Michael Harrison's e-devotion

Beginning next Sunday, June 8th is the biggest series we;ve ever done. PLUS, we join with 1,230 plus churches. Are you ready?

I hate being interrupted or disrupted when I am in the middle of of something, especially focusing on an issue, a conversation or studying.  Most people don't like that too much.  Yet I sometimes am the disruption.  How do we deal with those?  What is our attitude?   Often I have to stop and take a look at what is going on and how I am looking at my surroundings.  Most of the time I have allowed the disruption into my life and my situation.  How is that?  It could be because I have not said no, or because I answered the phone, or because I didn't make some changes, or it could any of a number of things.   Fact is, we need times when we are not disrupted.  Before we go on, let me give you some God thoughts on how to deal with disruption:   Psalm 46:10  (nlt) --- "Be still, and know that I am God!  I will be honored by every nation.  I will be honored throughout the world."   ...

Often I recieve devotions that speak to me.  Today was one of those days.  It has been busy as our children have had several activities at their schools (which are about 15 miles a part).  Read through these next thoughts from this devotion :   John 15:5 (nlt) --- Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. ...Jesus told his disciples that God acts as a gardener in the lives of those who claim him as Lord. He wants his followers to be abundant producers of good fruit, showing the world that they are children of God (see John 15:8). But this is not enough. Instead of simply harvesting the fruit that is produced, the Lord grabs a pair of pruning shears and begins to trim the branches. A little here, a little there, until he is satisfied with the end result. This process of subtraction is a good thing. For it is in these times that God rids us of attitud...

Thank you for your prayers and continued support for Amber and the Turnham family.  Rick and Deanna are getting ready to leave tomorrow morning heading to their new home in Texas along with Amber's twin boys.  Please pray for them.   The court appearance was difficult.  At best Amber may be able to leave jail as early as October of this year or it could be as late as April of 2009.  Remember to pray for Amber that she will understand and that God would lift her heart and attitude.  Since her folks will be in Texas, we need to step up our support for Amber.  Please continue to write her and encourage her at this address:   Roanoke City Jail, Atten. Amber McDaniel, 324 Campbell Ave., Roanoke, VA  24016   Sunday morning Deanna shared with us, her church family, what she feels about us and thanked everyone for their prayers and support.  They have been precious friends and with many of us for 4 years.  Rick and Deanna a...

As I stood in front of some friends at House of Prayer Church this last Sunday evening, I shared this verse:   Ephesians 1:18  (nlt) ---- I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.   Not everyone sees the same.  Why is that?  It could be because some people have perfect vision while others are near sighted, some are far sighted or are just plain blind.  But I think we may have to look a bit farther to understand what Paul was saying in the verse above.   He is talking about the eyes of our heart.  He prays that people will 'see as God sees'.  That God would flood them with light and truth.  Or, that their hearts would be open to and from God.  Maybe more simply put, that God would remove what keeps a person from seeing.   Here is another thought about seein...

Ed Stetzer shared at compelling message at WIBO last week.  It was the day after Maria Chapman died, and I really appreciate the fact that we have a God who knows our hearts and our hurts.  He understands our doubts and our questions.  He never leaves us alone but holds and hugs and helps every step and every breathe of every day.  Go read Tim Stevens' post about doubt and Maria on his blog .

"Forming authentic community is what the church is all about" --- John Burke from Gateway Church in Austin, TX, quote from WIBO   There is more to church than going to a service one or two times a week and putting your butt on a pew and some money in the plate.  Church is about being who God made you and me to be.  It is about being all God wants us to be in making a difference and impacting more and more people for Him.   A couple of thoughts have continued to rattle around in my mind these last couple of weeks as I think about church, being church and an authentic church.  Then the comment or quote above hit me in the heart.  Smacked me hard and reminded me of why The Community Fellowship is here.   First a couple verses for you to consider:   Romans 12:4-5  (nlt) --- Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and...

It is going to be a great week as we seek the Lord and let Him work in and through our lives.  The Community Fellowship enjoyed some great things and some new things this weekend.  Take a look at my blog for some of those notes and celebration... www.e-devotion.blogspot.com      Here are some things that I ask you to pray for: Amber McDaniel's court appearance is tomorrow afternoon, and we ask that you plead with God for a miracle that she is released and can move with her parents and twin boys to move to Texas on Wednesday.  Wilbur Turner lives near our church and has been on a transplant like for a new liver.  As a veteran he got news today a possible liver is set for him.  Please pray for Wilbur and his family as they are excited and asking for his healing.   One of the things that I am most excited about is the series One Prayer that begins in just two weeks.  The Community Fellowship and House of Prayer Church a...

