Michael Harrison's e-devotion

I need margin

2012-01-31T14:59:00.000-05:00

On Sunday we started a new series at The Community Fellowship. It is called MARGIN. Lets define the term: margin is the amountavailable beyond what is necessary. Thus, margin could be money, time, energy, rest, emotions and countlessmore things. Fact is, we could all usemore margin in our lives.

Luke 10:38-42 NASB

38 Now as they were traveling along, Heentered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. 39 She hada sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord's feet, listening to His word.40 ButMartha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, "Lord, do Younot care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell herto help me." 41 But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried andbothered about so many things; 42 butonly one thing isnecessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be takenaway from her."

Mary and Martha were incrediblewomen. They were sisters of Lazarus, theguy Jesus raised from the dead. Theseladies were close friends of Jesus. In thepassage above both were doing good things. Martha was worried and working hard at having a great party at her house. Mary chose to spend time with Jesus.

Jesus said Mary made the betterchoice. Mary believed that she hadenough margin, enough peace, to do what will not be offered very often. When we have margin and can use what we havewisely, life will be much sweeter.

When we don’t have margin, our stresslevels increase big time. When we don’thave margin, our relationships are strained and in danger. That is just a couple reasons we need marginin our lives. Margin brings the peace ofGod. Margin allows us to rest when thewar is going on around us.

My prayer is that God will allow us tobuild margin into our lives. Ichallenged our church family to take 5 minutes each day this week to donothing. Put down the cell phone. Turn off the TV. Do nothing. Take 5 minutes to focus on God. Ichallenge you to do the same.

A big thanks to Craig Groeschel andLifechurch.tv as well as Andy Stanleyfor what I have learned about margin from them. God is doing great things around our lives. Lets give God more room to work!

grace living

2012-01-30T15:11:00.000-05:00

Grace is not an easy word to understand and to liveout. I’ve met some ladies named grace,but that is not what I am talking about. I’ve met many people who talk about the grace of God and offering peoplegrace, yet their lives seem to miss what grace really is.

Maybe the issue or reality of grace is one that eludesus and is hard to find. The church talksit up, praises God for His grace and spreads the wonders of it all thetime. But do we really live by grace? That is, do we receive and give grace freelyto others that we encounter each day? This would include people in our home, the workplace, our school and thepeople we meet on the street.

It is hard to be full of grace and give grace when weare full of self. It is hard to give graceto others when we don’t have grace for ourselves or forgive ourselves for ourown mistakes.

"Neverforget that grace takes guts, risk and a dash of crazy." Mike Foster

Giving 2nd chances is what grace is all about. When we extend kindness to a person whodoesn’t deserve it, we are living out and sharing the grace that God sharedwith us. This cannot and must not be basedon some code or some rules that we follow and ask others to follow. Grace is based on the example of what Jesusdid for us. We don’t and never willdeserve His grace.

The church as well must step out to share God’s gracewith the people we minister to and the people we serve with. For too long the church has been known as a placeof legalism where we kick to the side those who have messed up rather than pickpeople up who fail and help them get back on track.

“Thechurch is most appealing when the message of grace is most apparent.” Andy Stanley

Those 2 quotes are right on. It takes risk to give and receive grace. People know when the church and the grace weoffer are not authentic. I challenge usto take a look at the grace we offer. Are there strings attached? Doesthis grace look the same as the grace Jesus offers?

1 Thessalonians 4:10 NLT

Indeed,you already show your love for all the believers throughout Macedonia. Even so,dear brothers and sisters, we urge you to love them even more.

Don’t just love people, really lovethem. Leave no question if we mean whatwe say about grace and what we offer. Grace living is a lifestyle chosen by people who have been overwhelmedby the grace of God. I love to see andbe part of authentic grace living.

listening

2012-01-27T10:42:00.001-05:00

Proverbs 8:33 NLT

Listen to myinstruction and be wise. Don’t ignore it.

I began this week talking about prayer, and I amgoing to end the week on the same note. Two opportunities presented the last few days to pray with groups ofpeople, and they were incredible times where God spoke. Several phone calls, emails and more came withprayer needs. I love praying withpeople.

Yet part of prayer is listening to God. We hear in Psalms about “being still” and “listening”to God. Unless we hear from God, we areon a journey that has us alone and in trouble. God intends for this to be a shared journey. Shared with him and with others. Listening to God makes us be on his path.

I challenge us to take extra time this weekend tolisten to God. Stop for extraminutes. Go somewhere that is quiet orsomewhere that God has spoken to you in the past. Maybe this is a place at your home orsomewhere that provides the beauty of nature. Spend a few minutes listening intently to God that says to God that youare serious about walking and living with Him.

Matthew 11:15 NLT

Anyone withears to hear should listen and understand!

Luke 11:28 NLT

Jesusreplied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put itinto practice.”

Psalm 89:15 NLT

Happy arethose who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light ofyour presence, LORD.

As you hear from God, then speak to Him. God hears our prayers, and God responds asour heart is becoming more and more like God’s heart.

May our prayers be more powerful than ever as we hearfrom God, speak with God and serve those we come in contact with!

Isaiah 59:1 NLT

Listen! TheLORD’s arm is not too weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear youcall.

Psalm 69:33 NLT

For the LORDhears the cries of the needy; he does not despise his imprisoned people.

