Michael Harrison's e-devotion

  We are in the middle of the week of one of the most important weeks of the year.  Friday we remember the cross of Christ and Sunday His resurrection.  Here we are, and how we think of the week, the influence of Jesus and what is to come make a difference.   One of the most troubling this about the Easter story is Judas, the one who betrayed Jesus.  Yet Jesus allowed and even called Judas to be with Him.  Jesus washed His feet.  Judas experienced the most exciting and intimate parts of Jesus’ ministry just like the other disciples.   Most likely Judas was stealing as he handled the money of Jesus’ ministry.  He was often angry about the way money was used or the way people were acting around Jesus. vv The only person that really knew Judas’ motives was Jesus.  Turning to the events of the last week of Jesus’ life religious leaders used Judas to get to Jesus.   Like Judas our outlook on Jesus makes a difference.  None of us wan...

  It is holy week.  Easter is ahead.  What is it we will take from Easter?  It might be something sweet.  It could be time with family and friends.  It possibly could be the special worship and church times ahead. But what we should really hold on to and treasure are the things that last.  They re part of our journey and the gifts God gives. 1 Corinthians 13:13  NLT   Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love—but the greatest of these is love. There are the things we will not find in a plastic egg or a basket.  You won’t find these in a meal or from visiting with someone.  These are the true gifts that God gives us because of His endless grace and marvelous light and eternal love for us. Cling to faith.  It is what we use to learn about and get close to God. Lift up hope.  Far beyond any physical trait this is what lets us look through situations and pain to trust God. Share His love.  This is what placed Jesus on...

  It is holy week.  That is the week that leads us to Friday’s crucifixion of Jesus and Sunday’s resurrection.  We remember what Jesus has done for us.  His purpose was completed in the events of holy week.   Over the next 5 days we look at the different parts of the Holy week.  I continue to declare that God is good.  No one compares to Him, His love for us and the price He paid for our sin.   First was Palm Sunday, the day Jesus entered Jerusalem as a king and a hero.  It was full of festive crowds and joy.  Most likely the news got around town that Jesus arrived, and there were large crowds who came to see and even to celebrate Jesus.  Let’s remember.   Luke 19:36-38  NLT   As he rode along, the crowds spread out their garments on the road ahead of him. 37 When he reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God f...

  What happens at the speedway stays at the speedway. Nah.  That is not true.  In fact the people that partner with Raceway Ministries are ready to do some awesome things and have some great conversations.  Please pray for this team. 2 Corinthians 13:14  NLT   May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.  We get to help people see and know the love of God.  Through acts of kindness and conversations, we will talk about life and how God’s love has impacted our lives. 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. This group will give of their time to serve others.  Through golf cart rides for those with mobility issues, giving away coffee and lemonade and snacks, through worship services and more we get to help ...

  Philippians 2:5  NLT   You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. That verse is one that keeps coming back to my mind.  I believe it is a reminder from God that I often need. It fits in with some important things that make a lot of since.  One of those are the verses that follow it.  It talks about why Jesus came to earth.  He is savior.   Philippians 2:6-8  NLT   Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8  he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Those verses are very clear in how Jesus gave what we couldn’t give so we could receive what God wanted us to have.  That is the cross and the payment for sin.  Jesus provided for our salvation. Most above that first first for more of Jes...

  Jesus is our example.  There are times that I get overwhelmed with who He is and what He did.  He always had a reason behind what He did.   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.   He saw people.  When Jesus saw people, He knew why He was sent from God.  He was moved to loved people.  Many times in the Bible we are told that Jesus had compassion on people because of their need. That is where I believe we have to step in, learn from God and make a difference.   This is more than a one time event.  Jesus built people, taught truth and lived out truth in order to bring people and us close to God.   Matthew 5:1-2  NLT  One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, 2 and he began to teach them.   Because of the need of people, Je...