Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, March 27, 2017

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I realize this will be an unusual departure from our regular way of sharing Scripture thoughts, but the truth in the following incomplete quote was so amazing, I just had to share it. Please indulge me and you’ll see why:

“In all these revelations of the divine presence the glory of God was manifested through Christ. Not alone at the Saviour’s advent, but through all the ages after the Fall and the promise of redemption, “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself.” (2 Corinthians 5:19). Christ was the foundation and center of the sacrificial system in both the patriarchal and the Jewish age. Since the sin of our first parents there has been no direct communication between God and man. The Father has given the world into the hands of Christ, that through His mediatorial work He may redeem man and vindicate the authority and holiness of the law of God. All the communion between heaven and the fallen race has been through Christ. It was the Son of God that gave to our first parents the promise of redemption. It was He who revealed Himself to the patriarchs. Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses understood the gospel. They looked for salvation through man’s Substitute and Surety. These holy men of old held communion with the Saviour who was to come to our world in human flesh; and some of them talked with Christ and heavenly angels face to face.”[1]

In light of this quote, I would like to emphasize one thing I have not heard anyone underscore before. The writer said “Since the sin of our first parents there has been no direct communication between God and man.” It would appear, then, that Adam and Eve had direct contact with the Father before they lost their way. This is amazing! This is one of the many reasons the plan of salvation is so sweet. Our Father loves us so much that He gave Jesus, His best Representative and equal to bring us back into direct communion with Him. Now I get it from a new perspective! One day we will see our Father’s face, whose name will be written in our foreheads (Revelation 14:1-5; Revelation 22:1-4). How sweet it is, then, that “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself...” (2 Corinthians 5:19). Be reconciled to your Father today. Thank Him for Jesus Christ and the divine Agency of the Holy Spirit who both make this possible.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)
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[1] Ellen Gould White, The Story of Patriarchs and Prophets as Illustrated in the Lives of Holy Men of Old, vol. 1, Conflict of the Ages Series (Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1890), 366.

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sunday, March 26, 2017

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“Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, Even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be meat in mine house, And prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, If I will not open you the windows of heaven, And pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” (Malachi 3:8–10).

God wants your all or nothing at all! Are you ready to give it?

Our theme text highlights the principle of returning a faithful tithe of all our financial increase to God and a cheerful offering. Historically, as is the case even today, the people of God have been stingy with the wealth God has given us the power to gain. That is, when many of us have acquired one dollar, we have squandered or redirected all of it according to our own thoughts, rather than returning ten cents as a tithe and giving another sum as the Lord has blessed us. The issue here is that this robbery as the inspired text says brings down the curses of God to those proud enough to do it. Conversely, the Lord has promised manifold blessings to those who delight to surrender a faithful tithe and offering to our King. This overarching principle is outlined in Deuteronomy 28. Don’t get sleepy on me. Pay attention.

Do you realize that the concept of faithful stewardship is so much bigger and so much more glorious than simply ticking an item on our to-do list - “return God’s tithe and give a cheerful offering”? Think of the great things God has done for you. Could it be that the One who lavished His all upon your life in giving Jesus as a sacrifice for your sins, requires an even greater response than the tithe and offering pittance, which is the least we can do to show our allegiance? Notice what the Bible says: “Gather my saints together unto me; Those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice. And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: For God is judge himself. Selah. Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify against thee: I am God, even thy God. I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices Or thy burnt offerings, to have been continually before me. I will take no bullock out of thy house, Nor he goats out of thy folds. For every beast of the forest is mine, And the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the mountains: And the wild beasts of the field are mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: For the world is mine, and the fulness thereof. Will I eat the flesh of bulls, Or drink the blood of goats? Offer unto God thanksgiving; And pay thy vows unto the most High: And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.” (Psalm 50:5–15). You see, whatever God has required, in whatever dispensation or time has only been a microcosm of His real expectation. When He used to expect animal sacrifices, it was a microcosm of surrendering the entire self as an offering of service to Him (Romans 12:1). As He requires a tithe and freewill offering of our financial increase, it is a microcosm of surrendering our entire self to God. He said: “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” (Deuteronomy 6:5). God is not interested in simply having us break off a little money, time, energy, spiritual gifts, etc. and then squander all that is left. No! The One who gave all for us in the person and work of Jesus Christ, desires all we have and all we are for His service. Those who have surrendered all to Him then, through the power of the Holy Spirit, follow His guidelines of giving, have that giving validated in heaven.

