Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, November 21, 2016

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“I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people. Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: Neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause. For they speak not peace: But they devise deceitful matters against them that are quiet in the land. Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me, And said, Aha, aha, our eye hath seen it. This thou hast seen, O LORD: keep not silence: O Lord, be not far from me. Stir up thyself, and awake to my judgment, Even unto my cause, my God and my Lord.” (Psalm 35:18–23).

Give thanks! Were I to stop right here, you would have gotten one of the most pregnant devotional thoughts you can imagine. God has been so good to us. If you make a list of the many ways God has shown mercy to you when you have sinned, made provision for you when you were in need, shown love t o you when you were least lovable, been kind to you when you were rude to dismissive to others, I am certain that list would easily fill a daily journal in only one day.

Let’s look at giving thanks in the context of today’s scripture focus. The psalmist is encouraging us to be open and honest with our gratitude. He wants us to give thanks among the masses, especially those who also recognize their privilege to thank God. But then he makes an interesting left turn. He begins to focus on the fact that there are people who find pleasure in hatred. They devise evil and deceit where there is peace. I have encountered these folks, and so have you. This vehemence and hatred is increasing. Have you watched the news or left your house lately? They threaten, discriminate against, assault, kill, and disturb the peace. They insult, subjugate, intimidate, and do so with boldness. The Bible writer says the Lord has seen all that evil people plot against us. Is that a reason to give thanks? The fact that our God who is a consuming fire and levies righteous judgment sees and will one day thunder from the heavens and destroy all unrepentant evil is a reason to rejoice.

So as you see justice becoming unequal, love waning, peace scampering away, and liberty being edited out of our governing documents give thanks that God sees and will handle it. Trust Him. In the meantime, give thanks, do your part to be the change of which you seek, and help as many people as possible as the Lord gives you strength. Give thanks.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sabbath, November 19, 2016

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“And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.” (Exodus 25:22)

In the ancient Israelite sanctuary, an apartment called the holy of holies represented the throne room of God. This is where the Ark of the Covenant was housed. The ark had a lid on it called the mercy seat. The Ten Commandment law was kept inside of it under the seat, and there were two cherubs made of gold, one on either side, facing one another. This is where the Lord’s visible presence rested.

When the Lord told Moses that He would commune with him and the children of Israel, from above the mercy seat, between the cherubim, He was communicating something very important. This position was to be understood as a position of power and holiness. Only God Himself dwelt between the cherubim. In the heavenly sanctuary, God’s throne is between the cherubims. It was an honor to have God meet with His people from this exalted position.

God is still willing to meet with us today. He still dwells between the cherubims on His exalted throne (Isaiah 6). Instead of God using a human mediator like Moses, the man Jesus Christ is our only way into the God’s presence. Through the veil, which is Christ, we have access to the throne of God. “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised,” (Hebrews 10:19-23). Through Christ, the Father says, “Welcome from between the cherubims.”—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Thursday, November 17, 2016

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“Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the LORD that sanctify them.” (Ezekiel 20:12).

Sanctification is a serious blessing when you understand what it means for your life.

When God heard the cries of oppression from His people as the Egyptians enslaved them during the days of Moses, He effected their deliverance. Through many miraculous works, He broke the yoke of physical bondage Pharaoh had around their necks and set them free! They were free to live, worship, and move as they pleased.

However, as with all stories of bondage, there was a dark side. The people had become so accustomed to their former slave master’s whip; they continued to live with a slave mentality. When times got rough, they complained and relished the times they lived in Egypt. When they were unsure of what lay around the next corner of their experience, they complained. Even though God showed visible, miraculous signs of His guidance, they often turned their back on Him.

Being the good God He was, He added to the blessing, despite their murmuring. He provided heavenly food, miraculous supplies of water in the desert, and an awareness of rest. And that rest He called Sabbath, which was instituted way back during the creation of the earth, was to be a sign that God was the sanctifier of His people. As I said before, sanctification is a serious blessing when you understand what it means for your life.

