Michael Harrison's e-devotion

  For as long as I can remember we have celebrated with fireworks, cookouts and more the birthday of this great nation of ours.  This year we celebrated the 250th birthday of our nation.  Let’s remember! Psalm 33:12 NIV Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance. Today we look at two Scriptures and quotes from those who have led our country.  America is great not because we are powerful. America is great because we have a great God who has greatly blessed us through our founding fathers and far beyond.  The following quote was spoken over congress by Ben Franklin.  “I’ve lived, sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth: That God governs in the affairs of men. If a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We’ve been assured in the sacred writings that unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain...

  Today is set aside by our country as the National Day of Prayer.  The first Thursday of May each year.  Choose to spend some time today in prayer. 2 Chronicles 7:14  NLT Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.   That one important verse is shared in many places, quoted in sermons and repeated in so many places.  When we talk about the needs of our country and the world, this is where we should turn.  If you read the verses that surround it, there is much, much to learn.   Solomon had just completed the construction of the temple.  It was a beautiful landmark that his father, King David,  wanted to build, but it was his son, now king Solomon, that brought the temple in to its glory.  God appears to him and reminds Solomon of the...

  Today is Election Day.  We have the awesome opportunity and responsibility to share our thoughts by voting.  This is one of our rights as an American.   I am an American and a Christian.  Those two things go together but not because all Americans are Christian.  I was born in the United States.  I am a Christian because Jesus forgave my sins and is the one I choose to follow.   Because I am a Christian and an American I want to share what I believe with others.  It is important that we do what we believe is right.  Doing what is right is not always the popular, but it is always right.   Romans 15:2  NLT We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.   US citizens are given the responsibility of voting.  In some countries around the world voting is not an opportunity.  In some countries Christians are persecuted and oppressed.  We really are blessed, and that is one more rea...

  Tomorrow is election day in the United States, and I encourage you to vote.   Make sure that your faith impacts how you vote because God’s standard for us is important.   I read the following in a weekly newsletter I received from the ministry Strategic Renewal: Christians need to do more than listen to the word preached once a week—they need to go hard after God daily and seek His strength to be godly witnesses for Christ in their circles of influence. The word of God urges us to pray for our government leaders, and we can correctly apply that to praying for the upcoming elections… May we literally live out what we believe.  May our lives, our words, our actions and even our voting portray the reality of our faith and our God.   Romans 13:1  NLT   Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. Spend some time today praying for our nation.  Ask G...

  This is a special time for our country as we have a new president.  Whether you agree with or like the new leadership, it our place as Christians to be what a follower of Christ should be. I suggest there are two parts to being a Christian and honoring our leaders.  These are simple.  Neither calls for you to join a political party.  These are things that make all of us stronger and better.  They also make this country stronger and better. Romans 13:1  NLT Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. First, be a good citizen. Be responsible by doing what good citizens do.  There could be a long list, but a few of them would be these: be kind and help others, vote and share your opinion, obey the laws of the lands, support leaders. The Bible says much about being a good citizen.  Do you remember as I do one of those boxes on our report card...

Today is “President’s Day”.  The schools are out in our local area as are banks, government offices and some businesses.  What is this day? Before I move forward, please know this is not a political post of support for or against our current president.  My desire is to clarify a couple things.  First, why we celebrate this day, and second, why we honor the office of President of the United States. History.com says this about the “President’s Day” holiday:  Presidents' Day is a federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February; Presidents' Day 2020 occurs on Monday, February 17. Originally established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington, the holiday became popularly known as Presidents' Day after it was moved as part of 1971’s Uniform Monday Holiday Act, an attempt to create more three-day weekends for the nation’s workers. While several states still have individual holidays honoring the birthdays of Wash...

Psalm 112:9  NLT They share freely and give generously to   those   in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and   honor. Today is Memorial Day in the United States.  We are so blessed. We are blessed because of the land and country God has given us.  It is true that we can worship God and live good lives because of what God has done and how many have given, served and shared their lives for us. This is the day we choose to honor those who have served in our military to provide our safety and friend.  Many have fought in wars and in conflicts.  Many served in times known as peace.  But all gave their time, effort and even part of their lives so we could enjoy the freedom that we have. Stop today to thank a veteran.  Acknowledge those who have served. Both my grandfathers served.  One was in the Navy in World War II.  Ano...