Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Thursday, March 28, 2019

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-03-28-2019

This is devotional thought number 57 in our devotional series, “Stewarding the Heart.”

“I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.” (Psalms 9:1, 2).

Whenever we think of something that the Lord has done for us, we should praise Him. I know that I do not praise Him enough, and neither do many others. When we open our eyes in the morning, we should praise Him. When we drink our first glass of relatively clean water, we should praise Him. When we eat our first bite of food, we should praise Him. When we almost have a car accident, but don’t, we should praise Him. When we do have an accident and come out alive, we should praise Him. The angels in heaven praise Him, and they are sinless. They do not know what it is to have the King of the universe become one of them and die the second death on their behalf, yet they praise Him all day long. If the angels praise Him, how much more should we upon whom the ends of the world are come? If we do not praise Him, inanimate nature will take our place. I do not want the rocks and trees crying out in my place. Make a list of the great things He has done. Go through them one by one, and praise Him.

When you are tempted to feel forsaken of God, remember these words: “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent. But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.” (Psalms 22:1-3).

Welcome to the privilege of becoming faithful stewards of your hearts. Manage responsibly, in Jesus’ name.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

#theproestisnotover #stewardingtheheart

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-03-27-2019

This is devotional thought number 56 in our devotional series, “Stewarding the Heart.”

“And Job spake, and said, Let the day perish wherein I was born, and the night in which it was said, There is a man child conceived. For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came.” (Job 3:2, 3, 25, 26).

I cannot imagine Job’s turmoil when he was faced the with most difficult trial of his life. One day he received the news that all of his children, livestock, and earthly possessions were destroyed. While he yet grieved his loss, the Lord allowed Satan to afflict him with boils from head to toe. Job could not remember any unconfessed sin that he had committed, which made things even more difficult for him. If he could have, he would have repented with the hope that the judgment of God would be removed from him.

On one of many depressing days, he loathed the day he was born and wished he could just rest in the grave. He was not suicidal, just weary. It seemed too much for him to bear, but the Lord was with him. The Lord was close by Job’s side even though Job could not detect His presence.

After the many days of trial had finally passed, and after he had already endured the foul pessimism of his wife and so-called friends, along with the strong answer the Lord had given to his complaints, he praised the Lord. He said, “I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” (Job 42:5, 6). Though the Lord called Job righteous in the beginning of his ordeal, by Job’s own admission, he was still lacking. After having experienced the trials that brought patience when their perfect work was done, he could see more clearly than ever before. He knew the mercy of God on a level beyond comprehension. He now could see what he could barely perceive before his trials. Because of this, he changed his mindset from the verses above. Instead, he praised the Lord.

Yes, it was a hard revelation for Job, but it was well worth it. He finally had a better relationship with God than ever before. When we face tribulations, we should read the words of brother Job to encourage us to be faithful. If he did it, being human, so can we.

Welcome to the privilege of becoming faithful stewards of your hearts. Manage responsibly, in Jesus’ name.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

#theproestisnotover #stewardingtheheart

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Audio Link: https://buff.ly/2HTD5nE

This is devotional thought number 55 in our devotional series, “Stewarding the Heart.”

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

At the dedication of the Lord’s temple that Solomon built, the Lord’s presence was seen and felt by all. He made Himself unmistakably known. The children of Israel waited a long time to see this day. “And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.” (2 Chronicles 7:12-15).

For many years, God’s people had seen the ill effects of disobedience and the blessings of fidelity to God. Up and down they went. They had a problem with consistency. The Ark of the Covenant, which signified the throne and presence of God, had been captured and returned. The temple had been destroyed. The people had been in captivity. So many things occurred over a period of years, that all cannot be recounted here. One thing is certain. The Lord loved them, even though they were a stiffnecked people.

During one of their good times with the Lord, He made a promise. “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14). The Lord responded to repentance and humility, and He still responds today. When we take the Lord at His word, healing and restoration comes to any situation that we find ourselves in.

