Michael Harrison's e-devotion

  Mark 10:16  NLT   Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them. That is what Jesus did.  He blessed the children, and that is what back2school is all about.  We have been able to bless the children as we shared with them and showed them the love of God. I am not giving you the details and the numbers from our back2school outreach, but what I want you to hear is how the Lord worked in the lives of children and churches.  It was once again incredible.  God moved and is still moving. Ten locations and hundreds of volunteers gathered the past two weekends to serve students who are heading back to school.  Backpacks and school supplies, shoes and socks, and more were given out.  Students and their families heard the Gospel. I got to watch and listen.  Many of those students grabbed our attention and our hearts.  I love seeing our people serve others. Matthew 25:40  NLT   “And the ...

  John 8:36  NLT   So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. Today we celebrate freedom and fathers.  Freedom is one of those things we take for granted, and it has so many facets to it.  It could speak of prison.  It can speak of oppression.  It can speak of inner turmoil and so much more. In 1863 in our nation a declaration was made to free slaves in the the United States of America.  Yet as I read in an interesting article yesterday there were parts of the nation that did not hear about this for two years.   In other words there were still people living without freedom who were declared free.  Live as free people!  But until you know know you are free you can can not do that.  Celebrate freedom!  You cannot celebrate until you know and live free. My prayer is that we will celebrate the freedom given in the past, and we will also know the freedom that comes to us through God.  He frees us from sin.  He f...

  There are too many to name.  The list really would go on and on, but humor me (if you need to).   Here are just a few of my favorite things.  Well, favorite Christmas things.  Some might not feel like Christmas, but they are to me.  Read on, and may the God who gave us His perfect Son guide us in to His Marvelous Light!!!! Matthew 1:21  NLT   And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. Verse 3 of “Silent Night” Silent night, holy night, Son of God, love's pure light Radiant beams from Thy holy face, With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth. Micah 5:2  NLT   But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah.  Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past, will come from you on my behalf. This one came alive even more this month after I visited Israel. Verse 1 of “Joy to 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; ...

  Let me begin today’s e-devotion by simply saying THANK YOU to all who helped make last week’s Cuba sports ministry mission trip a success.  Your prayers and support were a vital part of this great efforts, and the impact is still going forward. Our team served in five different Cuba cities with 15-20 church and sports ministry leaders attending each training season.  Each leader represented athletes and coaches that are part this important ministry and many churches that they are part of.   My prayer for these leaders is not only are they stronger and better leaders, but I pray that hundreds of lives will be changed this coming year because of the commitment of these men and women to share the Gospel and let others know of hope in Jesus.  Keep praying.  More trips are being planned for 2025 John 1:14  NLT  So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. The word came to us and was sent from Go...

  Easter is one of the most incredible holidays that Christians celebrate.  So many emotions, so many stories, so many blessings come with our celebrations, the worship and even time with families.  Easter is so good. But what makes it stand out is something that is empty.  That’s right.  It is the tomb.  Where Jesus was placed after He died on the cross.  The resurrection shown by the empty tomb is what seals our eternal promise as well as our daily hope. Let’s ask the questions that others were asked. Luke 24:1-8  NLT   On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5 In their fright the women bowed down with their...