The Purpose for the Present Pain

The seasons of brokenheartedness we experience, as worshippers, come to break our will power of the stubbornness that has led us astray from the heart of Yahweh. By disregarding Father's wishes to instead do that which we have deemed to be right in our own eyes, we ultimately set ourselves up to experience the sort of painful spiritual reckoning that is meant to crush the soul as well as the ego. 

As spirit beings having a human experience, we must undergo a maturing process that makes it unmistakably clear to us when even our best intentions conflict with Heaven's agenda. Consequently, the only way Father can most effectively get our attention is by ALLOWING us to presently experience the pain of our humanity contending with the plans He both ordained and set in motion before the foundation of the world. 

Pain creates brokenness. And yes, there are times in our life journeys when it takes us experiencing brokenness to produce our willingness to embrace the culture of righteousness. In other words, sometimes our way has got to hurt more than we ever thought it would in order for us to see why Yahweh never wanted us to go that route. But it is often through brokenness that we are steered back into the right direction.

Wisdom In Giving

Something of great concern among people in ministry who exercise spiritual gifts is the expectation to receive a financial seed from those whose lives they speak into.  Thanks to the affordability of social media over traditional broadcasting, there is an abundance of ministering personalities present on the Internet seeking platforms to share the Gospel and build their audiences.  But what's disturbing is that there are people daily hosting live streams--sometimes multiple times per day--encouraging people (who are mostly struggling financially) to give financially to the advancement of their ministry.

It is normally not the practice of From the Heart of a Worshipper to post about highly controversial matters.  But this topic deserves some air time because these kinds of activities lead believers and non-believers alike to feel apprehensive about giving.  It sends a very confusing message to the world about the instruments through which GOD speaks--that they are hustlers, swindlers, tricksters and schemers.  And as a result of this unseemly behavior, not only are generous-hearted people more skeptical about placing their hard-earned money into the hands of ministers.  There are genuine ministry gifts out here who are hesitant to make a request for funding out of fear that they will be lumped into the same category with those who repeatedly solicit financial support.

If you find yourself struggling in this area as a giver, then prayerfully this post will be an encouragement to you.  When it comes to releasing the money over which your Heavenly Father has given you stewardship, give as you are led by the Set Apart (Holy) Spirit.  Do not allow anyone to pressure you into giving, especially if you do not have it to give.  GOD expects you to manage your household well and pay your bills.  So, understand that it is not the challenging of your faith to give money that has already been budgeted for the maintenance of your household to a minister or ministry.

Why Your Gift Makes Room For You

In Proverbs 18:16, it reads, "A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before great men."  As I've heard this verse of scripture both preached and taught throughout my life, what I heard (and in some cases read) explained "a man's gift" here as an individual's innate ability to excel at various exploits.  The idea was that GOD has placed something special within you that is purposed to bring you before people of great influence and renown.  With that said, if you so desired to be great, you would then discover what gifts you possess and cultivate them to the extent that the excellence you embody when exercising them, in turn, becomes a platform upon which you can prosper.  It's a great concept that makes perfect sense!  If I may, however, allow me to share with you a little something extra I just learned regarding this...

As I researched the terms in this particular verse of scripture, I noticed that the word translated as "gift" in Proverbs 18:16 is the Hebrew word "mattan" (pronounced "mat-TAWN").  It means "a present".  In considering this information, the verse immediately took on a whole new meaning to me.  As I see it, when you aim to sit among people of greatness, it is the gift you bring that makes room for you to be in their company.  In other words, time is an extremely valuable resource; and influential people are in no way obligated to give their time to anyone, especially those who do not value it.  Their knowledge, wisdom, and feedback often comes at the expense of the failures, mistakes and setbacks they have experienced along life's way.  Out of respect for all it took for them to ascend from the bottom to their places among the top within their areas of influence, you just can't glean from them FOR NOTHING.