Welcome to the privilege of becoming faithful stewards of your hearts. Manage responsibly, in Jesus’ name.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

#theproestisnotover #stewardingtheheart

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, March 25, 2019

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-03-25-2019

This is devotional thought number 54 in our devotional series, “Stewarding the Heart.”

“For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.” (Mark 5:8).

As Jesus came ashore into the country of the Gadarenes, He and His disciples encountered a man coming out of the tombs who was raging out of control. This man was possessed by about one thousand devils and could not be controlled by men or chains. He was in such a bad state that he continued cutting himself with stones. Only the enemy of souls would cause someone to exhibit self-injurious behavior. The man cried aloud in indistinguishable tones both day and night. Can you imagine being in such a hopeless situation? He was completely under the control of Satan.

When Jesus came close, the man began to speak; yet the devils were clearly the ones communicating through him. “And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.” (Mark 5:7). The Lord did not waste any time. He immediately understood the man’s innermost need. He could immediately interpret the deep plea that was suppressed by the enemy. In answer to this man’s need, Jesus commanded the devils, all one thousand of them, to come out of the man. Amazingly, the devils made haste and left the man, and went into the herd of pigs, driving them into the sea to be drowned.

Now the man was free from the control of the enemy. God in the flesh had commanded the devils to flee from Him, and they were compelled to obey. The man, now delivered and in his right mind, wanted to remain with Jesus wherever He went. “Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.” (Mark 5:19, 20).

After reading this account of Jesus’ power to vanquish the devil, is there anything you think He cannot deliver you from? Is there any habit or mood that He cannot master in your life? If we would simply fall at the Lord’s feet daily and cry out to Him concerning our afflictions, He will exert His power over the enemy as He did for this man two thousand years ago. God’s word to us, after delivering us, is go and be witnesses of His goodness. As we are witnesses for Him, we not only lead others to the endless fountain of His mercy, but we ourselves remain delivered by faith.

Welcome to the privilege of becoming faithful stewards of your hearts. Manage responsibly, in Jesus’ name.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

#theproestisnotover #stewardingtheheart

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sunday, March 24, 2019

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-03-24-2019

This is devotional thought number 53 in our devotional series, “Stewarding the Heart.”

“But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes.” (Numbers 11:6).

The Lord demonstrated His love and patience for the Israelites for many years. He heard their cry and sent a liberator through whom He would deliver them from slavery. Through the entire process, He was restoring their religion, dignity, and respect among those who did not believe in God. All of this was done that they might know that God was desperately in love with them, and that the world would know that the God of heaven is the one true God who was worthy of worship.

All too often the children of Israel complained about the way God was choosing to effect their freedom. Murmuring became an intolerable habit that God hated. It is a blessing to know that in spite of the fact that God knew before He set them free, that they would behave this way, He still loved them.

One of the complaints they often related was their lust for the rich foods of Egypt. They were enslaved in their minds to foods that many people today are enslaved. The Lord gave them a miracle of provision while they wandered in the wilderness. “Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no” Exodus 16:4. In spite of this perfect food that God provided, they still cried for the fleshpots of Egypt. “But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes” Numbers 11:6. How could their souls be dried up when God Himself, knowing their need, gave them bread from heaven? This bread was an object lesson about the Messiah, the perfect provision for all of our needs (John 6:35).

Do we wander in our wilderness of life with dry souls? How can it be that God has given every provision for us and we still cry that our souls are dry? Eat and drink from the heavenly storehouse. God always supplies all of our needs (Philippians 4:19). Pray today, that the Lord will teach you how to accept His perfect provision and be satisfied. Why should your soul be dry?

Welcome to the privilege of becoming faithful stewards of your hearts. Manage responsibly, in Jesus’ name.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

#theproestisnotover #stewardingtheheart

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sabbath, March 23, 2019

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-03-23-2019

This is devotional thought number 52 in our devotional series, “Stewarding the Heart.”

“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.” (Exodus 20:16).

