Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sabbath, March 24, 2018

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-03-24-2018

This is devotional thought number 48 in our devotional series titled, “Wisdom for the Ages.”

“The one who is lazy becomes poor, but the one who works diligently becomes wealthy.” (Proverbs 10:4, NET).

Solomon has a way of packing a lot into few words. In today’s proverb we find that reality displayed in living color. Are you ready to unpack it with me? Here it goes.

If you are lazy (God forbid), and embrace lazy practices, you can expect the natural result of slackness - poverty. Do not read anything into the wise man’s statement. He’s simply saying that if something’s too good to be true, it probably is. If someone offers you a way to make a boat load of money with minimal effort, run! If someone offers you a way to “invest” a few bucks with double digit returns in interest, run! If you think you can relax on the beach and sip non-alcoholic Mahi Mahis and succeed in life, forget about it. If you think you can put in minimal effort, in any endeavor, and win at life, the Bible says, “Nay-nay!” Nothing meaningful comes with minimal effort, especially when that minimal effort is characterized by a lackadaisical attitude.

Diligence, on the other hand, breeds success. All who prayerfully put in appropriate effort to accomplish our daily tasks will reap the blessings of such diligence. Our prayerful effort is naturally and spiritually rewarded with commensurate outcomes. It is our privilege, not to chase the mighty dollar or pursue riches, but rather to pursue God’s presence and His divine mind, which will net us the wisdom and ability to excel in ways our natural abilities cannot accomplish. There are so many rewards awaiting those who are holy and diligent. Our wealth can be measured in lessons learned, incomes earned, unusual efficiency, lives touched, families mended, wisdom gained, and much more. God has thousands of ways to increase His people so we will lack nothing if we will simply apply all our energies to seeking Him first and being diligent in all He allows us to do, never trusting in our own efforts.

A word to the foolish is wasteful. A word to the wise is sufficient.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Friday, March 23, 2018

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-03-23-2018

This is devotional thought number 47 in our devotional series titled, “Wisdom for the Ages.”

“The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.” (Proverbs 10:3, ESV).

God is worthy of our trust. All that God’s people need, God’s people have. Do you believe it? All that God’s people desire, once we have fully surrendered to Him, God’s people have. Do you believe it?

One of my favorite Psalms says that when we take pleasure in God (or delight in Him), He will give us the desires of our hearts. This is major because some people, when they read the text think that God is a piggy bank; if we put in something, we will get the same thing back. Some people read the text and think that God is a genie in a bottle; if we rub the bottle the right way, we get our exact wishes. It’s nothing like that. When we take pleasure in God, we get new desires. Pleasure in God supplants our own earthly pleasures and desires, and thus He gives us the mind to desire that which already pleases Him. It’s the, “Not my will, but thine be done” principle. God gives us holy desires, which He can always supply, when we take delight in Him. It’s a bonus package. It’s a fast track to answered prayers. God has promised to answer all prayers in the affirmative that are aligned with His good name and perfect will.

Our theme text is intriguing because it unapologetically and without many qualifiers says what God will do. He will provide for His people. He will thwart the cravings of the wicked. I am going to focus on God’s promise to provide for His people today. The Bible is full of examples of this blessing. Here are two: “I have been young, and now am old; Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his seed begging bread.” (Psalm 37:25). “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33). I find it encouraging that though Scripture promises trials to those who love God, that those trials do not preclude God’s favor and provision. When we put God first, last, and best in our lives, He will work out the details regarding our provision. He fed Elijah during famine and drought. He gave millions of Israelites miracle manna from heaven and water from a rock in the wilderness. He caused a lonely widow’s oil and meal to continue overflowing miraculously when she trusted God with her last bit of substance. He sustained Moses in His presence for 40 days and nights with no need of food. He provided His disciples all the food, clothing, and shelter they needed when they went out to the world to proclaim the good news of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Can He not provide for you?