The Hardships Were Sent To Harden You

Throughout our lives, we will experience seasons of hardship.  It is, therefore, not wise for us to view life through the rose-tinted lenses that deceive us into thinking that everything will ALWAYS be pleasant for us, especially as born again believers in Christ the Messiah.  Right here is where sobriety of the mind is necessary in order to endure the afflictions we will--without a doubt--experience.  Sober thinking, furthermore, ensures that our souls (i.e. mind, will and emotions) PROPERLY process the trouble we experience.  When we appropriately handle hardship, the hardness we experience fulfills its purpose to bring forth THE BEST of us and not OUR WORST.  And with understanding of the order of righteousness, according to Romans 8:28, we are better able to see how GOD is indeed HELPING us by HARDENING us to difficulty.

If you would, take a look back over a season in your life that was hard for you to get through.  As much as you may hate to admit it, what you suffered most likely helped you in some way.  And as a result of enduring that as well as other hard seasons of your past, herein lies the good news: thanks to what you've been through, the challenges to come won't even phase you!  Because you know it was GOD who brought you through the past hardships, you can trust and believe that He will bring you through whatever trouble comes your way next.  And why is that?  Because every hard thing you overcome toughens you to face the adversary's forthcoming attempts to defeat you.

Extracting The Greatness In You

Nothing worth having comes easy.  This is why there are people dying every day who left themselves no choice but to leave this life unfulfilled.  They played it safe.  They settled for good enough.  They chose the familiarity associated with survival over the risk of potentially thriving.

Understand that it's YOUR unwillingness to experience discomfort that's keeping you from being great--NOT PEOPLE.  In order for greatness to come forth, YOU must be willing to step into discomfort.  Yes, the struggle is real; and you won't even begin to scratch the surface of greatness until you're willing to face your self-imposed limitations head-on.

You Have Something To Offer

My friend Chandra Hill shared a story about an occurrence earlier today that got my attention in a very unavoidable way.  She was getting gas and noticed an older gentleman doing the same across from her. After finishing, he got back in his car to leave but the vehicle failed to start.  So, as expected, he popped the hood to inspect things.  However, it still would not start once he got back inside.

By this time, Chandra had finished pumping her gas and was in her vehicle preparing to drive off. But before she could leave, she heard the Lord say, "Ask him if he's okay..."  Her initial thought was, "If he isn't, what can I do?"  The Lord's response was no different: "Ask him."  So she rolls down her window and does what she was instructed to do.

"I need a boost," he says.

"Well," she replies, "I have cables, but hooking them up is another story."

His response: "I can hook them up, if you have them."

The Blessing in the Pressing

The brokenness we experience in our pressing situations is purposed to release an oil that is strategically anointed for ministry.  Yes, the pressing was crushing.  But with the crushing pain--and even embarrassment, in some cases--comes a powerful release.  And the value of what is released far outweighs the value we attributed to that which was crushed.  The oil we carry is only released via excruciating circumstances.  There indeed lies a blessing in the pressing because it's THIS oil that is specially formulated--if you will--for the work of ministry.

Flowing from our own pain, it's infused with the very power of GOD that brought us to the other side of through.  For some, the pressing may be diseased affliction.  For others, it may be a failed marriage.  One person's pressing could be a serious financial crisis, while another's situation involves a period of incarceration.  The possibilities are endless because everyone experiences their own unique combination of crushing blows from which the power of GOD delivers us.  The same power that brought us deliverance is now the active ingredient in the oil produced by our lives' crushing experiences that is meant to bring deliverance to others.

Banishing The Hurt | 03.06.13

I recently attended a Sunday Night FLOW worship service that featured some phenomenal ministry in song from Kevin Levar, David and Nicole Binion, and Myron Williams.  It was indeed a powerful time of worship, as the presence of GOD there was evident.  Even after the service ended, the Holy Spirit continued to minister to me.  I posted the following status update on Facebook shortly after awaking the next morning.

