Michael Harrison's e-devotion

Matthew 9:36   NLT When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Today I take a some time for personal privilege and share why I am so passionate about what we get to do at The Community Fellowship.   The verse above is the example of our leader, our Savior Jesus.   He looked at people and knew their heart, their pain and their need. A good shepherd, as John chapter 10, knows His sheep.   He sees their value and seeks to build it and protect it.   When the sheep seek to go their own way or don’t understand their value, the shepherd steps in. It grieved Jesus when people are hurting and confused.   The same should grieve us. 1 Thessalonians 5:14   NLT Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. It is not that we know more. ...

Hebrews 13:16  (NLT) And don't forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God. I just left an incredible meeting with influential people in our community.  Some of them are from faith based organizations, some from non-profits and some from government agencies.  It really was eye opening. Each of us come from different points of view.  Our philosophy, vision and practice are worlds apart.  Yet one thing is central. We all want to help hurting people.   These people look different as well.  Some are families, some are single, some have kids but are all alone.  Their needs can come from different angles as well.  Yet deep down there is something that holds them and us on the same page.  That something is life and the desire to live. I believe that we all can live with hope and purpose.  We all must live with truth, and truth is a person whose name is...

1 John 3:17   NLT If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? As I sat in a meeting yesterday I heard and read some things that really are shocking.  This is one of those monthly meetings where we talk about and plan to help specific people who are rarely served in and around Martinsville and Henry County, Virginia. The first report that shocked me was a printed sheet that gives the numbers of people in our state’s prison facilities that will be released into our area in the next 12 months.  The report stated that for our city and county over 110 people will return to us after spending some time behind bars.  There are locations that have higher numbers than we do, but this is a vital number because these people will need a place to live, a job to work and more resources as well. The shocking truth is that few, very few employers will hi...

I don't have an answer for the horror of Monday's mass killing here in Virginia. It is just wrong. What I do know is that there are many people who need help. That is help that only God can give. We continue to pray for those surrounding this situation and what have been rocked by the insanity. Psalm 18:2 (nlt) --- The L ord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. That is not an answer I seek to provide you with or anything other than to tell you where I go when I am at the end of my rope or about to explode. That is God. He is able, He is gracious and He is mine. Years ago I remember writing that verse on a card and putting it on the dash board of the little car I was driving. Those words from Psalm 18:2 gave me comfort that could come from no one and no where else. It was a wisdom drug and comfort shot. It gave me hope that everything would be OK. Some p...

“If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble.” Ecclesiastes 4:10 (NLT) What an awesome verse! What a needed truth in our world today. We need each other. That is why God’s purpose for our lives includes other people. Jesus tells a parable about the Good Samaritan. I like the story because it relates to every side of ME. Yeah, you heard me. Sometimes I would rather not even let people know that I notice them. Sometimes I am curious but don’t have the time. Yet most of the time I will neglect everything to help a person in need. If you are honest, you are probably a bit like me. It gets my motor going and makes my heart pump fast to see that I have been able to encourage or lift or help a person in need. Maybe that is one reason why I am in the profession I am in. Jesus talked about this Good Samaritan doing several things to help the one in need. The first thing is that he didn’t avoid the man. “Then a ...