Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Thursday, February 2, 2017

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“At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellers and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me. Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.” (Daniel 4:36–37).

We don’t know enough to count anyone out! What we see in others, even if we recognize a tree by its spiritual fruit, is a tiny snapshot, limited by human perceptions.
Enter almighty king Nebuchadnezzar.
According to the Bible record and ancient history, Nebuchadnezzar was a narcissistic, egotistical, bloodthirsty cry baby who required things to be done his way and no other. If you crossed him, you could kiss your life and the lives of your whole family goodbye. Remember I said that we don’t know enough to count anyone out.
Over the course of the king’s reign, God sent multiple messages, dreams, experiences, and encounters with godly people to get the king’s attention. It’s critical to note here that God knows how to get our attention. Has He ever gotten your attention? When you have an opportunity, please read Daniel chapters one through four, giving particular attention to chapter four.
When most of the opportunities God gave the king, to see the error of his ways fell short, due to the king’s ego, God, in the words of celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse, kicked “it up a notch.” He made king Nebuchadnezzar a captive audience for seven perfect years to show him that, while he had the world in the palm of his monarchical hand, he was merely a steward of what God entrusted to him. God taught him humility. He taught him to abandon self-reliance. He taught him not to trust in human devising or machinery. In short, God taught the king how to worship his creator and finally give Him the glory. Remember I said that we don’t know enough to count anyone out.
Our heavenly Father is not willing that any of us should perish, but that all of us should come to repentance. He wants every human being to be saved! The sooner we recognize that, especially if we have already surrendered our lives to Him, will be the sooner we pray for all we see going down the wrong path. We must learn to see others as God does. Do you realize that the devil loves division? Do you realize that human beings are more alike than we are different? The devil would have us magnify our differences and use them as a way to hate, murder, impugn, and malign each other. While it is true that some of us have apparently lost our minds and embraced evil, we must remember that all have sinned and come short of God’s glory. While we were yet sinners, Jesus died for the ungodly.
So when you are tempted to state the obvious about those who display less than sterling character traits, please choose rather to follow the mandate of Matthew 5:43-45. And for heaven’s sake, and the sake of your own soul, please, please, do not count anyone out. Ask king Nebuchadnezzar when he wakes up. He will have quite a story to tell.
Let those with ears, hear what the Lord is saying, right here and right now.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Tuesday, January 31, 2017

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“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.” (2 Peter 1:20)

The country’s forefathers, with the intent of protecting the liberties that many gave their lives to protect, framed the Constitution of the United States. Many wars, both foreign and domestic, were waged to bring a sense of freedom and justice to all. A countless number of hours, days, weeks, months, and years have been spent in spirited discussion regarding the interpretation of the principles on which the Constitution was built. Whenever there is a societal shift warranting reexamination of the Constitution, the intent of the framers of this document is hotly debated. This is discouraging at times, because interpretation can be elusive even with an army of Constitutional Law attorneys.
With terrorism on the rise, civil and religious liberties are more frequently subjects of discussion. Critical questions regarding possible changes to the United States Constitution, in light of the increasing attacks and threats, are being posed daily. The difficulty arises when groups of high ranking officials of every sort attempt to interpret the intent of the framers. How can an understanding of intent be arrived at with any certainty when the ones who collectively devised the document are resting in the grave? It is impossible to be one hundred percent certain concerning some of these complex issues so they do their best.
Fortunately, it is different with Scripture. God has given us the Bible as the only rule and guide for life. Many attempt to reinterpret the words written therein, but God has made Himself very clear on this matter. “Knowing this first that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.” (2 Peter 1:20). He settled for all time the standard by which we must abide in order to arrive at godly intent. “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2 Peter 1:21). The same Holy Spirit that inspired God’s holy men to write His instructions in the Bible, also brings understanding to sincere seekers for truth. “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” (John 7:17). Not one word of Scripture is left up to individuals to interpret for themselves. The Lord will lead all who sincerely search for Him into all truth.
It is a blessing to know that the Bible is not like any other document. God does not leave us to grope in darkness in search for His divine intentions. He guides us by the power of the Holy Spirit to know His will. Pray that we will become more acquainted with the Spirit of God in order to know His will for our lives.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sabbath, January 28, 2017

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“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10).

“STOP THIEF!”

“He took my faith!” He stole my joy! He took my peace! He stole my willingness to see God’s blessings!”