To say this all simply, God has always required full heart submission as a...

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Thursday, March 23, 2017

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“Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.” (Exodus 20:8).

How do you forget the one thing in the Ten Commandments YHWH clearly said to remember? It’s unconscionable.

Now I know God did not intend for us to remember only one thing from the Ten Commandments, to be sure. However, He invested the time to emphasize our need to focus attention on the Sabbath as we embrace the entire decalogue. Why? Before I get into that, let me point out a few of the more than 200 times God said remember in Scripture as questions:

What if God forgot when He said He would see His rainbow and remember His covenant not to destroy all flesh by flood (Genesis 9:15)?
What if we forgot when God said to remember that He delivered His people out of Egyptian bondage (Deuteronomy 5:15)?
What if God forgot when He said He would blot out our sins (Isaiah 43:25-26)?

It’s no light matter to forget what God said to remember. Notice just seven of the critical things we give up when we deliberately forget the Sabbath. That is to say, when the Lord brings the truth of seventh-day Sabbath sacredness to your attention and you resist His invitation without repentance, here is some of what you forfeit:
1. The sign that shows YHWH’s the One who has set you aside for holiness (Exodus 31:13).
2. The one indicator in the law that shows YHWH’s creatorship (Exodus 20:11).
3. The ability to abide in YHWH’s love (John 15:10).
4. The privilege to enjoy the special time YHWH made for you (Mark 2:27).
5. A clear conscience (James 2:10-12).
6. Alignment with the saints of God who have the faith of Jesus and victory over the beast, his image, and the mark of his name (Revelation 14:9-13).
7. A way to memorialize the rest of redemption through the blood of Christ (Hebrews 4:1-9)

Let me be clear: remembering the Sabbath to keep it holy is far more than identifying which day is the Sabbath. As seen in the aforementioned verses, it is far more than having an intellectual assent to the facts. Sabbath keeping is about having a heart drawn out after your Creator and a willingness to remember what most have forgotten.

If you’d like to study the blessing of Sabbath rest deeply, please visit www.sabbathtruth.com—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Wednesday, March 22, 2017

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“And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” (1 John 2:3–6).

Context is key. Truth is paramount. God is true and every person in opposition to God is a liar. Did that get your attention?

Your Creator teaches:
Thou shalt have no other gods before me (unless the law was done away with. Then you can worship anything you want, or not).
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image…(or) bow down thyself to them, nor serve them (unless the law was done away with. Then you can worship anything you want and disregard even the idea that there’s a loving God in heaven).
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain (unless the law was done away with. Then you can say any foul thing to anyone, at any time. There’s no such thing as inappropriate or vulgar language).
Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy (unless the law was done away with. Then you don’t need to worry about honoring a Creator or giving Him the very best of your time and attention. You are probably the offspring of primates, single-celled organisms, or other forms of life anyway).
Honour thy father and thy mother (unless the law was done away with. Then you can dis your parents all you want. Some of them hate you anyway. Oh, and hatred is acceptable too).
Thou shalt not murder (unless the law was done away with. Then you can kill anyone at any time, especially if they upset you).
Thou shalt not commit adultery (unless the law was done away with. Then you can lust after and have sex with anyone you want. If your spouse gets upset or is hurt by it, be sure to tell them to get over it).
Thou shalt not steal (unless the law was done away with. Then there’s no such thing as stealing. If you’re stronger than whoever has something you want, just take it. It’s yours. If they resist, see number six for advice).
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour (unless the law was done away with. Then there’s no such thing as false anyway. #alternatefacts).
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s (unless the law was done away with. Oh! Whom am I foolin here? Just refer to the first nine).
By the way; in case you think this is ridiculous, and that love covers everything without the need to worry about the details, do note the theme text. The Ten Commandments are an outgrowth of Holy Spirit inspired love for God and our fellow human beings.

