Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-12-05-2017

This is devotional thought number 8 in our devotional series, God’s Promises are Sure!

“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, And to let the oppressed go free, And that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, And that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; And that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, And thine health shall spring forth speedily: And thy righteousness shall go before thee; The glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; Thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, The putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, And satisfy the afflicted soul; Then shall thy light rise in obscurity, And thy darkness be as the noonday: And the Lord shall guide thee continually, And satisfy thy soul in drought, And make fat thy bones: And thou shalt be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: Thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; And thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, From doing thy pleasure on my holy day; And call the sabbath a delight, The holy of the Lord, honourable; And shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, Nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; And I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, And feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: For the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” (Isaiah 58:6–14).

Let me just tell you from the outset, I am very intrigued by today’s promise and let me tell you why. God shows a startling contrast between those who say we love Him and those who really do. He shows a contrast between those who puff up their chest to proclaim that they are God’s people, and those who really are. Can you see the line of demarcation between the two paradigms? The line is God’s law of liberty. Can you see it? OK. I will not keep you in suspense.

Pride was a huge deal among God’s people during Isaiah’s time. They mistook God’s will to entrust the oracles of truth to them as a way to bring honor to themselves instead of an honor to be used for service. In this particular instance, they thought their abstinence from food was the same as fasting. I get it; some of you may have looked up fasting in the dictionary and seen that it’s an abstinence from food for some period of time. But here’s the thing: when God’s people fasted, it was supposed to bring them closer to Him, and empower them to bring others closer to Him. It was supposed to glorify God, make them a receptive audience for divine instructions, and more faithful ambassadors of God’s love and counsel. Instead, many times God leaders simply starved themselves and wished others to congratulate them for it.

Notice God’s line of reasoning in our theme text. It is very intriguing. Let me share it again, but this time from the New Living Translation: “...this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from...

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, December 4, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-12-04-2017

This is devotional thought number 7 in our devotional series, God’s Promises are Sure!

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; Because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, To give unto them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they might be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. And they shall build the old wastes, They shall raise up the former desolations, And they shall repair the waste cities, The desolations of many generations. And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, And the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers.” (Isaiah 61:1–5).

Now is the time while there is still time. Today is your blessed day (we don’t believe in luck). When the Holy Spirit is at work, and He prepares the way for a message of healing and deliverance, something spectacular happens. That special something is people who once hated love can become servants of the Most High God (blessed be His name).

Isaiah prophesied about the ministry of Jesus Christ. Not long after John baptized Him in the Jordan River and the Holy Spirit fell upon Him in a remarkable way, He went into the synagogue, took the scrolls in hand from the minister and read and applied this prophecy to the listeners times. He said that at that very moment the prophecy was being fulfilled right before their eyes. Like I said, when the Holy Spirit is at work, and He prepares the way for a message of healing and deliverance, something spectacular happens. That special something is people who once hated love can become servants of the Most High God (blessed be His name). This blessing transcended Jesus’ time. He actually prayed that His Father be with those who would believe in God through the teachings of His disciples. We happen to have the privilege of reading about the works and words of the disciples right now. In the blessed record of the Scriptures we see the compounded testimony of all the holy prophets and disciples, which provide hope to those who will receive it by faith. In our days the residual effects of Jesus’ message are still evident!

Do you need great news to encourage you through trials and tribulations? God promised good tidings to those who humble themselves before His presence. Do you have a broken heart because of the countless times you have failed to live up to God’s holy standard? God has sent Jesus to heal your brokenness. Have you ever been bound to addictions, spiritual blindness, sexual sins, violent tendencies, a gossiping spirit, ungratefulness, or any one of a host of other character deficiencies? Jesus gives liberty to those who believe in Him. Today is your day. Today is your day to accept this promise and take it to heart. Do not look within yourself for a reason to believe it. You will only become more discouraged. Look to Jesus and believe it because Jesus said it is so, and LIVE thanks. LIVE thanks with a grateful heart, and share what great things God has done for you. If you live according to this model, God will give you a beautiful character and encouragement, where before all you could do is lament your imperfections. He will increase your appetite for praise and worship. You will stand firm as a tree planted by rivers of living waters. You will...