My last challenge for the weekend is this: I still love ARK’s (acts of random kindness)where you and I go out of our way to be kind to others. Do something extra, some thing way above normfor a family member, a friend, a neighbor, or even someone you’ve just met. God may use your act of random kindness tolead someone to know Him more.

you see God work

2012-01-26T12:08:00.001-05:00

Exodus 14:31 NLT

When thepeople of Israel saw the mighty power that the LORD had unleashed against theEgyptians, they were filled with awe before him. They put their faith in theLORD and in his servant Moses.

I cannot imagine what it must have been like to havecrossed the Jordan River on dry land. The people of God had so much on their side. We have much to learn from them.

They had the promises of God. When the people left Egypt, nothing seemedeasy, yet God led them and continued to give His promises. Each day the promises were seen. But 40 years of believing promises istough. We as humans and too often giveup or give in and just walk away. Following God and believing His promises has great reward.

They had the provision of God. I read this morning about God providing thefood they needed while they were in the desert. Some people complained and didn’t listen to what God said. After a while they learned to trust God. Daily God was going to provide. He also provided for them to be able totravel and to see his guiding each day and each night.

Maybe the biggest piece God’s people had was theprotection of God. This happened in manyways, shapes and forms. The Jordan Riveras the verse above reminds us was an incredible picture of what God can andwill do. It was a huge body ofwater. There was no way to cross ituntil God provided. The Bible says thatGod’s people walked across the Jordan River on dry ground. It also says that when all of the people ofGod got to the other side that the Jordan came back to life again floodingwhere it had flowed before they crossed. The people of Egypt who pursued and were ready to kill God’s people werekilled themselves. God confused them andthen drowned them.

God gave His people promises, provision andprotection. Doesn’t he do that for ustoo? He does. It is time to trust God and to live our livesin the shadow of what God promises and provides and in His protection each day.

Celebrate as you see God work.

Proverbs 3:5 NLT

Trust in theLORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.

take a risk on someone

2012-01-25T14:08:00.000-05:00

Philemon 17-19 NLT

So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as youwould welcome me. If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, chargeit to me. I, Paul, write this with myown hand: I will repay it and I won’tmention that you owe me your very soul.

This past Sunday I shared the last message in theseries called CHANGED. What a powerful pictureand lesson comes from the book of Philemon. It is a word that you and I need to learn from in big ways because Godbrings people to us that we interact with.

Paul is the writer of the letter to Philemon sent toa guy named Philemon. It is about his slavewho stole something, and then ran away. The slave is Onesimus, and he ended up in jail where Paul happened tobe. Paul was there for preaching aboutJesus. Onesimus was there as a run-awaythief. That is where God changedOnesimus’ life for good similarly to how God has changed your life and mine.

The letter asked for mercy and a second chance, butPaul also put himself on the line. Hetook a risk on Onesimus. He said that hewould pay whatever the thief owed and more. Paul also asked that Philemon take a risk on his slave.

We learn in this book of the Bible about interactingwith people that God is using. Philemonwas a follower of God too because he hosted a house in his church. Onesimus needed help, and God knew that andintervened. Paul was on a mission toshare truth.

Paul took a risk on Onesimus. Philemon took a risk on Onesimus. Onesimus took a risk on himself and on thosearound him. In fact, Biblical historytells us that Onesimus became a pastor of the church in Ephesus. All of that happened because someone was willingto take a risk on someone else.

Who took a risk on you? I remember an old pastor who took a risk onme. His name was Jerry Amstutz, and heserved the 11st Baptist Church in my hometown. There are other men and women like Patricia Stafford (my 3rd gradeteacher), Dan Korver (my 8th grade Bible teacher), Phil Dietz (my youthpastor), and so many others took a risk on me. I am grateful. I would not be whoI am today without some people taking a risk on me.

Who have you taken a risk on? There are some many people through my lifethat I can point to that I have taken a risk on. To name a few: Ben, BL, Becky, Steve, Sid,Teresa, Jerry, Matthew and more.

I pray often that God will point out people that Ican take a risk on. Because we reach outto others, because we offer someone a 2nd chance, because we are kind and takea risk on someone God might use them to help many others have a life thatcounts in huge ways.

Let’s take a risk on others. May our lives count for more than we willever know!

Isaiah 35:3 NLT

With thisnews, strengthen those who have tired hands, and encourage those who have weakknees.

PRAYER is part of my life

2012-01-23T19:49:00.002-05:00

Our churchfamily and some friends just completed a 24 Hour Prayer Vigil praying for ourcommunity and those in our area who are in need. It is our desire to meet needs and to shareJesus with people who don’t have hope, but you don’t just start servingpeople. There is a connection to God anda passion that He puts in our heart that is vitally important.

Some peopleserve to make themselves feel good or even to look good. That is another reason to check ourmotives. God’s call on my life is toserve people that are often overlooked or forgotten. This began with seeing needs, but this becamea passion and a reality as I talked to God about it.

Prayer ispart of my life. Prayer is not someritual that Christians take part in or something we resort to when things arenot good. Prayer is our connection withthe God who loves, cares for and put Himself on the line for us.

