e-devotion

[e-devotion]

Cuba for Christ

It is that time once again as I travel to Cuba to serve with the sports ministry there.  I ask that you join me in prayer for this ministry as well as for this trip.

1 Corinthians 1:4  NLT  

I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus.

Pray for the FCA sports ministry staff in Cuba and their families.  This coming weekend most of these families will meet together for learning, encouragement and to seek the Lord together.  God builds teams so that they can use their gifts and calling to impact their communities and more with the message of Christ.  Jesus built His disciples, and it is a join in a similar way to see God build this team.

Pray for those who are traveling for this particular Cuba FCA sports ministry event.  Two of us from the United States as well as many across Cuba will be traveling to be together, to teach and to plan for even more ministry to athletes and coaches in various sports.  All need to know the goodness of God.

Pray for the country of Cuba.  There are so many economic difficulties that continue.  Food is hard to find and very sparse.  Pray for the FCA to have what their families need.  Pray for those they serve to be given even more food to help them.  Another issue is transportation.  It is very hard to travel.  Pray for safety and wisdom.  Pray for health care needs.  Ask God to bring healing and peace to those in need.  

Pray for those who do not know Jesus to come to know Him.  The Bible tells us that Salvation is free to all who will call on God, but how can they call on God when they do not know Him (Romans 10:14).  That is why this ministry and so many others seek to share the Gospel of Jesus with as many people as possible.

Thank you for your prayers and support for this ministry and my call to serve with the sports ministry team in Cuba.  I am humbled and grateful.  Over the next two weeks there will not be e-devotions, but there will be some of the e-devotion minutes videos on Facebook.  Please check those out on my page.

One of the exciting things about this trip is that Alex who is the director of sports ministry in Cuba will be returning to the United Stats with me to visit our area and others.  Pray for this important trip and for Alex and his family.

Lamentations 2:19  NLT  

Rise during the night and cry out. Pour out your hearts like water to the Lord. Lift up your hands to him in prayer, pleading for your children, for in every street they are faint with hunger.

May we be people of prayer.  Pray for those in need.  Pray for ourselves.  Most of all pray that God will get all the glory.  May the life of Christ become even more real to those we meet including the people of Cuba.

Prayer List:

Kati Whitlow and family in death of two family members, Tracy Harms’ back surgery, Fred Spencer’s back surgery, Cuba FCA team and mission trip, Cathy Dunham’s sister Leslie, Kasim Adams’ hip surgery, Jenny Biggs, Amanda Hutchinson, Danny and Kathy Wilson, Anita Martin, Cathie Carter, Valerie Hirtriter, Lauren Whorley, 5 year old Ava, Timmy Howell, Dionna Cameron, Ricky Burnette, Felecia Watkins, Steve Bradshaw, and Ron Harris.

#e-devotion #devotion #devo #Cuba #Christ #FCA #fellowship #christian #athletes #church #faith #serve #sports #ministry #Michael Harrison

[e-devotion]

stir the water

Please pray for our mission team serving in West Virginia this week.  We will share about the trip on Sunday.  Also pray for the trip to Cuba that begins next Tuesday.

A few months ago my brother shared an article or devotion titled “stir the water”.  Read and think through this great truth.

SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO STIR UP THE WATER

The religious leaders were conservative, highly trained experts who had memorized large swaths of the Old Testament.  They got the PRINCIPLES and but missed the PERSON.  Jesus said to them, "You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life.  These are the very Scriptures that testify of me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life” (John 5:39-41).  Their Messiah was standing right smack in front of them, and yet they missed Him.  They missed the PERSON.  They got RELIGION but not the RELATIONSHIP.

Notice, all Scripture points to Jesus: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus… Psalms… all the way to Malachi.  There are over three hundred specific PREDICTIONS about Jesus.  There are all kinds of PICTURES of Jesus- people, objects or events that prefigure Him and His work.  There is the very PRESENCE of Jesus in Old Testament appearances before His incarnation that many call Christophanies. Every page is alive with His PORTRAIT.  When you get it, you become part of the FELLOWSHIP OF THE BURNING HEARTS like the two men on the road to Emmaus.

