Michael Harrison's e-devotion

  1 Peter 4:10  NLT   God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.  I think of the Dr. Suess book Oh the Places You Will Go when I think of the people who serve our church and who serve with back2school.  Because of these people we can go further and do more.  I am further reminded that I am not and we are not alone. Last night packing backpacks is another reminder as more than 200 people (wish someone counted, and maybe they did but didn’t tell me) showed up and were full of joy.  It was so good listening to conversations, hearing laughter and sharing stories of why we serve.  These people are awesome. Then there are so many from our church and community that just love to serve and do it often.  I can call names, but I won’t.  What I will say is that life is so much better when these people are making great effort to show others Jesus, to meet needs and to encourage oth...

Who are they? There are so many people who come through our lives that leave a mark on us.  Some will stick around for a long time while others seem to come in and out as fast as they possibly can.  What is true is that people matter and people leave a lasting impression or mark on our lives. Meet the dreamer. This is the person that almost never keeps their feet on the ground.  They think big and think long.  They have plans that are what many would call “over the top” or simply out there somewhere.  People have told them for a long time to be more realistic or to stop wasting their time. But God made the dreamer.  He has put in their hearts dreams and passion to accomplish things that no one else can.  Maybe you are a dreamer.  Then dream.  Maybe you know a dreamer or two.  Encourage them to dream and dream big I’d say that I am a dreamer, and this is something that I cherish and am grateful for.  Ask God to fill and fuel your dre...

1 Thessalonians 3:7  NLT So we have been   greatly   encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It is not all during times of suffering and struggle, but I have met some incredible people over the past several decades that have given themselves to the cause of Christ.  These people continue to encourage me through the marks they left on my life. There are people all around us who are doing amazing things.  Many of us are blind.  No, we can see as good as the next person, but we are not looking for the people that God is mightily using. I am talking about little old ladies who show up often to serve and love on others.  People like Helen at our church and Cornelia that prayed for me when I was young.   I am talking about the people who aren’t seen by many people but often are working under the so-called radar an...

It is time to close out the week, and there is so much that I’d like to share looking back on back2school and all that God accomplished through this outreach.   I want to begin by saying and reminding us that it really is all for God’s glory.   Success is not marked by the number of students we served but by the faithfulness and obedience of every one of us.   God was honored.   2 Thessalonians 1:12   NLT Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ. There are several people I want to tell you about, but I do recognize that I am going to leave some people out.   Forgive me.   Those of you who served probably have some people that went the extra mile several times.   I am grateful for each one, and God knows who each of those people are.   He will reward them. Some of the...