Here’s the short version of the story. Like we, God’s people of old were sinful. Like we, they needed Him to deliver them from bondage to sin and an enslaved mindset. Like we, they often needed a sign that consistently demonstrated that God had not forgotten them. Sabbath was that sign. They needed a sign that demonstrated that they were His children, in contrast to all of the others who could not have cared less about God. Sabbath was that sign. They needed a sign that demonstrated that their God was powerful enough, not only to create the universe but also to change them from hopeless sinners into loving saints, free from their sin encumbrances. They had the privilege of worshipping their heavenly Father daily, and the seventh-day Sabbath culminated that experience being the only holy day in the week for them to give complete attention to enjoying time in service to others, and special time with God and family.

What a pity it is that so many of us have forgotten what God said to remember. Could it be that if we asked Him to teach us to remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy, it would serve to commemorate our deliverance from sin and shame? It’s Thursday, why not ask God to prepare your heart over the next couple of days so you can be ready to celebrate your relationship with God on His holy day this coming Saturday. It’s an experience like no other if you surrender your heart to Him.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Wednesday, November 16, 2016

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“Even every one that is called by my name: For I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.” (Isaiah 43:7).

So here’s the thing: not many people understand why they are here. Maybe you are one of them. Perhaps you cannot figure out why you keep moving from one bad relationship to another. Perhaps you cannot understand why every job you get is more like a dead end street. Perhaps you sail aimlessly through your days (and nights) trying to figure out why you’re unfulfilled. Could it be that you simply do not understand your calling? And when I speak of your calling, I am talking about the most basic sense of the word. No, I am not going to string together a bunch of fanciful phrases, speak loudly and passionately about your purpose, or tell you to touch three people and say…[you fill in the blank] to get you engaged and the sell you something overpriced. I need you to pull in closely and hear the whisper coming from the page. Are you ready? If you want to end the cycle of (un)fulfillment, aimless living, and having more questions about your life than answers, you must understand and embrace that you were created by God to bring Him glory. That’s it! The million dollar answer today is bringing God glory.

How does the sun glorify God? The sun warms the earth and plays an incredible role in plant growth (at the very least). How do natural fruits, nuts, grains, and vegetables glorify God? They provide vital nutrition to all who consume them. How does the sky glorify Him? It provides a vast playground for all of God’s flying creatures, manifests the expanse of His creative power, and even displays the amazing covenantal rainbow following heavy rain that reminds us of God’s promises. All that I hastily mentioned, and more, consistently function within the realm of their calling and thus provide benefit to God’s created order.

In the same way unintelligent nature honor God by fulfilling their roles within the larger scheme, you, too, can honor God. How does a human being bring best bring glory to God? You do so by first making it a habit to ask God that question as many times as it comes to mind, every day. Ask God how you can serve Him. Ask Him what He wants you to do for others. Ask Him what His plans are for you every day. Submit your plans for His approval or rejection. Seek His guidance from the Bible. Ask Him to teach you to apply what you read to everything you do. Let the light of your deep connection to God shine from your life to the point that, those that see you cannot help but marvel at how good God is. Surrender your will to God, to the point that people will be amazed how much you are transformed from day-to-day. People will marvel at how well you do your daily tasks. They will marvel at the amount of sage advice you provide. If you remain submitted to God’s leading, people will marvel at how well you handle the trials you are called upon to endure.

If you want to be fulfilled, make it your daily focus and study to honor God in all you think, say, and do. Sound too simple? Give it a try. Let God pour His wisdom into your mind and be amazed at the clarity you will experience.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Tuesday, November 15, 2016

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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 Monday, November 14, 2016

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“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:1–2).

I don’t know if you realize it or not, but we are living during the closing moments of earth’s history! Depending on your perspective, this fact can be either encouraging or horrifying. The truth is that no matter your perspective, Jesus is, in fact, coming soon. We all must decide how the fact will impact our daily lives.

If you’ve ever prepared for an exam or court date, you have walked the fine line between preparation and nervous anticipation, to be sure. Often what made the difference was just how prepared you were. Did you give adequate attention to the details? Did you invest sufficient time? Did you get the help necessary to represent your best work or case? At some point, we all must simply resign ourselves to the outcome.

What if life were like an exam or court date? What if the outcome were predictable? What if all fear could be eradicated? What if our position could be firmed up with a simple, daily exercise that would guarantee success? It seems simple enough; however, human pride often gets in the way. Are you ready for life-changing advice? Submit! Resign yourself! Surrender your outcomes to God.

