Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, November 13, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-11-13-2017

This is devotional thought number 10 in our devotional series, “The Protest is Not Over: Transformation is Key to Reformation.”

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8–10).

God loves you! God knew before He created the world that you would face challenges to His original plan of holiness for you life. This is why the plan of salvation, resident in His eternal mind was swift to fall in place when Adam and Eve sinned. Otherwise they would have been destroyed immediately. God showed them unmerited favor, and then empowered them to do His will, by faith; extended mercy to them; gave them the power to respond to His mercy; accepted their confession and best efforts; and continued to empower them to do all that God called them to do in holy living. They were created in His image. They sinned and fell from perfection. They, and all of their decendents were entered into a divine recovery program wherein God, the One who created all peoples for His glory has accepted them in the Beloved Jesus as long as we keep responding to the grace and power of God until Jesus comes. That was a mouthful!

God loves you (I feel like I’ve said that before)! God knew before He created the world that not everyone would accept that power. Yet, in continuous acts of His mysterious love, He continues to entreat us so we can have the best chance possible to accept His gift of eternal life. Let’s drill down a bit further.

When we “respond” to God’s mercy (favorably), what does it look like? “Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” (Romans 6:13–16). This is no mere judicial act! When anyone experiences God’s mercy and receives power from the Holy Spirit, they are recieving the ability to live holy lives just like Jesus did when He lived here. On man said it this way: “When we accept God’s love by faith, we can live just as holy as Jesus did from His miraculous birth till His death. When we are born again, it is from our newbirth till our death (or Jesus comes) that we can live that level of victory.” Yes, it is possible for victorious people to decide to turn from God and serve ourselves and the devil again. God does not handcuff anyone to Him. Yes, it is possible to make mistakes or missteps along our path of righteousness, but in those cases John said we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One.

What then? How should we live in light of all we said, and more we have not said on this subject? Give thanks for God’s grace to position us to fulfill His eternal plan for our lives. With His power, accept that position in the faith and allow Him to continually empower you further to yield all of your thoughts, intentions, and actions to Him. If, God forbid, you stumble and fall, confess your sins to Him (not people; not a priest unless the sin is against them), and give thanks for the One who empowers you to turn away from those sins and walk...

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sunday, November 12, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-11-12-2017

This is devotional thought number 9 in our devotional series, “The Protest is Not Over: Transformation is Key to Reformation.”

“Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God. Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.” (Daniel 3:28–29).

Amen! The hardened king, Nebuchadnezzar blessed the God of heaven. This is wonderful! Then, he went overboad (not-so-wonderful).

Here’s the short version of the story: Neduchadnezzar, the king of Babylon erected an idol to prop himself up and fuel his narcissism. Pride and narcissism are bad enough, but his drive to such was related to God giving him a dream that predicted his kindom’s fall to a weaker power. In symbol, metals and other materials represented subsequent kingdoms, until Jesus’ kingdom of glory forever ends all earthly empires. Babylon was represented by gold in his dream. So, in order to thumb his nose at the divine prediction and demonstrate his perceived eternal dominance, he erected a solid gold idol in the plain of Dura. And, get this: he commanded everybody to worship his image. You need to avoid all earthly powers who command your worship. When three Hebrew young men chose to worship God alone, and refused to bow to the king’s pressure, they were cast into a fiery furnace, through which Jesus Himself delivered them. Are you with me so far? When the king recognized God’s supreme authority and power, he blessed God’s name. Great! What happened next was not great at all. King Nebuchadnezzar took his newfound zeal for God too far. He then passed a law that required worship of God. Those who would not fall in line, anywhere in the world were to be cut in peices, and their homes destroyed. Nobody can compel worship!

We have seen this kind of evil, overreaching behaviour many times in history. One time of note was when the power in Daniel 7 destroyed three nations (Heruli, Vandals, and Ostrogoths), because they did not believe in the church’s view of Jesus and the Godhead. So, here again; while the theology of the teaching regarding God may have been on point, the merciless act of attempting to compel others to hold the same view or die, is unbiblical. The church has so much blood on its hands. For 1260 long years, those stalwarts, who only wanted to worship and praise the Lord according to Scripture and the dictates of their consciences were massacred. And you know what? The Bible predicts that this will be attempted again. A strange church/state alliance will be created as former protestants and catholics create a new version of the power that destroyed the lives of so many of the reformers according to Revelation 13.

