Category: priorities

Posted in fear, friends, gratitude, life, prayer, priorities, Scripture, sovereignty of God, spiritual battles

What Shall We Do?

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

 “You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

These days in too many ways are monsters—perhaps a cookie monster.  Crazy changes seem to take so many of the things that were precious to us and just consume them.  One minute they were there and the next…they were gone.  Like Cookie Monster, change crunches and munches its way through our lives declaring, “Me like cookies.”

We have struggled, pushed and pulled as time marched on but let’s not lose sight of what we learned.  We learned things about ourselves, and things about God.  We have stopped just reading about faith or listening to preachers tell us about it and we were given opportunities to taste it, to experience it.  Keep in mind that kind of learning happens in situations that we can’t handle.  It starts in the darkness but it is then that we get to see the dawn coming.  We get to see what he saw.

The man woke up early…just as dark was turning to dawn.  He quietly stirred so as not to disturb his master, Elisha.  It was then that he heard them.  “Them” were masses of horses and warriors lining the surrounding hills. It wasn’t going to be a good day.

For too many days we awoke to a world filled with the unfamiliar. It seemed the sounds of warriors and horses were louder and closer than the day before as politics and headlines stopped being something that was just happening on the national news. Slowly it inched its way nearer, first, in nearby counties and then even closer. Perhaps you felt the fear creeping into the pit of your stomach…again…and again.  You asked, “What can I do?”  Now the question is “How did we do?”

Our friend shakes his master out of a deep sleep.  The Word of God records it like this in 2 Kings 6:15 “When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh, my lord, what shall we do?” the servant asked. What.Shall.We.Do.

Did you ask that question in 2020? Last year? Recently? This morning?  Well, welcome to normal.  The best part is there is a great answer coming.  Elisha, in 2 Kings 6:16, says “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

“Calm down, friend” Elisha said because the odds are on our side.  Well, the servant did the math and it looked like a zillion to two.  Hmmm.  So, do you find yourself doing the math and no matter how you rewrite the equation it doesn’t look good? Well – get ready because something is about to change.  In verse 17 the Word says, “And Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes so he may see.” Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”

And boom, just like that everything changed.  When he could see clearly it was clear that the odds were in their favor and the fear eased and the panic fled and well, it was gonna be a better day. 1 John 4:4 puts it this way, “You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”

That was true then and it is true now.  Yes, we had enough stuff in recent days and years to cause the strongest knees to knock.  The enemy was and is great, but our God was and is greater. Yes, the carnage scars the landscape but the virus, the division, the economic and emotional disruption was and is no match for our God. He is bigger…by a lot.  Ask God to open your eyes so you can see what the odds really were and are–and feel the fear ease and the panic flee.  After all, “He’s got this.”  Bro. Dewayne

Posted in Integrity, life, priorities, Scripture, travel

Lawbreaker

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

“If you love Me, obey My commandments.” John 14:15 

Can someone say, “lawbreaker?” Now, by and large I have always considered a person who generally follows the rules. Well, something happened on our trip to Florida that sorta gave me a new perspective. First, I was not a speeder. Oh, I might go one or two over the speed limit but that was it. In fact, for the last year or so, I would set the speed control right at, or under, the speed limit. It was just something I did. Well, here’s the confession. On our last trip south I found myself going a full five to seven miles per hour over the interstate speed limit. I know—I can’t believe it either.

I think it started on our last trip to Atlanta for Operation Christmas Child. I was supposed to follow someone and they were doing around 75 to 77. Well, I felt like I needed to keep up so I did too. To my surprise the world didn’t come to an end…in fact, in some ways it was easier because that was the speed that it seemed everyone else was traveling. I discovered that doing what others are doing can be…easier. So our next trip was the one to Florida and not surprisingly I found it very easy to just keep doing what I had done. You see, often when you cross a line it becomes easier and easier to keep right on crossing it. Hmmm.

I know, and you probably know, that lawbreaking is like that. When we break the law, if we don’t get caught, we eventually convince ourselves that we won’t get caught…ever. Now I know, and you probably know, that is simply not true. If you mess around with breaking the law, and especially God’s law, you will eventually pay the price. Lawbreaking and sin both carry penalties. Now I didn’t get pulled over so I didn’t get a ticket but something in me was reenforced that is very important. If I had, or if I do, well, I will fully deserve it. And guess what? If and when it happens, and whether it is two miles per hour over the speed limit or ten—I will be just as guilty. I became a lawbreaker when I went one mile per hour over the limit and that made me—guilty.

