Michael Harrison's e-devotion

Isaiah 58:7   NLT Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless.  Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help. There are times when needs seem to be greater.  It is at times like that we can make a big difference in the lives of the people we are around.  Some people have a hard time seeing needs while others are over run with them. Some needs are on the surface like food, clothing and shelter, but other needs are not seen and sometimes very hard to see.   That is why connecting with people, having conversations and genuinely caring for others is a huge deal.   The best place to start meeting needs is to recognize it and do something.   Lend a hand, give a meal, listen for a few minutes, offer a hug and so something to help someone in need.   Often when we begin to meet the needs of others we find that our needs get met as well. As it is winter and our area is about t...

That’s not a shock to most of you.   I really do like to talk.   Now, there are times when I chose not to talk and to be by myself, but those are not the majority of times.   What I like to talk about are the things that I am passionate about. Last night was an incredible opportunity to share with others one of my favorite outreaches.   That is the back2school outreach that takes place each August.   It began over 7 years ago with a dream and a desire to make a difference in the lives of kids so they be successful in their education. Our local community has a business trade show called Fast Track each year, and our team of leaders from the churches that host our back2school event asked that we be part of the trade show share the story and the impact of this project.   It really was awesome to share with so many people what God has done in the lives of thousands of students over that last 7 years. Psalm 112:9   NLT They share freely ...

Yesterday our local newspaper printed a story about our ministry working to open a homeless shelter in our community.   You can read the article at http://www.martinsvillebulletin.com/article.cfm?ID=40919 .   The story behind the story is this … over seven years ago a group of people came together to start a new church that meets the needs of people who were either not being served or who were under served here in our community. The reason why we have chosen to meet needs is because we believe God loves people.   It really is that simple.   By our acts of kindness and by meeting needs we win the right to share God’s love with the people we encounter.   Life is much sweeter when we begin to live outside of ourselves practicing the art of selflessness. Proverbs 31:8   NLT Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Titus 3:14   NLT Our people must learn to do good by meet ing t...

Isaiah 58:7   NLT Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless .   Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help. There are times when needs seem to be greater.   It is at times like that we can make a big difference in the lives of the people we are around.   Some people have a hard time seeing needs while others are over run with them. As it is winter and our area is about to be hit with extreme cold weather the needs of those who do not have heat or don't have a place to stay come to our mind.   There are things we can do to help others.   Are you willing to meet the needs that you see? One way to meet those needs is to prepare yourself to meet needs.   That might consist of putting a few blankets or some food in your trunk so that when you see someone who is homeless or hungry that you can meet the need you see. Another way to meet a need is to volunteer with a loca...

Hello friends of the homeless in Martinsville and Henry County.  As we continue to plan for an emergency homeless shelter there is a present need with the winter weather headed our way. There is a group of people meeting to plan an emergency homeless shelter that will be at the Salvation Army.  The plans are still being made.  I wish this was already done and open.  The need is now. Some of the people in our church and some in our community desire to help those who are homeless and cold. If you know of people in need now, those we can help now, contact me or do something to help.  Email me to share. Talk to your friends and family. Do something with what you have and what you have influence over.  The low temperature will be worse on Monday and Tuesday with lows in the single digits. The need is real. You and I have the ability to serve others.   Our community needs a homeless shelter year round. But it is tim...