Michael Harrison's e-devotion

  “The church is most appealing when the message of grace is most apparent.”  - Andy Stanley   Grace is not an easy word to understand, and it is even harder to live out.  I’ve met many people who talk about the grace of God and offering people grace, yet their lives seem to miss what grace really is.   Grace is a rare find in our world today.  The church talks about it, praises God for it and speaks of its wonders all the time.   But do we show grace and really live by grace?  Do we receive and give grace freely to others each day?   This includes the people in our homes, work, school, church and even the people we meet on the street.   It is hard to be full of grace and give grace when we are full of self, pride and focusing on our own struggles rather than what God has given us.  It is hard to give grace to others when we don’t give ourselves grace for our mistakes.   "Never forget that grace takes guts, risk ...

  Why serve others?  Why meet needs of people you encounter?   Why meet homeless friends and help them?   Why feed those who are hungry or gives clothes those who need?   There are many reasons.  Here a few Scriptures that give us insight, inspiration and energy to keep on doing what God calls us to do.   Proverbs 3:27  NLT Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them.   Proverbs 11:25  NLT The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.   Matthew 9:36  NLT When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.   Galatians 5:13  NLT For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.   You get it.  I am sure.   What an honor it is ...

  What are you looking for?  There are many ways to answer this question, but for the people who are seeking God, there is strength and life and so much more. Take some time today to consider a few thoughts of how we look for God and seek Him. Isaiah 55:6  NLT   Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Isaiah 45:22  NLT   Let all the world look to me for salvation! For I am God; there is no other. Romans 5:2  NLT   Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. That is just a start.  See the Lord.  Look to the salvation God gives.  Look toward Him with great confidence that gives you joy. Psalm 121  NLT I look up to the mountains— does my help come from there? 2 My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! 3 He will not let you stumble; the one who wat...

  At the beginning of yesterday’s sermon I got a little sentimental and shared a song from my children.  This is a reminder of sorts of who our God is. We are in a new series based our theme of “A New Thing”, and I am sharing about how Christ is creator and keeper and making all things new.  This song lays out how God throughout the Bible has been so good and working.   Check it out! HE IS by Aaron Jeoffrey In Genesis, He's the breath of life In Exodus, the Passover Lamb In Leviticus, He's our High Priest In Numbers, The fire by night Deuteronomy, He's Moses' voice In Joshua, He is salvation's choice In Judges, law giver In Ruth, the kinsmen-redeemer In First and second Samuel, our trusted prophet In Kings and Chronicles, He's sovereign In Ezra, true and faithful scribe In Nehemiah, He's the rebuilder of broken walls and lives In Esther, He's Mordecai's courage In Job, the timeless redeemer In Psalms, He is our morning song In Proverbs, wisdom's ...

  7 signs.  I am not talking about 7 signs of end times.  I am not talked about the 7 signs you saw on the side of the road.  I am also not talking about the 7 signs of getting older (although I might can share a few).  I am not talked about the top 7 signs of having the greatest team of all time. I am talking about 7 signs God gives us every week that we should be aware of. Ephesians 5:16  NLT   Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. We are given 7 days each week.  I suggest to us that they are signs.  Each day is a gift, and we have a choice in how we use it.  We can waste it.  We can make the most of it like the verse says. Some people live for the weekend.  You might say your favorite day of the week is Friday or Sunday or whatever, but do we use each and every day to its fullest? Here are the signs.  God gives us life.  God gives us opportunities.  Use your days in a way that glorifies God. R...