Michael Harrison's e-devotion

  I got back late Friday night from Cuba.  It was a wonderful trip full of adventure as well as seeing what God is doing with the sports ministry in Cuba.  Looking back it really is amazing and I am grateful for all the people who make this ministry and these trips possible. 1 Thessalonians 1:2  NLT   We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly. There are several people who give and help for each and every trip I take, and I want to say a huge THANK YOU.  Without these friends and faithful believers this would not be possible.  Furthermore, people would not hear the Gospel or have an opportunity to see the hand of God in and on their lives. Then there are the people and workers in Cuba who day in and out are making this ministry a priority and possible.  Thank you to the staff across the country, the families of each FCA staff member and all the supports across Cuba that love Jesus and know that He is the truth. Colossi...

There is more to the Christian life than going to church or being a good person.  Realize that our salvation is totally based on what Jesus did for us.  We cannot work our way in to heaven or do anything good enough to qualify for salvation. Jesus is the one given for our salvation.  It was his sacrifice and the love of God that continues to do what only God can do.  Take that in.  Remember it.  Share it with others often. Here is a simply reminder.  Read on. John 3:14-17  NLT And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,   15  so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.    16  “For this is how God loved the world: He gave   his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.   17  God sent his Son into the world not to judge...

Proverbs 22:6 (niv) --- Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. That is one powerful AND convicting verse. We have such a great opportunity when it comes to giving our kids Jesus and raising them in this crazy, immoral society. When they get it right and we've pointed them in the right direction, things start to click. Below is an e-mail I got from a lady in our community. It hit my heart and reminded me of our obligation: A Prayer before Surgery My 9-year-old's last-second request surprised his doctor and taught me a valuable lesson about sharing the gospel. {from Tina Blessitt, a freelance writer, lives with her husband and four children in Kentucky.} Last fall my 9-year-old son, Austin , had his tonsils removed. Before the surgery, Austin's anesthesiologist came to start an IV. He was wearing a cool surgical cap covered in colorful frogs. Austin loved that "frog hat." The doctor explained that he ...

Some people call me and other preachers 'narrow minded'. I used to get offended until I understood the crowd I join who have been classified as narrow minded. Let me give you just one example of what one guy said: Matthew 7:13 (nlt) --- You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. Ephesians 4:4-6 (niv) --- There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. John 14:6 (nlt) --- Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." Sounds like Jesus was pretty narrow minded. What do you think? Here is my problem. The first verses says that the way of destruction is wide. It says the way to God and from God is narrow. Got that? Ok, those who are tolerant of the crap that wor...

M.S.R.P. --- Maufacturers Suggested Retail Price (what we none pay) M.P.H. --- Months Per House cleaning W.W.J.D. --- What Would Judy Do? (thats what my mom told me it was) G.R.A.C.E. --- God's Riches At Christ's Expense B.S. --- Bachelor of Science (I am sure that is what you where thinking) F.G.S.L.T.W.T.H.G.H.O.S. --- For God So Loved the World that He Gave His Only Son F.R.O.G. --- Fully Rely On God The problem is this: without the proper definitions and understanding you may get lost in the conversation. Telling people about Jesus or trying to get them to come to church is just such a problem. Some people miss what we mean because we use church words. One of our key thoughts at The Community Fellowship is that we need to get the attention of our community. To do that we have to speak their language. We have to see that they understand. By working in Honduras years ago I learned this principle first hand. I know very little Spanish, enough to get me in trouble. By us...

Luke 19:10 (New Living Translation) --- For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost. How far are we willing to go? What are we willing to give? Answer those questions as it relates to seeing people come to know God. Our answers are important, and our answers ought to shine for Jesus. One of my favorite thoughts about church and how we fit together resembles a team. Our favorite football coach (who attends the church) helped teach our last new members class along with others from the leadership team. In his time, the coach related how the church is much like that football team working together. I like that. It also makes everybody accountable to our purpose and our goal. Which is ... all about God and reaching our community for Jesus. Here is the way Mark Batterson , pastor of National Community Church in Wasington, DC, put it: Church is a Tag-Team Sport We kick off our Easter series this weekend. It's what I'd call a back to basics series. Really want ...

It happens for me all the time. I am not talking about mixing the truth of God with what is of the world. What it is about is seeing pictures and the story of Jesus in some of the strangest of places. The Bible tells us that " the heavens declare His glory" (Psalms 19) and that His truth is evident even to those who have not met Him (Romans 1:19). Recently my wife and I went to see the movie Ghost Rider , and I was struck with a picture of the high price Jesus paid for our salvation by watcing some one else's story. It was there. I remember watching the movie Titanic and noticing the story of one who gave His life for another. The movie Facing the Giants does the same thing. Then I move into the world of music. First of all, there is a lot of junk out there. Then you come across bands like U2 and others who seem to crossover with the stories. Nickelback has some songs that have caught my attention. Here are the lyrics of "Savin' Me": Prison gat...