Michael Harrison's e-devotion

The back2school why… There are lots of reasons.  And the reason I share the reasons in this e-devotion is asking you to be one of the reasons we are a success.  Would you pray?  Join me and so many others in making back2school 2021 a great success. So here are a few reasons why: Jesus said so.  Just go serve others! 1 Peter 4:10  NLT God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. There is a need.  Find a need and fill it (thanks Tommy Barnett for the quote). 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? School is going back in session once again, and giving encourages success. Matthew 19:14  NLT But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” Families are struggling: finances, strain, questions or confusion, hope and more is n

What does a win look like?  When back2school is involved, the win might be a little different. Last night I sat with a group of people preparing for their first time serving student through the back2school project.  A growing town in southern Louisiana has set the scene.  A great church where a friend is pastor had 28 people gather to pack backpacks full of school supplies and to organize shoes and socks all to be given away this coming Saturday. The electricity in the air was fueled by some leaders who had some a great deal of work to prepare for this outreach.  They had planned for 100 students, but they have now registered 149 students. That is a win!  And I got to tell them the story of how back2school began and how it has impacted so many students and their families over the last 15 years.  There is more to come.  This Saturday is just the start. Proverbs 12:14  NLT Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards. Hard work will pay off especially when it is meant for

How do you get to the next level? There could be all kinds of answers, but they all depend on what situation you are talking about.  If it is in relation to a sports teams, the next level would be another win or championship.  If it is in relationship to education or school, it might mean graduation or completing the coarse.  In our faith, it might mean growing closer to God.  In your job, it may be a promotion or a raise.  You get the point. Well, as I look forward to our back2school project in the coming weeks we are experiencing the next level.  This next level comes in all kinds of shapes and sizes. The next level for some back2school locations is having their first ever event. The next level for another location is an increase in the students they are serving. The next level for another might be overcoming the issues of covid. The next level for another might be washing feet and experiencing time with students. Take the next step.  Go to the next level. Galatians 6:10  NLT Therefo

It is the week before back2school.  That means next week is going to be extra exciting and busy.  I am excited, nervous and expecting God to do incredible things similar to past years and even more.  Please pray to that outcome. There are things to celebrate.  I want to be an example of how to celebrate and even more of what to celebrate.  God has provided the purpose, the passion and resources needed to impact so many lives.  He has given us partnerships that are worth far more than money. Help me celebrate.  Celebrate what God celebrates. Celebrate people.   God has given us some incredible people that are making it happen.  Some are pastors.  Others are church leaders.  Some are from our community and others are from hundreds of miles away.  It takes a lot of people to pull off back2school. Join me in celebrating people.  Say thank you to someone who has done something for you.  Write a card to someone that means a lot to you.  Go out of your way to encourage that person or another

The overflow.  You have been there and been a bit overwhelmed with what is going on.  Your emotions might be flowing.  Your mind might be racing.  Your heart might be too full. Well, today is one of those days for several reasons, but I am not here to tell you that tonight.  This e-devotion is simply to recount some of the things that I shared during yesterday’s sermon at The Community Fellowship.  It was a good day I have been sharing a three week series simply titled “things I learned on sabbatical”.  The topics have been: Jesus is enough, the problem of separation and the center of life and church.  The center is the Gospel or the purpose of God or Jesus following. Here are some of the quotes I used today… — Our theme, our goal and our call as The Community Fellowship is to Demonstrate the love of God to our community through random acts of kindness so we win the right to tell them about Jesus whether we have their attention for 5 minutes or 50 minutes.  It really is all about the G

There are so many things that seem to string together in life and in our conversations.  This week’s e-devotions are about the same.  We talked about why we serve, how we walk and about being strong.  Now, step to our last day of the week. How do we see things or life or people?  Some people have a hard time seeing.  Maybe they have a medical issue that keeps them from seeing.  Others can’t see because they choose not to look.  And others have things that distract them from watching or seeing what is best. Take some time as the end of the week is here to notice how you see.  Pray for the ability to see. Ephesians 1:18  NLT I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. Sometimes we have to see with something that isn’t our eyes.  The heart can see especially when God gives the sight.  It is vital to let God care for our sight. Revelation 3:18  NLT

Why serve students through a program like back2school? Why connect with those who are homeless and help them? Why feed those who are hungry or cloth those who need? There are several reasons why we do this and more.  Let me give you just a few of the Scriptural clues that give us insight, inspiration and energy to keep on with the purpose God has given us. 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.  I get it, and what an honor it is to serve those who are in need. 

  Isaiah 53:6  NASB All of us, like sheep, have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But the Lord has caused the wrongdoing of us all To fall on Him. Have you found yourself in a place where you are lost, struggling or just without direction?  Yeah.  We have all been there. Several times in Jesus’ story we find Him looking at people through the eyes of God, His eyes, knowing the huge need of people.  He sees their heart and pain.  He knows our need of compassion. It is God that fills that need.  He takes our struggling and turns it in faith.  I so need that.  Bet you do as well. Romans 12:2  NASB And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. To make sure you are walking the right way (see yesterday’s devotion) and to know your heart and mind are strong, live a transformed life.  In your thinking.  In your works.  In your words and more. H

