Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, September 12, 2016

We are focusing on getting to know God from the perspective of John the beloved.

Today’s Scripture Focus: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. The hired hand runs away because he’s working only for the money and doesn’t really care about the sheep. “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me,” (John 10:11–14, NLT).

The care and protection Jesus gives for His people is almost unbelievable. Sometimes we are tempted to believe that He is not watching, or that He does not care. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Many are the ways that the Bible illustrates God’s loving care for us. The example of the Good Shepherd is most familiar to people, whether they are from the Judeo-Christian background or not. Even irreligious people know this timeless psalm: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.” (Psalm 23). This psalm bespeaks calm reliance upon God; confidence in His guidance in the face of death; trust in His righteousness; triumph over those who intend us evil, and the ultimate eternal rest in His presence.

The setting of our theme text takes the psalm a step further. It illustrates the fact that the Good shepherd actually gives His life for the sheep. The pathway to everlasting life is littered with so many obstacles and enemies. Sadly, some of the enemies look eerily trustworthy. They are hired to also protect the sheep, but sometimes they would rather satisfy self, than stand watch as expected (Isaiah 56:10-12). So when the wolf comes, the hired help runs for his life and leaves the sheep vulnerable.

Our only trust must be in the Lord. He loves us. He corrects us. He searches for us if we go astray. In this, we can find courage as we face the wolves on our jobs, on the roads, and even in our homes. Be at peace in His care. Is the Lord your Shepherd?—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sunday, September 11, 2016

We are focusing on getting to know God from the perspective of John the beloved.

Today’s Scripture Focus: “And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,” (John 9:1–6).

As Jesus and His disciples passed by a man who had apparently been born blind, the disciples asked Jesus what was the cause of his blindness. They wanted to know whether he was being punished because he sinned or because of some sin his parents committed. Jesus' response was very interesting. He did not say, "How in the world could a man who was born this way be punished for his own sin? He was born blind!" Neither did He say, "Why do you always think everything is about you? Why do you think what people have done or not done is all that matters in the universe?" Rather, He gave them a lesson that it would be well for all of us to get: He said, "The reason this man was born blind, was so everyone who learns of his experience can see the power of God at work in him." Whoa! Now, that's deep. Jesus had a way of switching the focus from all things earthly to all things holy. The Most High is constantly at work to direct our limited attention heavenward. And, as we behold the light that emanates from the throne room, we are changed and become more useful as we mingle with people.

Jesus continues to engage the minds of His followers. And after He spoke for a few more moments, He got to work. This is the focus of our lesson today. Jesus spat on the ground. Wait. I don't know about you, but I would have thought this was strange. One minute we are discussing the deep things of God, the theology of generational curses, the power of God to impact the cosmos, and the next minute, the Teacher spits on the ground? How rude, or was it? One thing we all must do, if we are to appreciate the greatness of God, is simply pay attention. When He is working, it would be well for us, to sit tight, and ask Him to help us understand what He is doing. So, Jesus spat on the ground, mixed the spit with dirt to make clay, and then rubbed this clay on the man's eyes. If the fact that Jesus spat on the ground at an odd time was a bit jarring, rubbing spit-based clay on the man’s eyes most certainly would have given pause. But, what happened next is a miracle we must not miss. He instructed the man to go to the pool of Siloam to wash the clay from his eyes, and the man did not stumble or bumble back into Jesus' presence. The man who was born blind in order to manifest the power of God to all who would hear of his story came back seeing! Can you imagine the man's joy? What must it have been like to look up and see the sky for the first time? What must he have thought as he was able to connect images to the sounds of children playing and birds singing their morning carols? How must his heart have leaped as he finally could look into his mother's eyes and see the care that he aforetime could only feel? He was blind and now he can see! Glory to God! The story continues with ridiculous exchanges with the spiritual so-called leaders and the young man about whether he was actually born blind or if this was all a masterfully crafted deception. His parents also were subjected to the onslaught. Eventually, the man was able to see his Savior--the One who loved him so much that He would give him sight, so he could experience life to the fullest.

Almost as jarring as...

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Friday, September 9, 2016

Audio Link:

We are focusing on getting to know God from the perspective of John the beloved.

Today’s Scripture Focus: “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12).

It is near impossible for us to place one divine self-proclamation above another, because any description of the Most High revealed by the Holy Spirit is of inestimable value. Yet, my finite mind is particularly drawn to the statement of Christ in our theme text. He is the Light of the world.

Even if you are not an avid Bible reader, you may recall the following statement in the creation story: “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.” (Genesis 1:3). I do not want to get too philosophical here, but there is something equally glorious and curious going on here. If you continue reading the creation account, you will note that the heavenly bodies that govern the day and night were not created until the fourth day. Thus, the question must be asked, “With no sun, moon or stars, what was the light of which our God spoke on the first day?”

