Michael Harrison's e-devotion

  Luke 9:43  NLT   Awe gripped the people as they saw this majestic display of God’s power. Have you ever turned the corner or come to some spot and was just in AWE?  It is one of those encounters you didn’t expect, but the scene left you inspire, most likely stopped you in your tracks and had a calm over you. I have been there.  I have been there a lot. Often is it a scene like the picture at the first of this e-devotion.  Some times it is related to the testimony someone shared.  At times it is from a Scripture I read at just the right times.  It has even been when God did something I needed or didn’t expect Psalm 65:8  NLT   Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of your wonders. From where the sun rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of joy. Be watching.  God is working.  We will be left in awe, and I long for moments of awe.  Actually I have had several of those lately. Unexpected.  Moments of...

"Thank you!" Do you what kind of difference that one little phrase makes?  It could change a situation from a negative to a positive.  It could change someone’s mind from doing something to stupid to living a good life for a change. It only takes a little breath, a little effort, a very short bit of time, but it might be as powerful as a bomb going off.  A bomb?  Where did that come from? James 3:5-6  NLT   In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. 6 And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. Our tongues are powerful.  But that doesn’t seem to make a lot of sense.  When I eat ice, my tongue gets numb, and it is hard to talk.  I remember going to the dentist, and it seemed that my tongue went to sleep...

One of my favorite nights of the week is Celebrate Recovery.  A little over one year ago we moved our recovery ministry from Saturday to Tuesday and began the incredible outreach and ministry known as Celebrate Recovery.  God sent us great leaders.  Many people have come through the doors and been impacted. Last evening I shared a lesson about examining our lives, getting honest about our struggles and moving on from what has held us back.  At the beginning of the lesson I read Psalms 139.   Here are some verses from that chapter.  You might want to read this chapter several times and note what God says to you… Psalms 139  NLT O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me…  4 You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. 5 You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! 7 I can never escape from ...

There are so many outcomes that we can talk about in life.  Many of us have seen God do amazing things.  He is still working, and He is working all around us/  May we see it and share it and help others experience God. Titus 1:9  NLT   He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong. One of the things that stands out to me about the ministry in Cuba is how God uses the gifts and talents of the people who step up to do what God calls each to do.   It all began in February of 2019 as I say at a table with Alex who shared his heart for ministry in Cuba and the need for partners.  I was in.  I am still in. God has called me to use my gifts to help others who have God given gifts.  Each of us has a place to serve and can make a difference in the lives of others.  In fact when we use our guts others will ste...

What an incredible couple weeks I have had.  Thank you for allowing me a little time away from sharing these e-devotions.  I will try to catch up over the next week with some notes about the trip to Cuba as well as some encouraging words. Yesterday was Mother’s Day which is one of the most special days of the year.  I have been blessed with a great family.  I miss my mom.  She passed away in 2015.  My mom was an example of so much… loving God and her family, wisdom and serving.   Further I have been blessed to have a great wife, Julie, and many other ladies who have been examples and encouragements.   There are so many things about these special ladies.  Here are some of the verses that stick out about godly women: Proverbs 31:28-31 NLT “ Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fe...

  A day to pray that is set aside by our government.  That doesn’t seem normal, but it is.  It was President Truman in 1952 that started the first Thursday of each May being set as the “National Day of Prayer”. Let’s take this opportunity to pray, to seek God, to intercede for others and our nation.  Prayer is our most powerful connection to the one who loves us most.  Jesus taught His disciples to pray and modeled what prayer was as well as it’s importance. James 5:16  NLT   Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. That is from God.  He says pray.  Pray for one another.  The prayer of righteous people will get results, and just a reminder, that righteousness comes from God and not us. 2 Chronicles 7:14  NLT   Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my fa...