Michael Harrison's e-devotion

  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...

  Proverbs 20:7  NLT   The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them.   Today would be my dad’s 86th birthday.  Just a month away is Father’s Day, and I miss my mom and dad very much.  There are so many things I can share about my parents and in particular my dad.  A few things stick out about him that I remember very well, and that I would like to share with you.   Recognize the blessings.   Often we take things and time for granted.  Recognize the blessings that God has given.  After you recognize them do something about it.  Share those special times with the people that mean so much to you.  It is easy to miss the fact that we are blessed.   Speak up and share what is on your heart.   Dad would call almost every Sunday.  I miss the things he would share and the conversations.  So … That text message should be sent.  Make that phone call.  Go visit when you can....

  Yesterday was Father's day, and I grateful and blessed to be a father to three great children.  Also Julie and I were blessed with great and godly fathers.  We have so much to be thankful for. That is why I take some time the first of this week to point you to the wisest man who ever lived, King Solomon who was the son of King David.  There are so many things we can talk about when it comes to the example of great and godly Fathers. Here is just one place in Scripture that reminds me of what a godly father is like.  Read these verses and take note of what a godly father is like. 2 Chronicles 1:1,7-12  NLT  1 Solomon son of David took firm control of his kingdom, for the Lord his God was with him and made him very powerful. … 7 That night God appeared to Solomon and said, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!” 8 Solomon replied to God, “You showed great and faithful love to David, my father, and now you have made me king in his place...

  Some Scripture just stands our when you read it.  Some Scripture not only stands out when you read it but sticks in your head and heart.   Well, that is what these verses from John 8 did yesterday.  As you read them not the link between each verse. John 8:12  NLT   Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” Light and life.  They both come from Jesus. John 8:26  NLT   I have much to say about you and much to condemn, but I won’t. For I say only what I have heard from the one who sent me, and he is completely truthful.” Jesus knew that what the Father said and what the Father did was of utmost importance for Him and for us.  Read on. John 8:28  NLT   So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man on the cross, then you will understand that I am he. I do nothing on my own but say onl...

  Love the old hymns.  Sometimes I wake up with something on my mind or even a song.  Today was one of those days.  So, let me share what I had on my mind.  Just maybe it will help you and me walk a little stronger in faith and closer to the Father. Leaning on the Everlasting Arms What a fellowship, what a joy divine Leaning on the everlasting arms What a blessedness, what a peace is mine… What have I to dread, what have I to fear Leaning on the everlasting arms? I have blessed peace with my Lord so near… Leaning on Jesus, leaning on Jesus… Leaning on the everlasting arms Leaning, leaning Safe and secure from all alarms Leaning, leaning Leaning on the everlasting arms Powerful song from my children, and even further back.  May it be a powerful word and truth that we hold to as tight as possible believing what God has said.   Proverbs 3:5-6  NLT   Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. 6  In all y...

  Who are the men that have influenced your life?  That list for me is a long one, yet there are a few that stand out or rise in my heart because of how God used them in my life and family. Sunday was Father’s Day.  It is a difficult one for those who have lost their fathers or who never had a father.  That is real for me as a couple of the men I think of have moved on to heaven.  May we be influencers and encourage others to do the same. Proverbs 4:1  NLT   My children, listen when your father corrects you. Pay attention and learn good judgment, Back to that list …  My dad was a great influence in my life.  I remember his commitment to our family, to the church and to being a servant.  His voice was one of wisdom and strength.  Another influencer was my father in law.  When I needed a godly man close to me, he stood out and was a man of faith and acceptance.   There are so many people that could be on this list, and I do ...

  There are so many things that have to get done every day, but they don’t. If you are like me, I get discouraged when my list isn’t completed.  But what is it that keeps us going?  There ought to be some things that help us keep on track, take care of our thoughts and feelings, and push us to keep on. In a conversation with a few friends we shared some of the things that keep people from moving on and enjoying life.  Typically it isn’t the normal hang up and struggles.  Typically it is what is behind those struggles. So, I will ask this question: who determines your value?  Is it what you do?  Is it what you have?  Is it where you live or what is in the bank or how you look?  All of those things aren’t what should determine our value. God determines our value.  Or as a current Christian song says. Cory Asbury in “The Father’s House” … Sometimes on this journey, I get lost in my mistakes What looks to me like weakness is a canvas for You...

Proverbs 20:7  NLT   The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them. Yesterday was Father’s Day, and it was the first since my dad passed away in July of last year.  There are so many things I can share about my dad.  A few things stick out and that I would like to remember as well as share with you. Recognize the blessings. Often we take things and time for granted.  Recognize the blessings and take them in.  Share those special times with the people that mean so much to you.  It is easy to miss the fact that you are really blessed. Speak up and share what is on your heart. That text message should be sent.  Make that phone call.  Go visit when you can.  Again, life is busy, and our time is one of the most precious things we have.  Our biggest regrets will be the things we did not do.  So plan it now and follow through. The gifts we have are from God. You have heard it.  You might even have said...