Elton Taylor believes unforgiveness will stall a breakthrough worse than a broken timing belt does a car. Yes, the battery has power; but what good is having power when you can't move forward? With that being said, I encourage you to replace that broken belt with one of wholeness so GOD can redeem the time during which you've been empowered but motionless. Now is the time to forgive and let go of the hurtful feelings you've been experiencing for far too long. Now is the time to evict from your mind each painful memory and break free from every mentally tortuous reminder of what happened. Now is the time to dissolve any desire for revenge and to sever from yourself all planned attempts for recompense once the truth surfaces. Your breakthrough depends on the forgiveness YOU extend, so let the healing begin that you might live.
#GodBlessMyEnemies_KevinLevar
#HealingIsHereAndIReceiveIt_DavidAndNicoleBinion
#SunNiteFLOW_MyronWilliams
#HearingTheHolySpiritForMyself_PRICELESS

The Need For Motivation - Part 2 | 12.30.12

In discussing the initial post on this topic with friends, the idea arose of faith being something deep within that brings out the best in us.  Let's also add to that faith's ability to ignite our own capabilities to take the necessary corresponding action that will manifest the potential outcomes we believe will become reality.  Faith represents the course of action we take following our receipt of inspiration; and by reason of the choices and decisions we make, it's a definite indication of what we trust will manifest our desired outcomes.  But somewhere between being inspired and walking by faith, there lies motivation.  Between us receiving the vision and carrying it out there is an engagement of our "want to" to our "will to" once we've discovered the "why do".

Trusting In GOD's Presence | 12.26.12

No matter what we face in life, we can trust in GOD's presence.  Make no mistake about it: GOD is always with us, but we can never be confident in this thing if we fail to trust in His presence.  In fact, it was spoken by Moses in Deuteronomy 31:6 to all Israel that the LORD "will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."  (Hebrews 13:5 quotes this passage in a way more familiar to our hearing: "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.")  Herein, though, lies the reality check: simply accepting the fact that GOD is present is not enough when our faith is under fire.  When the will of GOD for our lives leads us through the valley of the shadow of death, we require more than the mere acceptance of GOD's presence...  We must pursue an immutable awareness of GOD's presence, an awareness so strong that nothing we face can make us doubt His presence being with us.  And as much as we may hate to acknowledge this, for our awareness of His presence to become that strong, it generally takes us encountering situations wherein only a manifestation of GOD's presence can get us through.

The Confidence We Have | 08.08.12

This past Saturday, the following Facebook status I posted seemed to garner a good bit of attention:

"Elton Taylor believes the very best thing to do whenever you feel overwhelmed is to ASCEND IN WORSHIP. Worrying solves nothing. Emotional reactions change nothing. They only make YOU worse off... But when you elevate your mind above the circumstances and begin to magnify the LORD your GOD, something happens... YOU change! Your perspective, your response, your attitude ALL change because NOW you're looking at those same circumstances from a totally different angle than before. You being able to get past how you feel and call for an uprising of GOD's glory without musicians, a worship team or pastor is what keeps you together AWAY FROM THE PHYSICAL SANCTUARY. #TrustMe #YourSanityDependsOnIt"

What I didn't share on Facebook was that I was speaking from my own experience of what was going on that very day.  I began to feel overwhelmed by things happening around me, and it became more evident as my mind began to race with thoughts of "What if?," "How will I?" and the such.  The hovering presence of worry was attempting to set in, and then I remembered something: "I don't have to feel this way!"  I can't tell you how many times I've said, "The joy of the LORD is my strength," "In His presence there is fullness of joy," and "Many are the afflictions of the righteous but the LORD delivers them out of them all."  BUT THIS TIME, I had to do more than just SAY it...  I had to BECOME it.  Those words had to COME to BE...IN ME.

In Pursuit of Happiness - Introduction | 07.21.12

Over the years, it's been ingrained in me that happiness is dependent on what "happens," whereas joy is independent of the circumstances.  I have--more or less--held on to that for quite some time; however, a conversation got me to thinking about happiness all over again.  This conversation both touched my heart and stirred my thoughts in a way that doesn't happen often.  It led me to meditate on what it really means to be happy because there are so many people--believers and unbelievers alike--who are unhappy and willing to do almost anything to simply be happy.  

