Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sunday, July 16, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-07-16-2017

This is devotional thought number 24 in our devotional series, “Essentials of Faith.” Our subject is: Repentance and Confession.

Here’s the last question for consideration on this subject: What happens in heaven when I turn away from my sins?

“Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” (Luke 15:10).

It is time to celebrate; and it’s been a long time coming! When any sinner repents, all heaven rejoices. Do we the same?

In the parable of lost things recorded in Luke 15, Jesus taught an undeniable message; and it’s quite comforting too—whenever anybody has lost his or her way, God is not happy. Moreover, all of heaven is astir to arrange for the lost soul to be found.

The imagery is interesting. There was a sheep that was lost away from home (it knew it was lost). There was a coin that was lost at home (it did not know it was lost). There was a young prodigal son who was lost away from home. There was an elder son who was lost at home. With this imagery, Jesus describes overt and covert sinners. Overt sinners like those who openly carouse, cheat, lie, steal, and cannot wait to get away from God’s laws are represented by the sheep and prodigal. Those whose piety, reputation, and pride preclude them from wandering too far from home, yet cherish a self-righteous spirit, malice, etc., are represented by the willingly ignorant coin and elder son.

This is what we know about God, regardless of which type of person was lost. He loved them. He searched for them. He waited with bated breath in expectation of their return. He dedicated all His resources to their return. He called for all to join Him in rejoicing when just one sinner repented.

While the parable depicts only the prodigal son returning to fellowship with his father, and the elder brother clinging to his indignance and self-righteousness, we find hope in the father’s approach in the story. He went out to tenderly entreat the elder son and reassure him of His value. He assured him that all he had was available to him. And the coin, which represented him, and others like him was found. God is able so save all overt and covert sinners as long as we learn to surrender our wills to Him.

If you see yourself in this story and you need to turn away from any sins or lifestyle, just give in to the Holy Spirit. Let Him help you get your life together. All heaven awaits the opportunity to celebrate your repentance. Don’t keep them waiting.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sabbath, July 15, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-07-15-2017

This is devotional thought number 23 in our devotional series, “Essentials of Faith.” Our subject is: Repentance and Confession.

Here’s the question for consideration: What happens if I confess my sins, and in heart, turn away from them?

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.” (2 Chronicles 7:14–15).

A couple of days ago, we talked about the one thing that would block up God’s ears—unconfessed/unforsaken sins. Today, we will reiterate the point. We need a refresher course from time to time.

During the time of the Old Testament kings, God’s people had a habit of disrespecting Him. They did all sorts of unconscionable stuff; some of which would cause the heathens to blush. Besides the obvious impact their actions had on their own lives and nation, heaven was compelled to respond. Sometimes the Lord commissioned the heathens to chastise His people. Sometimes the chastisement spilled over into the holiest things among them, including the temple, its furniture, and the scrolls (book of the law).

Fast forward: During King David’s reign in Judah, he longed to rebuild the temple and dedicate it to the true and living God. The Lord honored his zeal, and said that it was great that it was within His heart, but He would use David’s son, Solomon to rebuild and dedicate the temple. So, king Solomon had the privilege of commissioning this awesome task, and at the appropriate time, he arranged a worship service so incredible, as he confessed the sins of all the people before God, that the priests could not continue to minister in the presence of YHWH because the atmosphere of the Almighty (blessed be His name) was overwhelming.

Just prior to this treasurable experience, God promised that if His people would humbly seek His face, pray, and turn from their wicked ways, He would hear them and attend to their prayers. He promised He would open His eyes to cater to their needs. God wants to replicate that experience in each of our lives. He wants to so flood our lives with His very real presence that it overwhelms our desires to sin. He wants to overflow our lives with the power of the Holy Spirit, such that the overflow will reach others so He can do the same in their lives.

What happens if I confess my sins, and in heart, turn away from them? God gives me the assurance of His presence and all the attention I need until Jesus comes.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Friday, July 14, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-07-14-2017

This is devotional thought number 22 in our devotional series, “Essentials of Faith.” Our subject is: Repentance and Confession.

Here’s the question for consideration: What spirit must I have towards others if I hope to be forgiven?

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32).

If you have been following this series prayerfully, you are well on your way to peace with God. Do you want the good news or the great news first? OK, I will give you the great news: God loves to forgive our sins. Here’s the good news: He does so in the same manner in which we forgive others. It really is good news.

