Michael Harrison's e-devotion

Over ten years ago I found a verse that seemed to make things pretty simple when it comes to following Jesus.   Let me first remind us that God gives us His grace.   We are saved by what Jesus has done for us and not because of what we have done or because we are good.   We don’t keep our salvation by doing things.   It is all about trusting God. The Bible is our guidebook from God.   Within its pages we learn about God and meet God.   He is the “word that became flesh and lived among us” as it says in John 1.   Here is the verse I was referring to: Micah 6:8 (NLT) … the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. What does God want us to do?   He wants us to be His people and to lean on Him as we live our lives.   That makes lots of sense to me.   As we follow Him we will do what is right.   As we get to know ...

I am preaching through a series called “Forgotten Virtues”, and the past few weeks have been somewhat of a wakeup call to the countless things that seem to be missing from today’s culture.   There is a lack of families and couples connecting with each other.   There is a lack of honesty in almost every area of life.   There is a lack of compassion from many people when you see a person hurting or in need.   Do you know what I am talking about?   This is a busy time.   I live that fact, and it appears that I love it cause it has become the norm.   Maybe I really am longing for a simpler time. Colossians 3:13 (NLT) Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. We all deal with forgiveness.   Some circumstances need lots of forgiveness.   Other situations aren’t so important, at least it seems that way.   Yet forgiveness...

Romans 12:13-16 (NLT) When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
   14  Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.   15  Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.   16  Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Some people are more compassionate than others.   That does not mean that some people are better than others.   We are just wired differently, yet when God gets hold of us, our hearts soften toward the hurt of people. Years ago I heard Rick Warren say “God never wastes a hurt”.   Since that time I’ve seen this lived out in many ways and through all kinds of people in all kinds of circumstances.   Often pain has become a testimony or encouragement for others who experience the same.   Learning from our hurt wil...

Romans 15:6 (NLT) Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are about to experience something that I could only dream of a few years ago.   Three churches are coming together to serve our community in a way that will make a huge difference for those in need.   I am excited, and this is awesome. Several years ago I heard about a ministry helping students in poor areas as they go back to school.   When The Community Fellowship was started, this ministry became part of our DNA.   The first year we served over 150 students.   Three years later we served 1,000 students, and this year we are preparing to serve around 2,000 students. This has been one of the most exciting, thrilling events and more than I can wrap my head around.   Students will receive brand new shoes and socks, new backpacks and school supplies, gently used clothes and will be offered a ...