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!

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?

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."

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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A Nugget of Freshness - 3/19/12

How often do you think about or consider your family? Do you trust them? Do you love them? I think about each of our family gatherings (both the intimate and extended) and just consider myself to be completely blessed. I mean, I've never been punched by my brother. I've never had to worry about my family stealing from me. And, I actually miss them when I am away from them.

I've had a great family experience. Sure, we occasionally get into arguments. And, of course, they know how to press my buttons very easily. But, we're family and we love each other. Done.

As I read through Mark 3:20-35, there is a different set of rules being applied to family. As I read through this, I kept thinking, "But, Jesus! That's not fair! How can you just cast away your family like that??"

He redefines family, by saying, "Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother." I wondered why I would even need a new family. Why would I want to replace who I have? I have it good! But, Jesus is telling us that the family is welcome to join, they just aren't going to be given the kingdom of God, if they don't participate.

Surprisingly, that brings comfort. While I love my family, I have a HUGE extended family. The family of God has been redefined to include all that believe in and follow Jesus Christ. Think about the family that you have been brought into! Whether you come from a good background or an intolerable one, you are being ushered into a revolutionary family that is committed to praising God!

I just wanted to share that nugget of freshness. You are an amazing gift from God, so don't waste your life. Be the blessing this week!

God's blessings on your life this week,

Bryan

http://thebtaylor.blogspot.com

http://feedourstreets.com

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Imago Dei

In the image of God...This is an interesting concept that gives us both freedom and responsibility in regard to our faith. Not only are we made in God's image, but also we have His Spirit living within us as a beliver in Jesus Christ. But what does all of this really mean?

There are two questions with which I have struggled over the past week to both comprehend and answer, each giving way to my response to God. The first, 'But who do you say that I am?' is a question posed by Jesus nearing the time of His betrayal. After asking His disciples what people thought of Him, He posed this intimate question to find out what His disciples thought as well. To answer it, one would have to consider the mind of the disciples at this time. These were people that spent a considerable amount of time with Jesus. In fact, Peter, James, and John, were with Him constantly as His closest and most trusted friends. They were being asked the hard question - 'Who do YOU say that I am?' It was no longer a matter of 'Do you call Me your friend?' but rather one of 'Do you call Me the Christ, the Messiah?'

As a child who grew up in church, Jesus was an amazing character who made stories come to life. He was the reason why we celebrated. He was the reason why we worshipped. He was the reason for our savlation. And none of that has changed. What has changed is my view of the Christ. I've grown out of my childhood thinking that Jesus was a character that came down and helped me when I bruised my knee. But when I stop to consider the depth of my sin, the awfulness of my depravity, it seems that I need a bigger bandaid that covers more than just my knee. Jesus is the One to save me from my sins, but He's asking the question...'Who do you say that I am?' Do I truly believe that He is the Christ?

Hmm...do I truly believe that He is the Christ? It's a serious question for each of us to consider. But do I? The obvious answer is 'yes,' the more sublte answer is 'yes, but not with my whole heart.' See, if I truly believed with my whole heart, I wouldn't hang on to the things of the world. I wouldn't have to stop in mid-sentence and ponder the question. I would know.

The second question is, 'What do I know of holy?' It comes from a song (unfortunately I do not know the artist) and provokes a deep answer. But I consider these questions to be linked. When I stand in the presence of the Most High and He asks me what I know about holiness, what will be my answer? That I went to church every week? That I read my Bible? NO. My answer has to answer the question of holiness. Do you sin? Do you continually sin? Are you so pure, that no blemish is found within your heart? If you were being offered up as a sacrifice for the rest of the world, would you actually be able to save them as a lamb without spot?

I believe holiness to be linked to a blameless and spotless conscience. One that is not beguiled by the world or anything that goes against the will of God. Holiness (again, just my opinion) is derived from following the perfect will of God without question or doubt. If sin is us turning away from God's will and going against Him, then holiness is the complete devotion to His calling.

So what do I know about holiness? Have I experienced a holy life? Have I lived without spot or blemish? This question is one that has brought me to a dead stop. The fact that I had to think about it tells me that I'm not entirely convinced of my innocence. It makes sense that I am a human and a sinner, but have I thought more of myself than I ought? You can't equate ignorance with blamelessness.

And this brings me back to the image of God. We have been created in His image, for His pleasure. So what have we been doing with that responsibility? First, and foremost, do we consider God to be 'God' or just another character in our lives? Secondly, what are we doing to uphold the image of God? He hates sin and will not associate with it, so do we have sin that is keeping us from God? Lastly, is our entire life devoted to a myth, a legend, or a real and amazingly awesome Creator of the Universe that is ready and willing to cleanse us and give us a completely new life in Him?

The question is not whether or not you are a Christian, but rather do you serve the God of this universe with your entire life, so as to be named blameless on the day of judgement?