I can't even convey how my heart ached as I sat there and listened because I had no words.  I felt helpless, like I couldn't do a single thing but be present in the moment and attentive to what was being said.  To the soul who opened up to me, it meant the world.  But I was truly at a loss for what to say, and that bothered me.  And as hurtful a sting as it was, the emotional reaction I had to my inability to say anything was humbling.  GOD allowed me to experience that moment so I would be motivated to seek His thoughts on the matter because simply sharing my personal feelings wouldn't do a single thing for this person.

Manifesting the Glory of the Teacher (Part 1 of 2) | 02.09.12

During times of great difficulty, it's important to understand that it's our faith that's being tried.  Don't take it personal... because it's only a test.  We often forget that before every promotion there MUST be a test.  Furthermore, scripture (James 1:3) teaches us that the testing of our faith produces cheerful endurance (or patience).  We're to let patience thoroughly transform our mindsets that--as we are transformed--we may be whole, lacking or wanting nothing once the process is complete (James 1:4).

One of the most common observations made while enduring a faith trial is that it seems like GOD could not be heard.  We're quick to associate tests and trials with GOD trying to teach us something, but we fail to realize that it's during the test that the teacher is silent.  If the lesson was indeed learned, then the teacher should not have to say a thing.  However, just because the teacher is silent, it doesn't mean that the teacher is not present.

Experiencing the Evidence | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

Okay, so I had another "yellow sticky note" moment and I couldn't resist sharing it with everyone.  Since this thought was scribbled on BOTH sides of the sticky note, I'll share the main point verbatim and quickly expound upon the rest of what I wrote:

"GOD wants to see if we've got the faith to experience the evidence of our situations (via the five senses) and STILL TRUST HIM to the point where we can shout the victory BEFORE His power is manifested."

A lot of times, the miracle to us is GOD doing what we perceive to be impossible for us to do for ourselves.  But it's much more than that.  Oddly enough, what we think to be impossible is hardly so in GOD's eyes.  Furthermore, upon closer examination, we can see that the miracle is actually in us.  GOD allows us to encounter seemingly "impossible" situations to test our faith because He's interested in seeing how we react to the circumstances.  Do we frantically respond out of our emotions as those with no hope, or do we confidently work our faith fully trusting GOD for the outcome?  This is the miracle!

After experiencing all the carnal evidence, will we yet praise our GOD?  Is our faith so steadfast in the Word of GOD that we can rejoice knowing that the evidence of things not seen far outweighs the evidence of things seen?  Must we wait for the manifestation of GOD's power on our behalf to shout the victory, or will we shout unto GOD with a voice of triumph BEFORE our Jericho walls crumble before our eyes?  The miracle we need IS NOT the outcome we desire of the LORD.  The miracle is in the renewing of our minds to take on the culture of Heaven and consistently exhibit it in our everyday behavior.  Once we adopt the culture and consistently practice the lifestyle of Heaven's citizens, we'll begin to see the government of Heaven intervening in every facet of our lives just as GOD intended from the beginning.

Reflect, Don't Replicate | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

Quite frequently, I get these bursts of thought that end up scribbled on sticky notes and stuck inside my journal.  They come so quickly that, for fear of forgetting these thoughts, I write them down with the express purpose of revisiting them at a later time.  I recently ran across one of these notes and felt compelled to share it:

"We can't be so stuck in the ways of our predecessors that we only do things the way they did.  Imagine how Joshua might have felt when it was time for the Israelites to cross the River Jordan.  Moses led them [the prior generation] over the Red Sea with a staff, but that's not how GOD was going to lead them [this new generation] across the Jordan.  It's important for proteges to learn the voice of GOD's Spirit for themselves because what worked for your mentor may not work for you."

As someone who carries a great deal of respect for leadership and those who undertake this awesome responsibility, I deeply feel the need to encourage those who are currently being groomed (or desire to be mentored) to develop your ability to hear by the Spirit for yourself.  Don't rely on hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit through someone else because--no matter how gifted and anointed a leader you may serve under-- you STILL run the risk of human error when depending on people to hear from GOD for you.  Furthermore, it's too easy to get stuck in your own spiritual growth by patterning yourself after your leader.  After all, there's a BIG difference between REFLECTING your leader and REPLICATING them.

