Michael Harrison's e-devotion

  Christmas is the time when we all tend to give.  We want to fill others with love and even hope.  That is why we often sacrifice to make this happen. Sacrifice is not a new idea for those who choose to obey God.  Since the beginning of time the understanding of and the need for sacrifice has been very important.  Sacrifice ought to cost something.  Be careful not to casually follow or to do things in a way that doesn’t honor God.  2 Samuel 24:24  NASB However, the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will certainly buy it from you for a price; for I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. Give what is from the heart.  Our gifts should be costly and from our hearts.  That is best seen in why God gave us the best gift of all in His son.  Jesus cost the Father everything. David said he wouldn’t offer anything to God that cost Hi...

  2020 has been one for the record books.  I really mean the history books and wish it was history.  But we still are really blessed, and now that the Christmas season is here, it is time to get some things in line. This is a busy time of the year.  Thanksgiving was last week, and Christmas is less than one month away.  Then “black Friday” was last week, and yesterday was “cyber Monday” for sales.  Then today is “giving Tuesday”, and the challenge is on. Giving Tuesday is about where our heart flows.  What is our passion?  What do we love?  For those of us who follow God, we are givers.  Here is our chance.  Giving Tuesday is much different than black Friday and cyber Monday.  #GivingTuesday is not about buying.  It is about giving, fueling the dreams and work of others.   Proverbs 11:25 NLT The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. I beli...

“We are able to share the hope we have with them.” That is a quote from a family serving in Nepal.   They are actively sharing Jesus in creative ways as all of us are called to do wherever we are. This week is set aside by our mission board as a week of prayer for international missions.   As a pastor and a Christian it excites me to hear stories of what God is doing around the world.   God continues to change lives. I have met some people who serve or have served in various places around the world in the name of Christ.   I have had the opportunity to travel to a few countries and see the work that missionaries and mission projects are getting done.   And each of us can be part of this week.   We can be part of the work even without leaving where we are right now. We can give.   Your church has mission projects and missionaries.   Choose to give.   Our churches annual mission offering is taking place right now.   Our...

Our current series at The Community Fellowship is called GIVE IT ALL AWAY.   IT can mean and does mean many things.   Sunday we talked about money, but the stuff we can and must give away runs the gamut from tangible to intangible.   Grace is intangible but can be seen.   It is not contained in a bank account. But there are things we can put in a bank account.   The fact is that when you look at your money, or when someone else looks at how you use your money and possessions, speaks volumes about your relationship with God. Malachi 3:8-12   NLT 8  “Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me! “But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’ “You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me. 9  You are under a curse, for your whole nation has been cheating me. 10  Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will ope...