Dealing With Commands - 9/5/11

When you think about the commands that God gave, not just the Ten Commandments, how do you juggle that with your personal life? We know what is actually "good" for us, but are we really willing to obey them fully? We know that to "disobey" is sin, but have we disregarded God's warning to the point of apathy?

I've been challenged, recently, to reconsider my priorities and to truly challenge my values and my actions. Have I become lax in my treatment of God's commands? Since God hasn't stricken me down, does that mean that I'm off the hook regarding punishment?

In John 14, Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me."

Wow. I may not experience immediate punishment, but I have to consider the implications of being separated from God's eternal presence. This is not just a situation in which I'm not talking to a friend. This is the consideration that I may be separated from God for all eternity. I'm not saying that "one sin" will separate you from God, because I believe that God knows the intent of your heart and whether you are truly attempting to obey Him in all faithfulness. I am saying, however, that if you continue to ignore God and make it a regular practice to ignore His commands, that you will become separated from His presence. I will never lose His love, but has my lack of faithfulness caused me to drift away from His presence?

I don't consider this idea when I plan to just leave Him out of my life. I try not to think about it, knowing that to do so, I might feel guilty. So, I continue ignoring His gentle prodding and before I know it, I have found myself a great distance off. All of this happens, because I have been unwilling to be faithful in the small commands that He has given me.

I hate the fact that things so small can make such a HUGE impact in my life. Why can't I remain faithful in the small things…? I have no answer. All I have is Jesus' response regarding obedience.

I hope that you find strength in Him this week. I know that it's easy to disregard the seemingly "lesser" commands, but they are just as important as the greater ones. Rest in God's love, knowing that your faithfulness will grow your relationship in Him!

God's blessings on your life this week,

Bryan

http://thebtaylor.blogspot.com

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Kefa Coffee - Done Right

I'm sitting in Kefa Coffee in Oakland and am getting ready to have lunch. The cool thing about this place is the free wi-fi and the environment. I figure, since I'm here and they have free wi-fi, I'll give them a proper shout out.

I decided to check out their website and noticed that it was started, because two people enjoyed coffee and were tired of seeing it done wrong. Now, that's exactly how it SHOULD be done. If you are passionate about something, then do it well. Don't let someone else continue to get it wrong.

If you have a chance to visit Kefa Coffee when you visit Oakland, check it out!

The Face of the People

I'm in San Francisco this week attending a conference for work. As I was on the way back to my hotel room for the night, I almost ran into a woman (literally) who was staggering down the sidewalk. Now, by virtue of the fact that I am in San Francisco, I knew that there might be some interesting people on the streets. There are at least 5 people outside my hotel, every time that I enter or leave, that are begging for money.

So, having been here a number of times in the past, I wasn't really affected by the many people on the streets - until I found myself on a collision course.The lady had a pocked-marked face and appeared to be filled with fever blisters. I know that not everyone can have a perfect face, but I immediately felt pain when looking upon her face. Why was she like this? What had taken place in her life that she would look to be in such pain? Was this her own choice or was it forced upon her?

She was also crying as she staggered down the sidewalk. Not only were there tears in her eyes, but also she kept repeating, "Someone save me, someone save me." What should I do about this? Why would she be saying this as she was walking down the street? This took me back to Criminal Minds, as if it were another episode on women lost in the big city. Would anyone remember her, if she were gone? Would anyone care? Does anyone care even now?

My gut reaction was to keep walking, which I did. Was that wrong? I justified it by saying that there were shelters, if she needed help. There were also police on every corner, directing traffic. There were plenty of stores with open doors. There were hundreds of people walking by. Why was no one helping? Did she really want help? Was it for attention?

These are the thoughts that many of us are plagued with. Should I actually help this person? Am I a bad person for not helping?

What are YOUR thoughts? Share with me what you would've done in this situation.

San Francisco Traffic

Not many people enjoy getting lost in big city traffic. What appears to be a simple process of getting from point A to point B can quickly become a hazardous train wreck. Today, I had the pleasure of observing (from the back seat, no less) an amazing experience of the stress that can be compounded when driving in inner-city San Francisco. Check out this video and share your comments!

On Holiness - 8/29/11

1 Peter 1:15-16 says, "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"

Peter is giving a restatement of God's original plan in Leviticus 19 to be holy. What is holiness? Is it always doing the right thing at the right time? Is it drawing from God's strength to live our lives appropriately? Is it a purification process?

I think all of these things, but much more! Holiness is the consecration of oneself to God - setting yourself apart to be used by Him. This requires that we live blamelessly, because we know that we cannot enter into the presence of God with sin in our lives. This requires our full devotion to God, knowing that we are guided by His Holy Spirit. And, it also requires that we make tweaks and changes along the way in order to fully understand how our lives fit into God's eternal plan.

But, more than all of this, it says "be". Don't act holy. That apparently is a mask that people see through rather quickly. Don't ask for God's strength and then ignore Him when He offers help. Be. That's it.

