Brian Taylor Online

Real Faith

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:28:00 -0500

There has been something on my heart from sometime and I would like to share. Let me start by saying I may write more about this in the future, so please don’t get tired of it. =)

There is a growing trend among churches that distorts what I’d consider a biblical view of faith. There is a craving for what I’d call “the instant”. ”Heal me now. Provide for me now. You said You would so do it now, now, now! By the time I finish this prayer, it will be done.” Real faith is not about using God’s word and my prayers in an attempt to “twist God’s arm” to get Him to submit to my will or reasoning. I do believe that God’s promises are for us. There are times when He will move quickly on our behalf, and that is completely biblical. However, I also believe that God’s word is true when it says that He works all things together for my good — “all things” not just the good, easy things. I believe it when it says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4).

The implication there is that we must not only face the trials but also that we must see them through. “Perseverance must finish it’s work…” We talked about it this weekend at church. There is spiritual treasure found in waiting on the Lord. What good is it to me if with every hardship I face, God decides to miraculously and instantly deliver me? I believe the opposite of what it says in this verse will be true — I will be weak, immature, and incomplete. That’s not the type of Christian I want to be. Maybe the trial I’m facing is for my good? Maybe there are things in me God needs to break? What if that sickness will result in a powerful testimony of God’s faithfulness that will encourage others who face a similar circumstance and lead them to the Lord?

Again, there is a time for instantaneous miracles. However, I often hear it said that most of the miracles God performs don’t take place overnight. They take place through our obedience, our discipline, and a sincere desire to walk things out uprightly before the Lord. I’ve personally seen God move in miraculous ways in a matter of hours, sometimes minutes. However, I’ve not seen my faith built up more than when I’ve experienced God walking me through some of the hardest situations of my life step-by-step or when I’ve seen Him do it in the lives of those I love. The fact that we made it through has been an absolute miracle to me. I’ve been amazed at God’s tender love for us and drawn so much closer to Him.

So now, I’ve changed the way I pray. My prayer is no longer just, “Save me! Deliver me! Rescue me!” Though it’s not easy, I now try to pray:

“God, whatever your will is in this season of my life, accomplish it. Whether the miracle you perform will be instant or long-term, keep my eyes on You. Give me the strength, the trust, and the perseverance to make it through. I will not run to the quick fix, I will run to You. I put my hope in You and in the promises of Your word that according to Your perfect wisdom and understanding You will work this for my good. Lord, may I be mature and complete in You. In Jesus Name, Amen. “

Haiti Relief (Church of the Redeemer)

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 09:16:19 -0500

Haiti Relief (Church of the Redeemer):

If you are looking for a way to support Haiti Relief, please consider making a donation. Our church is partnering with Samaritan’s Purse.

Update on Alfred Ofori

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:16:17 -0500

Here’s an update on Alfred Ofori, a member of our Redeemer Worship band that was in a serious car accident on 495 early this morning. We just got home from visiting him at the hospital. He currently has a fracture in his right arm and in his neck. The arm may require surgery. The neck will be taken care of by a neck brace for a few weeks. He was basically hit on the 495 by a Metro Bus from behind when his car stalled. They had to cut him from the car and he said the back of his car basically went into the front. It could’ve been SO much worse, but PRAISE GOD for his faithfulness. He’s in a lot of pain and could use prayers. I’m not sure about visitors, we are waiting to here if he’s up for them yet. We’ll let you know!! They have admitted him for observation.

YouVersion Reading Plans

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 11:35:40 -0500

I’ve started a reading plan this year too. Been using YouVersion since it first came out. It has developed into an extraordinary tool! Check it out!

chrisbowler:

I started using a great new web app by the name of YouVersion this year. It’s aimed at those who read the Bible. An just in time for the New Year, when many people are setting goals for their Bible reading, the YouVersion team has added 31 various reading plans.

I’ve made it a goal in years past to read through the Bible, but haven’t in the last couple to change things up. For 2010, I wanted to read through it again, but this time in chronological order. Fortunately, YouVersion has a plan for doing so — along with many other plans that are targeted at different purposes.

Overall, this is one of the best apps I’ve discovered in recent years.

Photo

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 10:54:16 -0500

I love my wife.

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 10:52:18 -0500

Lauren: Honey, what's that thing that Judah has in his mouth?
Me: Huh?
Lauren: The thing Judah's holding right now?? For some reason I'm having trouble thinking of the word...
Me: I can't see it...
Lauren: You know the thing that you put on your head and push it back over your hair? **motions** What is that called again?
Brian: Ummm...a headband...
Lauren: Yeah!
Both: **Laughing hysterically**

You might not think this is “blog-worthy”, but after...

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 21:21:01 -0500

You might not think this is “blog-worthy”, but after a bit of a rough afternoon, nothing boosts your spirit like whipping your family in a healthy game of Progressive Rummy.

Talk about a mood lifter!!

He just gets a kick out of this. Hilarious.

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 18:56:19 -0500

He just gets a kick out of this. Hilarious.

Pastebot: A Copy and Paste Playground – Shawn Blanc

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:20:00 -0500

Pastebot: A Copy and Paste Playground – Shawn Blanc:

minimalmac:

Shawn hits it out of the park with this review of Pastebot, the new clipboard manager for the iPhone (that is nothing short of amazing). I even learned a few new things about it by reading this. Fantastic work on all sides.

This is a fantastic app!

"You’re not as young as you used to be. Must we go over this again? I thought we learned our..."

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:05:00 -0500

““You’re not as young as you used to be. Must we go over this again? I thought we learned our lesson last time. COME ON!!””

- My Muscle Groups (after a lot of dodgeball yesterday at the Youth Choir Party)

Enjoy Your Day. Check!

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 22:55:08 -0500

Really enjoyed the unexpected day off today. Got to spend some time with the family and friends. It felt so normal! (If that makes sense). Normally my Saturdays are filled with healthy stress, as we get ready for and participate in our weekend services. Today was nothing but chilling out. I think I took a nap too.

It just doesn’t get any better. Now, back to reality. Holiday’s over! Thinking we’re going to have services tomorrow so I better get to bed.

Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 13:21:26 -0500

Cancelled services today = unexpected BONUS of family time. Me and now are friends again. Judah is gonna get his first experience with snow and a sled here shortly.

Were we supposed to be expecting this??

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 11:56:45 -0500

Were we supposed to be expecting this??

Snow? Why.

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 11:19:09 -0500

I’ve come to realize that the only time I like snow is when I see it from inside the warmth of my home. If at any point I have to venture out into the cold, wet, white madness, we are no longer friends. Today is one of those days. Life goes on, work goes on, the only thing that may have a problem going on is my Mazda.

Redeemer Worship

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 11:13:00 -0500

Redeemer Worship:

Website for our church’s music & worship ministry. Check it out.

My Temporary Home

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 10:05:00 -0500

So this is my temporary home, while my full site is being redesigned. I really like the simplicity of this format though, and may keep it. We’ll see!!