Paul’s advice to offer ourselves to God is essential as we prepare to see Jesus one day because it is the only way we will be insulated against conforming to the world’s paradigm of hatred, racism, war, malice, impurity, fear, and all other forms of evil. Those who submit self to God every moment of the day can rest in the confidence that He will transform us. He will teach us His Word and give us pure thoughts. He will respond to our prayers with the best options regarding every aspect of our lives. He will teach us how to rescue people from eternal death. He will renew our mindset as we see the world spiraling out of control, realizing we must remain helpful to others and faithful to His plan for our lives. Enduring success in this life, in preparation for the life to come depends on our willingness to remain receptive to God’s paradigm as He perfects our characters in love.

Submit your nervous energy to God and do not allow the endless bad news cycle to discourage you. Allow Him to motivate you to do your part of manifesting His kingdom wherever you go as you await the arrival of the coming King.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Thursday, November 10, 2016

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“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.” (1 Timothy 2:1–7).

The adage, “If we ever needed the Lord before, we sure do need Him now” is becoming less cliché every day. The United States of America has just concluded a historic election cycle on so many levels, which I will not expound here; except to say that much about it was unusual, to say the least. And not only that, while there are obviously masses of people who voted and their favorite candidate Mr. Trump has become President-Elect, others are less than enthused about the outcome and are demonstrating in the streets.

The question that must be answered, for those people living in the last days (that’s us in case you didn’t catch that) is, “Where do we go from here?” Obviously, every statement and question has context, and in this regard, I would like to offer laser focus. Much can be said at this point; however, considering that the citizenry has participated in the electoral process and the outcome has been determined, how should God’s people respond, specifically, to our leaders regardless of our happiness or angst regarding said outcome? I have a colleague who often says that I give the answers that many do not want to hear. And she says this whenever the issue is controversial, and my answer is biblical. The Word always gives guidance to those who will listen. Thus, I provide just a bit of encouragement to those willing to hear.

I, with Paul, urge you to pray for all people (me too). Ask God to help them. Would you agree that we all need help as we grapple with the effects of the election? Would you agree that whether you support red, blue, or neither, that we need a word from the Lord in answer to prayer? Do we need God to heal our relationships?

Further, I, with Paul say that we absolutely MUST pray for all who are in authority or are moving into positions of power in the coming months. We need peace in our hearts, lives, communities, diplomatic relationships, and halls of justice. We must never take our prayer responsibility lightly; else we will all be compelled to live with the catastrophic outcome of prayer-less government. Our officials must be covered in sincere prayer that they may be able to govern with dignity and guard the sacred principles of justice and freedom of conscience. Do not fall asleep at the wheel while the most important decisions this world has ever faced are being made in official meetings to which most of us will never be invited. God will be there. Will you ask Him to intervene?

Ultimately, this is God’s timely message, given to all who are willing to listen. Jesus paid a hefty penalty on the cross to purchase our right to pray and be heard in heaven at a time many feel like they are not being heard otherwise. Exercise your right and responsibility to pray, especially now. Do not let merriment, apathy, the drunkenness of mind, ignorance, or anything else cause you to neglect your duty. Let your voice be heard (in heaven), in Jesus’ name.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Tuesday, November 8, 2016

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“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good…Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” (Romans 13:1–7, NIV).

This is our big chance! We have the privilege to obey God by submitting to civil authority (inasmuch as that authority does not require us to disobey God) and participate in selecting the highest body of said authority through voting. It is such a blessing that, unlike countries whose citizens cannot participate in the electoral process, Americans can. We can actually effect change on all levels of our governance with prayer, education, determination, and vote.

I am not naïve by any stretch; I assure you. Most would agree that many broken pieces just do not fit well in our governance puzzle. However, YHWH presides over all. He sees all. He knows all. He understands all. He judges all. Therefore, it is our responsibility to participate in civil governance, and our elected officials must subject themselves to God. Did you get that? We are responsible to our God to submit to His divinely ordered civil authorities, and they must submit to Him for just use of their authority. It’s a two-way street. We all must do our part for the process to function optimally and for God to be glorified. Do not exclude yourself from the process. What if one million people said, “I am only one person; my vote doesn’t matter”?