The same God who created the worlds and by whose voice the sun, moon, and stars took their positions in the sky and remain there until this day still keeps His Word today. The Lord always supplies His people’s needs according to His riches in glory. He may not give us what our limited imaginations can think up, or at the time we expect, but in the end, we recognize that His timing and method of abundant provision is above our ability to fathom. God always comes through on time. Trust Him.

A word to the foolish is wasteful. A word to the wise is sufficient.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Thursday, March 22, 2018

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-03-22-2018

This is devotional thought number 46 in our devotional series titled, “Wisdom for the Ages.”

“Ill-gotten gains do not profit anyone, but righteousness rescues from death.” (Proverbs 10:2, HCSB).

You would think that any gain, by virtue of definition, would be profitable. I suppose that is why scammers scam, thieves steal, liars lie, and criminals, well, you know. The matter of ill-gotten gain transcends the paradigm of the common street-level robber. This issue has reached the highest echelons of society, corporate America (and other countries in the world), and government. Unfortunately, it is often the driving force behind capitalism. It’s not that capitalism, in its purest sense, is the culprit responsible for such slackness; it’s just that it sometimes provides the environment to aid and abet this criminality. The route to prosperity and long lasting increase is rooted in honesty , hard work, dedication, and giving more than one takes. The liberal person or entity gains more that they lose.

Notice the contrast in the text. On the one hand, the wise man is discussing the folly of ill-gotten gain. On the other hand, he underscores righteousness as insulation against death. Could it be that gain gotten unlawfully or without integrity was as a result of unrighteousness and will lead to death? Could it be that this behaviour or life pattern is a deadly symptom of a much bigger disease, which if left untreated will lead to eternal death?

Whose righteousness rescues us from death? The Bible says, “In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.” (Jeremiah 23:6). “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:30–31). “For we too were once foolish, disobedient, misled, enslaved to various passions and desires, spending our lives in evil and envy, hateful and hating one another. But “when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared, he saved us not by works of righteousness that we have done but on the basis of his mercy, through the washing of the new birth and the renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us in full measure through Jesus Christ our Savior.” (Titus 3:3–6, NET). The righteousness of God in Jesus Christ rescues us from eternal death. Ill-gotten gain lasts momentarily, but when we surrender all to God and then receive the righteousness of Christ, we will remain forever in God’s presence; even our redeemed souls.

A word to the foolish is wasteful. A word to the wise is sufficient.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-03-21-2018

This is devotional thought number 45 in our devotional series titled, “Wisdom for the Ages.”

“A wise child makes a father rejoice, but a foolish child is a grief to his mother.” (Proverbs 10:1, NET).

We all need to pray for our children. Even those of us who have no biological children, considering all that we are seeing in the news these days must make a valiant effort to stem the tide of evil perpetrated on and by our young people. Did you get that? Many times when we see undesirable character traits in our children, the children in our community, and by extension, the larger society, the adults share some responsibility. We must constantly love, teach, train, mentor, have compassion on, nurture, and show age appropriate respect for our children, whom God has given to us as an inheritance. This means they are entrusted to our care and are of great value.

That being said, there are children and youth who have received all the nurturing, care, and holy training that makes God happy, but something still goes wrong. Some of them, for whatever their reasons still choose the wrong path and bring grief to their families and communities. What can we do? We can continue to love, correct, pray for, attempt to mentor, and nurture them. Our hope is that through persistent effort and spiritual guidance, we can make inroads to help them get on the right track.

Fortunately, there are millions of children around the world that finally get it right. There are those who get the point early in life, that humility and surrendering their will to God begins their journey on the right foot. There are others who have made mistakes and been compelled to pay for those mistakes, and land on their feet, ready to make a great contribution to their societies. They assert positive peer pressure, help their parents and other relatives, show exemplary academic citizenship, and bring joy to the hearts of those around them; especially their parents.

Whichever of the two types of children you have within your sphere of influence or realm of direct responsibility, do not give up on them. They need us to be consistent and provide wise and patient counsel that will give them every opportunity to succeed. Most of all, pray. Pray until you see positive strides in the right direction. Help our children bring rejoicing to all who look on, and not cause undue grief or pain.