I will admit that the good news about forgiveness may be tough for some. I know it used to be for me. Jesus said, “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14–15). When you see it through prayerful eyes, you will soon discover that whatever people have done to us is not nearly as bad in intensity or frequency as what we have done to God. How many times have you sinned in the last 5 years? Are you tired of counting? How many times have you promised God you would not do “that” again? Same answer? Add to this, what your sins (and mine) caused in heaven. You do realize sin cause one in the Godhead to put on a body, and then surrender that body to the death for our sins, right? Oh, and you do realize that Jesus can no longer be everywhere at the same time without the help of the Holy Spirit now, right? Oh, and you do realize that they beat Him, ripped out His beard, stabbed Him, attempted to humiliate Him, rejected Him, disrespected Him, beat a thorny crown onto His head because of your sins (and mine), right? Oh, and you do realize He has ever been 100% innocent of all wrongdoing too, right? There’s more, but I am not playing the guilt-trip game with you.

As difficult as it is to forgive people, we must realize that we who have sinned too, have done much more to our perfect Creator and He never hesitates to forgive us. Why not ask God to give you His mindset in this regard, and create a forgiving heart within you so you can embrace both the good and great news we talked about today?—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Thursday, July 13, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-07-13-2017

This is devotional thought number 21 in our devotional series, “Essentials of Faith.” Our subject is: Repentance and Confession.

Here’s the question for consideration: Should I confess my sins?

“Speak unto the children of Israel, When a man or woman shall commit any sin that men commit, to do a trespass against the Lord, and that person be guilty; Then they shall confess their sin which they have done: and he shall recompense his trespass with the principal thereof, and add unto it the fifth part thereof, and give it unto him against whom he hath trespassed.” (Numbers 5:6–7).

Yes! Yes, we all should confess our sins. Have you ever asked someone a burning question and all they could squeeze out was a one word answer? I promise I will not do that to you today.

Are you ready for this? Sin is no joke, and it’s very costly. Our sins cost the life of Jesus, which He was willing to give, but was of inestimable value. Drunk driving costs lives. Lying costs untold woe and broken relationships. Cheating can put people’s lives at risk. Stealing, overreaching, deliberately underpaying, and overcharging people costs money. These are all sins against God and must be confessed and forsaken. Some of these require us to face those we’ve harmed and to make restitution. One cannot steal goods, property, or money without making every effort to give it back, where possible (at least not, and have a clear conscience). It’s only right. At the very least, those of us who find ourselves in such situations must clearly and openly confess what we’ve done and allow the offended party to participate in the details of what to do next. Do not be horrified by this. We have said it before: those to whom you may need to confess are sinners, just like you. They need the Savior, just like you. They may find themselves in similar situations, just like you. They all require the love and mercy of God, just like you. Do not be afraid of them. They have no heaven or hell in which to put you. God will be with you as you do the right thing.

Be encouraged by the life of a man who lived this blessing, and gained the personal presence of Jesus Christ in the process: “And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:1–10).—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Wednesday, July 12, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-07-12-2017

This is devotional thought number 20 in our devotional series, “Essentials of Faith.” Our subject is: Repentance and Confession.

Here’s the question for consideration: What happens if I try to hide my sins from God?

“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; Neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, And your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:1–2).

If you think it’s a good idea to play peek-a-boo with God, I really do not recommend it.

Yesterday, we made it abundantly clear that God sees and knows all. We also made it clear that He loves to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness when we confess and forsake them. But what happens when we don’t? What happens when we stage a cover-up in this regard?

In as clear language as possible, the Bible states that God is well able to save and equally able to hear all who are close to Him. However, it is also clear that our unconfessed sins create a near impassible chasm between us and our God. What must we presuppose, then? The only way to bridge the gap iniquity has created between us is to close it by abandoning those sins. Think about it carefully now. What darling little sin is worth separating you from the loving giver of life? Is protecting your reputation worth it? Are lying, stealing, pride, envy, gossiping, or all-out rebellion worth it? Are adultery, unholy anger, smoking, overeating, coveting, breaking the Sabbath, or violence worth it? Let me answer that for you. No! There is absolutely nothing valuable enough to drive a wedge between you and the compassionate Savior.

