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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Good Instead of Harm

Posted on November 16, 2021 by Shirlee Abbott

Matthew 5:44 (AMP)
But I say to you, love [that is, unselfishly seek
the best or higher good for] your enemies and
pray for those who persecute you.

Do things God’s way. It’s good for your enemy,
good for you.

 

 

 

 

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Good, Not Harm

Posted on November 15, 2021 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Proverbs 31:12 (NIV)
She brings him good,
not harm,
all the days of her life.

 

Context matters. This verse comes in the context of Proverbs 31’s Wife of Nobel Character. She brings her husband good, not harm all the days not only of his life, but of hers. But . . .

Think. This applies to more than wives and husbands. Shouldn’t we all strive to do good and not harm — to everyone, everyday?

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Give Like God

Posted on November 12, 2021 by Shirlee Abbott

I am greatly blessed. God is good. 

Lord God, may I bless others as You have blessed me.

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Give Freely

Posted on November 11, 2021 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Matthew 10:8 (NIV)
Freely you have received;
freely give.

 

Lord God,
You have given me more than I remember,
more than I need, more than I can hope for.
Everything I call “mine” came from Your hands.
Forgive me for holding on so tightly I cannot let go.
Give me a generous heart and open hands,
in Jesus’ name.

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Give Generously

Posted on November 10, 2021 by Shirlee Abbott

Do you sometimes wonder how much to give?
Here’s one way to look at it.

George Müller is remembered for his giving. He cared for over 10,000 orphans, established over 100 schools offering Christian education to more than 100,000 students. He did all of this without asking anyone for donations. He trusted God to provide.

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Give Cheerfully

Posted on November 9, 2021 by Shirlee Abbott

 

2 Corinthians 9:7 (GNT)
You should each give, then, as you have decided, not with regret or out of a sense of duty; for God loves the one who gives gladly. 

 

If you can’t give it cheerfully, it’s not a gift. It might be a bribe, or maybe an apology, or a duty, or even a business decision.

Decide to give freely. Cheerfully. And often.

 

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