Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Thursday, June 15, 2017

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“But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies. For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.” (Lamentations 3:32–33).

News Flash: we will have a ton of trials while we await the coming of Jesus. However, we get to choose the ultimate impact they will have on our lives.

This world is full of complexity and troubles seem to be lurking around every corner. Scarcely can one get out of bed before something apparently goes wrong. The dog gets sick, your car breaks down, you get fired, your back goes out, a family member gets locked-up, or you just feel sad for no apparent reason. There’s no let-up. The news cycle is enough to make you wanna holler. The economic outlook is not as optimistic as some would suggest, world governments are not seeing eye-to-eye on things that really do matter, and life is wearisome sometimes. But we must all realize, if we hope to remain sane through it all, that God is not out to get us. Trials are a byproduct of living in a world where the devil and his evil angels have control of the majority of people's minds (well, besides the trials we bring upon ourselves). If you don’t get anything else from our time together today, do realize that God is able to elevate us above the negative consequences of our trials, no matter the cause.

How will you invest your time, energies, and thoughts during your next set of trials? Will you throw up your hands in defeat and frustration saying, “What’s the use?” Will you take your trials to God and ask Him for strength to endure and emerge victorious? If you are in the crucible because you made poor decisions, do not despair. Welcome to the poor decision making club of humanity. Ask God to help you repent and set you on a course to follow His guidance. If your trials have little or nothing to do with you, or you’re being buffeted for doing the right thing, ask God to show you how best to represent Him and to help you keep the faith. Regardless of the cause, God will use your difficulties to strengthen your faith, develop your character, and reveal His will for your future.

Don’t give up! Trouble won’t last always. Some trials will get hotter, but the hotter they become is the more refined you will be once they’re all over. “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” (Hebrews 10:35–36).—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Wednesday, June 14, 2017

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“I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.” (John 17:4–6).

Working for the King is a privilege! You may be wondering for what king I have worked considering our country is governed of, for, and by the people. I am happy to tell you that I get my marching orders every day from the King of the universe; and so do you. The question is whether we are following them or not.

Let me let you in on a little secret: God absolutely loves you. He always has your best interest at heart. As such, whatever tasks He has outlined for your day will be for His glory, your good, and the good of others you will encounter. This is why it is essential for us to discuss our plans with God every day as we dedicate ourselves to Him. We need to ask Him to empower us to accomplish our plans or show us where we need to abandon some for reasons He may indicate.

We are living in the last days, in case you didn’t realize. Jesus is coming soon. Whatever we do, at this point, whether work, play, attend school, take piano lessons, go to the market, get engaged to be married, update a resume, purchase or sell property, or eat lunch, all have an eternal element about which we must be aware. There are simple decisions we make, people we will encounter, roads we will travel, etc., which can impact character development, mortal longevity, and fitness for the kingdom of God. So as we move throughout our daily chores, we should continually ask God to direct our paths and show us how best to align our activities with His purpose. That way, we can have the same humility and servant mindedness that Jesus had. In fact, the apostle Paul adopted this mindset after having an amazing experience on a road he travelled on his way to do evil. After surrendering his life to God and going through trials for Christ’s sake, he became keenly aware that his work for the King would soon be over and that he was going to rest in the grave until Jesus returns. He said, “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:6–8).

What is your testimony? Do you find it honorable to work for the King? Have you resolved to do His will as He gives you strength? If so, your work will soon be done. Jesus is coming soon, and He will reward each person according to the decisions we have made on this issue. Give of your best to the King. He has given His best for you.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Tuesday, June 13, 2017

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“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2).

All that comprises life might be encapsulated with one word—focus.

In the natural world, generally, where the eyes, mind, and attention go, so goes the body. This is why we don’t walk forward while looking back. It’s unnatural. This is why people who text and drive or broadcast live social media videos while driving are so much more likely to have an accident than those focusing on the road (although I’m not certain it should be called an accident since it is so irresponsible to do this while driving). Wherever we focus our attention gets the brain’s best energy and the body’s physical resources.

Have you ever wondered how elite athletes became elite? Have you wondered why some people’s businesses flourish while others’ don’t? Why do most who excel academically do so? How do those who ply their trades successfully differ from those who are less successful? There’s that word again—focus. As a general rule, whatever we give our keenest attention will get the brain and body’s most energy.

