Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, August 26, 2019

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

Today’s Scripture Focus: Galatians 6:7-10

We are focusing on sin recovery principle number eight of 12: “We made a list of all persons we have harmed and are willing to make amends.”

There is a lot of discussion in Christian circles regarding sowing and reaping. Unfortunately, the context is almost always related to parishioners digging deeply into their pockets, billfolds, purses, or bank accounts to sow seeds of money into ministry coffers with the hopes of receiving an abundant financial reward. While the Bible does teach that we cannot beat God in giving and that when we are generous, He shows favor in our lives, it does not teach that we should drop our coins of seeds into heaven’s slot machine in order to (cha-ching) cash out big in reaped rewards. I could write a dissertation about that, but I won’t. Today’s focus is more natural than anything else. Just as the laws of nature dictate, whatever we sow, we reap in kind. If we sow watermelon seeds, we will reap watermelons. If we sow Moringa seeds, we will reap Moringa trees. If we sow discord and strife, we will reap likewise. If we sow holiness, no matter what trials come as a result, we will ultimately reap God’s reward for holiness. It’s only natural.

In the context of our sin recovery principle, we must recognize that our God is not asleep at the wheel. He sees and knows all. Some people mistakenly believe that what they do in the darkness will remain there. They sow deceit. However, the reality is that deceit cannot produce the fruit of God’s approbation. Its seeds cannot produce a crop of eternal life. So, we need to ask ourselves whether holding onto our fleshly desires and lusts are worth the reward.

The blessing is that when the Spirit of God shows us the true nature of what we are sowing, if it is not pleasing to Him, He empowers us to miraculously sow the seed of faith, which He promised would blossom to be able to remove mountains of despair. The God of nature can root out the weeds of bad choices, evil habits, and unholy thoughts. He can till the soil of our hearts and help us sow the seeds of righteousness, peace, and transparency. Then, and only then will we be in the position to right our wrongs in fragmented relationships. Then, and only then will we be able to reap the harvest of peace with heaven.

What seeds are you sowing? Are you happy with the harvest?—L. David Harris (http://bit.ly/BQuotable)

#sinrecovery #recovery

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sunday, August 25, 2019

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

Today’s Scripture Focus: 2 Corinthians 2:5-8

We are focusing on sin recovery principle number eight of 12: “We made a list of all persons we have harmed and are willing to make amends.”

The fear of rejection is real, especially when our behavior may have contributed to that fear.

While it is the duty of every believer to forgive, not all are believers, and not every believer is as quick to do what God says. We are all at different points in our growth process. Suffice it to say; we may struggle to reach out to those we’ve offended because we fear rejection. We may fear that they will call us names or characterize us by our actions. I understand. However, there is a tightrope we must walk here. The fact is that all have sinned (as we have said before), including the ones we have hurt by our actions or inactions. This is not a fact to be cherished or to throw in anyone else’s face. It is simply the reality that we must keep in mind as we seek to make things right. They, too, have weaknesses and have made errors in life. Therefore, our fear of being judged or rejected may be overblown. It is not like the offended party is God. And if it were God, He has already demonstrated that He is slow to anger and swift to show mercy to those who humble themselves before Him.

I would encourage you to surrender your fear to God and ask Him to strengthen you for the rough road of reconciliation that lies ahead. Pray that He comfort you if your friend or loved one does choose to reject you for a time. Remember that Jesus was despised and rejected by those He came to save. If that happened to Him even though He was innocent, we need to be vulnerable as we grow in reconciliation.

May God be with you as you do whatever is in your power to make amends. If God is for you, who can be against you?—L. David Harris (http://bit.ly/BQuotable)

#sinrecovery #recovery

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sabbath, August 24, 2019

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

Today’s Scripture Focus: Matthew 18:23-35

We are focusing on sin recovery principle number eight of 12: “We made a list of all persons we have harmed and are willing to make amends.”

Did you know that you could harm someone by harboring ill feelings toward them? So many of us have imprisoned deadbeat dads, ornery neighbors, disrespectful children, and others that have offended us. We have locked them up in prisons of unforgiveness and thrown away the key. The problem is wherever we have imprisoned people that have hurt us, we become their cellmates without even realizing it, and we will rot there together unless we change our ways.

Forgiveness comes by divine order and through the power of God. It is not a principle that we can take lightly. The Bible says that all of us have sinned against God, and the penalty for sin is eternal death. Therefore, if you are sharing in this devotional thought with me, it is apparent that God has extended divine forgiveness to you. Dead people cannot read devotions. Having received forgiveness from God when our sins were the cause of Jesus’ death is reason enough for us to be gracious and forgive people who have hurt us. This seems simple enough until we recount the many ways people have offended us. Spouses have abandoned us. Armed assailants have shot, stabbed, and beaten us. Societies have subjugated us. The media has mischaracterized us. We have been spat upon, lied to, and downtrodden. Yet, these difficulties pale in comparison to the things we have done to the God, who created us.

