Michael Harrison's e-devotion

Isn't that the name of a book?  Yep, it is.  And in my humble opinion, a strange book and story.  Yet I love the title.  Always have.   You see we ought to have great expectations of God.  In the past two months I have asked God and seen that people with low expectations of God usually experience little of God's bigness.  And He is a big God.  Do you ever wander why you see other people and churches blessed when you or your church is not?  Maybe it is because you don't have great expectations of your God.  He is big!   Ephesians 3:20  (nlt) --- Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.   Romans 4:21  (nlt) --- He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. Daniel 2:47  (nlt) --- The king said to Daniel, "Truly, your God is the greatest of gods, the Lord over kings, a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this secre

There is one guy in Scripture that I cannot get mind off of and God seems to keep calling him to my attention.  Who?  Gideon.  Lets take a little look at part of God's call on his life...   Judges 6:11-16  (nlt) --- Then the angel of the L ord came and sat beneath the great tree at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash of the clan of Abiezer. Gideon son of Joash was threshing wheat at the bottom of a winepress to hide the grain from the Midianites. 12 The angel of the L ord appeared to him and said, "Mighty hero, the L ord is with you!"   13 "Sir," Gideon replied, "if the L ord is with us, why has all this happened to us? And where are all the miracles our ancestors told us about? Didn't they say, 'The L ord brought us up out of Egypt'? But now the L ord has abandoned us and handed us over to the Midianites."   14 Then the L ord turned to him and said, "Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midian

Do you feel like like and your circumstances drain the life out of you?  Are you living on fumes?   Too many people live life off of an empty tank and with no energy when God intends for us to live out of the overflow and to be enjoying life.  I am not talking about the old thought of 'party while you can', but what I am thinking and sharing is that we need to be living life to the max.  Living out of the overflow is a huge deal.   Psalm 23:5  (nlt) --- You prepare a feast for mein the presence of my enemies.  You honor me by anointing my head with oil.  My cup overflows with blessings.   John 10:10  (nasb) --- The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. Another way to explain this thought ... are you a thermometer or a thermostat?  One tells you what the temperature is while the other sets the temperature.  Christians ought to be the ones that set the scene and the fun and temperatur of life

 

This is the last chapter and the finale of our Chase the Lion series.  It has been a great ride that encouraged The Community big time.    One of the biggest ideas from the small group study is the question of God-consciousness and Self-consciousness.  As humans we are more worried about self than God any time.  Take for example what the Garden of Eden was like before Adam and Eve sinned.  They were unaware that they were naked and knew only what it was like to be in fellowship and OK with God.  Sin caused them and all humanity to fall away from God, to be separated from God.   We need to understand what it is to fully trust God.  Surrendering to God is what we will be talking about this coming weekend at The Community.  In fact, my precious wife will be sharing on Sunday.  Pray for her.   The idea of looking foolish means you will do anything God wants you to do no matter if your reputation is gone or your imagine is marred or if people think you are stupid or foo

The Community faces the conclusion of our Chase the Lion series this weekend.  This has been an awesome at how we have to be ready for the places God leads us to.   Again, the study is about Benaiah, who killed a lion.  The story is in 2 Samuel 23:20-23 .  This man's bravery led Benaiah to be King David's guard.  So, w hat does a lion chaser look like?  Here are the last of the characteristics we have talked about:     He faces fears .   Fear keeps us from following God.  Fear keeps us from seeing what God wants us to see.  Fear makes us more and more like the world.  Understanding this we have to come to grips with the truth that natural (opposite of spiritual) people live out of fear with neutralizes them and fills their life with guilt.  The other side of that is supernatural people (those who follow God) live by faith and find God giving them energy and centering their lives around His grace.  Kick fear to the curb and let faith rule.   Romans 12:

Read this post from Alan Cross, and pray for his special son, Caelan.  My heart goes out to his family. http://www.downshoredrift.com/downshoredrift/2008/02/caelans-cancer.html