We are living during a time when religious intolerance will grow to a level never before seen, even though the Lord has not sanctioned a one world government or given authority to any church or state to be His mouthpiece or army to enforce worship. That is where things are going. We must protest such movements. We must hold up the banner of religious freedom at all costs. We must allow God to open hearts through the power of His Spirit, and not accept the strong arm of religio-political powe rs to compel conscience.

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sabbath, November 11, 2017

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

This is devotional thought number 8 in our devotional series, “The Protest is Not Over: Transformation is Key to Reformation.”

“And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5:18–19).

If you, like me, have been saved by grace through faith, and continue to grow in the love and knowledge of Jesus Christ, you are welcomed into the ministry and priesthood of all believers. It is an honor to stand in the gap, and intercede on behalf of those who do not know or love God, so He will continue to have mercy on them, and they will hopefully surrender to do His will. We have so many examples of believers, in both the Old and New Testaments who have participated in the ministry of reconciliation. Moses, Joshua, Job, Nathan, Huldah, Deborah, Abraham, and Abigail come to mind immediately. They embraced the principle of peacemaking for the eternal good of others. The apostles and other followers of Christ during the New Testament era also held up the banner of reconciliation. Those who are saved by God cannot help but become diplomats of the heavenly King. They model themselves, through the power of the Holy Spirit, after Jesus, the single Mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5).

Why would I take all of that time to underscore every believer’s role in interceding for others and then say Jesus is the only Mediator? The answer is simple: In the same way Saturn reflects the effulgent beauty of the Sun, God’s people reflect the rays of light that issue forth from the Sun of Righteousness who has healing in His wings (Matthew 5:14-16; Malachi 4:2). Our mediation or intercession is borrowed; it’s derived from Jesus. It’s a reflection of Jesus’ ministry. However, what makes Jesus’ ministry unique and above all is that He earned the right to mediate for us. Here’s what the Bible says: “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15). Not only did Jesus experience to the bitter dregs the human condition, but He endured all that the devil had to offer without committing even one sin in thought, intention, or action. He’s a special Mediator. Not only that, but Jesus has many unique attributes that qualify His mediation. Let’s just tackle two: First, Jesus died for us. He gave His life for us, and thus, if we keep faith in Him, we can have eternal life now, and immortality when Jesus returns (John 1:11-12; John 5:24; 1 Corinthians 15:50-57).

Second, Jesus’ mediation is durable by virtue of His endless life. Remember, we are subject to death. Jesus died once for all, and is now functioning in His immortal essence. Jesus cannot die; therefore, neither can His priesthood (or mediation). Here again is what the Bible says: “And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make...

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Friday, November 10, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-11-10-2017

This is devotional thought number 7 in our devotional series, “The Protest is Not Over: Transformation is Key to Reformation.”

“Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3).

Sola Scriptura

You caught me again. I have broken my rule regarding context. I will not expound the focus verse today. I hope you’ll forgive me. After all, forgiveness is a Bible principle. The question in the text is a relevant and high principle in the faith of Jesus. The Bible says that if one person loves God and another person does not, they would be unequally yoked, if they got married. They don’t agree. They are travelling totally different paths, in two different directions. They don’t agree.

So, I have this thing about adding to and taking away from Scripture. I know a lot of folks like to say, “Sola Scriptura,” but don’t really get the essence of the term. The Bible is our only foundational source of all things salvation. Obviously, the Bible is full of other truths given by inspiration of God, but I would not know how to craft an all-encompassing sentence, so bear with me. Does this mean that there are no other places God’s people might find truth? Ironically, the answer to that question can be found in the Bible. I will cite just one example. King David saw Bathsheba bathing one day. King David, contrary to the Scriptures, which he well knew, lusted after her, got her pregnant, and then attempted a cover-up. When that didn’t work, he conspired to kill her faithful husband, Uriah.

Why did I cite that story? Well, after some time, God sent the prophet Nathan to direct David back to God. God is good. He sent Nathan, who did not write one word in the first five books of the Bible, which indeed existed in David’s day, with a message. But, here’s the thing: that message agreed 100% with the Scriptures! Yes, I am shouting. Although there are other resources that provide help for us to get closer to God, for them to be valid and acceptable for that purpose, they must agree with the Bible. God gave us 66 reliable books of inspired writing, to guide us to Himself and learn principles of life, love, and holiness. Any resource in nature, purported or authentic prophets, our thoughts, what we might think are providence, and what we might think are our consciences must be tested by the Word of God - the Bible. They must not conflict with Scripture. If they do, run!