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sabbath, December 2, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-12-02-2017

This is devotional thought number 5 in our devotional series, God’s Promises are Sure!

“Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, And he that hath no money; Come ye, buy, and eat; Yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? And your labour for that which satisfieth not? Hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, And let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: Hear, and your soul shall live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you, Even the sure mercies of David. Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, A leader and commander to the people.” (Isaiah 55:1–4).

I absolutely love freebies. It’s not that I am cheap. I have just learned that when free things are available, and I need them, it is horrible stewardship to refuse. Obviously, not every free thing is a good thing, but you get the point.

When God gives gifts and welcomes you to simply accept them, that’s as good a deal as one can expect! When He makes it a point to nullify all objections at the outset like, “I don’t have any money…” we should pay attention! When it comes to salvation and right relationship with God, we need only to bring our submission and our need, and we will be satisfied. Humble people recognize our need of help. We recognize we are in way over our heads. Our sins, guilt, and shame cannot be overcome by our own efforts or good works. We must submit our addictions, good intentions, failed attempts, broken promises, weak prayers, and self-righteousness to God. Humble people bring our spiritual starvation and dehydration to the table and accept God’s perfect power to fill us to overflowing.

Why do we waste our time, resources, and energy trying to make ourselves good enough to be loved by God? One pastor prayed, “Lord, we don’t deserve your love. Please help us to stop trying to.” God loves you because He loves you. Jesus gave His life for you because He loves you. He will save you if you simply cooperate with Him in all things because He gave His life for you. Do you get it? Salvation, though infinitely costly and valuable, costs humanity absolutely nothing. Whatever we surrender in order to serve God was not worth anything anyway, so our net sacrifice was zero. We sacrifice eternal ruin, foolish pursuits, horrible relationships, mixed-up perceptions, guilty feelings, vain living, and combustible attainments when we surrender all to God. So really, what do we have to lose by serving God?

Here’s the Lord’s promise for today: Hear and obey God’s words and you will live forever. How’s that for a promise? The promise God made to His ancient people Israel is available to you, by faith. God is so good. He will keep His everlasting covenant with anyone who brings their submission and poverty to Him so He can provide the blessed gifts of covenant, eternal reward, power over sin, and holiness. God will give mercy and peace to all who do this. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sabbath, December 2, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-12-02-2017

This is devotional thought number 5 in our devotional series, God’s Promises are Sure!

“Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, And he that hath no money; Come ye, buy, and eat; Yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? And your labour for that which satisfieth not? Hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, And let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: Hear, and your soul shall live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you, Even the sure mercies of David. Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, A leader and commander to the people.” (Isaiah 55:1–4).

I absolutely love freebies. It’s not that I am cheap. I have just learned that when free things are available, and I need them, it is horrible stewardship to refuse. Obviously, not every free thing is a good thing, but you get the point.

When God gives gifts and welcomes you to simply accept them, that’s as good a deal as one can expect! When He makes it a point to nullify all objections at the outset like, “I don’t have any money…” we should pay attention! When it comes to salvation and right relationship with God, we need only to bring our submission and our need, and we will be satisfied. Humble people recognize our need of help. We recognize we are in way over our heads. Our sins, guilt, and shame cannot be overcome by our own efforts or good works. We must submit our addictions, good intentions, failed attempts, broken promises, weak prayers, and self-righteousness to God. Humble people bring our spiritual starvation and dehydration to the table and accept God’s perfect power to fill us to overflowing.

Why do we waste our time, resources, and energy trying to make ourselves good enough to be loved by God? One pastor prayed, “Lord, we don’t deserve your love. Please help us to stop trying to.” God loves you because He loves you. Jesus gave His life for you because He loves you. He will save you if you simply cooperate with Him in all things because He gave His life for you. Do you get it? Salvation, though infinitely costly and valuable, costs humanity absolutely nothing. Whatever we surrender in order to serve God was not worth anything anyway, so our net sacrifice was zero. We sacrifice eternal ruin, foolish pursuits, horrible relationships, mixed-up perceptions, guilty feelings, vain living, and combustible attainments when we surrender all to God. So really, what do we have to lose by serving God?

