Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sunday, April 3, 2016

This Week’s Devotional Focus is, “Cooperation.”

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.” (Genesis 1:1–3).

Holy cooperation (or teamwork) is one of the highest principles taught in Scripture. It was through cooperation between holy men of God and the Spirit that the Scriptures were written. It is by cooperation between Jesus and the Spirit that all truth about salvation and how much we need God is brought to our minds. It was through cooperation between people asking and seeking God diligently for His blessings, and God answering prayers that others are blessed through intercession. And as we are discussing to day, it was through cooperation among the Godhead that the world was created. Thus it is that holy cooperation is a heavenly construct, the privilege of which positions us to be most powerful and represent God to the fullest.

The first exercise of holy cooperation I see in Scripture is revealed in the creation account. The Bible says that the area in space that became earth as we now know it was once devoid of life and form until God began to act upon the void. Interestingly, in this story of the creation, we see a beautiful principle concerning God’s nature that carries over into all areas of God’s power and love for us.

The term from which our English word, “God” in this verse comes is plural, not singular. This means that when God created the heavens and the earth, it is safe for us to surmise that at least two heavenly Beings were active at creation—God (the Father) and God (the Son). The great thing is that we do not need to assume this; there are many scriptures to support this. Here’s just one: “GOD, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;” (Hebrews 1:1–2). The Bible says that God (the Father) made the worlds by God (the Son). This perfectly coincides with this verse. Concerning Jesus, the Bible says: “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:” (Colossians 1:12–16). These verses actually give a sneak peek into tomorrow’s focus—the cooperation of salvation. Here we read that Jesus, who is perfectly unified with the Father created the worlds and powers, whether visible or invisible. Thus it is that the Father and Son demonstrated ultimate cooperation to create the heavens and the earth.

Notice, too, that our theme text portrays the Spirit hovering above the face of the deep as God (the Son) created the heavens and the earth. God’s precious Holy Spirit, who is inseparable in unity with He and Jesus Christ, is always active and ever present in all that God does—even creation. We must not miss this.

Let’s tie this all together now. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit were all present and active during the creation of the heavens and the earth. The power to create something from nothing (the void) is one of the attributes that is uniquely attributable to God. God created every other being in the universe. The Father, Son, and Spirit are eternal. Every other being was created. This is one...

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sabbath, April 2, 2016

This Week’s Devotional Focus is, “The Righteousness of Christ.”

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20).

Crucifixion was a long, hard death in Jesus’ day. It was reserved for those whom the Roman government deemed worthy of death. What must it have been like for Jesus to be stripped and nailed to this instrument of torture knowing that He was innocent of all wrongdoing, and that most of those for whom He died would never even appreciate Him for it? Yet, He allowed his cruel accusers to nail Him there and thrust it violently into the hole that was prepared to receive it at its base. And there he would hang until His humanity’s last bit of vital energy was drained before He breathed His last breath. What love! What sacrifice!

Interestingly, it is often overlooked that Jesus was mysteriously 100% God (the Son) and 100% human. The Bible calls it the great mystery of godliness (1 Timothy 3:16). Thus Jesus said, “Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.” (John 10:17–18). Jesus, in His innate divine power and authority could have made it impossible for His human nature to die, no matter what His blasphemous accusers did to Him. Divinity cannot die, and in His humanity, He was innocent of all sin, the wages of which are death. Therefore, Jesus submitted to the penalty that our sins required so we could be forgiven and cleansed if we continue in faith in Him (Philippians 2:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21).

Not only did Jesus lay His life down for us so we could be forgiven and cleansed if we continue in faith in Him, the text we highlighted said that He would take His life up again. This is miraculous! His divine nature allowed His human nature to sleep in the tomb and once the prophecy was fulfilled, took up His life again! Yes, His Father called for Him. Yes, the Bible does say the He was raised by His Father. Yet, the Bible also says that He and His Father are one. And as we said already, Jesus had the power to take up His life again. With unborrowed and underived power Jesus took up His life one Sunday morning. The One in whom was life and that life was the light of humanity came forth from the tomb with victory in His hands. The One who declared He was the Resurrection and the Life at the tomb of Lazarus came forth from His tomb at the appointed time with the keys of hell and death firmly in His grasp.

