Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-02-05-2019

This is devotional thought number 8 in our devotional series, “Stewarding the Heart.”

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” (Ephesians 4:29).

Can you imagine how sweet life would be if we all would apply today’s theme text to social media outlets too? How many news stories would not have been reported if some very influential persons would refuse to allow corrupt communication proceed out of their two thumbs? How many political and pop-cultural firestorms would have been avoided? How many near misses in diplomatic matters would have been averted if only that which was edifying and able to minister cheerfulness was posted?

While I needed to apply the text to our modern context, to include other forms of communication, I cannot ignore the obvious meaning. God requires that we manage all our communications, including what we say, according to holy principles. There are certain words that must never be said, conversations that must never be had, rumours that must never be entertained, an expressions never used. Why not? The text says that our communication must be edifying to those who experience it. It must not be frivolous or excite the baser passions. It must be so good that it ministers to those who need a little encouragement. What if God spoke, or otherwise communicated frivolously? What if the One who spoke the worlds into existence reduced Himself to irresponsible chatter (God forbid)? What kind of destruction would be left in the aftermath? Aren’t you glad that God’s goal is to communicate life? Aren’t you thankful that He makes and keeps precious promises? Aren’t you glad that His speech is always full of grace and truth? In Christ, we have the perfect Example of One who builds us up in all heaven communicates to those who trust in Him. Let us follow His example in all we say and do, shall 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 Monday, February 4, 2019

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-02-04-2019

This is devotional thought number 7 in our devotional series, “Stewarding the Heart.”

“The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.” (Romans 13:12).

Time is one of the few things that is given on a level playing field. Nobody has more or fewer than 24 hours in a day. Nobody has more or fewer than a certain number of days in a week, weeks in a month, or months in a year. Time is just as valuable to me as it is to you, regardless of our perception of the reality or how we capitalize on it (or not). Beyond this, where we are on the calendar of earth’s history as the hours seem to pass quickly and stealthily into the past, is also the same. We are nearer to the coming of Jesus Christ than we have ever been. I suppose that is obvious. And yet, we do not all cherish that reality. Not all can sense the nearness. Not all care to prepare. Not all have an eager expectation. However, time keeps on ticking into the future, and, ready or not, Jesus will arrive very soon.

Perspective. This is a big word that helps us contextualize all we have said thus far. What if my perspective is that when Jesus comes, I am going to burst with joy and gratitude, and feel a sense of relief that finally I can look into His loving eyes and thank Him for putting up with me all these years? What if I will be overwhelmed with the sense that the prophecies will have been fulfilled, and I am excited that I am now seeing what eye has never seen, I am now hearing what ear has never heard, I am currently experiencing what has never even entered into the imagination of any human being, what God has prepared for His children?

On the flip side, what if (God forbid), my perspective is fear, foreboding, anxiety, extreme guttural disappointment in myself for frittering away my time on foolish pleasures despite God patient entreaties to repent? What if all I can do is agree that God is worthy of all honor, praise, and glory; and He is just in His need to repay my obstinance with eternal separation from Him?

Here’s the thing: we all have time, but none of know when our time will be up. The same hours, days, weeks, months, and years we have all been given could be cut short due to various circumstances. Jesus will come very soon, regardless of how we have used or misused the time we have had. And when He returns, He is going to keep His promise and take those who valued His blessed gift of salvation into our eternal abode with Him, where there will be no more sickness, pain, death, or trials. The question is whether we will be ready. Are you prepared for Jesus to come? If not, now is the time to surrender to Him and be ready. Now is the time!

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, February 2, 2019

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-02-02-2019

This is devotional thought number 6 in our devotional series, “Stewarding the Heart”

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;” (John 17:17–20).

Influence is a big word; and with it comes even bigger responsibility! It is the capacity to effect change, for good of for ill, in others. With our influence, we can provide direction to thought leaders in society. Rightly managed, we can have massive impact on governments, religious bodies, corporate boards, organizational committees, economic movers and shakers, and other action committees. Wars can be averted when the wise influence of diplomacy is employed.