“STOP THIEF!”

The thief has but one purpose—to take what does not belong to him.

I find it intriguing that Jesus would use the destructive elements of thievery to describe Satan. He did not mince words, speak a cryptic parable, or teach an extended spiritual message this time. Jesus went right down the line and called his enemy by his proper title—THIEF! The question is: will you allow the devil to continue to take what is not his? Will you continue to allow him to destroy your peace of mind? Will you continue to yield your joy through lack of prayer? Will you continue to allow him to snatch your wisdom through lack of careful Bible study? STOP THIEF! Will you continue to allow the devil to swipe your connection with God?

In stark contrast to the devil’s thieving ways is the sterling character of God. Jesus gives abundant life! All He takes from us when we yield to Him is anything that hinders eternal life. He takes restlessness and gives rest. He takes the fear and gives love. He takes pride and gives humility. He takes death to give eternal life. He takes uncontrollable urges to sin and gives the power of the Holy Spirit. He takes uncertainty and gives hope. What’s not to love about such a generous Saviour?

Are you willing to surrender your life to God, especially in these last days, to stop a thief? I hope so! The sooner you do, you will be able to help others in the same way, preparing for the day God finally eliminates him and his thieving ways forever.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Thursday, January 26, 2017

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“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.” (Romans 8:14–16, NLT).

Do you have your daddy’s eyes? Do you walk like him? Do you speak like Him? Do you like the same things he likes?

Rubbish daytime television shows abound where the only plot is who really fathered those children. The women who are guests secretly have multiple sexual partners, they pick one and say “He’s the daddy.” The trouble is, that is not always the case. Sometimes they spin around, and around blindfolded, and pin the responsibility on the wrong guy. The drama-thirsty crowd awaits the on-site reveal of the paternity test results to determine if the guy they see at the moment really is the daddy. The oohs and ahhs of the crowd are deafening regardless of the results because somebody got some explaining to do.

Far from a tabloid television set is the heavenly drama being played out. We all were born of the flesh, and if somebody does not step in and do something fast, we are going to die. But God, as always, has a plan. He manifests the greatest power the world has ever known, in the Person and work of the Holy Spirit. As the Spirit woos us into a holy relationship with God, a miracle takes place in the lives of those who accept. A supernatural paternity exchange happens. The Spirit leads willing people through all of the difficulties, trials, and triumphs of life, and we become God’s children through adoption. Moreover, we begin to take on the characteristics of our Father, and there is not need to conduct a paternity test. We don’t need to fear the unknown as scores of gossip-thirsty viewers await the news. No. God stands up proudly and accepts us in the name of His beloved Son, and power of the blessed Holy Spirit. We begin to walk like Him. We smile at things He enjoys. We begin to think like He thinks. We eat, drink, and enjoy doing things that He would approve. We look just like Him. When people hear us speak, it’s really His voice they discern. We are children of the heavenly King!

If you like that God welcomes you into His family with open arms, there is just one thing left to do. Accept Him! Accept your freedom from fear of rejection. Accept your freedom from slavery to sin. Accept the blessing to call Him, “Daddy.” Accept His constant affirmation of His love. Accept the constant companionship of Jesus Christ through the agency of the Holy Spirit who gives you the power to continue in this relationship until He comes.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, January 23, 2017

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“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:26–27).

You are not alone!

I don’t know if you have ever thought of this or not; or to what degree you have thought of this, but God has done so much to provide comfort, peace, and heavenly companionship for His people. Many of us feel lonely, especially when we have chosen to accept the responsibility of living holy lives amidst the wickedness of this world. Our senses are bombarded with sights and sounds that are antithetical to godliness. Yet, we must continue to function and thrive through it all. Coworkers, friends, family members, and strangers we encounter are not always helpful in this area, and this is not to mention the confluence of all this in social media, but God has promised to be with us.

That being said, I would like to direct your attention to one special way God has chosen to keep this promise to us. As you can see in our theme text, our heavenly Father has sent the Holy Spirit as our constant divine Helper to do many things for us. Among them are:
1.Represent Jesus
2.Teach us all things needful for this life in preparation for the life to come
3.Prevent spiritual amnesia concerning whatever Jesus has told us
4.Give us peace
5.Inoculate us against the viruses of fear and a troubled spirit
All of this, and more, has God given in the Person and work of the Holy Sprit.

