Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Audio Link: http://bit.ly/ThoughtsinWorship

This is devotional thought number 38 in our devotional series titled, “The Faith I Live By”

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.” (Colossians 3:1).

It doesn’t get much simpler than this. Give keen attention - If we are dead to sin, and alive with Christ, there’s a certain way we will live. It’s not a matter of compulsion, proving one’s self, or trying to demonstrate one’s focus. When the power of the resurrection is in our lives, we cannot help but to live a manifestation of that power.

How did Jesus live when He served humanity as a righteous youth for fewer than 34 years? When people needed healing, he often healed them. When people were sad and dejected, He comforted them, and gave them hope. When sinners needed to be saved, those who trusted in Him got saved. When the downcast, lowly, poor, needy, and rejected of society needed someone to respect them and show interest, He was there. Jesus respected women, children, babies, and men of all backgrounds and socioeconomic groups. Nobody could weep, rejoice, excel, or fail in His presence without His notice.

Well, obviously we are not Jesus, but if we are infilled with His resurrection power, His interests will be our interests, His passion will be our passion, and His mission will be our commission. What’s more is that this power is not some mysterious essence in a vacuum. It is verily Christ within us, through the blessed agency of the Holy Spirit who constantly guides and empowers us. Therefore, we have no need to fear losing energy or interest as long as He is at work. Our focus must simply be surrendering to God’s will for us. His focus is to work out His will and good pleasure through us. I think that’s a good deal, how about you?

By God’s grace, this is the faith I live by, let this be the same for you, in Jesus’ name.—L. David Harris (http://bit.ly/BQuotable)

#theprotestisnotover #thefaithiliveby

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, May 20, 2019

Audio Link: http://bit.ly/ThoughtsinWorship

This is devotional thought number 37 in our devotional series titled, “The Faith I Live By”

“Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,” (Luke 24:1–6).

Why are you trying to embalm your answer to prayer? Your answer is alive; but your faith, is it dead?

You have to admire the dedication of the special women who loved Jesus so much that they only wanted the best for Him, and for His legacy. They honored Him while He was alive, mourned for Him when He died, longed for Him while He rested, and wanted to do one last thing to bless His memory - they wanted to prepare His body with precious spices much in the same way Mary lavished her alabaster box of worship upon Him and washed His feet in her praise. There was only one problem; and it was a huge problem - as much as their desire was honorable, and even admirable, their faith was mixed up! They wanted to embalm a dead man, when the Authour of life was alive. Jesus repeatedly promised He would take up His life again that Sunday morning, but His people, including these lovely women could not believe it. It was not that they disrespected Him; it was that they allowed their own feelings, thoughts, and worldview to cloud their vision of God’s answer to prayer. Can you relate? Has God ever promised you personally, or given the revelation from His Word, that He was going to do something special for you, in due time, and when He was poised to do it, your faith was dead, and you were preparing to embalm God’s answer to your prayer?

Truth is, most of us can relate. There are times that God’s promises are so high above our human conception, that we discount His power, and squeeze the prospects of His grace into our tiny little coffins, which we prepared shorty after we prayed. God wants us, in the spirit of His message to those women standing confused near the empty tomb, to stop burying our faith and allow God to be God! Allow Him to rise and shine in your hearts, dear friends. Allow Him to be the Promise Keeper He has always been. Do not relegate your answers to prayer to a graveyard. Your prayer answering God is alive and well; and when He awakens your faith and opens your eyes, rejoice like the men Jesus engaged on the road to Emmaus. Give thanks.

By God’s grace, this is the faith I live by, let this be the same for you, in Jesus’ name.—L. David Harris (http://bit.ly/BQuotable)

#theprotestisnotover #thefaithiliveby

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sabbath, May 18, 2019

Audio Link: http://bit.ly/ThoughtsinWorship

This is devotional thought number 36 in our devotional series titled, “The Faith I Live By”

“And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:16–17).

Have you ever tried to please a parent? How did it go?

Children are tender little beings and we need to be very careful how we treat them. They thrive off our attention. That is not to say, as some say, that it’s a ploy of manipulation. Small children are developing skills and tools to communicate with the world they’ve been thrust into, and the ones closest to them (often, the parents) are the ones to provide context to all of the sights, sounds, feelings, new experiences, and questions. Children need our attention. They need our love. They need us to provide all the support necessary for those to be explored in healthy ways, so they get what they need, and not the dysfunctional counterfeits that wait in the wings to derail them.

