Michael Harrison's e-devotion

  Let me introduce you to Phil.  This incredible man helped shape who I am what I do.  This e-devotion doesn’t have enough space or time to tell you all about this man. Phil was my youth pastor.  He lived a life that many people in our group group to follow Jesus even more.  He showed us how to live by faith as well as taught us to get in the Word of God.  He showed us how to love people, to share our faith story and to be people with great character.  Phil allowed us to watch him be a great husband and father. That is what a disciple maker does.   Titus 2:6-8  NLT   In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely. 7 And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. 8 Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us. Those verse...

  I love hearing people talk about Jesus changing their lives.  Even in a powerful testimony I heard last night it is all about how life has changed since following Jesus. I hear a song, and there is it once again.  Jesus can do what no one else, and what Jesus does sticks.  And even gives hope that never ends.  That is what I need.  How about you?   Here is the song Let me tell you about my Jesus that makes it pretty clear!   Are you past the point of weary? Is your burden weighin' heavy? Is it all too much to carry? Let me tell you 'bout my Jesus Do you feel that empty feeling? 'Cause shame's done all its stealin' And you're desperate for some healin' Let me tell you 'bout my Jesus   He makes a way where there ain't no way Rises up from an empty grave Ain't no sinner that He can't save Let me tell you 'bout my Jesus His love is strong and His grace is free And the good news is I know that He Can do for you what He's done for me Let...

  Often we need a fresh look or a new look.  No, I am not talking about some new clothes or a new hair cut.  I am talking about how we see others. Take some time today to work through verses that God shares with us how we look at the people around us.  This is insightful and needed.   Any way.  Read on.  May God help us be more like Jesus. Matthew 7:12  NLT   Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets. We know that as the golden rule. Mark 12:31  NLT   The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these We have lots of neighbors.  Not just the people who live next to us. Philippians 2:3-4  NLT   Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4  Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others,...

  It is a new week.  What might we face this week that will allow us to live for God and help others see Him?   That could be so many different things.  But let me suggest a few things that might help us be light in a dark world, hope when there is little hope to be found or give courage when so many are discouraged. Colossians 3:23  NLT   Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Choose how you will go about your day.  It is for God and not others.  But how we live for God and serve Him speaks volumes to every one around. Matthew 5:44  NLT   But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! Oh this is not always easy, but it is always right.  Love others.  Pray for those you struggle with.  Well, pray for everyone, but those people that annoy you, push your buttons, those you want to avoid, pray for each of them,. Philippians 2:5-6  NLT   You...

  Finishing up a good week, and there is so much ahead.  School began this week in our community.  Preparing for a mission trip next week and another next month.  Add to that so many people in need and on my mind. How to do you stay focused and make sure that you don’t miss the important things?  That is a tough question, but let me remind you of a couple things. Proverbs 3:9-10  NASB   Honor the Lord from your wealth, And from the first of all your produce; 10 Then your barns will be filled with plenty, Isaiah 55:6  NLT   Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. That first passage from Proverbs may speak to our stuff, but it also is about our time and what is important to us.  Second verse is really about opportunities. Start your day with God.  Choose to spend time with Him.  Listen to Him.  Pray.  Search for Him, like Isaiah said. I find it is before anything happens that our da...

  There are times you run across something that you just have to share.  This is one of those days.  Powerful truth.  Simple to understand.  Hard to follow through. Just a few verses from my reading stood out yesterday, and I want to share with you.  These really are promises from God.  We need His promises.  Know them.  Claim them.  Repeat them and know they are still promises. Read on and ask God to help you apply them. Isaiah 40:28-31  NLT   Have you never heard? Have you never understood?  The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth.  He never grows weak or weary.  No one can measure the depths of his understanding. 29 He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. 30 Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. 31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.  They will soar high on wings like eagles.  They will...

  Colossians 3:12  NASB So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;   I have shared some things with you that are close to my heart, things that I am passionate about and ministry that keeps me going in awesome ways.  I really do love what I get to do for a living and the people I get to do it with.   But some days are tough.  This stuff is heavy in so many ways, and it is important to learn how to deal with my own heart when things go in unexpected ways.  Some times we let things into our heart that aren’t easy to deal with.   We should put on a “heart of compassion” so that we can give others what we have received from God.  As Paul wrote to the church at Corinth when passing on to them the Lord’s supper he said that it was his responsibility to pass on to others what God had given to him.  We have to give it all away.  All that God has done...