RULES. REGULATIONS. RELIGION. TRADITIONS. SYSTEMS.  These are not life-giving in themselves.  The same thing that happened to the Pharisees can happen today.  We have our Christian concerts, cruises, music, schools, publishing houses, denominations, buildings, and love of religious life.  Nothing is wrong with these things unless we miss the PERSON OF JESUS.  May the wrecking ball come to anything that takes His place as we are ruined by Jesus and for Jesus.  We cannot have the life of Christ without having the life of Christ.  This is the Jesus-centered life.

As we study the Bible, we must make a “beeline” to Jesus.  The great preacher Charles Spurgeon while teaching said he always made a “beeline” to Jesus and the cross. 

In John 5, these leaders wanted to kill Jesus (18).  Kill!  His crime – He healed a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years on the Sabbath.  The man picked up his mat and walked.  As the man was skipping and shouting Hallelujah, the Temple Patrol Posse said, “Cut it out!”  The Pharisees wanted to make a citizen’s arrest for an unauthorized movement of a bedroll!  Are you kidding me?  What religious losers.  They were indoctrinated but not illuminated.  They used the Bible as a weapon.  They wounded but did not heal.  They wanted control not transformation. 

I will never forget when Bruce Wilkinson talked about a deep learning.  As a young leader he asked, Dr. Mitchell to teach him the Bible.  “Will you,” he asked. “No, I won’t,” was the reply.  “I’ll tell you what I will do.  I’ll meet with you week after week, and I’ll help you fall more in love with Jesus, because if you’ll fall more in love with Jesus, everything else will take care of itself.” 

Fabricated religion kills.  Do not learn the SCRIPTURES and miss the PERSON OF JESUS.  The answer to our paralysis is Jesus. May we get up. Stand up. Rise up and walk. “Sometimes you have to stir up the water.”

*** Written by Michael Sprague, Capitol Commission Chaplain and Doctor of Ministry, Christian Leadership

#e-devotion #devotion #devo #watr #site

[e-devotion]

creating a culture of prayer

The church is one of the most precious place.  As we gather the church is not about the building or the location or even the functions that happen when we gather.  The church is the people, you and me who are the children of God.  He loves each of us.

When the church gathers, worship often happens.  At great times we will serve, encourage each other and do all kinds of things.  It is important that we spend time together because it makes each of us bette and stronger.

Hebrews 10:25  NLT  

And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

Choose to spend time together as a body of believers committed to following Christ and sharing His story with the world.  That is a great opportunity and a great responsibility.  

This year our church began to use a book by Daniel Henderson, Praying the Psalms, and each week we are reading one chapter and leading the church in prayer by following what the author shared in the verses of that particular chapter.  It has beeb great.

We have chosen to build or create a culture of prayer where we as a church gathered seek God and pray together.  Often we are encouraged to pray when we are alone, and we need that.  But we also need to pray together.  

I believe that we get even stronger when we do things together.  When we serve together, we get stronger and get more done.  When we worship together, we encourage each other, glorify God and get stronger.  When we pray together, we make sure that God is central and we become much stronger.

Creating a culture of prayer is a commitment to helping the church be healthy and strong because we do something that God has told us to do.  Will you join us in prayer?  Either at church or in other places, spend time praying, and use the book of Psalms to guide your prayers.

Psalm 6:9  NLT  

The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord will answer my prayer.

Psalm 120:1  NLT  

I took my troubles to the Lord; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer.

Acts 1:14  NLT  

They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.

#pray #prayer #praying #Daniel Henderson #culture of prayer #church #faith #gather #e-devotion #devotion #devo #Michael Harrison #The Community Fellowship

[e-devotion]

sheep and shepherds

Jesus called us sheep.  God through the writers of the Bible talked about the sheep who went astray, and the facts are in on sheep.  They aren’t the brightest animals in the barn.  But the relationship between the shepherd and the sheep is an incredibly important one.

John 10:3-4  NLT

The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him.  He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.  After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice.

Notice the relationship between the shepherd and the sheep and how there is comfort, strength and protection, yet the most important word here is relationship.

The sheep recognize the shepherd’s voice.