We can learn a lot from Jesus’ experience as He came up out of the water following His baptism in the Jordan River. The first thing of note, in my view, is that God the Father could not wait to pronounce His love and blessing over Jesus. In human terms, and I need to be careful here, the Father was waiting for just the right time to share His loving approval to as many as would listen. Parents, can we learn anything here? Now, in this case, we are obviously not talking about a human father; neither are we talking about a little child trying to find his or her way in this big bad world. But I do want you to notice the progression of events here. Through baptism, Jesus committed Himself into the care of His loving Father. Our children are committed into our care. The Father was quick to share His love and approval openly. He was pleased by, not ashamed of, His Son. We should never be ashamed of our children. The Holy Spirit came to bless an empower the life and public ministry of Jesus. We are to ask for the Holy Spirit to bless and fill our children with power!

There is so much I could say about the time Jesus was baptized so we could be saved, but suffice it to say, it is our privilege to accept His perfect obedience and example as empowerment for us to follow in His footsteps, and to train our children to do the same. It’s a simple lesson with lasting implications for all of us.

By God’s grace, this is the faith I live by, let this be the same for you, in Jesus’ name.—L. David Harris (http://bit.ly/BQuotable)

#theprotestisnotover #thefaithiliveby

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Friday, May 17, 2019

Audio Link: http://bit.ly/ThoughtsinWorship

This is devotional thought number 35 in our devotional series titled, “The Faith I Live By”

“As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.” (Psalm 17:15).

“INJUSTICE!” is the hue and cry that must summon the interest of every conscientious person who hears it. Innocents are being murdered, and many of the murderers are getting off scot free. INJUSTICE! Some powerful people pimp and bend laws in many lands around the world, to suit their greed. INJUSTICE! SOme people create wealth on the backs of persons who barely earn enough so they do not need to live paycheck to paycheck. INJUSTICE! The wicked seem to prosper, and the righteous seem to suffer. INJUSTICE?

I could cite many ways Lady Justice seems to be peeking beyond her hallowed blindfold, and the scales she holds seem to be weighted heavily on one side or the other; and once I am done, you could cite many more. It is a foregone conclusion that something has gone terribly wrong in society these days, but God is not asleep. The One who sees the secret sins of every person; the One who sees all the good that people do without an expectation of earthly reward; will also reward all deeds done in the flesh, openly.

The psalmist understood that injustice ran rampant in the land. He knew that the wicked were emboldened in their sins because some of them were not checked immediately. He also knew that the Creator would settle the score one day. God will avenge the deaths of those murdered with impunity. He will avenge the honor of those whose bodies were abused and misused for some violents person’s filthy pleasure. He will avenge the integrity of those who have been lied on and punished for no good reason. He will avenge the blood of martyrs killed for His cause when bloodthirsty priests and prelates appealed to the strong arm of the state to take their lives. The psalmist well knew that the Creator would finally reveal Himself, in all of His glory, and put an end to injustice. It will not raise its ugly head again. Not only this, but He will also restore His perfect image in those who learned to trust in Him, and usher them into eternity, where justice will reign forever, and sin will be no more.

By God’s grace, this is the faith I live by, let this be the same for you, in Jesus’ name.—L. David Harris (http://bit.ly/BQuotable)

#theprotestisnotover #thefaithiliveby

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Audio Link: http://bit.ly/ThoughtsinWorship

This is devotional thought number 34 in our devotional series titled, “The Faith I Live By”

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.” (Ephesians 1:3–6).

You are accepted! You are blessed! You are chosen! You are blameless! You are holy!

Words matter. Each of our three word aforementioned phrases have serious implications. The final term in each of the sentences are different, but they are communicating the same point: God decided that His people, would be welcomed with open arms into an eternal family relationship with Him. Who are His people? Who are His family? Let’s see how Jesus answers this question. “...Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.” (Matthew 12:48–50). “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” (John 15:12–14). These two passages unlock the mystery of our theme text. THose who do what God commands are Jesus’ friends and family; and the same are those whom He predestinated to be accepted, blessed, chosen, blameless, and holy. The loving way people embrace God’s commands is an indication of their acceptance.

All that we have discovered thus far is great news, because so many misuse our theme text to exclude people from the family of God; as though He is arbitrary, and playing favorites while deciding whom to save and whom to destroy. The reality is that the only thing separating people from living blameless before a holy God, and being seated with Christ Jesus in heavenly places, is making the decision. We must decide all day, everyday if we want to submit to God’s will and be accepted, or if we would rather be condemned. If you have decided to submit to God’s perfect will for your life, welcome to the family of God. You are accepted! You are blessed! You are chosen! You are blameless! You are holy!

By God’s grace, this is the faith I live by, let this be the same for you, in Jesus’ name.—L. David Harris (http://bit.ly/BQuotable)

#theprotestisnotover #thefaithiliveby

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Audio Link: http://bit.ly/ThoughtsinWorship

This is devotional thought number 33 in our devotional series titled, “The Faith I Live By”

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” (Hebrews 12:14).