Never allow any spirit, leader, teacher, or other entity get you off track by convincing you to accept any counsel that disagrees with the plain Words of Scripture. I too hold up the banner of Sola Scriptura, as the only valid measure for truth and understanding of all that is holy.

—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

#theprotestisnotover

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Thursday, November 9, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-11-09-2017

This is devotional thought number 6 in our devotional series, “The Protest is Not Over: Transformation is Key to Reformation.”

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:” (Romans 6:3–5).

#wordsmatter

Baptism is a wonderful blessing to those who understand and experience it. As we have said so many times before, we are sinners. We were born this way. John said that whatever is born of flesh, is flesh. Whatever is born of the (Holy) Spirit is holy. This is why we need to be reborn in order to enter the kingdom of heaven. Flesh will not enter the kingdom. That is to say, the unregenerate heart cannot dwell in the direct presence of God; therefore, those who don’t submit to God and receive new hearts and a right spirit, cannot inherit everlasting life. Conversely, those who surrender to God, by faith, will inherit the saint’s reward.

Where does baptism come into the picture? Bible baptism is a symbol of us dying to our old sinful ways, being buried, and then being resurrected to live according to Jesus’ example. Only those who are dead to sin can follow God’s precepts. Pretty simple, huh? Well, water baptism is also an outward action that illustrates an inward confession (or even change). This is why it makes sense that the only valid type of baptism, where water is concerned is by immersion. Do you remember me saying, “#wordsmatter”? In our theme text, Paul said that in baptism, we are buried. Buried. If someone were to sprinkle dirt on your head, would that bury you? If someone picked up a shovel full of dirt and flashed it all in your face and hair, would that suffice to bury you? The answer it too obvious to write. In like manner, our past sinful selves cannot; and our commitment to those lifestyles to be destroyed cannot be rightly symbolised by pouring or sprinkling water on us in place of baptism by immersion. Not only that, the rest of the text identifies us being raised to live in the newness of life. Newsflash: one cannot be raised, who has not been buried. Thus it is that God’s guidance for water baptism by immersion is key. Notice, I keep using the term, “water” with the baptism principle. That is because while the water symbolizes cleansing and burying our past sinful selves, the transformation process that makes this all work is done by the Holy Spirit. The Bible enjoins that we be baptized by the water and the Spirit. The Holy Spirit teaches and empowers us to do all that Jesus commanded. Without the Holy Spirit, those who do get baptized just come out of the water wet.

Aren’t you glad that God gave a powerful symbol and pattern for us to follow as we commit ourselves to Him? Wouldn’t it be evil of us to pick another method and then be upset like Cain when God does not accept it? Jesus came to give us a living color example while He saved us from our sins. The Bible says in Matthew 3 that after Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River, He came up out of the water, and the Holy Spirit came upon Him as His Father pronounced His approbation for His Son. We too, if we surrender like Jesus surrendered, and follow His example, will please our heavenly Father. What better position can we be in, than in the favor of God?—L. David Harris (

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-11-08-2017

This is devotional thought number 5 in our devotional series, “The Protest is Not Over: Transformation is Key to Reformation.”

“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 16:18).

Reading is indeed fundamental. Suffice it to say, especially in our fast-paced world, so few of us are willing to read the Word of God patiently and rely on the Holy Spirit to teach us what He meant in the inspired the writings.

Imagine the scene; Jesus is asking His disciples one of the most critical questions they would need to answer. But, this was no ordinary quiz question for which they would get a gold star if they got it correct. He obviously intended for the disciples to personalize it. Here’s the two-fold question in its progression. “Whom do people say I am?” Whom do YOU say I am?” Did you get it? Who is Jesus to you? Personalize. The Holy Spirit revealed the truth of Christ’s identity and Jesus told them all that flesh and blood could not have given him that revelation. So many of the learned Scripture and law expositors and experts lacked the submission to God, to be receptive to scores of prophecies that all pointed directly to Jesus being Messiah. The simple man, Peter, got it.