A word to the foolish is wasteful. A word to the wise is sufficient.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-03-20-2018

This is devotional thought number 44 in our devotional series titled, “Wisdom for the Ages.”

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: And the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10).

In another devotional thought not too long ago, we explored the fact that Scripture defines the fear of the Lord as departing from evil and giving all honor due our God. Those who fear the Lord, in this sense, are not afraid of Him. They are in reverential awe of Him and show deference in all things. They are learning to detest all the evil God detests, and thus those who respect God in this way are well on their way to receiving the fullness of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding.

The wisdom, which Jesus epitomizes comes to all those who worship God and ask Him for it. Inspiration says, “But if anyone is deficient in wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without reprimand, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed around by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord, since he is a double-minded individual, unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:5–8, NET). Interestingly, David said it this way, “I have more understanding than all my teachers: For thy testimonies are my meditation.” (Psalm 119:99). These passages further make the point that God loves supplying His grace, wisdom, and understanding to anyone who submits to Him.

One thing we often miss when discussing this topic is that God is intimately present when we have relationship with Him. When we seek Him with all our hearts, we are not seeking the broadness and depth His holy mind only. We are seeking a forever bond with Him. Through this lasting bond and deep relationship, we can experience the fullness of His wisdom and understanding. It is a holistic approach that transforms our lives, and not a cerebral approach that fosters human pride.

A word to the foolish is wasteful. A word to the wise is sufficient.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, March 19, 2018

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-03-19-2018

This is devotional thought number 43 in our devotional series titled, “Wisdom for the Ages.”

“Whoever corrects a mocker is asking for insult; whoever reproves a wicked person receives abuse. Do not reprove a mocker or he will hate you; reprove a wise person and he will love you.” (Proverbs 9:7–8, NET).

Do you remember me saying that the Proverbs were more complex to me, in a lot of ways, than last days prophecy? This is my limited view. Today’s Scripture focus is the perfect case in point. To a casual reader, it would appear that the wiseman was saying that we should not call sin or injustice by their right names. Nothing could be further from the truth. As with all things, especially Scripture, context is key. Let’s take a closer look.

Have you ever tried to correct a mocker before? How did it go? Did you try to deal with their vitriol head on? Did you attempt to convincingly make your point while that person held fast to theirs? The thing about mockers is not just that they are beholden to their own opinions; I think most people are. Mockers are averse to discipline, reason, wise counsel, and all that bespeaks holiness. Mockers are antagonistic toward law and order. This is why Jesus said, following His treatise on hypocrisy, “Do not give that which is holy (the sacred thing) to the dogs, and do not throw your pearls before hogs, lest they trample upon them with their feet and turn and tear you in pieces.” (Matthew 7:6, AMP). The direct approach to mockers is not just ineffective, it’s detrimental. This is why I said that context is key! Reaching a scoffer takes more time and measured effort. Jesus said it this way: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16). The best route to the heart of all people, especially mockers is genuine interest and concern for their wellbeing. When they are sick or in need, be supportive. When they are tired and burdened, help lighten their load. When they have lost loved ones, be an encouragement to them. When they have needs, do all you can to supply them or facilitate links for them to receive assistance elsewhere.

Meeting mockers head on is a head on collision with many casualties.

A word to the foolish is wasteful. A word to the wise is sufficient.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sunday, March 18, 2018

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-03-18-2018

This is devotional thought number 42 in our devotional series titled, “Wisdom for the Ages.”

“Forsake the foolish, and live; And go in the way of understanding.” (Proverbs 9:6).

One of the things I love about the Bible is its practicality. Don’t ever let anyone tell you it’s not practical.