Jesus obviously understood all we have said here and more. He knew the the devil would stop at nothing to pervert the minds of those who could potentially impact the world for Christ. This is why He prayed to the Father and asked Him to set us aside for a holy use through the power of Scripture. And being armed with the beauty of truth and eternal guidance on how we should live our lives, from God’s perspective, He also mobilized us. He has equipped us with a universal message that would change the lives of anyone who accepts it, and sends us out into the world as His ambassadors to represent His kingdom wherever we go. What a privilege it is to represent King Jesus.

Here’s the end game we must keep in view as we manage our influence: the saving of as many people as possible from sin. That’s right! God wants to use you; He wants to use me to save people from eternal destruction. He wants to deliver them from the lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. He wants to give them victory in all areas of life, and He wants to do so though you.

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, January 31, 2019

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-01-31-2019

This is devotional thought number 5 in our devotional series, “Stewarding the Heart”

“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).

A mind is a terrible thing to waste. Unfortunately, so many of us have wasted our remarkable thinking abilities on degrading programming, foolish jesting, pride, malice, and feelings of unforgiveness. Some have entertained murderous thoughts, racism, oppression, subversion, and general lawlessness too. WIth so much potential, and so much of that potential frittered away, is there any hope for us? I am so glad you asked.

Our theme text underscores the foundation of all human brain potential. If when we realize our need of Christ, we respond by accepting Him into our lives, we are setting the foundation. Jesus has promised great things if we allow Him to transform our mindset into a reflection of His. Well, what was His mindset? Jesus’ mindset was love. He manifested His love by giving His all for those who were unlovable. He had an others first mentality. He cherished a “Not my will, God, but thine be done…” mentality. He humbled Himself instead of puffing up His chest. He divested Himself of the praise of which He was worthy, to become the Servant of all, for the better good of humanity. He even gave His life so others could live forever.

A mind is indeed a terrible thing to waste; and so many of us have. However, I have great news: God has provided the way for us to overcome the damage done and the time lost. He provides the blessing of love, and those who fully embrace it will have embraced the mindset of Jesus Christ, the full manifestation of divine love. Love, humility, others first, and submission to God’s will are hallmarks of the mindset we may have, if we are willing to allow God to control our lives.

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, January 30, 2019

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-01-30-2019

This is devotional thought number 4 in our devotional series, “Stewarding the Heart”

“For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.” (Ephesians 5:12–17).

Time is of the essence! I would venture to say most people either waste tons of time, or do not invest time as wisely as we ought. So much is lost when we waste it: money, energy due to inefficiency, productivity, physical health, and spiritual wellbeing. How many of us have wasted years on the foolish pleasures of our youth? How many of us have wasted days, weeks, or years of our emotional health in our marriages by delaying to address relationship problems that could have been resolved had we not waited for them to fester?

I suppose it’s not natural for us to think about time as a trust from God, but it is. None of us know how long we have on this earth, so dedicating our every moment to positive, productive, and principled thoughts and actions is critical. We should choose never to procrastinate, especially on things that edify ourselves or others. A great practice everyday is to ask God to take our plans and show us how to accomplish them efficiently or abandon them, as His providence may indicate.

It’s not easy, but as our theme text suggests, time can be redeemed with God’s help. Whenever we realize we have not be faithful where that is concerned, we can simply ask God to help us recapture what we have lost, or at least maximize what we have left. This is especially the case when it comes to our spiritual lives. We should never delay doing right. We should always move quickly to agree with God, amend our ways, and align our wills with His. This way, we will always be walking circumspectly as wise children of the heavenly King who are waiting for the day when time will drift into eternity. Until then, dedicate yourself and your time to God.

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, January 29, 2019

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-01-29-2019

This is devotional thought number 3 in our devotional series, “Stewarding the Heart”

“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be meat in mine house, And prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, If I will not open you the windows of heaven, And pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, And he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; Neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: For ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts.” (Malachi 3:10–12).

Do you trust God to turn human mathematics on its head to miraculously prosper you? Well, when you dedicate all the resources God has entrusted into your care to Him, and also return a tithe and offering portion for His specific use, the portion you have left will be more effective than 100% that is not dedicated to Him. I told you, God is able to miraculously turn human mathematics on its head.

If you live in an agricultural society, you certainly can appreciate the need to have your food crops survive, be fruitful, be well watered, and be impervious to pests and diseases. Supermarket and GMO crop societies heavily manufacture counterfeit (almost) foods from Frankenstein-like commodities created under a microscope, which makes those who live within them insensitive to our reliance upon God for bountiful harvests.