Ephesians 5:15  NASB So then, be careful how you walk, not as unwise people but as wise, Far too often we miss the truth of what wisdom does.  Notice one of the major words and actions of the verse above.  Don’t miss it. Be careful. It is something you have to choose, to watch for, to make a conscious effort to do.  Be careful to do right, to go the correct direction and to know what is ahead and around. Wisdom over foolishness.  Not like those who are unwise.  Look before you cross.  Listen with your ears and eyes.  I think you get it. Ephesians 4:1  NASB Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, Then walk in a way that honors God and your calling from God.  He has set us up for good living and goodness.  His call gives us significance like nothing else can.  Take some time to choose wisely, not unwise. Proverbs 2:7  NLT He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk

  There are of plenty of things that stick out about yesterday’s message and one of the huge lessons God gave me during our recent time away.  I shared yesterday about the facts of separation. God told Adam and Even to not eat from the tree that would separate them from God and lead them astray.  Literally God said that move would separate them from Him, but the right choices who separate them from the wrong to an abundance of what is strong and right and opening them to even more. Take a few minutes and ask yourself about separation.  Have you chosen the wrong things that have kept you from God and His bet for you or have you chosen the right things that separated you from what keeps you from God?  Take the time to answer these questions and more. Proverbs 4:25-27 NLT “Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.” One choice changed everything. G

Our back2school outreach is one of the greatest things we have ever been part of, led others to be part of and that is an important part of what happens at The Community Fellowship each year.  Pieces of this project I continue to be in awe over.  Lives have been and will be changed once again.  Churches and thousands of volunteers have been challenged and stepped up to serve.  The stories are endless.   One reasons we lead out in this project is because working with other like-minded believers is something God commands us to do.   We are stronger working together.   We challenge each other to go further and do more.  Together we are able to serve more people and make a bigger impact.   Philippians 2:2   NASB make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.   Same mind.  That is unity. Same love.  That is unity. Same spirit. That is unity. Same purpose.  That is unity. It really is that simple.  When the people of God ch

  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. Our God is always out to help those who are hurting.  His heart is turned toward people, especially those who are struggling and needing help. That is why that verse means much to be.  Many times in Scripture we find Jesus speaking out of compassion and doing something for those that so many others have overlooked.  Remember that we are to do what Jesus did. This week has brought much pain and sorrow across my path as I have dealt with friends who have lost loved ones.  Most have lost a parent or grandparent.  Another lost his wife who was a local teacher.  My heart goes out to these. Then we turn on the news to see the struggles happening around the world.  They are varied and in many locations.  Some of them are individuals with what seems insignificant pain.  Others are dealing with health concerns leaving them scared for a long time, drained

Matthew 5:16  NASB Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.   What would happen if many churches came together with a common goal, put down our labels and personal agendas, and served the people right around us?    What would happen would be more unity in the church and the community, more passion to help people and more glory to our God.  I’m for that.  How about you?   That is just what back2school is to me and to the churches that have come together.  This year is another huge win as several more churches have stepped up to serve, and God will get even more glory.  Kids in places we’ve never been able to serve will be helped.   The event is about 3 weeks away.  There is still one more date to register, Tuesday, July 20th from 6 to 8pm.  Many more school supplies are needed.  Will you help?   1 John 3:17  NLT If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no com

Proverbs 8:35  NLT For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord. There are many things that give life.  I am not talking about what makes your heart pump or your blood to flow.  What I am talking about are the things that enrich your life, make you want to live and maybe what gives you joy. I can make a long list of things that make this a reality.  But let me get right down to just a few things that add life to my life. First is my relationship with Jesus.  As I said yesterday “He is enough for me”.  He did what I couldn’t do and loves me more than I really understand.  He gives me strength and love and comfort and much more.  It comes through connection to other people, but more than that is what I get from my personal time with Him. Second would be my family.  As I shared with our church on Sunday my sabbatical was really about time with family.  Each of our church, my wife, my dad and a few others made those weeks important and so grand and full.  I am grateful

The e-devotions return as of today, and I want to say a huge and healthy “thank you” for those who allowed us to take the last several weeks away.  It was an incredible time.  And I am glad we are back home, back at church and moving forward with life and more. Yesterday I shared a message with our church as well as led us in communion.  We ended the service with a testimony of how God is changing the lives of one family.  It was incredible.  Life change means a lot.  Jesus does that change the best and for the long haul. So my question in the message as well as my statement is this… Is Jesus Enough for you?  Jesus is enough. Philippians 2:5 reminds us to have the same attitude that Jesus had.  His was strong and centered on what the Father.  He was committed to doing what God said. Jesus is not only enough for me, He is the one who will be with me through no matter what.  I challenge each of us to see Him for who He is, what He does and how He opens abundant life for each of us! The c

It is the beginning of the 6th and final week of my sabbatical.  It has been an incredible time with family as well as soaking up time with God.  The last week I returned from Oklahoma, and Julie and I spent several days with Ruth, her husband Sean and our future grandchild that will be born in November.  We had a great time.  I am so thankful for this opportunity.   Now we move in to a bit of a different week.  It will end next Sunday with my first sermon back at The Community Fellowship.  It will begin with being part of a mission team that is working with us at our new campus and in the community.  I am a little sad this time is coming to an end, and I am also excited that I get to be part of what God is doing. Yesterday was the 4th of July where our nation celebrates our independence.  I want to be clear that I believe God is more important than our country.  We must preach the Gospel over all else, yet we cannot take for granted that we live in and are blessed with a great country