety. I think we sell Jesus short, when we think that He just gave plain bread, especially, if it was without butter. Oooh...speaking of...fresh, oven-baked bread with warm, melted butter. Oh, the delightful and delectable morsels...

4. When Jonah was swallowed by the big fish, was there theme music?

Maybe I'm too accustomed to modern cinema, but I can totally picture the Jaws theme music playing over the cloud speakers as Jonah is getting ready to be swallowed up. Duh-nuh. "Oh, no! People, throw me overboard!" Duh-nuh. "God, the theme music is a little much for me right now." Duh-nuh duh-nuh duh-nuh duh-nuh duh-nuh duh-nuh duh-nuh duh-nuh duh-nuh! "Aaahhhhhhhh! Noooo!" It probably happened exactly like that.

5. Jesus, what is Your favorite worship song?

We all have this notion that our song is the best, because we are praising Him; but, do you think that Jesus ever gets tired of certain songs? I mean, how many times can we say that He's an awesome God, before He just start punching people to get them to shut up? He probably sits on His throne and starts shuffling our worship music, because He can't handle it anymore. Like, seriously people, SKIP, next song. I mean, does He ever just need a break from His worship playlist and switch over to Metallica? He probably starts playing the YMCA, just to shake things up with the heavenly hosts!

What will YOU ask God upon arrival into heaven?

I Think It's Relief - 5/15/12

"My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content. Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore." Psalm 131:1-3

Week one of Feed Our Streets is over and I think that I am feeling relief. I'm fairly certain that I was stressed out, but it was really for no reason. I received texts throughout the day from people who were praying for the project; and, I still worried. When all of the volunteers showed up and things were falling into place, I still worried that something could go wrong. When the food was about ready and each of us was standing around to start, my fear was that no one would show up.

And yet, I've been raised to rely on God - the One who created the universe and everything in it. I've been brought up to believe that Jesus calmed the storm, raised people from the dead, and conquered even sin itself. So, shouldn't a step out in faith require a little more faith? As blessed as we are, as Christians, we sometimes forget that there are still others out there that do not know the love of Christ.

A man, from my church, was there to pass out Bibles. One of the little boys came up and asked for one. When he was given a Bible, his smile was beaming from ear-to-ear. He asked, "When do I have to return it? After I eat?" The answer is obvious to us, but not to someone who has never known the love of our dear and precious Savior. If this entire summer is about that young boy receiving a Bible, then the entire project is worth it.

I hope that your life is filled with opportunities to share the love of Christ this week. Don't forget that you have been bestowed an amazing opportunity. Use it wisely for the glory of God.

God's blessings on your life this week,

Bryan

http://thebtaylor.blogspot.com

http://feedourstreets.com

Be sure to share the love!

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Oh, was that YOUR sweater?

Be honest. Each of us has found ourselves leaving items behind for our secret admirer. No one is willing to admit it, but everyone does it. It's the classic I-need-an-excuse-to-talk-to-you-so-I'm-going-to-leave-behind-my-sweater-so-that-you-can-bring-it-back-to-me-and-then-we-can-talk line that everyone has pulled at least once in their lifetime.

So, why do we do it?

Isn't it just simple attraction/attention methodology? You want to get the other person's attention, so you'll do anything to get in their way. For some, this isn't a really big deal, because they'd love to smell your sweater. In fact, girls seem to have a higher propensity for wearing the clothes of the guy that they are attracted to, just so they can smell him. Fortunately, the guys can't usually wear the girl's clothes, so it doesn't seem to be such a big issue.

And, yes, the smelling happens. No one is willing to admit it, but it happens and you're probably trying to think of a way to deny it, even as you read this.

What I find interesting about this whole scenario is the fact that some people are just super oblivious to the whole thing happening - mainly the guys. The girl flirts, he doesn't notice. She leaves behind her sweater, he has a friend take it back. She leaves him a note, he writes another girl's number on it. They just don't get it. I don't blame them, because I've been known to be just as oblivious. Our mothers keep hoping we'll grow out of it, but I don't see much hope of that happening as well.

How do we break this endless cycle of oblivious, attention-seeking behavior? I'm not sure that there is a way. It starts when we're really young with taking 30,000 pictures of us, and continues on through puberty, when they get their own camera phone. I say it's all downhill from here.

Unless, of course, you're just naturally good at getting someone to pay attention to you. And then, you struggle for the rest of your life trying to find a way to get away from people of the opposite sex. But, for the majority of us, that's not the case. So, we'll continue to leave behind our sweaters, in an effort to engage the person that we like in a conversation that could change our lives.

Anticipating the Banquet - 5/9/12

As I sit in anticipation of this weekend's event, I'm starting to get nervous. The project is called Feed Our Streets, and the purpose is to share the love of Christ. And, despite the knowledge that I am following God's directing voice, I still feel that anticipation building up.