We have gotten excited at The Community during our Chase the Lion series.  It ends this weekend, but I want to remind you of what we have been talking about.  Life has purpose.  God has a plan for each of us, and being part of His plan takes faith, courage and confidence in God.  This is so good.   The study begins talking about this dude, Benaiah, that killed a lion.  We know very little about him except what 2 Samuel 23:20-23 has to say.  Because of his accomplishments, King David appointed Benaiah to be his best guard.  No small task at all.   What does a lion chaser look like?  Here are the characteristics we have talked about:   He defies the odds .   "Lion chasers don't try to avoid situations where the odds are against them.  Lion chasers know that impossible odds set the stage for amazing miracles."   (Batterson, Chase the Lion page 9)   Ever felt like odds are stacked against you?  Read Benaiah's story ( 2 Samuel 23:20-23 ) and

Below are two clips with David Tyree of the New York Giants.  People are saying he made the greatest catch in Super Bowl history this year.  Whatever you want to call it, the catch he made enabled the Giants to continue moving the ball and to eventually score the winning touchdown. This man's faith is clear.  Watch these videos and see for yourself (special thanks to my big brother for sending them my way):   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmP9Fx-se8o   interview with David Tyree before the Super Bowl   http://youtube.com/watch?v=CC7AMpli4f8&feature=related here he is speaking after the game…..

The unknown.  The pain.  Every day life is filled with both of those things, and we have to know now what we are going to do when they confront us.  And they will be hitting us at any time.    One of the things that I am talking about every week and almost every day is the fact that faith is relevant.  It matters, and it is needed.  Not a matter of who you are, where you grew up or what you have going for you.  It is a matter of God loves you and you are precious to God.  That is true.   Accept it by faith.   Proverbs 3:5-6  (nasb) --- Trust in the L ord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take .   Matthew 11:28-30  (nlt) --- Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is eas

iPod nano (3rd generation) 8GB she's cute 2.7 inches long 1.7 ounces beautiful skin enjoy....see picture below

Are you ready for the party?

Ok.  I am going to let you in a little early.  Don't tell anyone else, but our theme for EASTER '08 is .... The Invitation.  And I am excited about all God is putting together for us.  Did you know that Easter and Christmas are the 2 most attended church services in the world?  You knew that.   Lets take a look at some invitations for a few minutes today.  First, we need to invite people to know Jesus.  That can come in so many forms from a personal story in a conversation, to a letter written to a friend or even a personal invitation to church.  Another way is through media...TV, radio, web site...letting people hear about Jesus.  Thus, why we are issuing an invitation for Easter.   Matthew 22:9  (nlt) --- Now go out to the street corners and invite everyone you see.   1 Corinthians 9:23  (nlt) --- I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings. Hold the phone.  There is another invitation we HAVE TO THINK about all the time.  Who i

Just wanted to pass on a picture of my mom from 1958 or so.  "Pretty Momma" and she can sing!  Love you mom!

Watch this inpsiring story...understand the potential that God has given all of us!

Sharing a story sent to me by my oldest brother.....be encouraged and live to lift up God's son! THE BUS RIDE Several years ago, a preacher from out-of-state accepted a call to a church in Houston, Texas. Some weeks after he arrived, he had an occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change. As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, 'You'd better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it.' Then he thought, 'Oh, forget it, it's only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount? Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a gift from God and keep quiet.' When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, 'Here, you gave me too much change.' The driver, with a smile, replied, 'Aren't you the new preacher i

With or without God.  Your choice.  This is how we deal with the unknown.  With or without hope and joy and purpose.   Our Chase the Lion series took us this weekend to look at the uncertainties of life.  We talked about the fact that Christians seek and pray for peace all the time.  We want a life that is level with few highs and few lows.  But that brings us to a conclusion....that kid of life without the mountains and the valleys is pretty dull and boring PLUS it doesn't leave any room for God to work.  Think about it.   Dealing with the unknown we have to make a choice to let God be God and lead us through those times.  If we wait for the right moment or the perfect situation, we will never make a move.  In fact, faith is an exercise in uncertainty because with faith we admit that God is in control.  We are not.  It gets easier to deal with the unknown when we confess that fact.   Here are some verses from the message this week that ought to help us in deal

This is a great week for the world of blogging.  Mark Beeson, pastor of Granger Community Church , has joined the land of the bloggers.  Mark is one of the most creative leaders I have watched through the years.  Check him out.  Enjoy his honesty and his sweet view of God.  The blog is http://www.markbeeson.com/ . 