We can know the voice of God.  What makes it easy to recognize is the fact that we’ve heard it a lot.  We’ve talked.  We’ve listened.  We’ve enjoyed time in His presence.  The sheep found that the shepherd’s voice calms their fears, allows them to enjoy the place where they are, and the shepherd’s voice was directed toward His sheep.  That is true of God.

The sheep hear His voice and come to Him.

We can and must listen to God’s voice, and in turn respond by coming to Him.  By coming to God we will find the resources we need for this life and for eternity.  Coming to God takes faith.  You have to set aside fears and failures.  Then you find stronger faith and success.

He calls his sheep by name.

Our relationship with God is personal.  He not only knows our name, but He calls us by name.  He loves us and desires to spend time with us as well as to bless our lives in ways we cannot even imagine.  A shepherd was there to provide and protect the sheep, and the shepherd was also there to nurture them one at a time.  God does that to us as we hear His voice, we come to Him and listen even closer.

The shepherd walks ahead of the sheep.

God goes ahead of us.  He knows where we are, and He knows where we are going.  It is a great relationship because both, sheep and shepherd, have a connection.  God connects to us as our creator and as our Savior.  We connect to God by accepting Jesus and by following Him each day.  Sheep often try to go their own only to realize the safest, strongest and best place is with the shepherd.

John 10:9-11  NLT

Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. 10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.

NOTE: this devotion was first shared in October of 2013.

#sheep #shepherd #e-devotion #devotion #devo #christian #faith #church #Michael Harrison #The Community Fellowship

[e-devotion]

I sought the Lord

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 part of the song, but it has played over and over in my head and maybe even in my heart.  That one line, “I sought the Lord and He heard and He answered … He will never fail”.

Powerful to say the least.  

Whatever you need to grab on to, grab.  Whatever you need to ear over and over, listen and hear.  God is teaching us to completely trust Him.  

2 Chronicles 33:12  NLT  

But while in deep distress, Manasseh sought the Lord his God and sincerely humbled himself before the God of his ancestors.

Isaiah 55:6  NLT  

Seek the Lord while you can find him.  Call on him now while he is near.

#e-devotion #devotion #devo #sought #lord #elvation #God #Jesus #seek #faith #christian #church #The Community Fellowship #Michael Harrison #song

[e-devotion]

words @#$%

Choose what you say carefully.  Our words have power, and our words say a lot about who we are.

James 3:6,10  NLT  

And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself… And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!

Blessing.  Cursing.  Which one comes out of you the most?

Ephesians 4:29  NLT  

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

Does it bother you when you hear people use foul language?  What words or conversations encourage you?

Proverbs 15:4  NLT  

Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

Gentle words or deceitful words… both are powerful.

Colossians 4:6  NLT  

Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.

There are many reasons to choose the right words to use.  One is our message will be heard if we choose the right words.  Another is we will honor God with the right words.

The words we use matter.  Choose your words wisely.

Psalm 19:14  NLT 

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

#e-devotion #devotion #devo #words #word #curse #cursing #bless #blessing #honor #hurt #build #tear #christian #mouth #faith #God #Jesus #Michael Harrison #The Community Fellowship

[e-devotion]

victory is ours to claim

There are plenty of things that we can claim that come from God, but one of the greatest is the victory that God promises.

This might be victory or healing over illness or a battle you are in.  This might be victory in restoring a relationship that means much to you.  This might be victory over addiction and those habits that keep tripping you up.

Whatever the victory is we need, here are just a few of the promises that come up on my list.  Claim these today:

1 John 5:4-5 NLT 

For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. 5 And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.

Romans 8:28  NLT  

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Jeremiah 29:11  NLT  

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Hebrews 12:1-2  NLT  

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joyawaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

Psalm 1:1-3  NLT  

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. 2  But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. 3  They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.

There ya go.  Because we are God’s kids we have victory.  God promises our good and His glory which is His victory for us.  He reminds us that His plans bring us victory in life.  Victory comes when we put away the things that keep us from having victory.  Let’s make choices that change us and bring victory, blessing and strength.

God promises us victory.  Claim it today!