This really came home to me the other day. I was driving on a four lane road near our town and suddenly someone I knew passed me. My first judgement thought was, “Hmmm, they shouldn’t be speeding.” That worked until I looked down and discovered that I too was speeding—I too was a lawbreaker. I quickly realized that I had no right to judge them…period. Now this story is not about speeding or breaking any traffic law for that matter. Really, this is about God and His law and the fact that we should remember that breaking the law is breaking the law. There aren’t big sins and little sins—only big and little consequences. There aren’t little lies and big lies—a lie is a lie. We just need to be as holy as we can be. We need to remember that God gives us rules for a purpose…one of which is to make our lives better.

Jesus said that if we really loved Him we would keep His commands. So what do you say…let’s make holiness a priority. Let’s remember that once we are comfortable with being a lawbreaker—well, it can take us places we don’t want to go. Do you need a refresher course in spiritual driving (sorry couldn’t resist the analogy), just go to God’s driver’s ed course. First thing you learn is…He’s got this.  Bro. Dewayne

Posted in Grace, life, priorities, Scripture, wisdom

Looking for Greener Pastures

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

 “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13

 He was standing right in the road.  A while back my wife Judy and I were on the road again…heading for middle Tennessee.  We like to travel a lot…it’s just something we enjoy.  We love to see what’s new and different and there is always something.  We were on our way to a waterfall, and we had to travel down a narrow winding road.  As we were zipping along, at the breakneck speed of 25 mph, we rounded a curve in the road and there he was.

He was a young calf, oh, I would guess about 250 pounds grown.  He was calmly eating some weedy grass along the shoulder of the road.  It wasn’t a deal because I was going so slow but if I had been traveling a little faster…well, he could have been ground beef.  Oh, and by the way, what do you call a cow with no legs? Ground beef.  Get it?  Well, I probably lost some readers with that one.  Anyway, I slowed down a bit more and gently swerved around the calf.  I told Judy we should have snapped a picture.

As we drove around the calf, I couldn’t help but notice a couple of things.  First, his name must have been Houdini because there was no gate and as far as I could tell, we couldn’t see a hole in the fence where my new friend could have escaped.  Second, as he contentedly munched on his weedy grass, on the other side of the fence was a great pasture just filled with nice, lush, green grass.  It was obviously where he had been before he did his Houdini thing and escaped.  Why in the world would he leave that for where he was is beyond me.  The only answer I could come up with is…the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.

Well, we went on our way, and I told Judy when we came back let’s be sure and get his picture.  So, on the return trip as we neared the curve where he was before, we found an empty road.  Our friend had disappeared.  We traveled on a short distance and soon, off to our right, we found our calf.  Houdini had once again magically crossed the fence and this time was back in the greener pasture. How about that?  There were only two possible solutions.  One, he decided it was time to go home or two, in a moment of indecision he decided the grass was indeed greener on the other side of the fence…again.

Strangely, I can identify with the indecisive calf.  I mean, how many times have I changed my mind about this or that.  I know sometimes it takes me fifteen minutes to decide what toothpaste to buy or what to get on my hamburger.  I guess the bottom line is that we are a fickle bunch, aren’t we?  But I am so glad that God isn’t fickle.  I sometimes pray and tell God how glad I am that He has never changed His mind about allowing me into the family.  I mean I am sure I have given Him lots of reasons to do that but it never seems to faze Him.  I like that. A lot.

So, if you find yourself wondering back and forth in-between the pastures of life, just remember that when it comes to you and His love for you, well, God isn’t looking for greener pastures or different or better people for that matter. God loves people, all people, and anyone who wants to come and graze in His pasture is more than welcome.  The gate is always open to anyone who is willing to leave their old pasture and put their faith in His Son Jesus.  It’s that simple.  There’s a verse in the New Testament of the Bible that says anyone who is willing to ask can be forgiven and cross over to His ultimate green pasture.  So, how about you?  Ready to switch pastures?  He’s ready if you are.  You will find the gate open and Him showing you the way.  Trust me…He’s got this.  Bro. Dewayne

Posted in communication, Family, love, loving others, marriage, priorities, Scripture

Valentine’s Day, Football and Love

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

 “I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another.” John 13:34

Today is Valentine’s Day. It is a day that makes a whole lot of money for all the people who sell that kind of stuff—flowers, jewelry, eating, candy, gifts and all kinds of other stuff. I’m not sure who came up with the idea but like anything it has its good points and bad. If Valentine’s Day is just a day when you gotta do something special for  someone special—well that isn’t very meaningful. But, if it is a day when we “get to” do something special for someone special—well that is a game changer.

