Michael Harrison's e-devotion

  Today is Halloween.  For some it is an important day, but for many others this day is about evil.  Let’s check our perspective.   I encourage you to focus on what really matters.  Truth is simple.  The one who provides for us is willing to do so much more and make sure that our future is secure.   Jesus is life.  God is peace.  You are loved by God.   God is not just willing to help us and be with us, but it is His nature to make our lives stronger and better.  Remember who you are.  You are forgiven.  Focus on God.  Doing that will change almost every situation, will remove shame, encourage others and allow us to know real and lasting peace.  That is why we need to share the love of God as it has been shared with us.   Enjoy the day.  Halloween.  Enjoy the candy and the fun.  But most of all enjoy life!  Now, share that with others.   Romans 5:1  NLT   Therefor...

This Sunday I shared a message about our influence.  It is important that our influence counts for what really matters.  We talked about the relationship between Paul and Timothy and how their lives were an example pointing people to Jesus. Influence is important.  It is something we cherish and choose!  The way that I share it, learned it and believe it is this … Whoever shows up most in someone’s life wins the battle of influence. Show up.  That is where we make the biggest difference for the people we want to influence.  But if we don’t show up, we cannot be an influence.  If you are there for only a few and gone, you loose your influence.  If you never show up, you have no influence.  If your character does not line up with your intentions and words, you screw up your influence.  But if you keep showing up and are consistent to show up and to live, your influence will increase substantially. I want to be the one who influences people...

Philippains 1:9-11   NLT I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. 10  For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. 11  May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God. There are people who we are connected with.   These hold a special place in ours hearts.   You have some as I do. The Apostle Paul wrote this passage to a group of people he cared for deeply.   He helped to start the church in Philippi.   He longed to see them again, but his prayer and push was for their growth and the spread of the good news that comes from Jesus. What are you praying for? How are you challenged others to live for Christ? Do we realize what really matters? How we ...