Michael Harrison's e-devotion

  Once again I want to share some of the greatest things that the ministry in Cuba that stand out to me.  Today I share with you about SUPPORT.   I am grateful for those people who have chosen and given to support the mission tip I get to be part of.  I am over the tip grateful for the support that i get to bring to the friends and partners in Cuba through our time together, and finally, I am grateful for the support that God has given His church across the world including in Cuba.   This type SUPPORT can only be through the hand and goodness of God.  Thanks to each who have been part of this support. Let me move forward with some great truth about our God.  When we lift up His son, we are doing what we having been ordered to do, what we have the responsibility to do and what we have the privilege to share. John 12:32  NLT   And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” Do you get that promise?  Jesus lifted ch...

  One more. There were 10 locations this year serving with back2school.  There are other churches doing outreaches that include backpacks and other items.  Every one is an exciting opportunity to share Jesus, to encourage students and to let God literally build His kingdom. Pray for the students.  Pray for the things they heard would sink in.  Pray that the Bible in each backpack or the prayer prayed over them would do what God said it would. Here are some of the things that we often claim when doing an outreach like this. Matthew 19:14  NLT   But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” John 12:32 NLT   And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” Romans 15:4  NLT   Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises t...

It is a very special day.  My sweet wife and my friend and the most precious gift to our children, Julie celebrates her birthday today.  We have done this together almost 30 times, and each one is just as special and important. I am truly blessed to have this lady in my life.  Julie is more than my partner.  She really has turned in to so much more as we have gone through the valleys and enjoyed the mountain tops.  We have been through some very difficult times, and together we have been in some great and excellent times. Plus, there is much more to come.  I am excited about the future and excited to enjoy the future with my sweet Julie. Let me declare a few things on this day. Proverbs 18:22  NLT   The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord. Julie is a treasure.  This is true for me and our children.   Proverbs 31:28-30  NLT   Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: 29...

Let me begin by saying that our kids are awesome.  We are blessed with a great family and so proud of where our children are and how they are doing. Dealing with adult children is much different than raising your kids when they are young and still at home.  This is one of the toughest things that I, as a father, have had to learn. There are limits.  You know what I am talking about because age and time and place change everything. When our three kids were living at home and in school, we had the opportunity to speak in to their lives.  We had the responsibility of their protection, providing for them and even seeing they are educated spiritually and otherwise.  Great times.  Some times they are tough.  But always rewarding. Things have changed as our kids changed. The girls are both married, and one of them has a child of their own.  That little one is the most precious grand child in all the world (until our next one is born).  Their lives a...

My heart is heavy for the Ukraine and our world.  That is why I shared yesterday that we need to pray.  As we move in to the weekend I challenge us to spend time thinking and praying for world events as well as worshipping God who remains in control. The following is a prayer guides from Send Relief.  Here is great insight: After eight years of ongoing conflict, tension continues to mount on the border between Ukraine and Russia. Imminent conflict between the two countries could spark a catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, causing millions to be displaced from their homes. Send Relief, a cooperative ministry between the International Mission Board and the North American Mission Board, is working with local Baptist partners in Ukraine to care for displaced families in desperate need of help and hope. You can help! There is extraordinary power in prayer. Here are ten ways you can pray for the Ukraine crisis: PRAY FOR: 1. The people of Ukraine as tension builds on th...

Call them out.  This is not about being negative, but positive.  This is not about pointing out where you are better or stronger or higher than someone else. Call them out.  This is about helping people see their value.  This is about being an encourager and helping someone take further steps of faith. One of the things that I believe God called me to is this, and it makes a huge difference in the lives of others when we step up in faith so they see some things in us.  We become examples.  We are lifters of people.  We are bringers of hope.  We are the ones that help people become more than they thought they could. 1 Thessalonians 5:11  NLT So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. The back2school project is just one way that I believe God uses the act of calling people out.  If you watch for just a short time while this project is happen, you will see this happening in living color.  One place ...

We all need to be lifted up at times.  I have battled depression, and those low feelings have put me in a place where I need to be lifted.  Depression is something I have a hard time explaining. What I do understand is that our situations and struggles too often put me in the place where I need to be lifted.  Depression expresses itself in several different ways.  Some times it has been to the point where I don’t have the ability to interact with others, but there are other times when the depression is hidden and very few people see it. That is why I draw your attention, and mine, to what I need from God.  I need to be lifted.  Here are the presuppositions that i am standing on with this devotion: James 4:10  NLT Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. Matthew 18:4  NLT So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Matthew 23:12  NLT Bu...