Michael Harrison's e-devotion

  There it is once again.  An opportunity to grow, to learn to lean in and hear from God.  As I shared how Scripture speaks to me, I heard my words repeating what James 1:5 says about God’s wisdom for our lives. Then I turn back to the place where I seek to turn everyday.  That would be the book of Proverbs.  The daily challenge to read this book.  Yesterday was July 1st, and that sends us to the beginning of the book once again.  Powerful truth.  31 chapters in 31 days going through the book of wisdom again each month. Go with me again.  Just a few of the verses that stand out and make sense as I lean on Jesus. Proverbs 1 NLT 2-7 Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. 3 Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. 4 These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernm...

  It has been almost thirty years since I was first encouraged to read the book of Proverbs every day.  I shared yesterday about the Proverbs challenge, the commitment to read one chapter every day. An older pastor shared what another pastor had challenged him with many years before.  That challenge has stuck with me and been shared by me so many times since.  As Robert Frost said, “and that has made all the difference.”  It has in lots of ways. This week I return to that truth as summer begins.  When you are resting, enjoying life, spending time with family, thinking about what’s going on with you, spend time in Proverbs, and let the wisdom of God permeate every area of home, work and play of your life. An incredible writer I follow is Paul David Tripp.  His books and articles have given me much to think about.  In light of my commitment to read Proverbs every day and the challenge for you to join me, check out Tripp’s word on Proverbs …   P...

  Back to something I have shared many times, and I challenge you once again to take the proverbs challenge.  Read one chapter every day! Proverbs has 31 chapters and most months have 31 days.  That means reading one chapter per day is a great addition for any of us that make that choice.   I have experienced this truth and seen examples of how God’s truth impacts my life in this way.    It is June 3rd, and you can read Proverbs 3.  This chapter and some of those verses bring us so much wisdom. Check it out.  Proverbs 3 (from the New Living Translation) or at least part to it:   1-2  My child, never forget the things I have taught you.  Store my commands in your heart.  If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying.   Awesome and a great plan for children to follow great parents.   3-4 Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder.  Write ...

It is not a simple day.  But I want to share with you something simple.   Often things get complicated, and we might even complicate what is not complicated.  That even happens with our faith. Thus, a challenge is ahead from this e-devotion.  Take some time today to simplify and think about connecting with God, trusting God, continuing with God and allowing His way to be yours. Two passages of Scripture stand out in my mind.  And then a closing verse.  So let’s get to it… Psalm 139:23-24  NLT   Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24  Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Pray this prayer.  Trust the answers God gives you.  Then walk it out no matter what God says. What did God say to you? Psalm 23:1-3  NLT   The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. 2  He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams...

  Romans 8:31  NASB What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? We are not alone.  God called us and is still with us and working toward His plan.  Know this about our awesome God.  You are His.  He is working.  Paul said… Philippians 1:6  NASB For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus. That is why I found myself digging in to the life of Joshua.  There are some things about this man that made it evident that he knew God and believed that He is a good God. Knowing God gives us confidence and knowing that God is working in us raises us to the place where we live beyond ourselves, for him and serving others.  Our relationship with God is built upon who He is and what He has done.   That is why knowing our “good God” is essential.  Don’t just know about Him.  Know that He is good.  Know why He is ...

Last week I introduced a new challenge online and at church, and I wanted to pass it along to you.  It is very simple.  There are 24 chapters in the book of Luke, and there are 24 days in December leading up to Christmas.  The challenge is to read one chapter a day, and on Christmas you will have a much greater appreciation for the birth, life and purpose of Jesus. Yes, it is now the 6th of December, and you will have to catch up a little.  But it is worth it.  Here are some of the pieces that have caught my attention so far as I am reading through the book of Luke and being part of this challenge. Luke 1:31-32  NLT You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.   32  He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David.   Luke 2:7  NLT She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped h...