I cannot imagine a world without God’s law because: “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: And in keeping of them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me: Then shall I be upright, And I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, And the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”...

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Tuesday, March 21, 2017

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“Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:20–21).

Can you handle the truth?

I realize I asked this same question in a recent devotional relating to the Holy Spirit. Today, I ask the same, but for a different reason. What if the Lord loved you so much, that He sent a tangible, visible, messenger to you? What if that messenger were His mouthpiece? What if the words spoken by this messenger (or messengers) were actually the Words of God spoken in the full power and authority of the Holy Spirit? This is indeed the case where God’s prophets are concerned. God loves you so much that He sent special messages through the likes of Moses, John, Daniel, and Nehemiah. The holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit and we embrace their writings as manifest in the 66 books, comprising the Old and New Testaments as the Holy Bible.

Interestingly, the Lord loves us so much that when we turn our backs on the Scriptures, He sends remedial messages that agree with the Bible. The prophets our God has called and equipped deliver the messages we need before it’s too late. We have stalwarts like Elisha, Huldah, Nathan, Miriam, Anna, and Enoch whom YHWH saw fit to use to defend His honor and instruct His people that were not among the cast of Bible writers.

Again, can you handle the truth? Can you embrace God’s messages, even when He sends them for correction, reproof, and instruction in righteousness. Can you image that some of God’s people despise prophesyings? Some prefer darkness rather than light. Some are not receptive to prophets in our day, any more than some were during ancient times. The Lord has not stopped using prophets. If we are willing to listen, we will recognize His messages when He’s kind and merciful enough to send them. The prophet Joel foretold that God would use the gift of prophecy in the last days (Joel 2). Paul taught that the church would come behind in no gifts of the Spirit, including prophecy until Jesus returns (1 Corinthians 12-14). John prophesied that God’s true people living during the time of the end would have the spirit of prophecy (Revelation 12:17; Revelation 19:10).

My encouragement to you today is to despise not prophesyings. Hold fast to that which is good. Embrace the blessing of God’s special messages, especially during the last day. Yes, the enemy would love to deceive you. As Jesus taught in Matthew 24, there will be false prophets but we can measure every prophet by the Bible’s primary tests of a true prophet found in 1 John 4:1-3; Galatians 1:8-9; Matthew 7:18-20; & Deuteronomy 18:19-22. We can know by the Spirit whether they honor Christ as divinely equal with God the Father, teach and live according to all the Scriptures, and their prophecies come to pass. This need not be a mystery. We have the Spirit and Word on our side.

Follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Despise not prophesyings. Hold fast to all the truth for our time. Prepare to meet the Lord in peace with those you’ve led to Him for eternal life.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, March 20, 2017

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“But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.” (1 Corinthians 12:11–12).

Let’s get it together, people! E pluribus unum. Out of many, one people. This is the motto of the United States of America. It is prominently placed upon the country’s Great Seal. This motto refers to the nature of uniting many states to form one country. The country has been overrun by partisan politics, pandering, injustice, state vs. federal, and sides-taking. It is fast becoming “a kingdom divided against itself.” If the country does not get itself together soon, there will be a predictable, undesirable outcome.

If ever there were a group of people who needed to adopt this motto, it’s the church; the body of Christ. As in civil society, more so in spiritual society, if we maintain an us vs. them mentality, we will all lose.

The Holy Spirit has given the people of God a holy purpose, which should draw us closely together—the Great Commission. Those who have chosen to become Jesus’ followers are called to reach people headed for eternal ruin and show them the way to salvation. With the calling comes the equipment. The Spirit has given every believer a certain set of gifts, according to His will. And we are called to use those gifts to represent our God and help others unto His glory. God’s kingdom united must stand.

