Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Wednesday, April 19, 2017

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“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” (1 Peter 5:7–10).

Give it to Him! He can handle it. What? All.

Like me, you probably have a ton of things all vying for your anxious attention. You’ve got bills, work issues, relationship problems, difficult people, persecution, the news cycle, family dysfunction and more pushing and pulling you into all directions. When you think you have one or two things under control, something else pops up like the bobbing heads in a carnival game. Cares. Anxiety. Worries. Doubts. Problems. What do we do with them all? If we are wise, submissive, and obedient, we give them all to God. Why? God cares for you.

Notice the transition that comes in our theme text right after the apostle teaches us how to deal with life’s burdens. He says that the devil is like a lion seeking its prey! He wants to destroy you. One way he will accomplish his goal if we allow him, is by ignoring the counsel. If we keep our worries and do not give them to God as He has enjoined us to do, we will be devoured. It does not get any clearer than that.

So, take courage because you have a loving heavenly Father who is ready, willing, and available to take all of your cares from you. He has a thousand ways to provide for His children we cannot even fathom. Know you are not alone. There are many others going through similar trials and we all must learn to surrender them to the King, who stands by to give divine aid. He has accepted all who surrender to Him, and after a short while, as you overcome your trials, your faith will be fully settled in heaven and the new earth.

Give God all your cares. You can’t handle them anyway.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, April 17, 2017

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“To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of David. O Lord our Lord, How excellent is thy name in all the earth! Who hast set thy glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength Because of thine enemies, That thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. 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: All sheep and oxen, Yea, and the beasts of the field; The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, And whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!” (Psalm 8).

Our God, YHWH (blessed be His name) is great! He has founded the universe with His word. He has created with the breath of His mouth. He has molded and fashioned after His divine order. Yet! Yet, our God has been kind enough; beneficent enough; merciful enough to create us with the power to choose love over fear. He has been gracious enough to create us, not to be robots who are subject to programming! No. He has blessed us to experience Him and decide whether we will to love Him and share in His glory forever or not.

This great God has also been good enough to share His dominion. He has given us stewardship of the earthly works of His hands. With this trust we can reflect His power and love within our sphere. Why would such a mighty God (blessed be His name) entrust so great a privilege to us? Is it because we are trustworthy? No. Is it because He loves some more than others? No. Is it because we are intelligent, wise, many in number, or faithful? No. He does so because of His great love. What a mighty God we serve (blessed be His name).

Therefore, as you traverse the untried paths of life, give thanks. Know that all you will encounter and all the responsibilities you bear have all been measured and given to you for God’s purposes and glory. Seek His guidance at every step and do all He instructs. Revel in His love and trust today, In Jesus’ name.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

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

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“And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.” (1 Corinthians 15:17).

Many hymn writers have penned songs that instill hope because our Savior is risen. They point not only to the cross of Calvary, but also to Sunday morning. They portray an empty tomb where the grave clothes of the Master were neatly folded and left. They are melodious with the sweet music of thanksgiving that we no longer need to be in bondage to self, sin, or the devil. We can serve a Savior who has completely vanquished and triumphed over the tomb. Without this blessed reality, we would have no hope. There would be no need for churches, or even a judicial system. Who would we worship in churches? What justice could be achieved in a courtroom? If Christ is still dead, our faith is all in vain.
Sin is a terrible disease that chokes the life out of everyone who succumbs to it. All who cherish and nurture favorite sins are controlled thereby, and there is no room for the Lord to be in control. With the hope given through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are able to live above sin. We are able to be under the complete control of God. There is hope in the resurrection—blessed hope.
One of the most striking things about Jesus being alive is the impact it has on His people. If we are His body and He is the head, then an important relationship is present. In the natural world, if the head is alive and well, there is a good chance that the body is at least alive. In the spiritual world, since the head, that is Christ is alive, the body too is alive. “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;” (Colossians 1:18, 21-23).
If you find that your religious experience and life are dead; if you find that self, sin, and the devil take turns mastering over you, ask the Lord Jesus, who is alive and well, to become your head. If He is the head in charge of every aspect of your life, you as His body will also flourish. The Lord is risen (that’s a fact) and is waiting to elevate us all with Him.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

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

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“And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God. There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome; (Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him;) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem. And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath...” (Mark 15:39–42).

