Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Thursday, July 6, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-07-06-2017

This is devotional thought number 14 in our devotional series, “Essentials of Faith.” Our subject is “The Sinner’s (My) Need for Christ.”

Here’s the question for consideration: Is it enough if I “just” believe that God is powerful?

“Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.” (James 2:19–24).

Well, congratulations! You believe in God. Do you recognize His awesome power and realize you are no match for Him? Well done. Now what?

Oftentimes people get this whole faith and belief thing twisted. Some think that if they know, without doubt, that Almighty God exists, that He created all things, that He forgives sins, and is merciful, they’re good-to-go. But sadly, simply having an assent to incontrovertible fact is no better than “knowing” that breathable air is non-existent, it’s extremely cold at 128,000 feet, and the law of gravity is real. If one does not apply that knowledge aright, that one just might have a problem (understatement of the year) if he or she is planning a supersonic skydive from the edge of space without the right equipment and a parachute. Extreme? Let’s see.

If I only agree about all the facts concerning God, but never submit my will to Him, to fashion me after the character of His dear Son, I am on a supersonic freefall to eternal death. At least the person in my example just dies the earthly death. But sinners who underestimate the effects of sin and do not yield to the Holy Spirit, look forward to the death from which nobody recovers—eternity without God.

Now, hear this: we can all choose to surrender our will to God right now, and at this moment. We can all accept the fact that we are sinners who need the Savior. We can all exchange our terrible sin habits, tendencies, thoughts, and intentions for the mindset of Christ, which He stands ready to give. Yes, it will be a daily battle, but spiritual battles are won each and every time we place our trust in God.

To merely believe about God is nothing more than the devils do, but to be transformed by Him is a miracle of grace that ensures our position in Christ’s kingdom.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Wednesday, July 5, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-07-05-2017

This is devotional thought number 13 in our devotional series, “Essentials of Faith.” Our subject is “The Sinner’s (My) Need for Christ.”

Here’s the question for consideration: In my own power, am I capable of bringing myself back into a good relationship with God?

“Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.” (Jeremiah 13:23).

Futile! Futility! Futile! Futility! Do I have your attention? Lest you think willpower alone is the route to spiritual success, please consider our theme text today.

So many people who’ve been overcome with addictions to alcohol, drugs, or have compulsive behaviors have made hundreds, or even thousands of attempts to overcome their addictions, to no avail. Yes, there may have been momentary victories, but simply asserting their will against these giants have never been successful against them; anymore that a Cushite can change his heritage or a leopard its spots.

Sin is an insidious foe as we have said many times recently. Its teeth are sunk more deeply than any of us imagine until we attempt to escape; then we realize the depths to which it has dragged us. The key to overcoming sin is submission to God. He alone has the power we need to do so. He does not simply renovate our characters, give us tips for success, or show us the right way. No. He gives us brand new minds and intentions, that if we will cooperate by the power of the Holy Spirit, will manifest our holy characters. Notice what the Bible says: “...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:12–13). Yes, there is much work and effort involved in our victory. However, it is God who gives us the desire and to power to carry out our part of the equation. Our God-given power, aligned with God’s unlimited power, fosters the change we need to enter eternal life.

So please do not get caught up in trying your best to do God’s will without first submitting your life to Him. Eliminate the futile attempts to please Him in your own strength and you will receive a crown of life one day.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Tuesday, July 4, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-07-04-2017

This is devotional thought number 12 in our devotional series, “Essentials of Faith.” Our subject is “The Sinner’s (My) Need for Christ.”

Here’s the question for consideration: What effect does my bold disobedience toward God have on me?

“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).

You may or may not realize this but God really wants to live in open communication and communion with you. There’s one problem; maybe not with you, but with so many others: most take this too lightly. The one thing that gets between us and God if we don’t handle our business is unconfessed sin.

We have made it clear in many devotional thoughts, that God loves us. He wants nothing more than to save us. He is very clear about our sin condition and is not intimidated by it. Jesus came to save sinners. Remember that. However, there are many of us who take “sinning” to that next level. Sinfulness is no longer just a condition of our birth having been infected by our foreparents’ genetic propensities. It’s no longer just that we all have actually practiced all manner of sin. I did not say, “just,” to minimize the seriousness of sin. God can handle it. What makes sin particularly egregious in some of our lives is our unwillingness to give it up in exchange for open communication and communion with God. Let me share a human example.