Did you know that Valentine’s Day is kinda like a game of football? Well, I think it is. You see, my wife Judy and I have been married for a pretty long time—almost 49 years. If the Lord is willing that means next year we will be celebrating 50 years of doing life together. Five decades—that is just unbelievable. Now there are two things I know. First, I believe we both would say it has been a great journey—not perfect, not by a long shot—but a great journey. Second, just like a football game has its up and downs—so does any marriage.

As I look back on the Valentine Days we have celebrated, it reads like a romantic barometer. There have been years when we have done a pretty good job celebrating this day. As an example, one year I remember I cooked a meal (imagine that) and set our living room up like a nice restaurant. I then had our daughter Sarah serve us dinner and then, get ready, we played some soft music and we danced. Trust me it was pretty romantic. Another time we went out to dinner and came home and watched one of our favorite movies, “Sleepless In Seattle.” That was a good one two.  The secret ingredient seemed to always have to do with quality time—when we made time for each other. You might want to write that one down.

And what was the biggest flop. Well, one year we decided that we really wouldn’t do anything for Valentine’s Day. It was probably one of those times when our pastor life led to a packed calendar and we were just wore out. So, I followed the plan, which was a bad one, and didn’t get a gift or a card. Like I said…bad. Well, anyway, I think Judy got a card for me card but I had nothing…did nothing. Judy was so disappointed. I should have known better. Did I mention bad? Well, the next day, I went and bought a gift and a card but it was way too late. hat day that I learned to never let Valentine’s Day be just another day. 

Like I said marriage and Valentine’s Day are a lot like a football game. No game is going to be perfect but trust me it is so important to win the game…to win the day and the best way to do that is to do your best and that day was not my best. It is not a matter of dollars and cents—it is often a matter of common sense. The one you chose and the one who chose you needs to know that you care—that you love them. So let’s be sure and not fumble the ball. The songwriter said that “love is a many splendid thing” and they were right. Sometimes the simplest thing can be the most splendid of things. 

God didn’t invent Valentine’s Day but He is the author of love and the creator of marriage. Today is an opportunity to show Him that we understand His love for us but showing our love for our special someone. So go ahead, grab the football today (metaphorically speaking) and run for the end zone. Not very good at romance? Me either but even in that department, we can know that, “He’s got this.”  Bro. Dewayne

Posted in life, priorities, Scripture, spring, thankful, travel, wisdom

Tulip Bulbs

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

 “Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up.” Hebrews 12:1b

 It was one of the craziest things I have seen.  In my spare time or when I need to check out, I like to watch television…but not like you might think.  You see, a long time ago I kinda checked out on network television.  It finally got crazy enough that I decided I just didn’t need it.  I know there are some good shows out there but for me the craziness overshadowed them.  For years now, my viewing habits centered around house stuff, nature stuff, travel stuff, history stuff, and stuff stuff or how this works or that works.

Anyway, I was watching a travel show and this episode was on Holland.  On this show, they would fly all over the country and talk about what you were seeing. If you know anything about Holland you know they are famous for wooden shoes, windmills, canals and, wait for it, tulips.  So, they were flying over a tulip farm.  Imagine, if you can, this massive field of every color of tulip imaginable. It was truly beautiful.  I’m thinking how all the flowers will end up in the flower markets around Europe and how much joy they will bring to the people who bought them or received them.

And, then, it happened.  Are you ready? Probably not. The angle of the camera changes some and it shows a tractor, and it is not harvesting the flowers—it is cutting them down. Say what? Yup…if I’m lying, I’m dying.  The massive clipper thing was laying waste to zillions and zillions of flowers. And, in case you’re wondering, no one was coming along and picking them up.  They were laid—not to rest but to waste. What in the world is going on?  Well, here is deal.