How do we reconcile this? The Bible says that God will forgive us in the same manner we forgive others. So, really there is only one thing we can do. We need to ask God to help us appreciate His mercy so much that we would not even consider holding a grudge against a fellow human being. The blessing in all this is that living by this principle is so far outside our capacity to accomplish that God has promised to provide supernatural grace for us to do so. With God in our corner and His Spirit empowering us to live according to Christ’s example, we can do all He has commanded. We can free those who have hurt us from their prisons, and as a result, we can also be free.—L. David Harris (http://bit.ly/BQuotable)

#sinrecovery #recovery

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Friday, August 23, 2019

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

Today’s Scripture Focus: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

We are focusing on sin recovery principle number eight of 12: “We made a list of all persons we have harmed and are willing to make amends.”

Facts are not feelings. There are so many ways we could take this statement, but I’d like to focus on the context of our sin recovery principle. The fact is that we may have upset or in some other way harmed people with our behavior. We may have said something hurtful. We may have neglected to help someone who reached out to us in need. We may have stolen from, lied on, or even abused someone. Now, what?

We have talked extensively about making amends wherever possible. Hopefully, you have taken this counsel to heart, trusting that God would be with you. Sometimes you feel relieved when you go through this process. However, there are also times you feel badly because the offended party may know more about the situation than before. Now you may have the look in their eyes, expression on their faces, or sound of their voice indelibly etched in your mind following your time of mending broken fences with them. I hope you realize that when people accept your apologies and reach out to let bygones be bygones or others support you as you work through these situations, that you are in a more powerful position than before despite the way you feel. Even if you do feel worse, it does not necessarily mean you are worse off. The fact is that you now have an ally who probably understands you more than you expected, and who may have offended someone else. Our humanity unites us far more than it separates. We have common feelings, thoughts, disappointments, struggles, etc. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to accept the support of even those we may have offended. After all, we need each other. Let the past stay in the past. Do not fear the future unless you plan on forgetting the valuable lessons you have learned along the way. We are stronger together than we are apart.

Accept people’s support, and be supportive in return. This is a great way to build good will and add value to the society around you.—L. David Harris (http://bit.ly/BQuotable)

#sinrecovery #recovery

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Thursday, August 22, 2019

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

Today’s Scripture Focus: Leviticus 6:4-5

We are focusing on sin recovery principle number eight of 12: “We made a list of all persons we have harmed and are willing to make amends.”

During the days of the sacrificial system of sacrifices, Moses was given strict guidelines about the way each type of sin, transgression, and iniquity was to be handled. The Lord told him exactly what sacrifices, in what condition, and any other necessary details he needed to teach the people. He also needed to understand so he could live according to the instructions himself.

When someone got something deceitfully, they were to restore it, add a fifth of the value in interest, and bring a trespass offering to the Lord through His appointed priests. By following these guidelines by faith, the sinner received atonement or peace with God.

One day Jesus passed through the city of Jericho. Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector, climbed into a tree to see Jesus pass through the streets. It was as though the Lord came to Jericho specifically to see him. He saw Zacchaeus in the tree and told him to come down quickly so they could go to his house together. “And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.” (Luke 19:6-7). Jesus demonstrated His mission to the world in this one act. He came to this earth specifically to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10).

The impact of Jesus’ visit to the tax collector’s house was evident by the way he joyfully received Him and by what he did next. “And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.” (Luke 19:8). Zacchaeus more than fulfilled the law that God had given through Moses concerning ill-gotten gain. Zacchaeus was pleased to repent fully of his sin as a result of one encounter with the Master. “And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.” (Luke 19:9).

How is it with you? When Jesus comes to you specifically to change your life, do you receive Him joyfully? May the Lord teach us all to accept His presence with thanksgiving and be thoroughly converted just like the former crook, Zacchaeus.—L. David Harris (http://bit.ly/BQuotable)

#sinrecovery #recovery

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Wednesday, August 21, 2019

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

Today’s Scripture Focus: Leviticus 4:1-28

We are focusing on sin recovery principle number eight of 12: “We made a list of all persons we have harmed and are willing to make amends.”

Sin is sin. Before you jump to conclusions and think I am talking about the weight or levels of sins, hold on a second. Pain is pain. I am certainly not saying that all pain is of equal magnitude here. Now let’s put these two realities together. All sin is unrighteous, whether we realize it or not, and all sin causes pain in some way or another. The effect of sin is so far reaching we can hardly estimate it.