Let’s consider three key verses before we continue: “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6). “In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” (John 1:4–5). “And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.” (Revelation 21:23).

As we can see, the Scriptures are very clear that Jesus, the One who came to earth to buy our pardon, is the Light. Jesus is the Light of creation. Jesus is the Light of the glory of God. Jesus is the Light who puts the sun, moon, and stars out of business in heaven and the New Jerusalem. And so it now makes sense that the prophet did not misspell, “Son” in describing Christ when he prophesied, “But unto you who revere and worshipfully fear My name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in His wings and His beams, and you shall go forth and gambol like calves [released] from the stall and leap for joy.” (Malachi 4:2, AMP). Malachi lauds the joy and leaping that takes place in the life of those who receive the One who shines brighter than a thousand suns at noonday.

In conclusion, Jesus aptly reveals Himself to us in the most illustrious sense, highlighting the fact that He is the antithesis of darkness. Those who receive this life-changing reality into our daily practices will not need to stumble around, trying to figure out the Lord’s will. We will not need to worry about being ignorant to anything it is in our best interest to know. We will not need to worry about wicked thoughts encroaching upon us, leading us to commit unmentionable acts. If we submit to the Light, all of our thoughts, intentions, and actions can stand in the judgment before a holy God. Our minds and consciences can be clear in His presence when we walk in the light, as He is in the light. This is the utmost in liberating experiences.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Thursday, September 8, 2016

Audio Link:

We are focusing on getting to know God from the perspective of John the beloved.

Today’s Scripture Focus: “And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.” (John 17:11).

None of us can thrive on earth without the support of others. This almost goes without saying, but oftentimes we try. There are those who will sit and suffer beneath a financial burden before they ask their closest loved-ones for help, for fear of embarrassment. There are some who will see marriages of family members on the verge of disaster, but will not intercede for them or offer wise counsel. Others will struggle with health concerns and keep it a secret under the guise of not wanting others to worry. This sort of fragmented, phony independence has destroyed families and people groups for centuries. We need one another in order to survive. The wise man said, “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9–12).

In this light, Jesus prayed for unity among His people. He asked the Father to make us one, in the same way they are unified. This is an amazing request considering its foundation. Jesus and the Father were one from eternity. They are one in truth. They are one in the purpose of giving life to the downtrodden. They are one in all things holy. Can you imagine what kind of world this would be if we would embrace this principle?

I want my life to be an answer to Jesus’ prayer. I want to be of service. I want to be part of a bigger support system for those in the faith. I want us all to be a portrait of love and mutual respect that welcomes lost people to the One who can help them. Jesus’ prayer was more than some idealistic concept. We actually caught a glimpse of His prayer being answered in the early church. The Bible says, “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common;” (Acts 2:42–44).

This prayer for unity among believers, in context of our pursuit of victory, makes me think of being a safe place for those who are tempted. The devil likes to isolate us while he buffets us. We need to be available and submitted to God at all times. I mean, there are times in our lives when we may be fearful of the consequences for doing right, and we need someone to pray for us and encourage us to trust God. There are times when we are tempted to choose partners who are not sanctified by the Word of God, and we need a loved-one to encourage us to wait on the Lord. We may need a non-judgmental confidant to just cry with, who will not only cry, but laugh in praise to God when He brings victory. Only a unified body of believers can be this kind of blessing to one another, and do our part to lead others to Christ.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Wednesday, September 7, 2016

We are focusing on getting to know God from the perspective of John the beloved.

Today’s Scripture Focus: “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” (John 5:39–40).

There were a number of different factions during Jesus’ day who studied Scripture more than average. They customarily wore verses on their clothing and some were even able to recite the entire five books of the Torah. Fastidiously, they fixated on every jot and tittle of the Law, yet many did not actually live the Law. Some knew every word, but lived almost none. They trusted so much in their abilities to recall and apply Scripture, that they effectively replaced God’s grace in their own lives. They lived their lives in such a way as to demonstrate that they thought eternal life was a right, based on obedience. They thought that if they performed just right, and had a firm grasp of rites, ceremonies, and the words of Scripture, they could be recommended to God for salvation. Tragically, most of these proficient professors of religion were their own greatest hindrances to salvation. They placed their trust in perceived obedience to Scripture, rather than the God of Scripture.

A friend once told me that people are capable of performing on either extreme in our own strength. We can live a permissive lifestyle wherein our only guide is whether things feel good and are enjoyable. Then there are those who focus so much on right doing that they deceive themselves into believing that their performance makes them worthy of heavenly recognition. But, as my friend stated it, being balanced requires God’s inspiration. In this context, balance means that we believe that since God is holy, we too can/must be holy. But, balance continues by recognizing our sheer helplessness to be holy on our own. We realize and embrace the fact that only God can make a person holy and whatever reward we receive will be that for which Jesus is worthy.

