Michael Harrison's e-devotion

  It is almost the new year, and I want to challenge each of us to be careful with the new year’s resolutions or commitments we make. I want to be closer to God, healthier, wiser, have more resources, be a better husband, father and friend, have a stronger and bigger church, preach with more impact … you get the point.  So many commitments we can make that do lend to these being a reality.  But many of those resolutions or commitments that we make end up going no where. How we can we do this differently where the commitments stick?  Maybe we take baby steps rather than giant leaps.   Look at all who are impacted by the commitments and ask if they lead us all closer to God. As I was thinking of this e-devotion a song came to mind … Made for More by Josh Baldwin 'Cause I wasn't made to be tending a grave, I was called by name Born and raised back to life again, I was made for more So why would I make a bed in my shame When a fountain of grace is running my way? I ...

  It is almost a new year, and there are so many things that I am looking forward to.  Some of those things are repeats of the past but great things.  Some things will be new and exciting.   One of the things that I challenge those who love God to do is to make sure that building your faith through interacting with the Bible is one of the most important things.  How do you spend time in the Word of God, the Bible?   Let’s look at a few of my thoughts about the Bible. Colossians 3:15-16  NLT   And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. 16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. By spending time in the word we will know His peace because we know His message. Hebrews 4:12  NLT   ...

  What’s next?  It seems one of the times of the year that is just strange or feels weird is the week between Christmas and New Year’s.  What do you do with these days? Do you travel?  Do you work?  Do you take down the Christmas decor or what?  There are lots of answers, but I suggest we get ready for the new year.  That can mean lots of different things too. Pray.  Read Scripture.  Spend more time with those you care about.  Make a plan of some things you want to see or accomplish in the next year.   Let me suggest a couple thoughts or plans that might help us all make 2025 the greatest year possible.  Do note that the verses I share come from Proverbs (31 chapters, 31 days in many months… read a chapter each day).   Proverbs 16:9  NASB   The mind of a person plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.   We do not known what might come our way in the new year or even the next day.  Yet we can alway...

  From our family to yours, we pray you have had a blessed and merry Christmas.  We have enjoyed time together. So much of our lives are busy and full, but this time of year we are challenged to focus on the real meaning of Christmas as well as the meaning of life.  It is all about about Jesus. In the past year we have been blessed to be part of making a difference in so many lives.  Our church continues to serve those who are hungry, hurting or homeless through acts of kindness as we win the right to share Jesus with each person. How about this next year?  We will have even more opportunities, and it is our prayer that we will be able to make a greater impact in the lives of people who need Jesus.  That will happen all the way from Collinsville, further in to Virginia and the United States as well to Cuba and beyond.  Please pray that we will take every chance to demonstrate the love of God to our community and beyond. Why?  Because Jesus is the ...

  Christmas family What are the things that stick out to you about Christmas?  I would imagine this is different for every one of us. Lots of memories flood my mind when I think of past Christmases.  Yet there is one part that is the same every year or every Christmas.  As far back as I can go in my mind or even in pictures that one piece is there.  Even to some of the more recent memories that same part is there. What is that part?  Thanks for asking. It is family.  This holiday and life are meant to be shared with others.  Family is one of those concepts that truly is a gift from God, and at Christmas we have made it our plan to get together.   This Christmas is no different.  In fact this will be the first time (this weekend to be exact) that our entire family will be together in the last two years.  That is why we will cherish the moments and enjoy them together. Psalm 127:3-5  NLT   Children are a gift from the Lord; ...

Christmas tradition  There are so many of these.  Look around you as we are almost to Christmas.  The hustle and hurry of these traditions and the holiday will often take us away from the real meaning of Christmas. Be careful to not let the Christmas traditions take your focus off of Christ.  I am not suggesting that we be legalistic about Christmas and leave all the other stuff behind.  I am suggesting that we “keep Christ in Christmas” and make much of Him. Take some time each day to personally keep your celebration all about Jesus.  Here are just a few things that will do that for me… Isaiah 7:14  NLT   All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’). Isaiah 9:6  NLT   For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonder...

  Christmas Fear Yes.  You read that right.  It is not about Christmas cheer but fear.  Too many people have lots of this. Fears comes in the times where we are out of control, are unsure of some things or maybe even fear people.  It could be a million things that we fear. What fear does is magnify where we have not let faith and trust in God fully take our hearts and lives.  No, christians will never fear, but we should fear less.  Why is that? 2 Timothy 1:7  NLT   For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.   Isaiah 41:10  NLT   Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.  Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you.  I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. There are a couple things that God has gifted us with.  No, they are not Christmas gifts, but they are gifts that the best Christmas gift has given us.  Jesus r...