Michael Harrison's e-devotion

  Last weekend a team from our church was able to be part of something that makes a difference for an eternity.  It is called the Serve Tour and is led by one of our partners, Send Relief. 15 people from The Community Fellowship went to Columbia, South Carolina to join with more than 800 volunteers to be part of a mission trip, projects of service that saw more than 80 people accept Jesus as their Savior.  It was a simple 2 day trip.  We helped rehab a church building, but there were so many different projects going on. Take a look at this video and even to learn more THIS LINK FOR THE VIDEO and learn more about the Serve Tour 1 Peter 3:15  NIV   But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, What an honor to share the hope that God has given us.  He is our Savior, friend, guide and reason for being part of ch...

  I am going to tell you again about Proverbs.  There are 31 chapters in the book as there are 31 days in most months.  Read it as I do each morning, and I will share some with you from chapter 27, yesterday’s reading.   This book has fed and led me for years, and I believe it will give you several things.  One of those is a love for God’s Word.  Another is the habit of reading God’s Word.  And another is the understanding that God’s ways and wisdom will change our lives.   Spend time today in Proverbs and every day.  This specific Proverbs reminds us to be a friend and help others be stronger.  Here are some verses that spoke to me.   Proverbs 27:2  NLT   Let someone else praise you, not your own mouth— a stranger, not your own lips.   Proverbs 27:6  NLT   Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.   Proverbs 27:9  NLT   The heartfelt counsel of a friend is a...

  There are so many things we can and should pray for.  My heart often goes out to people in need, and that is when prayer is needed and becomes active.  Yet one of the things I want to remind us to not miss is praying for those who do not know Jesus as savior. My heart goes out to many… the dad having major cancer surgery, the teenager going through brain surgery, the man recovering from a horrible accident at work, the friend battling cancer and her husband having other severe medical issues, the family in financial crisis… and the list goes on and on. Isaiah 53:5  NIV   But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. James 5:16  NLT   Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. But let us be reminded to pray in bi...

  Here are just a few quotes that come from the one called the “since of preachers.  He started a school for young men desiring to enter ministry, and his impact continues through his writing and sermons.  He had all hang ups, but this pastor also is credited for inspiring revival and many who became even better pulpit orators.  Charles H. Spurgeon was the pastor of the Metropolitan Tabernacle in England.  His boldness and messages have impacted countless people through the years.   It is also well known that Spurgeon battled many health and mental health issues.  Yet God used him to speak life, to inspire many and to change the direction of many churches and preachers.     Here are some of the most powerful quotes from Spurgeon:   “Our anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strengths.”  ― Spurgeon   “A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.” ― Spurgeon   “Vi...

  Have you ever had an authority figure in your life that you had to respect but you really didn’t care for that person?  Maybe this was a coach, a teacher, a boss, or maybe a government official. 1 Timothy 2:1  NLT   Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. Did you know that person was in a position of authority because God designed authority to be part of our world and in God’s sovereign plan, that person was placed in that position? Not always something else.  In fact we would most likely rather complain, rebel or do anything besides honor that person we struggle to respect. Yesterday we continued our series in Romans and began chapter 13.  It is important that as Christians we are good citizens and examples for others to see Jesus. Romans 13:1,4-5  NLT   Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in position...

  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...