Eddie Taylor

Friday, January 7, 2022

The Presence

Someone once said, “We were designed to do everything WITH God's presence.” Everyone makes choices about His Presence.

• Lost people IGNORE God’s presence.

• Religious people want to EARN God’s presence.

• Baby Christians only want to FEEL God’s presence.

• Disciples want to do everything (abide) WITH God’s presence.

Father God, help me grow in my recognition and dependence upon Your presence. In Jesus name, amen.

Thursday, April 1, 2021

Mighty Men?

“All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their commander. About four hundred men were with him.” 1 Samuel‬ ‭22:2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“I wish I had a great team or staff of loyal people.” Perhaps you have envied other leader’s teams. Here’s the truth: most of the time, you don’t inherit great teams or organizations...you grow them.

You might not be surrounded with champions...yet. Follow Jesus and live Godly values; you will become their leader. Be patient. As these 3D troops (distressed, debt, discontented) follow you they will become mighty men.

The Question:

Am I growing? Am I becoming a leader worthy of following?

The Prayer:

Father, empower me to see the gold in others. Holy Spirit, forge in me a determination to help others succeed. I choose to not judge others but serve them. In Jesus name, amen.

I can teach you how to develop leaders who develop leaders who develop...

Sunday, November 15, 2020

True Discernment

“While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.””

‭‭Acts‬ ‭10:44-47‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Just as we have”.

I must have a valid encounters with Holy Spirit so that I can encourage those around me in their experiences. If I only know God in a clinical, text book way then I am either critical or suspicious of other’s journey with Christ. It is only by beholding Him that I am graced to discern Him in others.

Discernment is a gift of the Spirit. Suspicion is the fruit of fear. Discernment brings liberty and growth. Suspicion minimizes, mocks, and limits. Spirit-led leadership releases expansive growth while suspicion forms a club.

Saturday, November 14, 2020

Scattered, Smothered, & Stirred

Acts 8:4-8 (NKJV) 4 Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. 5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. 6 And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. 8 And there was great joy in that city.

Stephen’s death and Saul’s assault on the fledgling church necessitated the disciples finally obey Jesus’ mandate to take the good news away from Jerusalem (Acts 1:8). The same bold grace that enraged the religious emboldened these scattered disciples.

They preached everywhere they went. Rather than being localized in Jerusalem, the good news now smothered the countryside. The proclamation of the gospel was paired with a demonstration of the Kingdom of God. Philip, who was full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, didn’t attempt a new formula for results he simply presented Jesus.

The power of the resurrected Jesus stirred both the spirit realm and the populace of Samaria. Hurting people found freedom as Philip continued the ministry of Messiah (Luke 4:18) in their midst. Jesus always draws a crowd. No slick advertising was needed...just love, compassion, and Kingdom power.

Wednesday, November 11, 2020

Two Promises

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33 NIV

This verse has two promises. The first promise is that in this world, you will have trouble. The question is not if I will have trials, difficulties, or issues to deal with...it is when?

Peace, lasting peace never comes from circumstances around us but rather from the King that rules us. If I am my king, I look to myself. If circumstances of my life or fate is my king, I look outward to others. Instead of looking inward for confidence or looking outward for temporary help, I choose to look upward for victory. Here’s the second promise: He has overcome the world. This King offers His subjects His peace.

Father, give me courage today to live for You. Empower my words and actions to live out of divine generosity rather than human need. Jesus, your victory was final and complete, strengthen my love in the Holy Spirit. I seek first Your Kingdom today, amen.

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Blood or Wine: A Discipleship Tip

Moses turned water into blood—that was the first of 10 deadly plagues in Egypt. But Jesus turned water into wine—that was His first miracle (see John 2:7-11). This shows us the difference between the law and grace. The law can’t change people; it only brings the stench of guilt. But when a person believes in Jesus, his nature changes on the inside. A true Christian does not have to sweat or strive to change; instead, Jesus brings joyful transformation.

Always trust in God’s grace as you mentor others. It’s not up to you to change people. You are not the Holy Spirit. You can instruct, encourage and correct, but God’s life-giving power is working in your disciples. Expect to see powerful changes. As the Spirit works, they will defeat sinful habits, grow in faith, develop character and discover their spiritual gifts. You will see a miracle!

(This is a guest post from my friend, Lee Grady. Lee's ministry is called Bold Venture Ministries)

Thursday, April 12, 2018

New Sermon Series: Ephesians

I'm kicking off a new series in the book of Ephesians beginning this Sunday, April 15, 2018.

According to William Hendriksen, Ephesians has been called “the divinest composition of man,” “the distilled essence of the Christian religion,” “the most authoritative and most consummate compendium of the Christian faith,” “full to the brim with thoughts and doctrines sublime and momentous.” (https://bible.org/seriespage/1-uniqueness-ephesians-among-epistles).

If you live in NWGA or SETN, I would love for you to join me at Church on the Hill (www.thehill.church) at 9:00 or 11:15. If you can't make it you can catch the audio or video podcasts later Sunday afternoon.