Michael Harrison's e-devotion

  It is a new year with all that brings.  Some are making resolutions.  Some are planning for changes or challenges.  All the while we have an opportunity to keep on living.  For Christians we choose to renew our faith and strengthen what we know already. I challenged our church yesterday to make some specific choices that bring us closer to God.  In fact I believe that when we choose to discipline ourselves and put God first, the outcome will bring great results. Philippians 3:13-14  NLT   No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. I asked the church to think about 1.  Three specific things to do.  All three will remind us that we mean business with God and our faith. Choose 1.  One meal.  One hou...

  There are too many to name.  The list really would go on and on, but humor me (if you need to).   Here are just a few of my favorite things.  Well, favorite Christmas things.  Some might not feel like Christmas, but they are to me.  Read on, and may the God who gave us His perfect Son guide us in to His Marvelous Light!!!! Matthew 1:21  NLT   And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. Verse 3 of “Silent Night” Silent night, holy night, Son of God, love's pure light Radiant beams from Thy holy face, With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth. Micah 5:2  NLT   But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah.  Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past, will come from you on my behalf. This one came alive even more this month after I visited Israel. Verse 1 of “Joy to the ...

  I have a verse that runs through my head and heart often.  This must mean that God wants to use it in me or remind me of something.  What do you think?  John 1:14  NASB “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” I love this Christmas song: Emmanuel, Emmanuel…His name is called Emmanuel. God with us. Revealed in us. His name is called Emmanuel. WORD in the flesh --- God gave His verse best to be all we needed! Saw HIS Glory --- Just like the Shepherds saw with the angels and the wisemen saw in the star Only begotten from the FATHER --- Jesus was all God and all man. The best Christmas gift we can ever receive. Full of GRACE and TRUTH --- the things that we want to be full of, especially at Christmas time. Pray a prayer like this … Father, thank you for Christmas as you gave us Jesus in the flesh as we now enjoy Your glory.  Fill us with your truth and grace....

  Christmas is 1 week away away.  Focus on truth that keep us celebrating the real meaning of this season.    Let me remind us that none of the things we deal each day change who our God is and what He can do.  God is still working, He is still God completely, and God is still the hope of the world.   Matthew 1:21-23  NASB She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.”   Isaiah 9:6  NASB For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.   Jesus, because He will save His people.     Immanuel...

  It is about 1 week till Christmas.  We have so much to be thankful for.  PLUS this is one of those times of the year that we might miss the meaning of the season, its celebration and making much of our God if we are not careful.   With that said I would like to remind us what God tells us about Christmas.  It is all about Jesus, the gift God gave us.  His purpose is clear.  He was looked for.  He is followed and worthy of following.  That is true for me, and I pray it is true for you.   Here are some reminders…   Genesis 12:3  NIV “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”   Isaiah 7:14  NIV Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.   Isaiah 9:6-7  NIV For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his should...

  Christmas is a time for giving, but we think of it more as a time of getting and giving with those closest to us.  Yet there are opportunities all around.  That is why today I want to point out some of those ways and places where you can give. 1 John 3:17  NLT   If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? We are blessed so we can bless others.  Whether that is money or food or time or words of encouragement.  Use what you have to serve others. Homeless friends and those living in poverty.  This time of year with the cold weather we are reminded often of the needs around us.  Go to the shelter and give.  Give your time to serve.  Give a meal to feed the hungry.  Give money to help the program continue. Needs around the world and people are lost.  People in need Jesus.  Give your money so missionaries can serve, go further,...