What do we miss when we choose comfort over a challenge?  What happens when we would rather rest than rescue someone?   Fact is most Christian are looking for the 'easy way out' rather than seeking to live by faith, living for God.  We would rather know what the next step is and not face uncertainties.  What do you think?   Hebrews 11:1  (nlt) ---  Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.   Yep, faith pushes us to our limits.  It takes us to places where we do not know the future.  Faith expects us to follow God even when we have no clue what God is doing.  By the way, that is scary.  We loose control.  Maybe that is what faith is...loosing control so God can take control.   Case in point is the disciples.  Jesus called them (our series Chase the Lion will take a hard look at these principles this weekend) to leave what was comfortable.  That was their homes, their business and

Being a husband.  Being a dad.  What better day than Valentine's Day!  I got to give the girl I really care about a note and some goodies that I hope say something about my love.  It was also awesome to watch our kids this morning see how love vividly poured out.  The girls asked for a rose, and the boy...he was fine with anything 'spiderman'.   I love writing those precious cards to my wife, and I found just the one.  NO, I will not let you read it or even know what it said.  Sorry.  But I will tell you that it was cool and something that was from my heart.  Guys, we have to love our wives and show 'em often how we feel (I really don't do that enough).  Know what?  Our kids deserve to know that their dad loves their mom.  Show 'em.   Soaking all this mushy stuff in, I heard from God in a vivid, colorful way yesterday through one of my favorite bands, FEE .  Here are the lyrics of their song "What Else Can I Do":   Your love for

Last week the Lord took me in several directions that have hit hard and were needed in my life and in leadership.  Lets spend just a few minutes today talking about a couple the thoughts that God has brought my way...   They came out in my reading yesterday afternoon of Proverbs 12 (and rocked my world once again).  Here are some verses about integrity:   5 The plans of the godly are just ...   6  ... but the words of the godly save lives.    11 A hard worker has plenty of food...   12  ...but the godly are well rooted and bear their own fruit.    1 3 The wicked are trapped by their own words, but the godly escape such trouble.    14 Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards.    17 An honest witness tells the truth...   18 Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.    23 The wise don't make a show of their knowledge...   24 Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave.   28

Micah 4:5  (nlt) --- Though the nations around us follow their idols,we will follow the Lord our God forever and ever.   Following God, we will find our sweet spot where we are fulfilled, excited and living in the overflow of our lives.  Too many people live on the edge of destruction or distraction rather than living in peace.  Even in a conversation yesterday with someone pretty much away from God, I heard a longing for that place...where the peace of God thrives and life is sweet.   Henry Blackaby in his book Experiencing God put it this way: " Find out where God is working, and join Him ."   Let me take you to a post by a leader who inspires me but shocked me yesterday.  The Dude: Ben Arment.  The Blog: History in the making .  The Happening: A Personal Announcement .   Ben resigned Sunday as pastor of Reston Community Church , a church he planted 6 years ago (and is in our same convention).  He is also the creator of a brand new conference that

This weekend's Chase the Lion series took us to look at how to 'reframe our problems'.  Here is where I jumped into it...   James 1:2-4  (nlt) --- Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.  For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.   Problems are opportunities from God.  Plain and simple.  How we look at the situations in our lives will make a huge difference.  We have watched people, even ourselves, get wrapped up and directed in the wrong direction by our troubles.  Most people try to avoid problems or try to get out of them all the while God is seeking to strengthen, build and use those things to make us ready for greater days and awesome opportunities.   Here are some thoughts from our small group book and study for the weekend:   "See you