So, today’s message is to pray fervently, vote responsibly, govern justly, and trust God completely. Peace.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, November 7, 2016

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“Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven. Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: For wisdom and might are his: And he changeth the times and the seasons: He removeth kings, and setteth up kings: He giveth wisdom unto the wise, And knowledge to them that know understanding: He revealeth the deep and secret things: He knoweth what is in the darkness, And the light dwelleth with him.” (Daniel 2:19–22).

Today I think it more than appropriate to share a bit of unconventional wisdom at this critical time in earth’s history.

As the world looks on, the United States of America is preparing to elect its next president (simple enough). In the minds of many, the U.S. has represented freedom and a hopeful “by the people” approach to governance. Despite the many tribulations, wars, and travesties of justice (and there have been far too many), this country that the prophet John saw coming out of a sparsely populated place also represented hope to those who wanted to worship according to their conscience and not the prescribed dogma, which supplanted the Bible in Papal religion (Revelation 13:11).

Indeed, either Lady Justice has secretly peeked by her blindfold at times, or we have locked her in a room so she could not balance the scales in favor of the right, but the God of justice is still watching. Indeed, many have chosen to manipulate our duly ordained system of government to dictate how religion must act, feel, or from where it may originate for it to be “acceptable.” Yet, God still holds out mercy, so we will hopefully see that there is a pure religion that helps the helpless and refuses to subjugate conscience. With these and other complexities we must continue struggle. For these and other complexities we must cast our votes on the side of righteousness.

I know many are now trying to forecast where I am going with this. Let me help you. Far be it from me to say one or the other candidate or party is the “holy” choice, so let’s get that straight. However, what is holy is our obligation to pray as we, in the spirit of Romans 13, lend our support to the authorities and powers who answer to God, whether they realize it or not. What is holy is our obligation and privilege to vote on the side of freedom and justice for all, despite the temptation to throw up our hands in frustration. What if our forbearers gave up the fight when the going got tough during the Civil War? What if our forbearers gave up the fight when they shed their blood in the struggle rule to ourselves, by ourselves, independent of monarchical rule? What if our forbearers gave up the fight as they marched, sat it, boycotted, gave their lives, watched loved ones maimed during the Civil Rights Movement?

Are things perfect? The answer is obvious. However, we must choose, against weariness, apathy, hate, frustration, and anything else, to be the change of which we seek. We must continually make our voices known, if not for us, for those who will live after we are gone. It must not be said that we gave up the fight. Moreover, as is highlighted in our theme text, YHWH is active in the process! I know this is hard to believe, especially when it seems some of our politicians are averse to God’s counsel. Yet, Nebuchadnezzar, Darius, and many others have historically come onto, and passed off the scene well under the providence of God. Despite the ills our earth has suffered under the rule of evil kings, despots, and rulers, God has not turned His back. Despite the fact that some politicians make poor choices (just like Israel did when they sought an earthly king to replace God), He has been gracious enough to work with people to bring about His will.

One day soon, all earthly governments will...

Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Friday, November 4, 2016

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“I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:” (Philemon 1:10).

It is a beautiful letter. Paul wrote to Philemon, his son in the gospel, about another son named Onesimus. In the past, apparently Onesimus did not provide the kind of support or stability that Philemon would have expected from a brother in Christ. For a period of time Paul took Onesimus under his wing, and by his strong influence and the power of the Holy Spirit, Onesimus became profitable; so much so, that Paul wanted to keep him nearby to minister to himself. He continued his letter by asking Philemon to receive dear brother Onesimus, regardless of his past.
This story is compelling for a number of reasons. One reason in particular is that it shows the forgiving nature of God. Paul understood what it was to have a partner in ministry that was a hindrance. He and John Mark had a schism between them for similar reasons. In all of this, Paul was willing to nurture Onesimus and now recommended him highly that he might return to Philemon. Regardless of the past situation, Paul expected that his son in the gospel would gladly receive his brother. The part of the story I find most encouraging is when Paul offered to repay Onesimus’ debt. “If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account; I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.” Philemon 1:17-19. Paul assumed the position as the wrongdoer in the place of Onesimus. Does this remind you of anything?
Jesus has done all that He could to recommend us for eternal life. Regardless of the sin debts that we have incurred, He was willing to assume them all and take them in His flesh to Calvary. Having become our sin, He paid the penalty for all of our sins. Those who accept His sacrifice by faith are received into the family of God. It is a blessing to have a wonderful Savior willing and able to give us all a second chance.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)