The beauty of today’s passage is that it gives a balanced understanding of how our God deals with the sin problem. It shows one of many facets. Here is a valuable nugget of truth to get us started: “Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no guile.” (Psalm 32:2). The psalmist is expressing the enviable state of people whose sins God does not hold against them. Notice that it does not say that if you do not realize something is sinful, God acts like it isn’t. Rather, the Bible says that it is a blessing when God does not assess the guilt or penalty of sin to one’s charge.

Think about the times you have said something in a manner that hurt someone’s feelings and did not realize it. Were the people hurt? Did what you said cause pain? Yes. Did you intend it to be so? No. What if you were texting and driving (God forbid), and you hit a pedestrian? Were you negligent? Yes. Should you have been watching the road? Yes. Did you wake up that morning intending to find a pedestrian to injure? No.

In these examples, the reality of the harm that was done is not reduced due to intentionality. There were still very real injuries to body and spirit regardless of your cognizance. The blessing is this: God’s standard is not movable based on our thoughts, feelings, or intentions. His standards are just and impartial. The beauty is that God has made provision for every type of sin when we live in a state of repentance overall.

While my examples were imperfect and perhaps missed certain elements of truth, my intent (there is that word again) was to show how our loving God has given us His only begotten Son so when we sin, whether intentionally or ignorantly, we have an opportunity to repent.

In the Old Testament, the priests burned sacrifices ‘round the clock to protect people from judgment in the intervening times between personal sacrifices and during times the people may have been oblivious to some of the times they sinned. There are some of you who did not realize that God was serious when He said to remember His seventh-day Sabbath to sanctify it. You thought that as long as you chose one day of seven, it would be acceptable. The reality is that since the fourth commandment is to keep holy the seventh day, and some of you have broken the commandment in ignorance, it is a blessing when God does not lay that guilt to your charge. However, our theme text also highlights the fact that God’s provision took care of the sin of ignorance until the sinner realized what they had done wrong. It is then when God brings an awareness of our wrongs to our minds that we are responsible for making amends. There is no sacrifice strong enough to cover the faults of any of us who continue to do wrong without repenting.

The moral of this story is that God loves us so much that He gives us a chance to learn about our mistakes and then make things right. One of the things I like to do when I pray is to ask God to forgive me for things I don’t fully understand I did wrong until He brings an awareness to my mind. And...

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Tuesday, August 20, 2019

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

Today’s Scripture Focus: Exodus 22:10-15

We are focusing on sin recovery principle number eight of 12: “We made a list of all persons we have harmed and are willing to make amends.”

I cannot tell a lie. It is extremely difficult to own up to our wrongs especially if we have harmed someone through irresponsibility. I will give an example that may or may not apply directly to you, but please see the principle here.

What if you borrowed a vehicle from a good friend? You were driving down the road to the supermarket and did not see that there was a concrete block that had apparently fallen from a truck that is long gone. You see it too late and hit it, destroying the tire and front bumper cover. What do you do when it is time to return the vehicle? How do you explain what happened? Do you simply return the vehicle, hand over the keys, say that you made a mistake and go about your business? Is there a better way of handling this? Today’s thought is not about forgiveness, so we will not seek to apply that principle yet.

It is human nature for us to shirk responsibility. Some men sire children and walk out on the mother (for whatever reasons). Some people spread rumors on social media about others, and when they realize whatever they wrote was not true, they don’t even bother to make amends with the injured party or create a new post to clarify the error. Some of us borrow money or property, and if repaying becomes inconvenient, we expect our friends or loved ones to eat the deficit like they are banks who can charge off the debt and write it off on their taxes. And all of this is not to mention those of us who have had issues with substance abuse or general habits with stealing.

The point here is that we know there is cause and effect in every aspect of life. There is also an expectation that we will own up to our wrongdoing and make restitution. If you have harmed someone, abused their property, or owe a debt, seek out those you’ve harmed and come up with a plan to make things right. Every situation is different. The exact manner in which to handle it is different, but the principle is the same. Do your level best in the Lord, and make things right. You will be so glad you did even if there are consequences. The Lord is with you.—L. David Harris (http://bit.ly/BQuotable)

#sinrecovery #recovery

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, August 19, 2019

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

Today’s Scripture Focus: 1 John 5:11-15

We are focusing on sin recovery principle number seven of 12: “We submit to God and ask Him to remove our deficiencies.”

You have a record! OK, so maybe I should clarify. I am not saying you have a criminal background here, whether you do or not. I am saying that you have a reliable record (or evidence) that God has provided eternal life to anyone who accepts it. That’s great news! The blessing is that He has already provided this through His Son. It’s a done deal. Jesus died on a cruel cross thousands of years ago in your place, so you would not have to die the second death yourself if you remain faithful to Him in His strength.

