Are You A ‘Kingdom’ Person? Part 6 – Go to God First

June 25, 2015June 25, 2015 / Andy R Taylor / Leave a comment

Kingdom people understand that they’re sons and daughters to the Father and their lives are being profoundly transformed as a result of that revelation. They’re people who are ‘growing up’ into their true identity. It’s a lifelong process of evolving into our ‘sonship’…..and we’re becoming more like Him all the time!

Another distinguishing characteristic of a ‘kingdom’ person is the resolve to ‘go to God first’ with the issues of our life. I learned this one the hard way. It’s so easy to decide to do something and then ask God to bless it. And, if you’ve never consulted with Him before about the details of your life….it’s sure better than nothing. But there’s definitely a better way. If it’s true that the Father has an intricate, detailed plan for our life it just makes sense to go to Him first and see what’s in His heart for us. We shouldn’t get in too big a hurry and jump the gun, so to speak. Remember, we’re learning to be led by His Spirit.…and there’s something to be said for ‘waiting on the Lord’.

I totally agree that there’s a delicate balance between waiting on the Lord….and moving out by faith. I sincerely believe that whatever you do with the right heart….God will bless. You’re His kid and He wants to see you do good. But if you want the ‘full blessing’ of the Father on the things you do, we should go to Him first.

Kingdom people do that!

Are You A ‘Kingdom’ Person? Part 5 – Evolving into Sonship

June 24, 2015June 24, 2015 / Andy R Taylor / Leave a comment

Kingdom people are evolving into their ‘sonship’/’daughtership’! It comes by the revelation to our hearts that God is a Father and He’s chosen us to be His children. It’s an amazing reality and it’ll totally transform our lives for the better when we ‘catch’ it!

When we’re born again we come into God’s kingdom as a little child, so to speak. Our immaturity in regards to spiritual things is pretty obvious at first but hopefully we’ll grow through the childhood stage into spiritually mature adults. I say that with all sincerity, but I’ve observed through the years that many people in the church today have never matured and remain childish and immature. There’s really no excuse for that.

God is our Father and He wants to interact with us on a regular basis. There’s a lot of reasons why we need to hear the Lord but one of the ‘key’ reasons is that the things that God says to us forms us and shapes us into our true identity. He desires to raise us up as His own sons and daughters.

Evolving into our sonship is a lifelong process but we can, and should, start now. We start out with a lot of ‘orphan’ characteristics. We want to be the center of attention, we self-promote so people will accept us, we embellish the details of our lives so we’ll look important. That’s just a few of the characteristics that we might have as immature believers but as we begin the growth process into sons and daughters we start to leave those things behind us. In the light of God’s love, and through our ongoing relationship with Him, we begin to ‘grow up’. *All creation is anticipating the revealing of the ‘sons’ of God!

Kingdom people are evolving into their Sonship!

Are You A ‘Kingdom’ Person? Part 4 – Sons, Not Servants!

June 23, 2015June 23, 2015 / Andy R Taylor / Leave a comment

Well, have you decided whether you’re a ‘kingdom’ person or not. Like I said earlier, “No pressure from me to be one….but if you do decide to be one, your Spiritual life will be very productive and fruitful.” I desperately hope you’ll make the right choice.

Since kingdom people have an understanding that God is Father they also have a keen understanding that they are ‘sons’ and ‘daughters’ to Him. The Book tells us, “We didn’t choose Him…..He chose us.” Incredible, huh?! But many people today consider themselves ‘servants’ and that’s not entirely wrong. But if we’re talking identity, which is extremely important, then we must understand that we’re not hired hands at all….we’re sons and daughters! There’s a vast difference; Hired hands work ‘for’ a blessing; Sons and daughters work ‘from’ a blessing; from the blessing that He’s handpicked us as His own children!

Detractors would love to argue that, in essence, our identity is that of a servant. But it’s not true. It’s a rather large issue and if you miss the truth of it, you’ll miss much of what your life was intended by the Father to be! To clarify the issue, as sons and daughters we do a lot of serving in our Christian life, even more than those with a hired-hand mentality. The difference is, we’re part owners; the Book says that we’re ‘joint-heirs’ with Jesus! If you think about that…it means that we own what He owns! That’s a pretty big deal if you ask me.

Kingdom people understand that they’re sons and daughters….and the revelation of that to our hearts changes everything!

