Michael Harrison's e-devotion

  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 ...

  Let me begin today’s e-devotion by simply saying THANK YOU to all who helped make last week’s Cuba sports ministry mission trip a success.  Your prayers and support were a vital part of this great efforts, and the impact is still going forward. Our team served in five different Cuba cities with 15-20 church and sports ministry leaders attending each training season.  Each leader represented athletes and coaches that are part this important ministry and many churches that they are part of.   My prayer for these leaders is not only are they stronger and better leaders, but I pray that hundreds of lives will be changed this coming year because of the commitment of these men and women to share the Gospel and let others know of hope in Jesus.  Keep praying.  More trips are being planned for 2025 John 1:14  NLT  So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. The word came to us and was sent from Go...

  Isaiah 7:14  NLT   All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).  The Christmas season is one that most of us look forward to.  But if we take a look at all the details and happening we might second guess the excitement and even the joy. It really is all about Jesus, yet the world and often even Christians have made the holiday something it is not.  May we change this reality to point us all and others back to God and to the reason for the Christmas season. That is why I stop today (and next week).  That is stop these e-devotions because I will be on a mission trip in Cuba with limited connectivity.  There might be some updates via the e-devotion minute on FaceBook a few nights, but there will not be email or written devotions. Lets take some time today to make a Christmas list.  What are the things this...

  It is almost that time again to go back to Cuba to serve with the FCA ( MADEM sports ministry).  This team of awesome people is making a huge difference for Jesus.  It is crazy that I have been part of this ministry for 6 years, since the winter of 2019.   1 Corinthians 14:3  NLT   But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them.   My purpose in Cuba is simple.  I get the honor of encouraging those who are part of this ministry and their families.  Often ministry is tough, and people feel like they are alone.  Partnering with these kingdom minded people who are passionate about sharing Jesus really is incredible.   On this trip my friend Robert Texidor and I will be traveling across Cuba from West to East and have meetings for church and sports ministry leaders in several locations.  Here are some ways you can pray…   First, please pray for the ministry team members and their families. ...

  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...

  It is a new season as Christmas is only a few weeks away.  Our church began a new series leading up to the birth of Christ and the celebration of Christmas, and we would like for you to join us on this journey. It is called Everyday Gospel and based on a devotional reading from Paul David Tripp.  The readings began yesterday, and you can catch up or start any time.  This reading will help you take in the meaning, joy, celebration and worship that surrounds our faith built up on the coming of Christ. Here are the ways to get the devotion: Download a free copy: https://store.paultripp.com/products/everyday-gospel-christmas-devotional-ebook Read on the BIBLE APP: https://www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/52502 Or we have a few copies left at church. Here are just a few thoughts from the sermon yesterday: Matthew 1:21  NLT   And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Shane Pruitt … The Gospel isn’t abou...

  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...