The momentum is growing every day.  That is for ONE PRAYER and our working with House of Prayer Church.  Last night, House of Prayer joined over 1,080 church and over 775,000 people (those continue to grow).  The Community Fellowship is getting things together to make this work for both church churches.  Our two church working....this is the start of impacting our community for Jesus in much BIGGER ways!   learn more about One Prayer at www.oneprayer.com

We made a BIG announcement at The Community Fellowship yesterday that was a bit different and is a God thing.  Here it is --- your leadership team is discussing the possibility of House of Prayer Church and our Church joining forces as one church.  None of the details are set, but we are moving forward.  Had a great service at House of Prayer last night.  More to come.   Please pray for God's direction over this situation.  We are seeing God lead us in awesome directions.  Are you gonna join him?

Continue to pray for Steven Curtis Chapman's family through the tragic death of his daughter, Maria.  The memorial service of this special little girl is moving.  I encourage you to read Steven's manager's blog.  Click here to read it.

2 weeks away from the beginning, I am excited about our ONE PRAYER series.  The parts of this are coming together in a big ways with new stuff for kids, the church and the meat of what we will be using...some great video messages just came out.  Watch for more info each day in the next two weeks.  Why ONE PRAYER?  It unites over 1,062 churches with a total or more than 682,000 people all doing the same thing to impact our world for Christ.  Now, that is power in action for JESUS!!!    get more info at www.oneprayer.com

It was an awesome day @ The Community Fellowship as we held Community Worship and Baptism out in the parking lot, right in front of the church.  Pretty cool that more friends show up.  Some we have never met.  The heater for the water didn't work very good.  So, it was cold.  Enjoy the pictures and keep praying for God to help us demonstrate the love of God to our community.

As I drove north earlier this week, I enjoyed the sweetness of my valentine's day gift (an ipod).  I listen to several different podcasts (mostly sermons) each week.   This setting was good.  Listening to my favorite preachers and almost everyone pointed me to some thoughts God has been sending my way the last week or so.  THEN in the conference I was attending some of the same thoughts emerge.  This is God, right there in front of me, almost screaming, but in His grace and fatherly way sharing with me.  Good stuff:   Psalm 69:9  (nlt) --- Passion for your house has consumed me...   Romans 12:5  (nlt) --- so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.   1 Corinthians 12:12  (nlt) ---  The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ.   Ephesians 1:23  (nlt) --- And the church is...

Rumors are out.  A new iPhone is set to come out in June (or so).  Called the 3g (3rd generation), it will most likely have some updates, a bit of a new look and some thinkers say that the carrier is thinking of a subsidy to make the phone much cheaper.   One my way toward Northern Virginia I had to stop an make a visit in Roanoke and to get a watch battery.  The battery place was next to the phone story.  I decided to stop in, and while there took an opportunity to look at the iPhone (once again and lust after it) and check my gmail account from there.  It was .... dare I say ... awesome!  My patience is still in place but growing thin.   Need I say more?

Are you ready?  This is gonna be awesome.  Here is the stuff you need to know.   It kicks off at 10:10 am (same time as our normal Community Worship) with some good music and friends. BAPTISM will be out in the parking lot. Worship be be a bit loud, but bring your lawn chairs (although you can steal a folding chair if need be).  The Sermon will be good too. Lunch afterwards... Church is providing hot dogs and hamburgers and the buns. BRING stuff to go along with the dogs and burgers and some drinks.  Bring enough to share. Get ready for some exciting community time.   This is gonna be good!!!  Got questions, call the church at 276-732-7749 or e-mail info@thecommunityfellowship.org .  See you there!!!

WiBo Notes I didn't have wifi during the conference…so here is the "Big Idea(s)" that I took away from each speaker. Mark Batterson  God is HUGE and our dreams are too small. One of our problems is that we stop dreaming and start imitating the people around us. We need dreams that are WAY beyond our ability to accomplish without God's help. Vince Antonucci There are people who have never heard that God loves them.  He asked, "How is it possible that I lived in America and no one ever told me that God loves me?"  DANG! Eight million LESS people are going to church today than 20 years ago…we have a problem. The most messed up people in the world wanted to hang out with Jesus–do the most messed up people want to hang out with you?  (DANG AGAIN!) Tim Stevens Most churches are not impacting their community; in fact, they are getting in the way. Many people are unaware and uninspired when it comes to church. Spiritual interest is growing in our cul...

