Disciplined Student

Posted on September 10, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Hebrews 12:6
The Lord disciplines the one he loves.

 

 

Are you suffering some consequences? Facing a closed door? Hearing a call to turn around?

Don’t get mad. It’s a lesson of love.

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Student with Attitude

Posted on September 8, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

 

What sort of student have you been?

 

 

  • Reluctant, last-minute
  • Cautious and timely
  • Head of the class!

Remember, you are a student of Christ. Does that change your attitude?

 

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Safe Shelter for Truth-Telling

Posted on September 7, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

Pastor Hkalam Samson, president of the Kachin Baptist Convention, has been accused of “knowingly giving false information” for speaking out about the persecution of Christians in Myanmar. According to the Christian Post, Samson spoke with President Trump about the lack of religious freedom in Myanmar. 

“’As Christians in Myanmar, we are oppressed and tortured by the Myanmar military government,’ Samson said. “’We don’t have chance, many, for religious freedom . . . There is no freedom of expression for Myanmar citizens wherever you are because you can get in trouble even when you talk about the truth.'”

If the case against him moves forward, Pastor Samson could face years in prison.

Lord God, You know the truth about religious freedom in Myanmar. Protect Pastor Samson and other believers. Change the hearts of those in authority. Shelter Your people with Your love and power.

 

 

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Joy at Work

Posted on September 6, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

 

1 Thessalonians 5:16 (NIV)
Rejoice always.

 

 

Always. All the time. Even at work. 

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Short and Simple Prayer

Posted on September 5, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

Where I live, the children are headed back to school.

 

Protect their souls, Lord.
Empower them to do good work.

 

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Get to Work

Posted on September 4, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Vacation is over, back to the job. What are your thoughts?

 

 

“I have to work.”
“I get to work.”

Your attitude makes all the difference.

Colossians 3:23 (ESV)
Whatever you do, work heartily,
as for the Lord.

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Good Work

Posted on September 3, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Labor Day–a Monday holiday here in the USA–marks the end of summer and honors honest work. Vacation is over, we’re on the job.

 

 

Bless the work of our hands, Lord God.
May we do good work, in Jesus’ name.

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Constructive Prayer

Posted on September 2, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

 

 

As I post this, a Category 5 hurricane is blowing across the Bahamas. Prayer is my only thought:

 

 

“O Savior, whose almighty word
The winds and waves submissive heard,
Who walked upon the foaming deep,
And calm amid the rage did sleep;
O hear us when we cry to Thee
For those in peril on the sea.”
William Whiting, 1860

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Safe Secrecy for Afghan Christians

Posted on August 31, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Officially, there are no Christians in Afghanistan. Unofficially, Afghan Christians are either hidden or persecuted. According to Open Doors:

 

“Anyone leaving Islam is seen as betraying their tribal community. In most cases, conversion brings shame for the family; family members will do all in their power to bring the convert back to Islam or to atone for the shame . . . Very often, there is only one possible outcome for exposed and caught Christians: They will be killed.”

God alone knows the true number of Afghan Christians.

Lord, watch over those hidden souls. Shelter them, encourage them, provide opportunities for growth and fellowship. Enlarge their circle, in Jesus’ name.

 

 

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An Anciet Purpose for Modern Education

Posted on August 30, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

 

“The Scriptures principally teach 
what man is to believe concerning God,
and what duty God requires of man.”
The Westminster Shorter Catechism, 1648

 

Some things never change.

Lord God, may we all–old and young–apply our educations to this good purpose, in Jesus’s name.

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