What kinds of things get your greatest focus? God said we should seek first and focus upon God’s things above all earthly matters. It’s not that we are to become no earthly good through this heavenly mindset. God wants our attention. He wants to mold our minds so we become effective change agents in this world as we await His arrival. He wants all that we do to be filtered through heavenly resources to keep us on a righteous path and give us success in all we do according to His estimation. There are so many great examples of this in Scripture. Hannah focused her attention on God as she desired a son and God opened her womb and she gave birth to one of Israel’s greatest prophets. Joshua and Caleb focused on God’s covenant to Abraham and they never wavered as they made their decades long journey to the Promised Land. David’s eyes were riveted upon God and His honor as he killed the giant with one stone and a slingshot. Mary Magdalene learned Christ-focus and thus became the first person to “preach” the resurrection following Jesus’ resurrection. I could cite more examples but you get the point.

If we are God’s children, and we are preparing for His coming through trials and triumphs, “...we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18). Set your keenest focus on heavenly things and God will help you with earthly things as a bonus.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, June 12, 2017

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“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

“You gotta do it!”

When we were young living in New York City, and depending upon how somebody told us what we “had to do,” our response would invariably be, “I ain’t ‘gotta’ do naething (real word) but stay [fill-in your ethnicity here] and die!” It was our way of thumbing our nose at whoever thought they could arbitrarily tell us what to do. I suppose, as adults we might add pay taxes to the must do list.

Even in our nose thumbing, neck wagging, self-assured disdain for compulsion, we knew that death was pretty much inevitable. If one lives long enough, death will come knocking at your door regardless of socioeconomic status, race, creed, or the content of one’s character. While we exist on this continuum of borrowed time, does God have anything to say about how we should invest it? How does one who chooses not to thumb one’s nose at the import of living meaningfully upon mortal probation while awaiting the gift of the righteous, which is immortality, do so according to God’s plan? Let me direct your mind to one of the simplest, most comprehensive passages in Scripture for the answer, and I will not complicate it with creative commentary. Here it is: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14).

Our God has prescribed the method of doing all our hands (and minds) find to do with all our might: Fear God (i.e. have more respect for Him than anything or anyone in the universe) and keep His commandments (i.e. to love Him with all you are and love others with the complete love He’s willing to give you for self). That’s it! The context for all we do, say, think, and live is doing so with respect for our Creator and His immutable guidelines, the Ten Commandments (they are not grievous). If you’ve been following our devotional thoughts for a good while, you will note the premium we place on the Holy Spirit’s involvement in the development of our characters. We are absolutely dependant upon Him to give us the strength to live according to God’s will, in abandonment of our sinful essence and behaviors.

While you yet have time, not knowing how long before it is up for you, ask God for the will and the ability to respect Him and do His will. Those who rest in the grave do not get a do-over. Now is the time. Today is the day of salvation for all of us no matter how long we live.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sunday, June 11, 2017

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This is devotional thought number seven, and final in our, “Purpose of Marriage” series.

Whether married or not, there is much for all of us to learn here, since marriage is a symbol of our relationship with God.

“For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.” (Matthew 22:30).

“Wait! I thought God hated divorce. Why did Jesus say there won’t be marriage in heaven? After all I’ve been through with my spouse, you mean to tell me it’s all going to end when Jesus comes?”

For many of us, it’s a horrifying thought that we will no longer be married in heaven. Think about it. What if you are still in the honeymoon phase right before Jesus comes? What if you have invested 35 years of your life with one spouse, had miscarriages, wayward children, open heart surgery, death of a beloved spouse, etc? What then?

I’d share similar sentiments, except I see where God is going with this. Let me ask you a question: In our series, we briefly discussed the fact that the law of God, and the land says that the marriage commitment ends at death. This means that if, God forbid, your spouse dies, you are free to remarry and grow in the bonds of love. Let’s say this happens one or two times. You survive your spouse(s), Jesus comes, and all of you are saved. What then? Do you flip a coin to see who retains marital rights in heaven? Do you see the conundrum here? Heaven will not be a “Saint’s Housewives” reality show nightmare.

Notice that Jesus said we will be like the angels in heaven. Do you think the angels are dissatisfied with their lives? Before you get confused, the answer is, “No!” Angel life is great, and it will be even greater when we join them, and sin is forever eradicated.

