Letters to My Wife, Chapter 6

I was asked, repeatedly, what my "type" was. Who would I desire to date? What did I look for in a wife? I mean, I wanted to be completely honest, but sometimes I just didn't know what to say. Most people wanted to know if I looked for a brunette or a blond and how tall she should be and whether she was thin and all of that superficial stuff. While I'll admit, I desired a woman who was beautiful, I didn't necessarily have a "type" as most people wanted to know.

I wanted to see the heart. I wanted someone with whom I could have a real and honest conversation. I wanted deeper than the typical, superficial relationship that I saw in so many people around me. Often people wondered why I was so picky, and it was because I just couldn't see myself with this girl or that one. There was nothing beyond the physical attraction and that bothered me.

So, when people asked about my type, I shared my prayer:

"Lord, I ask that you bring me a beautiful woman to be my wife. Please let her be someone who will love and respect me; and someone that I can love and respect in return. Let her be someone that will join with me in ministry. And, let her be someone that I can pour my heart into and will pour her heart into me in return. Thank you, Lord."

At hearing this, most people would respond with, "Awwe," as if I had discovered some secret to love and happiness. The truth is, I was still single. I would often wonder if I had prayed the wrong prayer or if my prayer would ever be answered. But, I waited with anticipation. I knew that God would send you, and I held on to that hope. I knew that, if I was faithful to my God, He would bless me, more abundantly than I had ever thought possible.

Now that we're finally married, I realize that I couldn't have asked for anyone more appropriate. My God supplied my needs and blessed me with a woman who completes me so fully, I haven't the words to express it. So, I simply say, "I love you. Thank you, for being a part of the rest of my life."

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

A Message from Jesus - 10/17/11

Jesus Christ is our salvation, and yet, we spend so little time actually examining the messages that He had to impart to humanity. More specifically, I think we sometimes forget to look at the Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew 5. I'd like to spend a little time on the Beatitudes for the next few weeks or so. The Beatitudes are Jesus' opening remarks for the rest of the sermon, and really outline, I think, His desire for Israel to turn back to their God.

Last week I discussed hungering and thirsting for righteousness, but I didn't do much to introduce the first three verses. This week, let's look at Matthew 5:3: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Poor in spirit? What on earth does THAT mean? Do I have to lose my spirit? Is my spirit not good enough? Is He talking about God's Spirit?

Imagine our spirit as a glass jar or container. An empty container is still filled with something - air. So, imagine your spiritual container being filled with things: emotions, reactions, thoughts, words, ideas, beliefs, etc. All of these things are direct change agents to our spirit. If I start filling my container with negative emotions, my spirit is going to look negative. If I begin to fill my container with positive thoughts, then I will be filled with a bunch of "good words". But, imagine me emptying my container of all of MY stuff. If I do this, then I am making room for it to be filled with something else.

This emptying can be dangerous, because it leaves room for either negative things or positive things to fill it. But, if my entire desire is to be filled with God's spirit (going back to Matthew 5:6 from last week), then I HAVE to empty my container to make room for Him. That's a risk that I take, but one that I am absolutely willing to do, because I cannot continue to live my life without Christ. To live without Christ is nothingness. To live without Him is emptiness. To live without Him is worthless.

Once I have emptied my spirit (or become poor in spirit - my own spirit), I have room to inherit the kingdom of heaven. And THAT, brothers and sisters, is the desire of my heart. This week, I hope that all of your actions, statements, and thoughts glorify God. May you have God's peace, to surround your life and keep you humble.

God's blessings on your life this week,

Bryan

http://thebtaylor.blogspot.com

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Things to be Remembered

Have you ever found yourself wondering why you are in your current situation? Have you been so completely overwhelmed with life that you forget to remember the GOOD things that Christ is doing in and through your life? To hopefully avoid finding myself in that place, I'd like to share the following story. It may not be that significant to some, but it is to me, and therefore is set up as an Ebenezer for future remembrance.