When you have an opportunity, read 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4. Ask God where exactly you fit in, in His kingdom. Ask Him in what ways He would be most honored if you exercised your spiritual gifts. After-all, He’s the One who called and equipped you. The church body needs all hands on deck to finish our mission and welcome the coming King. Are you willing to do your part? Out of many gifts, one mission will be accomplished.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sunday, March 19, 2017

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“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with 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. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” (Revelation 3:20–22).

Are you hungry! Jesus is outside knocking - and He brought dinner!

I recently shared a devotional thought on these verses, so I will not duplicate it. Let’s look at it from a different perspective, shall we? The Christian church is a fellowship of people who love God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. In fact, this is part of what makes it a “fellowship.” As always, here’s a text: “If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7). Walking in the light of God’s Word and being cleansed from all sin draws those with that experience together, and then closer to God. Got it.

The issue is; there are far too many who leave Jesus out on the front stoop knocking on the door, which keeps them out of fellowship. Jesus comes to every soul, through the Agency of the Holy Spirit to bring glad tidings of deliverance from sin. If by the Spirit, we hear His entreaties and let Him in, He will bring dinner. Jesus said, “I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” (John 6:51). He continued, “...Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.” (John 6:53–56).

Clearly, Jesus was not promoting cannibalism. Rather, He was teaching the spiritual principle of communion/fellowship. In the Jew’s tradition, eating with someone showed agreement or an attempt to build a bridge between two parties. Is God doing that today? Is He offering us the privilege of reconciliation? We are sinners. He’s the Savior. Let’s have a meal and talk about this. Beyond this point, Jesus shows we really are what we eat or imbibe. He is offering us everlasting sustenance through imbibing His love, power, and mercy; in contrast to the fleeting energy offered by eating earthly food.

Those who accept Jesus’ invitation to dinner, in this context, have the privilege of His company and guidance on an ongoing basis, until He returns to take His people to heaven for a thousand years. This is commemorated in what Christians call the Lord’s Supper. When we have a relationship with God as briefly described above, and with fellow believers, we commemorate that reality periodically with unfermented grape juice and unleavened bread, in remembrance of Jesus (1 Corinthians 11). The cool thing is that Jesus made a promise before He went to the cross and then heaven after His resurrection. He said to His disciples, “...I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” (Matthew 26:29). The promise was that He would meet His children in His Father’s kingdom one day.

Let’s tie this all together now. Jesus is inviting anyone tired of living in sin, to let Him into your life. If you respond favorably and let Him in to stay, He will bring a fellowship meal of heavenly proportions to sustain you until He comes. He will give you a way to remember Him as you await His...

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sabbath, March 18, 2017

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“And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:15–17).

Imagine the scene: John is baptizing sinners in the Jordan River and teaching them the ways of righteousness. He, no doubt spoke of the coming Messiah whose sandals he was unworthy to unlatch. One day, in fulfillment of an important juncture in the 70-weeks prophecy of Daniel 9, Messiah approaches the banks of the Jordan. Jesus, the Anointed Prince, asked John to baptize Him to signal an embarkation upon His public ministry and set an example as He identified Himself with sinners. Reluctantly, yet humbly, John honored Jesus’ request and the signal of heaven’s approbation manifested before the people to reveal this was indeed the promised Messiah.

What does baptism represent in your mind? Is it an embarrassing dunk in a pool with all eyes on you? Is it a sprinkling of water from a basin in church for babies? Is it a rubbing of a small dot of oil on your forehead? Let me share briefly what the Bible teaches about baptism. It is an outward sign of an inward transformation. Where it is possible to be baptized, it is a blessing of water symbolizing the Spirit’s work to make us holy in God’s sight. It symbolizes death to sin and a resurrection unto righteousness. We bury our allegiance to the devil and selfishness to be raised unto everlasting life. This is part of the reason Bible baptism is by immersion (Romans 6). It symbolizes a complete burial and resurrection.