Now, how does this all relate to our theme text? I am so glad you asked! Paul said that he was crucified with Christ. Do you have any sin habits that need to be crucified? I certainly do. If you do, then by faith, you can die to sin. Here is what the Bible says (and be on the lookout for a clue about our next thought): “For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.” (Romans 6:7–12). So when we surrender our will to God fully, our sins are crucified just as miraculously as Jesus allowed Himself to die. The habits that we have had an affinity to, due to genetics, as well as those we have cultivated, can be crucified as long as we continue to submit to God.

I said to lookout for a clue to our next...

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Friday, April 1, 2016

This Week’s Devotional Focus is, “The Righteousness of Christ.”

“But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:” (Philippians 3:7–9).

Give it your best shot! Go ahead; impress me!

Well, maybe it’s not important for you to impress me, your friends, colleagues, boss, or anybody else for that matter. Maybe too many of us waste valuable time and emotional resources trying to do just that—impress people. That may just be why some of us drive the cars we do, brag about our accomplishments, wear certain clothing, or even associate with certain people (sometimes people we don’t necessarily like), all to make ourselves more desirable to our adoring fans, even if the only true fan is self.

What happens if we do suffer from this infection and it ends up oozing into our relationship with God? What does that look like? Do we stand up in the proverbial temple and pray with our-pious-selves and say, “Thanks, dear God for not allowing me to be such a wretch like that pastor, member, or fornicator that keeps coming to in here to so-called worship”? When we have certain trials, do we go to God and say, “Lord, I don’t deserve this! I have been doing all you asked, so please take this away. You owe me one”?

My examples may seem extreme, but the apostle Paul had a mutated version of self-righteousness like what I described here. He had all of the Hebrew jots and tittles in place (that's sort of like us having our “I” dotted and “T” crossed). He fastidiously observed all the Law prescribed, or so he thought. And to top it all off, he was born into the right family. What could be better than that while crafting one’s executive résumé?

There was only one thing: Like ours, all of Paul’s righteousnesses were just like used menstrual pads (that is what the prophet Isaiah called it). It’s no wonder, then, after Paul had his close encounter with Jesus Christ and got converted, he was so quick to shed his spiritual claims to fame. When Paul really began to understand how holy God was and how sterling a Character Jesus, the One whom he used to persecute by persecuting His people was, he immediately relinquished his perceived right to brag, gloat, and style-n-profile about how worthy he was. His pride was immediately transformed into humility. Instead of bringing attention to himself, he learned to shine the spotlight on Jesus, whom he adored.

As a result of this blessed transformation, Paul received a complete makeover. He no longer appeared in the records of heaven as merely Saul of Tarsus. He was transformed into Paul, the humble man whose character record has been expunged, and Jesus’ sterling character has replaced. We, too, can have that privilege. We, too, can shed the weight of our contrived accomplishments and righteousness, in exchange for a relationship with God, perfectly clothed in the righteous life of Jesus Christ.

So, I am going to make you an offer you can’t (or shouldn’t) refuse: Give Jesus your filth and let Him give you His holiness. If you do so, the guilt from all the sins you’ve committed, as well as your various failings, will be eradicated so you can live with God forever when Jesus returns. Consider this offer and sign the dotted line today. God is waiting to welcome you into covenant relationship right now. So what are you going to do about it?—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Thursday, March 31, 2016

This Week’s Devotional Focus is, “The Righteousness of Christ.”

“And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The LORD will not do good, neither will he do evil. Therefore their goods shall become a booty, and their houses a desolation: they shall also build houses, but not inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, but not drink the wine thereof. The great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly. That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness,” (Zephaniah 1:12-15)

We often see events depicted in the Scriptures with different outcomes for people, depending on their attitude toward the Lord. For instance, in the parable of Matthew 22, the king invited guests to the wedding feast of his son. There were those who refused to attend. There were those who chose to attend and have a wonderful time in honoring the son. Eventually, the king is depicted as visiting with the invited guests. Much to his dismay, he discovered a man that chose not to have on the garment that was appropriate for the event. The king asked him how he got in not having on the appropriate attire. The man was speechless, and the king commanded that he be tied up, taken out, and punished.