God encouraged His people to stop robbing Him by withholding tithe and offering. In exchange for their trust, He promised to pour out the richest deluge of heavenly blessings they could imagine. He promised to prosper their fields. He promised supernatural pest control (you do realize nature obeys her God, right?). He promised there would be no loss of crops due to premature spoilage, etc. He promised that these special favors would be so remarkable, all of the surrounding peoples of the world would call them blessed. This is spectacular! Are you being faithful to God with all He has entrusted to you? Are you benefitting from His bountiful blessings? I have literally never heard any preacher or elder go beyond verse 12 of our theme chapter. We need to read further.

The Bible says that there were some haters among God’s so-called people, who refused to believe He was worth following. I am almost ashamed to cite this, but I must. Here it is: “Your words against Me are harsh,” says the Lord. Yet you ask: “What have we spoken against You?” You have said: “It is useless to serve God. What have we gained by keeping His requirements and walking mournfully before the Lord of Hosts? So now we consider the arrogant to be fortunate. Not only do those who commit wickedness prosper, they even test God and escape.”” (Malachi 3:13–15, HCSB). I am fearful to ask, but I must. Are you one of those lying witnesses against God who thinks because of your perception of your circumstances and that of those you consider wicked, that God will not keep His promises? Do you give up the faith when things don’t go as you suppose they should? God forbid.

Notice what the Bible says about those who keep the faith, against all odds: “At that time those who feared the Lord spoke to one another. The Lord took notice and listened. So a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who feared Yahweh and had high regard for His name. “They will be Mine,” says the Lord of Hosts, “a special possession on the day I am preparing. I will have compassion on them as a man has compassion on his son who serves him. So you...

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, January 28, 2019

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-01-28-2019

This is devotional thought number 2 in our devotional series, “Stewarding the Heart”

“Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” (Colossians 4:6).

Always is a powerful word! Do you believe it? If you don’t, let’s try a little exercise here. Now, pay attention. “You always do that!” “I am always having to take up your slack.” Why are you always late?” Do you see where this is going? On the negative side, the term makes it seem like the person toward whom it is aimed cannot ever satisfy the speaker. Always is a powerful word!

OK, so let’s try this one on for size: “I have always loved you.” “God is always there to hear your prayers.” “God’s promises are always true.” Do you like that? These are positive uses that keep us focused on the virtues of God and His consistency toward us. He is dependable in all things. Always is a powerful word! Now do you believe it?

In our theme text, the apostle said that our speech should always be with grace, and seasoned with salt. Just enough salt on your food awakens the natural flavors of the herbs and seasonings that make them taste so good. The right amount of salt can act as a natural preservative for foods where refrigeration is out of the question. So salt, in this case is positive.

Grace is God’s power for us to live up to His ideal for us. It stands as a constant reminder of His desire to give us mercy when we need it and the ability to live according to His will.

Let’s marry the two thoughts now as they relate to Paul's admonition. At the very least, brother Paul is encouraging us to always use our speech to preserve (not destroy), provide empowerment (not discouragement), and awaken the best in people to whom we speak. This applies to everyday discussions, the sharing of Bible truth, how we relate to our families, and even how we “speak” or communicate in social media these days. By God’s grace, we must always let our great gift of speech be used to bring honor to the God who gave it, and to uplift everyone within our sphere of influence. Always is a powerful word! Do you believe it?

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, January 27, 2019

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-01-27-2019

This is devotional thought number 1 in our devotional series, “Stewarding the Heart”

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” (Deuteronomy 6:4–7).

With God, it’s all or nothing at all. The All-Powerful Creator of the universe (Blessed be His Name forever) is 100% committed to restoring unity, holiness, love, and order to the universe. Therefore, we have the privilege and responsibility to give our all to Him. He gave us all of heaven in the one Gift, Jesus Christ, so we could be free from sin and be heirs of eternal salvation. But the only way this can happen is if we learn to love God with all our hearts, all our souls, and with all our vital energies. The great thing about this is that we receive all I mentioned from God anyway. As the hymn writer penned, “We give thee but thine own, Whate’er the gift may be, For all we have is thine alone, A trust, O Lord, from thee.”

