Michael Harrison's e-devotion

  Encouragement really is a big deal.  Without people speaking truth over us and in to our lives we are in trouble.  There are way too many negative voices, words of discouragement and statements that steal our worth and value. Be that person that makes a difference.  Be that person that builds others up.  Be that person that gives others value.  Be that person. One of my favorite people in the Bible was Barnabas.  His name means son of encouragement.  I can only imagine why that make stuck with him.  It was probably because he was always that person.  That person that was speaking life and love, courage and encouragement, value and vision in to the lives of others. Be that person.  Around you today are people who need to know they are some body and loved by God.  Your words will give them that and more. 1 Thessalonians 5:11  NLT   So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. Hebrews...

  1 Thessalonians 5:11  NLT   So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. I am grateful for the people who encourage me and make me a stronger person.  Please pray for our family as today is my uncle’s funeral.  Pray for my uncle Frank’s wife, son and family as they face challenges ahead as well as go through the funeral today. There are plenty of other people in and around my life that need your prayers.  Pray for the family and friends of one of our local men that passed away on Wednesday.  And another lady in our church that has been one of my mission partners deals with her brother in law’s funeral and her sister continues to battle cancer. And there are many more who need our prayers and encouragement.  Make a difference today with your words and encouragement! I sat last night listening to another uncle share so many stories.  He is full of information and stories and history or our family.  It w...

  Psalm 69:32  NLT The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged.   What encourages you?   Who speaks life to you?   Where do you find refreshing?   How do refuel your energy?   Some important questions that we need answers for.  When you know the answers and don’t follow them, there is a problem.   Isaiah 40:31  NLT But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.   Think about this.  What keeps us from getting what makes us stronger and filled with faith?   What discourages you?   Who steals your strength?   When do feel drained?   How do you lose motivation and want to quit?   It is important to know why and when those things happen.  Those answers often are easier to find that the ones we first asked.  Why is it easier to find the n...

  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? It has been 9 months.  Hurricane Helene hit with devastation, and one of the places it did the most damage was in the western part of North Carolina. Early this week I was part of the Men on a Mission annual trip to serve others.  This is a great group of men from several different states that gathers the week of Memorial Day to build or rebuild churches.  Some times it is to rebuild homes or other buildings. These men are so awesome, and it is an honor to serve with these great guys who encourage me big time.  8 men from our church are a part.  We worked with skilled workers with so much talent.  I am proud to be part of this, but it really is a time to see needs and do what we can to serve others. The area we worked is Chimney Rock, North Carolina which is next to Lake Lure, the pla...

  Perspective is important.  That is one of the reasons why Jesus talked so much about the kingdom of God.  It is easy to slide in to the mode and typical fashion or worrying about and building our own kingdom rather than the kingdom of God. Remember that our example is Jesus, and He spent a great deal of time with His father.  What He said came from the father.  What He did was directed by His father.  We need to do the same. And as we listen in, follow the direction, and seek more of His kingdom we will see the growth of what last for eternity rather than what fades away quickly. Beginning a new week I ask that we turn our attention to what Jesus said in one chapter about the kingdom of God.  Read on.  As you read ask yourself how does this apply to my life, my situation and family, the church I am part of and the choices that I make.  It will help you understand the heart of God. Matthew 13  NLT 24 Here is another story Jesus tol...

  Choose what you say carefully.  Our words have power, and our words say a lot about who we are. James 3:6,10  NLT   And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself… And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! Blessing.  Cursing.  Which one comes out of you the most? Ephesians 4:29  NLT   Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Does it bother you when you hear people use foul language?  What words or conversations encourage you? Proverbs 15:4  NLT   Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. Gentle words or deceitful words… both are powerful. Colossians 4:6  NLT ...

  We started a new series at The Community Fellowship yesterday.  “Love and Life” will take us on a journey through First Corinthians 13, hat is well known as the love chapter. Next week we will talk about how godly love should characterize our relationships, our marriages and our homes.  But in this fist message we talked about the fact of how God’s loves helps us see others and find ways to care for others. Literally caring for others is a mark of a person who knows God and has found confidence in God’s love for them.  Think about how God’s love has touched your life. Jude 1:20-21  NLT   But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, 21 and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love. Love builds people up, yet many people are constantly beaten people up.  Are we beating on people or building peo...

The last few days I have been spending time with my brothers.  It was a little more than one year ago that our dad passed away, and that fact has been something we have all dealt with in different ways. 1 Thessalonians 5:11  NLT   So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. The conversations have been so good.  Sharing memories.  Talking about family.  Remembering some special times.  Looking at how things have changed around our home town.  Talking about the challenges of life, growing older and the like.  This really has been a packed few days. Yesterday I got to be a some time with my best friend from my high school days.  It was so good to reconnect, to share stories and to remember.  This friend is involved in ministry and has made a great impact on so many lives.  He and I were discipled by some great people. One of the things we talked about most was how we each encouraged one another ...