Last night, youth group was a different service that what we've experienced lately. Don't get me wrong, I've been enjoying our youth services, but last night was special. It was the culmination of a number of changes that God has been making in my life and in the lives of many of my teens. It was the turning point and a time that should not be forgotten.

We started with our music. While the teens were excited and full of rambunctious energy, when we began singing, we were moved from our current place of understanding, to a place in which the Holy Spirit was able to speak into our hearts. This was in addition to the fact that I really had fun playing guitar with my brother. I mean, there's just something about playing well together, when you are in sync, that let's you know that the groove is on and you're playing out of the overflowing abundance of your heart. THAT was cool!

But, back to the teens. There is something about hearing a bunch of teens lift their voices in praise and adoration of our Father and Creator that soothes the soul. There is something about that moment in time that allows the Holy Spirit to just say, "Peace. Hear my voice and respond." In that instant, you are moved from thinking about your current situation, your problems, your worries, and your concerns with life to only caring about serving the one, true Savior. THAT was cool!

But, put the guitar aside. Put the music and lyrics aside. Open the Word of the Lord to Hosea 10:12. If, as most Christians would state, our desire is to draw closer to God through righteousness, we would look at this passage and wonder, is my field fallow? Is my soil rocky? Do I have weeds in my life that are keeping me from worshiping God with every part of my being? If so, then I HAVE to plow my field and get it ready for God's great and abundant blessings for my life.

This brought us to the point of an invitation to answer the Spirit's call on our lives. Hands were raised, teens were feeling the Spirit moving in their lives. The altar was open and ready to receive people for prayer. In that moment in time, there was absolutely no doubt about God's call for repentance, changed lives, and new attitudes. To leave there without connecting with God was a very purposeful and rebellious decision.

Afterward, the teens wanted to stay and talk. I mean, we have days in which people jet out the door and are ready to go home; but, not last night! I literally had to force them out the door so that we could have our new believer's Bible study. The fact that they were disappointed to leave the House of God just warmed my heart, and warms it still.

Fast forward through Bible study, which was great, and you are brought to the van ride home. There was laughter! There were giggles. There was fun. There was excitement. There were good conversations. How can you get better than a van full of life?

To look back and say that God's Spirit was not present would be a scandalous falsehood. God was present last night. He was real. And, He was moving. I would rather have that with only a handful of teens, than a room full of disengaged and disinterested teens. But, here's the kicker! We had a great number of teens! More than I expected for "Christian concert" night at the fair, for which many people decided to skip our mid-week service. I don't hold that against them, but rather I rejoice in the fact that God still brought new people into His house so that they could hear the Gospel message. THAT was cool!

I fully recognize that there are times in life that seem dreary, dull, and without hope. Let this be a reminder that God is still God and that He reigns on His throne. He is the King and He will always protect and care for His people. Let this be a reminder that He's got our back! Let this be my Ebenezer!

Blessings on you! Feel free to share the message! Christ lives and His salvation changes our lives!

Hungering and Thirsting for Righteousness - 10/10/11

Matthew 5:6 says, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."

Righteousness, as defined by the dictionary, is "the quality or state of being just or rightful." Righteousness is something that everyone understands, whether they can put words to it or not. We are trained from birth to act correctly, because we understand very early on what sin is. Living in righteousness means that we are living through justified actions. How many people can honestly say that every single one of their actions is justified?

In Romans 5:15-19, we see that, through the actions of Adam's original sin, each of us is plagued with sin and condemned to an eternity away from God. We also see, however, that because of Christ's pure and righteous act (death on a cross and resurrection into life), we can reenter into righteousness.

Often, people try to justify their actions on their own, stating "their" reasons for acting in the manner observed. Unfortunately, this is the most childish of responses that we can have. We can't justify our own sin, so what good does it do to reason things away? Wouldn't it be better to just own up to the mistakes made?

Every time that someone tries to reason away their mistakes, they work out of their own strength. Working out of one's own strength just uses up whatever energy they had and thus leaves them with less than when they started. This is the essence of being burnt out and is the complete opposite of God's original intent for us to be filled.

