Michael Harrison's e-devotion

Look around you.  This week we have talked about opportunities that God gives us as well as the principles of recovery ministry.  The people we are around are going through so many things that we don’t know about. There are no tags on their shirts or signs over their heads that tell us they lost a loved one, they are struggling with addiction or depression, they don’t tell us their life’s story as we walk by.  But what we do have is the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people who cross our path. It could be as simple as a smile and head nod.  It might be as time consuming as a long conversation or a drive across town.  What is need is for us to look around, see the opportunities God gives, notice the people who cross our path, and do something about it.  Speak up.  Share something.  Give value to others. Psalm 121:1-2  NASB   I will raise my eyes to the mountains; From where will my help come? 2 My help comes from th...

This week is full of great things for me personally.  My dad’s 80th birthday is tomorrow.  Our oldest daughter’s birthday is Wednesday.  And Thursday is the National Day of prayer.  Each of those is important to me in several ways. Yesterday I continued sharing a series of messages at The Community from the book of James, and we began chapter 3.  It talked about how we use our words and communicating in the best possible ways.   The passage talks about those who bless and curse almost at the same time, and the Scripture says that shouldn’t be.  I challenge you, as I have been challenged, to use my words and all communication should be used to build people up and spread kindness.  That is why I share the following verses with us today: 1 Peter 3:10  NIV For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. Choose ...

Sometimes it is good to reflect on conversations.  In fact, I have been doing that a lot.  There are many different reasons to think back over these. 1 Samuel 16:7  NLT But the  Lord  said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The  Lord  doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the  Lord  looks at the heart.” This one is not so good.  Maybe you reflect over conversations to see what you said wrong of to see if people like you agree with one.  Don’t reflect for this reason because it seems that this is about pleasing people and not pleasing God. Proverbs 4:4  NLT My father taught me, “Take my   words   to heart. Follow my commands, and you will live. Reflect back over conversations to see what you can learn.  This is a great way to look back.  Always learning is a big...

There are times you just have to stop and have a talk.   This is true in ever relationship.   You will not have a great marriage unless there conversations, heart to heart ones, in the easy and the difficult times.   They aren’t always easy to have, but these talks are important. Between spouses.   Between parents and children.   Between bosses and employees.   Between me and God.   The ones between God and one of His kids happened often in the Bible.   Below is part of a conversation between God and David.   As you read through this conversation note the results David comes to. Psalm 51 NLT Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. 
Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. 2  Wash me clean from my guilt.   Purify me from my sin. 3  For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. 4  Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in ...