There’s Three

Posted on February 12, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Matthew 18:20 (NIV)
For where two or three
gather in my name,
there am I with them.

 

Keep this in mind when you argue: it’s not just the two of you.
it’s the three of you. And Jesus gets the last word.

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A Three-Way Relationship

Posted on February 11, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

 

 

You and your spouse hit a rocky road. Who’s to blame?

 

  • It’s all the other one’s fault
  • I’m more right than he/she is
  • I’m part of the problem, yeah
  • Guilty!

Invite God into your relationship. He’ll keep it fair and honest

1 Chronicles 28:9 (NIRV)
The Lord looks deep down inside every heart.
He understands every desire and every thought.

God knows all. And still he loves the both of you.

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Sheltering Marriage

Posted on February 10, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

Hebrews 13:4 (ESV)
Let marriage be held in honor among all.

How do we honor marriage? Focus on the Family* puts it this way:

 

“. . . it involves recognizing the beauty and worth of your relationship with your spouse and then doing something to put that recognition and appreciation into action. It’s about dedication, heart and soul, to building strong foundational qualities into your marriage relationship.”

Honor your marriage. Strengthen it. Protect it. Shelter it.

Lord Jesus, teach us to see our marriages as a reflection of Your relationship to Your Church. Amen.

*Focus on the Family’s website offers free articles, videos and an assessment to strengthen your relationship, along with links to buy books or enroll in seminars and retreats.

 

 

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Overflowing Abundance

Posted on February 8, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Forgive us, Lord, for putting our trust in our bank accounts, our real estate or our job skills. Fill us to overflowing with spiritual abundance, with the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:19).

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Abundantly Foolish

Posted on February 7, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

Proverbs 1:32
The complacency of fools will destroy them.

“Complacency,” shalah in Hebrew, means abundance, prosperity, security, peace, quietness.

 

It’s foolish to put your trust in your own prosperity, security, peace and quiet,  or abundance.

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Abundant Simplicity

Posted on February 6, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

 

1 Timothy 6:6 (MSG)
A devout life does bring wealth,
but it’s the rich simplicity
of being yourself before God.

 

“Rich simplicity.” Less can be more.

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Abundant Mercy

Posted on February 5, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

 

“Prosperity is a great mercy,
but adversity is a greater one,
if it brings us to Christ.”
J. C. Rylie (1816-1900)

 

Prosperity or adversity–either way, MERCY!

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Abundant Praise

Posted on February 3, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Do you have enough? More than enough? Or do you need more?

 

 

• There’s never quite enough
• I’m good
• I have more than is good for me

Think of people around the world. Think of people through the ages. Would those folks like to have what you have? Would you want to trade places with them? In truth, most of us have more than we need. We have plenty. Abundance.

Give credit where credit is due:

“Praise God from Whom
all blessings flow.”
Old 100th

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Restored Shelter for Iraqi Christians

Posted on February 2, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

ISIS attacks drove Christians in Iraq from their homes. In the historic Christian city of Qaraqosh, for example, almost all of the 50,000 residents left to find shelter elsewhere, some families packed into small spaces for years. 14,000 of them have chosen to return, finding their homes and churches destroyed.

Samaritan’s Purse is helping to rebuild. Project Nehemiah has helped complete almost 500 homes, with 250 more in progress.

“When we fled, we kept our faith. God is not limited to one area . . . In Him we are so strong. He is always by our side in the darkest times.”
Atheer, one of the returning Christians

Lord, we pray that your Church in Iraq will grow and thrive. Provide the money, materials and muscle power to restore their buildings. May they worship, work, sleep and share the good news of Christ in safety.

 

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Simply Humble

Posted on February 1, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIRV)
But they make themselves humble . . .
They pray and look to me.
And they turn from their evil ways.
Then I will listen to them from heaven.
I will forgive their sin.
And I will heal their land.

Healing starts with humility: 

Lord, we’re making a mess on our own.
We need you.

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