Consider your life. Are you tired of paying the price for your own actions and mistakes? Please don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying that you will live a life without consequences; but, you can live a life that is finally justified. Christ's actions don't justify us continually living in sin, but rather they justify us being removed from sin, to no longer be caught in the trap of unfulfilling and useless words. Do you desire to be filled by God? Then stop trying to make excuses for your wrong actions! Just stop doing them.

This week, I encourage you to take inventory of your thoughts, words, and actions. Do you have a growing sense of God's presence in your life or are you continually feeling empty and alone. Only you can change that. God will save you, if you would just let Him have authority in your life.

God's blessings on your life this week,

Bryan

http://thebtaylor.blogspot.com

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A Healing God - 10/3/11

Do you believe that God truly wants to see His people healed and healthy? I'm not just talking about physical healing, but also spiritual and emotional healing. Often we don't trust that God has our best interests at heart. We wonder why He is taking so long to help us, but I want to encourage you to rest in God's amazingly perfect timing.

Last night, for our service, we baptized 9 teens/children! Here's what's really cool - I wasn't the only one baptizing them. Some of the children were baptized by their grandfathers. Some were baptized by their fathers. Imagine the legacy marker being left, because the Spirit of the Lord was working through fathers and grandfathers to bless the children of the next generation!

When you think of God's perfect and healing hand, His timing was exactly as it needed to be. For a church that has been wondering how God is going to continue to bless, adding 9 members to the family seemed an amazing shot in the arm.

I'm not sure how last week went, but I would like to encourage you as you start the new week. God has plans for our lives, but we are so busy trying to figure things out on our own that we miss Him. Look for the things with which God is blessing your life. Celebrate those things! It brings healing that we never even imagined could happen.

I'll leave you with a story from a friend. He was riding his motorcycle and a big SUV came racing up behind him, almost touching his tailpipes. After it happened twice, he almost lost his cool. In the moment, he wasn't sure what he would do; but, after he had cooled down, he said, "I should've just smiled." Smile this week, no matter what happens. You have a Savior that is completely in to you. Live like it!

God's blessings on your life this week,

Bryan

http://thebtaylor.blogspot.com

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Follow Me As I Follow Christ - 9/26/11

"Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." (1 Corinthians 11:1)

That's a rather bold statement, isn't it? I mean, Paul has a huge assumption that he is actually following Christ. Obviously, he thinks that he is, but what if someone contended that fact? What if you said, "Follow me, as I follow Christ?" Would you be ridiculed for that statement? Would people think that you are arrogant? Would they judge you?

Let me ask another question: What if no one is showing them Christ? What if they have no example of Christ in their lives? Do you think that it's more important to remain "without judgment" or to be an example for others?

"Bryan, there has to be another option than just those two." If there is, please pose it for me. Put words to your thought - your rebuttal - or consider the implications that my question leaves behind. There are plenty of people that live without a godly example in their lives. The problem is, none of us is willing to step up and take action. That is ridiculous!

People know that you are going to fail. In fact, they probably expect that you will fail, and fail hard. So, why not put yourself out on the line and guide them as best you can? Let them follow you, as you follow Christ. This will do two things: (1) give them a godly example to follow as they get plugged in to the truth of God's word, and (2) keep you accountable.

I think most of us would rather not be held accountable. If you've read any of my previous posts, you know that having no accountability is not an option. So, this week, see who you can influence in a godly way. Point others to Christ. We all know that you can't save them, but point them to the One that can! I hope that love becomes your guiding light, rather than fear of judgment.

God's blessings on your life this week,

Bryan

http://thebtaylor.blogspot.com

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A Longing In My Heart

To borrow the phrase from Dannah Gresh (in today's D6 Conference), I am emotionally wealthy at the moment. What does that mean? It means that my emotions are super-charged and am have wasted at least half - if not all - of my ability to cry. So, the rest of this post is an explanation of the longing in my heart.