This farm wasn’t in the flower business…it was in the bulb business.  In other words, they were not selling flowers, they were selling the bulbs that produced the flowers.  Their logic was simple—and even scientific.  The flowers would drain the bulb of nutrients and they discovered that if they cut the flowers, the bulbs would benefit directly. Bigger and healthier bulbs meant a better price and for them…a bigger profit. While I still don’t understand why they couldn’t find a way to save the flowers, I think I understand why they did what they did.  But what a waste.

The big truth here is really big.  How can this apply to our life journeys, our Jesus journey?  Well, the answer is this.  When we are willing to lay aside the good for something better, or the better for the best, it suddenly makes sense.  We all have things in our lives that may not be bad but the question to ask is, “Are they the best?” And remember—best is always better than better.

The author of Hebrews, which sounds like it belongs in the Old Testament instead of the New says, in Hebrews 12:1, “Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up.” In other words, whatever causes us to not run our life race effectively, needs to be discarded—no matter how much it is liked—no matter how attractive it might be.  We may need to cut the optional to enhance or save the essential.  Worth it? Always.

Now when I first saw them cutting the flowers, it just seemed so illogical, and we might feel the same way when we are starting to choosing best over better but remember this.  God knows what is best, He desires the best for us, and He will help us choose the best if we will but ask.  It’s just another of those times when He’s waiting to let you know, “I’ve got this.” Bro. Dewayne

Posted in communication, food, life, love, loving others, priorities, Scripture

Where’s the Beef?

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

 “All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands.” Matthew 22:40

Well, the Super Bowl has come and gone again. We all know that the Super Bowl really isn’t about football.  It is really about all the great food and of course, the great commercials. Did you know that thanks to the Super Bowl that wings are now one of the most expensive parts of the chicken? And the commercials are a show into themselves. Get this. This year a 30 second spot during the big game will set you back a whopping eight million dollars.  Can you believe that?

Super Bowl worthy or not one of my favorite commercials from years gone by showed a little old lady asking the question, “Where’s the beef.”  It was a poke at some of the hamburger chains whose burgers had gotten smaller and smaller till they had virtually disappeared. And that prompted the question, “Where’s the beef?” It seemed that the hamburger world had forgotten the main point of a burger was not the bun, not the pickle, not the sauce, nor the cheese. The main point of the burger was the burger. Forget that and you might as well start cooking and selling something else.

And do you know what?  It sure seems that in our crazy and busy world, it sure is easy to lose the burger—if you get my drift. Whether it is our family, or more specifically our marriages, our priorities, our values or a half dozen other important things—we seem bent on not keeping the main thing the main thing. I believe that is often most obvious in our faith. Think about yours just for a moment.  What is the most obvious thing on your faith list.  Religious rituals? Attending church? Do’s and Don’ts? Too often, even God, if He makes the list, is somewhere near the bottom. Isn’t that strange?

It would seem obvious that God has to be the center of our faith world. And by that I don’t mean just the fact that there is a God but that He impacts our world in a real and meaningful way. Jesus said something that is so important. When He was telling His followers the most important thing about being His follower, it was a four letter word—love. He said in John 13:35, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Wow…all the religious stuff didn’t even make the cut—but love led the way.  In other words…the most important thing about our faith, besides simply believing in Jesus, is love.

Jesus, in Matthew 22:40, said that we are to love God and love people and then He said this, “All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands.” Don’t miss that. Love God, Love people—that is where the dust settles when it comes to who we are as Jesus people. It is far to easy to get lost in all the religious hoopla of today’s world but Jesus commands to keep love at the center of our God universe.

So…don’t let your burger get lost under the pickle. Make sure when people see you they see Jesus and make sure when they see Jesus in you they see His love. If we don’t keep the main thing the main thing—we will never be able to see the world changed for His good and glory. Instead of asking, “Where’s the beef?” we should be shouting, “Here’s the love!” Loving like He loves isn’t easy but it is always possible because, “He’s got this.”  Bro. Dewayne

Posted in Family, forgiveness, friends, gratitude, life, marriage, priorities, school days

Happily Ever After

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

 “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in Your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” Psalm139:16

Cinderella and happily ever after.  Most of us grew up knowing at least something of fairy tales. Mr. Disney was just getting started and there were few animated films but slowly things changed.  Over the years, what was once only printed on the pages of a book became alive on the screen before our eyes…and it was amazing.  For years there were the classics, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Pinocchio, and Peter Pan to name just a few.  And the list has grown and grown.  When we watch them, we often want to be them. As the story plays out and ends with the dramatic “happily ever after” we sigh and long…if only.