Years ago Imade a commitment to pray immediately for people who I met that were in needwhen I learned of their need. That flowsover into the times when someone asks me to pray, and I believe that it isimportant to pray at that moment for their request. Prayer connects us to God, but prayer alsoconnects us to others.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 NLT

Never stop praying.

Philippians 4:6 NLT

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray abouteverything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

Matthew 6:6 NLT

But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the doorbehind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who seeseverything, will reward you.

Psalm 105:4 NLT

Search for the LORD and for his strength; continuallyseek him.

Matthew 6:33 NLT

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and liverighteously, and he will give you everything you need.

Prayerconnects us with God who is able. Thereis nothing too hard for God, nothing too far from Him, and there is nothing ourGod can’t do.

If we wantGod to use us and to give us passion, it will begin with and be in proportionto our time with Him in prayer. Thevision God has given me is not about putting my name or our church name on thesign. It is about opening doors to helppeople find hope and reach their dreams. That is such a huge thing that I can’t miss time with God.

In prayer, Imeet God. In prayer, I share withGod. In prayer, I hear from God. In prayer, I find answers to the questionsI’m asking. In prayer, I find the humilitythat I need to make it through. Prayeris part of my life, and I pray it is an important part of your life.

I love this

2012-01-20T12:49:00.002-05:00

Psalm 119:11 NLT

I havehidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

This week there have been some times that have leftme more excited about what our church is part of and the fact that our DreamCenter is becoming a reality. Be carefulthat you make the most important things important to you.

It began with Matt sharing his testimony lastSunday. He is a part of our Dream Centerdiscipleship program. What Matt sharedwas powerful, grounded in the Bible and spoke to the fact that God changes ourlives. He said that reading the Biblehas been a great part of his journey and God changing his life.

I walked into the kitchen at church yesterday morningand heard a conversation about our disciple’s Bible study. It was deep. Lots of questions. I love this,and it burns deep in my heart to help people fall in love with God and allowHim and His word to change our lives.

I love this. God’s word continues to change my life as I point myself and my lifetoward it. The Bible is not just a bookon the shelf at our house or on the table. The Bible is to be part of our every day life. Allow God’s word to hit you, speak to you,run through your mind and heart. Thingswill change. You will change as I have.

Last night at dinner one of our youth from churchshared about the conversation from our youth group Bible study the nightbefore. Once again I heard about somepeople digging in to God’s word and learning.

God has called us to make disciples as we serveothers. The term “fully devotedfollowers” is something I think about often. If our church is not leading people to really follow Jesus, we aremissing what God called us to do. How dowe know that we are strong? How do weknow that we are doing what God called us to do?

1 Thessalonians 3:8 NASB

for now wereally live, if you stand firm in the Lord.

We stand stronger when others stand with God and whenwe stand with God. I love this. I love to see people follow God. The Bible is an important part. May God help us make His word an importantpart of our every day life.

I leave you with a link to the online Bible I use onmy phone and computer. www.youversion.com is the greatest place Ihave found to spend time in the word and to do it often. I use the daily readings to keep myselfplugged in. I love this!

go to www.youversion.com

it is time to PRAY

2012-01-20T11:55:00.000-05:00

notes from The Community Fellowship (January 20, 2012)

We continue our series called CHANGED, and last week the message was about the spiritual battle that is going on around us. As we seek God, Satan tries to distract us and destroy what God has already done. Please continue to seek God, and join us this Sunday as the series continues and we seek God.

Spiritual warfare is happening all around us. Because God is working through us and making a difference in many lives, Satan is trying like mad to hurt, confuse, and even cripple people. That is not going to happen as we keep seeking God.

Your church leaders and the Dream Center team continue to seek a building for us to use for the homeless ministry and transition/discipleship program we have. In the coming weeks, we hope to share some of the victories ahead.

You are invited and encouraged to be part of the 24 Hour Prayer Vigil for our Dream Center that begins at 6pm Sunday and goes through Monday at 6pm. Go to this link on FaceBook (http://www.facebook.com/events/343026302382065) to get more information and sign up, or you can sign up Sunday.

Pray for Bryant (20 years homeless man we are serving who is currently in the hospital), for Patrick (also a 20 year old homeless man we are serving and is struggling) and others we serve with as well as those who are hurting that come our way.

Thank you for praying for Pastor Michael, our leaders and each person who is part of our church family. This is an important time in the life of our church, and you are an important part of the family. Keep seeking God and we look forward to seeing you this Sunday!

for more information email info@thecommunityfellowship.org or call the church at 276-647-8231. The Community Fellowship worships every Sunday morning at 10:10am

not alone

2012-01-19T16:09:00.002-05:00

Hebrews 13:5 NLT

… For Godhas said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”

It may look like you are alone, but that is nottrue. God promised us that He would neverabandon us. It is a lie of our enemySatan that says we are alone, no one understands or even no one cares.

My heart breaks as I meet people who believe the liesthat Satan tells. I have believed themtoo often myself, yet we can trust God. Looking back on situations and problems, it is evident that when I feltalone God was not only with me but was helping me along the path. He was loving and sharing with me.

We come through all kinds of things in life. There are relationships that are tornapart. Then we feel as if we arealone. There are problems when money orjobs are taken away, and we feel like we are alone. There are even times when we are surroundedby other people yet have this feeling that no one is with us at all.

