Shirlee Abbott

Heartless

Posted on December 7, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

“When you destroy unity in the church
you rip the heart out of the body of Christ.”
Unknown

Posted in Advent | Tagged Advent, unity | 3 Comments

Step Up, Stand United

Posted on December 5, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

Philippians 1:27 (MSG)
Stand united, singular in vision, contending for people’s trust in the Message, the good news, not flinching or dodging in the slightest before the opposition.

No double-mindedness, dodging or distrust. Step up and start work.

Posted in Advent | Tagged Advent, Philippians 1:27, unity | 3 Comments

Christmas at Its Best

Posted on December 5, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

Psalm 133:1 (NIV)
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!

Make this the best Christmas ever.

Posted in Advent | Tagged Advent, Psalm 133:1, unity | 2 Comments

All in One

Posted on December 4, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

Galatians 3:26-28 (NIRV)
So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God by believing in Christ…You have put him on as if he were your clothes…That’s because you are all one in Christ Jesus.

The arms in your shirtsleeves are from the same body. We are one body clothed in Christ.

Posted in Advent | Tagged Advent, Galatians 3:26-28, unity | 2 Comments

What Jesus Wants for Christmas

Posted on December 3, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

What do you want for Christmas?

Money
Clothes
Toys
World peace

Have you ever wondered what Jesus wants for Christmas? The Bible tells us; it’s right there in Christ’s prayer the night before his crucifixion:

John 17:21 (TLB)
I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one–as you are in me, Father, and I am in you.

Jesus wants unity in his followers. So give up your grudge, let go of your gossip, reach out in love to your brothers and sisters in Christ—in your own congregation, in your community and in the Church world wide.

This year, give Jesus what his heart desires.

Posted in Advent | Tagged Advent, John 17:21, unity | 5 Comments

Safe Shelter in Alaska

Posted on December 2, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

Part of Alaska was rocked by a recent earthquake. It’s hard to feel safe when the ground is shaking.

Lord, we thank for the safe shelter of buildings which shook but did not fall. We are grateful that the earthquake wasn’t deadly. But we know how people’s nerves are on edge—be their secure Rock, their safe Shelter, even when the ground shakes and their hearts tremble. Amen.