Michael Harrison's e-devotion

  Who are the people that when you are around them they make you stronger and better?  If we make a list, there will be lots of people on the list.  These are some of the greatest people in my life. Think about the ways you have been encouraged.  Those are the things we ought to be doing often and for many people. 1 Thessalonians 5:11  NLT   So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. Build others.  Be an encourager.  It is not that hard, but it is a choice. Philippians 4:9  NLT   Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. The best things we learned from those who gave us strength is what we should give and teach others.  Great things can happen when we give to others what we have been given. Proverbs 15:22  NLT   Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success. List...

  There are several things that Jesus says about Himself in the Bible.  We can call these promises.  They are really descriptions of our God.  They are reminders for us of who Jesus is. Many of these statements can be found in the “I AM” statements throughout the Bible and some of the best are in the book of John.   First, I am the bread of life (John 6:35).   Second, I am the light of the world (John 8:12).   Third, I am the gate (John 10:9).   Fourth, I am the good shepherd (John 10:11).   Fifth, I am the resurrection and the life (John 11:25-26).   Sixth, I am the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6).   Seventh, I am the vine (John 15:5).   Seven powerful statements about the character of God.  We know and have experienced the moving and blessings of God.   How have you experienced Jesus?  It is true that every one of us have a different testimony, but each on reflects who Jesus is.  Take som...

  Freedom can be found in many places and have lots of differing definitions, yet I believe that as a Christ follower, real freedom is found in coming to know Christ. Last night I was blessed to share the lesson during our Celebrate Recovery ministry.  The lesson is on “denial”, and one of the greatest truths about denial is when we give it up we find freedom.  Check out this quote: “The basic test of freedom is not what I’m free to do, it’s what I’m free not to do!” God frees us to know Him and follow Him and leave regret, guilt, shame and even sin behind.  There is the freedom God offers those who choose to follow, choose His best rather than what we think is best. John 8:32  NLT   And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. May we learn to live in real freedom.  That real freedom is found in the person who gave Himself so others can be free.  Jesus gave Himself for our freedom. That is why I ask you to spend a few minutes read...

  Some of the most important things in life have nothing to do with what we have but more with what or who has us.  Take some time to make a list.  Make two lists. List the things that you cannot live without.  List the people you cannot live without.  Those will be the ones that get you through the dark and hard times. Here are just a few of the things on my two lists… Acts 15:11  NLT   We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus Lets begin with faith.  Only by the goodness and grace of God are we held, changed and kept forever.  God and faith are top on both of my lists. Proverbs 18:22  NLT   The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord. This one is said and should be shouted at the top of my lungs.  Julie is a blessing to me.  Family is a treasure we cannot take for granted, and those closest to you have extreme value. Psalm 127:3  NLT ...

  Our 2025 journey had begun, and our theme is “Road 2025” at The Community Fellowship.  The Roman Road prepares us to connect with people who need to hear from and meet God.  How does it do that?  It is the truth of these verses found in the book of Romans that reminds us and shares with all how to know the salvation God offers My prayer is that we will learn these verses and share them with others.  Join our church family and memorize these.  So lets read them together… Romans 3:23   NLT For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Romans 5:8 NLT But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.  Romans 6:23 NLT For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 10:9-10  NLT If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For i...

  Do you choose a verse for the year or a word for the year? People do different things to prepare them for the new year and to do somethings that make them and their lives better. As I have said many times it is Scripture reading and prayer that I continue to make a priority and encourage others to do the same.  Also our church has a yearly theme that we begin at the new year. The Community Fellowship’s theme for 2025 is “ROAD 2025” and focuses on the Roman Road and encouraging each person to share their faith throughout our normal day life.  We are also spending time walking through the book of Romans on Sunday mornings for much of this year.  Romans is an awesome book. Proverbs is also a daily routine and so important.  I need the wisdom of God, and the Word of God offers wisdom from God and so much more.  Read one chapter each day as there 31 days in many months. As this week comes to an end I want to share with you some of the verses that continue to b...