Jesus lauded the Spirit’s revelation in that instance and continued His discussion by saying the church of God would be built upon the Rock. It is evident, based on the timing, context, and the Scriptural support, that Jesus was referring to the subject of Peter’s confession. Who was Peter talking about? Jesus! Therefore, it is reasonable to accept this reading, in its plain language. However, some may need a little more evidence that the church of God is founded upon Jesus Christ Himself. In Acts 4:8-12, Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost said that Jesus was the Rock that was rejected, who was the Cornerstone of our faith and salvation. Can you believe that some “good” church going folk are still rejecting Jesus as the Rock, and saying that Peter was that rock? Unbelievable. Peter himself said that Jesus was the Rock … multiple times. In 1 Peter 2:4-8, Peter said that Jesus was the Chief Cornerstone. In case you didn’t realize it, the cornerstone is critical in building structures. Jesus left no room for doubt on the subject. He even applied Old Testament Scripture’s use of this stone/rock symbolism to apply to Himself (see Matthew 21:42; Luke 20:17-18). So when Paul said that the household of God was built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, it is obvious that their faith in God and faithful teachings were foundational to the encouragement of others to do the same. This is why he said, “According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” (1 Corinthians 3:10–15).

Not only is reading fundamental, but reading the Word of God with prayer and humility is fundamental to understanding. Frankly, I am so glad the Lord did...

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-11-07-2017

This is devotional thought number 4 in our devotional series, “The Protest is Not Over: Transformation is Key to Reformation.”

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

This is respect the Bible day. OK, I you caught me; I just made that up. I think we should have a day like this, however. In this devotional thought, though, we will respect the Bible.

I have very good news. The entire 66 books of the Bible were inspired by God. Let me just pause here before we get too far. The verb, “to inspire” here means, “God-breathed.” The Scriptures were God breathed. Your brain should be on fire right now. Have you heard such a concept before? The Bible says that God breathed His breath into Adam’s nostrils and he came alive. This is where those with CPR certification get the idea to revive those whose breathing has stopped as they employ rescue breathing techniques. Jesus breathed on His disciples before the ascension. So, when God gave the Scriptures to us, He was providing them by means of His life giving power. God gave life giving principles, power, understanding, abilities, and wisdom to the holy men He used to communicate the essentials of His will to humanity.

Some wonder whether they need an earthy authority to interpret Scripture for them. This is a complex matter, but let me simplify. The body of believers, which God calls the church (not some hierarchical authority) has been given the tools, by virtue of their faith in Christ and submission to the same Holy Spirit who inspired the Scriptures, for understanding said Scriptures. That is to say, the Holy Spirit has committed to leading us into all truth, as long as we are willing to submit to His will (John 7; John 16). While it is true that the Spirit has given spiritual gifts to many to teach the Word, even these teachers (I am one) are not the authority of Scripture. God continues to give understanding to every diligent seeker of truth. If we run into difficulty, there are many in the body of Christ who may have gained understanding over the years, and can guide the seeker to the Bible’s inherent interpretation. And, God is so good that He gives light to even the simplest of minds. You need to know, however, “that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2 Peter 1:20–21).

Where does this leave us, then? I am so glad you asked. God is too wise to leave us to our own devices, especially when it comes to the Bible. He has promised to stay with us and inspire understanding. When we compare scripture-with-scripture, continue to pray for understanding, and remain willing to live what we already know, by faith, God will continue to provide the light we need from His Word.

In the near future, we will briefly discuss one sure-fire way, among many, to recognize that the Bible is solid and reliable.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

#theprotestisnotover

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, November 6, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-11-06-2017

This is devotional thought number 3 in our devotional series, “The Protest is Not Over: Transformation is Key to Reformation.”

“And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.” (Genesis 1:31–2:3).

God is good! How many times over the years have you read this from me? This blessed truth has countless applications and innumerable facets, which all manifest the reality. Today, we are going back to basics. Let’s go!

Your Bible says that our great God who loves you and is all-powerful, all-knowing, merciful, just, and altogether holy created the heavens and the earth. Let us narrow our focus to this earth and all that is earth related. Here’s the evidence: “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1). You should immediately recognize that this passage is not a parable. It does not employ symbolism. The words are not cryptic. And, when you search Scripture, from cover-to-cover, every mention of God’s creatorship is as straightforward as can be. Are we clear? Good!

