Have you ever heard someone say, "I'm trying to be a Christian?" They might not have said it in those words, but if asked the question, "How is your walk with God," they might respond with, "Well, I'm trying."
Why trying? Does that make them feel better about failure? Does it make them think that they can save themselves? As if trying harder would do anything to forgive sins. I mean, Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) He is the only way. You trying is not going to change that fact.
I've been considering the movie We Are Marshall. The theme of "we are" is significant in this, because it proves unity by virtue of being on the same team. We, as Christ-followers, are either Christians or we aren't. There isn't a middle stage of "trying".
You might be thinking, "Bryan, that sounds very legalistic. You can't expect there to be a hard and fast rule, because God is the one that judges the heart." I don't argue God's judgement here. All I am doing is bringing up the fact that there is no middle ground. If Christ has not forgiven your sins, then you are still a sinner and you deserve death and judgement in hell. If Christ has forgiven your sins, then you are undeniably covered by His blood and you will be welcomed into the gates of heaven.
"But, Bryan, what if I sin? What if I mess up? Am I still covered under the blood? What if I don't feel like a Christian? What if I am struggling or just having a hard time?" Honestly, these are the questions that we answer during the first lesson for new believers in Christ. If you don't know the answers to these questions, then we need to have an honest and real conversation about the Bible.
The point that I am making is that, as Christians, we have an unshakable responsibility to BE Christians. We don't try to act like them, we ARE them. Live out your faith this week, showing others that there is something more significant to life than just existing. Be a Christ-follower!
God's blessings on your life this week,
Bryan
http://thebtaylor.blogspot.com
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Monday, September 19, 2011
Monday, September 12, 2011
A Few More Commands - 9/12/11
We just had Bro. Curtis Linton at our church for a revival. I wasn't able to attend all of the services, but he started off the series (Monday night) with a sermon on Achan's sin. In light of the fact that I just sent out an email about obeying God's commands, I thought I might use some of his sermon to highlight or readdress a couple more thoughts. Take a look at Joshua 7:1. It says that "the Israelites were unfaithful in regard to the devoted things." Achan was the only man that took what he wasn't supposed to, but ALL of Israel was considered sinful, because of his actions. WHAT?? How on EARTH is that fair?
You guys know that I am very close to my family. Consider, for instance, that I were to do something for which the rest of my siblings would receive punishment. I know what you're thinking…"Bryan would NEVER do that!" Well, that may or may not be true. But, rather than bring any blame on myself or anyone else, let's just consider this theoretical situation. Would that be fair? Absolutely not! So why would my parents have reason to discipline all four of us? Even worse, what if my parents were to discipline the other three and not me? What would be the initial reaction of the other three?
I think there would be anger - for sure. I think there would also be some resentment. However, I hope that, after some time had passed, my siblings would consider our future as a family. You see, we've never just stopped at telling someone what we think they should or shouldn't do. Rather, we dive into their life and make sure that they know how serious we are in keeping them from trouble. If I had a habit of getting the others in trouble, they would try even harder to keep me from future trouble. Interesting.
Reconsider Achan. A man who, for all intensive purposes, isn't that significant. His sin affects the entire nation of Israel. It starts Joshua on a road of doubt as the leader of the people. It causes the deaths of 36 men and routed the Israelite army in humiliation. It caused unrest, strife, and mourning in the camp of the Israelites. One man's sin did this. ONE man.
How many "one man" situations are causing you or those closest to you to fail? We're not just individuals living out this life, despite the fact that we are individually responsible for our decisions and commitment to God. We keep each other accountable. You are held to accountability by those closest to you.
You affect those around you.
So take some time to be honest with yourself this week. In what ways are you holding others hostage by your own actions? Do something about it. How are others holding you hostage by their actions? Do something about it. But, do it in love.
God's blessings on your life this week,
Bryan
http://thebtaylor.blogspot.com
Be sure to share the love!
If you'd like to subscribe to this weekly devotional, please forward your email and name to thebtaylor@gmail.com.
You guys know that I am very close to my family. Consider, for instance, that I were to do something for which the rest of my siblings would receive punishment. I know what you're thinking…"Bryan would NEVER do that!" Well, that may or may not be true. But, rather than bring any blame on myself or anyone else, let's just consider this theoretical situation. Would that be fair? Absolutely not! So why would my parents have reason to discipline all four of us? Even worse, what if my parents were to discipline the other three and not me? What would be the initial reaction of the other three?
I think there would be anger - for sure. I think there would also be some resentment. However, I hope that, after some time had passed, my siblings would consider our future as a family. You see, we've never just stopped at telling someone what we think they should or shouldn't do. Rather, we dive into their life and make sure that they know how serious we are in keeping them from trouble. If I had a habit of getting the others in trouble, they would try even harder to keep me from future trouble. Interesting.
Reconsider Achan. A man who, for all intensive purposes, isn't that significant. His sin affects the entire nation of Israel. It starts Joshua on a road of doubt as the leader of the people. It causes the deaths of 36 men and routed the Israelite army in humiliation. It caused unrest, strife, and mourning in the camp of the Israelites. One man's sin did this. ONE man.
How many "one man" situations are causing you or those closest to you to fail? We're not just individuals living out this life, despite the fact that we are individually responsible for our decisions and commitment to God. We keep each other accountable. You are held to accountability by those closest to you.
You affect those around you.
So take some time to be honest with yourself this week. In what ways are you holding others hostage by your own actions? Do something about it. How are others holding you hostage by their actions? Do something about it. But, do it in love.
God's blessings on your life this week,
Bryan
http://thebtaylor.blogspot.com
Be sure to share the love!
If you'd like to subscribe to this weekly devotional, please forward your email and name to thebtaylor@gmail.com.
Monday, September 5, 2011
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
Be sure to share the love!
If you'd like to subscribe to this weekly devotional, please forward your email and name to thebtaylor@gmail.com.
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
Be sure to share the love!
If you'd like to subscribe to this weekly devotional, please forward your email and name to thebtaylor@gmail.com.
Friday, September 2, 2011
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!
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!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
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!
Monday, August 29, 2011
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
Be sure to share the love!
If you'd like to subscribe to this weekly devotional, please forward your email and name to thebtaylor@gmail.com.
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