Unfortunately, most human beings behave like we love complicated lives. The message of salvation is so simple that even children can accept it. Yet, due to our constant rehearsal of our sins and the guilt that accompanies them, some of us seem to prefer defeat to victory. Maybe you have tried to do what God said before, failed, and are too discouraged to try again. Perhaps you cannot muster the strength to climb back up onto your spiritual horse to ride off into the sunset in triumph.

The wonderful thing about realizing how difficult life can be and tasting the bitter pill of trial is that it makes you more open to God’s help. He has made it so simple. He said if you believe on the name of Jesus and have confidence that He hears your prayers, you will have eternal life, and in the meantime, He will answer your prayers according to His will. I love that. I have made so many mistakes in my life, that knowing God is willing to accept me into His family is a breath of fresh air.—L. David Harris (http://bit.ly/BQuotable)

#sinrecovery #recovery

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sunday, August 18, 2019

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

Today’s Scripture Focus: Philippians 2:5-9

We are focusing on sin recovery principle number seven of 12: “We submit to God and ask Him to remove our deficiencies.”

When I began discussing sin recovery principle number seven of 12, perhaps I should have used today’s theme text instead of waiting until now. It is foundational to all sin recovery that we sense the need to have God remove all of our deficiencies.

To some, it might be startling to recognize we all have sinned and all continually come short of God’s brightness. I can remember having a Bible study with a woman more than 15 years ago. She was very nice and lived a clean, tidy life. She did not say bad words. She was extremely helpful to people. She lived and worked with integrity. She was great! However, when we began to discuss the reality reflected in today’s theme text, she could not handle it. She desperately wanted me to say she was good-to-go. After all, she did not murder anyone? I am not making this up. She cried real tears, because she felt like this verse, and others similarly themed, portrayed her as some sort of ogre or something. She could not see the beauty of the remaining portions of the text that said this fact was indeed a recommendation for God to lavish His love, power, and mercy on us. She could not see the beauty of God’s help because she was deceived by her self-appraisal. The very first principle in any kind of recovery intervention is that we recognize our need before we can get help. We can draw a horse to water, but it is impossible to force it to drink.

So where are you in this equation? We have been discussing our need and God’s provision for quite some time now. Are you willing to admit to yourself and God that you are in dire need of His help? Are you ready to admit to God and yourself that His standard of holiness is so lofty that there is no way you can attain it in your strength? Are you willing to receive His love into your heart so He can begin and continue the work of refining your character through His Holy Spirit?

There is no room for pride in our journey with God. The fact is that all of us are in the same pitiful boat. We have all sinned and fall desperately short of God’s intent for our lives when we are not entirely committed to Him. We need to be transformed by the renewing of our minds and must not give up yielding ourselves to Him. We all should be happy that God went to such lengths to make us holy. For it is only holy people who will live with God forever!—L. David Harris (http://bit.ly/BQuotable)

#sinrecovery #recovery

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sabbath, August 17, 2019

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

Today’s Scripture Focus: Romans 3:23-28

We are focusing on sin recovery principle number seven of 12: “We submit to God and ask Him to remove our deficiencies.”

When I began discussing sin recovery principle number seven of 12, perhaps I should have used today’s theme text instead of waiting until now. It is foundational to all sin recovery that we sense the need to have God remove all of our deficiencies.
To some, it might be startling to recognize we all have sinned and all continually come short of God’s brightness. I can remember having a Bible study with a woman more than 15 years ago. She was very nice and lived a clean, tidy life. She did not say bad words. She was extremely helpful to people. She lived and worked with integrity. She was great! However, when we began to discuss the reality reflected in today’s theme text, she could not handle it. She desperately wanted me to say she was good-to-go. After all, she did not murder anyone? I am not making this up. She cried real tears, because she felt like this verse, and others similarly themed, portrayed her as some sort of ogre or something. She could not see the beauty of the remaining portions of the text that said this fact was indeed a recommendation for God to lavish His love, power, and mercy on us. She could not see the beauty of God’s help because she was deceived by her self-appraisal. The very first principle in any kind of recovery intervention is that we recognize our need before we can get help. We can draw a horse to water, but it is impossible to force it to drink.

So where are you in this equation? We have been discussing our need and God’s provision for quite some time now. Are you willing to admit to yourself and God that you are in dire need of His help? Are you ready to admit to God and yourself that His standard of holiness is so lofty that there is no way you can attain it in your strength? Are you willing to receive His love into your heart so He can begin and continue the work of refining your character through His Holy Spirit?

There is no room for pride in our journey with God. The fact is that all of us are in the same pitiful boat. We have all sinned and fall desperately short of God’s intent for our lives when we are not entirely committed to Him. We need to be transformed by the renewing of our minds and must not give up yielding ourselves to Him. We all should be happy that God went to such lengths to make us holy. For it is only holy people who will live with God forever!—L. David Harris (http://bit.ly/BQuotable)

#sinrecovery #recovery