A Father’s Day Reflection

June 22, 2015June 22, 2015 / Andy R Taylor / 2 Comments

Father’s Day, it’s nice to be honored for being a Dad! As I thought about what I’d teach on Father’s Day (which was yesterday), it became apparent to me that as dads go….I’ve had it pretty good. And while we didn’t grow up going to church, Cliff Taylor really had it together in how to be a great dad. So, in preparing my message for yesterday I wanted to approach it with three emphases. 1) A day to honor The Father. 2) Encourage dads to become ‘spiritual’ fathers. 3) Practical tips for being a great dad. As I remembered the extremely positive things Cliff Taylor (and Charlene Taylor too!!) did in raising my brother, Monty and me….it seemed that these traits would be pertinent for spiritual fathers as well…..and traits that God, our Father, possesses as well.

1) He took us; My dad took us with him anytime it was possible. *We learned a lot just be ‘being with’ him

2) He helped us do things; He made the things that were important to us….important to him…even when he couldn’t really afford it!

3) He taught us; We grew up on a ranch. We learned all kinds of things. We could do things at 10 or 11 that most men couldn’t

4) He was an example; Cliff Taylor was a great example of a man. The most important thing was in how he treated people.

5) He corrected us; He believed in correction! We’re better men, by far, because of it.

6) He believed in us; Somehow he imparted to us that ‘we could do it’

7) He was there; Well, he was literally ‘there’, but he was and still is ( at 86 yrs old) here when we need someone

8) He loved my mom; One of the best things a dad can do for his kids. Good job, Dad!

9) He protected us; There was never a time that we felt in danger when dad was around. Nobody messed with us.

10) He loved us; There was never a question. He said it…..and he showed it!

*God, the Father, is like that too!

Apply these principles with your natural children, and apply them with your ‘spiritual’ children and you’ll be way ahead of the game!

Oh, and incidentally, my Father’s Day was totally off the charts! My youngest son, Clay and his pretty wife, Chelsea announced to us that they’re going to have a baby in January!! What a Father’s Day!!

Are You A ‘Kingdom’ Person? Part 3 – How To Communicate With the Father

June 19, 2015June 20, 2015 / Andy R Taylor / Leave a comment

Kingdom people communicate with the Father! They realize that He has the ‘secrets’ and ‘mysteries’ of their lives. I’ll bet there are some really good parents reading this blog….but as good as you are….you aren’t as good as He is! That being said, it just makes sense that God wants to talk to you.…probably even more than you think you need to hear Him! Father’s want to communicate with their children.

Now, this’ll stir up the religious folk but, the Bible doesn’t have all your answers. It has a bunch of ’em but it doesn’t have ’em all. It can’t tell you who to marry, what job to take, what city to live in or who you should pray for. The list could go on and on. Now don’t misquote me here; I’m not saying that you shouldn’t read your Bible. In fact I think you should. But I must tell you, as important as the Bible is, it’s not a substitute for your relationship with God! My experience in 30+ years of ministry is that there’s a lot of people out there whose relationship is with the Book……rather than with the Author! It was a problem even in Jesus’ day; “You search the scriptures for in ‘them’ you think you have eternal life….but you’re not willing to come to me that you might have life.” From God’s perspective, it’s always been about His encounter with you…..and the ensuing relationship that He desperately longs for with you!

So, how do we communicate with the Father? Don’t complicate it!! Talk to Him like you’d talk to the person you’re the very closest with. Pour your heart out to Him; Let your requests be made known to Him. Tell Him when you’re happy or sad. Ask Him all the who’s, the what’s, the when’s….and the where’s! And remember….God’s not limited to speaking with an audible voice. He speaks in a myriad of ways. And, yes He does speak through His Word, the Bible. He speaks through dreams and visions and prophetic words. He speaks through the ‘still small voice’. He speaks through our circumstances and through people who come in and out of our lives. You have His Spirit living in you to help you discern the voice of ‘your’ Father.

Kingdom people take full advantage of that!

PS-It’s my opinion that He didn’t have all the details of your life recorded in a book on purpose! It’s because He wants you to come to Him…..and there He’ll reveal Himself to you!