What if you were married and your spouse had sex with someone else? That would be horrible, right? Well, yes! What if said spouse kept on cheating and bringing the lover into your house to do their dirty deeds? Would you say that adultery, in this case, had moved to the next level? Why? You see, when we refuse to confess and forsake our sins (with God’s help), we are like the unrepentant, emboldened spouse. We flaunt our sinful thoughts and actions in God’s face. This destroys communication and communion with our heavenly Father. We are not on one accord. Why? We are not unified because we refuse to make amends with God. It absolutely does not need to be this way. God is merciful and loving. He is ready, willing, and available to welcome sinners into right relationship with Him. In fact, the Bible says, simply: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:” (1 John 1:9–2:1).

What effect does my bold disobedience toward God have on me? This ruins our connection. God wants a wonderful relationship with us. He gave us all to make that possible.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, July 3, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-07-03-2017

This is devotional thought number 11 in our devotional series, “Essentials of Faith.” Our subject is “The Sinner’s (My) Need for Christ.”

Here’s the question for consideration: Am I guilty of sin?

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23).

Well, today’s question does not require a lot of commentary after reading that verse, now does it? The Bible provides only one exception to this verse. Jesus was so submissive to His Father that He accepted all the help necessary to be completely victorious over sin. I’m going to tell you a quick story and then give you a tip before we close.

I was giving a Bible study to someone many years ago. We were slated to cover about 15 lessons before the person’s baptism. I was intrigued that we had gotten through quite a number of projected sticking points with no problems. Praise the Lord, right? Then it happened: we read today’s verse. The baptismal candidate shouted, “I’m not a bad person!” To make a long story short, I admitted that the verse was inclusive. We all have sinned. We all fall short of God’s intention for us. I explained, as tenderly as I could, that if we did not understand the depths to which humanity had fallen, we could not appreciate the supreme blessing of God’s gift of salvation. It’s not that I wanted to tell the person they were a horrible monster. The fact is that sin has done a number on all of us. We cannot trust even our good intentions without God in our lives. Jesus came to save sinners. If one wishes to be saved, one must accept the reality that we all need salvation from sin.

Here’s the tip: ask God to help you recognize the startling reality of your sinfulness and give you the strength to submit to Him for help. The Bible says: “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:6–8).

Am I guilty of sin? Well, yes! But I thank God that He loved us so much that He gave His perfect Son to save every sinner willing to be saved.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sunday, July 2, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-07-02-2017

This is devotional thought number 10 in our devotional series, “Essentials of Faith.” Our subject is “The Sinner’s (My) Need for Christ.”

Here’s the question for consideration: What is sin?

“Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” (1 John 3:4).

Sin is a three letter word! It leads us down the slippery slope to eternal separation from God. Although we love it so much, sin does not love us. It drives a wedge between us and God.

There’s so much controversy in Christian circles surrounding the validity of God’s law in our days. Although God emblazoned the ten commandments on tablets of sapphire stone with His own finger, and promised under the new covenant to write them in our minds, many theologians and their followers believe God amended His law. Yes, the old testament Mosaic law regarding the sanctuary and its ceremonies and sacrifices were fulfilled in Christ, and thus put to an end at His death, having been fulfilled, but the law God thundered from Horeb is immutable.

Why is this important? I will just scratch the surface. Have you ever heard of decriminalizing anything in society? Maybe you can recall that the production, sale, transportation, and importation of alcoholic beverages was once illegal in the United State of America. Eventually, this all was decriminalized. This may not be the best example, but follow my reasoning here. Whatever the alcohol ban was attempting to protect the public against went out of the window when the ban was lifted. No law; no crime.

There are posted speed limits in most jurisdictions in the world that are intended to keep drivers and pedestrians safe. If you drive above the limit, you can expect to receive a citation at some point. It is illegal to exceed the limit. What if the limit is removed? No law; no crime.
What if God removed His law as some purport? Let’s not guess here. Just as you could logically follow the reasoning with my first two examples, you can with regard to God’s holy law of liberty. If God’s law were no longer in place, we would be free to murder at will without penalty, steal, rape, serve idols, have no holy time on the seventh day, disrespect our parents, lie, etc. If you think society is out of control now, just imagine if all laws of the land, many of which have the commandments as their foundation, were abolished. God’s law indicates His expectations of our thoughts and actions in everyday life. He gives the Holy Spirit to all who are willing to live righteously because only those will inherit eternal life.