Don’t play peek-a-boo with God, because even if you cover your pretty little button eyes, He can still see you. Allow Him to hear and save you. He loves you. Surrender your sinful self to Him daily, and I’ll join you.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Tuesday, July 11, 2017

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

This is devotional thought number 19 in our devotional series, “Essentials of Faith.” Our subject is: Repentance and Confession.

Here’s the question for consideration: How possible is it for me to hide my sins from God?

“Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, Our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.” (Psalm 90:8).

Impossible! God never sleeps. He never slumbers. He is watching every detail of your days and nights, with all the angels He has given charge over you, and keeps an inerrant record. That’s either comforting or disconcerting, depending on your relationship with God.

Let me share something very disturbing with you: I just found out my Android-based smartphone is spying on me. I’m not joking. It’s keeping a record of every place I go, how long I stay, what route I took, and what pictures I may have taken while there. If that’s not enough, my smartphone is listening to a lot of what I say, and recording it! If you are waiting for me to say I am just joking or to give you some sort of pithy analogy to nullify what I said so you can be relieved, I am so sorry to disappoint you. Modern Android-based phones are recording audio snippets and all sorts of other stuff you thought were private until/unless you disable it. For more information on that, goto: myactivity.google.com

Now, if you thought that was serious, consider what your God knows about you. Think about it. He knows your thoughts, intentions, motives, plans, and what you will plan in 10 years even you don’t even know yet, etc. How does that make you feel? The blessing is that nobody can hack or exploit the records of heaven to use this data against you. There are no angels waiting to sell the data they collected after they conducted an unauthorized search of all the contents in your file. Are you ready for another blessing? You can easily wipe out the record of your wrongdoing in such a way that no forensic investigator in the universe would be able to reconstruct or recover it. We will talk about this in more detail another time, but here’s the secret to expunging your records: “I acknowledged my sin unto thee, And mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; And thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: Surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him. Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; Thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.” (Psalm 32:5–7). If you’re happy and you know it, say “Amen!”

By now you must know it’s futile to try and hide anything from God. Why not discuss all the good, bad, and ugly of your life with Him and let Him show you how to live a clean life in the Spirit? For those who do so, will have their names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, which records all who will live forever with the King.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, July 10, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-07-10-2017

This is devotional thought number 18 in our devotional series, “Essentials of Faith.” Our subject is: Repentance and Confession.

Here’s the question for consideration: What makes it possible for me to repent?

“Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” (Romans 2:4).

God is wonderful, kind, tolerant, merciful, and patient, but He will in no wise clear the guilty.

Since God is absolutely holy, while He is full of mercy, He cannot act like we never sinned if we don’t repent. If sinful humanity comes into direct contact with the effulgent presence of God, it must consequently combust. This is not a function of God being punitive. It is the reality that our God is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29). In order to save us from immediate death in His presence, He gives us the gift of repentance. That’s it: God gives us the gift of repentance so we can live in His presence. Don’t despise it.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sunday, July 9, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-07-09-2017

This is devotional thought number 17 in our devotional series, “Essentials of Faith.” Our subject is: Repentance and Confession.

Here’s the question for consideration: Since I am a sinner, am I supposed to repent?

“But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners? And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:30–32).

If I said that all sinners need to repent, that would be too obvious. Let’s go a tad deeper, shall we?

Thus far, we understand that repentance is godly sorrow for sin and a turning away from it. We understand, preliminarily, that it is a gift from God. We will discuss some of the practical elements in a future devotional thought.

Our theme text underscores a thought process, which is epidemic in the human family— “I’m good to go. I don’t need any help.” If someone has a terminal illness and lies to themselves about it, what are the odds that person will receive treatment before it’s too late? That is the issue with many of us. Like some of the scribes and Pharisees of Christ’s day, many of us fool ourselves into believing our spiritual lives are just fine without full commitment to God. What’s worse is that many are more self-deluding than drunkards, prostitutes, convicted serial killers, and the like. Many perform religious activities like attending worship services, praying before they eat, reading a verse or two when time permits, and tipping God by dropping a few bucks in the offering basket. If you multiply the number of sort-of noble activities some of us participate in by seven, you have exactly zero, zilch, nada. Now, don’t go getting a complex on me. There’s more. It’s not that God is not interested in our devotion; He is. But our devotion must be complete and motivated by His Spirit. Then, and only then, will our daily activities be a manifestation of a changed life in Christ—true repentance.