“Truly this Man was the Son of God.” No truer, more important words have ever been spoken by mortal tongue than these, yet flesh and blood has not revealed it to those who embrace this confession.

When you have the opportunity, please prayerfully read the entire story leading up to, and including the crucifixion of Jesus. You will note many seminal moments, that if you embrace them, will absolutely change your life. One such moment is underscored in our theme text.

A man who probably did not grow up going to the temple to worship the true and living God received the greatest message of hope as he stood guard one Friday afternoon. While many who claimed to worship YHWH jeered, “Crucify him!” and loathed YHWH’s Son, considering Him a blasphemer, a commander in the ancient Roman army recognized His eternal essence when He looked His weakest. As He gave His life for lost sinners, having been paraded from mock-trial to mock-trial, beaten, bloodied, and disrespected, each person watching His sacred act of submission faced a decision: would they surrender themselves to the revelation His life and ministry gave of divinity dwelling in humanity? Would they continue to rebuff YHWH’s entreaties to accept the gift of salvation?

I find it intriguing that as Jesus prepared to rest during the Sabbath hours, having completed one vital phase of the salvation plan, the lasting impact had already begun. He surrendered His will to His Father and rested. Are you resting in Him as He moves through the various phases of salvation in your life? Are you thankful for the times YHWH reveals to you that Jesus is the Savior of the world? Do you embrace those seminal moments when He gives you an encounter with truth?

In the same way Jesus rested in the tomb that Sabbath, we can rest because He has the plan to save us well in hand. As with the centurion, at the times we least expect and most need, our Heavenly Father manifests Himself to us. Jesus gave His life for you so you could rest in His power to save you from every besetting sin. Follow the centurion’s lead. Open your mouth (and heart), and confess that this Man is the Son of God, embracing all that means in context of giving you victory and everlasting life.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

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

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“And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34).

What is so “Good” about this Friday?

I promise I will not attempt to give a history lesson about the use of the term, “Good Friday.” Neither will I try to impress you with some new philosophy on the issue to garner a response. I will, however, share a couple of thoughts regarding God’s love for us and the sacrifice of Christ.

It must have been heart-rending for Jesus to feel abandoned by His Father while He hung on the cross that Friday, which has indelibly etched its events upon our calendars and hearts forever. He (Jesus), simply did what His Father empowered Him to do. He (the Father) seemed to hide His face from the scene. Why would He refuse to manifest His presence in Jesus’ darkest hour?

How many times have you asked a similar question? Why? Why do I feel lonely? Why? Why do bad things happen to good people? Why? Why do we have to deal with the constant killing, evil politics, religious posturing, and racism? Why?

I wish I could give a satisfactory answer here, but I cannot. I will say that whatever evil is at the root of the controversy between God and Satan, our God has it all under control. Notice what the Scripture says: “...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 5:19).

God did not forsake Jesus on the cross. He was in Him and with Him, reconciling us to Himself. God has not forsaken us in any of our “whys.” Through the darkness of Jesus’ foreboding trek to the cross, shines a glimmer of hope. Since Jesus was able to remain pure and carry our sins all the way to the cross one Friday, with the Father empowering Him to the bitter end, we will be able to overcome every obstacle, sin, and evil plot that will seek to destroy us.
What is so “Good” about Friday? That’s a great question. What’s so Good about God? That’s an even better one. God is so good that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16). I am so thankful for the goodness of God today. How about you?—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

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

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“Open thou mine eyes, That I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” (Psalm 119:18).

Now is the time to have our eyes wide open before we bump into something and hurt ourselves. Do I have your attention?

Several years ago people in the Washington, D.C. region had become so preoccupied with their smartphone screens and listening to their favorite tunes while walking in public areas and on public roads, it became a safety hazard. The numbers of people experiencing near misses (and worse) in crosswalks because they were oblivious to their surroundings were steadily increasing. It got to where I would tell people I saw doing this that they should be careful not to drop in a hole.

I am afraid that is the generation in which we now live, spiritually. We have become so preoccupied with things that do not edify, that when dangerous temptations present themselves, many have little defense against tragedy. Instead of staying alert to the times in which we live, many just keep their heads buried and ears stopped.

