Michael Harrison's e-devotion

1 Corinthians 9:24-27  NLT Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!   All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.   So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.   I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified. Paul may have been at some kind of sporting event when he realized how similar living for God is to be part of a successful sport.   Each athlete had to prepare and compete.   Notice a couple phrases “run to win”, and “I run with purpose” and “not just shadowboxing”.   All three phrases give us insight in to what it is to enjoy life, to do well in life and to know God. Life is not meant to be a series of chance happenings.   Life is built by God to have meani...

Ephesians 6 :10-17   NLT A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11  Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12  For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13  Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14  Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15  For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16  In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17  Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of ...

3 John 1:4   NASB I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth. We have looked forward to this day for a long time.   It has been planned, talked about and part of our thinking for lots of years, but now that it is here the reality is starting to sink in.   Not sure how we will make it through the tears and emotions.   We will.   God has helped and will continue. Our oldest child moves off to college today.   Near the mountains only about 20 miles from our home is a small Methodist college that Rebecca has chosen to study at.   The campus actually reminds Julie and I of Brewton-Parker where we studied in south Georgia in the 90’s.   Ferrum College is a beautiful campus with lots of highlights, and it is about to have the best one of all, our Bec Bec. She has worked hard and grown so much.   We have prayed and prayed, prepared and prepared for her to be ready for this, but I am not sure that ...

As I sat in the vehicle early one morning I pondered the sights and sounds of the day.   It was a beautiful day.   The colors of the season are pretty and bright.   The temperature was kind and comfortable, but wasn’t comfortable was the distraction draws my attention pretty often. People share all kinds of things with their pastor.   It is not always easy to hear or understand.   Pastor’s also have insight or learn about difficult situations that tear a part the lives of people we care so much about. Literally we have seen the affects of sin and poor choices wreck lives, families and situations.   Still sitting in the vehicle with music playing I am overwhelmed with the grace of God.   He accepts me and others.   He forgives sin and offers grace.   There is no end to the stories and how those stories grab my heart.   They speak of second chances, strong finishes and renewed vision but begin with failure, pain are struggles. ...

Joshua 24:15   nlt But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” Choices are critical.   They are part of our every day life.   Some choices are huge with consequences that travel way this day, this month or even this year or decade.   There are some choices that really aren’t choices because our character demands one direction over another.   Many of us have found ourselves in the middle of choices that can go any way.   That is when we have to lean in to get direction and wisdom, but who will we lean in to?   Who will we listen to? It is hard to believe that summer is almost gone and fall is right ahead of us, yet it is also difficult for me to get my mind around the fact that our oldest child will move out of our...

Daniel 12:3   NLT Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever. Several years ago I read an article titled “How to Honor Your Leaders”.   It is written by Brad Lomenick who leads an organization called Catalyst .   Brad discusses things that we can tangibly do to help those around us be stronger.   Some apply this to their boss, others to their pastor, some to other leaders they are connected to. The fact is all of us are leaders.   Someone is following us, watching us and even challenged by us.   It is important that we make positive choices to lead well.   I am spending some time this week seeing how I lead my family, in particular my wife and children.   The article was written to church staff and business people, but I would like to spend a few minutes applying the principles Brad shared to how we can as parents or even as children to help o...

One of my favorite bands and worship leaders is David Crowder.   I have gravitated to his music several times over the last 5 years or so.   Simply and incredible songs that lead me and others to see, experience and worship our awesome God! Last evening as I was mowing and listening to music one of Crowder’s songs   I was overcome with one line… “what does that make me?”   Incredible thought that I want to share with you today. Here are some of the lyrics to David Crowder’s song “Everything Glorious”: The day is brighter here with You The night is lighter than its hue Would lead me to believe Which leads me to believe You make everything glorious You make everything glorious Yeah, You make everything glorious And I am Yours, What does that make me? Yes, our God makes everything, and everything He makes is glorious and special.   That means you and I are the same as the other things our great God created.   We are glorio...