Michael Harrison's e-devotion

  Let me introduce you to an old friend.  I first met Dwane when we were serving those coming out of prison and integrating back in to communities.  His heart for God and others has been refreshing.  Recently be became the pastor of a church in our community, and I am grateful for his ministry, encouragement, compassion and friendship. Today’s e-devotion is from Dwane Massenburg who leads Christians United and is pastor of St. Paul High Street Baptist Church in Martinsville.  Enjoy what he shared today… Holy Heavenly Father, we come to You today recognizing Your omniscience. The Bible says You know the hairs on our head, Lord. Your Bible says that You know our hearts and our thoughts. Your vantage point is different from ours, Father. You know everything about us. A group of cars, trees, and a city street are nothing unusual to write home about. We have all seen them before. However, if one changes the vantage point, the things that can be learned from the view ...

  Pray for back2school 2026.  Why back2school?  Over 20 years ago a missionary to the mountain areas of Appalachia spoke to our church about making a huge difference in the lives of kids living in places of poverty.  One year later The Community Fellowship began.   That first summer, right before a new school year began, we served students helping them prepare for a school.   It was incredible as we served about 75 students.  The next year we served 500 students.  The next year we went to 1,000 students.  It started with just school supplies.  Then we added backpacks and soon after added new shoes and socks.     And the rest is history, as the old saying goes.  Since that humble beginning in 2007 we have served for 20 years and over 46,000 students.  Each student will receive a new backpacks filled with school supplies, new shoes and socks as well as have their feet washed by a volunteer.  Some location...

  One of the greatest times of the year is now.  My wife might not agree because it means her summer break is over, but back2school is one of the best and brightest parts of our ministry. The Community Fellowship began 20 years ago and so did back2school.  Since that time we have had the honor to serve over 46,000 students and their families.  You read that right.  This year we will add a couple thousand more to that number, and I want to remind you that it is not about the number but about sharing Jesus with others. Students will receive a new backpack with school supplies, some receive clothing and a hair cut, and all receive new shoes and shoes as well as have their feet washed.  All the while they see the love of God lived out and hear the story of God’s love and His life through the many who take part in serving. 1 Thessalonians 2:8  NLT   We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too.   The...

  The wind has pretty awesome.  But I am sure you know that.   One of the first times I remember learning this was when I was a teenager.  A friend from church took my fishing on a local lake in his small boat.  He was a pretty awesome guy.  Same guy who sold me my first truck, taught me how to duck hunt and even hired me to stack tires in his warehouse. Any one it was a beautiful day, or we thought it was.  It began pretty calm as we were fishing for stripers.  If I remember correctly, it was a special season.  You put two or three hooks in line and would troll catching fish.  It was cool. That was until the wind picked up.  It was a big lake near Tulsa, Oklahoma, and as the wind picked up our little boat was being pushed further and further across the lake.  We ended up a long way from where we put in the water and were not able to get back across the lake.  He tried hard. A nice fellow took us the many miles back to the...

  God did not make us His puppets.  It is not about us giving up our free will.  This is about becoming the person or the people that God intends us to be. We continue our series at The Community Fellowship “like Him” where we see how God is transforming us to be like Jesus.  So many parts I want to share with you, but first remember some important verses: John 10:10  NLT   The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. God is a giver.  Satan is a taker.  It is our choice who we will follow. Galatians 5:17  NLT   The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. Get this.  There is a battle going on, but we can’t see it.  Understand th...

  Here are just a few of the why verses.  I mean these are some of the things that stand out as most important and what make us stronger.  Think through, pray through and push through these and the others that stand out to you. God First.  That’s why! Isaiah 55:6  CSB   Seek the Lord while he may be found; call to him while he is near. Psalm 46:10  NLT   “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” God’s Wisdom.  That’s why! James 1:5  NLT   If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.  Proverbs 3:5-6  NLT   Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Serve Others.  That’s why! Proverbs 31:8-9  NLT   Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice fo...

  When we come to know how much God loves us, our life will change.  It changes how we see ourselves and how we see others.  It changes how we worship God and even how we believe what He says. Psalm 86:5  NLT   For you, Lord, are kind and ready to forgive, abounding in faithful love to all who call on you. Read this song is by Cory Asbury “ Reckless Love”   Before I spoke a word, You were singing over me You have been so, so good to me Before I took a breath, You breathed Your life in me You have been so so kind to me   Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the 99 And I couldn't earn it I don't deserve it, still You give yourself away Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God   When I was Your foe, still Your love fought for me You have been so, so good to me When I felt no worth, You paid it all for me You have been so, so kind to me…   There's no shadow Y...