Can you believe that among the more than one billion professed Bible believers worldwide, this fact is being debated? Notice the context of my question. I did not mention those who challenge the validity of the Bible record, who are atheists, deists, or evolutionists. I am saying that people who claim to believe in the inspiration of Scripture are questioning if God created this earth in six literal days, and rested on the seventh, which he also made holy. Can you believe that? I get it. It is so hard to believe because the earth is a vast, wonderful planet. How could he have done it? Well, how could Jesus have walked on water and empowered Peter to do so too? How could the sun remain in place and not drop out of the sky? How could God have changed your heart, when you used to entertain all sorts of evil thoughts, but now love the Lord? How could He have miraculously healed your loved one whom the doctors had given up on? I just gave you a hint. He is a miracle worker. God is able to do things that are not governed by our limited understanding of life and nature. This I know, by growth of the little measure of faith God has given each of us: God created this earth in six literal days. He rested on the seventh, and made it holy. He is still 100% active in and committed to the affairs of humanity.
If we challenge the most basic truth of our existence, and the 100% accuracy of the Bible account of creation, we also abandon our responsibility to our Creator and humanity. You see, if we start editing, revising, abridging, or otherwise challenging the creation account, every other truth in Scripture is put into question. I’m thinking that if believers would simply ask the Lord to increase our faith and follow all He has already revealed, He will open our eyes to truths we don’t yet understand. Do not allow anyone to hoodwink you into explaining away the authority of the Bible account of your existence. Hold up the truth, and God will open your mind to the mysteries only given to this who love Him.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

#theprotestisnotover

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sunday, November 5, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-11-05-2017

This is devotional thought number 2 in our devotional series, “The Protest is Not Over: Transformation is Key to Reformation.”

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9).

He is faithful! Who? God. God is faithful. Not only is God faithful (as if that weren’t enough), but He is the only One powerful enough to handle our sin problem.

Imagine this: you are a sinner and the only way you can be forgiven, is if you respond to the Holy Spirit’s guidance regarding your sin, and the blessing of being able to speak to God directly about it. You are thrilled that Jesus was kind enough to experience the struggle of being tempted, yet He never sinned, so He can be a faithful high priest to facilitate your forgiveness and cleansing (Hebrews 2:18). What if, as the Spirit gave you hope, someone said you had to pass your desire to be forgiven by the church first; that they would need to administer a sacrament; you’d need to confess your sins to someone who’s a sinner just like you; maybe even ask for mercy from someone other than Jesus, the living Son of God? Now how do you feel?

The truth is, we are free to approach the throne of grace when we are in trouble, because God gave us His Son, who has experienced the human condition, and now can be even more merciful to those who struggle beneath the load. The truth is that no other person, entity, or anything else is powerful enough to move heaven to forgive our sins, because anything or anyone else, are subject to the sin condition themselves. Jesus overcame sin in the flesh so the righteousness of the law could be satisfied when we surrender ourselves to Him by faith. He alone is able to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. He alone is worthy to unseal the blessings that He has prepared for you from before the world began.

Ask the Lord to unpack this life giving truth for you today. Ask Him to transform your life by helping you agree with Him while confessing all known sins. Give thanks for Jesus making a way for this to happen and not requiring you to come to Him through imperfect and woefully insufficient proxies. Give thanks for the cleansing He has promised to give you as you continue to grow in grace and in the knowledge of His divine character until Jesus comes.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

#theprotestisnotover

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sabbath, November 4, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-11-04-2017

This is devotional thought number 1 in our devotional series, “The Protest is Not Over: Transformation is Key to Reformation.”

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16).

Love. It is one of the least understood terms in our vocabulary. We say we love all sorts of things like cars, that dress, lasagna, watching TV, and how that song makes us feel. We say we love the way person X looks at us. We say we love certain holidays and how the sky looks. I understand that there are levels of love, and that we express our zeal and approbation, often using the most powerful words we have at our disposal. But, really, does it help people get a sense of our pleasure and enjoyment regarding something, when we overuse such a meaningful word?

John taught us that God so loved the world that He gave us the best Gift in the universe—His Son. The love of which the prophet spoke is nothing like the examples I gave a moment ago. This love has the power to transform hopeless sinners into saints. When I say God’s love can transform us into saints, I am not referencing some mystical canonizing of special people who have beatific vision. I am not referencing the idea that somehow people can go through various stages of commitment to God until a group of people consider you to be blessed or venerable until you are added to an esteemed list of saints. No! I am saying that when we are transformed by God’s love and the power of His Holy Spirit, we are set aside for holiness and are called to be saints (1 Corinthians 1:2)! All who believe in Jesus, and adhere to His teachings as we grow in Him are saints of the Most High God (blessed be His name). This is an esteemed honor for all to behold and accept.

Let me just ask you simply, do you want to be a saint of God? Do you want to experience the power of the Holy Spirit in your life? Today’s the day. Ask God to help you accept His loving Gift of Jesus into your life today. Ask Him to transform your life in such a way, that you become a new person, who now espouses the holy principle of love so much that you will have everlasting life, and welcome others to experience the same.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

#theprotestisnotover