Here’s the Lord’s promise for today: Hear and obey God’s words and you will live forever. How’s that for a promise? The promise God made to His ancient people Israel is available to you, by faith. God is so good. He will keep His everlasting covenant with anyone who brings their submission and poverty to Him so He can provide the blessed gifts of covenant, eternal reward, power over sin, and holiness. God will give mercy and peace to all who do this. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Friday, December 1, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-12-01-2017

This is devotional thought number 4 in our devotional series, God’s Promises are Sure!

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: Be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; Yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” (Isaiah 41:10).

God absolutely loves you! Did you know that? If you don’t love God, today’s your day to learn. If you do, today’s your day to increase love for Him.

When God’s people were downtrodden by their own sins and the chastisement that came through marauding armies, God continually encouraged them that He did not throw them away. Yes, they were a hard headed people. Yes, they often created a mess for themselves. Yes, God still did require strict obedience to all He commanded. Yes, He recognized their weakness. Yes, He stood ready, willing, and available, to bolster their strength if they would simply fall into His care in humble submission. As always, please read the entire context of our Scripture focus. It will change your life!

There are times in each of our lives that we wake up and say, “How did I get myself in this mess?” We are not always the sharpest knives in the drawer; let me tell you. And with our dullness often comes consequences. Yet, even in the necessary consequences, God is working out our good. He is refining our characters and increasing our sense of dependence upon Him. Think about it: when you have nowhere to turn, you need money, food, deliverance from that nightmare relationship, psychological stability, you need God. Your friends may support you, but they can do but so much when your health is failing or you’re facing a lengthy prison sentence. This is no diss to those who love us, but they have their own issues with which to contend. When you are facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles, or temptations that have overcome you in the past, God’s word to you today is, “Fear not!”

When God’s people were afraid because the Assyrian army wiped Israel (the northern kingdom) off the face of the earth, they needed some encouragement. The tribe of Judah needed some hope, and just at the right time, Isaiah had a message from God. He told them not to be afraid or be dismayed. He reassured them, that even though their lives were a trainwreck, He was their beloved God. He promised that He would uphold them with His mighty right hand of acceptance and righteousness. He fought for Judah. He handily overcame Sennacherib’s army. He does not take it lightly when the enemy thinks he can make a mockery of God and sport of His children. Those that strove against God’s children were ashamed, confounded, and destroyed. He kept His promise, because His promises are sure.

If you need a bit of encouragement, cry out to the Lord. Thank Him for being patient with you. Ask Him to fight your battles against seen and unseen enemies, and come through victoriously. Honor Him with your thoughts, words, and actions. Let your life become a reflection of His honor and glory. Humble yourself before the Lord and He will raise you up.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Thursday, November 30, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-11-30-2017

This is devotional thought number 3 in our devotional series, God’s Promises are Sure!

“Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, That the everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Fainteth not, neither is weary? There is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; And to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings as eagles; They shall run, and not be weary; And they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:28–31).

I have great news! I just read that the everlasting Creator of the universe has everlasting power, and He’s willing to give it to you! He does not get weary. He does not get tired. He does not faint from exhaustion, dehydration, weakness, or hunger. His knowledge, wisdom, and understanding are infinite. Again, and He is willing to share all this greatness with you! I feel like I am shouting. But, there’s one thing, though: He will share it only with those who wait upon Him.