Many of these emotions are derived from our most recent church split. Over the last 7 years, Harmony Church has gone through a succession of three pastoral resignations. For a church, that is a lot of turnover. I remember reading Doug Fields' Your First Two Years in Youth Ministry, and in that he tells the story of a girl who had 5 different small group leaders during the course of her 6-year participation in youth group. That much change can wear on a person. That much change has worn on me. I'm not planning to leave, but I have been left with scars - things that don't ever go away.

In addition to that, past feelings that I thought were put to rest have, once again, been drummed up. I thought I was content with being single. I know that you probably don't want to spend much time reading this part, but I feel compelled to share part of this experience. When we had our church business meeting (two weeks ago), I was forced to think about my brother's recent engagement. Knowing that my future sister-in-law was new to the church, I wondered what she thought about our fighting and squabbling during the business meeting. I also wondered what it would have been like, if I were recently engaged and living through this event with a fiance.

Would she be upset over this? Why would she want to be with someone who had committed his life to working in the church, if this was the mess that she could look forward to? Why would anyone even want to consider me as a future spouse, knowing the conflict that I would face? Why would I want to make this my life, my goal, my passion?

Obviously, these were rhetorical questions, but I found myself wondering them. And, I found myself revisiting the previous issue of singleness, wondering if I was truly content.

Now, to add another lay to this complexity, I am leaving the freshly wounded church, to fly out to Dallas and attend a conference about keeping people healthy within the family of God - ironic. In the morning session, however, we heard from David Platt - a man with whom I was previously unfamiliar. Following an encouraging talk from Doug Fields, Platt proceeded to kick our butts. Very simply summarized, there are too many unsaved people in this world to continue playing Christian. There is a calling more profound than anything we have ever known and that is to follow Christ, with everything that we have and with all that we are.

In Luke 9:57-62, Jesus talks about the cost of being a disciple. The cost, however, is not something that we are prepared for - leaving behind all that we have, including family. This doesn't mean that we shouldn't love our families or work hard to train them in the ways of the Lord. It does mean, however, that we are undeniable called to seek Christ's Kingdom, despite our family. Christ is not a means to an end. He IS the end.

Couple this with my previous thoughts and it seems that I have nothing left to stand on. What I perceive to be a "hard time" or a difficult situation to deal with, really looks stupid in comparison to the ultimate goal of the Kingdom. Why has Harmony Church gone through this pruning? Why am I left to the life of a single male? Why are each and everyone of us faced with difficult situations? Does it really matter, when compared to the larger goal of the Kingdom?

Christ has called us to join Him on His journey, and most of the time, all we can think about is our own selfish ambitions. When are we going to catch the vision for His Kingdom work? We have talked for so long about needing the vision from a pastor, but the vision has already been cast! All we have to do is open our eyes to see it!

We live in a wicked and depraved world that tells us that we're bad if we judge people and mad if we take a stand for justice. Look around us! People, on every street corner, are looking for justice - they just can't stand a righteous Judge. We have been so timid to preach that vision, it just proves our selfishness in not taking a stand.

I, for one, can no longer stand to sit on the sidelines, when billions of people remain unreached for the cause of Christ. I can't let the church stand in the way. I can't let my own timidity stand in the way. I can't let ME stand in the way.

I'm sitting here in the hotel room and Chris has "God of this City" playing as a reminder of the vision that we have already been given. We have been called to rise up and follow Christ by reaching the lost of our world. I, for one, don't intend for mission to be put on the shelf for another day - we are called NOW!

This renewed longing in my heart is what I should've been passionate about during all of this conflict. Whether inner turmoil or exterior anger management, I can't lose sight of the fact that God has wrapped His indelible Spirit around His me for the purpose of protecting and guiding me into the next generation of winning souls for His Kingdom. This longing is an awakening to the true potential of all believers, and shouldn't be quieted for the world.

No matter what you have been going through, know this - Christ is here to save us from our depravity and give us a new life, a new Spirit, and a new vision. You are called to be one of His children.

Leave me your feedback on God's specific call for you to take His message to the world! I'd love to hear from you.