Aspire. Pursue. Persist. Achieve!

With rare exception, people give up too quickly. We have a dream, and for a period of time fixate on it, wishing we could achieve it; but when relentless difficulties arise, most of us relent. There are a rare breed of people who see obstacles as inspiration and use difficulties as fuel to propel them to their next goal. God’s desire for all of us is that we put our trust in Him, and nothing will be impossible, for those who believe (Matthew 17:20).

You already know today’s thought is not merely about everyday achievements, although God does care about those. It is about moving from spiritual failures to victorious saints. Our theme text exhorts us to pursue peace with others, and holiness. Does that sound familiar? The Ten Commandments are all about that. Love for God and our fellow human beings are the two great commandments that undergird the law. We can only make peace with those willing to agree with us if we are motivated by God’s love. We can only have holiness if we are motivated by His love. Do you see how that works? Here’s the thing: This only happens when we see it as a goal, by the power of the Holy Spirit, and run hard after it. I am not suggesting that these principles are eluding us; it’s just that life’s circumstances often sidetrack those who are not focused on the prize.

Today can be your day to redouble your commitment to peace and holiness. Yes, there will be a multiplicity of trials, tribulations, temptations, and distractions to get you off track if you allow them, but God has angels who excel in strength, along with the Blessed Holy Spirit, to provide all the support you need to achieve God’s standard of holiness. Jesus gave His all on the cross, and rose again to minister in heaven so you can aspire unto, pursue, and achieve holiness, without which none of us will see God. Cooperate with God, and help others do the same. One day soon, you will see the King.

By God’s grace, this is the faith I live by, let this be the same for you, in Jesus’ name.—L. David Harris (http://bit.ly/BQuotable)

#theprotestisnotover #thefaithiliveby

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, May 13, 2019

Audio Link: http://bit.ly/ThoughtsinWorship

This is devotional thought number 32 in our devotional series titled, “The Faith I Live By”

“That ye put off concerning the former conversation, the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22–24).

I hope you have a change of clothes handy, because we are going to an all white affair.

I am not going to lie to you, I don’t like being told exactly how I must dress if I am going somewhere. I do understand if it’s a formal affair, what the expectation is. I understand work uniforms. I understand international theme celebrations. I understand all of that. However, I don’t like being told that I must wear exactly this or that, or else I cannot come in to an event; like all white parties, which is why I have never been to one. It looks nice in pictures with everyone wearing white hats, shirts, blouses, pants, dresses, dress shorts, scarves, and everything in between, but it’s just not my thing.

Unfortunately, some of us have my attitude relating to all white parties when it comes to righteousness. We admire those whose characters have been washed clean and white in the blood of the Lamb. We love when people are kind, honest, loving, generous, joyful,and have integrity; but for some of us, it’s just not our cup of tea. When it suits us, we have no problem blurring the line between right and wrong. We admire certain righteous actions, but have no real desire to be transformed by our righteous Heavenly Father. We’d rather snub the event host and keep on our own attire, like the man who decided to wear his own unrighteous garments in Matthew 22.

God has been so good, that some of us have recovered from our spiritual wardrobe malfunctions that have left us exposed to the consequences of sin. Some have been so thankful that we have taken off our old, corrupt selves and allowed God to recreate us in righteousness and true holiness. We have allowed God to accomplish His will in our lives, and cover us in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. In the end, we discovered that Allowing God to give us a change of clothes was not so bad afterall. In fact, having experienced the change, we would not have it any other way.

By God’s grace, this is the faith I live by, let this be the same for you, in Jesus’ name.—L. David Harris (http://bit.ly/BQuotable)

#theprotestisnotover #thefaithiliveby

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sabbath, May 11, 2019

Audio Link: http://bit.ly/ThoughtsinWorship

This is devotional thought number 31 in our devotional series titled, “The Faith I Live By”

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3).

If you want to see a miracle, you don’t need to watch viral videos on YouTube or marvel at memes of some guy sitting straight up in a coffin as bystanders look on with their mouths agape. No! If you want to see a miracle, at any time of the day, have a look at someone’s life who was born twice, but the second time made the difference.

When considering the miracle working power of God, we often think about blindness being cured, devils being cast out, fevers being relieved, or diseases abating. While it is true that God has performed many wonderful works like these, and we are forever grateful, the chief miracle of all miracles is when a weak sinner becomes a triumphant saint. When the Holy Spirit reveals our sinfulness to us and then draws us to the Living Fountain, Jesus Christ, if we surrender to His will we experience a miracle. It is not natural for human beings who are accustomed to enjoying pornography, being proud, being addicted to drugs or alcohol, or abusing our spouses, to suddenly become holy. It is the work of God to transform us into people who would rather die than to continue in sin.

Nicodemus got much more than he bargained for when he engaged what he thought would be a merely theological discussion with Jesus, as recorded in John 3. Jesus began to breakdown the truth of how one gets a do-over in life - a second chance. When we are born, we inherit mommy’s nose, daddy’s mannerisms, some distant relative’s eye color, and grandma's love for singing. Not only that, however, we also inherit a family gene pool full of unhealthy habits and sinful tendencies. This is why we need a do over. When we are born again, we inherit the tendencies of God our Father. We learn how to speak like Him, enjoy what He enjoys, live victorious lives, and have the power to overcome all trials life throws into our pathway. We become new creatures who learn daily how to trust God, even if we make mistakes.

If you want to experience a do over, your second chance begins … NOW. You can be reborn, right now, if you accept Jesus into your life. Submit yourself to His guidance, and He will never lead you astray.

By God’s grace, this is the faith I live by, let this be the same for you, in Jesus’ name.—L. David Harris (http://bit.ly/BQuotable)

#theprotestisnotover #thefaithiliveby

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Friday, May 10, 2019

Audio Link: http://bit.ly/ThoughtsinWorship

This is devotional thought number 30 in our devotional series titled, “The Faith I Live By”

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

There are many beautiful spectacles in the world. In nature, cascading waterfalls, towering trees, and fragrant flowers inspire awe in those who can appreciate such things. We have built sprawling estates with many rooms, and space to house many families comfortably. Gold and marble are used as flooring and covering for fixtures that are strategically situated all over the property. Residences such as these are captivating.

All that we have seen on this earth however, whether natural or fabricated is eclipsed by the reward that God has for the faithful. There is no language that can encapsulate the splendor of all that the Lord has been preparing at least since time began. Many inspired writers who attempted to describe the revelations they received could not find adequate words to capture what they were shown. The imagination staggers as it tries to conjure up just a glimpse of God’s reward.

It is a blessing to know that the Lord loves us so much that He is preparing a place for us with Him. In spite of the obstacles that sin has put in the way of our relationship with Him, He has overcome them for those who simply surrender to His will. Be encouraged by the promise Jesus made to His disciples. “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:1-3). We look forward to that day with great anticipation. If we remain faithful to the end, we will live forever with Jesus.

By God’s grace, this is the faith I live by, let this be the same for you, in Jesus’ name.—L. David Harris (http://bit.ly/BQuotable)

#theprotestisnotover #thefaithiliveby

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Thursday, May 9, 2019

Audio Link: http://bit.ly/ThoughtsinWorship

This is devotional thought number 29 in our devotional series titled, “The Faith I Live By”

“For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:17).

The just shall live by faith; or the unjust will die without it. Interesting.

During the time of Martin Luther, many in the area of the world in which he lived recited this phrase. The impact of these words, because of his ministry, cannot be measured. He worshiped with, and lived among people who looked for justification in religious ceremonies, and the ability to bring their own will into subjection. The blessing is that Martin Luther began to understand, in spite of his surroundings, that in order to be seen as righteous before God, and to have the forgiveness of sin, we need faith. It may seem like an oversimplification, but to be just before God is to be seen in His sight as no longer sinners, but rather as if we had never sinned. How can those born in sin and shapen in iniquity be seen before a holy God as if they had never sinned? The answer to this question is what makes the gospel so beautiful. If we have faith in Jesus Christ, and all of the work that He did in our place, we receive His righteousness as a gift. This blessing was beyond comprehension and acceptance for those who had been used to trying to effect salvation on their own.

Living by faith is recognizing that you are lost without Jesus Christ. Living by faith is accepting His righteousness as the only acceptable means of salvation. Living by faith is going to God daily, and asking Him to do in your life that which would be impossible without Him. Living by faith is speaking to God in prayer, without ceasing, as to a friend. Living by faith is not focusing on your own sinfulness, which shuts us away from the light of God, but focusing on what God is doing in order to save us. The message of justification by faith is one that, if rightly understood, will change the lives of everyone who hears it. Isn't it wonderful that we have a God who does not require us to bribe Him, or complete impossible tasks, or recite a certain set of words repeatedly in order to please Him? Jesus Christ has already done everything that pleases God and satisfies justice. Why don't we just accept the gift of salvation, and with Paul and Martin Luther say with joy, that the just shall live by faith?

By God’s grace, this is the faith I live by, let this be the same for you, in Jesus’ name.—L. David Harris (http://bit.ly/BQuotable)

#theprotestisnotover #thefaithiliveby