Michael Harrison's e-devotion

  I have a verse that runs through my head and heart often.  This must mean that God wants to use it in me or remind me of something.  What do you think?  John 1:14  NASB “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” I love this Christmas song: Emmanuel, Emmanuel…His name is called Emmanuel. God with us. Revealed in us. His name is called Emmanuel. WORD in the flesh --- God gave His verse best to be all we needed! Saw HIS Glory --- Just like the Shepherds saw with the angels and the wisemen saw in the star Only begotten from the FATHER --- Jesus was all God and all man. The best Christmas gift we can ever receive. Full of GRACE and TRUTH --- the things that we want to be full of, especially at Christmas time. Pray a prayer like this … Father, thank you for Christmas as you gave us Jesus in the flesh as we now enjoy Your glory.  Fill us with your truth and grace....

  Christmas is 1 week away away.  Focus on truth that keep us celebrating the real meaning of this season.    Let me remind us that none of the things we deal each day change who our God is and what He can do.  God is still working, He is still God completely, and God is still the hope of the world.   Matthew 1:21-23  NASB She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.”   Isaiah 9:6  NASB For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.   Jesus, because He will save His people.     Immanuel...

  It is about 1 week till Christmas.  We have so much to be thankful for.  PLUS this is one of those times of the year that we might miss the meaning of the season, its celebration and making much of our God if we are not careful.   With that said I would like to remind us what God tells us about Christmas.  It is all about Jesus, the gift God gave us.  His purpose is clear.  He was looked for.  He is followed and worthy of following.  That is true for me, and I pray it is true for you.   Here are some reminders…   Genesis 12:3  NIV “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”   Isaiah 7:14  NIV Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.   Isaiah 9:6-7  NIV For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his should...

  Christmas is a time for giving, but we think of it more as a time of getting and giving with those closest to us.  Yet there are opportunities all around.  That is why today I want to point out some of those ways and places where you can give. 1 John 3:17  NLT   If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? We are blessed so we can bless others.  Whether that is money or food or time or words of encouragement.  Use what you have to serve others. Homeless friends and those living in poverty.  This time of year with the cold weather we are reminded often of the needs around us.  Go to the shelter and give.  Give your time to serve.  Give a meal to feed the hungry.  Give money to help the program continue. Needs around the world and people are lost.  People in need Jesus.  Give your money so missionaries can serve, go further,...

  We are all getting ready for Christmas, and I want to pass on to you some excellent thoughts from the Navigators organization.  This is good stuff that will help us keep Christ in Christmas and keep Jesus at the center of our celebration.    5 Days of Christmas Reflections from the navigators.org   At this time of year, to-do lists can become the focus of Christmas more than Christ. Shopping for family and friends, baking, cooking, wrapping presents, attending parties, and preparing for Christmas leave us busy and exhausted. Let’s commit to keep Christ in Christmas with five days of Christmas reflections.   Day 1: Make quiet time a priority. Taking time early in the morning proves to be a good way to start the day. Focus on Immanuel: God is with us.   Read Matthew 1:18-23   Reflection : What did Jesus give up by coming to earth to be with us? Sit in silence and quiet your heart before the Lord. Ask Him to help you to focus on what matters this...

  Isaiah 9:6-7  NLT   For a child is born to us, a son is given to us.  The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 His government and its peace will never end.  He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen! We have read those verses like every year and heard them talked about, seen them printed on greetings cards and much, much more.  But have we taken in the value and truth they share.  Sure we have. Not at face value but so much deeper than that.  Don’t let the festivities of the holiday and the fun of Christmas over shadow the impact of the Messiah sent. This is not a Christmas time treasure.  This is a life changing truth.  This is not an ornament to marvel at while the light hits it just right.  This is...