Lying is a prevalent issue of society. Our criminal justice system is bogged down with innumerable cases based on deliberate, erroneous information. The sole purpose is to mislead the courts in order to win a case. Many murderers have gone free, divorces validated, and child custody cases won, all because of well-constructed lies. It is unfortunate in some ways that in these instances human beings cannot read minds, because all we have to work with is evidence, and the need to believe or disbelieve one side over another based on that evidence.

More than it just being an issue in court, lying pervades our lives in relationships. Oftentimes, people form a relationship, and sometimes eventually marry because one potential partner represented themselves as being one way, and are later found to be another way entirely. Lies have been at the center of spousal disputes, parent-child relations, and other interpersonal relationships, almost from the beginning of time.

It is the privilege of God’s people to live transparent lives. I have heard a man on the radio say this many times, and it has stuck with me. When we do not tell untruths overtly, or attempt to deceive in more subtle ways, life is much easier. We do not have to remember what we said from one moment to the next if we maintain integrity. All we need to know is what is true. We do not need to worry about whether what we have said, or not said will be investigated more closely, because truth can stand up to the closest scrutiny. More than this, it is a blessing when we can build people up rather than destroy areas of their lives by lying or misrepresenting the truth. We are able to share in one of the most incredible attributes of God’s character when we abide in the truth.

I like the idea of living according to truth on the highest of all levels, because it leads to life. When we love the Lord, His word, and His ten-commandment law, we are preparing for eternity with God, which no power in the universe can take away. Why not practice this love for truth by simply abiding in it? Everyone is better off when truth prevails.


Welcome to the privilege of becoming faithful stewards of your hearts. Manage responsibly, in Jesus’ name.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

#theproestisnotover #stewardingtheheart

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Thursday, March 21, 2019

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-03-21-2019

This is devotional thought number 51 in our devotional series, “Stewarding the Heart.”

“Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.” (Exodus 20:12).

I must be honest. This commandment seems very difficult to follow sometimes. We know of people whose parents are not the holy, spiritual parents that the Lord has called them to be. It almost seems as if the Lord forgot to qualify His statement. Surely, He must have meant to honor only honorable parents, right? How can we honor parents who gave us up for adoption? How can we honor parents that abused us physically, mentally, and sexually? How can we honor parents who do not care whether we live or die? How can we honor parents who, by their own actions or inactions do not honor themselves? I do not claim to have the answer to any of these questions. I do know however, that when the Lord commands us to do a thing, He gives us the power to do it.

The New Testament recounts the commandment. “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.” (Ephesians 6:1-3). The Lord has said by this command, that they occupy a special position. It is right to give parents the respect and obedience that they are due. It is a shame that sometimes our parents do not live up to the standard of righteousness that God enjoins upon them; however, that has no bearing on our responsibility. We must honor them in every way inasmuch as it is lawful according to God’s word. The promise for those that are obedient is to live long in the land that God gives. One day soon, we will inherit the land untainted by sin. In many cases Godly parents, by their righteous examples will be the reason why many of us receive the inheritance. We should praise the Lord for holy parents, and the opportunity to obey Him in spite of the poisonous influence of unholy parents. In either case, the Lord is pleased when we follow Him and do His will.

Welcome to the privilege of becoming faithful stewards of your hearts. Manage responsibly, in Jesus’ name.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

#theproestisnotover #stewardingtheheart

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-03-20-2019

This is devotional thought number 50 in our devotional series, “Stewarding the Heart.”

“I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.” (Exodus 20:2).

The many years of slavery that God’s people endured in Egypt are instructive for us even today. Slavery itself can be an object lesson about the slavery to sin that human beings endure from day to day. We are constantly bombarded with the insults and injuries of this world’s pharaoh, the devil, who would rather endure the punishment of heaven than to let us be free from spiritual slavery.

One of the most encouraging aspects of the exodus from Egypt is that the Lord did not give up the process of liberating Israel because of Pharaoh’s insolence. God did not allow even the people’s complaints in the wilderness to intimidate Him into leaving them in captivity. The Red Sea, kingly armies, and impossible odds were no match for God. His purpose was to show the entire world that all things are possible with Him. He wanted His people to know that He would deliver them by any means necessary.