Lest you begin to mourn the loss of your spouse prematurely, please do note what the Bible says: “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Eternity with God and our loved-ones will transcend our current experiences. We have no idea how sweet it will be, but if we take God at His word, we know it will be wonderful.

What’s the use, then? Why marry, if it’s all going to end one day? I am so glad you asked. You see, marriage is preparatory for eternity. There is no more effective tool at God’s disposal, to prepare frail humanity for sinless eternity than marriage. Marriage is a safe place for us to develop character, enjoy life, have companionship, experience love, and have a built-in system for handling life’s trials. God said it was not good for us to be alone (in this context); therefore, it is His way of giving us a foretaste of heaven. If you want a sneak peek of eternity with God, pray for a godly spouse, get married, and prepare for the kingdom together.

If eternity is better than good marriages, I absolutely cannot wait to experience it! By the way, angels are very good friends, so don’t worry, you will be able to have great relationships with your spouse in eternity. I am already planning to build a house and plant a vineyard right next to my wife so we can hang out together. If you think I’m joking, I’m not.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sabbath, June 10, 2017

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This is devotional thought number six in our, “Purpose of Marriage” series.

Whether married or not, there is much for all of us to learn here, since marriage is a symbol of our relationship with God.

“And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” (Genesis 1:28).

One of the richest blessings that comes from marriage is its fruitfulness.

Marriage is fruitful in many ways, but this time I am referring to having children. Notice what the Bible says: “Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: And the fruit of the womb is his reward.” (Psalm 127:3). When was the last time you used the word, “heritage” in a sentence? Here’s the same text from the New Living Translation of the Bible: “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.” (Psalm 127:3). You read that right. Children are a gift, an inheritance if you will, from the Lord. They are not an inconvenience. They are not mistakes. They are not bargaining chips. They are a miraculous blessing that demonstrate God’s willingness to include us in His creative process. He creates, and we procreate. That is a staggering reality. God has put within us, the ability to have offspring after our likeness much in the same way He created us in His image and after His likeness.

The blessing does not stop there, however. He told Adam and Eve to be fruitful, multiply, and replenish the earth. I have a secret to share: This has dual meaning now that human beings have chosen to sin. Yes, every child born is added to the world census numbers. Yes, childbirth continues to add to the population, whether in greater or fewer numbers depending upon a country’s population control policies. But the Bible says that one day, this earth will be destroyed by fire so hot that it will also destroy supernatural beings—the devil and his fallen angels. Here’s the thing: the Bible also says that there will be a new heaven and new earth. The new earth will be the inheritance of those who love God and keep His commandments, 1,000 years following the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Jesus is coming soon. Those who love God will live in heaven for 1,000 years. When the thousand years are up, God will destroy all sin and create a new earth where righteousness will continue forever and ever. Citizenship for the new earth is now being established. We have the opportunity to populate it with children we have taught in the ways of God. We can have a part to play in instilling holy values in the formation of their characters that will transcend this temporary earth. While we cannot force anyone, even our children to love God, we can provide them with the best opportunity to love God on their own. We can give them the best experience of knowing Him through peaceful family, Bible study, prayer, and service to others, thereby developing their own relationship while they are under our care.

Children are a blessing. Children are God’s reward. Ask God to show you how to create citizens of the new earth as you raise your children in love.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Friday, June 9, 2017

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This is devotional thought number five in our, “Purpose of Marriage” series.

Whether married or not, there is much for all of us to learn here, since marriage is a symbol of our relationship with God.

“The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 7:39).

I must admit, there are some laws I appreciate more than others. The one that says, “What God has joined, let no man (or woman) separate” is one of my all-time favorites!

I absolutely love marriage, not because I have seen the most incredible examples of it. I love it, not because someone painted a wonderful portrait of it that gives me butterflies in my stomach. I love my wife. I love what God has created between us. I enjoy having a companion who loves Him and embraces the principle of unity. I enjoy us being an encouragement to those who’ve given up on the marriage ideal. I appreciate the growth being married requires (I did say, “requires”). Being selfish and married is painful. I loathe unnecessary pain, so I strive against my natural selfish tendencies for the sake of our bond, and to minimize the pain.