Conversations that give you insight are invaluable.  Our church's leadership team offers me many of those as we lead and share life.  This week one of our leaders has sent me to a couple blogs that hit home.  In thinking about our series Chase the Lion and talking about vision both posts give great insight.  Lets share a few of the thoughts from each blog: This post from a pastor in Ohio quotes Spurgeon (and here are a couple great thoughts). As ministers we are very far from being perfect, but many of us are doing our best, and we are grieved that the minds of our people should be more directed to our personal imperfections than to our divine message…. Judge the preacher if you like, but do remember that there is something better to be done than that, namely, to get all the good you can out of him, and pray his Master to put more good into him." - from Eccentric Preachers by C.H. Spurgeon via Mark Driscoll This post from one of my favorite dudes, Gary

"... who you become is not determined by your circumstances.  Rather, the outcome of your life will be determined by your outlook on life ."  (Mark Batterson, Chase the Lion , page 64)   Problems or possibilities.  Obstacles or opportunities.  Heart ache or heart touching.  How we look at the stuff that touches our lives could very well open and close the doors that God puts in front of us.  How do we look at the tough times that hit us?   Matthew 19:26  (nlt) --- Jesus looked at them intently and said, "Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.   2 Thessalonians 1:12  (nlt) --- Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.   The old thought...is the glass half empty or half full.  Makes lots of sense to me.  You see, when we take a new look or when we try to unders

Spent some time today reading about, thinking about and praying for some kids in our church that need guidance.  That sent my mind to thinking about the people in my life that have meant much to me and my walk with God.  Of coarse my parents are a big part of that along with my brother, Steve, and a host of ministers and friends through the years.   One of those dudes that poured his life into me was PHIL DIETZ .  He was my youth pastor at Skelly Drive Baptist Church in Tulsa where I grew up. (That is his picture.)  Phil is now associate pastor for student ministries at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Liberty, Misouri.  This man was real.  The same at home, church and out playing with the guys.  I so appreciate Phil pouring his life and vision into me and the other students during that time.  Many of us are in ministry today because of Phil's influence.   Here is my favorite verse about giving your life away and seeing your impact make a difference in the world:   1 The

Push forward.  Don't just sit there.  Act on it.  Do something.   As I think about vision, it comes to my attention that vision keeps us moving forward.  It won't let us sit still.  Again, this could be vision in all kinds of places...at home, at work, in your personal life and even at church.  My God-given vision for The Community drives me forward and won't let me sit still.  Think about it.   James 4:17  (nlt) --- Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.   Philippians 3:12  (nlt) ---  I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me.   Colossians 3:2  (nasb) --- Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth .   Romans 12:2  (nasb) --- And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the wil

" If you build it, they will come." --- quote from the movie Field of Dreams   " If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time ." --- popular quote about leadership   Guide them somewhere.  That is one of those things that I just have to do.  We are called as Christians to lead people to Jesus, yet very few Christians are doing that with any strategy.   If we get a chance to share, we may invite a person to church, but that is it.   Listen up, the church is the place where we need to invite people, but our lives have got to be pointing people somewhere.  Where do you point people?    As we talk about vision, it is important to know that we are making a difference.  That we are impacting our community, the people around us for Jesus which means that we get what God is giving us.   Luke 9:23  (nlt) --- Then he said to the crowd, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and

We recently started giving away this free gift to people who visit The Community Fellowship's clothes closet.  It is a great tool of music and message that gives a clear presentation about Jesus.  The message and scripture is narrated by Rick Warren .  Go here for the website that is tied to the CD.  Sharing resources because we are demonstrating the love of God to our community using tools like this!

Chase the Lion continues to be a huge blessing to The Community Fellowship church family.  This past weekend we revisited why we do what we do and the vision that God has given us.  I am passionate about God, His call on my life and the church He has given me to lead.   Yet I understand what God meant when He said that without vision people will die (spiritually) and live unguided lives...   Proverbs 29:18  (nlt) --- When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild.  But whoever obeys the law is joyful. You can look at our church website and learn more about our vision and core values.  In what I shared with our people, these verses came to life for me:   Proverbs 1:20-23;33  (nlt) --- Wisdom shouts in the streets. She cries out in the public square.  She calls to the crowds along the main street, to those gathered in front of the city gate: "How long, you simpletons, will you insist on being simpleminded?  How long will you mockers relish your moc