You do not need to fear when the world seems to be getting crazier by the moment. You do not need to be troubled as though God is going to leave things that way. You can understand how to navigate the maze of constant bad news in media, governmental debates and endless policy discussions, distress among the nations, etc. You can have peace as these things get worse everyday you awaken. Why? How? You are not alone! The Spirit is with you. He is prepared to bring divine aid anywhere, and at anytime.

So, do not be fearful. Do not embrace loneliness. God is with you, and He will guide you until Jesus returns if you let Him.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sunday, January 22, 2017

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“He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:20).

In a whirlwind of prophecies, warnings, and sprinklings of encouragement, at the behest of Jesus Christ, the angel showed John things that would shortly come to fruition. Frankly, once the angel was done and John saw all he was permitted to see there was only one viable position the aged prophet could take—“Lord Jesus, come!”

That’s how many of us feel right now. The last several years have been rife with foreign and domestic wars, deteriorating human relations, injustice, government infighting, and religious deception on a level this planet has never known. I suppose one could argue that the Dark Ages or the times of Lot and Noah were similar. However, those times, while similar did not have the full sunshine of truth we now have. Yes, the Lord made Himself known in those times, but we now have the fullness of revelation and the Spirit is further awakening willing people’s understanding. This is what makes these days more ominous. The masses are moving farther and farther from God with the greatest availability of His principles ever. The devil is redoubling his efforts to place the virtual reality goggles of deception over the eyes of millions.

Let all who want God’s kingdom to come, and His will to be done, please submit to God, learn the prophecies, warn people of the judgments that will soon break forth on the earth so that they can be spared. Our God is not willing that any should perish. He wants all to come into a saving relationship with Him. Will you covenant to do your part to that end? Jesus is coming sooner than we believe. Are you planning to be ready?—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Friday, January 20, 2017


“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18).

“Let’s be practical!” “I don’t want to hear that right now!” “People are hurting!”

There are times in each of our lives when we feel that things cannot get any worse. We feel like we are the only ones facing trials even though we know we are not. We are sad and discouraged because society seems to have lost its collective mind. The problems we have cannot be solved with two pills and seeing the doctor in the morning. They cannot be resolved if we throw more money at them. They will not suddenly disappear if we rally, march, or manifest civil disobedience in the public square. That is not to say we don’t try, with everything we have to find comfort amid turmoil; strength amid struggle; comfort amid conflict. Yet, all of our human efforts fall woefully short of their target—to create the peace for which we long.

If God’s Word is not practical, in the grand scheme, what is? If we close our ears to the One who can provide true comfort and peace as we await the Coming of our Lord to what/whom will we listen, and to what end? If in our pain we cannot find solace in the One who is acquainted with our sorrows and grief, in whom will we find solace?

The apostle Paul understood affliction, trials, pain, and overwhelming conflicts. He understood shipwreck, abuse, running for one’s life, physical maladies. He understood disenfranchisement, marginalization, and being castigated for no reason except that he existed. Yet, it was Paul who said, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 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 4:17–18).

He’s also the one, when God would not give him the answers to his prayers he initially desired, who said, “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9–10).

Thus I ask you to do yourself a favor: ask God to give you new perspective today. Ask Him to show you how to manage when things are not going well in your life or larger society. When you are weak, distrustful, upset, in pain, etc., you have access to a God whose strength is magnified in your weakness. He is still a very present help during our troubles. Troubles won’t last always, and while you struggle through yours, God is prepared to give you strength as you cope.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Wednesday, January 18, 2017

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“Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” (Proverbs 27:1).

I have been quite guilty of being covetous. When I was a child, I watched television shows like Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, wishing in many ways that I were one of the people featured there. Even today, while watching three episodes in particular, of Extreme Engineering, when they featured homes, yachts, and jets, I wanted to own many of them myself. Many of the people living in the so-called lap of luxury had little regard for God. Wine sipping, extravagant parties, and extreme vacations seemed to rule their lives. Although I did not covet that aspect, I did want to have access to the riches. They often made long-term plans to do all sorts of things that the Lord would not approve of. It occurred to me that tomorrow is not promised.

People all over the world, not just the rich and famous, make plans far into the future. On one hand, it is good to have goals and aspirations, but these should be tempered by the will of God. James said it this way: “Go to now, ye that say, Today or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.” (James 4:13-16).