Two groups are represented as being at the feast. The ones that had on the garment representing the righteousness of Christ, and those who chose to present their own insufficient righteousness. The king saw both, but between the two, there were different outcomes.

Such is the case in the first chapter of Zephaniah. The Lord is depicted as being on the verge of unleashing His wrath upon all idolaters. He is especially concerned with those who claimed to be His people, yet chose to worship Baal, Molech, and Dagon instead. The Lord said, “Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord GOD: for the day of the LORD is at hand: for the LORD hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests. And it shall come to pass in the day of the LORD's sacrifice, that I will punish the princes, and the king's children, and all such as are clothed with strange apparel.” (Zephaniah 1:7).

Although Matthew and Zephaniah are not speaking of the same event, the imagery is clear. Those who choose to trust in anything other than the Lord, will always lose. God is a jealous God.

The contrast is made between those who love the Lord and others who do not. “And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The LORD will not do good, neither will he do evil. Therefore their goods shall become a booty, and their houses a desolation: they shall also build houses, but not inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, but not drink the wine thereof.” (Zephaniah 1:12-13). “And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying. And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.” (Isaiah 65:21-22). When the Lord unleashes His wrath against wickedness, there are two groups present. To one group it is promised that they will have built on this earth in vain, and in the end, be utterly destroyed. The other group will build on the new earth and benefit fully from the fruit of their labor. The distinguishing mark between the two is their relationship with God. If we choose to...

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Wednesday, March 30, 2016

This Week’s Devotional Focus is, “The Righteousness of Christ.”

“In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.” (Jeremiah 23:6).

The longer I live, the more I realize that all of my own righteousnesses are as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). All of my efforts to live a righteous life are fine as far as they go, but if they are ever to be registered in heaven, I must be seen through the righteousness of Jesus Christ. He is the best. There is none like Him. As I consider the difficulty of resisting the incredible temptations that I am assailed by, I develop a new respect for Jesus. He lived a perfect life while relying solely upon His Father for strength. With authority, He met the intense battle that Satan brought to Him at every step of His life on earth.

False pastors and hirelings had overrun Israel when Israel was supposed to be nurtured and cared for by faithful leaders committed to the Lord. God showed disdain for those commissioned to care for the flock, but allowed pride and self to get in the way. “His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.” (Isaiah 53:10-11). This type of faithlessness often discourages people from attending church. They see that some leaders are out of control and not loving, therefore they are discouraged from becoming a part of God’s body. They wonder how churches can be of God when the leaders are so corrupt. God sees their distress. When these very things were going on in Israel, He sent the message through Jeremiah that He was the only one that was truly righteous. While spiritual leaders are to represent God, they are still human. God is ultimately in control and does have His faithful ones in leadership positions. In any case, only Jesus is innately righteous. As we look to Him for guidance, He will lead us to the right house of worship where He is worshipped faithfully, and His word demonstrated in truth.

Do not allow the corruption of this world or some spiritual leaders to sow such a bad seed in your mind that you forget that God is the Righteous Judge. He is the only One above reproach. He is the only one that will save us. Look to Jesus. He will never let you down. He is the Lord our Righteousness.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Audio Link:

This Week’s Devotional Focus is, “The Righteousness of Christ.”

“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Rarely is anyone actually innocent. If we are accused of wrongdoing in a particular situation, while we may not have done what we are accused of, we have done other things. This is why the Bible says that all have sinned and fall short of God’s holy standard of living. This also is why all of us are worthy of eternal death. The Bible says that the penalty for sinning is eternal death. If we repent of our sins, we can be forgiven and cleansed so we do not have to pay the price. We have the privilege of accepting Jesus’ payment for our sins.

