Michael Harrison's e-devotion

What stands out for you at Christmas?  Oh, there is so much.  So much to celebrate.  So much to enjoy.  So much to focus on. But take some time to think that through because often we take this holiday in other directions by focusing on the things, the hype and pieces that keep us from focusing on Christ. Think about it.  Focus on Christ this Christmas. Luke 1:31,38  NLT   You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus…  Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her. Mary was visited first by an angel, and then she became the earthly mother of Jesus.  Can you imagine how that changed her life.  Accepting this call was a big deal.  She experienced God and His grace. Matthew 1:21,24  NLT   And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins… When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel ...

This week we continue looking at Philippians 4:6-7.  So many things stick out to me in these verses.  We have talked about being thankful, praying about everything and not worrying.  Today we will talk about being peace.  Early next week we will talk about how God’s peace guards us. These verses God gave me as a Bible promise three decades ago.  I have quoted these more than many other verses.  And here we go… Philippians 4:6-7 NLT   Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Today we rock on a little further to part of faith that we cannot or should not miss.  Peace is a big deal Then you will experience God’s peace. Peace is not the absence of war, the removal of conflict, the healing from disease.  Peace is t...

Ephesians 6:19  NLT   May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. We’ve only just begun.  Yes, that is part of a song.  I remember from my childhood, and there are are so many truths in that short phrase.   So many things we deal with in life take a lifetime or a long time to make happen.  It takes years for a human to grow up.  It takes time for a broken bone to mend.  It takes time for a broken heart to heal.  It takes time to learn a new language or to build a house. Some things take longer than others, and you may very well be like me and have very little patience.  Waiting is often hard.  But our God is always working even when the process is taking some time to be completed. In the middle of waiting someone is saying “we’ve only just begun”, and maybe God is saying “we’ve only just begun”.  Lo...

Our experiences with God are wide and varied, yet our needs are very familiar.  There is one thing that nobody can steal from you or tear away.  That one thing is your testimony and your experience.  Whether that is something you share on a witness stand because of an experience or what you tell others you have learned.  The truth and life you have received from God cannot be taken from you. Today’s post is a compilation of the things I have thought about, incredible things I’ve been through since I started walking with God almost thirty-five years ago.  Described here are times that I spent alone with God as well as times I sat in stadiums with thousands of people as God moved or whispered. Never have I sought or am I seeking to accumulate experiences.  Rather I want to get closer and closer to the One who loved me first and most.  His time is precious, and His love is endless.  Here are the things I’ve come us with in the experiences that led to...

Psalm 28:6-9   NLT Praise the   Lord !   For he has heard my cry for mercy.   The   Lord   is my strength and shield.   I trust him with all my heart.   He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.   I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.   The   Lord   gives his people strength.   He is a safe fortress for his anointed king.   Save your people!   Bless Israel, your special possession.   Lead them like a shepherd, and carry them in your arms forever. After having a personal experience with God we are able to share with others who need to have similar experiences.   Right? By sharing we open the door for God to work similar ways in the lives of the people around us.   This could be those closest to us, like family or co-workers.   Could be that some random person hears your story and opens up to getting to know God. Use your story and your experience to help others, but don’...