Shirlee Abbott

Sweet Words

Posted on October 4, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

2 Corinthians 2:15 (ESV)
For we are the aroma of Christ.

Lord, forgive my nasty, stinky words!
Fill my mouth with fragrant phrases.

Posted in other | Tagged 2 Corinthians 2:15, fragrance of Christ | 2 Comments

Simply Love

Posted on October 3, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

“Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Not “Love your neighbor’s opinion as your own.”

You can love someone who doesn’t share your opinion.

Posted in other | Tagged K.I.S.S., love your neighbor, short and simple | 2 Comments

Eternal Neighbors

Posted on October 2, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

1 Peter 2:5 (TLB)
And now you have become living building-stones for God’s use in building his house.

We become God’s building-stones by faith, not by race, opinion or political party. God might tuck you into the wall of his house right next to that guy from the other side. Imagine, spending eternity next to him (or her) and becoming one in the Spirit.

Posted in other | Tagged 1 Peter 2:5, living building-stones | 3 Comments

When It Depends on You

Posted on October 1, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

Romans 12:18 (NIV)
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you,
live at peace with everyone.

“As far as it depends on you.” How far will you go?

I’ll keep my thoughts to myself
I’ll express my opinions respectfully
I’ll be nice, even to those with opinions different from mine
I’ll remember that there, but for the grace of God, go I

Our nation seems increasingly divided by politics, race, age and values. It’s common for each side to write off the other sides as ignorant, wicked or heartless.

But we are, first of all, ambassadors for God. Insults and shouting matches rarely bring others to the foot of the cross.

Posted in other | Tagged grace, Romans 12:18 | 2 Comments

School Safe – Kenya

Posted on September 30, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

Those of us with public school for all sometimes forget that’s not the case everywhere. Kenya for example.

Church World Service’s Safe School Zones has partnered with ten Kenyan schools to develop “creative and sustainable solutions that have broken some of the challenges that children, especially girls, face when attempting to complete their education.”

Isolation, cultural expectations and early marriage keep many girls out of school.

Lord God, we pray that you will empower Church World Service and other ministries open the doors so girls in Kenya and elsewhere can attend school safely. May this education improve the futures of the students, their families and communities.