Today’s passage is as clear as it gets. If you want to live in this world with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding, turn your back on foolishness. That is to say avoid all foolish thinking, foolish people (unless you are being of service to them), foolish jesting, foolish behavior, and all of your foolish ways. Here’s the thing: foolishness, in the Bible sense, is not just silliness, which we should probably avoid most times. Bible foolishness is tantamount to evil. In fact, one of the Hebrew terms for “fool” in the book of Proverbs sounds like word “evil.” That gives perspective, doesn't it? This is why kings Solomon and David gave the following counsel, respectively: “How long will you simpletons love naiveté? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? If only you will respond to my rebuke, then I will pour out my thoughts to you and I will make my words known to you.” (Proverbs 1:22–23, NET). “How blessed is the one who does not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand in the pathway with sinners, or sit in the assembly of scoffers! Instead he finds pleasure in obeying the Lord’s commands; he meditates on his commands day and night.” (Psalm 1:1–2, NET).

God does not take pleasure in foolishness. The times in which we live are serious, and all heaven is astir providing support and rescue to as many as are willing to be delivered from evil. While we live our daily lives accomplishing our tasks, building relationships, making wise investments, building family bonds, etc., let us keep our eyes fixed on the prize - eternity with God.

A word to the foolish is wasteful. A word to the wise is sufficient.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sabbath, March 17, 2018

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-03-17-2018

This is devotional thought number 41 in our devotional series titled, “Wisdom for the Ages.”

“Wisdom has built her house; she has carved out its seven pillars. She has prepared her meat, she has mixed her wine; she also has arranged her table. She has sent out her female servants; she calls out on the highest places of the city. “Whoever is naive, let him turn in here,” she says to those who lack understanding. “Come, eat some of my food, and drink some of the wine I have mixed. Abandon your foolish ways so that you may live, and proceed in the way of understanding.”” (Proverbs 9:1–6, NET).

Wisdom is an astounding principle in Scripture, as we have seen. It has so many layers and facets. Yesterday, we discovered that the ultimate expression of all that wisdom is, really is Jesus Christ Himself. Let’s continue, however, unpacking the various features of wisdom as Solomon describes it and see if there’s anything more we can glean. We will take today’s Scripture point-by-point.


1. Wisdom has built her house: Houses are places of abode. That’s obvious. When you couple the fact with the ideal that wisdom is ever entreating all comers to relish in her presence and to be transformed by her, now you have something incredible to work with! Think about it. Jesus is our sanctuary, dwelling place, and refuge. He assumed human flesh and abode with us. He built His “house” (His human body) down here so He could give us glorified bodies when He returns. Paul said it this way: “For we know that if our earthly house, the tent we live in, is dismantled, we have a building from God, a house not built by human hands, that is eternal in the heavens. For in this earthly house we groan, because we desire to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed, after we have put on our heavenly house, we will not be found naked. For we groan while we are in this tent, since we are weighed down, because we do not want to be unclothed, but clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now the one who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave us the Spirit as a down payment.” (2 Corinthians 5:1–5, NET).
2. She has carved out its seven pillars: Wisdom has its basis in perfection. Seven is the number of completion. While we would be taking a wild guess to say what exactly the seven pillars are that Solomon is referencing, it is safe to say that pillars provide solid structure and support. We can safely observe that our God led His people out of Egyptian captivity in a pillar of cloud and a pillar of fire. We can safely observe that He instructed His people to strategically set pillars in the building of the sanctuary. We can safely observe that God will make overcomers pillars in His eternal holy temple and will write His new name upon us (Revelation 3:12).
3. She has prepared her meat, she has mixed her wine; she also has arranged her table: This is a clear connection to the ancient custom of fellowshipping over prepared foods and drink. Jesus used this imagery many times in Scripture to symbolize acceptance and relationship with Him. He said that if we eat of His flesh and drink of His blood we will live eternally. He said that He would bring a meal to all who hear Him knocking at our life’s door and welcome Him in. He said that the father who lost His son to revelry and unholy living in Luke 15, had his servants prepare and arrange such a meal to welcome him home. All of these symbolize a lasting bond between us and our God, which He establishes with all who are willing to love Him in return.
4. She has sent out her female servants; she calls out on the highest places of the...

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Friday, March 16, 2018

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-03-16-2018

This is devotional thought number 40 in our devotional series titled, “Wisdom for the Ages.”