Those are the lies that it is time to get ridof. By sharing our struggles with otherpeople, we find peace and help. I havefelt alone, but when I shared my struggles or frustration with a friend, Ilearned that they have been there.

Such a situation came up last week in a conversationwith a close friend. In the coarse of adiscussion on a tough subject I began to share some of my failure andpain. It was amazing to listen to myfriend’s story and how God has worked in his life in some of the sameways. We now have shared ground andshared experience. We can make eachother strong.

Not only is God with us and for us, but God hassurrounded us with people who are there to support and encourage us. What an awesome God we serve.

Romans 8:31 NASB

What thenshall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?

John 13:35 NLT

Your lovefor one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.

You have the power to stop the lie and stop theepidemic of feeling like you or someone is alone. Reach out to God and reach out toothers. We are not alone!

look around the room

2012-01-18T11:50:00.000-05:00

Psalm 34:3 NASB

O magnifythe Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together.

Look around the room in your life and where youare. The people you see are those thatGod has allowed to come your direction for some reason. It is not bycoincidence. God’s plan for you is forgreatness and His glory. We need to takea look around.

Take a look around the room. That is what I was doing last Thursdayevening as the annual meeting of the NationalFellowship of Raceway Ministries waskicking off in Daytona Beach, Florida.

The people in the room, some I know and some I don’t,are making it happen at speedways, big and small, around the country. They are sharing their faith, ministering tothose in need and serving people in a unique place. Their ages are from 20 something to 80 yearsyoung. Some have just begun. Others have been at it for years.

People like John Fox, a dear friend, who is a pastorin Roanoke, Virginia and helped begin the ministry at MartinsvilleSpeedway 21 years ago. This man has for more than 10 years been afriend and mentor of mine. He is a hero.

Another in the room is ShellyWilson, a young lady from Texas. She has a voice like an angel, and herministry at the speedway and beyond is helping ladies know that our heavenlywants to help ladies know they are queens. Her ministry is called DQK or Drama Queens for the King. You need to hear the stories she tells aboutyoung girls, and others, meeting Jesus for the first time.

Also in the room are men like Roger Marsh and David Martin who have giventheir lives full time to serve the racing community. David serves with OnTrack Ministries andRoger as the director of the national Raceway Ministries groups. Just being around them, their passion rubsoff on you. I am indebted to David andRoger for their partnership and ministry.

I traveled with friends from our group inMartinsville to Florida, and these are awesome people who make our ministry topnotch. I’m thankful for Eldred, LeeRoy,Tim and Kevin who traveled with me (even the guys who didn’t get to go aregreat).

I met some new friends as well. Jud Brannon is making a Christian movie, Champion, about racing and serves at First Baptist inWoodstock, GA. JonathanMartin is David’s son and incredibleracer and man of faith. TrevorBayne won the Daytona 500 last year,and he shared his testimony along with several other people Thursdaynight. The dude can preach too, and heloves Jesus (plus Trevor is my favorite NASCAR driver).

My point is this. We are never alone! Plus tryingto do things on our own will not have the impact or the influence that doingthings together will have. We need eachother. These people and the hundreds ofothers working and serving at the speedways around the nation have a message ofhope to share with people who need Jesus. They are encouragers of those who already know God, and they are winningpeople to God who don’t know Him. We arepart of an awesome group of people.

Christians aren’t perfect, but we are forgiven. We must see how God connects us and maximizethose connections so that we can serve more people. Take another look around the room.

prepare for battle (lessons from a hero – MLK)

2012-01-16T16:07:00.003-05:00

2 Timothy 1:7 NLT

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but ofpower, love and self-discipline.

I was not in the military, yet I appreciate and amgrateful for those who have served our country and fought for our freedom. Freedom comes with a price. All freedom, that is, comes with a price, andoften the price is high.

As Christians, we are in a battle. If we chose to deal correctly with this Spiritualbattle we are involved, we must prepare ourselves. Maybe you have noticed as I have that thecloser you get to God and the more you pursue God the more difficult the battlegets. This fact means that we needperspective.

The battle is on. It is happening as I write and as we live. Do we recognize it or do we avoid it? Better to acknowledge the battle than toallow it to knock you out.

Let scripturechange your perspective!

Ephesians 6:12 NLT

Forwe are not struggling against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulersand authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world,and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

1 Peter 5:8 NLT

Stayalert! Watch out for your great enemy,the devil. He prowls about like aroaring lion, looing for someone to devour.

The battle is real, and we have to deal with it headon. What do you do with the thoughtsthat come your way that are wrong? Godgives us ways to deal with those thoughts.

2 Corinthians 10:5 NLT

We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised againstthe knowledge of God and we are taking captive every thought to the obedienceto Christ.

Taking thoughts captive and believing what God saysis crucial to dealing with the battle. We DO HAVE the power over what we think about and over what we do. Believing what God says and acting upon ithelps us be stronger each day.

Romans 8:6 NLT

So letting your sinful thoughts control your mind leads todeath. But letting the Spirit controlyour mind leads to life and peace.

Being led by and controlled by the Spirit of God is notsome mysterious thing or a special something you do that makes you more specialor better than others. Yet following theSpirit does open our lives. Following Godopens us to the battle. Following God givesus help in the battles we face.