The Word of God is truly a lamp unto our feet and light unto our paths if we embrace it. Our God truly gives sight to the spiritually blind or oblivious if we will receive it willingly. He loves us so much that He will enlighten our understanding, not only related to what not to do to offend Him, but also to the wonderful mysteries of His character that’s like cool water to a parched soul. It’s like bread for the hungry. All we need to do to receive it, is open our eyes. By faith and according to the power of freewill the Holy Spirit gives us, we can open our eyes and minds to accept all God reveals to those who trust in Him. The blessing is that, with it, God gives great peace and staying power to endure the incredible difficulties of the last days. Terrorism, wars, economic difficulties, family dysfunction, health crises, etc. all converge upon the scene of our lives to destroy our faith if we allow it.

So, do yourself a small favor today that will garner huge results: ask God to open your eyes and awareness to the wondrous truths of His laws. It is when you embrace these truths that your life will be modeled after His likeness and, one day (soon), you will begin living with Him forever. In that day, all trials, tribulations, struggles, and evil will be removed from your life and you will be so happy you allowed God to take control of your life. Have a wonderful day. Oh, and open your eyes before you drop into a hole. You can thank me later.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

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

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“For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” (James 2:26).

Take a deep breath. Now exhale. One more time: take a deep breath. Now exhale. Very good.

So few of us make it a habit to breathe deeply from the diaphragm and the consequences and symptoms are evident. Shallow breathing can cause faint feelings, certain anxiety disorders, chest pain, rapid heart rate, and more. Shallow breathing can be symptomatic of congestive heart failure, a neuromuscular disorder, or other serious disorders.

I find it interesting that Scripture equates life and breathing to faith and works. Without one, the other ceases to exist. If we stop breathing, we die. If we lack faith, one symptom is a lack of good works. In order for faith to thrive, good works must be our lifestyle. Here’s an example: the apostle Peter once asked Jesus to bid him come for a walk on the surface of the sea. Jesus was already doing it and the disciples were afraid because they had seen nothing like it before. Jesus call Peter from the confidence and comfort of his fishing boat, and he walked on water like the rest of us walk on solid ground. In that moment, Peter demonstrated a thriving faith. He believed in Jesus’ Word and bidding to come out of the boat so much that he overcame the laws of nature. It is not natural or ordinary for people to walk on water, yet he did. What made the difference? Peter had faith. Jesus had power. Peter demonstrated faith by working under Jesus’ power. Peter’s faith was a living, breathing organism.

We, too, can have faith in God. We can receive the power of God by faith to keep all of His commandments from the heart. We can have strong enough faith to overcome any inherited or cultivated appetites for evil. By faith, we can have new interests, hopes, joys, and preferences. By faith, we can learn submission to God in every situation. Have faith in God and let that faith be manifest in doing your heavenly Father’s will.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

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

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“Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.” (Matthew 9:29).

I was thinking about this the other day: if blind men could make their way into the presence of Jesus and receive their sight by faith, what is my excuse for groping about in the dark due to spiritual blindness.

Imagine the scene: everywhere Jesus goes, He is healing people, raising them from the dead, and relieving human suffering. That’s a lot! Do you think news about His mighty works and compelling teachings would get out? Well, yeah; of course it did. The great news about Jesus was spread so far and wide that even two blind men found their way into Jesus’ presence one day. They cried aloud and entreated Jesus to do a miracle for them. He did miracles for others. Would He not also do it for them? They cut to the chase and asked Him to give them eyesight. They did not burn time with small talk, discussions about how they maybe became blind, or the fact that they were Jesus’ biggest fans as they awaited His ancient autograph. For all they knew, they only had moments with Him. Their greatest desire in that seminal moment was to see. It doesn’t get any simpler than that. And Jesus was the One to do it. He asked them whether they believed He could do what they asked. “Yes, Lord!” they said. Jesus put the ball back in their court and made His power available. There was one caveat: the only way it would be appropriated for their benefit and His glory was according to their faith. If they possessed saving faith, they would miraculously be given sight. If not, they’d remain blind. Well, thankfully for them, they really did have faith. By faith, they were healed of their blindness.

