Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, July 30, 2018

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-07-30-2018

This is devotional thought number 23 in our devotional series titled, “Sing Unto the Lord a New Song: Meditations From the Book of Psalms.”

“The mighty God, even the Lord, hath spoken, and called the earth From the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof. Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined. Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: A fire shall devour before him, And it shall be very tempestuous round about him. He shall call to the heavens from above, And to the earth, that he may judge his people. Gather my saints together unto me; Those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice. And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: For God is judge himself. Selah.” (Psalm 50:1–6).

When Jesus comes to judge the earth, will you be found faithful? This is no light matter. While we can be confident in the blessed assurance of salvation, as I have said to you many times over the years, we must not become self-confident. While we can be assured that Jesus, our True and Faithful Witness, Advocate, Judge, and Substitute, has done all to save us from our sins, He cannot make our decision to cooperate for us. WIth the faith of which He is both Author and Finisher, we must choose to be saved; choose to be holy; choose to remain connected to the power of God. Thus, we can be confident in God’s love when He judges all the earth.

Now, it’s time to rejoice! Our heavenly Father is pleased to see us all clad in the righteousness of Christ! He trumpeted from heaven, at Jesus’ baptism, that Jesus pleased Him well. So, if Jesus pleased Him well, and we are covered in the righteousness of Christ, we please Him well, too. Did you get that? Let me put it this way: if we keep the faith in Christ and repent of our iniquities, when it’s time for judgement, and our God enters this world at the appropriate time like a raging fire; when we appear before Him, we can be assured that we have His favor as Moses did on Mt. Sinai when the thunder crashed, and the smoke billowed upon His arrival.

Jesus will soon appear in His beauty, the grandeur of His righteousness, and the glory of the saints. WIll you be ready by God’s grace? “Present to God a thank-offering! Repay your vows to the sovereign One! Pray to me when you are in trouble! I will deliver you, and you will honor me!”” (Psalm 50:14–15, NLT). “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Acts 2:21).

Sing unto the Lord a new song. Celebrate the judgment with your character perfectly wrapped in the righteousness of Christ.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sabbath, July 28, 2018

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-07-28-2018

This is devotional thought number 21 in our devotional series titled, “Sing Unto the Lord a New Song: Meditations From the Book of Psalms.”

“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 have 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 by 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).

Sing unto the Lord a new song. Praise God for being God!—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sabbath, July 28, 2018

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-07-28-2018

This is devotional thought number 21 in our devotional series titled, “Sing Unto the Lord a New Song: Meditations From the Book of Psalms.”

“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 have 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 by 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).

Sing unto the Lord a new song. Praise God for being God!—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Friday, July 27, 2018

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-07-27-2018

This is devotional thought number 20 in our devotional series titled, “Sing Unto the Lord a New Song: Meditations From the Book of Psalms.”

“My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.” (Psalms 5:3).

As the darkness of the night slowly vanishes into the early morning mist, birds sing carols unto the Lord. As dim shadows give way to abundant rays of sunshine, all creatures are astir. They know the blessing of the Lord, though they cannot speak.

It is a privilege to awaken every morning, no matter how our night was or what we must face during the day. The fact that God cares enough to open our eyes to see a new day’s dawning proves that He loves us. He has given us another opportunity to live for Him. He has blessed us with the pleasure of lifting our voices in praise to Him; for He is good.

While Jesus lived on earth, the Bible says that He woke up a great while before day and prayed in a solitary place (Mark 1:35). In the quietness of morning solitude, He was strengthened to do the work He came to do. He was braced for the temptations that would undoubtedly come His way. It is our privilege to do the same.

David said that the morning hours would be greeted with the sound of his prayers. He understood the relationship between early morning devotion and protection from wickedness. This protection is not outward. It is an inner barrier against temptation. As long as we spend quality time with God and yield our wills to Him, we do not have to satisfy the urges of the flesh. David said that evil does not dwell with God. If we are fully enfolded in the presence of God, then darkness must flee.

It is a blessing to know that the Lord awakens us daily expecting to have a great time with us. He wants to teach us the mystery of godliness through His word, nature, and providence. He is pleased when we begin the day with Him. It makes sense not to disappoint Him.

Sing unto the Lord a new song. Celebrate the blessing of God’s new mercies every morning.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Thursday, July 26, 2018

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-07-26-2018

This is devotional thought number 19 in our devotional series titled, “Sing Unto the Lord a New Song: Meditations From the Book of Psalms.”

“NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105).

The reason some you keep bumping into stuff in the night is because you refuse to switch on the light. You’ve been there before. You were in a rush to use the bathroom, or raid the fridge in the middle of the night. You did not switch on the light and then it happened. You bucked your toe on that steel fire truck your toddler left in the middle of the floor earlier that day. I don’t know if it would have hurt as badly if you expected it or not, but it certainly did when you didn’t realize it was there. Simple solution - switch on the lights!

Truth is, many of us can attest that we run our heads, knees, toes, and other spiritual body parts into immovable objects because we love darkness, and refuse to switch on the Scripture lights. We know that the Bible is there to enlighten our pathways, but somehow fear that it will expose our evil, and thus we inexplicably shun the light. And we have the scars to prove it.

Do you want to stop injuring yourself in your times of darkness? I do. Switch on the light. Ask God to teach you how to dwell in the light, even as He is in the light; and if your deeds are evil, repent. It’s just that simple. God is ready, willing, and available to shed some light on any situation, if you are willing to travel the path that the light reveals.

Sing unto the Lord a new song. Celebrate the light of God and His Word, which reveals the pathway to everlasting life.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-07-25-2018

This is devotional thought number 18 in our devotional series titled, “Sing Unto the Lord a New Song: Meditations From the Book of 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.

Sing unto the Lord a new song. Celebrate God’s creative energy and power to save all who yield our wills to Him.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-07-24-2018

This is devotional thought number 17 in our devotional series titled, “Sing Unto the Lord a New Song: Meditations From the Book of Psalms.”

“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: Marvellous are thy works; And that my soul knoweth right well.” (Psalm 139:14).

I am blown away right now; and here’s why: David, who lived centuries after Adam sold the human race down the river by eating the fruit Eve gave Him, against God’s will, could still see the wonder in God’s creation. He marvelled at how wondrous humankind is, even after centuries of degradation, horrible decisions, dissipation, and disease. The way we still represent the image of God, in some ways, is astounding. Our minds are broad, and even those we consider geniuses have scarcely begun to tap this cognitive and creative powerhouse for good. Our bodies are strong. Our organs are efficient and durable, lasting decades without needing to be removed for maintenance or swapped for newer models. These bodies can repair, rejuvenate, and heal themselves with proper treatment. Our ability to tap into the love principle and endure any trial life throws our way so we can be there for those in need is incredible. Marvellous are God’s works. Some of your smiles light up the room when you enter. Some of your personalities inspire the best in others. Some of you possess almost superhuman strength. Some of you are so creative in design, music, painting, poetry, the culinary arts, etc., that it seems there are no limits to your abilities. God did that! He made you so much like Himself, but a little lower than the angels, that whenever you excel and succeed in any area of your life, you are reflecting His essence.

With all of this wonder, comes also responsibility. Isaiah said we were created for His glory. David said God gave us dominion and crowned us with glory and honor. Paul said that our bodies are temples for the Holy Ghost, created unto all good works. Jeremiah said God would write His law in our minds so we could know Him personally. We are responsible to surrender our will to God so we can reflect His beauty and perfection, that God may deliver others from bondage to sin, partially through or witness. Were this a public service announcement I might say, “Live responsibly until Jesus comes.”

Sing unto the Lord a new song. Celebrate God’s presence and ability to resolve any difficulty you experience now or in the future.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, July 23, 2018

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-07-23-2018

This is devotional thought number 16 in our devotional series titled, “Sing Unto the Lord a New Song: Meditations From the Book of Psalms.”

“Your knowledge is beyond my comprehension; it is so far beyond me, I am unable to fathom it. Where can I go to escape your spirit? Where can I flee to escape your presence? If I were to ascend to heaven, you would be there. If I were to sprawl out in Sheol, there you would be. If I were to fly away on the wings of the dawn, and settle down on the other side of the sea, even there your hand would guide me, your right hand would grab hold of me. If I were to say, “Certainly the darkness will cover me, and the light will turn to night all around me,” even the darkness is not too dark for you to see, and the night is as bright as day; darkness and light are the same to you.” (Psalm 139:6–12, NET).

It is comforting that God is our present help during our times of need. No matter when or where we need Him, He’s there. This is amazing considering the number of ways we often complicate matters in our own lives; and that’s not to mention when others think we are whipping posts.

