Good News, No Harm

Posted on December 9, 2020 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Looking for some good news?
Does this qualify?

 

 

Jeremiah 29:11 (NLV)
 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Best news ever.

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Good News, Bad News

Posted on December 8, 2020 by Shirlee Abbott

 


God’s got good news and bad news.

 

 

2 Peter 2:9 (MSG)
So God knows how to rescue the godly from evil trials. And he knows how to hold the feet of the wicked to the fire until Judgment Day.

Make sure you’re on the good side.

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Good News!

Posted on December 7, 2020 by Shirlee Abbott


It’s the second week of Advent; it’s time for a second look at the angel’s message:

Luke 2:10 (NIV)
Do not be afraid. I bring you good news
that will cause great joy for all the people.

Are you feeling the good news this Christmas?

        • Absolutely! Bring it on!
        • Nah, the good seems long gone

Could be you’re looking for good in all the wrong places. Look up!

 

 

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Safe for Christmas

Posted on December 6, 2020 by Shirlee Abbott


Here in America, worries over the COVID-19 virus disrupt our Christmas plans.

In other parts of the worlds, violence disrupts Christian gatherings.

 

The Morningstar News reported a brutal attack on Christians in Central India:

“Armed with bamboo sticks, iron rods, bows and arrows and iron sickles, the large mob at 1 a.m. on Nov. 25 attacked a home and adjoining church hall in Chingrwaram village, Sukma District . . . Attacks on Christians in Chhattisgarh and have become more frequent and intense.”

Let’s remember our brothers and sisters in Christ who are threatened by more than the virus.

Lord, watch over believers in central India and other places where they may be attacked for their faith. May they safely celebrate our Savior’s birth. Shelter them in Your everlasting arms, be their strength and shield, in Jesus’ name.

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Fear Right

Posted on December 4, 2020 by Shirlee Abbott


Are you afraid of the virus?

Concerned about finances?

Worried what people will think?

 

Matthew 10:28 (MSG)
Save your fear for God, who holds your entire life—body and soul—in his hands.

Tis always the season to trust God more than you fear anyone or anything else.

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Fear What?

Posted on December 3, 2020 by Shirlee Abbott


“We fear men so much, because we fear God so little. One fear cures another. When man’s terror scares you, turn your thoughts to the wrath of God.”
William Gurnall (1617-1679)

 

Psalm 27:1 (NIV)
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?

Who indeed?

 

 

William Gurnall wrote the three-volume series, Christian in Complete Armour. It’s a practical classic on spiritual warfare.

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Fear God

Posted on December 2, 2020 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Psalm 111:10 (NIV)
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

 

Just in case you missed it the first time, here it is again.

Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

Pay attention. It must be important.

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Fear No Evil

Posted on December 1, 2020 by Shirlee Abbott


Psalm 23:4 (ESV)
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.

 

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of COVID, I will fear no evil. Thank You, Lord, for being with me always, everywhere.

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Fear Not

Posted on November 30, 2020 by Shirlee Abbott


It’s Advent. We’ll be focusing on the angels’ message.

Luke 2:10 (ESV)
And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”

“Fear not.” What do you fear?

        • Getting sick
        • Being alone
        • No money
        • No hope

Listen to the angels. “Fear not.” It’s good advice (angels usually get it right).

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Safe for Christmas

Posted on November 29, 2020 by Shirlee Abbott

It’s the first Sunday in Advent, and our thoughts turn to Christmas.


Everyone wants to feel safe for Christmas. But different folks define safe differently. Some feel safe when surrounded by friends and family. Others feel safe with fewer folks and more personal space. A few feel safest home alone.

 

When Christ was born, the angels declared:

Luke 2:14 (NIV)
Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those
on whom his favor rests.

Peace. Favor. Not one word about safe.

Favor us, Lord, with perfect peace. We humbly ask for safety as well; but safe or not, we pray for peace, in Jesus’ name.

 

 

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