Michael Harrison's e-devotion

  Mark 4:21-25  NLT Then Jesus asked them, “Would anyone light a lamp and then put it under a basket or under a bed? Of course not! A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light will shine. 22 For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light. 23 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” 24 Then he added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given—and you will receive even more. 25 To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.”   What stood out to you in those verses?  Several things stand out for me.    “A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light will shine.”    We need light.  Don’t hide it.    “Everything that is hidden will eventually be broug...

One of my favorite chapter of the Bible is from Psalm 1.  It came alive once again last week as I was sharing with a family about their loved one who passed away.  It is awesome to know how those who follow Jesus live their lives.  This chapter says it well.  It reminds us to be strong, to go deep with God.  By choosing to follow, we choose Jesus.  By choosing Jesus, we choose to live differently.  And choosing to live differently, we will make a difference in the lives of the people around us.   Digging in to the Word of God changes our lives.  I remember learning from some Godly people as I was growing up just how these verses hit home for me.   I n the middle 90’s as we served on mission trips in Honduras standing next to a tree that was next to a stream that made this passage come to life for me.   Read Psalm 1   Psalm 1  NLT Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners...

  1 Peter 3:18  NLT   Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit. We continue our series “like Him” at The Community Fellowship, and this week in chapter 4 there is an incredible truth that we have to get hold of.   Jesus suffered for us.  Here and other places in the Bible we learn about all Jesus did for us because we could not do it for ourselves.  Just like the verse above.   Then comes somethings we need to understand, and these things we might not want or live.  As we choose Jesus we too will suffer.  There is a purpose in our suffering.  That purpose ties us back to God who loves us and has a plan for our lives.  He can be trusted. In 1 Peter 4:1 we are told to “arm ourselves with the same attitude he had”.  That means look at our situation, the pain, the struggle and understa...

  Proverbs 18:22  NLT   The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord. I have.  I am blessed.  And for 33 years Julie and I have been married. That is why I take a personal day to let you and the world and to remind Julie that I am blessed.  It is obvious. Life together.  Ministry through the years.  Family in many places.  Three awesome kids.  Sweet and precious grand kids.  Memories.  Adventures.  Trials.  Victories.  Tears.  Special moments.  Some we want to forget.  Many more we want to cherish.  Life is sweet and a gift from God. Another reason to let you know that my best friend, my partner in life, the best mom and juije has been my wife for 33 incredible years. Has every year been perfect?  No.  Have we grown and learned and moved forward?  Yes.  And we will continue for as many more as God gives us.  Blessed! I am forever grate...

  One of my favorite chapters of the Bible since the mid 1980’s has been Psalm 139.  That is for several reasons.  Most of it for the last two verses.  But there is so much good in that I want to point out a few parts that ought to remind us of the goodness of God. God knows.  He knows us.  And He is awesome.  The first six verses say this in beautiful ways.  He is the one who blesses. Psalm 139:6  NLT   Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! The Psalm goes on to remind us that God is everywhere and even makes the dark times and places light.  We can trust that God is with us. Psalm 139:12  NLT   but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you. The next part makes me shout a bit.  He knew me before I was even born.  He created me and you.  I love the verses that say He formed us as we were created....

1 Thessalonians 5:11  NLT   So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.   Be the person who lifts and helps others know they are special.  Our words, kindness and encouragement make a difference.     Words can be used to hurt or help.  Often the right words at the right time can can bring healing.  Speak life and strength over the people that mean the most to you.  That is a choice I want to make, family and friends and even people I don’t know. Take the opportunity to build up and not to tear down.  Choose words that bring courage.    A song has stood out to me for a while.  It speaks in to my life.  Speak the name of Jesus over people and situations.  Speak Jesus over addiction, over fear and anxiety, over darkness and the enemy.  Why?  Jesus wins.   Let our words give life.    I just want to speak the Name of Jesus  Over every hea...