Discipled, Discipling

Posted on November 18, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

 

The Greek verb mathéteuó is “to be a disciple” or “to make a disciple.” How does it apply to you?

 

 

  • I am being discipled
  • I am making disciples
  • Both of the above
  • Neither of the above

Disciple as a verb includes growing in knowledge of God’s Word and developing the lifestyle it requires. Being discipled implies you are continuously studying the Scripture and putting it into practice.

Putting it into practice includes passing it on.

Being a disciple, making disciples–you can’t have one without the other.

 

Share
Posted in other | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Haiti Lacks Safe Food Supplies

Posted on November 16, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

A recent article in the Navy Times caught my eye. The U. S. Navy hospital ship Comfort docked in Port-au-Prince for a week (November 4-13) and provided medical assistance. But it wasn’t just the desperate need for health care services that pulled at my heart.

“In addition, U.N. World Food Program spokesman Herve Verhoosel said Friday that more than 3.7 million people in the country of 11 million are facing food insecurity, with more than 1 million now in the emergency category, one step below famine.”

Let those number sink in. One-third of Haiti’s people lack consistent access to nutritious food.  One in ten is always hungry, not far from starvation.

Lord, feed your sheep in Haiti. Tell their story. Let the world see and compassionately respond. Transform corrupt and selfish leaders into kind and generous souls who worship You and safely shelter Your precious children.

Share
Posted in other | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

Simply No Better Time

Posted on November 15, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

 

The Apostle Paul was arrested on trumped-up charges and made his case before Felix, the Roman governor.

 

Acts 24:25 (NLV)
Paul spoke about being right with God . . . He spoke about standing before One Who will tell us if we are guilty. When Felix heard this, he became afraid and said, “Go now. I will send for you when it is a better time.”

Perhaps Felix was plugging for a bribe. Maybe he was too terrified to change. Maybe he wanted to pretend he’d never heard about God.

Time is short. Don’t be like Felix. He missed the opportunity of lifetime.

 

 

Share
Posted in other | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Fruitful Times

Posted on November 14, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

Acts 14:17 (MEV)
Yet He did not leave Himself without witness, for He did good and gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying our hearts with food and gladness.

 

How many of us are quick to blame God for the dry seasons and laud ourselves for the fruitful ones? We claim full credit for our well-fed tummies and happy hearts.

What’s on your dinner plate today? More than enough to satisfy body and soul? Be fruitful with your praise. Thank God for his goodness.

 

Share
Posted in other | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Times of Refreshing

Posted on November 13, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

Acts 3:19 (AMP)
So repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins] and return [to God—seek His purpose for your life], so that your sins may be wiped away [blotted out, completely erased], so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord [restoring you like a cool wind on a hot day].

 

Father God, change my thinking, scrub away those sins I so regret. Make me like a clean, bright white sheet, fluttering on the clothesline in the refreshing wind of Your presence.

Share
Posted in other | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

It’s about Time

Posted on November 12, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

My thoughts this week will be based on the Greek word kairos, sometimes translated “time.” It’s not so much an hour and minute, but a season, occasion or opportunity. It’s used in 86 different places in the New Testament, nine of them in the book of Acts. We’ll look at three:

  • Refreshing times
  • Fruitful times
  • Convenient times

Which one is driving you right now? Rest, productivity or convenience?

Regardless, your times are in God’s hands.

Share
Posted in other | Tagged , | 3 Comments

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!

 

Share
Posted in other | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

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.

Share
Posted in other | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

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.

Share
Posted in other | Tagged , | 2 Comments

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.

Share
Posted in other | Tagged , , | 2 Comments