Each fairy tale, every animated story begins with a “once upon a time…” It sets the stage for the story and then slowly, and almost invariably, the plot develops and oh so often there are plenty of bumps and bruises along the way.  There is usually a bad guy or guyette and they slosh their mess all over the screen, hurting and wounding.  And then, right when it seems that they are going to win…things turn around.  Good overcomes evil, the weak become strong and the impossible becomes…possible. Just about then the “happily ever after” music begins and we smile at the end, we savor the redemption, and we leave feeling good but knowing that story could never be our story.  Or can it?

You see, all our lives begin with a “once upon time…” All of us have a beginning—even me.  On that day a grand story began to be written.  A little boy with dreams about a big future. A teenager trying to figure out what life was all about.  A husband and later a father trying to figure that out—still trying to figure that out.  Twelve years in the service of his country and forty-two years in the service of his King. Mountains and valleys, wins and losses, victories, and defeats—fighting monsters and dragons and loving his fair maiden and their princesses. Whew…what a journey.

And honestly, there were times when I would ponder how all this would play out.  Having watched a whole lot of “redemption” movies where the end is always exactly how we would want it, I wondered, “What about this story?”  Perhaps you have done the same.  Perhaps you have wondered how your story will end.  Perhaps you have longed for a different story…a different prince or princess, a different role, something, anything different.  Well, I have some good news for you.  The Playwright for your story never makes a mistake and never gets it wrong.  He has been writing stories since before the beginning of time.  In fact, the Bible says that He wrote every scene of your life before there was a “once upon a time.”  In Psalm 139:16 it says, “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in Your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” Wow…how about that?

But wait…it might just get better.  So, every story, including yours, can be like every fairy tale.  A beginning, a story filled with up and downs, bumps and bruises, toads, and princes.  But here’s the best part—every story can have a “happily ever after.”  No, really.  You see the same book and the same God who promises that every day, every scene in your story has been written and planned promises a “happily ever after.”  Oh, it is not always here, though sometimes it is.  It is in eternity.  When we are willing to put our faith and trust in the Prince of Peace and the King of Kings we have the promise of an eternity that is beyond our wildest dreams.  Believe what He did and choose to follow Him and heaven is the end of the story.

It is nice when the story, our story, plays out like we want and wish. It would be nice if every detail was just as we would have written it. Perhaps, but maybe not, because the One who writes the story, our story, is far wiser than us.  We probably won’t be able to understand or see that entirely till the end but, well, that is what faith is all about.  So, trust Him for the grand finale. It is going to be a wiz-bang finish.  And until then…enjoy the show…savoring the good scenes and trusting in the hard ones.  He’s got this.  Bro. Dewayne

Posted in birthday, Easter, food, life, pride, priorities, Scripture, Trials

Igor

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

 “For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”  James 1:3

His name was Jason…I called him Igor.  It was a long time ago and it was one of those times when it was time to do something.  The high humidity in my closet had once again shrunk most of my clothes.  It is just one of the hazards of living in Southern Illinois between the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers.  While it is always the worst in summer, somehow, it manages to shrink my clothes right after the holidays too.  So, rather than go out and buy new duds, I just try and lose a few pounds.

One Sunday morning at church I mentioned to a good friend of mine that I was going to try and shed a few pounds.  Well, he said to me, “Dewayne, I’ve got a personal trainer at the gym and how about if I arrange for you to see him three times a week.  By Easter, you will be a new man.”  I had never seen, much less had, a personal trainer, so it sounded like a good idea to me.  Maybe he could speed up the weight loss so I could get back to my bad eating habits…that I greatly enjoyed.

For my birthday, Judy and I drove over to Evansville on a mission to get me a couple of sets of gym clothes.  We got to Sears, and they had what used to be called running suits on sale.  That’s what they used to call them.  Now they call them obsolete. Anyway, I bought one.  It had the pants and the jacket, and I looked like, well, a dude.  I was to start working out with Jason, the trainer, on Monday.  I put on my fancy running outfit and drove over to the gym.  I opened the door and instantly realized that I was way overdressed. Remember the joke about the guy being told that he was going to a costume party, so he dressed up and nobody else did?  Well, I was that guy. Bummer.