Are you bogged down with the unfortunate reality of sinful bondage? Does it seem that the Lord has brought you to a dry desert to die? Do you often feel that it was better when you served sin in your spiritual Egypt? The Lord is saying to your soul, “I have brought you out of bondage for a purpose.” You see, God did not go through all of the twists and turns of leading the exodus only to allow the people to whither and die. The Promised Land was in view. If they had been faithful to Him, in His strength, they all would have entered.

When the temptation comes to believe the struggle with sin is too difficult to bear, just look up to heaven and reach out in faith to your Deliverer. Look upon Jesus and live, knowing that that old serpent the devil cannot harm you with his deadly venom if God is on your side. Look to Jesus and live!

Welcome to the privilege of becoming faithful stewards of your hearts. Manage responsibly, in Jesus’ name.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

#theproestisnotover #stewardingtheheart

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Tuesday, March 19, 2019

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-03-19-2019

This is devotional thought number 49 in our devotional series, “Stewarding the Heart.”

“And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.” (Genesis 11:4).

Not long after the worldwide flood that covered the earth to purify it from sin, many of the ultra-intelligent inhabitants of earth, to represent their pride, united to build a tower that would reach heaven. Perhaps they thought there was safety in numbers since they said that they were building in order to avoid being scattered over all the earth. I imagine that they sought refuge from the fury of another flood, although God had promised with the rainbow, that He would not destroy the earth with water again. Certainly, they wanted to proudly demonstrate their greatness. If God had not intervened, nothing would have hindered their plans, since they were intelligent, and had one common language.

The Lord saw the tower builders’ pride and thwarted their plans by confusing their language. The very thing they wanted to avoid by building the tower would occur anyway because of their pride. God ultimately scattered them all around the then known world and destroyed their tower.

Oftentimes we build for ourselves, towers of pride, hoping to make ourselves great. Sometimes we earn degrees, buy large homes, and develop associations with influential people so that we can be noticed and complimented. As in the days of the confusion of Babel, God is willing to demonstrate His jealousy over His people. He would not hesitate to remove anything that competed for His place in our lives. Isn’t it better to simply surrender those things that threaten to take God’s place? God is willing to reveal what they are to us and give us the ability to live victoriously. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” (Titus 2:11-14).

Welcome to the privilege of becoming faithful stewards of your hearts. Manage responsibly, in Jesus’ name.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

#theproestisnotover #stewardingtheheart

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, March 18, 2019

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-03-18-2019

This is devotional thought number 48 in our devotional series, “Stewarding the Heart.”

“Woe unto him that saith to the wood, Awake; to the dumb stone, Arise, it shall teach! Behold, it is laid over with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all in the midst of it. But the LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.” (Habakkuk 2:19, 20).

It is important to remember in the times of deepest trials, that the Lord is in control. This is a lesson that Habakkuk learned well. He wanted to know how long the Lord would put up with the wiles of wicked people. He wondered how long the Lord would allow them to appear to prosper while God’s people languished. “And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.” (Habakkuk 2:2-4). The Lord proceeded to tell his son of the woes of the wicked. He made it clear that their evil would not go unpunished. They could consult their idols and command that they speak all they wanted to, but to no avail. Stones and wood cannot instruct anyone. There is no life in them.

The Lord distinguished Himself to Habakkuk and anyone else, in the future, that would know the vision. The Lord, not idols, is in control. The Lord, not impotent statues of beasts and other creatures, is worthy of worship. The Lord, not the enemy, will triumph in the end. Anytime you are tempted to think that the Lord will allow wickedness to continue unchecked, remember the counsel He gave to Habakkuk. Anytime you think to resort to some inferior medium to receive light in place of God, remember the two edged counsel given. “But the LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.” (Habakkuk 2:20).

Welcome to the privilege of becoming faithful stewards of your hearts. Manage responsibly, in Jesus’ name.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

#theproestisnotover #stewardingtheheart