#e-devotion #devotion #devo #victory #Jesus #God #Father #Christ #claim #promise #Michael Harrison #The Community Fellowship #church #christian #faith

[e-devotion]

note-worthy

The last several weeks seemed to have been packed with so much going on, and the next several weeks will be the same.  Seriously.  That is why I want to share just some note-worthy things with you that are going on around my life.

I am grateful for all God is doing, what He has done and the things He will do in the days ahead.

Proverbs 3:27  NLT  

Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them.

One of my favorite ministries happens at the speedway in our community.  Two times each year NASCAR comes to town, and our group gets to serve race fans.  Long days.  Even some struggles.  But some sweet ministry took place at Martinsville Speedway through Raceway Ministries Martinsville.  More than 100 people attended our worship service.  1,000’s of fans were saved with refreshments and with ADA golf cart rides.

Philippians 2:8  NLT 

He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

Easter is one of the best and sweetest times of the year for the church and christians.  We had some guests and some good times.  And we got to celebrate the horror of the cross (yes, celebrate) and the fact of the empty tomb that gave way to our salvation.

Psalm 127:3  NLT  

Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.

And our daughter Ruth and family visited us around Easter.  How sweet to have our grand children with us and enjoy time with our church.  Some of our favorite times and making memories.

Ephesians 6:2  NLT  

If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.”

One of the things that was good but hard in the last month was the sell of dad’s home.  It was the final thing to close out his estate and our saying good bye to him.  Our mom passed away in 2015, and dad passed away in 2021.  I miss them both.  Seeing the house gone was tougher than I thought.  

1 Corinthians 9:22-23  NLT  

When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 23 I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.

And what is coming next?  In one week a group from our church and many other churches will converge on some of the coal mining communities of West Virginia to serve them in the name of Jesus.  And the following week I head back to Cuba to serve with the sports ministry staff there.

Pray that these efforts will do all God wants to do… to lead others to Him.

These are just some note-worthy things, personal highlights if you will, going on in my life.  Seems like these are full days, and they are.  But God is good.  May we stop and see how good He is even today!

#e-devotion #devotion #devo #note worthy #note #worthy #highlights #family #easte #raceway #raceway ministries #martinsville #speedway #easter #Jesus #cross #tomb #christian #parents #God #Michael Harrison #The Community Fellowship

[e-devotion]

those verses

Those verses.  You know the ones I am talking about.  They might not be the same ones I am going to share, but you have some verses that often come to your mind, of you share often or they give you what you need, when you need it and so much from God.  

I share today a few of the verses that stick out for me and have for years.  Yes, I have shared them before.  They are good for me.  I bet they are good for you as well.  Check out mind.  These are, those verses.

James 1:2-4  NASB

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

I first heard these when my aunt gave me some preaching tapes almost 40 years ago.  Powerful truth.  I need joy.  How about you?  I go through struggles.  How about you?

Now, another verse that has been mine for years.  This is good.  One of those verses.

Colossians 3:2  NASB

Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.

When you don’t know what to think about, think about this.  I need this reminder.  How about you?

I often catch myself being anxious and needing peace.  Check out another of those verses.

Philippians 4:6-7  NASB

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Do you ever worry?  Don’t lie.  I need God to guard me, and those verses do that for me.  And that is why my life verse is this…

James 1:5  NASB

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

Those verses.  They stand out or come up in my life and in my mind often, and I need them.  How about you?  What are “those verses” for you?

Prayer List:

Cathy Dunham’s sister Leslie battling cancer, Jenny Biggs, Amanda Hutchinson, Danny and Kathy Wilson, Anita Martin, Cathie Carter, Valerie Hirtriter, Lauren Whorley, 5 year old Ava, Timmy Howell, Dionna Cameron, Roger Marsh, Ricky and Angie Burnett, Felecia Watkins, Steve Bradshaw, and Ron Harris, Mission trips to West Virginia and Cuba in April (please consider supporting financially)

#e-devotion #devotion #devo #Bible #verse #verses #Scripture #word #God #Jesus #Christ #think #worry #christian #faith #church #needed #remember #reminder #The Community Fellowship #michael harrison

[e-devotion]

this is our God

I woke with a song on my mind, which happens often.  After a great but busy weekend of ministry I want to just tell you what is on my mind, and it is this…

This is Our God by Phil Wickham

This is our God, this is who He is

He loves us

This is our God, this is what He does

He saves us

He bore the cross, beat the grave

Let Heaven and Earth proclaim

This is our God, King Jesus

Remember that fear that took our breath away?