So, I already told you I asked myself what excuse I had for groping about with blindness if these two men could find their Master and healing. What’s your excuse? With what are you struggling right now? Are you worried about how you are going to pay your tax bill? Are you struggling with guilt feelings for stuff you confessed long ago? Do you need victory over promiscuity, pornography addiction, or alcoholism? Are you a gossiper, but don’t want to be? If so, with Jesus doing miracles in people’s lives all around you and giving power away like free government cheese (Google it), why are you not delivered from your spiritual affliction? Could it be that the same prerequisite for the blind men’s deliverance exists today? Could it be that you are not consistently directing your faith to God? Could it be that His power is already earmarked for use in delivering you from any and all besetting sins, worry, doubts, and fears? I think you know the answer. The Holy Spirit is revealing it to you right now, even if you don’t understand the details.

If blind men could be healed by faith in Jesus, you can be delivered by faith in Him. If they could find their way into His presence, you can find your way into His presence through prayer and Bible study. Extend your faith toward your God and seize the power He has made available for your spiritual healing right now. Don’t wait. Do it now and give thanks for your deliverance. Then go tell somebody what great things the Lord has done for you.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

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

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“While 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).

Most of us have an “I” problem and if we don’t get it checked out, we will go blind.

Myopia. It’s a synonym of nearsightedness. It’s the philosophical twin of lacking insight, foresight, or imagination. Could it be that this ophthalmic term can provide spiritual insight for those who suffer from its tendencies?

The problem with most people is that we are obsessed with that which is clearly seen. More often than not, that which is clearly seen relates to self. It’s generally about what I want, regardless of others. It’s about what happens to me. It’s about my problems. The problem with self focus is evident in the “I” of it all. Do note that Lucifer suffered from spiritual myopia. Count the number of times he used the word “I” in a sentence in the following text. Notice also that his “I” problem was the epitome of self-centeredness and anarchy. It led to his eternal demise. Here’s the verse: “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.” (Isaiah 14:12–15).

Our God wants us to walk by faith and not by sight. The more we focus on the seen, we invariably turn that vision inward. Self quickly gains the ascendancy and we completely lose sight of the unseen eternal things of God. Eternal unseen things of God remove our “I” problem because they are directed to the One who sees and knows all. When we encounter trials, those who walk by faith seek unto God for guidance. When others are in need at the same time we have needs, those who walk by faith put others first. When we are confused, those who walk by faith refuse to invent solutions. Instead, we direct our lives to God for clarity.

I totally get it. This is a complex principle. However, in the spirit of removing focus from self, when you lack wisdom, ask God. He has promised to give it liberally to all who sincerely seek Him. Exchange your spiritual myopia for God’s vision for your life and the life of others He wishes to use you to help as the world seems to spiral out of control.
“Your eye is the lamp of your body; when your eye (your conscience) is sound and fulfilling its office, your whole body is full of light; but when it is not sound and is not fulfilling its office, your body is full of darkness. Be careful, therefore, that the light that is in you is not darkness. If then your entire body is illuminated, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright [with light], as when a lamp with its bright rays gives you light.” (Luke 11:34–36, AMP).—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

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

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“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7).

Have faith in God! Without it, we cannot connect to His power or plans for our lives. With it, we can move mountains—mountains of doubt; mountains of despair; mountains of confusion; and mountains of unholiness.

What made the difference when Jesus sweat great drops of blood in Gethsemane as He considered His Father’s will above His own? What made the difference when Elisha asked for a double portion of the sweet Holy Spirit? What made the difference when Peter walked on water, ignoring the winds and waves if but for a moment? What made the difference when the man born blind finally able was to see His Redeemer’s face? What made the difference when a woman caught in the very act of adultery went home empowered to live above her adulterous ways instead of being stoned by hypocritical men? What made the difference when Hannah finally got pregnant and gave birth to one of the greatest prophets of all times? What made the difference when young Mary accepted the charge to carry the Son of God in her womb and teach Him in the ways of His Father?

Biblical, saving faith is the difference between life and death. It is our only means of laying hold of infinite power from the Most High (blessed be His name). Faith is the vital cord that stretches from the throne of God to lowly, lifeless humanity who need to receive His vivifying light in our lives.

Again, I say have faith in God! Without it, we cannot connect to His power or plans for our lives. With it, we can move mountains—mountains of doubt; mountains of despair; mountains of confusion; and mountains of unholiness...today.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)