What is sin? Sin is disagreement with our Creator. Sin is breaking the ten commandments. Unconfessed sin is the precursor to eternal death. Don’t tamper with it.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sabbath, July 1, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-07-01-2017

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

Here’s the question for consideration: What safeguard did God put in place in Eden for humankind?

“Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.” (Genesis 3:1–7).

We are going to keep this really simple today, my friends. God loves us so much that He gives clear guidelines and power so we can avoid unnecessary contact with His archenemy, Satan. This is what He did in Eden. He created a testing ground upon which Adam and Even could be proven, with ease, so He could seal their allegiance to Him forever.

You may have been taken aback by my description, because I said the test could have been overcome with ease. Here’s what I meant: Adam and Eve were perfect! They had never experienced sin. They had no foreparents to pass along genetic weaknesses to them. They had the company of God communing with them in the cool of the day (at minimum), perfect minds, and perfect instructions from God about what would happen if they tampered with the singular tree in all the Garden that was off limits. We have good reason to believe that God underscored the kind of foe they would encounter should they approach the forbidden territory. Oh, and did I mention that their test was simply not to eat a piece of fruit, because God said so? Eve’s mistake of disregarding God’s warning against approaching the tree precipitated her encounter with the wily foe. Consequently, the devil deceived her, she sinfully ate the forbidden fruit, and then gave it to her husband. Adam’s sin was to ignore the Word of God to them and then, with his eyes wide open (he was not deceived), he indulged with Eve. Since he represented the human race, and all are offsprings of his seed, we have inherited tendencies toward evil.

The blessing is that God enacted the plan of salvation, which He formulated from the foundations of the world, so Adam, Eve, and all of their posterity could have an opportunity for a do over. Jesus (called also the second Adam) gave His life for us, as the new Representative of the human family, while retaining His divine prerogatives and character. This means that all who keep the faith in Him, will not perish, but have everlasting life.

What safeguard did God put in place in Eden for humankind? God gave His Word and power for Adam and Eve to have the best opportunity for success. He does the same for us within our life context. With God’s help, will you choose to go right, where Adam and Eve went wrong? I certainly hope so.—L. David Harris (

Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Friday, June 30, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-06-30-2017

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

Here’s the question for consideration: How were we created in the beginning, and for what purpose?

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” (Genesis 1:27).

Do you realize how abundantly God has honored you? You are blest and highly favored. I cannot overstate this. God put a lot of love and thought into creating you. David said it this way: “When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, The moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? And the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, And hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; Thou hast put all things under his feet...” (Psalm 8:3–6).

God’s image in you is a privilege. Although we are a far cry from God’s original plan as manifest in Adam and Eve’s perfection now, God is restoring His image in all willing people, through gospel of Christ. It is the power of God unto salvation to all who believe. He created us with intelligence, free will, the ability to experience love and God’s essence, beauty, stewardship, faith, and righteousness potential. And not only this, God created us for His glory. Notice what the Bible says: “Even every one that is called by my name: For I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.” (Isaiah 43:7). Our God is luminescent, righteous, loving, gracious, beneficent, and merciful. Do you believe it? This, in small part, is His glory. What would be most honorable about our relationship with God in this context, then? When we cooperate with the Holy Spirit and reflect God’s glory in our words, thoughts, and actions like the planet Saturn reflects heavenly light, we reveal our love and appreciation for all God has done for us. This appreciation permeates our relationships, habits, and thought life.



How were we created in the beginning, and for what purpose? We were created to be like God within our context, and to reflect His rays of light into the far reaches of the world.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Thursday, June 29, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-06-29-2017

This is devotional thought number seven in our devotional series, “Essentials of Faith.” Our subject is “God’s Love for Me.”

Here’s the last question for consideration on this subject: Will I be able to love God in my own strength?

“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” (John 15:5).

I am amazed at how we try to live spiritually in our own strength. Think about it: we cannot breathe on our own; how do we expect to live holy lives on our own? Does that make sense? Here’s what the Bible says: “This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” (Galatians 3:2–3). Every step along our journey of righteousness must be taken with the power God has given us. Really, I could stop here, but let’s continue making the point.