Faith so weak that we could barely pray

But He heard every word, every whisper

That is just part of the song.  And so good.  Go check it out for yourself.

What a great song, and what a great God we have.  May we see and bring attention to God more and more.

Hosea 3:5  NLT  

But afterward the people will return and devote themselves to the Lord their God and to David’s descendant, their king. In the last days, they will tremble in awe of the Lord and of his goodness.

Thank you to all who prayed for Raceway Ministry.  It was a great weekend with lots of Jesus conversations and over 100 people at our worship services.  Our team of volunteers were incredible, hard working and served so many fans.

Now I pray that the conversations and the Gospel takes root in the lives of those who heard and saw.  As the song I shared says, “this is our God… and He loves us.”

Please continue to pray for the upcoming mission trips to West Virginia and Cuba.  Pray especially for the funds and resources needed for the Cuba trip.

#e-devotion #devotion #devo #this is our God #God #song #Phil Wickham #Jesus #pray #mission #Michael Harrison #The Community Fellowship

[e-devotion]

ministry at the speedway

It was over 222 years ago that I first had the opportunity to serve with the Raceway Ministries Martinsville team, and it is an incredible opportunity.  Since then I have had the honor of serving with Raceway Ministries in various ways.  It is an honor to share Jesus with race fans at the speedway.

This stuff happens at races all over the world.  There are men and women giving their time to serve the racing community.  They offer worship services, counseling, refreshments, Jesus conversations and more.  I have met so many people committed to making a difference in a place where few others will go.  

In Martinsville our team offers several different things, and it is also a blessing to work along side the leaders and team of Martinsville Speedway.  Sunday morning before the race this weekend there will be a worship service for race fans.  We will have a team of cart drivers helping fans with special needs.  One of my favorite things are the conversations we have with people from so many different places.  Talking about Jesus never gets old, and you might be surprised to know that many people are so open to talk about him.

Why go to the speedway?  There are plenty of reasons not to go.  The race is on Sunday and keeps our volunteers from attending their own church.  Often it is cold or raining, really hot or even snowing.  There are also plenty of reasons to go to the speedway.

1 Corinthians 9:22  NASB

To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some.

Romans 5:5  NLT

And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

Isaiah 35:3  NLT

With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands, and encourage those who have weak knees.

Telling people that God loves them is something that we can do in many different ways.  Serving people opens the door to help others see and hear God.  Our lives offer hope to those in need.

Join us at the speedway.  Come serve with us if you would like.  But please pray that many will hear about God’s love for them, and they will allow God to change their lives.

NOTE: this e-devotion was first shared several years ago and remains true as we begin another weekend of ministry in Martinsville

#e-devotion #devotion #devo #race #racing #speedway #matinsville #raceway #ministry #raceway ministries #team #volunteer #serve #others #fans #nascar #Jesus #God #Christ #worship #church #track #Michael Harrison #The Community Fellowship

[e-devotion]

what will you talk about?

What are you going to talk about when you meet fiends?  Well, that is a pretty easy question to answer.  You are going to catch up.  You are going to talk about the things you love, the things you have in common and what is new in your lives.

What are you going to talk to strangers about?  Well, often these conversations have to do what is right now, or it might be something that connected you where you are in the moment.  That would be something like at the store or maybe the shirt they are wearing.  

What you talk about is often what you think about the most, and I suggest that we ought to be talking about what matters most in your lives.  And what I believe what ought to matter most is God, faith and what lasts.  Think about it.

Colossians 3:2  NIV  

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 

2 Corinthians 10:5  NIV  

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

When you find the things you loved talked about, make sure the things you love really matter.  I often talk about my family, our kids or the grand kids.  Yet I also decide to talk about Jesus and faith.

May our conversations lead others to think about what matters most.  And may what matters most be what lasts the longest, or even forever.

