Shirlee Abbott

Carry On

Posted on February 11, 2021 by Shirlee Abbott

Philippians 1:6 (NIV)
He who began a good work in you
will carry it on to completion
until the day of Christ Jesus.

God perseveres on my behalf. I persevere for Him.

As You carry on in me, Lord, may I carry on for You.

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Press Forward

Posted on February 10, 2021 by Shirlee Abbott

Persevere.

It’s a hard run, but don’t give up.

Philippians 3:14 (NASB)
I press on toward the goal for the prize
of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

As worded in The Message version:

I’ve got my eye on the goal,
where God is beckoning us onward—
to Jesus. I’m off and running,
and I’m not turning back.

Don’t turn back. Press forward, in Jesus’ name.

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Simply Persevere

Posted on February 9, 2021 by Shirlee Abbott

Do you think the Bible is too hard?

Ezra 7:10 (ICB)
Ezra had worked hard to know
and obey the Teachings of the Lord.

Be like Ezra. Keep reading! Work hard.

Hang in.
Press forward.
Carry on.
Stand strong.

Persevere! God will help you.

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Hang In

Posted on February 8, 2021 by Shirlee Abbott

It’s been a tough COVID season.
Have you caved in?

- - - Yep–caved into the couch cushions
    - Feelin’ like I’m confined to a cave
    - Barely hanging on

Look to the Bible for help.

Philippians 4:13 (AMP)
I can do all things [which He has called me to do]
through Him who strengthens and empowers me
[to fulfill His purpose—
I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency;
I am ready for anything and equal to anything
through Him who infuses me
with inner strength and confident peace.]

Persevere. Hang on in Him.

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Safe Shelter for Trafficking Victims

Posted on February 7, 2021 by Shirlee Abbott

Last Thursday, New Jersey’s Bergan County Prosecutor’s Office announced they’d broken up an international human trafficking ring. 22 people were arrested and more than 50 victims identified. The ring had operated in New Jersey and New York for six years.

NJ.com reported the news, quoting Robert Anzilotti, Chief of Detectives:

“Human trafficking is real. It is right here under our noses.”

Six years, more than 50 young women, forced into prostitution, often for 12 hours a day, bringing in big bucks (hundreds of thousands per month) for the ringleaders.

The victims are receiving crisis care and shelter.

Open our eyes, O Lord, to evil being done right under our noses. Reveal the schemes of those who profit at the expense of others and bring them to justice. Dear God, grant these women safe shelter and wise counsel. Wrap them in Your love. Restore their souls, in Jesus’ name.

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The Truth Be Told in Love

Posted on February 5, 2021 by Shirlee Abbott

There’s more than one way to tell the truth.

Ephesians 4:15 (NLT)
We will speak the truth in love,
growing in every way more and
more like Christ.

Be more like Jesus. Speak the truth God’s way.

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The Truth Be Told

Posted on February 4, 2021 by Shirlee Abbott

The truth be told,
not always with words.

1 John 3:18 (NIV)
Let us not love with words or speech
but with actions and in truth.

True love–more than words!

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Truth Will Tell

Posted on February 3, 2021 by Shirlee Abbott

“If I speak what is false, I must answer for it;
if truth, it will answer for me.”
Thomas Fuller, (1608-1661)

Stand out from the clamoring crowd. Let truth do your talking.

Thomas Fuller was a 17th century British preacher, historian and writer–known for his witty, quaint and wise words.

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Tell the Truth, the Whole Truth and Nothing But the Truth

Posted on February 2, 2021 by Shirlee Abbott

Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth,
the whole truth and nothing but the truth,
so help you God?

Keep it simple. Tell the truth. The whole truth.

Proverbs 12:22
The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those
who tell the truth.

God is listening.

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To Tell the Truth

Posted on February 1, 2021 by Shirlee Abbott

To tell the truth, I don’t know who’s telling the truth.

What “truth” do you question?

- - - Opinion parading as truth
    - Anything quoting anonymous sources or experts
    - One-sided fact-checkers
    - Clickbait headlines

Here’s an intriguing thought from the Apostle Paul:

Romans 3:7-8 (ERV)
Someone might say, “When I lie, it really gives God glory, because my lie makes his truth easier to see. So why am I judged a sinner?” It would be the same to say, “We should do evil so that good will come.”

That’s some messed up thinking.

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