Michael Harrison's e-devotion

Years ago I heard Pastor Tommy Barnett preach.  Actually I heard him a few times across a couple years and in different places.  What he said hit my heart, stirred my God-given passion and has stuck with me. Find a need and fill it.  Find a hurt and heal it. Those are two of the statements that Pastor Barnett said that have continued to rattle around in my mind.  Around the same time Matthew Barnett, Pastor Tommy’s son, also had a great impact on my life. Whoever shows up most in someone’s life wins the battle of influence. All of those seem a little clique, but they hit home with me.  The reason why God has given us breath and movement and a heart is so we can do something for others.  I challenge you, as I have many times before, to do something.  Use what you have.  Make a difference in the lives of others. Philippians 2:4  NASB do not   merely   look   o...

Hebrews 12:2     NLT We do this by   keeping   our   eyes   on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Who is at the center of our lives?    That is not an easy question to answer because most of us know the right answers and what ought to be.    Yet when we step back and get honest it is evident that Jesus is not at the center of our lives. One of my favorite authors is Francis Chan.    I’d like to share some quote from his book   Crazy Love   and one from a sermon he preached.    Chan knows haw to communicate in way that gets me thinking.    Read on… “God is not just one thing we add to the mix called life. He wants an invitation from us to permeate everything and every part of us.”   ―   Francis Chan,   Forgo...

“It is cold out there.”  This winter is about to get started with several nights of temperatures below freezing.    Some people are homeless and cold while others have no heat in their homes.  Reality for many across our region gives us the opportunity to share with some people in need. The last few winters were excellent for our winter warming center, and this winter is looking like another opportunity to share God’s love in this tangible way.    We will once again offer a warming center at Martinsville’s Salvation Army beginning tonight.     I am once again overjoyed and amazed at the outpouring of our community to serve those in need, and the people in our community I have shared our desire to have a permanent shelter for men and families are beginning to see the need in greater ways. We need more volunteers and more resources to help serve those in need.    Will you help us?    The people who have made the ...