I soon met Jason and he kinda explained what we would be doing over the next few months.  He explained that he was going to make my body hurt…a lot. Well, he didn’t actually say that but that was the reality.  After our first workout on the first day I could barely walk to my car.  The next morning, I wasn’t sure I was going to live. Fortunately, I was meeting with Jason every other day, so I had a day to decide if I was going to live or not.  By the end of the week, I had changed Jason’s name to Igor because I was sure he got some sort of sick pleasure out of watching me suffer.  And I did suffer…a lot.

Over our time together, we did lots of fun things, but my absolute favorite was squat thrusts.  It was some kind of deal when you squatted down and then kicked your legs out the back.  Then you returned to the squat position before standing back up.  I’ve obviously never had a baby, so I have no idea what labor pains feel like.  But I do know this.  If leg squats are even 20% like a labor pain, then if the repopulation of the world depended on me it would be a very small world.  Total population:  One.

Well, I don’t remember making it to Easter.  Things did get toned up a bit, but I wouldn’t exactly say I was a new man.  I did get a new perspective on these guys and ladies who go to the gym and apply self-inflicted Igor-ism.  That is the self-infliction of Igor like pain on themselves. You’ve got to admire them—but as for me that would be from outside the torture chamber—uh, I mean gym.

Now there is one thing I need to make sure is clear.  Igor, I mean Jason, had my best interest in mind.  He was trying to help me reach my goals and help me be in better physical condition. It just wasn’t a pleasant experience…at least not on the front end anyway.  But do you know what?  Rarely are the things that really matter.  I know the Bible teaches me that trials are not easy, and they are never fun, but they are profitable because they teach me endurance. That’s what James, Jesus’ little half-brother, meant when he said that when our faith is tested, our endurance has a chance to grow. Going through the hard stuff strengths our faith.  And, trust me, that is a good thing.

Shortly after I quit going to be with Igor at the gym, I ran into him at one of the stores in town.  When I ran into him, I wanted to run from him.  But we chatted and he asked how I was doing.  I said fine.  He said he missed seeing me at the gym, and I made some kind of flimsy excuse, like I had a rare terminal African disease.  I don’t think he bought it.  So, we parted our ways. I was grateful for his help, but I was also grateful that my gym days were over.  I’ve just got to be sure I don’t give up on my real personal trainer—Jesus.  Like Jason knew what was best to help me physically, He knows what is best for me spiritually.  He encourages me, always has my best interests at heart, and never makes a wrong call. He allows me to pace myself and allows me to rest when I need it.  He’s the best life trainer of all. And I know this for certain.  If I falter or fail, He will always be there because, He’s got this.  Bro. Dewayne 

Posted in forgiveness, Grace, love, loving others, priorities, Scripture

Dare to Believe…to Love

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

 “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are My disciples.” John 13:35

Do you ever wonder why? You know, one of the most important, and dare I say essentials, in my life is my belief in God. I have written many times how I am a pretty simplistic guy and I guess that is one thing that makes it easy for me to believe in God. It seems that no matter where I look I see evidence for God. On the other side of the coin as hard as I look I just can’t find a good reason not to believe in Him. Which leads to my thought for today. Why is it so hard for so many to believe and trust in God?

Well, get ready for an ouch. I think it might be us. I am fearful that too often we are too inconsistent with the God stuff in our lives. Too often it seems were are saying one thing and living another. A saying from decades ago says, “We have met the enemy and he is us.” The saying comes from Walt Kelly, a cartoonist who worked as a Disney animator before launching “Pogo” in 1948. 

True historians may recognize it as a play on a famous quote by U.S. Navy Master Commandant Oliver Perry during the War of 1812, written in a letter to Major General William Henry Harrison: “We have met the enemy and they are ours.”

Both quotes hold powerful truths that we can and should have the courage to face. Yes, in many ways, we can be our own worst enemies—and that true in many ways and areas of lives.  It is definitely true in the church world. Jesus said that the world would know we were Jesus people by our love.  Ask yourself, “How evident is Jesus’ love in your life and in your church?” Jesus didn’t say loving was easy but as Bob Goff said in a devotion, He did say it would work. Nice.