You may not believe it, but I was a bouncer at the Whiteboard Sessions conference.  Ben Arment , pictured in the white shirt as I am in the black, knew that his crowd of almost 800 ministry people would get a little out of hand.  So he called out the big guns.  That is about 8 guys and me...I was the biggest (at least around the belly area).  It was a sweet time working the door, welcoming people and making a few folks smile.  My services as a bouncer were not needed, thank goodness.   BEN did an awesome job putting Whiteboard Session together.  He moves to his new position with Catalyst very soon.  Check out the Catalyst Conference ...I registered to go!

I copied this from Jonathan Herron's blog about White Board:   Some Whiteboard quotes: "The favor of God is God's ability to do something that you can't do yourself... Confess our SMALL dreams to God." - Mark Batterson "Messed up people sought out Jesus.  Are messed up people in our town seeking out our church?" - Vince Antonucci " Worship is the natural response to being captivated ... You really only know your idols when they're threatened or in danger ." - Darrin Patrick "In the local church, God has put Himself on display." - Mark Dever " Ministry is the toughest job on the planet.  Instead of leading by power or ego or force, pastors lead by washing feet ." - Perry Noble "God promises us His presence ; He doesn't always promise us the answers ." - Ed Stetzer

Does Perry have a bald spot? Sat near to Tony Morgan , Perry Noble and Mark Batterson @ WIBO .

I met Carlos Whitaker @ WIBO . He is not as big and as bad in person. But what really got me was a compassionate and tender dude...he is. I really appreciate his blog (creative, encouragement and family stuff).

WHITEBOARD - Ed Stetzer - press through doubt to faith like Thomas did

WHITEBOARD - Perry Noble - God called you. Walk in that authority

WHITEBOARD - John Burke - connecting people to God has to be intentional. God's plan for building community

WHITEBOARD - Mark Dever - God displays His character through His church

WHITEBOARD - Darrin Patrick - idols hide out in our lives as root sin where we replace God with that idol.

WHITEBOARD - Tim Stevens - Jesus would leverage the culture to reach people

WHITEBOARD - Vince Antonucci - if we're not spending time with messed up people, we're not close to Jesus

WHITEBOARD - Mark Batterson - our dreams are far less than Gods

David Cook   enough said

I just learned that this evening Steven Curtis Chapman's youngest child, 5 year old Maria, was accidentally killed in an accident at their home.  Chapman and his music has been a great part of my worship life for many year.  First saw him in concert in 1990 at Prestonwood Church in dallas while I was in College.  His family is an advocate of adoption, and Maria was one of their adopted daughters.  Read this news story for more information, but please pray for their family as this is such a critical time. 

Just started reading Margaret Feinberg's "The Sacred Echo". It is due out in August. Good stuff!

Anne Jackson   Craig Groeschel (all of them this week)   Mark Beeson's notes on the Purpose Driven Summit earlier this week   Perry Noble as always   Carlos Whitaker who I get to meet in person tomorrow (and some of the others)   Tony Morgan that I plan to pick on tomorrow as well.   ENJOY SOME SWEET THOUGHTS from these folks about our God!!!   Later.....            

As I drove to Northern Virginia today getting ready for the Whiteboard Sessions conference tomorrow, I heard from the Lord.   I love listening to messages by some great pastors.  Listened to Perry Noble , Craig Groeschel , Andy Stanley and Frances Chan .  All were good.  All spoke to me where God has been talking.  So so good.   But Frances Chan's message was what God was screaming at me and sharing with me (especially as we move toward our baptism service this Sunday).  Go to his church website , click on media and go to the sermon for 4/13/08 to listen...Simple thought: God saved us not to just save us, forgive us and send us to heaven.  He saved us to make us part of the family, His church and to function as one body.  That is a huge thought.   I continue to plead with God about ministry partners and partnership, like what we talked about yesterday in devotion.  Sunday the Lord has put a message on my heart about, ye...

