How the Fast Works

Posted on February 26, 2020 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Ezra 8:23
So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.

 

Fasting isn’t some magical method to get God to do what you want. It tunes your ears to hear His plan.

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What the Fast Does

Posted on February 25, 2020 by Shirlee Abbott

 

 

It’s not what we give up. It’s what we go after.

 

“Prayer is reaching out and after the unseen; fasting, letting go of
all that is seen and temporal. Fasting helps express, deepens, confirms the resolution that we are ready to sacrifice anything, even ourselves, to attain what we seek for the kingdom of God.”
Andrew Murray. (1828-1917)

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Let the Fast Begin

Posted on February 24, 2020 by Shirlee Abbott

Lent starts this Wednesday–40 days (not counting Sundays) before Easter. A season of preparation. A time of prayer and fasting.

Yes, fasting.

What do you know about fasting?

        • No food
        • Sacrifice
        • Not for me

Fasting is less about giving something up and more about connecting with God. Are you ready to improve your connection? Let Lent begin!

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Safe from Pestilence

Posted on February 23, 2020 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Coronavirus in China. Locusts in East Africa. These twin disasters bring to mind the plagues in the book of Exodus. Both have the attention of the United Nations.

 

Regarding the virus, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the UN World Health Organization stated:

“We still have a chance of preventing a broader global crisis, WHO will continue working night and day with all countries to prepare them.”

As to the locusts, UN News quoted Mark Lowcock, the UN humanitarian chief:

“I’m calling on the countries concerned, the international community, the donors, to step up and to step up now. There is a risk of a catastrophe. Perhaps we can prevent it; we have an obligation to try.”

While the United Nations looks to the wisdom and wealth of man to solve these problems, let us look to God.

Mighty God, have mercy!

 

 

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Presidential Providence

Posted on February 21, 2020 by Shirlee Abbott

 

We started the week with Washington’s wisdom. Let’s end it with more of the same:

 

 

“It is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge
the providence of Almighty God to obey His will,
to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly
to implore His protection and favor.”
George Washington (1732-1799)

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Presidential Principle

Posted on February 20, 2020 by Shirlee Abbott

Wise words, written in hard times:

On principle I dislike an oath which requires a man to swear he has not done wrong. It rejects the Christian principle of forgiveness on terms of repentance. I think it is enough if the man does no wrong hereafter.
Abraham Lincoln, 1864
(Note to the Secretary of War)

Repentance, not denial–still a good idea.

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Simply Presidential

Posted on February 19, 2020 by Shirlee Abbott

Short but true:

“The rights of man come not from the generosity of the state but from the hand of God.”
President John F. Kennedy (1917-1963)

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Presidential Concern

Posted on February 18, 2020 by Shirlee Abbott

As the presidential campaign gets ugly, we’d do well to think like Lincoln:

 

“My concern is not whether God is on our side;
my greatest concern is to be on God’s side,
for God is always right.”
Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)

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Presidential Wisdom

Posted on February 17, 2020 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Here in the United States, it’s Presidents’ Day, spun off from George Washington’s and Abraham Lincoln’s February birthdays. With this generic title, it recognizes all US  Presidents. How do you feel about it?

        • All Presidents are worthy of recognition
        • I’m good with Washington and Lincoln; the others, not so much
        • All Presidents were flawed and don’t deserve endless honor

Let’s look to our first President for wisdom:

“It is to be lamented that great characters
are seldom without a blot.“
George Washington (1732-1799)

Bless their imperfect souls. And yours.

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Shelter from Over-Spending

Posted on February 16, 2020 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Per recent reports, as the American economy improves, folks charge more on their credit cards. See this recent article in Forbes:

 

“Historically, in the United States and around the world, household debt has been at its highest when the unemployment rate has been at its lowest . . . when the economy is growing, the higher levels of lending and borrowing make both banks and families feel wealthier than they truly are . . . When we swipe our credit cards, it doesn’t always feel like we’re borrowing money.”

What does the Bible say?

1 Timothy 6:6, 9  (NIV)
But godliness,  with contentment is great gain . . . Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap. 

Lord God, thank you for this heads-up about the temptations tied to prosperity. Protect us from foolish traps, shelter us with godly contentment, in Jesus’ name.

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