Sometimes my wife talks about not being able to handle the thought of me dying. She says she cannot imagine being with anyone else. That’s a good thing, right? More than it being logical and a good thing, it’s according to God’s law and order. My feelings are mutual. When two people choose to be wed in holy matrimony, God instills a singleness of mind in each willing spouse. We are not supposed to be able to imagine ourselves with anyone else. His Word, and the law of the land enjoins monogamy. When two people get married, it’s supposed to be for the long haul. We aren’t supposed to be on the lookout for an escape hatch. We are not supposed to be feeling around for a cord that quickly ejects us from a martial jet that’s losing altitude fast.

Having been a human being for almost 45 years and married for almost 16 years, I do understand that life and marriage present their challenges. I really do get it. But I also get that we can do all things through Christ, who gives us strength. I get that He is the ultimate covenant keeper, who wants to strengthen the bonds of peace in our homes. I get that He is able to preserve that which we have committed to Him until the Second Coming of Christ.

I’ve never been too keen on self-preservation in this life (almost to a fault), but being married has given me a more responsible mindset. I want to be alive as long as my Simone lives, so we can keep building under the lawful order of matrimony. I figure, if God was kind enough to provide the blessing of marriage, along with the tools to overcome my inadequacies, why should I want it to end? I don’t!—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Thursday, June 8, 2017

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This is devotional thought number four in our, “Purpose of Marriage” series.

Whether married or not, there is much for all of us to learn here, since marriage is a symbol of our relationship with God.

“For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.” (Ephesians 5:31).

I have great news! If you can count, are willing to accept God’s guidance, and surrender your will to Him, you will make a great spouse.

What is one plus one? If your kindergartener is in the room with you reading over your shoulder, she answered, “Two!” Normally, I’d congratulate such a response. But what if God has a divine equation for marriage that supplies another answer? Since you already read our theme text, you know where I’m going with this.

In God’s divine order, good marriage is a union of two people, complete in their relationship with Him, who can complement one another in life and ministry until Jesus comes. One plus one equals holy unity (one).

Far too often, men and women take steps into the uncharted territory of marriage with little or no concept of wholeness or unity. Some choose to stumble into the hallowed corridors of marriage fragmented, doubtful, parasitical, selfish, abusive, and unwilling to make adjustments to benefit the relationship. God’s ideal is that we find our wholeness in Him and then become a fruitful contributor to the development of our mates. When two powerful individuals surrender to God and adjoin their lives for common purposes, mutual love, honor, and respect, no matter the trials they will inevitably face, they become the portrait of relationship with Him. They become the epitome of union between heaven and earth.

This is no fairy tale. God is fully aware that we are faulty human beings. He understands even more than we do that we are but dust. However, He has immense plans for us and has supplied the power we need to represent Him well. Although the terrible marriage statistics are staggering, there are countless couples who take up the charge to unify for the benefit of their families, their faith communities, and the larger society. Strong families build strong communities. We need to be willing to put self aside, continually trust God for His strength, and treasure our spouses. If we do so, we can reflect God’s perfect image to the world, and provide hope to those who have lost faith in marriage.

In God’s order, marriage means one plus one equals harmony and honor, love, and power.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Wednesday, June 7, 2017

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This is devotional thought number three in our, “Purpose of Marriage” series.

Whether married or not, there is much for all of us to learn here, since marriage is a symbol of our relationship with God.

“A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman—who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls. The heart of her husband trusts in her confidently and relies on and believes in her securely, so that he has no lack of [honest] gain or need of [dishonest] spoil. She comforts, encourages, and does him only good as long as there is life within her.” (Proverbs 31:10–12, AMP).

Powerful, virtuous women are more precious than jewels. Diamonds and pearls may be beautiful as show pieces, but they have zero capacity to love you, care for you, gladden your day with smiles and kind gestures. They are wholly incapable of calling your name in prayer, or pleading God’s mercy on your behalf. Rubies and sapphire stones are wonderful, but they cannot bring honor to your household or instill a high moral compass in the hearts of your children. Platinum, gold, and sterling silver are nice, but they cannot bolster your emotional well being, mutually engage your marital desires, or accompany you to the kingdom. Jasper stones are great, but you cannot love, embrace, share your deepest dreams with, or create lasting memories with them.

A virtuous woman may be a rare find, but once you find one, please treat her with respect, love, peacefulness, and honor. Give her the blessing of knowing you hold her in supreme regard and love her as Christ loves Zion and gave Himself for her. Praise the Lord for virtuous women.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)