1 Peter 3:15  NIV 

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 

#e-devotion #devotion #devo #talk #about #friends #strangers #christ #Jesus #God #christian #faith #church #Michael Harrison #The Community Fellowship

[e-devotion]

how we influence others

I was recently in a place where I saw God do some amazing things.  During that time I came across a prayer that I wanted to share with you.  Powerful and thought provoking.  

Read though the following and note what sticks out most to you.

Peace Prayer by St Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace; Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; And where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, Grant that I may not so much seek To be consoled as to console; To be understood, as to understand; To be loved, as to love; For it is in giving that we receive, It is in pardoning that we are pardoned, And it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life. Amen.

What sticks out to me is the impact that I have on the people around me.  I am not talking about the thought that I am that important, but that my actions influence others in a good way or a bad way.  Maybe we should be more intentional and even ask God to use us for His glory.

Hebrews 13:16  NLT   

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Again I ask that you pray for the impact of Raceway Ministries in Martinsville this week.  

#e-devotion #devotion #devo #others #impact #serve #share #love #pray #prayer #st francis of assisi #christian #faith #curch #Michael Harrison #The Community Fellowship

[e-devotion]

what we serve

Why serve people through a projects and missions like Raceway Ministries, FCA, FCA Cuba, mission trips, outreach and more?

Why connect with those who are in need either physically or spiritually??

There are many reasons why we do this.  Let me give you just a few.  Here are some Scriptures that give us the call to share, courage to serve, insight as to why, inspiration to keep on and energy to do it often.

Proverbs 3:27  NLT

Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them.

Proverbs 11:25  NLT

The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

Matthew 9:36  NLT

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Galatians 5:13  NLT

For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.

You get it.  Or I hope you do.  What an honor it is to serve others .  We have the ability.  Let’s not hold back!

This week through Raceway Ministries Martinsville we will get to serve thousands of people who attend the NASCAR events at our speedway.  Will you pray?  Will you serve?

The middle of April we will help by hosting an outreach event at our church with several local partners as we serve a meal and share our clothing closet.  Will you help share the event and pray it is successful?

In a couple weeks some people from our church with join many others to serve those in need in West Virginia through a mission trip.  Will you pray and support us?

In three weeks I will once again head back to Cuba to serve and encourage the staff of FCA in Cuba through teaching, sharing and dreaming with these incredible people. Will you pray?  Will you support this trip?

Use what you have for the good of others.   Use your time and your finances to serve.

Be generous and get refreshed.  See people as Jesus sees them.  We get to serve others!  We get to share God’s love!

#e-devotion #devotion #devo #serve #share #outeach #mission #project #jesus #God #church #christian #faith #others #Michael Harrison #The Community Fellowship

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reflections on easter Sunday

Easter is one of the most incredible holidays that Christians celebrate.  So many emotions, so many stories, so many blessings come with our celebrations, the worship and even time with families.  Easter is so good.

But what makes it stand out is something that is empty.  That’s right.  It is the tomb.  Where Jesus was placed after He died on the cross.  The resurrection shown by the empty tomb is what seals our eternal promise as well as our daily hope.

Let’s ask the questions that others were asked.

Luke 24:1-8  NLT  

On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” 8 Then they remembered his words.

Why do you look for the living among the dead?

We do that.  But we shouldn’t.  It is true of humanity that we seek too often what is temporary rather than will last.  That is why life is the focus, not death.  That is why the deceiver seeks to deceive but the Savior seek to save.  Who will we seek?

May we celebrate Jesus.  He is alive.  Or, He is risen!

The following is from the writing of Henri Nouwen in his devotion “Reflections on Easter Sunday” (go to https://henrinouwen.org/ for more)

Easter season is a time of hope.  There still is fear, there still is a painful awareness of sinfulness, but there is also light breaking through.  Something new is happening, something that goes beyond the changing moods of our life.  We can be joyful or sad, optimistic or pessimistic, tranquil or angry, but the solid stream of God’s presence moves deeper than the small waves of our minds and hearts.  Easter brings the awareness that God is present even when his presence is not directly noticed.  Easter brings the good news that, although things seem to get worse in the world, the Evil One has already been overcome.  Easter allows us to affirm that although God seems very distant and although we remain preoccupied with many little things, our Lord walks with us on the road and keeps explaining the Scriptures to us.  Thus there are many rays of hope casting their light on our way through life. 