The parable of the Great Banquet is resounding in my head. The Master's words, "Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in," seem to continually echo through my thoughts. On the smallest scale, I think that I'm beginning to understand what the Lord must feel as He waits to see who will choose to enter into His Great Banquet. My banquet is not nearly to scale, and yet there is fear that none will show.

Sure, the volunteers will be there, but will the guests? Will we find ourselves going out to find others to come and feast with us? Or, conversely, will there be too many and we won't be able to feed them all?

Upon reflection, I'm not sure that either question really matters. I don't remember the Master saying, "Only invite them, if you're sure that they will come." He just sent the servant out. And, similarly, He is sending our team out. Numbers don't matter anymore. Only faithfulness will be accepted. To that purpose, we go.

I'm not sure how God is calling you to faithful service. I'm only sure that He is. So what will your response be?

God's blessings on your life this week,

Bryan

http://thebtaylor.blogspot.com

http://feedourstreets.com

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Stand Firm in the Bean Field - 4/30/12

Why are the men running? We fight for the Lord's army, not for this scum that is against us! The thoughts were running wildly through his head, because before the morning battle the king had led them in song before the Lord. We don't fight for wealth or land, we fight for the king and for the Lord God Almighty.

The scene, as it began to unfold before his eyes, was one of despair. The Israelites were leaving the lentil field and fleeing to high ground. Shammah knew that this field was the key to stopping the Philistines from reaching the more valuable soil and territory. The Israelites had to make their stand here or else the Philistine invasion would be fully realized.

"STOP running you cowards! We have to hold this field!" His heart was racing and he quickly looked for a solution. In that moment, as if everything became suddenly clear, he decided that he would stand firm, no matter who would stand with him.

With a battle cry of fury, he charged into the center of the field, hacking down Philistines as he went. The Israelites ran, but the Philistines seized the moment to surround their enemy. Slowly, they began encircling Shammah so that this fearsome warrior would not escape. And, slowly Shammah took down the Philistines, so that the bodies lay piled around him.

He continued on, demolishing the forces of the Philistines with unequaled power and might. It was as if an angel of the Lord was fighting in that field, because all eyes were on him. The Israelites, from under the cover of the nearby trees, watch one of their leaders struggle to find victory. Ashamed and afraid, they remained hidden in the trees, despite the compelling strength in which he fought.

He danced. It was a dance with death that he had perfected over time. This was his calling, this was his duty. Defend the king at all costs, and if you give your life for his sake, then so be it. Whether in a bean field or on the battlements of the king's fortress, his job was the same: defend.

He was getting winded, but continued on. Thirty slain. Thirty-five slain. Why aren't they coming to my rescue? Isn't it obvious that we're going to defend this field. With a resurgence of effort, he pushed on, knowing that the end was near. Forty slain. For the king!

Although he would never tout his own might and glory, the nearby Israelites began to whisper their amazement. Before long, word had gotten back to the king's elite forces, his mighty warriors. They quickly regrouped and sent a force out to aid Shammah. With speed that no regular warrior in Israel could muster, they ran on to find their brother in arms.

They reached the edge of the bean field and almost collided, because they stopped so suddenly. The field was silent and there was no movement whatsoever. Josheb-Basshebeth quickly asked, "Have we come to the wrong field?" As the leader of the mighty men, he was afraid that he had led them in the wrong direction.

"No!" another exclaimed. "There is movement in the middle of the field."

The men ran to the middle, jumping over the bodies of the fallen Philistines. There, in the center of the field, was Shammah. He was struggling to stand, now using his bloody sword as a crutch to assist his legs.

"Help him," Josheb cried, and quickly two men ran to Shammah and put his arms around their shoulders for support. "Shammah, what were you thinking? This field is useless and you shouldn't have stood alone!"

"This field is on the way to the king's fortress," he replied. "If I didn't stand to defend it, you would have been surrounded."

With relief Josheb said, "Thank you, brother. I guess that even the bean field has its place in the kingdom." And with that, the men carried Shammah back to the king to share his story and honor his bravery.

[This story can be found in 2 Samuel 23:11-12.]

What if Jesus Used a Lightsaber? - 4/23/12

What? You mean that no one else has EVER thought of that? From the angels with flaming swords to Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane, you mean to tell me that you've never considered the possibility that Jesus could have moves like Master Yoda? Granted, to reduce Jesus to the status of a miniature green fictional character is almost blasphemous, but it's the idea of what He stood for.

What do we think Jesus stands for? Some would expect Him to act like a genie, while others would appreciate Him slicing up their enemies like a mercenary for hire. But, what did He come to do?