I want to share with you today one of my heroes. Martin Luther King,Jr. took a stand and led others to stand up for things that are right. Often the battles we face are only in themind or the spiritual world, but these battles many times play out in thephysical world.

God teaches us in the Bible to care for people whoare hurting and oppressed. Each of usmust start a revolution by helping people see the hope they can have infollowing Jesus. Dr. King’s famousspeech said “I have a dream”. We oughtto be helping people reach their dreams and dream even more.

Here are some quotes from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.that have inspired me:

Faith is takingthe first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.
Life’s mostpersistent and urgent question is, “What are you doing for others?”
Every man mustdecide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or darkness ofdestructive selfishness.
To be aChristian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive withoutbreathing.
The hottestplace in Hell is reserved for those who remain neutral in times of great moralconflict.
We must face thesad fact that Sunday morning when we stand 2 sing, we stand in the mostsegregated hour in America.
Freedom is nevervoluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.

(Thanks tomy friend Scott Williams forsharing these quotes.)

May God help us live out of dreams. And may our dreams help us help others bestrong members of society and people who are sold out to God who loves us!

the piece you might be missing

2012-01-12T06:00:00.000-05:00

James 1:5 NLT

If you need wisdom,ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you forasking.

Every one of us has a story to tell. We’ve experienced life and all kinds ofthings along the way, and one of the things that God has brought to my mindtoday is the fact that we are blessed when we experience the grace of God. Would you agree?

In my work, I talk with many people, hear about lotsof life experiences and stories, but I feel the need to confess that I talk tolots of people who need a big dose of God’s wisdom. Please understand what I am saying. We all need God’s wisdom, yet there arepeople we all know that seem to be a million miles away from God’s truth andHis wisdom.

The choices people make confess a need forwisdom. The consequences people cry overmark the fact of needing wisdom. Thelack of wisdom is evident and almost screaming at those who look on. But why do people not see this fact?

I want to pass on God’s wisdom to people. Understand that God’s wisdom doesn’t comefrom people. It comes from God andnowhere else. He offers His wisdom toanyone who asks and who seeks God.

Let me give you a short look at what God says aboutthe wisdom we need…

What is wisdom like?

James 3:17 NLT

But the wisdomfrom above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times,and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows nofavoritism and is always sincere.

What is the opposite of God’s wisdom?

Isaiah 47:10 NLT

“You felt secure in your wickedness. ‘No one seesme,’ you said. But your ‘wisdom’and ‘knowledge’ have led you astray, and you said, ‘I am the only one, andthere is no other.’

How do we get God’s wisdom?

Proverbs 15:33 NLT

Fear of the LORD teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.

Proverbs 1:7 NLT

Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge,but fools despise wisdom anddiscipline.

Job 12:13 NLT

But true wisdomand power are found in God; counsel and understanding are his.

I pray that we seek God’s wisdom and long for Histruth. There is nothing like it, andnothing will help us more to experience life and to gain great and godlystories in our lives.

The piece that you might be missing is the wisdom ofGod!

Colossians 3:16 NLT

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness,fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymnsand spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.

one of my heroes

2012-01-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

Tim Byrd, one of my heroes

Hebrews 11:6,38NASB

Andwithout faith it is impossible to please Him,for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those whoseek Him…( men of whom the worldwas not worthy),…

Let me introduce you to a friend ofmine. My family moved to Virginia over10 years ago, and that is about the same time I began serving with the RacewayMinistries group at Martinsville Speedway.

We have a great team with lots of committedvolunteers and some of the best leaders I have ever met. One of those guys is Tim Byrd. But Tim and I share more than ministry at thespeedway. This man has a heart to serveothers and to share Jesus with those he meets.

First of all, Tim is a faithful husbandand father. I’ve seen that with my eyesand heard many people speak about his family. Second, Tim loves his church his pastor and serves faithfully. Third, Tim serves people in need, as is myheart. He has given to our ministry,volunteered, prayed and done more than I can share.

Why is Tim one of my heroes? It is because what Tim says he will do, hedoes. He is man of high character andcommitment. When he says he will prayfor you, you are being prayed for. Eachyear when it is time for our back2schooloutreach, Tim along with some of his family and friends become great partnersin raising the funds and resources to help us serve kids in our community.

Tim and I have traveling several timestogether. The verse above speaks volumesabout his faith, but the next verses also sticks out in my mind…

Proverbs 18:24 NLT

There are“friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than abrother.

Proverbs 17:17 NLT

A friend isalways loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.

I am grateful for partners in ministry,friends in life and people who hold me up. What an honor when a man like Tim calls and asks for my prayers andshares his heart. Real men sticktogether and serve God together. Realmen become heroes to others.

If you have not met Tim, you need toobecause you would find another hero that you can point your children to. We need more heroes like Tim.

leaning makes me stronger

2012-01-10T05:00:00.000-05:00

Proverbs 3:5 NASB

Trust in theLord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding.

All of us lean. Either one way or the other, we are leaningon something that makes us a bit stronger. Lean on something weak, and you are weak. Lean on something that is strong, and you arestrong. It is a fact. Think about it.

The verse above is one I quote oftenand even hear others use a lot. Are youleaning on yourself or on God? It doesmake a difference. I am finite. God is infinite. I have to rest or get help. But God has all I need and all you need. There is a big difference between God andme. The same is true for you.