It Costs What It Costs | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

Many times, we make declarations of faith without understanding the cost associated with them.  In my own life, I vividly remember the intense amount of prayer, fasting and consecration I underwent between my twenty-ninth and thirtieth birthdays in preparation for what GOD was going to do in the next phase of my life.  Turning thirty held great meaning for me because it was at this age that Jewish men who had committed their lives to the study of the holy books would be eligible to become master teachers.  It was also the age during which Jesus stepped out into public ministry.  I knew things would be different for me from this point onward, and I did not want to take this pivotal time of my life so lightly that its significance would get overlooked.  So all throughout that year, it was my prayer that GOD prepare me as I began to transition from the no more to the not yet.  However, I had no idea then what I was asking for.

As crazy as it sounds, sometimes it's just better that we don't know the cost of our faith declarations.  GOD does all things well, and I really believe His way of keeping us informed on a need to know basis works to our benefit.  In all honesty, if we really knew the costs associated with what we've declared by faith for our lives, then our hearts would be so gripped with fear that we would probably never pursue the path towards fulfilling that which we've spoken.  Had I known on my twenty-ninth birthday what would happen to me between then and the thirty-first birthday I celebrated this past Monday, the human side of me most certainly would not have made such bold faith declarations.  All I can say is that I know what a miracle looks like because I see one everytime I look into a mirror.

Of all that my eyes have seen these past two years, I would say moving to Dallas was probably the gutsiest.  Drawn to this metroplex without any concrete reason why, this leap of faith represents a major cost associated with my own declaration of faith in 2009.  It's not been easy leaving behind all that is familiar to move to a place larger than any other community I've ever before lived.  But GOD continues to show Himself strong on my behalf.  He sends prophetic Words through strangers to reassure me that, despite my feelings of uncertainty, all is going as planned.  When I've wanted to pack up and go back to where I came from, the Holy Spirit reminds me of the calling that's been on my life from eternity.  It's been during these times over the past year that I have come into a greater awareness of GOD's care for me...and it humbles me in the most heartwrenching way.

While recently visiting a friend of mine's church, it became clear that I've been well-planted, well-nourished and well-tended to, but the pot I've been in has become too small.  As great as the place in which I was planted has been for me, this move was timed by GOD because it would take leaving that place of comfort to follow GOD's leading.  This experience has taught me that it takes leaving everything you know to REALLY find out what it means to rely on GOD.  In order to ensure I'm prepared for the next phase, I've had to make a conscience decision to submit to this uncomfortable season.  GOD has to make sure that my trust is in Him and that He has my total allegiance.  No more "my way" but "His way" because I cannot expect to fulfill the purpose for which GOD gave me life by making decisions based upon my own understanding.  For this is where, in the walk of faith, where the rubber meets the road and it's time to get moving.

Bondage Hurts | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

Some of the greatest lessons learned as part of our human experience are those that generate a memorable degree of hurt or disappointment.  These experiences leave indelible inscriptions upon the pages of our hearts and are often defining moments in the shaping of our own unique behavioral characteristics.  Sometimes it's our fault; other times it's not at all.  But regardless of who's to blame, hurt is hurt when it comes to our interpersonal dealings with others--especially those we love.  My heart really goes out to those who are just givers by nature.  They unselfishly put others before themselves and will give their very last to help someone else, never really asking for anything in return.  Their kindness is usually taken for weakness, and their concern is often times mistaken for a hidden agenda.  And no matter how strong we say we are, people can only hurt so much at the hands of others for so long before they begin to feel like they don't need anyone in their lives and would just rather be alone.

If the truth be told, GOD created us to be social beings.  So a life of solitude is certainly not the answer to the dilemma we face.  As a matter of fact, GOD's work IN our lives is accomplished via Him working THROUGH the lives of others.  So people are very important to even our own lives experiencing the blessings of GOD.  But in order to fully understand what I am leading up to, don't just limit GOD's blessings to money or material possessions.  Expand your view of blessing beyond the tangible to include intangibles like favor, fellowship and friendship.  That certainly changes everything about how we comprehend our hurts, doesn't it?  And although we may hate to admit it, especially in times of disappointment with people, we require each other's presence in our lives to fulfill GOD's purpose for our lives.  But here is where I find we fail so miserably, me included: when GOD blesses us (tangibly or intangibly) through others, we allow our emotions to get attached to the person He used instead of Him.