Let's take a look at the scene in Gethsemane. Jesus has just spent three hours petitioning God to be released from death, but has decided to submit to His will. And now, after He has settled His position with God, Jesus is faced with His betrayer. Normally, if someone is to betray us, our first instincts lead us to anger. Instead, Jesus allows Himself to be taken. While swords are flying and emotions are raging, the one calmness about the situation emanates from Jesus, Himself.

Instead of doing what everyone expected of Him, Jesus walks meekly to His trial, and ultimately His death. Why doesn't Jesus fight back? Why doesn't He at least argue or get in a few choice words? Why is He so quick to just go to trial? He is doing the will of His Father.

It's interesting that we expect certain things from Jesus and then get mad at Him for not acting as we would like Him to. But, if you think about it, He is doing the will of the Father. Never has Jesus ever disobeyed the will of the Father. So, if we remember that He has our best interest in mind, shouldn't we praise Him for not doing OUR will?

I realize that we are human. I feel my humanity more during certain seasons, but that's when God reminds me to rest in Him. I hope that you can do the same. I hope that you are filled with Christ's presence as you go about your week.

God's blessings on your life this week,

Bryan

http://thebtaylor.blogspot.com

http://feedourstreets.com

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The Flow of Power

She was still in pain. It wasn't just a normal foot injury or a scratch on the arm, but more like a constant pang that was ripping apart her insides. She had been bleeding for over twelve years and no one could figure out how to stop it. For a woman, bleeding like this was embarrassing enough, not to mention the fact that it was continuous. Most people could deal with a sickness, if it was just a short-term ailment; but, this was insurmountable.

"I'm not allowed to go out in public," she thought, knowing that she had been banned to solitude. She was considered "unclean" by the religious standards of her time, so touching anyone was an unthinkable act. No family. No children. No visitors. Just unclean.

"But, if I cover my face," she considered, "I can possibly worm my way through the crowd and go unnoticed." Wrapping her shawl over her head to cover her face, she silently slipped into the street and closed her door behind her. The crowd was in an uproar, because He was among them and He was always fascinating the people in town. She had also heard, through the gossip spoken loudly outside of her window, that He was leaving to go and help some religious leader in another town. "Now is my chance. He's leaving and I may never get another opportunity to get close."

She had heard the Law read aloud when she was younger and remembered the way that people spoke about the tassels. She had already considered who He was and believed that He was greater than those that wore the tasseled garments. So, it must be the same with His garment. "If I just touch His clothes," she thought, "I will be healed."

The crowd was thick, but she was more determined than ever. With a hope that she had never before expressed, she shoved her arms between the people at the back. These people were not going to keep her back. The doctors had failed her, the family she knew and loved was not allowed to see her, and she had been cast aside as unwanted material. With renewed vision, she set herself against the crowd that was pushing in around her.

She gasped when she saw Him. He didn't look very stately, but there was a power about Him that shocked her even at that distance. "It's Him," she thought. "It really is Him. I would recognize the Anointed One anywhere." And with a fire that mirrored His radiating power, she reached down and just caught the bottom part of His garment.

The power surged through her, as if it was a tidal wave capsizing a boat. She felt so small, so insignificant, and yet whole. She would have traded any of her meager possessions to feel that sense of completeness. Never before had she experienced peace like that washing over her in that moment.

And just as immediately as she had felt that tantalizing effect, she was filled with dread as He turned around and spoke, "Who touched my clothes?"

"Run," she thought. If He sees me, He will know that I was the one who stole His power. She was dazed and seemingly unaware that He was looking at her.

Quickly, one of his men asked, "You see the people crowding against you, and yet you can ask, 'Who touched me?'"

"How dare he say that to the Anointed One! If that man knew who He really was, he would not talk that way." But, it didn't matter, because He was staring into her eyes. She dropped her eyes as she fell to the ground at His feet. Knowing that she could not lie to this man, she blurt out, "I'm sorry Lord! I'm so, sorry! I shouldn't have done it, but I just longed to be made whole." At His request, she told Him her story, and why she had sought Him out.

His response was simple, but profound. "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering." The power resurged throughout her entire body. She felt it again. She felt Him, felt His presence. With a look that calmed the storm within her heart, He reassured her that she was His and that He had made her whole again.

There was a commotion at the back of the crowd, which stole His gaze from her. "Your daughter is dead," someone said. "Why bother the teacher anymore?"

Hearing what they had said, He responded, "Don't be afraid; just believe."

Cast Your Cares on the LORD - 4/9/12

"Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken. But you, God, will bring down the wicked into the pit of decay; the bloodthirsty and deceitful will not live out half their days. But as for me, I trust in You." Psalm 55:22-23

We had two amazingly wonderful services for our Easter Sunday. As I sat through the morning service, I was just blown away at the excitement over the empty tomb. Of course, I've gone to church for my entire life, so hearing about it was nothing unusual. What was unusual, however, was the fact that I was still blown away. I mean, the power of God to overcome the grave still has me sitting in awe and wonder.