As I said the other day, our problem is that we cannot keep still. Sometimes we get all fitchety like we have ants in our spiritual pants. God has made certain promises, that if we keep our end of the bargain (in His strength), He will come through 100% of the time. He said if we return a faithful tithe and give an exuberant offering, He will release the deluge of heaven’s blessings upon our lives. He said if we make it a priority to seek Him and His righteous kingdom, He would take care of all our need according to His riches in glory. He said that we can have confidence in Him hearing and saying yes to our petitions if we ask anything in the spirit of submission to Jesus Christ. The word for today is to learn from Abraham and Sarah, that it does not pay to run out in front of God to contrive a fulfillment to His promises. He’s got us covered. Wait!

The One who is eternal has eternal strength for those who wait on Him. The One who never gets weary stands ready to give unwearying energy to those who wait on Him. Troubles won’t last always. Trials will come to a close. Bills will soon expire. All sicknesses will lose their grip. Temptations will become extinct for those who wait. Answers will come. Understanding will become commonplace. Faith will prevail, in those who wait on God.

Give thanks. Remain prayerful. Be open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Wait. Seek ye first all things holy and righteous, and wait. Surrender sin, self, and selfishness, and wait. Seek the best good of others, and wait. Great things come to those who wait. The everlasting Creator of the universe has everlasting power, and He’s willing to give it to you! He does not get weary. He does not get tired. He does not faint from exhaustion, dehydration, weakness, or hunger. His knowledge, wisdom, and understanding are infinite. Again, and He is willing to share all this greatness with you! I feel like I am shouting. But, there’s one thing, though: He will share it only with those who wait upon Him. And once you have adopted the dedication and practice of moving only as the Lord marks out the path before your feet, you will be renewed in every way. So, do yourself a favor, and wait on the Lord.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-11-29-2017

This is devotional thought number 2 in our devotional series, God’s Promises are Sure!

“Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, That her warfare is accomplished, That her iniquity is pardoned: For she hath received of the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, Make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, And every mountain and hill shall be made low: And the crooked shall be made straight, And the rough places plain: And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, And all flesh shall see it together: For the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” (Isaiah 40:1–5).

When God speaks, we must listen. He never wastes words. He always provides life saving guidance. All of His words are truth! In today’s Scripture focus we read words of comfort for an embattled and fully chastised people. We read the blessings of forgiveness of sins and the end of an era of necessary punishment for their hatred of love and disdain for God’s mercy. Now, God speaks comfort.

Please read Isaiah 40 in its entirety when you have an opportunity. We need to learn how to apply Scripture to our own lives, no matter the context. How can we apply this blessing to us?

You may not readily notice the promise in these verses, but it’s there. The Bible says that the glory of the Lord will be revealed (that’s a promise) if we prepare the way of the Lord, make straight the crooked roads in the desert, exalt every valley, level the hills and mountains, and smooth the rough places. When a king was scheduled to visit a city or village, those who showed respect made way for Him. They beautified the area. They rolled out the proverbial red carpet by literally clearing a path along his route. Wherever the road was crooked, they prepared a straight path. Wherever the road was rough or too hilly, they smoothed and leveled it. Why? Those who showed respect for the king, made way for Him. They spared no expense, because the king was coming. I experienced something like this as President Obama was scheduled to visit Jamaica. I was on my way from Kingston to Spanish Town and realized that certain terrible roads were wonderfully smooth. Roads that for whatever reasons were neglected, were mysteriously repaired. Then I remembered the the U.S. president was on His way. He was going to travel a certain route to various areas. The Jamaican government could not leave the roads on his route in disrepair. They spared no expense. They had to make way for the president.

If you are anything like me, you have made a mess of your life. You have made mistakes whose consequences have lasted for years. You have necessarily suffered the burden of your bad choices, deliberate sins, willful ignorance, and rebellious attitudes at times. But you serve a God who is full for mercy, forgiveness, and truth. While He will in no way clear unrepentant sinners from their guilt, He does indeed give abundant mercy to those who confess and forsake our sins. This is a promise for those who make way for the King in our lives. Make way for the King! Make way for the King! Remove the doubtful obstacles, rough patches of unfulfilled vows, and crooked ways. Throw open the gates into your heart and welcome the King! Guess what happens when we do this? When we surrender to the process of preparation and acceptance of our King, He will reveal His glory in our lives for all people to see. When we make way for Him, He will ride into our lives on His majestic white horse of grace much...

