Maturing as Christians

I have been asked, “Dr. Robert, how can I know when God says no?” If you are asking for things not according to His will, He says “no.” It means He is prioritizing His sovereign, loving, and long-term plans over immediate personal desires. According to 1 John 5:14-15, God hears prayers aligned with His purposes (His "will"). A "no" often acts as protection from harmful paths, a mechanism for spiritual growth, or a necessary redirection to something better. Even a “no” from Go

I have been asked, “Dr. Robert, how can I know when God says no?” If you are stretching the Word of God to make it say what you want it to say, God is saying no! For example, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13) is often misused as a promise of limitless personal achievement, but in context, it means having the strength to remain content and faithful in any situation, particularly in suffering, poverty, or hardship, not overcoming obstacl

I have been asked, “Dr. Robert, how can I know when God says no?” If you have to force it to make it happen, this probably means God is saying no! When we are forcing something to happen, our efforts will pull us away from God the harder we try to make this certain thing happen that we really want to happen. Psalm 32:8-9 teaches that God prefers to guide through gentle instruction but will allow circumstances to become difficult (like a bit and bridle) to prevent stubborn fol

The phrase, "Learning your place in people's lives" means accepting your actual role—not your desired role—to avoid disappointment, hurt feelings, and protect your peace! Biblically, this implies living with humility, stewardship, and trusting God’s boundaries over human validation (Proverbs 16:9). Understanding your role isn't about being lesser, but recognizing your place within God’s plan, just as a servant does. It is about adopting the humility of Christ, not seeking val

Psalm 119:103-105, emphasizes that God's Word is a source of delight, wisdom, and guidance. The passage (v. 103) describes God's promises as "sweeter than honey," providing spiritual nourishment. It leads to understanding (v. 104) that enables believers to reject false ways, while acting as a "lamp" for immediate steps and a "light" for the overall path (v. 105). Be encouraged! ~Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Th.D., Bible teacher & expositor

Psalm 119:101-102, “I have restrained my feet from every evil way, So that I may keep Your word. I have not turned aside from Your judgments, For You Yourself have taught me.” These words highlight a proactive commitment to holiness, where the psalmist deliberately avoids sinful paths (v. 101) and stays faithful to God’s Word (v. 102) because God Himself has taught him. It emphasizes that obedience requires actively restraining oneself from temptation and relying on divine in

Psalm 119:99-100, “I have more insight than all my teachers, For Your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than those who are old, Because I have complied with Your precepts.” The teachings of those without God may be very impressive in their expositions of human wisdom, but the discerning Bible-believing Christian can claim these words of the psalmist! True insight comes from practical application and obedience to God’s Word. Be encouraged! ~Dr. Robert L. Taylor,

Psalm 119:98, “Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me.” These words emphasize that internalizing and obeying God's Word provides superior, practical wisdom. This divine wisdom surpasses human ingenuity or scheming adversaries because it is constantly applied to life. The wisdom gained from God's Word is not only intellectual; it is practical, providing better insight into life’s decisions. Be encouraged! ~Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Th.D., Bible

Psalm 119:97, “O how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.” These words express a deep, passionate affection for God's Word, viewing it not as a burden but as a cherished guide. It shows a deeply personal, loving relationship with God’s instructions. The continuous biblical meditation is the regular, active thinking and reflection on Scripture to understand God's heart and apply it to life. The goal is to move from simply knowing to being changed by God's truth,

Biblically, love for God's Word grows from a duty into a delight through a process of time, daily engagement, and relying on His strength. A maturing love for the Word requires active obedience, even when challenging, as part of a deeper relationship with God. Ultimately, this maturation process shifts the focus from merely reading for information to engaging for transformation. Be encouraged! ~Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Th.D., Bible teacher & expositor