Who are you leaning on?

Isaiah 48:2 NASB

For theycall themselves after the holy city And lean on the God of Israel; The Lord ofhosts is His name.

Isaiah 50:10 MSG

Who outthere fears God, actually listens to the voice of his servant? For anyone outthere who doesn't know where you're going, anyone groping in the dark, Here'swhat: Trust in God. Lean on your God!

Psalm 89:21 NLT

I willsteady him with my hand; with my powerful arm I will make him strong.

May we be found leaning on Jesus andtrusting Him more than we trust ourselves or trust any thing else. Take a few minutes and check on this. Who are you leaning on? My prayer is that leaning makes us stronger.

As I close today’s devotion it isimportant to me that we notice the people around us that are leaning. We need each other. Give someone an encouraging word or servesomeone and help them lean on Jesus. Youwill make a big difference in their life as God has made a difference in yours.

hope4thehomeless5k run, Saturday, March 3rd

2012-01-07T22:45:00.001-05:00

It is that time again. The 2012 and our 2nd annual 5k run/walk to benefit our work with the homeless and to educate our community is set. It will be Saturday, March 3rd at 10am. You can register online or download a form at http://www.tcdc.info

Pass the word. Sponsors are also needed. Go to the same site for sponsor forms too.

In 2011 we raised over $10,000 for the cause of the serving the homeless in Martinsville and Henry County, Virginia, and we hope to raise much more and double participation this year. Since last year's event many people have been served through Citizens Against Family Violence (CAFV serves women) and The Community Dream Center (TCDC serves men and families). These are the partner organizations for this event.

Want to register or sponsor the event? Got to http://www.tcdc.info or call us at 276-647-8231. If you'd simply like to send support, write your check to STEP and mail it to TCDC, PO Box 388, Collinsville, VA 24078. You can also send gifts solely for the Dream Center by clicking the online giving link on the right side of this blog.

Thank you for your support as we are "reBuilding the Lives of Broken People" by meeting needs and sharing the hope Jesus gives.

Michael

my safe place

2012-01-06T03:00:00.000-05:00

do you have a safe place?

Where is your safe place? As a child this was in your mom’s arms or maybe standing behind your bigbrother. It might have been a specialplace like a tree house or your room or at the creek near your house. All of us have had those places where we feltsafe.

Some of mine … as a child making a special play room outof my closet, I remember the creek near our farm was so calm, as a young adulta friend let me spend time near the pond on their farm outside of town, sinceI’m a bit older it is often my chair after the kids are in bed … that is justsome of my safe places through the years, but one thing that links almost allof those is that I remember something spiritual happening there.

In that safe place I heard from God, found confidence, wasable to pray and wait and even knew God was there with me. We need safe places.

When I think of this topic, I am often horrified by thefact that some people, especially children, don’t have a safe place. Their home is a war zone. Family and friends have brought pain and notsafety. We need safe places.

God offers this to His kids. As His kids we can offer others safe placesas we come to understand what God has given us.

Proverbs 18:10 NLT

The name ofthe LORD is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.

Get to know God. He is for us. He is providing uswith safety and confidence. We can andmust run to Him all the time, not just when trouble comes up.

Psalm 119:114 NLT

You are myrefuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope.

Knowing God’s word leads us into safety. King David said that he put God’s word intohis heart so he could avoid sin and stay close to God. When we get close to God, we find hope andsafety from Him.

Psalm 46:1 NLT

God is ourrefuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.

I’ve been in trouble, and I’ve run in totrouble. Those times have led me totrust even more in the place where I am safe. That is in God. God is my safeplace.

May God fill us with hope. I understand that my safe place can be manydifferent places or just one place. Butit is there that I spend time with God, hear from Him and leave renewed andenergized. Then I can lead others tosafety. Do you have a safe place?

Romans 12:12 NLT

Rejoice inour confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.

pray for each other

2012-01-05T15:40:00.000-05:00

James 5:16 NASB

Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

Do you ever have someone ask for you to pray for them? I do and it happens often in my line of work. One of the pieces of my life that I try to commit to is stopping to pray for that person when they ask. That request may come in person, on the phone, via Facebook, in an email or letter and maybe several difference ways. Praying at that point is important.

When we stop at that moment and pray for them, we say "you are important to me". We might even say through our pray that "God cares about you" which is incredible.

I'm going to leave today's thought at this … "pray for each other" … make it part of your life. It take 30 seconds or less to stop and take the time to pray. It may change someone's life!

living by grace

2012-01-03T15:34:00.002-05:00

Grace is something that few people understand. Christians talk about it a lot, yet I haveexperienced many who talk about it and don’t live by it’s truth.

Hear me out for a few minutes on this one. We are saved by grace, accepted by God,forgiven of our sin and given 2nd chances so many times. God looks at us and sees His son, Jesus. Jesus took our place and gave us grace.

The opposite of grace is law. We are not saved by being good or by what wedo. Salvation comes by the sweet gift ofGod through Jesus. That is puregrace. I’ve heard it defined like thisfor years: God’s riches at Christ’s expense. Does that make sense to you? Suredoes to me.

You can tell people who have experienced grace and thosewho have not. You can know who lives bygrace and who does not. Often Christiansare the worst at judging people. As Godaccepted us, we are to accept others.