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-11-28-2017

This is devotional thought number 1 in our devotional series, God’s Promises are Sure!

“And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.” (Exodus 14:13–14).

Let me just jump right in here, right now: The reason some of you are not getting anywhere in your life is because you can’t sit still. The reason some of you have limited victories, triumphs, success, power, encouraging days, positive answers to prayer, is because you refuse to be still! I am going to put this out there with no apologies: this devotional series will absolutely change your life if you invest all in receiving what God has for you as He makes seemingly impossible promises. He is the ultimate Promise Keeper for those ready and willing to receive. Be still. Be ready. Receive. Let’s GO!

OK, so you will need to read the entire chapter of Exodus 14 to get the context here. I will simply say that God was ready to shake things up in Egypt, to deliver His people. The Pharaoh, being the evil God imposter that He was, actually thought he had power. He thought that even though God fired plenty of warning shots across the bow with those 10 devastating plagues, he could keep God’s people down. He thought He could match wits and might with the King of the universe. He thought he could overcome God’s people even though God said to let them go. He deluded himself into thinking he could be victorious in a battle against Almighty God (Blessed be His name). Obviously, that did not work out for him.

Here’s the promise: God said that He would fight for His people if they simply gave Him all their respect, stood still, watched Him save them, and held their peace. It does not get any simpler than that. Respect. Do you listen to God when He speaks? Do you recognize that He knows infinitely more than you...about you? Do you choose to exchange your ideas for His ideals? Stillness. Do you practice quietness in His presence to meditate upon His Holy Word and allow the Holy Spirit to wash over your mindset so you can learn to think His thoughts after Him? Do you get out of His way when He is working until He asks for your active cooperation? Hold your peace and be saved. When God is at work, He does not need your contribution. Notice I did not say that God does not need your cooperation. He does not need your contribution until or unless He tells you so. When He promises that He will take care of your impossible matters in life, ministry, home economy, salvation, etc., let Him work! Hold your peace. Refuse to utter a menacing, doubtful word! Refuse to moan about Him choosing a way to save you that you don’t agree with. Hold your peace and watch Him work! He knows what He is doing.

So you want to know the outcome of this Bible saga, don't you? Read Exodus 15 and give God the glory! So you want to know the outcome of your life’s saga, if you fully embrace God’s promises? Read Revelation 15 and give God the glory! The reason some of you are not getting anywhere in your life is because you can’t sit still. The reason some of you have limited victories, triumphs, success, power, encouraging days, positive answers to prayer, is because you refuse to be still and know that He is God. There is none like Him! Give God your fullest dedication and attention; and watch Him work miracles in your life. Watch Him drown and destroy your doubts, past sins, former lusts and pride, unrepentant enemies, and all...

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, November 27, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-11-27-2017

This is devotional thought number 22 and final in our devotional series, “The Protest is Not Over: Transformation is Key to Reformation.”

Let me say, before we open the Word, that we will continue to create short pictorial posts on this devotional theme for some time as we move our devotional series forward under other themes. Please visit our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Messagemagazine/

“He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:15–18).

Among the most important questions any of us must answer in life is, “Who is Jesus to me?”. This is no mere intellectual question, where a teacher can objectively evaluate our responses for accuracy. We don't get a gold star for getting it “right.” No! The answer that resides in each of our bosoms is deep, essential, and a matter of eternal life and death. This answer must be on our hearts every day the Lord awakens us.