Are You A ‘Kingdom’ Person? Part 2 – Communication With The Father

June 18, 2015June 18, 2015 / Andy R Taylor / 4 Comments

It’s an important question and how you answer it will decide how fruitful your spiritual life will be. A ‘kingdom’ person is keenly aware of the ‘moving’ of the Lord in his/her generation. And they’re willing to accept their place in the Body of Christ to make a difference with their life.

Kingdom people have a genuine relationship with the Father and they communicate with Him on a regular basis. The Bible says that we didn’t choose God….He chose us! That’s pretty amazing if you think about it. God could be anything He wanted to be…..and His choice was to be a Father to us. Jesus came to reveal Him, as Father, to us. Even when the disciples asked Jesus how to pray He answered, “Pray like this…..our Father……” That’s Jesus, God’s only begotten Son, giving you and I permission to relate to, and interact with, God exactly like He did! If we don’t wake up to that reality we’ll miss much of what life’s about.

It seems that some people think it’s the Pastor’s job to communicate with God for them….but that’s not true. In fact, it’s ludicrous! Father’s have a driving desire to communicate with their children. Now, think about it; God invented this ‘Father’ stuff and He’s a lot better at it than we are. I’m a dad to 5 awesome kids. They’re all pretty much grown up now but I still love to communicate with them. I like to hear what they’re interested in; I’m concerned when they’re going through trials; I care about every area of their life. I don’t want to intrude but I do want to help them and their families in any way I can. Well as much as you can agree with those things….God’s more interested than I could possibly be! Your pastor is important but remember, your Father wants to talk to you! Kingdom people communicate with their Father!

Are You A ‘Kingdom’ Person? Part 1

June 17, 2015June 17, 2015 / Andy R Taylor / Leave a comment

Maybe you’re not sure how to answer the question. That’s OK. I”ll be writing a series over the next few weeks and defining what I would call a ‘kingdom’ person. You might decide early on that you are….or you might decide that you’re not. No pressure from me but how you answer the question might just dictate how fruitful the rest of your life will be, from a spiritual standpoint. I will promise that by the time the series is completed you’ll know beyond the shadow of a doubt whether or not you’re a ‘kingdom’ person.

There’s always been a lot of talk around the church about what God used to do. No doubt, whatsoever, that stuff is extremely important. There’s also always been a lot of talk about what He’s going to do in the future. Likewise, very important stuff. I have a strong feeling that if we’re not careful we’ll find ourselves suspended between what He used to do…..and what He’s going to do. Relative to you and I, a great question would be, “What’s God doing today?”

For starters a ‘kingdom’ person has great respect for what God has done in the past and great respect for what He’s going to do in the future but refuses to be suspended and ‘stalled out’ between the two! A ‘kingdom’ person has a keen understanding that God is up to something BIG in our generation and desires to be a part of it! A ‘kingdom’ person is not content to stand around and wait for something to happen. They want ‘in the game’.….and they’re willing to be led by the Holy Spirit to find their place of anointing (supernatural ability), and responsibility. A ‘kingdom’ person is aware of what the Father’s doing now!

“100”

June 16, 2015June 16, 2015 / Andy R Taylor / 6 Comments

I was actually kind of surprised to realize that I had made it up to 100 Blog Posts since January 1! That happened fast! I guess it’s a ‘milestone’. Writing has been something I’ve enjoyed for quite awhile now. I started writing years back when my friend Derek Manning, who owned a newspaper in nearby Elk City, Oklahoma, asked me to write a weekly article for his paper. Although Derek has since sold the newspaper I’ve written over 600 articles! A few years back Melanie Cole, owner of the Cheyenne Star Newspaper, started to put the articles in her paper. I’m grateful for both her and Derek because it has helped me to develop a talent that was pretty much untapped. I was a little intimidated at first but once I got ‘untracked’ I found that I really enjoyed it. I look now at the things I wrote 7 or 8 years ago and I do think that I’m getting better at putting my thoughts down. It has been very therapeutic for me, too. Writing, for me has really helped me get in touch with my emotions. There’s just something about writing from the heart that’s good for a soul!

I try my best to keep the posts from getting long….but there are some stories that you just can’t tell in 300 words. (that’s my target #) So, I try to keep ’em fairly brief. I’m getting better at condensing! My Blog, “The Way I See It”, has been good for me but my primary reason for writing in the first place is to help others. I’ve learned a lot in 61 years, and still have a lot more to learn, and I enjoy passing along some of those things to people who are interested.

