Safe Space for Spiritual (and Practical) Help

Posted on December 23, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

The dear folks at Street LIFE Ministries take the good news of Jesus Christ to the streets of New York City.

 

Every Tuesday, you’ll find them serving the homeless in the Lower East Side at Tompkins Square Park,

“meeting their practical needs with clothing, food and hygiene kits as well as being a source of encouragement and hope for their emotional and spiritual needs.”

Practical, indeed–with underwear, socks, soap and shampoo. Spiritual as well–praying with and for them. We can help, practically and spiritually. We can share our money, our time, our prayers.

Lord, give us eyes to see the need, hearts eager to help and prayers rising to you for the homeless and for those who serve them. Be their hope, strength and shelter. Amen.

 

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War and Peace

Posted on December 21, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

“What! At peace with the Father,
and at war with His children?
It cannot be.” 
A Puritan Golden Treasury
compiled by I.D.E. Thomas

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The Christmas Spirit

Posted on December 20, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

Be like Christ for Christmas:

 

1 Corinthians 10:24 (NLT)
Don’t be concerned for your own good
but for the good of others.

 

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Perfect Harmony

Posted on December 19, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Acts 4:32 (NASB)
And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul.

 

“Of one heart and soul.” Beautiful music to God’s ears!

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God’s Good Harmony

Posted on December 18, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Paul added this note towards the end of his letter:

 

 

Philippians 4:2 (NASB)
I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord.

I wonder about the relationship between Euodia and Syntyche? Were they friends on a tangent together? Did they constantly pick at each other? Did they giggle and pass notes during worship? Or invoke the silent treatment and stare? 

Paul didn’t tell them to get along with each other. He told them to live God’s way. Nuff said.

 

 

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The Sweet Sound of Harmony

Posted on December 17, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

Christmas music—what do you like most?

  • Words of joy, peace and love
  • Familiar melodies
  • Angelic harmony

We are called to live in harmony.

 

1 Peter 3:8 (NET)
Finally, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, affectionate, compassionate, and humble.

 

In harmony, not in unison. Our differences should blend together like fine music.

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A Safe Christmas for Afghan Christians

Posted on December 16, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

“The government’s position (as well as that of the average Afghan) is that Afghans cannot be Christian.”

 

According to Open Doors, Afghanistan is #2 on the World Watch list for religious persecution (North Korea is #1). Anyone converting from Islam to Christianity is considered insane and can be committed to a psychiatric facility. Loss of property and livelihood is common, as are beatings and even death. There are no public Christian churches in Afghanistan.

Lord, shelter those secluded believers with your presence. May they sense our prayers on their behalf this Advent season and know they are part of a larger family of God.

 

 

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Loyal Brothers and Sisters

Posted on December 14, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Joshua 22:3 (CEV)
And you have done everything I’ve told you to do. It’s taken a long time, but you have stayed and helped your relatives.

 

Don’t give up on your spiritual brothers and sisters. Keep the faith!

 

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A Good Citizen

Posted on December 13, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Ephesians 2:19 (CEV)
You are citizens with everyone else
who belongs to the family of God.

 

Lord God, I want to be a good citizen, for your sake.

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What God Doesn’t Want

Posted on December 12, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

Proverbs 6:16-19 (TLB)
For there are six things the Lord hates—no, seven: haughtiness, lying, murdering, plotting evil, eagerness to do wrong, a false witness, sowing discord among brothers.

“Sowing discord.” If God hates it, shouldn’t I?

 

 

 

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