God is after a real, living connection with us. Because of our connection to Him, we can breathe. Because of our connection to Him, we can enjoy the wonderful scenes of nature. Because of our connection to Him, we can experience enjoyment on countless levels. Because of our connection to Him, we can love. That’s right! The Bible, as we said in another devotional thought, is correct. We love God because He loved us first. That is, God, in is love is the cause of our ability to reciprocate love. Therefore, even our response to His entreaties, compliance with His commands, and ability to conform to His will is based upon the power He supplies. He really is the Author and Finisher of our faith. He really is the One who works in us the will and to do of His good pleasure.

Here’s the blessing in all this: if God were to leave it solely up to us to love Him and keep His commandments, we would fail one hundred percent of the time, and thus be doomed to eternal condemnation unless He abolished the holy ten commandment law, which we know He would not do, else Jesus need not have died for our sins. God first supplies everything He expects from us, including love.

Will I be able to love God in my own strength? Let me answer this way: I can do all things only through Christ who gives me strength. Any more questions?—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-06-28-2017

This is devotional thought number six in our devotional series, “Essentials of Faith.” Our subject is “God’s Love for Me.”

Here’s the question for consideration: How long has Jesus promised to stay right by my side?

“Can a woman forget her sucking child, That she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, Yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; Thy walls are continually before me.” (Isaiah 49:15–16).

What imagery! Imagine a nursing mother feeding her baby every two to three hours. Whenever Baby cries and needs to cuddle, mommy is there. Whenever Baby cries and needs to feed, mommy is there. Can she forget the love of her womb whom she carried for many months and has become one with?

It’s near impossible for most mothers to completely abandon their children. Obviously, there are anomalies and dysfunctions that present as exceptions to this reality, but it’s against nature. Yet, the Lord says that this nearly inseparable bond, is not even worthy to be compared to the bond He has with us. He created us, not to leave or forsake us. He redeemed us from sin with the life of His Son, not to abandon us to be abused at the devil’s will. As near as your fingerprints are to your hand, are you to your God’s heart.

Many times, people view God as a distant tyrant, when in fact He has promised to be with us every step along our journey empowering us to live successful, holy lives. If you don’t get anything else from this reminder today, do embrace the blessing that God loves to be around you. He loves to have your attention and give you His. He loves to bless you with His Precious Holy Spirit. He loves giving you every good and perfect gift.

How long has Jesus promised to stay right by my side? Forever!—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-06-27-2017

This is devotional thought number five in our devotional series, “Essentials of Faith.” Our subject is “God’s Love for Me.”

Here’s the question for consideration: What has Jesus promised based upon His love for me?

“To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” (Revelation 3:21).

You are royalty...if you are an overcomer. You are an overcomer...if you are God’s royalty. Do you see how that works?

God’s promises are sure. Do you believe it? Jesus said that everyone who overcomes our sinful desires and the devil by the blood of the Lamb and the testimonies of our new lifestyles, will (not might) sit on Jesus’ throne with Him. That must be a very big throne, huh? Only royalty sits upon thrones. Did you notice the promise? Now, lest you think I am asking an obvious question, pay close attention here. The promise to which I am referring is the one implied—there will be overcomers. Yes, Jesus was clear in saying there’s a reward awaiting, but few people even realize that He is promising to create a numberless throng of overcomers. That’s a big deal.

Think about the number of unholy thoughts, actions, beliefs, intentions, emotions, etc., that we need to overcome. It’s no small feat, right? Right. Now consider the fact that God’s words are true and that He has demonstrated His power over all of these, and more, before. Consider the Abigails, Enochs, Hannahs, Rahabs, Mary Magdalenes, Isaiahs, Josephs, and Joshuas of this world; and how God showed Himself strong in their lives. Is He not still able to keep us in the way He did them? Can He not still orchestrate victories over lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life? Oh, yes, He can! He’s still God. He still never slumbers nor sleeps. He’s still the God who keeps His people as long as we keep the faith.

So take courage. Know that God will keep His promise to make of all willing people, a holy nation and royal priesthood. He has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. In addition to all this, as though it cannot get any better, He will keep His throne sharing promise. We will rule and judge in His name as people worthy of the name of Christ as long as we keep Him first as we await His soon arrival.

What has Jesus promised based upon His love for me? He promised to make me a royal heir to His throne and one who can overcome any inherited or cultivated tendency toward evil.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)