Michael Harrison's e-devotion

  Christmas is a time for giving, but we think of it more as a time of getting and giving with those closest to us.  Yet there are opportunities all around.  That is why today I want to point out some of those ways and places where you can give. 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? We are blessed so we can bless others.  Whether that is money or food or time or words of encouragement.  Use what you have to serve others. Homeless friends and those living in poverty.  This time of year with the cold weather we are reminded often of the needs around us.  Go to the shelter and give.  Give your time to serve.  Give a meal to feed the hungry.  Give money to help the program continue. Needs around the world and people are lost.  People in need Jesus.  Give your money so missionaries can serve, go further,...

  We get to serve. 1 Corinthians 12:5  NLT  There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord.   This is one of those times where we learn to do what God has called us to do.  As I shared yesterday, it will be a busy week and weekend for many in our church as we are part of ministry at Emmaus, the speedway and on a mission trip. It all began 24 years ago with Raceway Ministries Martinsville.  One great outreach in our community happens two times per year or more.  We have met and served thousands of race fans from all over the world. Conversations, praying for people, snacks and coffee, golf cart rides and more.   But the best part is we get to talk about Jesus.  It is happening again this weekend! Another thing happened even longer ago.  It was 30 years ago when I first went on a mission trip to Honduras, and most recently in Cuba.  But mission trips happen in so many places from close to home to far off.  We ge...

  The best part of Christmas is not the lights of the gifts.  It really is the person of Christmas, Jesus, and all He has done to us.   T hink about the change that God has made in your life.     1 John 3:17  NASB But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?   Thank about it.  Self or savior?  Giver or taker?  We know the truth.  God knows our hearts.   Reach out to those who are struggling and give each the gift of the example of what God’s love looks likes.   Matthew 2:11 NASB After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.   The wise men worshipped, gave and were in awe of ...

  Last week was thanksgiving and ahead is Christmas.  And today is called Giving Tuesday.  Many organizations have a special request for giving and seeking resources to do the work they are called to.     I see a lot of through the work that so many do.  It is the season of giving, during Christmas, as people are often ready to share and serve others.  Be encouraged to serve and give from your heart.  Many organizations close to me are worthy and in need of #GivingTuesday …   Consider helping some that mean much to me: Helping our church with ministries and the finishing of our new campus.  You can go online to our church website.  ( www.thecommunityfellowship.org ) The Community Dream Center which runs two homes for homeless men getting their lives back together.    The warming center of MHC that is open each night serving homeless friends with a warm place to stay, a meal and support to make good decisions. Sports m...

  This last Sunday I shared a message with our church titled “look around the table”, and it was about who we are with this Thanksgiving.  So I encourage you this week to look around the table. Maybe you will see people who are alone, or someone who is grieving because of losing a loved one, or maybe it is someone who is struggling with health or finances or even being homeless.  Do something for that person.  Step up to love and serve. As you look around the table make sure that you are thankful.  An attitude of gratitude is something that is chosen by each of us.  In fact far too often we lose our thankfulness because we are distracted or even by simply focusing on wrong things.   What are you thankful for?  No.  Let’s ask that differently.  Who are you thankful for?  I bet we can name a lot of people. Take some time to look around the table and do things that helps others become more and more thankful.  Your attitude might b...

  We get to serve here.   It began 2001 after we moved to Virginia.  There were lots of opportunities I learned about where outreach in our community was happening and I could serve.    One of those was through Raceway Ministry at the speedway in Martinsville where NASCAR comes to town two times per year.  And as Paul Harvey would say, “that’s the rest of the story”.   Not sure how many races where I have been able to serve, but I can tell you that I have watched very few laps of racing.  But I have met thousands of race fans from all over the world, had countless of conversations,  prayed for people, talked about life, shared snacks and coffee, gave golf cart rides from one place to another and so much more.   But the best part is that we get to talk to people about Jesus.  Not only does our team host worship services at the speedway but the entire time we are on the property assisting with guest services, and we get to talk about ...

  The more we hear about the losses and devastation from Hurricane Helene the more my heart hurts for those hit by this huge storm.  That is why we take time today to stop and pray. I ask you to read through, pray through and stop and pray through this list.  But I also ask you to give to the relief efforts.  See my notes below in how you can give. Isaiah 65:24  NLT   I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers! Pray for those who lost loved ones.  Pray for those who haven’t been found. Pray for those who have lost their homes and businesses.  Pray for those who are cut off from the supplies desperately needed. Pray for those who have lost electricity and communication. Pray for those who are serving in the recovery effects. And finally, pray for those who need the hope only Jesus gives. I remind you to make a difference by choosing to serve and to give....

  Are you ever caught off guard by the opportunities that come your way or the conversations that you get to be part of?  I am, and it happens often.  I believe that God puts people around us for His purpose and His reasons.  That is when we need to trust God. You’ve had that tug on your heart or that nudge to do something for someone.  Then do it.  Speak up.  Pray for them.  Give that big tip.  Serve that person.  Share you testimony or the Scripture that came to mind.  God is placing you in a position to be a believer to that person, and maybe to others. Take a few minutes to look over your day or the last few days.  How many of your interactions were appointed by God?  I would guess several of them. Here are just a few nudges from the truth of the Bible, God given and directing each of our lives… Ephesians 4  NLT 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Ch...