Stop Complaining | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

Last Sunday night, while attending The Flow, I heard Myron Williams say something that I just had to make note of: "Never complain about what you permit."  As Myron continued ministering, my mind literally wrapped itself around that statement.  I wouldn't consider myself to be a complainer, BUT I am human (so I'm far from being a perfect example of NOT complaining).  And like everyone else, I have my moments when frustration takes its toll on  me and I find myself complaining.  What I love about this quote, though, is how it really caused me to think about who's REALLY at fault for the things I may complain about.

It's terribly easy to point the finger at someone else when we're inconvenienced or upset, but how many of us would be honest enough to say that much of what we complain about has been given our permission to invade our lives?  For instance, we may complain about how slowly the traffic is moving on the interstate, BUT we honestly could have left sooner than we did for our destination. I know this might sound silly to some people, but it's simple occurences like this that quickly steal our joy and alter our mood.  (For more on this, see "Taking Responsibility.").  You see, the mature Kingdom citizen seeks GOD for clarity instead of complaining to Him under the guise of "prayer".  BEFORE crying out for deliverance, the mature in spirit pray, "Father, show me what I've done to contribute to this situation so I'll know not to do it again."

No Effect | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

(The following blog was originally posted in my former MySpace blog on September 2, 2007.)

In Philippians 3:13-15, it reads,

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.  Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you."

Not too long ago, my pastor delivered a message entitled, "Leave The Past Behind," which included a portion of the above passage as part of his text.  He mentioned that in deciding to follow Christ, we must forget about the past in order to be used of GOD.  Forgetting the past doesn't mean that it never again comes to mind; it means that it has no effect or influence on you.

Are You Willing To Break Through? (Part 2 of 2) | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

The following blog was posted on my former MySpace blog on October 29, 2007.


(Continued From Part One)
The enemy has us all figured out.  He knows which buttons to press, which feelings to arouse, and what tactics to employ to force us to our limit(s).  Why?  Because we fall for that same foolishness time after time after time.  So, let's get real about this thing!  YES, the enemy's got your number, and he's not afraid to pull it if it means thwarting you from making any further progress towards fulfilling your God-given purpose.

We can't avoid pain, so we just need to go ahead and get over it.  Pain is necessary, so don't be afraid of it.  I know that's not probably what we want to hear, but it's true.  We love to hear messages about sweatless victories, everything working for our good, and no weapon formed prospering.  But what happens when you're in the middle of that trial sweating buckshots?  How do you deal with the long process of everything working for your good?  What are you gonna do when that formed weapon is heading right your way?

Realize that your anointing can only be refined in the furnace of your affliction.  And you can take that one to the bank!  So don't use pain as an excuse to quit.  If that be the case [regarding the refinement of your anointing], then you need to prepare yourself to deal with the pain whenever it comes.  See, your trials don't come to make you strong.  Be for real: they've come to take you out of here.  However, when you maintain the proper perspective--that is, GOD's perspective--as well as the right attitude, then that trial sent to take you out becomes an opportunity for growth, refinement and victory.

But you can't get there until you make up in your mind that you cannot quit.  Come hell or high water, you can't give up.  You must be willing to break through!  Whatever it takes to break through the quitting points of your past, commit now to pressing your way beyond the limitations.  Resolve that GOD has not given you the spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.

If you find that you've boxed yourself in via the idolatrous worship of avoiding pain, then it's time that idol be destroyed.  Grab hold of endurance because that's what you need (Hebrews 10:36).  Distance runners experience a lot of pain, but it's endurance that won't allow them to quit.  They continue running despite the pain because they're in pursuit of something greater than quitting can provide.  Moreover, the pain no longer matters because they know that it's necessary for them to succeed.  And because they already knew that, they trained in preparation for the pain!

You want to succeed, don't you?  Then be willing to break through the quitting points.  If you choose to make that decision, I promise that you'll never live to regret ever having made it.