Michael Harrison's e-devotion

It is amazing the difference that we can make in the lives of people around us when we speak positive things into their lives.  If we will examine the words we use in the conversations we have each, it might be shocking.  Many people are soaked in negativity and spewing poison via the words that we use. The words we share with others can be full of blessing or of cursing.  They can be a gift or something that harms others.  We can build up or tear down with the words we use.  As Christians we should be known for using words that build up, words that bless and words that are a gift to those we share them with. I believe that God has called me to speak into the lives of the people that I come into contact with.  The positive words, the truth and God’s promise make our lives richer, fuller and stronger.  By helping people find their potential they will begin to live the lives that John 10:10 talks about.  God destined u...

Romans 15:7   NLT Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. In the last couple of weeks there has been much in the news about Lance Armstrong and his getting honest about using substances to enhance his performance in cycling.  This is the same guy who for years has denied this for years.  Armstrong is also known for founding LIVESTRONG after his battle with cancer.  He and the organization have helped many people who have also battled cancer and raised awareness and support. I believe that God has called me and our church to offer God’s grace and love as well as second chances to the people we meet.  I believe that sin needs to be dealt with, and the Bible is clear that our choices bring consequences.  Lance messed up, and there will be consequences for him.  Yet Lance is human and deserves God’s grace. I read an article last week that I want to share with you tod...

Leading is not a position where we are to be praised or to expect people to automatically look up to us.  A leader is the servant in the group who knowingly and willingly does what it takes.  You've been the servant many times.  I'd like to encourage you to circle your leading in prayer as I believe God is going to take you to the next level.  The next level includes holiness. That's personal holiness at first beginning inside you, inside your family and extending out.  That includes the growth of how we lead.  I'm talking about leading and loving people in greater ways.  Be praying and watching to see who God bring to you to serve. I close by giving you some verses I've circled in prayer.  Read slow.  Pray through each.  Ask God as I have to identify the places you are good and the places you need to grow.  Mark 10:43-45 NLT "But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be ...

Have you ever dealt with pain?  This could be a post about dealing with health issues and the pain that comes from the illness or the treatment, but I am really talking about the pain that comes from living life.  I bet you have felt that. So many people have lost their job.  Some have experienced extreme financial crisis.  Many are now or have been battling depression and other mental/emotional troubles due to life situations.  We have all been in relationship trouble once or twice that has brought pain in to our lives. In dealing with pain we as human tend to see this stuff somewhat of a fatalistic way.  It seems to be the end of the world and we can’t go on.  Be honest; you’ve been there.  I have battled depression from time to time with much of the same thoughts.  The pain is real and has to be dealt with. We are in good company if we have dealt with pain at some point.  King David spoke of his pa...

In the last couple of weeks I have listened to some guys talk about their adventure of driving in snow or living where there is a lot of snow.  These stories are eye opening, comical and a reminder to be careful and don’t wish for too much snow. One young man I met in a story at the beach talked about driving home to Pennsylvania and having lots of difficultly.  Another older man who lives in rural Virginia shared about being very careful because you can still get in trouble driving when ice is on the roads.  A friend who used to live in Canada told me about having to shovel the snow off the roof of his house several times each winter.  I even heard a good friend talk about climbing out his 2 nd story bedroom window onto a snow bank to sneak out of the house.  I love stories. What I really love about stories is when people begin to talk about what God is doing in a person’s life, when He is changing them.  It is awesome, amazing a...

Today is the day that our nation honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Through the leading and courage of this man many big steps were taken by our nation and by Americans.  Though Dr. King died decades ago his choices, courage and leading still are making a huge difference.  I am grateful for the stands that he took and for the life that he led.  In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I want to share a graphic with you about his life and a quote that inspired me today. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: 
only light can do that. 
Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.

--- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr May God give us a dream and the courage to follow the dream that God puts in our hearts.  I pray that we will be encouraged by Dr. King. Special thanks to the creator of this Allison Morris for sharing it with me.  Contact Allison at  allison.morris85@gmail.com