When Jesus asked His disciples, “Whom do men say that I, the Son of man am?”, He was leading them to a contrast to eliminate the noisy competition. I’m sure Herod was paranoid thinking Jesus was reincarnated or resurrected John the Baptist, whom he beheaded on a foolish promise; who gut checked him for his relationship choices. I am sure that many then and now misbelieve (yes, I made up that word) Him to be the fulfillment of the Elijah whom Malachi prophesied would come. By the way, I have seen powerful sermons full of error misteaching this very thing. I am sure that many religions even in our day think Jesus is one of many good men, prophets, avatars; or even one of the chief among many. Unfortunately, among the biggest, most blasphemous culprits of miseducation regarding our Lord and Saviour, are those who make Jesus play second fiddle to Peter; who make Him subject to His deceased mother’s intercessions; who make Him subject to the church’s assessment of who must be forgiven and who must not; who make Him subject to their thoughts regarding which of the Ten Commandments are still valid and which are not; who make Him only one of the mediators between God and humanity; who make Him subject to a religious leader’s command to come down and inhabit a tiny little wafer and cup of fermented wine; who make Him and His everlasting priesthood so powerless that He needs earthly ones to handle confessions and entry passes into the kingdom for Him; who make Him one among many whose name is holy and reverend; who reduce His Word to one of many good reads, second to dogma and the infallibility of the papacy.

Who is Jesus to you? Is Jesus the One who gave all to save you from your sins? Is Jesus the One to whom, and through whose name you pray? Is He the Rock and Chief Cornerstone of your confession and faith? Is Jesus the One whose mindset you accept for daily living? Is He Life and Light to you? Is He your Strength and Shield? Is Jesus your Peace? Is Jesus your Wisdom and Salvation? Is Jesus the Word of God to you? Huh? Is Jesus Love and your Holiness to you? When you are broke, do you trust Him? When you are sick, buffeted, or in trouble, is He your only Hope? Is Jesus the One your are looking forward to seeing at His Second Coming? Who...

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Friday, November 24, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-11-24-2017

This is devotional thought number 21 in our devotional series, “The Protest is Not Over: Transformation is Key to Reformation.”

“Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” (Ephesians 5:22–27).

If Jesus is the Head of the church and gave all of His love, His life, and cleansing power through the holy Word so we can be presented, through the judgment with beauty and holiness, how must men and women relate in marriage? The true relationship between Jesus and the church is key to marital success. Full stop.

Submission is a taboo word to people who do not understand it in the Bible sense. In misogynistic society, where men objectify, subjugate, denigrate, over sexualize, and abuse women, it is no wonder potential wives have difficulty with the concept of submission. Due to some men’s pride, thirst for undue authority/power (I said undue), and unsanctified minds, it makes sense why Bible submission is not seen as a desirable virtue. The devil has made a mess of the thing, but God gives light for those who are willing to receive it.

Notice the first principle of submission in our theme text; and by the way, this comes on the heels of a sort of preamble to holiness and submission regarding God/human relations, marriage, parenting, and employer/employee relations. The first principle is the gift of God’s love and care through Christ, our divine Head. Almost counterintuitively, Jesus is depicted as the One who humbled Himself and gave to the the extreme, which actually (partially) qualifies Him to receive our submission, and to counsel us regarding submission in the human sphere. Godly husbands humbly surrender to God and give all, to the extreme for the benefit of their wives. These are not my words; I am just repeating them. This is the ideal. It is also ideal for wives to submit to God’s charge for them to submit to their own husband’s leadership. A man who is submitted to God is safe to submit to in matters of a practical and spiritual nature. This is God’s will. There are anomalies/interruptions in God’s order where Peter highlights men who do not follow God; in which cases, women are to submit inasmuch as they can do so without violating the law of God (1 Peter 3:1-6). Hopefully, an unholy man will see the consistent, holy lifestyle of his wife and repent of his wicked ways and be saved. That is his decision to make.

I am especially intrigued by one aspect of this submission principle. The Bible says that Jesus is the Head of the church, and husbands are head of their wives. Who then is the ultimate Head? Jesus. Jesus is the ultimate head of both the church and the family. He has given stewardship of the family to husbands, but not absolute. Husbands are not the bosses of their wives. But, get this: there is only one head of the Church. Remember, this whole discussion, while it has practical application in the various relationships I cited, is really about our relationship with God. While He has been kind enough to set a leadership model in place, which helps the church to function optimally, notice that He...