Michael Harrison's e-devotion

  What a week it has been.  It is Friday, and what I have experienced over the past 5 or 6 days has been wide open and enlightening.   I do not intend to give you a play by play of all that happened, but I’d like to share a little of the things God has allowed our church, the ministries we partner with and myself encounter. Zephaniah 2:3  NLT   Seek the Lord, all who are humble, and follow his commands. Seek to do what is right and to live humbly. Perhaps even yet the Lord will protect you— protect you from his anger on that day of destruction. Several weeks ago I got a message and a call that I did not expect from a church wanting to partner with our church.  There was an online meeting and then a face to face time  We are excited about what it is. Then I got to go spend time with the leader of ministry in Cuba.  Two full days of driving, meeting, sharing, learning and seeing how God is moving here in the states to impact the ministry and current...

  The overflow of the Easter season is huge, and I am not sure how to share it all with you.  So, let me begin with some verses that have made their way through my mind and heart once again.  They caught my attention in kind of an unexpected way. Psalm 46:1-2,10  NLT   God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. 2 So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea…  10 “Be still, and know that I am God!  I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” Verses that I have read many times before, but this time they carried some weight and meaning that took me a little by surprise.  It is not because of something huge that is happening.  It is because God has a plan and is sharing His plan.  More about the the overflow from Easter. He is my refuge.  He gives me reason not to fear.  I know Him and the more still I become and the most I...

  Isaiah 55:6  NASB Seek the Lord while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near.  Seeking nothing or seeking the wrong thing has become far too common.  The wrong thing and nothing will get you to the wrong and no where.     That is why we need to … Get up.  Take a look.  Ask the questions.  Then do it all again.  All the while seeking God.   Seeking the right thing, or the right person, is always right and needed.  Step a little further … Seek your purpose.  Seek to serve others.  This will help you find your purpose in life.  Live a life that matters and make a difference.   It all comes from what we seek.  That is why we have to seek God first.   Matthew 6:33  NASB But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you.   1 Chronicles 16:11  NASB Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually.   Seek God.   Seek ...

  It was a normal Wednesday evening.  Our church offers Bible study for youth and adults.  I was leading our adults through the last section of Matthew 6 as God continued speaking to me about some of the greatest things going on in my heart. He began something in me early in the week that is still going on.  What I know is that there are several parts of what God has said that run deep.  I am grateful for what God is doing.  I am also still listening so I can respond.   It isn’t always easy to go the direction God leads, but it is always the right direction.   Here are a few of the verses that have come alive this week, and I will simply give you a few thoughts after the verses.  But what I ask you to do is to read through and even pray through each verse.  Maybe God has something for you as well. James 5:16  NLT   Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteo...

  Perspective is important.  That is one of the reasons why Jesus talked so much about the kingdom of God.  It is easy to slide in to the mode and typical fashion or worrying about and building our own kingdom rather than the kingdom of God. Remember that our example is Jesus, and He spent a great deal of time with His father.  What He said came from the father.  What He did was directed by His father.  We need to do the same. And as we listen in, follow the direction, and seek more of His kingdom we will see the growth of what last for eternity rather than what fades away quickly. Beginning a new week I ask that we turn our attention to what Jesus said in one chapter about the kingdom of God.  Read on.  As you read ask yourself how does this apply to my life, my situation and family, the church I am part of and the choices that I make.  It will help you understand the heart of God. Matthew 13  NLT 24 Here is another story Jesus tol...

  What a week it has been, and it is not over.  The mission team in town is doing a great job working on our new building as well as serving in a local apartment complex.  Also, we are gearing up for a great year with back2school with the last planning meeting being tonight. So much going on, and even our youngest grandson’s first birthday is tomorrow.  That is making this week even more fun, greater and … you get it.  But it is a full and blessed week. As I was headed home late last evening a song caught my attention.  You know, it is one of those songs that leads me to think about God and even to worship.  The words took on a life of their own.  It was a song of several repeats and strong words that helped me seek God. Isaiah 55:6  NASB   Seek the Lord while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near. To seek God is to pray.  It is to focus and worship Him.  It is to let the other things that have our attention fade in t...

  Psalm 34:4  NLT   I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Do you ever have something that grabs your mind that just won’t let go?  I do, and sometimes that something is a song.  Therefore, I share with you this one. Trust in God by Elevation Worship … And what He did for me on Calvary is more than enough…  I trust in God, my Savior, The one who will never fail, He will never fail…  Perfect submission, all is at rest.  I know the author of tomorrow has ordered my steps.  So this is my story and this is my song.  I’m praising my risen King and Savior all the day long.  I trust in God, my Savior, The one who will never fail, He will never fail… He didn't fail you then, He won't fail you now … I sought the Lord and He heard and He answered I sought the Lord and He heard and He answered I sought the Lord and He heard and He answered That's why I trust Him, that's why I trust Him…  That is just pa...