While Jesus’ payment for our sins is free to us, it was very costly for Him. He paid our sin debt with His life. Of Him, the Bible says: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:5–8). Not only did Jesus humble Himself to serve His Father and all humanity in human form; He also died the death that we deserve, so we can have eternal life like He deserves.

Our theme text underscores Jesus’ commitment level in the process. Do you realize that Jesus never sinned even once, whether in thought or action? This is amazing. He overcame so we can overcome. Although He was completely innocent of all sin, the Father punished Jesus as though He had committed every sin we ever have or ever will commit. The blessing is that since death cannot hold a person who is completely innocent, Jesus rose from the grave with victory over sin, hell, and death. And now we can live holy lives, by faith. Paul says it this way: “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” (Romans 5:6–10).—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, March 28, 2016

This Week’s Devotional Focus is, “The Righteousness of Christ.”

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” (John 1:12).

You have authority! For many people, this is good news, but perhaps for the wrong reasons. So many in our society are power hungry and will stop at nothing to assert themselves to be “somebody” in the eyes of everybody. They want to lord their power over unsuspecting church members, entry-level employees, entire inner-city communities, and even households. But this contrived authority is not of what I speak. The authority of which I speak is authority to become the children of God!

You may be wondering, “Are we not already children of God when we are born? Why are you making such a big deal of this?” I am so glad you asked. And that’s a great question. Well, contrary to popular belief, the Bible says that we are born in sin and shapen in iniquity. It’s so bad that Jesus told Nicodemus that we have to start all over if we hope to be saved. Check out what He said: “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” (John 3:5–7). Paul said it this way: “So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.” (Romans 8:8–10). In order to have biblical authority to become God’s children, we must be born again. The first birth was biological and was riddled with weaknesses, because our foreparents had weaknesses. We often struggle with temptations, predispositions, and tendencies from our ancestry. Have you heard frustrated mothers say, “You’re just like your father” before? Don’t get me wrong; we certainly do inherit good qualities too, but the point of this thought is that we are naturally and biologically wired to lose the battle against sin.

The great news is that we can be born again. The second birth is spiritual. In the same way we inherit weaknesses from our foreparents biologically, we inherit strength from our heavenly Father spiritually. When we accept the fact that we need to be reborn, and that Jesus’ spiritual life is available as an inheritance for all who believe, including us, we begin to experience the new birth and become God’s children. We begin to look like Him (reflect His character). We begin to speak like Him (speak words that edify). We begin to laugh like Him (rejoice when sinners repent). We begin to think like Him (we let our minds become like Jesus’ mind). We begin to rest like Him (rest from our works as the Creator rested from His the first Sabbath after creation). We become like Him, and this is what gives us authority. Just as children of monarchs are royalty by virtue of birth, we become royalty when we are reborn.

Let’s take this up a notch: Not only are those who keep covenant with Him, His children, but we are His children by His choice. You see, when a couple has intercourse and procreation occurs, they don’t get to choose the outcome. Hair color, sex, complexion, etc., are not up to them. They get what they get. They choose to have a baby, but that is as far as it goes. However, when we are born again to God, it is like an adoption wherein the adoptive parents actively seek out the child they want. This is how it is with God. “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And...

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sunday, March 27, 2016

This Week’s Devotional Focus is, “The Righteousness of Christ.”

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” (Ephesians 6:18).

Last week, our focus, for those of you do not know, was the whole armor of God. I mentioned in yesterday’s thought that contrary to popular belief, the armor of God has seven articles (or implements). The seventh implement, although the Scripture does not identify a piece of armor directly, is prayer. That’s right! Paul was not finished discussing being equipped to thwart Satan’s onslaught when He said that we should be earnestly praying always in the Spirit with perseverance. Prayer is critical in this cosmic battle with Satan. Can you imagine opening the Bible, which is the Sword of the Spirit without prayer? Can you imagine attempting to experience the helmet of Salvation without prayer? And how could we possibly be successful carrying the gospel of peace anywhere without prayer? So prayer is key to knitting the other implements of this vital armor together.