Have you been baptized by water and the Holy Spirit? If so, are you keeping your commitment to do God’s will as He gives you strength? If you’ve not been baptized, what’s taking you so long? There’s nothing better than surrendering your old, sinful life for a new, holy one. Christ, who is our Righteousness, has given the best example of living in the fullness of the spirit of baptism. If you’re willing to make that commitment right now, let us help you find a Bible believing church where you can do so. Here’s a link. Tell them your friends at Message sent you: https://www.adventist.org/en/utility/find-a-church/ —L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Friday, March 17, 2017

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“And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” (Acts 2:44–47).

Fellowship with God and believers in Jesus Christ is a safe place to be.

People often have difficulty finding a place they belong. This may be why certain country clubs, gangs, cliques, and other exclusive groups exist today. Whether this is so or not, the fact is that we all need a sense of family, fellowship, and belonging to thrive in this life.

Did you know God called out a special group of people who would abandon the world’s evil paradigms for relationships with God and like-minded people? This group is not exclusive. Anybody willing to love God and follow His teachings can join. Though full of flawed people, it is a safe place with Jesus at the helm. This place is called the church. When I say, “place” I am not referring to an address, brick and mortar building, or geographic location. I am referring to a body of believers who love Jesus and are having all their sins washed away.

If you’ve been keeping track, you noticed that I have said God’s church is a safe place, more than once. Here’s what I mean. The Bible says once the Holy Spirit came in His fulness to His awaiting people, they confessed and forsook their sins. They fellowshipped together. They pooled their resources so nobody among them would lack while others had over abundance. To this set of submissive, holy people, God added others for their own spiritual safety. Like the ark of Noah’s day, the true body of believers called “church,” positions all who join, in heart, to be delivered from the condemnation that will destroy all unrepentant sinners and evil spirits one day. I am amazed that God would so esteem a people that He would entrust others into their care for their temporal and eternal good.

Always remember, the church is a supernatural hospital where all believers are recovering sin-a-holics. There will be times we don’t do things as God instructs, there will be trials, there will be difficulties, yet the church is still the apple of YHWH’s eye, whom He will teach the holy principles of His Word. Jesus gave His life so all people could join this blessed fellowship for the purpose of glorifying God’s name in the earth and living eternally in the world to come. The church is a safe place. Come join us and be saved.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Thursday, March 16, 2017

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“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18).

As we await the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, having received His blessed gift of salvation, it is our privilege to continue growing in spiritual strength. Never for a moment should we consider ourselves to have achieved a spiritual plateau and have no need of continued growth in relationship with our God. Whatever level of relationship we now have with Him, there is still infinity beyond.

Just how can we continue to grow in Him? Well, I am so glad you asked. We should strive daily to experience Him in worship, prayer, Bible study, and Christian service. In worship, we experience quietness, joy, perspective, blessings, love, and reverence for God. We learn to be still and learn whatever lessons He desires to share with us during our private times (besides family and corporate settings). You might consider this a time for communing with God while respecting His power, position, and presence. In prayer, we specifically speak our thoughts and communicate our feelings to God. We share our fears, joys, and concerns with God as we would a friend. As in all quality friendships, we must have something to say to God concerning our lives. As in worship, generally, we must be available to hear from God too. We don’t simply unload our thoughts on Him with zero intentions of listening for His voice. Bible study is the predominant voice of God in our day. The Holy Spirit inspired men He made holy, to write the most important principles God wanted to communicate to us. And miraculously, these principles take on specific meanings for each of us during different times in our lives. The Spirit adapts His truth to our experiences for best application. God’s Word often directs us in ways we can be of service to others. Having received so many blessings from God, we are to be on the lookout for ways to bless others. These, among other ways, are beneficial for our growth in Christ and greater understanding of His will.

If we ever remain under the influence of God and mature in His service in these four principal ways, we will be prepared to meet any crises that arise while we await the day Jesus will come in the clouds of glory. Grow in grace. Grow in power. Grow in God’s love. Amen.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)