“The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, Before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, Or ever the earth was. When there were no depths, I was brought forth; When there were no fountains abounding with water. Before the mountains were settled, Before the hills was I brought forth: While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, Nor the highest part of the dust of the world. When he prepared the heavens, I was there: When he set a compass upon the face of the depth: When he established the clouds above: When he strengthened the fountains of the deep: When he gave to the sea his decree, That the waters should not pass his commandment: When he appointed the foundations of the earth: Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: And I was daily his delight, Rejoicing always before him;” (Proverbs 8:22–30).

When God founded (or created/laid the foundations of the earth), He did so by wisdom. All that He created and established, both visible and invisible, He did by His wisdom. Now, this would be mind boggling if it meant what it appears to mean; that God did all this by the power of His supernatural mind. The fact is, that is only part of the story. Before we share the best part of the story, let's take a peek at God’s discussion of Job as He answered some of the questions Job asked in human ignorance as he suffered under trial: “Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? Or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? Or who laid the corner stone thereof;” (Job 38:4–6). These are monumental questions; wouldn’t you say? These questions cannot be answered by mere mortals. However, what if God were having the same conversation with wisdom and asked the same questions? Notice wisdom’s response from Scripture. Let’s reread it: “The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, Before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, Or ever the earth was. When there were no depths, I was brought forth; When there were no fountains abounding with water. Before the mountains were settled, Before the hills was I brought forth: While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, Nor the highest part of the dust of the world. When he prepared the heavens, I was there: When he set a compass upon the face of the depth: When he established the clouds above: When he strengthened the fountains of the deep: When he gave to the sea his decree, That the waters should not pass his commandment: When he appointed the foundations of the earth: Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: And I was daily his delight, Rejoicing always before him;” (Proverbs 8:22–30). This is getting good! Remember, when God founded (or created/laid the foundations of the earth), He did so by wisdom. All that He created and established, both visible and invisible, He did by His wisdom.

What or who is God’s wisdom? We are going somewhere with this. Don’t go away. Notice what the Bible says: “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:” (1 Corinthians 1:30). The Holy Spirit just revealed that Wisdom is not a what, but a whom! Who is Wisdom according to the text? Jesus. This is amazing. Now, to be sure we are getting the right impression from what we clearly read, we must find a text that says that by Jesus were the foundations of the world...

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Thursday, March 15, 2018

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-03-15-2018

This is devotional thought number 39 in our devotional series titled, “Wisdom for the Ages.”

“The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride and the evil way and perverse utterances.” (Proverbs 8:13, NET).

Today’s Scripture focus is the perfect case study for why we must compare Scripture with Scripture. The Bible says,
“Whom shall he teach knowledge? And whom shall he make to understand doctrine? Them that are weaned from the milk, And drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; Line upon line, line upon line; Here a little, and there a little:” (Isaiah 28:9–10). Too often, we rely upon external sources for that which God has revealed about His Word, in His Word. That is to say, the keys to understanding Scripture are in the Bible.

The following is a case in point: “The fear of the Lord prolongeth days: But the years of the wicked shall be shortened.” (Proverbs 10:27). The Bible further says, “The fear of the Lord tendeth to life: And he that hath it shall abide satisfied; He shall not be visited with evil.” (Proverbs 19:23). I have found that whenever this principle called “the fear of the Lord” is seen in Scripture, it is something to be treasured and embraced. It is always in contrast to evil, rejection of wisdom and understanding, and is laudable for its righteous approach to life. Again, I am speaking of this in the context of when it is used to teach us something. There are times Scripture says the fear of the Lord came upon people, which is related, but there are other elements to consider in those cases.

If we were to took at all cases in Scripture where it says we should fear God or that His people feared Him, we would discover that this fear is not a quaking or trepidation. It is an archaic way to say those who fear God love life, love, holiness, righteousness, integrity, and reverence for their Creator. It says that this healthy respect for God positions all who possess it, to live forever with God. The fear of the Lord is key to all righteous living and the fulness of relationship with God.

A word to the foolish is wasteful. A word to the wise is sufficient.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)