But let me go in a strange or twisted direction for aminute. On the flip side the question isthis: are we living in a way that people know we are God’s kids? If so, we will be responding to people with grace. We will prove we belong to and know God. How does that happen? We will act like Jesus acted. We will hate sin but love people. Does that characterize your life or mine?

Matthew 3:8 NLT

Prove by theway you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.

That verse might puzzle us for a minute. It sounds like it says to be a Christian youhave to do or prove something. But thatcouldn’t be further from the truth.

By living for God and pursing Jesus, we will livedifferently, we will treat others differently, and we will share grace with thepeople around us. Living by grace is achoice. Treating others with grace is achoice, yet the longer we pursue Jesus the easier and more natural living bygrace becomes.

I pray that our lives, our talk and all we do can besaid to be … living by grace.

Romans 11:6 NLT

And since itis through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in thatcase, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved.

Romans 15:7 NLT

Therefore,accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be givenglory.

more of Jesus in 2012

2012-01-02T15:08:00.000-05:00

You may know Paul's story. He was raised in the right place, educated in the best schools and ended up antagonistic toward the people of the Way or the Jesus followers. Through the help of authorities as well as the church, Paul (known as Saul then) systematically went around seeking to end the spread of Jesus' teaching. That was until the day Paul met Jesus. Everything changed!

In Philippians 3 Paul talked about his understanding of Jesus. Nothing compared to knowing Jesus. Not his pedigree or his education or even his status. Knowing Jesus was the highest point in life. That ought to be true for us as well

If we are going to be successful in life and in 2012, we need to … Get Comfortable with Jesus … that means we talk about Him often, follow Him and share Him as often as possible. Notice what Paul said here:

Philippians 3:8-9 NASB

More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,

It is less about me, Paul said, and he had a lot to brag about. None of it compares to Jesus. It really is all about Him, about Jesus.

Jesus changes me. What is important to me changes me. When I value Christ more than anything, I am changed.

John 3:30 NLT

He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.

Maybe the most profound statement Paul made was this … I want to be found in Him by His righteousness and not my own. Because of what Jesus did in the past I am changed, based solely on Jesus through grace and not based on law or what I can do.

May God help us know Him, love Him and share Him more in 2012. I do want to be found in Christ. My life based on Him. My life yearning for Him, and my life patterned after is.

Steve Furtick said it well in a recent blog on his blog: Don't just put Jesus first this year… "Not Jesus, then my family. But Jesus in my family. Not Jesus, then my career. But Jesus in my career. We'd probably be a lot more successful in actually keeping Jesus at the top spot on our list. And we'd be much more likely to do an exponentially greater job at accomplishing our other goals and maintaining our priorities."

start the new year in church

2011-12-31T15:12:00.000-05:00

We'd like to invite you to The Community Fellowship for worship on the first day of 2012. A new series will begin as well as a challenge to make this one count in great ways. Over the last 5 and a half years God has used our church to impact many, many lives, but 2012 is sure to impact the most. Start the New Year right. Worshipping Jesus. In church with friends. And may God blow our minds as we pursue Him in 2012!

relationships --- day 4 --- opportunities for 2012

2011-12-29T11:23:00.001-05:00

2 Corinthians 13:11 NLT

Dearbrothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Growto maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God oflove and peace will be with you.

This will be my last post and devotion for 2012(guess, I should make it a good one). Itwill also be the last one of the “opportunities for 2012” series I have sharedthis week. Let me dig down real deep andshare a piece of my heart and something that continues to be a struggle for me.

Ok. One of ourcore values at The Community Fellowship and something that has continued tohelp us grow and encourage people is our value of being transparent and honestabout our failures and pain. God neverwastes a hurt. God uses our pain. He works in our weakness by giving us Hisstrength.

Our most valuable resource is people. I already said that this week, and the way wedeal with people is through relationships. God intends for us to connect with Him and to connect with the peoplearound us and beyond. But relationshipsare one of the most difficult things we deal with. How we deal with people says a lot about us.

We often chose to push people away because ofdifficult relationships. I’ve donethat. We may cut people off and devaluethem, maybe not out loud, because of our prior experience with them. Some of us will bury ourselves in work orprojects so we don’t have to connect with people. Yet when we chose not to have relationships,cultivate and work on relationships, we miss much that God wants us toexperience.

Ephesians 4:32 NLT

Instead, bekind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God throughChrist has forgiven you.

Myrelationship with God is the most vital.

God created us with relationships in mind. That begins with Him. Go back to the Garden of Eden and note thatGod desired to spend time with the people He made. His desire has not changed. He connects with us in many ways, but thefact is this, we need to connect with God.

Myrelationship with my wife is a work in progress.

At one point I thought I’d never be married. Yet God provided Julie in an incredible andsweet way. For 18 years we’ve beentogether, and it has not always been easy (plus, I’m not perfect), but we areworking to make our relationship and our marriage stronger. We have to focus on each other in a selflessway. Look at Ephesians 5:20 and the following versesto see how husbands are to love their wives. Challenging but right.

Myrelationship with my kids is something I want to be stronger.

