Michael Harrison's e-devotion

  One of my favorite verses comes off the page with great meaning.  It isn’t because of where the verse is found.  It isn’t because of who wrote it or even how was received.  It comes with great impact because of what it did for me and countless others. Here is the verse.  And before you read what I say after the verse, take a few minutes to pray over it, think through it and praise God for it and the truth behind this verse.   Here we go … John 1:14  NASB   And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us; and we saw His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. Praise god for this reality of Jesus coming to us and fulfilling God’s plan of redemption, love, forgiveness and abundant life.  All that is found in this one verse. In fact the first and every Christmas is wrapped up in the present that this verse is.  Look through.  Think through it.  Apply the thoughts and facts of Christmas. Mary was gi...

  As I sat across the table from a young man I have known for several years I was struck by the winds of emotion that he was dealing with.  By his own description and confession, his emotion were all over the place and out of control. My heart goes out to him and so would like to take his pain, or at least help make it easier. 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. Much better than me, Jesus knew people.  People haven’t changed much from Jesus’ day and till this one.  There is still pain and passion.  There are still consequences and challenges.  There are still times of anger and anxiety. Jesus knew people and was willing to do something about it.  His words and his acts of kindness left people changed for eternity. So, how can we help those we come in contact with?  That is a big question, and let me begin by saying I am pretty good with peo...

Our youth from church have been on a retreat at the lake this week.   The last two nights I have listened to some friends share their stories and to challenges our students, and I have been challenged as well. My friend and local pastor Derek Layman talked last night about the moments in life that often define us in various ways. We all have a testimony. Those moments make our testimonies, and those moments remind us that God wants to use us. There's always purpose behind what is going on.  Derek challenged us to remember three things as we go through the moments of life that define us.   Each of these items are true and strong.   Acknowledge these God is always present for you . Psalms 139:7-10   NLT I can never escape from your Spirit!   I can never get away from your presence!   If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave,   you are there.   If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the ...