First, I have to give a SHOUT OUT to my partners in ministry at The Community Fellowship .  Our leadership team rocks!  Trey, Cindy, Kasim, Cara, Eric, April, Gordon, Susi and Lee make life and church lots of fun.  I appreciate you guys and want the world to know it!!!   Second, there are some people who encourage me in huge ways.  My wife, Julie, and our three kids.  My parents and my brothers.  My buddy Rodney over at the TV station .  My friend John in Texas too.  And many others, too many to mention.   Third, we have to be powerful partners to the people we are around.  That takes us making a choice to make a difference in the lives of the people we are accountable for.  Starting with those close to us, as in family, all the way to those we simply see at the store or drive past on the street.  We influence people every day.  Even if you don't realize it or like it, your are an influencer and ca...

Hey PEEPS ... got something in the mail yesterday that really encouraged my socks off.  It is an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of Margaret Feinberg's new book The Sacred Echo about prayer.  I am excited about this.  But I think some of our other leaders are going to be fighting me to read this one...we will see.   Put this on your calendar:  Maraget Feinberg and her husband Leif Oines will be with us at The Community Fellowship the weekend of September 6th and 7th.  She is an awesome speaker and can be found at many leadership events around the country speaking to young leaders.  Her passion for Jesus will light your fire and get you growing stronger than ever.

Community Small groups at The Community Fellowship started a new series last week....join in the fun!

Are you at home with Jesus?  What I am asking is this, would you feel comfortable sitting in your living room or across the table from Jesus?  Or maybe, do you spend time with Jesus?   Yesterday I asked our church family about being at home with Jesus.  This is a heart issue and a huge issue at that.  God moves into our lives and into our hearts when we are saved.  He is there, but we don't always act like it.    Here are some notes and verses to chew on:   WHERE JESUS IS   Ephesians 3:17  (nlt) --- Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong.   THE TRUTH or REALITY   Matthew 15:18  (nlt) --- But the words you speak come from the heart—that's what defiles you.   A PRAYER   Psalm 19:14  (nlt) --- May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you,O Lord, my r...

Are you at home with Jesus?  What I am asking is this, would you feel comfortable sitting in your living room or across the table from Jesus?  Or maybe, do you spend time with Jesus?   Yesterday I asked our church family about being at home with Jesus.  This is a heart issue and a huge issue at that.  God moves into our lives and into our hearts when we are saved.  He is there, but we don't always act like it.    Here are some notes and verses to chew on:   WHERE JESUS IS   Ephesians 3:17  (nlt) --- Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong.   THE TRUTH or REALITY   Matthew 15:18  (nlt) --- But the words you speak come from the heart—that's what defiles you.   A PRAYER   Psalm 19:14  (nlt) --- May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you,O Lord,...

David and Carey Keaton serve Missionary Ventures in Peru, and they are some of our missionaries at The Community Fellowship .  Before moving to Peru, David and Carey served in LaCeiba, Honduras where we have served in the past.  In fact, they are joining us tomorrow for Community Worship.  My prayer is that our family members will step forward with greater involvement in their ministry prayer and monthly support.  You can contact David and Carey by e-mailing halopeople@yahoo.com .  Join The Community family in praying for and getting excited about how God is using this precious couple!

This is gonna be awesome.  Are you ready?  This weekend Community small groups begin our bold, brave journey into the world of prayer.  Motivated by the fact that our creator wants a relationship with us, His kids.  One prayer (the series at church beginning June 8 will be not just a shot in the arm to make us more like Jesus, it is going to be somewhat of a lifeline to spend time with, to get to know better the God who has endless plans and big future for His kids, us.  Join us for one prayer!!!

Don't confuse being in your sweet spot with being in your comfort zone.  Because when you're in your sweet spot, there's nothing comfortable about it!  I know this is a little confusing, and definitely counter intuitive.  When I'm in my sweet spot, doing what God has called me to do, God stretches me relentlessly.  But I find that He's challenging me to activate gifts that He's already put inside of me.  I just didn't know they were there . --- quote from Steven Furtick of Elevation Church   We've talked about this before.  Being intentional about how you live and how you lead is a HUGE deal.  Far too many Christians are only living in survival mode....what do I do to just 'get by'? is the question they ask.   How sad!  God never intends for us to just 'get by'.  He has gifted us, called us, and blessed us so that we can thrive, not survive.  All around us ...

