Shirlee Abbott

Less Is Simply Enough

Posted on March 7, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

Proverbs 15:27 (NIRV)
Those who always want more
bring ruin to their households.

Hebrews 13:5
Be happy with what you have.

Good advice from the mouth of God.

Posted in Lent | Tagged Hebrews 13:5, K.I.S.S., less, Provergs 15:27, short and simple | 2 Comments

Less Is More

Posted on March 6, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

This Lent, Lord God, I want less of what pulls my attention away from you. I want more of You.

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Less Woe

Posted on March 5, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

It’s Fat Tuesday, the day of over-indulgence before Lent’s 40 days of preparation and sacrifice begin.

Amos 6:4-6 (MSG)
Woe to those who live only for today . . .
Woe to the playboys, the playgirls,
who think life is a party held just for them!
Woe to those addicted to feeling good—
life without pain!

Try a little under-indulgence, and avoid the “Woe is me!”

Posted in Lent | Tagged Amos 6:4-6, Fat Tuesday, Lent, less | 2 Comments

Less for Lent

Posted on March 4, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

Lent begins this Wednesday, March 6, and ends on April 20, the Saturday before Easter. It’s a time of preparation and sacrifice, reflecting the preparation and sacrifice of Christ’s 40 days in the wilderness. Will you be giving up something for Lent?

• Some kind of food or meal
• Something electronic—games, videos
• Some social media
• I don’t really see the point

Christ didn’t just give up food and water for 40 days. He gave up the glories of heaven for 33 years. Now that’s living with less!

What less can you do for Lent?

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Shelter for Syrian Refugees

Posted on March 3, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

5.6 million Syrian refugees left their homeland, seeking safety elsewhere. Many of them fled to Lebanon. World Vision works with local Christian churches to meet the needs of these refugees for food, supplies and learning centers for the children. They offer hospitality, acceptance and friendship.

World Vision’s Spring 2019 print magazine features Miled, pastor of one of these congregations:

“Here in Lebanon, Muslims come to us, and we don’t hesitate to help them. As a church, you can’t build walls around you. You have to reach out to the community.”

Let us pray for these churches and their partners in ministry:

Lord, we praise you for this on-the-ground ministry of love. Provide the resources (financial and emotional) to meet the overwhelming needs. We pray for peace in Syria, and the refugees return to their homes. Fill our hearts with the same hospitality and love.

Posted in other | Tagged Lebanon, refugees, Syria, World Vision | Comments Off

Simply Now

Posted on March 1, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

2 Corinthians 6:2 (NLT)
For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you.”

All the time is the right time. God’s listening.

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When I Hear “Not Now”

Posted on February 28, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

Oh Lord, I want instant answers. I try to trust your “Not now,” but deep down I’m whining, “I want it, and I want it now!” Grant me patience (and I want it now).

Posted in other | Tagged not now, patience, prayer | 2 Comments

Know Now

Posted on February 27, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

Here and now,
hear and know.

2 Peter 3:18 (ESV)
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

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God Hears Here

Posted on February 26, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

Hear:

Psalm 139:4
Lord, even before I speak a word,
you know all about it.

Here:

Psalm 139:5
You are all around me, behind me and in front of me.
You hold me safe in your hand.

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Hear, Here!

Posted on February 25, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

God calls. Are you a Samuel?
Or a Jonah?

I hear, I’m here (Samuel)
I hear, and I’m outta here (Jonah)

1 Samuel 3:10 (ESV)
And the LORD came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.”

Jonah 1:1-3
Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh” . . . But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.

Hear, and here.

Posted in other | Tagged 1 Samuel 3:10, hear, Jonah, Samuel | Comments Off