Be the person that you know you ought to be. Don't pretend or fake it or whatever. Be that person - a Christ-follower. There is nothing more important or more satisfying that to be a follower of Christ and be fully satisfied with the knowledge that you are forgiven. You can be a parent or a successful teacher or whatever, but nothing will satisfy you more that belonging to Christ.

I think it's time that we step up and be who we should have been for the last 6 months or year or however long it has been since you lost the vision. You are protected under God's covenant, if you are His child, so don't worry about what the world has to say - be. Don't stress about the finances - be. Don't give in to that sin - be.

Live the life you were called to live.

God's blessings on your life this week,

Bryan

http://thebtaylor.blogspot.com

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A Sword Wound to Remember

A couple of weeks ago, I went for a walk in my neighborhood. You may ask why I wasn’t running, but I’ll tell you, it wasn’t by choice. I had previously hurt my knee and was on week three of recovery, so walking seemed to be the best thing for getting the blood flowing throughout the body. Knowing that I was going to be out in the dark, I thought to protect myself as I normally do: I brought my pirate sword. I don’t like assuming that there may be trouble in the hood, but one has to take precautions in today’s society.

On the third mile through the streets, I caught sight of a shadow, off to the right. Not wishing to be caught unawares, I immediately began scanning (cautiously, of course) the surrounding area for signs of trouble. Panning my vision around, I noticed that there were, what appeared to be, three shadowed figures following me.

My mind was racing! What was I to do? I don’t consider myself to be particularly adept at fighting, but I was determined to put up a fight and not go down easily. As I turned the corner, I found a place in which to hide. This seemed to be a perfect spot for an ambush, if I could just calm my breathing as they passed by. I quickly headed for the spot, but as I turned to back into the shadows, I noticed that my plan had been found. One of the shadowed figures was swiftly walking in my direction and I had no choice, but to defend.

Faster that I thought myself able, I drew my sword in defense. The ring of steel leaving the scabbard was distinctive – not only mine, but three more! Trying to remember my training, I set my feet and awaited my attackers.

The first exchange was exciting. The rush of blood and adrenaline surged through my veins. I was in the moment and the battle ensued. Cuts, bruises, blades, shoulders, kicks, sweat – everything around me erupted into the forceful game of skill and wit. I managed to wound one attacker, getting him out of the way, but the remaining two charged on with continued determination. Every second that they pressed was another that I grew weak.

Finally it happened – I felt the piercing blade of fire in my side. At first I was able to shunt the pain, but the throbbing under my ribs increased rapidly. I knew that I had to end the battle, but I was at a loss for direction. In an instant, it came to me. With one sweeping motion I arched my blade around, taking both assailants down with the cut.

Then I was running. Holding my side, I couldn’t chance looking backward. I ran like I have never run before toward the nearest clinic that I could remember; but, something in the back of my mind would not release my attention. What was it about those men that seemed so familiar?

Not wanting to chance capture, I changed directions and headed to a friend’s house – a man who I could trust with my life. When I arrived at his house, I found it dark and no one inside. I knew that I had to avoid looking suspicious, so I hid in the backyard until his return.

I must have passed out, because I only remember waking up in his spare room. I was told that he found me unconscious on the back porch when he was taking out the trash. He had no clue how long I was lying there, but he dragged me into the house as soon as he saw me. The rest is just medical jargon that I don’t understand.

I’m grateful to be alive, because from what I can tell, I lost a lot of blood. And, if any of you readers actually think that this story is true, please note that I’m really fond of writing fictional pieces – whether about me or others J

Then Forgive

"Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?"

Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times."

Check out Matthew 18:21-35. Jesus' response is a resounding, "Until they get it right!" He goes on to give a parable about a servant who has to pay up, but is forgiven his debt. In return, that servant goes and demands the minuscule debt that is owed him, forgetting the forgiveness that he just received. In stark contrast to Jesus' first statement, He gives a parable that is the exact opposite of what He is telling His disciples to do. It's as if He is saying, let me show you what to do, by describing what NOT to do.

In reality, many of us have trouble with knowing what to do, because we are too focused on what not to do. We can't seem to get past that part - why should I forgive my brother or sister, when they did this to me? I think Jesus' was saying, "Because you hate it when that is done to you."

We each have things that are a little harder to deal with than others. For some, it is love, while others it is faith. Yet, there are others that have trouble with letting things go. They seem to cling to the offense, because when the anger and the pain are strong enough, it blocks out the hurt. Stop trying to receive emotional fulfillment in negative feelings. They're not healthy, nor are they right. They won't keep you in right standing with God.

In the opposite light, let love enshroud your life. Let it cover every single thought, action, and part of your presence. Imagine that love covers you like a cloak, not keeping the world from seeing you, but to keep you warm and protected from the evil that you will face throughout the day. If love is your light, and Christ is your guide, then forgiveness is no longer a "have to" situation, but rather an outpouring of your regular character.

This week, look for your people to forgive. Some of them may be friends, and others may be annoying; but, all deserve it. Make Christ's redemption your glory!

God's blessings on your life this week,

Bryan

http://thebtaylor.blogspot.com

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