PRAYER

Almighty, everlasting God,

on this day you conquered death 

and opened for us the path to eternal life.

And so we celebrate in joy the feast of his resurrection.

Make us new through your Spirit,

so that we too may rise and walk in the light of life.

We ask this through Jesus Christ. 

Thank you for continuing to read and share these e-devotions.  May God help us focus on and walk with Jesus each day!

#e-devotion #devotion #devo #easter #sunday #resurrection #christ #jesus #God #michael harrison #the community fellowship #church #faith #christianity #christian

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why is it Good Friday?

Holy Week is the time we focus on God and His gift of salvation.  We come to Friday.  The day we remember the cross, Jesus’ death and all God has done for you and me

Why do they call this day “Good Friday” because it doesn’t seems good?  

Jesus was treated as a criminal.  He was beaten so much that He could not recognize Him.  His pain would have been too much for you or me to endure.  That is especially from Scripture I’ve read or as in the movie the Passion of the Christ.

Yet it is a good day.  It is Good Friday because God had our good in His heart.  What Jesus did that day changed our forever direction. Here are some thoughts that come to me:

He is Redemption and Redeemer

He too our Pain and Punishment

He is our Righteousness and Reality

He is the Savior and Life

All of those happened from the cross.  It was meant for the worst lawbreakers.  It was not meant for a Savior who never broke a law.  It was lifted high so that onlookers could see the price Jesus.  

Looking to the cross means life for us.  The cross means sacrifice of God for those who need hope.  

The reality of the cross was death, but we know that death brought us life.  Love wins.  Resurrection is coming.  Friday brought death but not an end.  Sunday will bring life from an empty tomb and a living Savior.

1 Corinthians 1:18  NLT

The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.

1 John 3:16  NLT

We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.

Good Friday reminds us that God is good!  Let’s celebrate and prepare for Sunday.  

NOTE: join us at The Community Fellowship this Sunday morning for our EASTER service at 10:10am in person or online via Facebook.  Also join us Saturday at noon at our new campus for lunch (bring sides to go with burgers and hot dogs) and an egg hunt for the kids.  At both we will be celebrating and talking about the one who really matters… JESUS!

#e-devotion #devotion #devo #good #friday #good friday #easter #jesus #cross #death #life #God #christian #faith #Michael Harrison #The Community Fellowship

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Maundy Thursday of Holy Week

Holy Week is a time to focus on God and His gifts to us.  Maundy Thursday is a special day.  It is often called Holy Thursday reminding us of Jesus’ interaction with His disciples as he instituted the Communion and washed their feet.

John 13:34  NLT

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 

Thursday of Holy Week is one of the best known of the week.  It is the first observance of the Lord’s Supper and the Passover with His closest friends.  Jesus shared the meaning of His blood and body that we continue to celebrate.  It is in Jesus’ body and blood that we find the forgiveness of sin and redemption.  

The conversations that took place around that table must have been amazing and powerful.  It would have been eye opening to be there.  

What would you do if you knew you had 24 hours to live?  Great question.  Jesus knew.  It was His last day.  This was His destiny.  He was willing to step in where we couldn’t go.  He was willing to do for us what we could not do for ourselves.

John describes this last day in ways that the no other Gospel does.  Jesus told them what was ahead.  He was honest and strong.  He confronted the accuser.  He even gave direction to the disciples that included Peter denying Jesus.

Yes, this denial was something we still talk about today.  Peter, James and John were three of the closest to Jesus, and this day, Thursday of Holy Week, must have been very hard for Peter and all of the disciples.

May we know Jesus like they knew Jesus.  Just ahead is the cross, and around corner is the resurrection.  Past that is abundant life for us.  Thank you, Jesus, for this and more!

John 14:6-7  NLT

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.  If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!”

Easter is ahead.  The cross and the resurrection are the days we remember, celebrate and share.  Let’s get ready for Easter and Jesus!

#e-devotion #devotion #devo #maundy #thursday #holy #week #holy week #maundy thusday #church #christian #easter #cross #resurection #Jesus #God #Michael Harrison #The Community Fellowship