God wants us to build a heart stewardship legacy. If we surrender all our being to Him and accept the call to manage our lives according to holiness principles, then everything that grows out of that commitment will be well-managed too. If we accept the call to manage our lives according to holiness principles, then we will be responsible with our influence, finances, time, relationships, emotions, vital energy, health, abilities, and much more. Why? Those building the stewarding the heart legacy recognize God’s call to live God’s best for us in all areas of life.

I don’t know if you realize this our not, but the call in our theme text for God’s people “hear” is more than discerning the vibrations in sound waves. To the Hebrew mindset, hearing was synonymous with living and doing. It was synonymous with becoming the essence of what they heard. What does that mean for us then, considering the context? God wants us to become the outgrowth of His love. He wants us to become the fulness of those who receive salvation by faith. He wants us to become the outgrowth of His power. This is where the legacy part comes into view. A critical function of becoming stewards of our hearts in this manner, is teaching this to all those over whom we have influence, especially our children.

Great stewardship that is according to God’s holy order surrenders all to Him, becomes the essence of all He desires for us, and faithfully passes this commitment to the next generation.

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, January 24, 2019

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-01-24-2019

This is devotional thought number 31 in our devotional series, “The Gospel According to Psalms.”

“I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.” (Psalms 16:8-9).

On what (or whom) do you focus your attention most? Do you focus on trials, bills, the fact that you failed yet again to keep a promise? Do you focus on those extra inches around your midsection? How about the fact that some world governments seem to have lost their minds? I don’t know if you realize this or not, but whatever we place before our eyes, or deeper vision, as the case may be, controls our mindset; whether for good or for ill. Are you ready for the consequences or rewards related to your focus? It’s a lot to consider isn’t it?

King David had a way of turning and returning his focus Godward. He did not always have an easy life. He had his share of bumps, bruises, and much worse, yet he found a way, through the Spirit, to set our Creator as his focal point in life. When he was young and Goliath terrorized God’s people, he focused on God and defended His honor among the heathen, and God’s fearful people. When king Saul allowed envy to inflame him toward David, which fueled a love/hate/dysfunctional relationship between them, God was ever before David. When he ran from the reality of his terrible bout of covetousness, adultery, conspiracy, and murder, God sent the prophet to retool his focus, and he got back on track with deep repentance. You get the point, I hope. Despite the terrible difficulties that seemed to follow David at times, since he was a man in pursuit of the heart of God, he became an immovable pillar in Zion. He became the standard of all holy kings, because God was his focus and at the right hand of approval in his life. Therefore, he could be glad, no matter what. Even when death approached, he, like the Messiah, could be hopeful and confident that he was doing the will of the Father. He could die in peace, because he lived at peace with God.

Is this your reality. On what (or whom) do you focus your attention most? I hope, after today, it is always the Lord. If so, you will not be moved. He will keep you steady and composed under pressure until Messiah returns.

This has been the gospel according to Psalms. Live by it!—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

#theproestisnotover

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-01-23-2019

This is devotional thought number 30 in our devotional series, “The Gospel According to Psalms.”

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; And renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10).

God is so good! This is where you say, “How good is He?” God is so good that He created the worlds though the power of His words. He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and what He commanded stood firm. Wonderful. The same God who alone was powerful enough to create life, is just as powerful to single handedly recreate that which has begun to degenerate. He who created us in His image and likeness is able to restore the fulness of that blessed image, in the lives of all who yield our wills to Him.

King David was in a precarious position. Against the trend of his character, normally, the king chose lust, adultery, conspiracy, murder, arrogance, and unrepentance above fidelity toward the God whose honor he valiantly defended against the Philistine warrior years before. For a year following David’s character hiccup, he ran from the reality of his sins. But God, being the loving Benefactor He is, sent the prophet directly to him, to speak directly to his situation. Thankfully, true to form, the king repented. David then tapped into the creative power of his King. He laid hold of God’s power to recreate his heart with holiness running through it. He tapped into God’s limitless stores of power to make him constantly obedient to the counsels of God.

Have you tapped into God’s power to recreate you? Have you received His regenerating touch so you can have victory over every besetting sin, no matter how deeply seated? The thing about God’s creative energy is that it cannot be exhausted. We need only to tap it, by faith, and the faith conduit will deliver the power we need to perfectly reflect the image of God and all His intentions for us.

This has been the gospel according to Psalms. Live by it!—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

#theproestisnotover