What IF :: Thursday E-Devotion

What if? What are the things we regret? Should have done this. Shouldn't have done that.

I hear those statements all the time as I talk to people about Jesus. Most people live every day with heavy regret over the things that happen in their lives, yet few people really live.

Philippians 4:13 (nlt) --- For I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.

Colossians 3:2 (nlt) --- Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.

Great question: what would you do today if you knew this was the last week of your life? Wow. You and I have not thought like that in a long, long time. We have grocery list a mile long. We have plans upon plans that we would like to take care of or trips we'd like to take or people we'd like to spend time with. But we don't.

As a father, I learn more and more as our three little ones grow that I miss far too much of their lives. I regret that.

As a Christian, I see more and more people that I miss to tell Jesus about. And I may never have the opportunity to talk to them for Him again. I regret that.

As a pastor, I know people that I would really like to influence and messages I'd like to share, yet I put them off 'cause there is another day. I regret that.

What if today or tomorrow was my last chance or your last day of life? What you do differently? What would you do?

I just started a new book and thought of a new series I will be preaching on this topic. It also fits awesome with this week's message in the Chase the Lion series. We have to take risks and seize opportunities. It is time to do those things for Christ's sake.

Colossians 4:16 (nlt) --- Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives.

So, what are we doing to do? Who are we going to spend time with? Here is our opportunity to live.

PRAYER

Remember these special people who still need our prayers: Amber McDaniel, Dorothy Kasey, a friend battling liver problems, and another unspoken for a friend's marriage. Pray for Suzanne Turner's grandfather who may have cancer (she works with my wife).

E-DEVOTIONS are sent on week days from Michael Harrison, lead Pastor of The Community Fellowship in Collinsville, Virginia. E-devotions are intended to encourage your faith in Jesus and your walk with Him. To subscribe, cancel or change your subscription, send an e-mail to Michael at mharrison@thecommunityfellowship.org .

Francis Chan's "Forgotten God" (brand new book)

One of the most powerful preachers, writers and leaders of our time, in my opinion, is Francis Chan. His first book, Crazy Love , revolutionized my thoughts about God's love as well as my interacting with God. Now it is time for a brand new book from Chan being released tomorrow, September 1st. The book is Forgotten God . This is a phenomenal book about the power that Christians and the church can and must tap into. All of it is within the Holy Spirit. Francis talks about the power that was seen in the book of Acts when the Holy Spirit began to move among people. It is true that many have avoided or maybe forgotten what the Holy Spirit is all about. And like the Savior who poured out His life and blood so we have reason to rejoice, we were made to lay down our lives and give until it hurts. We are most alive when we are loving and actively giving of ourselves because we were made to do these things. It is when we live like this that the Spirit of God moves and ac...

inspiration from C.S. Lewis

There are many people, past and present, who get our attention by what they write or say or share. For me C.S. Lewis is one of those. He was a prolific writer who continues to grab the attention of thinkers from many different points of view. Lewis first grabbed my attention when I was in 5 th grader, and our teacher, Mrs. Foy, shared The Chronicles of Narnia with our class. It was a powerful time that this dreamer opened doors to thinking like I had never lived before. He wrote of faith, of far off places and of strong figures who found their character rooted deep in God. C.S. Lewis was born in 1898 and died in 1963, 7 years before I was born. It wasn’t until his 30’s that under the influence of his friend Tolkien that he came to be a Christian. He was raised in a traditional church going home, turned away from God as an Atheist in his teen years and through trying to stay away from God and faith returned to God with...

Catalyst ticket arrived

My ticket to the Catalyst Conference, in Atlanta Oct 8-10, just arrived. I'm excited!

Michael Harrison's e-devotion

Search This Blog