Wade has been a great encourager for some time.  Below is a note full of insight from our conversation yesterday...this is good! Hi Michael, As I have enjoyed and absorbed your emails this past week, it brings to mind the whole faith issue.  That is to say, ALL of us put faith in someone or something.  Think about it, we get into an elevator, push the button and go to the 33rd floor of a high rise.  By a faith, we believe the elevator cable will hold while it is suspending us 250 feet up in the air.  Or perhaps we drive along the highway, and we have faith that on coming traffic will stay in their lanes!  Or that airplane will stay in the air!  It goes on and on. Why is it easier for us to put a faith in the man made natural realm rather than the REAL supernatural realm?  Do we dare to take God at His Word?  Why do so many doubt that God wont do what He says He will do.  Hmm!  My youngest son, wi...

One of the things that made me the most proud of our church was the fact that the lives of a few mother's were touched this weekend. 23 moms with fresh oil and filter and a good check up for their car. Another is the mom whose basement we are helping to redo. Then we had some special moms show up for our big event Community Worship....a great weekend. I am ALWAYS impressed and encouraged by what NewSpring Church and Perry Noble do. Here is a touching video from them....enjoy, be blessed and go and do the same. WOW....it is all about demonstrating the love of God to our community one person at a time.

There used to be a TV show called " Oblivious ".  In it people were caught off guard, answered some questions and won money.  Pretty cool show, I thought.   Earlier this week I talked about people who miss blessings from God because of their outlook on life, their perspective and tough situations.  Again, I have run into almost the same thing.  God tells us to be sensitive and open to what He is doing.   Colossians 2:6  (nasb) --- Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,   Mark 14:38  (nlt) --- Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.   James 1:2  (nlt) ----  Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.   As I was working yesterday, the phone rang.  Seemed like a normal day.  But one of our church members dad was critically...

This past Sunday Pastor Michael and our leadership team announced that we are hiring our 2nd full time staff member .  This is a huge deal and a step of faith that God has led us to take.  Our future is lined with hope and with much to give our community as we share Christ with them.   Susi Fulcher has served on The Community's leadership team leading children's ministry for over a year.  At the end of this month, Susi joins us and will begin to paid for what she is already doing (and do a bit more).  Her responsibilities will be administration, children and events (A.C.E.).  Susi brings creativity, energy, joy and a heart for God and His people.  She is also into the details (which is a big deal to help us move forward with gusto).   Susi is married to Greg (our tattoo artist in residence), and they have two precious kids (Katlynn is 6 and Konner is 2).    Help us welcome Susi to this new role by praying for her, encou...

Proverbs 14:2  (nlt) --- Those who follow the right path fear the Lord; those who take the wrong path despise him.   I love those GPS things.  Some of them even talk to you.  They know right where you are and will tell you right where you need to go.  But sometimes they will get you confused.  First time I used one was with my buddy John in Texas.  Then another friend had one when we visited Vegas earlier this year, and last Julie and our kids used her brother's on a trip they took to see a Reba concert (gotta get me one of those thangs or an iPhone with google maps).   Ever noticed that sometimes you might think you know where you are going but you get lost?  I have even used google maps and gotten lost (no slamming google though).  Knowing the right path and the right road is essential.   Proverbs 16:25  (nlt) --- There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.   John ...

Yesterday we talked about the fact that many Christians set themselves up to miss blessings and to fail by not seeing what God is doing.  Join me for some God moments, I had some this morning.   By now you know that I spend time in Proverbs each day.  It is an awesome book of wit and wisdom and of keeping your mind with God.  I turned this morning to  Proverbs to Psalms (chapter 13 in both) and then over to Colossians 2 , and God rocked my world in that last chapter.   You gotta see some of the stuff I saw.  Here it goes:   8-9 Don't let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.  For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body.   13-15 You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgav...

WhiteBoard Sessions is only a week away.   This is gonna be awesome....   Stetzer, Dever, Stevens, Burke, Antonucci, Noble, Batterson, Partick ... all in one day.  It's a dream!!!!

less than a month away   www.oneprayer.com

Have you set yourself up to fail or to feel like a failure?  Far too many people, Christians have done just that.   It is one of those cases, at times, where you "can't see the forest for the trees."  Your situation seems endless, like a train wreck and there is no way out.  Yet right in the middle of your problem, worries and pain God shows up and shows off by giving you a huge blessing.   The problem is not your pain and situation.  The problem is your perception.  100% of time God is working (you might not be watching)  100% of the time God is speaking (you might not be listening).  100% of the time God is blessing you (but you don't think you deserve it or that God isn't good any more).   Take a look with me at some key verses THAT OUGHT TO CHANGE the way we deal with ourselves.   Ephesians 1:3   (nlt) ---  All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has b...