Have you ever wondered why it seems God takes a long time to come to your aid? Have you prayed about some problem or need you wanted God to resolve and it seemed He was not there, on the other end of your celestial phone call? Think about this, as God measures how and when He will help us, He has all of the data. He knows why we are in need. He knows what impact one solution will have over another. He knows how His answers will impact others, even in years to come. He knows our minds, our ancestry, what we will eat for supper in three years. He knows why our eyes might twitch when we are under stress. There is no place we are out of God’s sight. There is no thought that can be hidden from Him. What He knows and understands is beyond our comprehension. Secrets and revelations are all the same to Him; therefore, when God decides how and when to come to our aid, He has all the information and power to orchestrate the best outcome, for now and eternity.

Since all is open before God, and He knows best for all circumstances, let us choose to rest in His care. Let us choose to surrender our plans to Him, for Him to approve or overturn. Let Him have full control of all that you are, and all you possess. Then trust the outcome. The One who was, is, and is to come, is eternally present to provide the guidance you need in all situations. Trust Him.

Sing unto the Lord a new song. Celebrate God’s presence and ability to resolve any difficulty you experience now or in the future.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sunday, July 22, 2018

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-07-22-2018

This is devotional thought number 15 in our devotional series titled, “Sing Unto the Lord a New Song: Meditations From the Book of Psalms.”

“My soul melteth for heaviness: Strengthen thou me according unto thy word.” (Psalm 119:28).

Have you ever been under so much stress that you could barely move; like you were in the crucible and were melting under the intense heat? Have you cried so much that your bed was wet with tears, and you could not see your way out of your trials? What did you do? Did you redouble your efforts to seek God’s face? Did you increase your praying? Did you trust that the same God who called something out of nothing and breathed life into every living being, could breathe into your situation and lift your burden?

When life gets unbearable, we should become more acquainted with God and all His ancient promises. In your spare time, do a Web search for Bible promises. Be sure to take note of the promises that address your particular needs. Trust God to keep His promises, just like He has done so many times before. In the second half of our theme text, we see two major principles at work: One, we see David asking God to strengthen him according to whatever His providence may indicate. Whatever word or answer to David’s distress God would give would be satisfying to David. Two, we see David claiming God’s promises. He asked for strength according to God’s word; His promise to supply power to meet all of life’s challenges. God loves to be reminded (not that He forgets) of His promises. He loves when we claim them, by faith. He loves when we call upon His strength so we can bring honor to His name.

So, when you feel like you are melting under the heat of oppression, sinful addictions, and trials, call out to God and begin to claim His promises. He will give you strength. He will shoulder your burdens. Trust Him.

Sing unto the Lord a new song. Celebrate God’s willingness and availability to keep His word to those who walk uprightly.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sabbath, July 21, 2018

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-07-21-2018

This is devotional thought number 14 in our devotional series titled, “Sing Unto the Lord a New Song: Meditations From the Book of Psalms.”

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield: The Lord will give grace and glory: No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” (Psalm 84:11).

Let there be light! Did you look around to see if something miraculous happened? Be honest. I would love to have the power to make the light appear, but only our God, who is the Light, can do that. When He commanded that light should appear during the creation of our world, miraculously, He unfurled His effulgence upon the darkness. Before Jesus created the sun, moon, and stars, He announced the arrival of His majesty and glory; and there was light.

While it is much too late for us to witness the creation, we can experience the creative power of God. The Bible says that Jesus is the Light that enlightens everyone born into this world. In vision, John saw that the New Jerusalem did not need the sun to rule the day or moon to rule the night because Jesus is the Light of the city. In Him is no darkness at all. As such, to those who trust Him and walk uprightly, He is the warming, energizing Sun of Righteousness, providing healing for His people. Just as He miraculously lit the path of His children by night, and shielded them from the scorching heat during the day, as He delivered them from Egyptian captivity, He enlightens and shields us according to our needs. He provides power when we are weak. He gives understanding when we need it. And there is absolutely nothing that He would withhold from us if it brings Him glory and is for our good.

So walk with God in your daily prayers, interactions with others, and service in your community. Be assured that all that heaven has in store for the righteous will be yours if you keep faith in God.

Sing unto the Lord a new song. Celebrate God’s protection and provision.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)