As we prepare for the future, we must always consult the Lord. Covetousness often leads people to unhealthy aspirations without the consideration of God. Some seek to gain wealth and riches at any cost. I am blessed that the Lord has kept me from that and teaches me contentment everyday. I now look forward to the coming of the greatest reward known to humankind. I look forward to the coming of Jesus Christ. If we constantly look forward to that spectacular event and allow God to prepare us, we will not be ruled by earthly devising. We will not foolishly prepare to make ourselves comfortable on this sin-cursed earth.

Pray that the Lord will give us the spirit of contentment. Pray that we will learn to arrange our plans to fit into God’s will, rather than boasting on our great plans for the future.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, January 16, 2017

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“When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay. Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?” (Ecclesiastes 5:4–6).

God knows us! This should go without saying, but it bears repeating. God knows us.

For whatever reasons, we often have high hopes and lofty intentions. We often also make bold declarations regarding our lives. "I will lose 20 pounds this year. I will stop smoking. I will begin to return a faithful tithe and generous offering. I will stop eating late at night." We are accustomed to vowing to do all manner of things. And unfortunately, we are also accustomed to breaking our vows.

What if we vow to surrender our lives to God? What if we vow to help somebody who’s going through financial problems? What if we vow to love, honor, and cherish a spouse before God and in the presence of 200 witnesses? How seriously must we take these vows? Further, if we should break our promises, should we backpedal and make excuses? The answer is obvious.

God knows us, and it is, for this reason, He counsels us not to take making promises lightly, especially to Him. Yes, we do sometimes make mistakes or encounter unforeseen circumstances. God is well able to redeem our broken promises. It is, however, imperative that we do not take our promises for a joke, to be broken on a whim.

Ask God to keep His promise to write His laws in your heart so you can keep your promises, and your word can be your bond. God knows us and loves us. Let us show our love to Him in surrender and commitment. Amen.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sabbath, January 14, 2017

“I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.” (Exodus 20:2).

The Lord patiently led the children of Israel out of Egyptian bondage. With tender love, He listened to their grumblings even though they should have been praising Him. He knew that they would not always follow His plans for them, yet He remained faithful. Part of His liberation plan included a written revelation of ten principles governing His will. After releasing them from the wicked bonds of Pharaoh, He wanted them to receive a level of freedom that they could only receive from Him. He wanted them to be free to worship with all their hearts. How could they be certain that He was able to expand on their freedom? He gave them a point of reference. He identified Himself as the Lord that had just released them from Egyptian slavery. They knew without a doubt that it was only by the grace of God that they were free. God wanted to associate their physical freedom with the spiritual freedom they would receive as they lived within the safeguard of His Law.

In the words following His proclamation that He released them from Pharaoh, God began to speak His incredible ten words. As He etched His will in sapphire stone for all to see, He would also write His Laws on their hearts and in their minds if they were willing to have faith in Him. His Ten Commandments would then become ten promises. As He promised that He would free them from Pharaoh, He promised that if they loved Him, they would have no other gods before Him. He promised, if they loved Him that they would not kill or steal. Every Commandment became a promise to those who chose to live for Him.

As the Lord brings the light of His will for our lives, we may think that His way is too difficult, but we must learn from the Israelites. The deliverance from Egypt that they needed was no easy process. In fact, if it were left to the people, it would have been impossible, yet the Lord prevailed over their enemies. The blessing is that all of the inherited and cultivated tendencies toward evil that we have are obstacles that the Lord will surmount as well. As He demonstrated to His people of old, He is able to utterly vanquish the enemy. When we receive His power by faith, he enables us to satisfy Him. He empowers us with His Spirit and makes promises to us as well. As we remain in step with Him, we walk on from victory to victory. It does not come without struggle, but the Lord does keep His promises.

Remember that the same God, who delivered Israel and brought them through the Red Sea on dry ground, is able to make His Commandments living principles in each of our lives. If we still need a point of reference on which to build our faith, we need look no further than Calvary. It was at Calvary that Jesus bore every one of our sins and died in our place. At Calvary, the beginning of His plan of redemption was revealed. He demonstrated His ability to bury past sins, and early on Sunday morning, when He arose from the tomb, He demonstrated His power to make us alive in Him. Praise the Lord for these blessed points of reference!

Accept God’s promise to keep you holy no matter what happens today.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)