Marking Time

Posted on November 10, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

 

The 1th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 marked the end of the first World War, the “war to end all wars.” It didn’t. End all wars, that is. Since then, there have been dozens of wars, millions of deaths.

Mark 13:7 (NKJV)
But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet.

Even so, long for peace. Pray for peace. Pray for the Prince of Peace.

Revelation 22:20
He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

 

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Sheltering Wounded Veterans

Posted on November 9, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Monday is Veterans Day in the US.

Our wounded vets deserve more than a day.

 

The Wounded Warrior Project helps veterans who experienced physical or mental injury or illness while serving in the military.  The focus is on recovery and quality of life. Claude Boush is a Wounded Warrior peer mentor.

“’The purpose of the military is to train for war and then be in war,’ says Claude. ‘Now I use that same training to help my fellow warriors fight inner struggles and find peace.’”

Pray for their physical, emotional and spiritual healing.

O Great Physician, wrap our wounded warriors in the comfort of Your love. Shelter them with Your power. Surround them with Your peace. Restore their souls, in Jesus’ name.

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Pray the Plan

Posted on November 8, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

 

1 Chronicles 28:9 (ESV)
Know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought.

Good advice–from King David to his son Solomon. Centuries later, it still applies. 

Lord God, give me a mind willing to serve you with my whole heart. I want to make Your plan my plan.

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Beautiful Plans

Posted on November 7, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

 

God granted artistic ability to the craftsman who planned the beautiful design of God’s tent of worship, the Tabernacle.

 

Exodus 31:3-4 (MEV)
I have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of craftsmanship to devise artistic works.

The Hebrew word for devise can also be translated plan.

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans that I have for you, says the Lord.

Your are God’s plan, His artistic work.

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Simply the Best Plans

Posted on November 5, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Psalm 33:11 (MSG)
God’s plan for the world stands up,
all his designs are made to last.

 

It’s simple: no one (not even you) has a plan better than God’s.

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Proverbial Plans

Posted on November 5, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Here’s some wisdom on plans and thoughts from the book of Proverbs–good, bad and best.

 

 

Proverbs 12:5 (NIRV)
The plans of godly people are right.

Proverbs 15:26
He [The Lord] also hates hearts that make evil plans.

Proverbs 19:21
A person may have many plans in their heart.
But the Lord’s purpose wins out in the end.

 

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What’s the Plan?

Posted on November 4, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

 

 

Do you have a plan? Do you follow it?

 

  • Yes and yes! I’m organized and proud of it
  • Yes, and not so much; things seldom work out as I plan
  • No plan–I take things as they come

The Hebrew word machashabah or machashebeth is used 56 times in the Old Testament. It may be translated in English as plan, thought, device, design, intentions, invention, plots, purpose, scheme or way. 

The word doesn’t define the plan as good or bad. Godly wisdom inspires good plans. Our enemy loves to whisper bad plans in our ears. 

Plan wisely, my friend.

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Safely Packed in a Shoebox

Posted on November 2, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

It’s shoebox time!

Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief organization, collects and distributes thousands of shoeboxes in its Operation Christmas Child program.

 

It’s easy: pack a shoebox with hygiene items, school supplies, toys, craft projects, clothes and $9 to help with shipping (check Samaritan’s Purse website for details).

“Shoebox gifts are a way to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to needy children around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.”

Pack your box with prayer.

Almighty God, use my box (and all the others) to bring joy into the hands and heart of a needy child. Use these gifts to encourage and empower believers with limited resources. Use them to share Your love with those who doubt, those who feel forgotten and those who have never heard Your Word. Shelter this box with your love and send it on its way with Your power, in Jesus’ name.

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Hallowed Witnesses

Posted on November 1, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

Today is the day after Hallowed Eve. It is All Saints’ Day, sometimes called All Hallows’ Day or Hallowmas. It celebrates the spiritual connection between the hallowed folks who have gone before and those of us still living:

 

Hebrews 12:1 (NLT)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

Honor those dear saints with your hallowed steps.

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Hallowed Prayer

Posted on October 30, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Study of the Hebrew and Greek words for “holy” show us that people, places and times can be hallowed–that is, set apart and devoted to God.

 

Lord God,
Hallow our children–set them apart to love You with all their
                                         hearts, souls, minds and strength.
Hallow our land–       set it apart to serve You in full obedience.
Hallow this time–       set it apart to fulfill Your eternal plan.
                                         In Your hallowed name we pray.

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