So what do you do with the “not easy” part? Well, the quote from 1812 helps us here.  It says, “We have met the enemy and they are ours.” What does that mean. Commandant Perry was saying that the battle had been fought and won. And when we put this battle, the battle to love like Jesus, in the hands of Jesus—we will win.

If you are one of those who are still struggling to buy into the God thing, if you are one of the ones who has simply seen to many inconsistencies to believe, here’s a thought.  Blaise Pascal, the famous French philosopher, physicist, and mathematician, said, “Belief is a wise wager. Granted that faith cannot be proved, what harm will come to you if you gamble on its truth and it proves false? If you gain, you gain all; if you lose, you lose nothing. Wager, then, without hesitation, that He exists.”

Wow—I like that a lot. Believe—if it all proves false, you lose nothing. Choose not to believe and if it is true (and I totally believe it is) you will lose everything. Please don’t let the inconsistencies of Jesus followers keep you from believing. After all, none of us are perfect.

So whether you are on the verge of believing or whether you are a Jesus follower—remember this. The faith to believe and the strength to love like Jesus loved doesn’t come from us—it comes from Him.  He’s got this.  Bro. Dewayne

Posted in Family, gratitude, priorities, Southern born, travel, wisdom

Watch Your Step

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.” – Ephesians 5:16

 There are times in life when you really need to watch your step—like when you’re walking through a cow pasture. Sounds simple enough, right? Well, here are two things to keep in mind. First, make sure it’s actually a cow pasture and not a bull pasture. If you see bulls, head for the fence immediately. Bulls are called bulls for a reason—they can be real bullies. Second, watch out for cow patties. Trust me, they’re everywhere, and stepping in one is never fun.

But there are plenty of other situations where it’s important to watch where you step. I had one of those moments one time while hiking at Bell Smith Springs. My wife, Judy, and I love hiking. It’s great exercise, and a perfect way to get outdoors and enjoy nature. So one day we set out for the Sentry Ridge Trail, a beautiful three-mile loop that follows a ridge and looks down on a canyon with a creek. The views are amazing, but that’s also the problem.

You see, parts of the trail are rocky. Some sections are paved with large stone slabs, but other parts are just a jumbled mess of rocks scattered all over the place. Most of them are firmly embedded in the ground, but they’re still uneven, which means you’ve got to watch where you’re stepping. Otherwise, one of three things will happen: 1) you’ll twist an ankle, 2) you’ll fall and hurt yourself, or 3) you might find yourself sliding down a steep cliff.

Now, here’s where things get interesting. As we were hiking, Judy and I had a bit of a difference in our approach. You see, one of us is all about reaching the destination—getting it done, checking off the box. The other one is all about enjoying the journey. Guess who’s who? Yep, I’m the one focused on finishing the hike and moving on to the next thing. Judy, on the other hand, stops to take pictures of every tree, every rock, and sometimes, even every bug. She’s constantly saying, “Look, Dewayne…” And as a “conqueror,” I’m more like, “Let’s just get this done already.”

But here’s the problem I’ve realized: When you’re focused on the destination, you miss the beauty around you. You can’t be looking up at the trees and down at the rocks at the same time. So, even though I’m in “conqueror mode,” I’m learning to slow down and appreciate the journey—and the scenery. Judy’s got the right idea. The joy is in the journey, not just the finish line.

That doesn’t mean I need to take a picture of every single rock or tree, but I do need to pause and appreciate what’s around me. I mean, who am I to rush through the amazing world God created? We all need to hit pause every once in a while and take in the view—then hit play and keep going.

If you don’t, you’re going to miss out on some of the best parts of life. Take the full moon a couple of nights ago.  It’s was called a “Beaver Moon” (not sure why, but hey, sounds cool). Earlier, while driving, Judy said, “Dewayne, look…” And I actually listened this time. I sneaked a glance at the moon, and it was magnificent. I could’ve made an excuse about driving, but you can actually sneak a quick look at the moon and keep your eyes on the road. The same goes for life—you can enjoy the sights around you and keep moving forward.

Paul, who wrote most of the New Testament, told us to make the most of our time. That means working hard and doing life, but it also means taking time to enjoy the journey. And I’m really glad I’m married to someone who knows how to do that. Does it drive me a little nuts sometimes? Sure. But that’s part of the fun. So, be careful where you step, but don’t forget to take a few moments to enjoy life around you. You can do it. With God’s help, we all can. He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne