Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sunday, May 24, 2015

Based Upon John 6:15-21

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I’d like to share an incredible story with you. The Bible says: “When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone. And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea, And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them. And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew. So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid. But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid. Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.” (John 6:15–21).

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I told you this was an incredible story. Now, what can we learn from it? Let me ask you a question: Have you ever embarked upon a day or some journey in life without Jesus? Or, have you ever been with Jesus at a point in time and then realized along the way that you did not welcome Him into your present experience? Was it a dark hour in your life? Did the winds of life arise against you as you rowed your spiritual boat against the strong currents of trials and tribulations? Maybe you chose a mate without asking God His view of the matter and it became the relationship from the pit. Perhaps you ventured into a disagreement between two other people, thinking you could help without first seeking divine aid, and suddenly it seemed you were the problem. Perchance you entered into business negotiations with some person or entity that became a disaster, because of a technicality in the contract you never bargained for. It is possible that you got up one morning, and because you thought you had no time for devotion with God, you rushed out into your day planning to catch up with God another time, and everything seemed to go wrong. And, so you rowed-and-rowed your boat some more, not-so-gently down the stream, doing your level-best to get through your day or that complicated problem, only to realize the were are getting nowhere fast. What should you do?

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There are times in our lives where many of us neglect our time with God and life has its way with us. We become bogged down, beaten, and bloodied by circumstances that otherwise would have been handled by God’s grace. The trials, though they must invariably come, would have been met with the power of God and His ability to build our characters for His glory, as we are refined as pure gold. In cases like these, what should we do? What can we do? Look up. We must look up and perceive the presence of God. But, when we see Him walking effortlessly upon our difficulties, instead of being fearful that He will indict or punish us, we must not fear. We have the privilege of receiving Him willingly into our spiritual ship and immediately, we will arrive at the place where He wills for us to be. When we make it a priority to welcome God into our experience, He will always guide us safely through the trials we must certainly face, and will ultimately carry us to our destination—eternity with Him.--L. David Harris (www.davidwritesalot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Friday, May 22, 2015

Based Upon Exodus 20:4-6

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The only true God, the God of heaven is so big in terms of His character and beauty that nothing tangible can truly represent Him. The only perfect revelation He has given us in this world was the man Jesus Christ. “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; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;” Hebrews 1:1-3. “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” Colossians 2:9. This is why the Lord commanded that nothing be fashioned or worshipped to represent God. Any attempt to represent God in any earthly form would bring our view of Him down to the level of the thing representing Him. God is bigger than cows. He is bigger than birds. He is bigger than furniture. He is bigger than images of dead human beings who were supposedly God’s saints.

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The command not to worship images is interesting, because unlike having other gods before Him, this addresses even those that supposedly have good intentions. People all over the world claim to revere the only true God of heaven and only have these representations in order to make His presence or essence more accessible. This is part of the reason the children of Israel erected the golden calf. They did not intend to replace God by it, but worship Him through it. They did not have faith enough to lay hold on the power of God without something tangible, whether by some human leader, or a graven image.

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It is our privilege today to worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. We do not need a tangible crutch of dead so-called saints, animals, pictures of how we think God looks, or anything else to elevate our minds to worship Him. God has given us His Spirit for that purpose. He is the One who connects us with the essence of God. He carries our consciousness heavenward unencumbered by some impotent, unholy catalyst. I thank God that our view of God does not have to be limited by our view of His creatures. We have access to Him through heavenly agencies and I praise Him for it.--L. David Harris (www.davidwritesalot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sabbath, May 23, 2015

Based Upon Exodus 20:8

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As time rapidly spirals into the future, our lives become cluttered with so much activity that many of us are completely burned out. We sometimes suffer from diseases related to overwork with far too many things competing for our attention. God knew that humans would be so bogged down with everyday life, that we would need a respite; a reprieve. Simply taking a vacation or several breaks throughout the day is just not enough for this machinery to be well rested and prepared to meet the rigors of everyday life. With wars and rumors of wars, fear of the unknown, and incurable diseases pressing in on our psyche, we need supernatural rest.

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The Lord in His great wisdom devised a plan to give us the rest that we need. Jesus bought our salvation on Calvary and is now putting the finishing touches on the gift in the way of intercession in heaven in order for us to enter the salvific rest of God. We do not labor for our salvation. Rather, we rest in the perfect work of Jesus Christ.

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In order to remind us of the great work of creation and re-creation, God has a commemorative time, week after week, for us to rest. The command to rest says that we are to labor for six days and on the seventh, which is Saturday, we rest. This rest is worshipful in nature. This rest recognizes God as the only Creator and Savior of the universe. This rest is for the people of God to consummate their growing love and relationship with God. No other time than the time the Lord has set aside will satisfy that need, because no other time was specifically blessed and sanctified by Him. We daily worship the Lord during the week leading up to the only day that God has sanctified as holy when we can focus on His goodness; uninterrupted by the mundane chores of life.

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Isn’t it wonderful that God has the answer to our need for spiritual and physical rest? Please do not forget what God said to remember. Enter into God’s rest.--L. David Harris (www.davidwritesalot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Based Upon Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

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Solomon, the wisest man who had ever lived up until his time, gave much counsel that is helpful even in our day. He gave wise counsel regarding good stewardship and preparation. He warned against unholy relationships, abominable sins, and drinking strong drinks. Many times he referred to much of what we pursue in life of as vanity, and chasing the wind. He had many wives and concubines, and possessed beauty and wealth beyond our imagination, yet all of this in his view, was vanity.

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Having discussed, in two of his books, many practical guidelines for living, he concludes by saying, all that he said can be summed up by keeping the Lord’s commands, and respecting Him as the Creator of the universe. This, he said, is the whole duty of man. God will judge every deed and misdeed to reveal whether it was holy or not. He will judge even the intents of the heart.

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The whole duty of humankind is to please God while we yet have time. When we first submit to God, and then live our lives to please Him, we fulfill our duty as human beings. It is in this kind of commitment that we lead others to a richer and fuller experience, which will eventually lead to the salvation of their souls. It is when we submit to the creative Word of God that we are demonstrating our love for Him, thus fulfilling the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:36-38).

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It is a blessing that God has put a mechanism in place to afford faulty human beings the privilege of pleasing Him. Only blessings and security, in the trying hour of God’s judgment can occur when our focus is fully fixed on bringing Him glory.

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Pray that the Lord will empower you with the principle element of love which, when exercised fully, pleases God. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).--L. David Harris (www.davidwritesalot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Thursday, May 21, 2015

Based Upon 2 Kings 6:15

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The enemies of God and His people conspired to overthrow them in a siege. They gathered many horsemen and chariots displaying their power. With the power of evil actuating them, they set their focus and prepared to make their move. As they were preparing, the servant of the prophet Elisha woke up early and saw their regal formation. In fear he exclaimed, “Look master! What should we do?” “And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.” (2 Kings 6:16). Anyone with eyes and a reasonable ability to see would have been confused by his confidence. Where were those who supposedly outnumbered their enemies? “And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.” (2 Kings 6:17). The servant was given spiritual discernment to see the inner workings of God. He suddenly became aware of how the Lord always fought their battles. The heavenly hosts were arrayed against their enemies and would surely prevail.

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Oh that we might see. Can you remember the last time that you were in a dire situation? Did you find yourself surrounded by the enemies of doubt, discouragement, poverty, or temptation? What was your response? Did you cry out to the Master, “What should I do?” Everyday of our lives, especially after we choose to serve the Lord, we are surrounded by the agents of Satan sent with the express purpose of doing us harm, whether it be spiritual, emotional, or physical. His only goal is to steal, kill, and destroy. The Lord has not changed since the days of Elisha. He still gives His people faith enough to maintain composure in the crunch.

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When you face trials and temptation, and feel overwhelmed, ask the Lord to open your eyes. Ask Him to show you that He is with you and concerned with your case. Whatever He chooses to show you, will strengthen your faith. Most of all, remember, “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4).--L. David Harris (www.davidwritesalot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Based Upon Luke 15:25–32

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In today’s devotional thought, we continue to unpack the parable of lost things in Luke 15. For the past two days we discovered that our God loves us so much that whether we are humble people who know we are lost and need a Savior, or people whose pride blinds us to the fact that we need Him, He loves us equally, and will stop at nothing to recover us. We briefly highlighted the joy and rejoicing of heaven over one person who repents. Yesterday, our focus to illustrate these points was the Prodigal Son who proudly demanded his inheritance, wasted it all on foolish worldly trappings, and had a spiritual awakening that drove him home into the arms and acceptance of his loving father who gave all in order to restore him.

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Usually, this parable is only expounded to the climax of the Prodigal’s return, and by afterthought, the remaining few verses about the elder son’s temper tantrum are quickly glossed over before we break for closing prayer. However, I will remind you that at the beginning of this story, Inspiration makes certain to identify the two groups of people—proud Pharisees and dependent sinners. Two symbols are also employed: There was identified the lost sheep that wandered away from home and knew it was lost, and the lost coin that never left the house, yet was still lost. I want to share a seldom-discussed secret with you: The lost sheep was a symbol of the prodigals of this world who boldly turn their backs on God and waste themselves in worldly pursuits. These are sinners who many times rush out into doing evil, but often also are brought to see the error of their ways and repent. The lost coin was a symbol of proud Pharisees who profess to have done everything that the Lord required, but whose lives lack compassion for others, especially lowly so-called sinners. While they hover around the proverbial house to save face, their hearts are far from the father of that house.

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Before we tie a bow on the parable of Luke 15, let’s look at a related parable: “What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He came to the first and said, Son, go and work today in the vineyard. And he answered, I will not; but afterward he changed his mind and went. Then the man came to the second and said the same [thing]. And he replied, I will [go], sir; but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of the father? They replied, The first one. Jesus said to them, Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the harlots will get into the kingdom of heaven before you. For John came to you walking in the way of an upright man in right standing with God, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the harlots did believe him; and you, even when you saw that, did not afterward change your minds and believe him [adhere to, trust in, and rely on what he told you].” (Matthew 21:28–32, AMP). The Prodigal Son is here illustrated as the one who told his father he would not go, but eventually did his father’s will. So, who is the son that boldly professed his fidelity, but ultimately did not obey?

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Now, back to the remaining part of Luke 15’s parable: “Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and...

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sunday, May 17, 2015

Based Upon Luke 15:4-10

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Luke 15 highlights a very intriguing parable. I say parable, because upon deeper study and meditation upon the various players, we must discover that there are more commonalities that are often taught.

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In the beginning of the story, the Bible immediately draws a line right down the middle between two categories of people. The first are the religious elite, the proud Pharisees (not all Pharisees were proud). They were hypercritical of Jesus’ love and care for the second category of people—the sinners. With these two groups clearly delineated, Jesus begins the first installment of the parable.

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The Master beautifully portrays the love of a shepherd who has plenty of sheep for which to care, nurture, and feed. One day he discovers that one out of 99 of those dear helpless sheep is lost. Jesus then describes the shepherd’s concern in the fact that he leaves the 99 in search of the one who was lost. He brings his audience into the equation by asking which one of them would not do the same. Who would not go and search for this precious sheep who knows it has gone far from the fold, but needs help to get home. Thankfully, the story climaxes with the loving shepherd finding the lost sheep, brining it home, and throwing a big party for others to come and rejoice. The one sheep that was lost is now home. Further He says, “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7).

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Jesus continues the parable with a second installment. Again, He beautifully portrays a frantic woman who has lost a precious coin—one of 10. In contrast to the sheep that was lost away from home, this coin was lost right at home. In contrast to the sheep that obviously knew it was lost, the coin, being at home, had no idea it was lost. The Bible says that the woman swept her house with incredible interest. She absolutely had to find the coin. It was precious to her. When she had found the coin, she, like the shepherd, called her neighbors to rejoice with her, because she found that which was lost. And further Jesus says, “Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” (Luke 15:10).

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From the very beginning, we can see the parallels Jesus is drawing, if we prayerfully pay attention. Remember that there were two groups of people present. There were Pharisees. Which of the two symbols of lost things would the proud Pharisees be? Then, there were the so-called lowly sinners who loved being in the presence of Jesus, because they knew full well that they were in desperate need of a Savior. Which of the two symbols of lost things would the sinners be?

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When we unpack more of the parable tomorrow with the Prodigal Son as our point of focus, we will get a better handle on these thought provoking questions. But, right now we can clearly see that our God wants us to know that whether we are proud people who think we have it all together, or we are humble sinners who realize we need the Savior, He loves us all, and will stop at nothing to find us when we are lost. The Most High stops at nothing to recover those who have gone astray, and then all of heaven rejoices when we are found an repent of our sins.

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Be sure to join us tomorrow as we unpack more of the parable and make direct application.--L. David Harris (www.davidwritesalot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, May 18, 2015

Based Upon Luke 15:11-24

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In today’s devotional thought, we continue to unpack the parable of lost things in Luke 15. Yesterday we discovered that our God loves us so much that whether we are humble people who know we are lost and need a Savior, or people whose pride blinds us to the fact that we need Him, He loves us equally, and will stop at nothing to recover us. We briefly highlighted the joy and rejoicing of heaven over one person who repents. Although we did not specifically mention this, we also saw that our God of love has an excellent track record in finding and giving repentance to lost people. While all are not always cooperative with God, which is our choice, there is no category of person whom the Lord does not seek to save. There is no category of person who cannot respond to the overtures of God and be saved by grace through faith, if they will but submit to Him.

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Instead of editorializing such a great story, let’s read the story of the Prodigal Son right from the Scriptures: “And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.” (Luke 15:11–24).

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There is so much about this portion of the parable that I would like to say, but it would require many more words than we will be able share in this brief devotional thought. However, there are few things we must not miss: First, the younger son demonstrated his disdain for his father’s household, rules, and his very life by demanding his inheritance while his father was still alive. Inheritances are left upon the demise of benefactors. What was the young man saying about his father? Could it be that he wished here were dead?

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Second, the father gave his son that for which he clamored, and that which the father must have known the son would waste. Does God sometimes give us things for which we clamor that He knows will cause problems for us so we can learn difficult lessons? Do you remember that the murmuring children of Israel wanted quail instead of manna? Do you remember that bullheaded Israel wanted a king to rule over them just like the heathen nations, instead of having God as their Head? Do you remember that Sampson wanted a Philistine wife and other heathen women? Do you realize that many of us desire divorce, which was not so from the beginning, but God allowed due to the hardness of our hearts? So, the father gave the boy the inheritance early.

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Third, the boy obviously found...

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sabbath, May 16, 2015

Based Upon Luke 19:10

He came. Jesus, the King of the universe came to earth on a search and restore mission. Because Adam chose to sin in the Garden of Eden (although he was perfect and could have easily resisted the urge to join Eve’s rebellion), our loving Heavenly Father enacted His ultimate love plan and gave us His beloved Son, Jesus. He who has always existed from before there was ever a beginning volunteered to take on human flesh, with its limitations, in order to elevate humanity to the realm of eternal righteousness if we choose faith in Him. All that I just said is critical, and foundational to vital relationship to God. However, the overarching question is, “How?” How did God elevate humanity?

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You may recall in chapter 3 of the book of Genesis, that after Adam and Eve sinned, our loving Lord came to the Garden and called out to Adam saying, “Where are you?” In this singular visit and all that the question entails is hidden the great mystery of Salvation. Adam said that he was naked and hid himself, obviously because he ate from the tree God expressly forbade. God forewarned; Adam and Eve disobeyed; God pursued; Adam and Eve hid from Him in fear; God continued to pursue; Adam and Eve continued to give excuses for their disobedience as they foolishly sought to cover their sin in self righteousness; God continued to pursue, correct, and cover in His righteousness; and the first couple was set on track on their journey to ultimate restoration.

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In all of this is the beauty of salvation revealed. Instead of being a hands-off regulator and tyrant, our God came to our tiny little planet to personally seek out the children He created who needed Him more than ever before. As if that were not sweet enough, He also put Himself on the hook to further seek out humanity in the ultimate act of love. “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 because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” (Galatians 4:4–7). Further, the Bible reveals, “It was God [personally present] in Christ, reconciling and restoring the world to favor with Himself, not counting up and holding against [men] their trespasses [but cancelling them], and committing to us the message of reconciliation (of the restoration to favor).” (2 Corinthians 5:19, AMP). This is love! God the Father and God the Son, both sought us on a mission of mercy. They have dedicated all of heaven’s resources, with the blessed Holy Spirit, to finding and delivering all who are willing to submit to their love and be saved. I love that fact!

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So, the question I have for all of us today is, “Will we choose to come out into the open where God can save us, or will we continue to play hide-n-seek?” If we come out and face the King, and confess our need of His help, we can all be empowered and restored to live as the holy, peaceful people He created us to be.--L. David Harris (www.davidwritesalot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Friday, May 15, 2015

Based Upon Luke 24:49

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Good things come to those who wait!

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The disciples and other followers of Christ were a big ball of emotions. They had seen their Master crucified and carried to Joseph’s new tomb; they had been without His companionship as He rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment; they worried and wept as the soldier presence was increased at the tomb; and they were thrilled with news of the fulfillment of His promised resurrection. And finally, having seen and handled His living presence following His miraculous resurrection from the second death, which no one has ever or will ever again conquer, they are faced with the inevitable news—He was going to leave them. Jesus’ mission as a human being was over, and He needed to embark upon His heavenly ministry of applying His blood for the remission of sins for those who have faith in Him, and the eventual cleansing of their sin record. While there was an incredible blessing of hope in the fact that He was going away to finish His work in their behalf, it was still a bit disheartening that He needed to go away.

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Oftentimes, we allow our perception of our current circumstances to becloud the glorious hope of what God has prepared just beyond the horizon. Jesus promised that if He should go away, that He would send His “other self,” the Holy Spirit to be with them until He appeared a second time to take His people to heaven. While Jesus was on earth, as powerful and meaningful a presence as He was, the blessing was subjected to geographic limitations. Yes, Jesus walked on water, moved through walls and closed doors without opening them, and breathed mysterious power upon His people. But, since He was pleased to take on human form in order to save us from our sins, He limited Himself to being in one place at a time. If He was in Bethany eating with a few of His loved ones, others elsewhere had to wait for Him to be done and then visit them, to experience His wonderful company. But, through the omnipresence of the Holy Spirit, Jesus could be with all of His people, anywhere in the world, simultaneously. The blessing of His life-giving teachings and energizing power would be carried to every dim quarter by “another Comforter.” But, for this other Comforter, they had to wait.

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God’s people are often tasked with waiting. Manifold blessings seem always to be looming, if we would simply yield our wills to God, and wait. That healing from cancer may come, if we wait. That deliverance from anger and resentment will come, if we wait. That freedom from failure will come, if we wait. The answer that most glorifies God and satisfies us will come, if we wait. Yet, we are not sitting idly and waiting. And we are not waiting for some theoretical response from God. No! We are privileged to surrender our wills in every way God has commanded as we wait, and the Prize will be the fulness of the Holy Spirit’s power revealed in our lives. While it may be difficult to wait on God at times, the outcome is incredibly rewarding. Great things come to those who…wait! “Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, That the everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Fainteth not, neither is weary? There is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; And to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings as eagles; They shall run, and not be weary; And they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:28–31). --L. David Harris (www.davidwritesalot.com)