Michael Harrison's e-devotion

2 Corinthians 1:9 (NLT) In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. Life would be boring if we always got or experienced what we expected.   Yet everyday we deal with the unexpected.   These are the things that make life an adventure, and yes, it can make life difficult.   Faith is what allows us to deal with the things we experience.   Trusting God makes life possible. Getting ready for our ministry at Martinsville Speedway this weekend with Raceway Ministries, I looked across the road and noticed a deer where many people were walking.   I didn’t expect a deer in such a congested area.   This afternoon I was leaving the church and on the way to pick up one of our children at school.   I didn’t expect for Donnie to come by the church at this time.   Donnie has been attending The Community for more than a month.   He needed food, ...

Ecclesiastes 4:10 (NLT) If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Hebrews 10:25 (NLT) And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.   We may think we are strong, but there are times when we have to admit that we really are weak.   Most likely you have done something I have that makes us realize that we need help.   It is that box so heavy you can’t pick up on your own.   It is that time when you need an extra hand to fix an item or to open a door.   That’s when we had to realize that we are stronger together. When a person steps up to help another, something amazing happens.   Strength doubles or even triples as we join in to help others.   God made people to need each other.   First we need God, but all along we need others.   Think of some examples: ...

Every one of us has choices to make.   We can dwell on things that are wrong and evil, or we can think about things that bring peace and encouragement.   Far too many people let their past cripple their future.   That crippling can come through unforgiveness, hatred, bitterness or a number of other things. But I chose to believe the things that God says about me.   As I mowed the grass Tuesday evening, I heard this song: I remember the day that I met You. The emptiness I had Could fill a mountain. And I believed it was true, My pain would never go away But there was comfort in Your breath, You made me believe that life was worth it. And I’m not looking back… My past is far behind me, yeah I’m stronger every day You’ve made me a brand new man (lyrics from “Brand New Man” sung by Seventh Day Slumber) It is time to believe the facts of what God says.   I have been talking to several people lately who chose to believe ...

From all the conversations I have had in the last few days it is evident that there are so many things going on that have no direction, nothing good coming from them and lots of questions coming up.   Some of these people are dealing with not having work and no being able to make ends meet.   Others are dealing with severe health problems. Each situation seems to have no end and no meaning, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.   In each of the situations there is a purpose and a plan from God.   God will teach us, grow us and guide us through them.   Often we come to the place where we see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel.   That light may be the fact that the end of the situation is soon.   It could be that the end is now where in sight.   But there is light.   Light comes from God.   Read on: 1 John 1:5-9 NLT This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, ...