I left that service concerned over the fact that I am always unworthy before the throne of God. "'Why do you call me good?' Jesus answered. 'No one is good - except God alone.'" (Mark 10:18) It's true. There is no way that I could ever earn my own salvation. Nothing that I have will ever make me good enough.

Well, to hear that sounds so amazingly rueful.

To add to that, I went back to our evening service, which was a communion and feet washing service. As Pastor Chad was preaching, he continued to enforce the fact that we are not worthy, except through Christ. He is the only one that can connect us with a perfect, powerful God. To go from the morning service, to that, and then on to washing feet and the humility involved just seemed to be overwhelming.

And then, this morning, God reminded me of Psalm 55. "Bryan, just cast your cares upon Me. I've always told you that I can handle them, so stop taking them into your own hands. Allow Me to be God."

Cool.

That's a good cool, mixed with a little bit of sarcastic cool. But, cool all the same.

I realize that we are human. I feel my humanity more during certain seasons, but that's when God reminds me to rest in Him. I hope that you can do the same. Don't let Easter be just another day that is celebrated and left behind. Carry the words, "Christ is risen!" with you as you live your life.

God's blessings on your life this week,

Bryan

http://thebtaylor.blogspot.com

http://feedourstreets.com

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The Passion-Resurrection Week - 4/2/12

Have you ever been bored with Easter? For that matter, have you ever been just underwhelmed with Christmas, because of the commercialism? I mean, in today's society, there comes a point where you want to just say, "Give me Jesus and not all of this other stuff that makes no sense!"

It's funny, because our church has been practicing Lent for the last several years; and, when we get to this point (one week until Easter), people start getting antsy about eating their "chocolate" (or chips, or soda, or TV, or whatever they've given up). We get so distracted by the "date" of Easter that we forget to just enjoy and recognize God's presence.

In fact, we get so lost in everything happening that we find ourselves in a similar situation to the disciples. "Simon," [Jesus] said to Peter, "are you asleep? Couldn't you keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Mark 14:37-38) We get distracted and lose our focus. The crazy thing is that, by watching and praying, we stay more in tune with God. And yet, that's the last thing to keep us awake.

Still, that's the thing we need. To remember who Christ is - what He did on the cross. He didn't stay there, but was raised from the dead on the third day. We have salvation, because of Him. We live because of Him!

Remember that and be blessed this week. You are alive in Christ and are called to join Him at His Father's banquet. Share that - live that!

God's blessings on your life this week,

Bryan

http://thebtaylor.blogspot.com

http://feedourstreets.com

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Who Shares in the Kingdom? - 3/27/12

First of all, we have a new pastor! It's so amazing to see the profit that comes from just trusting in the Lord for your every need. But, that's not what I wanted to talk about this week...

"Teacher," said John, "we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us."

"Do not stop him," Jesus said. "For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us. Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward." - Mark 9:38-41

Isn't it interesting how the disciples are trying to become an exclusive club, while Jesus has spent His entire ministry trying to be inclusive? Now, this is certainly not saying that anyone is free to do whatever they want and claim that they are doing it in the name of Jesus. However, it is saying a lot about the way that we treat other people.

Consider, for instance, the person that walks through our church doors that is not dressed properly. Well, they must not be "one of us," because if they were, they would've known to dress up when they came to church. I hope you catch my sarcasm here...

Consider the person that truly desires to follow Christ, but we have told to "clean up their act" beforehand. Wow, if only perfect people could walk through the doors of the church (or even receive help from Christians), then where did we receive our "License of Perfection?"

I wonder about the things that we do unconsciously. It started out as a good idea, because it could help people, but has turned into a strict "spiritual code." We don't realize the amount of things that we do that really push other people away from the Gospel message about Christ.

The Jews had a cleansing ceremony that they would perform prior to eating a meal. You're probably thinking that it's similar to the way I have my little brothers or sister wash up before dinner. "Make sure you use soap when you wash your hands," someone will usually exclaim! But no, that's not how this cleansing ceremony would happen. Dirty, greasy hands were preparing to transport food from the table to the mouth, so you would expect them to be washed thoroughly. Nope.

They would put a couple of drops of water in the palm of their hand and then rub their other fist against it in a ceremonial fashion. THAT was the cleansing ceremony.

But, what about bacteria?! What about the dirt and grime? What about hygiene? Oh, that's right, it was just something they did to appear to be clean.

When you consider the team that you ultimately play for, consider being more than just a "fan" of Jesus. Do something in His name that actually makes an impact in the lives of others. It will change the way that you think about Jesus' ministry.

God's blessings on your life this week,

Bryan

http://thebtaylor.blogspot.com

http://feedourstreets.com

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