In whose name must we pray in order for it to be effective? The Bible says: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” (John 14:12–14). So this wonderful privilege of prayer our Father has given us is blessed when we are enveloped by the righteousness of Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit. When we appear in the presence of the Almighty (blessed be His name) with the attitude and awareness that nothing we can do or say makes us worthy of His love, and that only Jesus’ sacrifice makes us worthy, our prayers can be answered according to God’s will. Jesus is inherently holy; we are not. Jesus knows what’s best for us; we do not. Jesus is a gift given to all humankind to restore the broken relationship between God and us through forgiveness, cleansing, and empowerment to live holy lives.

If you want to be successful in life and be transformed from a lost sinner, to a saved saint, accept the gift of Jesus Christ. When you do so, your armor is complete, and even when you have trials and tribulations, they will not overcome you. Let me let you in on a little secret I had been keeping from you all last week and I will unpack this week: Every single part of the armor is Jesus. Go back and look at the verses I used to hide the blessing in plain sight in preparation for this “Aha!” moment. Every single part is Jesus. And this is the premise that will drive the rest of our thoughts during this week. Here is a verse that says all I have been saying, but infinitely better: “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” (Romans 13:14). Having on the whole armor of God is to be covered, from head to toe, with Jesus Christ. It is then, and only then, that our lives and characters will be invulnerable to the fiery darts of the devil who is so enraged and seeking whom he may devour. “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” (Galatians 3:27).—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Friday, March 25, 2016

This Week’s Devotional Focus is, “The Whole Armor of God.”

“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” (Ephesians 6:17).

Our focus today is on the helmet of salvation.

If you notice, in war most governments equip their soldiers with special helmets. Obviously, the brain must be protected at all costs. It is the seat of intelligence. It houses all of our memories. It records, and with all the important chemicals secreted there, controls our emotions too. It controls the functions of every other part and organ of the body. It’s no wonder it must be protected wherever possible. More than this, it is through our minds that God communicates. It’s no wonder God has made provision to protect our minds spiritually too.

We need to respect the minds God has entrusted to us. We should fill them with quality thought material. The Bible says: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8). “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” (Philippians 2:5). If we choose to fill our minds with those things referenced here and abstain from soul-destroying inducements, we will indeed have the mind of Christ.

This helmet intended to spiritually protect our minds, is also intended to give us the hope of salvation. Notice what the Bible says: “But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,” (1 Thessalonians 5:8–9). With our emotional wellbeing is also associated hope for the future. There are so many hopeless people in the world. There are so many people who claim to love God, who, for some reason, are not assured of their salvation. They still focus on themselves and all their mistakes, and worry themselves out of God’s care. The Bible just reassured us that God’s people are not appointed for destruction, or any person who will choose to become one of His people by faith. And this blessed salvation only comes through Jesus Christ.

Do you have your armor on?—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Thursday, March 24, 2016

This Week’s Devotional Focus is, “The Whole Armor of God.”

“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” (Ephesians 6:17).

Go back and read that verse. Did you notice anything strange? The darts that Satan launches at us a on fire! As if shooting exceedingly sharp arrows at us were not bad enough, the arrows that are coming our way are on fire.

When warriors of the Bible times shot arrows at their enemies, they often intensified the situation with ancients juniper coals, which were of such quality as to create intensely hot fire when set ablaze (Psalms 120:4). I’m figuring that made a mess wherever it struck. Homes, crops, livestock, and people were all at risk for destruction. What the sharpness of the arrow did not destroy, the fire would certainly do the trick. So the well-equipped soldier has a shield and/or shield bearer to nullify the fiery darts of their enemies.

Do you feel assailed by the fiery darts of trials, tribulations, and temptations? Do you have the equipment to nullify their effects? The Bible says that a well-equipped soldier has faith as a shield. John said it this way: “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5:4–5). Further, Paul said we are to be always “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2). Faith, which has the ability to lay hold of the power of God, energizes us with the ability to overcome any fiery trial that comes our way. Jesus is the Originator and Perfecter of our faith.

Do you have your armor on?—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)