Kingdom of Peace

Posted on December 2, 2021 by Shirlee Abbott

A kingdom of peace . . . 

. . . ruled by the King of Peace.

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The Kingdom at Hand

Posted on December 1, 2021 by Shirlee Abbott

 

John the Baptist said,

Matthew 3:2 (ESV)
Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

 

Jesus said,

Matthew 4:17
Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

“Repent” — first from John, then from Jesus himself.

Is repentance on your Advent agenda?

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Thy Kingdom Come

Posted on November 30, 2021 by Shirlee Abbott

 


Let’s look carefully at another phrase from the Lord’s Prayer:

 

Matthew 6:10 (ESV)
Your kingdom come.

Jesus, come to earth in human form, teaches us to pray for the coming of God’s kingdom.

This Advent, don’t just look back to the Babe in the manger. Be sure to look (pray!) forward to the coming kingdom.

Revelation 22:20
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

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Thine Is the Kingdom

Posted on November 29, 2021 by Shirlee Abbott

 

For thine is the kingdom, 
and the power, and the glory, 
for ever and ever. Amen.

 

It’s how we end the Lord’s Prayer. It seems only right to start the Advent season with the same words:

Thine is the kingdom.

What does it take to make a kingdom? A king. The King.

KING OF KINGS,
AND LORD OF LORDS.
(Revelation 19:16)

 

 

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Thanks to God

Posted on November 24, 2021 by Shirlee Abbott

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Thanks for the Memories

Posted on November 23, 2021 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Philippians 1:3 (CEV)
Every time I think of you,
I thank my God.

 

Who comes to mind? Thank God!

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Thanks for Our Here and Now

Posted on November 22, 2021 by Shirlee Abbott


Acts 17:26 (ESV)
And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place.

 

It’s no accident we live in this time and place. God planned out our exact “allotted period” (our now) and our “boundaries” (our here). Sometimes we’re quick with the complaints and slow with the gratitude. Brothers and sisters, this should not be so.

Thank You, Lord, for putting me right here, right now.
Your will be done — right here, right now.

 

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Good Renamed Harm

Posted on November 19, 2021 by Shirlee Abbott

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When Good Becomes Harm

Posted on November 18, 2021 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Good intentions aren’t enough. Sometimes the good turns into harm. 

 

 

Proverbs 14:12 (MSG)
There’s a way of life that looks harmless enough; look again—it leads straight to hell. Sure, those people appear to be having a good time, but all that laughter will end in heartbreak.

Unintended consequences can really hurt.

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Good from Harm

Posted on November 17, 2021 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery. That’s bad.

Joseph forgave his brothers. That’s good.

 

Genesis 50:20 (MSG)
Don’t you see, you planned evil against me
but God used those same plans for my good.

Take a long look back. When has God brought you good out of a bad situation? Have you thanked Him?

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