Eternal life is not in attempts at performing or mastering Scripture. No! Jesus said it best when He said, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3). It is our privilege to know God. He introduces Himself to all who diligently seek His face in Scripture, rather than seeking bonus points for studying. There is nothing sweeter than knowing our God. He has done so much for us of which we are completely undeserving. To know God, is to love Him. Do not settle for the pittance of merely knowing the theories related to God. Seek experimental knowledge of Him, and know that He is good.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Audio Link:

We are focusing on getting to know God from the perspective of John the beloved.

Today’s Scripture Focus: “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:44).

So here’s the problem: too many of us think we have life all figured out. While it’s true that knowledge has increased, our educational systems have improved, and technology has made the world’s riches more accessible than ever before, we still have no idea whether we are coming or going.

Now, before you get a complex or think I am exaggerating, do me a favor. Tell me how quickly light travels. If you said 186 thousand miles per second, you’re right! Congratulations! How far is the sun from earth? What is the actual size and chemical composition of Saturn? Explain the science of fetal development. What in the world is blood? How does it function? What is its chemical composition? I can hear some brilliant people saying, “I read about those things.” Some of you may even have post-graduate degrees and have written papers on these subjects. Bravo! The fact is, it’s easy to say how fast light travels but have you personally aimed a speed measuring device at the light? Have you ever been to the sun? If you understand certain key components of blood, can you actually create it in the lab environment? Can you un-sickle a cell? Can you repair damaged DNA? Can you genetically modify a seed and it actually retain all that God intended when He created it? Let me help you: too many of us think we have life all figured out.

I could dream up all sorts of intricate musings and questions to befuddle you on the subject of God too, but I will not. “Canst thou by searching find out God? Canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? Deeper than hell; what canst thou know? The measure thereof is longer than the earth, And broader than the sea. If he cut off, and shut up, or gather together, Then who can hinder him?” (Job 11:7–10). Scientists and theologians have been attempting to splice and dice God for centuries, but the Almighty (blessed be His name) can only be known inasmuch as He reveals Himself. We can no more master God than we can take a road trip through Orion on vacation. But He has been so kind to condescend and give us glimpses of the eternal. He has been so gracious to manifest His character through the Person and work of Jesus Christ.

If you don’t get anything else from our thought today, please be inspired to give thanks for such an awesome God who, though shrouded in mystery, has chosen to give us a revelation of Himself. Thank Him for not only giving the revelation but also rescuing us from the pit of pride and ignorance so that we can receive healing from sin. God has been so kind to make Himself accessible to mere humans so that He can elevate us to the full stature of His Son one day.

So, let me just leave you with a little nugget of Scripture as you pursue knowledge and wrestle with the mysteries of this world and the world to come: “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: And with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: She shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: A crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.” (Proverbs 4:7–9).—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, September 5, 2016

We are focusing on getting to know God from the perspective of John the beloved.

Today’s Scripture Focus: “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:38–40).

You are extremely important to God! While there are many ways of demonstrating this reality, I would like to focus on the intent of Jesus’ first coming to planet earth. He came down from heaven to do His Father’s will—save you (and me). Therefore all of the ministry, pain, suffering, hardships, and work He encountered while here were for your benefit. God really did love the world so much that He gave His Son to save us. While we were at our worst, God gave His best.

For too often, we don’t consider God’s will for our lives, especially as it relates to others. Is there a neighbor you are supposed to help? Are there youth you need to guide because their parents are absent or too busy? Are there co-workers under the boss’s scrutiny you can help do a better job before they get fired? Does your spouse need a listening ear? I realize most of us are tired and busy. I get it. I realize it's hard to cram anything more into most of our schedules. But, if we do not take our marching orders from God and make ourselves available to be of service to others, the devil has already fit them into his. God’s will is for us to drink deeply of His Spirit so we can lead others closer to Him, and deliver them from the clutches of the enemy. Will you make yourself available?

Can you imagine? Jesus was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane after working most of His life in obscurity and a brief three plus years in the public eye, facing one critical question: Would He put His needs before that of God’s will for Him? The real issue was that the Father’s will meant that Jesus would have to die for sins He did not commit. He would have to become sin for a human family of rebels, most of who would neither appreciate nor accept His sacrifice. Would He submit to the bitter end of that process, or allow sinners to die in their sins—our just deserts? Well, since you are experiencing this devotional thought more than 2,000 years after that fateful day, you realize Jesus chose the former. He decided to accept the charge to complete His assignment regardless of the consequences.

If Jesus, the sinless One, could put self aside to save you, is it too much to ask for you to put self aside to do whatever God has called you to do? I have to ask myself that question every day, and I hope you will too. May the Lord help us not to merely ask that question of ourselves, but answer it to the glory of God, and not our own agendas.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Friday, September 2, 2016

We are focusing on getting to know God from the perspective of John the beloved.