I love feedback so anytime you read something that really ‘speaks’ to you….let me know about it. *Best case scenario.…go to andyrtaylor.com and click the “Follow” link. You’ll get an email every time I make a post. Please feel free to “Share” them with your contacts, too!

Here’s the numbers after 100 posts (in terms of ‘views’):

Views: 20,970 *(seems pretty amazing to me!)

Visitors: 10,650 *(equally amazed!) For the full stats, click here

**If you do go there…under “Posts & Pages” you can see the Top-10 Blog Posts (# of Views)

Which Blog has been your ‘favorite’……and why??

VIP # 5 & 6 – Edith Yowell & Nellie Millar

June 11, 2015June 11, 2015 / Andy R Taylor / 2 Comments

Definitely VIP’s! Edith Yowell was my first-grade teacher and Nellie Millar, my second-grade teacher. No kindergarten for me…in fact I don’t think they even had kindergarten in Reydon, Oklahoma in 1958. I mean, it was in the day of outhouses (fortunately we had indoor plumbing!). We did, however, have some neighbors who still had a dirt floor in their house.

My first day of school was a memorable one; I can remember the excitement of being a little kid embarking on some kind of great adventure. I met a bunch of new friends and some of them are still friends today. I’m pretty sure on the first day of school we got handed the book, “Tip”. It was a story about a dog. When we finished that one it was “Tip & Mitten”; a dog and a cat this time. Then not long after those it was “Fun With Dick and Jane”. Still remember those vividly.

My Mom and Dad already had me in the mode to read so I just devoured “Tip”, and “Tip & Mitten”. “Fun With Dick and Jane” was a little more challenging, of course, but I was really learning to read now. As I look back, and think back, it seems apparent that these two teachers had an incredible impression on me. I think there are several things that they taught and imparted but the most important thing I got from them was the desire to be a ‘reader’. Somehow they instilled in me the desire to read and that reading was fun, enjoyable and, almost always, productive. It’s a desire that I still have today! I’d definitely advise parents to instill the need to read in their kids. They’re going to have to be reading their whole lives. And to be a good reader just does nothing but good!

Writing is something that I really enjoy these days. I think I’ll be doing it for a long, long time. I can’t help but think how valuable to me Mrs Yowell and Mrs. Millar were to this process. I can’t say enough good about good teachers; they’re not paid enough in my books and their job isn’t easy. They have a tremendous responsibility….and opportunity, for that matter. I had some really good ones….maybe I’ll write something about them later. But, I’m extremely grateful for Edith Yowell and Nellie Millar! They got me headed in the right direction. They were some great ones!!

Do You Have Enough Faith??

June 10, 2015June 10, 2015 / Andy R Taylor / 2 Comments

Let me answer that for you…..before you answer it wrong! YES!! You do ‘have’ enough faith. Now, whether or not you’re using it is another question, altogether. The Bible is clear that we’ve been given ‘the’ measure of faith. The Father loves us all! And because He doesn’t favor any one of us over another….He gives each of us the very same measure of faith. It’s enough faith! Enough to navigate every single event we’ll ever encounter in our whole life. It’s also enough faith to enable us to fulfill our destiny (God’s perfect plan for our life)! It’s not a flimsy, cut and run at the first sign of trouble, kind of faith either. It’s powerful enough for the sick to be healed, demons to be cast out and enough to empower us to tell the ‘good news’ to the poor!

This amazing faith that’s been given to us works in every situation. But you and I must activate it! It works in perfect synch with the Holy Spirit Who lives in us. “Signs and wonders will follow them that believe”! If we’re to experience this to the degree that the Father has purposed we must be ‘given’ to His Spirit. We can’t ‘go rogue’ with our faith and make ‘unilateral’ decisions. We must be devoted and reliant on His Spirit to see the miraculous manifested.

When our faith is ‘exercised’…..it grows. We have the potential of ‘mountain moving’ faith but if we don’t activate it…..it just abides there dormant. It’s like having a fortune in your bank account but never writing a check on it! The Bible says, “We’re created in Christ Jesus for good works.” The world is waiting for a people like us who really believe! Let’s ignite our faith! Write some ‘checks’ and see what happens!

Do you have enough faith?? Yes you do!! Use it!