I have caught myself at times avoiding my childrenbecause of strife or being busy. I havealso regretted that in big ways. We have3 awesome kids. Connecting with them issomething I choose, and I have to shut off the things that distract me. My kids need a dad who loves God and theirmom. They need a dad who is willing toshow them what the love of God is like.

Myrelationship with my co-workers, church family and volunteers is one Iappreciate and want to be great quality.

I do love the people I work with, but I’ve got to behonest with you. There are some peoplethat rub me the wrong way and that I don’t always agree with. It is tempting to cut those people off oravoid them. Plus, I hate conflict, yetwe are weak when we don’t work together. Relationships take work. Byconnecting with people we are stronger, and it helps us all be better.

Myrelationship with new people is something I work on.

You may think I am outgoing and never intimidated incrowds or around new people. Thatcouldn’t be further from the truth. Thereare times when I have to make myself be friendly or to reach out toothers. Too many people never reach out,don’t have friends and rarely speak to people they aren’t often around. As Jesus chose to interact with people, wemust do the same.

Connecting with people means we give away what Godhas given us … encouragement, strength, love and more. Do you struggle with relationships as Ihave? Be honest. I have done lots of things wrong, and I havefound by the grace of God these relationships have survived, gotten strongerand helped others grow stronger.

Yes, my wife and I have had our struggles. But we’ve come a long way. My kids have got on my nerves, and I’ve lostmy temper. You’ve got to know that therehave been issues between me and the people I serve with. There are people who have made me mad, and Ihave responded wrong.

That’s the truth, yet in each of those situationsI’ve found victory in Jesus because relationships are an opportunity that Godblesses us with. In 2012 we will have numerousopportunities to connect with God and to connect with people. Will we take those opportunities? Will we allow God to work through us so thatwe will help others and ourselves get closer to God?

Opportunity awaits. People are important. May Godbless us as we plan to make 2012 a year of success and blessing withrelationships!

Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

For I knowthe plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster,to give you a future and a hope.

day 3 --- opportunities for 2012

2011-12-28T10:23:00.001-05:00

back2school 2011 volunteers & kids

Ephesians 5:16 NLT

Make themost of every opportunity in these evil days.

Galatians 5:13 NLT

For you havebeen called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use yourfreedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve oneanother in love.

Let’s continue our conversation about opportunitiesfor the upcoming new year (only a few days away). To this point we have talked about giving andmentoring. Today we are picking up thesubject of volunteering.

I love volunteers. The church I serve as well as the organizations I am a part of would NOTfunction without great volunteers. Thesepeople aren’t paid, but are worth lots of pay. These people have variety of talents that make all of us stronger. We need volunteers.

Life is busy, my life is busy every day. Yet I chose to volunteer my time and energywith some great organizations like Raceway Ministries, our local homelesscoalition and more. Where are youvolunteering your time? There are somany opportunities where you live. Go ona little search through the newspaper, the phonebook or even the internet. There are churches, non-profits, hospitals, homelessshelters and women’s shelters, group homes, service organizations, soupkitchens, schools and lots more. Find aplace where you fit in.

For 2012 there are several things on my priority listas far as volunteers go…

Let me first say how important and vital and lovedour church leaders are to me. Theyvolunteer thousands of hours annually to our church and to otherorganizations. We have people who volunteerevery day we are open. Would you like tohelp us at The Community Fellowship? Call us at 276-647-8231 and talk with Donnaor email info@thecommunityfellowship.org.

You know, if you read what I write very often, thatour Dream Center is very importantand close to my heart. In this next yearwe plan to open the housing part after the purchase of a building. We currently have several volunteers andseveral hundreds of people each month, but we are about to need more volunteers. These volunteers need to be health care ormental health professionals, counselors, carpenters, cooks, and too many thingsto list. To volunteer call 276-647-8233and talk with John or Steve. You canalso email info@TCDC.info.

RacewayMinistry volunteers work only a fewweekends a month in Martinsville, but at each of those weekends we need between70 and 100 volunteers. These folks servethrough our ministry tents where refreshments are given out, worship serviceshappen and lots of conversations happen. It’s all about Jesus. We alsodeal with guest services that include the ADA golf cart service. Email Eldred at thetshirtshop@comcast.net for moreinformation. You can call me as well.

Volunteering on missiontrips is also a great opportunity. Many churches offer several trip a year. Our church goes on a couple trips a year (in 2011 that included workingat a boys ranch in West Virginia, the LA Dream Center and a few day longopportunities in and around our community). Keep your eyes open for these opportunities. Ask questions.

back2school is a time when we need hundreds of volunteers whowill serve more than 1,000 students in our community. Volunteers will cut hair, work in theclothing area, wash feet and give new shoes, share with kids of all ages andmore. My hope is that we will go fromone location to several and go from serving 1,000 kids to 3 or 4,000. That means we are looking for churches,community leaders and organizations to partner with us. It is an incredible time that many people havehelped with the last 4 years. 2012 willbe bigger and better than ever. I askfor your help. Let me know you want tohelp. Call 276-647-8231 and talk with me or Michelle. Send me an email to info@thecommunityfellowship.org.

When we serve, we honor God. The Bible tells us that serving othersdemonstrates the fact that we love God and love people. By following God and drawing closer to Him,the more we will want to serve and love others.

Matthew 20:28 NLT

For even theSon of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as aransom for many.