Today’s Scripture Focus: “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35).

Have you ever been hungry? With all of the many things in our human experiences that make us different, hunger is a common denominator among all peoples of the world. Some are short, tall, big, tiny, kind, foul, of varying races, healthy, unhealthy, spiritual, irreligious, etc. Obviously, there are also many things we share in common. But hunger, no matter to what degree, is a basic human response. We must all eat to survive and thrive.

Tapping into this baseline reality, Jesus announces that He is the Bread of Life. Considering my thesis, you should immediately infer that Jesus is saying that every person, regardless of similarities or differences, must also imbibe Him in order to survive and thrive.

We often perceive hunger from a perverted appetite. Some of our minds and appetites have been trained to enjoy processed, unhealthy, genetically modified, gluttonous amounts of, and poor qualities of foods. Whenever we are under stress or need a quick fix, some naturally reach for these things for temporary satisfaction. I hope you are paying attention. Our bodies, the fine organisms they are, really need natural, healthy foods in all of their profuse colors and varieties. And these are the only things that will actually satisfy our hunger, not the belly bulking fluff to which some have become accustomed.

So it is with our spiritual lives. Many of us have become accustomed to subsisting on the fluff of illicit relationships, mind-numbing entertainments, substance abuse, codependences, money chasing, and pride. Depending upon the arrangement and timing of these in our lives, we may even feel momentary satisfaction. But, the truth is without Christ, we will never actually be satisfied.

He is offering Himself to all of us to fulfill our basic human need for purpose and fulfillment. Today is probably a great day to consider Him afresh. Ask Him how to trust Him for sustenance. Ask Him to remove your appetite for sinful things. Then open your proverbial mouth and receive the richest blessings heaven can offer.

““Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink— even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk— it’s all free! Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food.” (Isaiah 55:1–2, NLT)—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Thursday, September 1, 2016

We are focusing on getting to know God from the perspective of John the beloved.

Today’s Scripture Focus: John 5:1-18

There is much to be said for so-called social media. I mean, the fact that you are reading this post right now means that it has, in many ways, taken up residence in our lives. In it there is a level of relevance. I have often wondered why it is even called social. I mean, we are accessing that which is called social from our backlighted little devices and peering into the lives of many people, all at once. We cannot actually see these people, we cannot touch, feel the air moving from each other's lungs as we get close to hear that treasured life experience that our friends want to share directly from their hearts. Yet, it is considered social...media. I do not want to get out of balance here, though. Entire societies have been impacted for good through social media activism. Families who are separated for a time can share pictures, videos, stories, personal messages, and not-so-personal messages in order to communicate tender care for their loved ones. Perhaps the focus should not be as much on the limits of social media, or whether its virtual mechanism disqualifies it from being social. Perhaps, there is a lesson of real import that this new world of socializing has only emphasized. The truth is, even our face-to-face relationships are fragile these days. Sometimes we find ourselves too busy to demonstrate that we care for those closest to us. Sometimes we are so bogged down with life, that we do not carve out time to reach out to those in our communities who need our caring attention.

The story of our focus verses today provides a curious lesson in context of our opening thoughts. How was it possible for an enfeebled man, who was always surrounded by a rush of people, to become invisible? How is it possible for us, whether through our thousands of FB friends, tens of thousands of posts, tweets, pins, etc., to become lost in our very real need to nurture and be nurtured? Somehow, as we plug in to our virtual socializing, we get unplugged from carrying one another's burdens. This man, in a pre-digital era is a microcosm of what we will experience if we are not careful.

Now, Jesus demonstrates the highest ideal for us. He sees the man who has been an invalid for 38 years, and asks Him a simple question: "Do you want to be made whole?" The man's response is an indictment upon all who have rushed by him all-day, everyday, going about their business. It is an indictment of those who heard and experienced his cries for help as he posted to his proverbial FB timeline, that he needed HELP! He said that every time he felt like his change and healing was about to come, somebody would rush by him, without even trying to help, in pursuit of their own healing. Now, that is anti-social. This would happen, day in and day out. A glut of uncaring people, all looking out for self, brushed by a poor man without regard for his wellbeing. Jesus sees the man's real condition and gives him the attention he needs. He looks into his eyes and says, "Be healed. Pick up your bed, and walk." It was the Sabbath! Even during the hallowed hours of the Sabbath, we are challenged with the contrast of healing and the disease of the lack of fellowship. The Most High is passing by each of us today, through our nifty little devises to say, "Be healed. Let me help you get off your back and walk out of your desperate, neglected state." But, oh, here's the thing, we all get to participate in this new social movement! We get to reach out to one another intentionally to give and receive tangible love, so we never need to experience the indictment of anti-social inactivity again.

Look for someone to bless today and watch God miraculously heal them.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)