Jesus came to this earth so He could awaken each of us from our spiritual stupor. He loves the overtly evil and covertly evil alike. However, His love provides the power of submission and cooperation to all who accept it.

Since I am a sinner, am I supposed to repent? Well, yes! Moreover, ask the Lord to help you always recognize and accept your need of Him until He comes. That way the pall of self-deception will never crowd out the light of His countenance in your life.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sabbath, July 8, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-07-08-2017

This is devotional thought number 16 in our devotional series, “Essentials of Faith.” Our subject is: Repentance and Confession.

Here’s the question for consideration: What is true and sincere repentance?

“Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.” (2 Corinthians 7:9–10).

Repentance is a big word, I will admit. It’s a religious word. It’s one we seldom use outside that context. However, if we understand it and apply it to our lives, we will never be the same.

Just imagine walking down a dark road toward the sea. The mountains are behind you and you sense danger. As you approach the shore, you notice there are sharks in the water! Your foreboding was founded. You turn toward the mountains a get out of there. You literally turn your shoulder and your body follows in the opposite direction. This is a major part of repentance. When we are traveling along life’s path and the Holy Spirit pricks our conscience, letting us know that we need to turn from our sins; when we do so, we repent. Repentance is a gift from God, like every other saving virtue (Romans 2:4).

Now, if you read our theme text closely, you’ll notice a vital element we often miss. Repentance is not only turning away from wrongdoing. It is also godly sorrow for sin. Too often we feel a sense of regret when we are caught doing wrong, or there is some undesirable consequence. Some feel badly because their reputations are in shambles. This is not godly sorrow. Judas betrayed Jesus and when he felt helpless, he tried to return the blood money, blurted out a counterfeit confession, and then committed suicide. This is not godly sorrow for sin. It did not drive him toward his loving Savior. Peter, on the other hand, did experience true repentance following his betrayal of Jesus. When the Spirit awakened his conscience, his deeply felt sorrow for what he had done drove him to commit himself fully to the Lord. Do you see the difference?

What is true and sincere repentance? It is when the Holy Spirit shows us the error of our ways, and in His strength, we are deeply sorrowed and committed to walk with Him as He gives us strength (more on this in a future devotional thought). Repentance is a gift. Ask for it today.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Friday, July 7, 2017

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

This is devotional thought number 15 in our devotional series, “Essentials of Faith.” Our subject is “The Sinner’s (My) Need for Christ.”

Here’s the last question for consideration on this subject: When I begin to recognize my need for Jesus Christ, how will I receive satisfaction?

“And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee. And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.” (Mark 10:46–52).


Beggars must be choosy! You heard me right. I said, “Beggars MUST be choosy,” especially if we are begging for a spiritual breakthrough.

The problem with most people is that when we have a real need, we throw away our ability to discriminate between right and wrong. We flush our chances of real change because we lose courage and accept a counterfeit. We forget about our lofty aspirations and settle for whatever happens to pass our way. This is problematic in the natural world; not to mention in our spiritual lives.

Case in point: blind Bartimaeus had a problem. He could not see. I’d venture to guess his blindness was not very helpful to his personal economy. Notice how keen his hearing was. He heard that Jesus was passing by. When you are at your lowest point in life, how keen is your perception of Jesus? Not only did he hear that Jesus was passing by, but he immediately threw caution and shame to the wind and opened his mouth to beg for mercy, regardless of what others thought of him. You can hear them now; “Shut up, Bartimaeus! You’re always begging!” But, see, what some fail to realize is that persistence is the path to excellence. He begged. He did not settle for less. Jesus asked him what he wanted. Now’s your chance, Bartimaeus! He asked for the one thing that would change his natural life forever—his sight. He did not ask for a home, chariot, three virgins, new sandals, a best friend, or anything else. He asked to receive his sight from the One who could give it. Guess what? Jesus gave him his sight. His faith in Jesus made healing possible. Learn a lesson from a formerly blind man…

When I begin to recognize my need for Jesus Christ, how will I receive satisfaction? The only way I can receive it is if I refuse to accept anything less than a close relationship with Him. It is the singular thing that will change my life forever. All other blessings come in its train. I’m a beggar, but I’m choosy. Are you?—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)