Fit for Now

Posted on January 9, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Proverbs 6:4 (NLT)
Don’t put it off; do it now!

 

 

Simple to say. Harder to do.

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My Best Time

Posted on January 8, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Ephesians 5:15-16 (ESV)
Look carefully then how you walk,
not as unwise but as wise,
making the best use of the time.

 

Most of the time, procrastination isn’t my “best use of the time.” 

It’s time for a change!

 

 

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Starting Fit

Posted on January 7, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

 

 

Got a 2019 resolution? How goes it?

 

• Already broken!
• I’m still thinking about it
• Time will tell

Last week I shared my “one word” resolution, fit, taken from “fit for service in the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:63 NIV).

It’s my nature to delay, put it off, think it through. I decided to start by studying other translations. Look what I found:

Luke 9:63 (MSG)
Jesus said, “No procrastination. No backward looks. You can’t put God’s kingdom off till tomorrow. Seize the day.”

Methinks I should get started. Now.

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10 Million Sheltered Nights

Posted on January 5, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

“At The Salvation Army, our doors are open every day – and night – of the year. Through our emergency housing facilities, homeless shelters, transitional living centers, group homes, and family shelters, we provide over 10 million nights of lodging annually.” 

The Salvation Army goes beyond a safe bed for a night. They provide physical, emotional and spiritual support to homeless adults and children with the goal of a stable home on earth (and an eternal home in heaven).

Lord, give us eyes to see and hearts to love the homeless. And give us the wisdom to provide more than a roof and bed. Grant those who are homeless eyes to see the way out–in your name.

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A Fit Prayer

Posted on January 4, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

Lord, I’m like the athlete who loves victory but hates practice. You know when I fail to eat healthy and exercise, the days I skip worship and Bible study, the times I look for the easy way out. Give me the wisdom to know what I should do and the will to do it. Make me fit for your service.

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Simply Fit

Posted on January 3, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Fit.

My shortest New Year’s one-word ever.

 

Proof that little words can hold big thoughts.

 

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Fit for Service

Posted on January 2, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

 

What does it take to be physically fit?

Perseverance and discipline.

 

What does it take to be spiritually fit?

Perseverance and discipline.

 

 

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Fit for a New Year

Posted on January 1, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

 

 

My “one-word” for 2019:

–fit–

Luke 9:62 (NIV)
Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”

Fit for service–body, soul and spirit. Happy New Year to all!

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Resolution Accomplished

Posted on December 31, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

 

How did your 2018 New Year’s resolutions work out?

 

  • What resolutions?
  • Recycling them for 2019
  • I made some headway
  • Mission accomplished

Isaiah 26:12 (NIV)
All that we have accomplished you have done for us.

My “one word” resolution for 2018 was accomplish, tied to this verse from Isaiah. Indeed, God accomplished more than I expected: he closed one door and opened others. He refined some projects and introduced new ideas (some to be further refined in 2019). He proved once again that I am a work in progress.

What did God accomplish in and through you in 2018?

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Sheltering Faith

Posted on December 29, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

China continues its crackdown on Christians. In December, more than 160 members of the Early Rain Covenant church were arrested, along with their pastor, Wang Yi. Pastor Wang anticipated this and had prepared a statement to be released should he be imprisoned for more than 48 hours (as posted by China Aid):

“The calling that I have received requires me to use non-violent methods to disobey those human laws that disobey the Bible and God. My Savior Christ also requires me to joyfully bear all costs for disobeying wicked laws … The goal of disobedience is not to change the world but to testify about another world … If God decides to use the persecution of this Communist regime against the church to help more Chinese people to despair of their futures, to lead them through a wilderness of spiritual disillusionment and through this to make them know Jesus, if through this he continues disciplining and building up his church, then I am joyfully willing to submit to God’s plans, for his plans are always benevolent and good.”

Honor Pastor Wang’s faith, Lord. Shelter and strengthen him and others who are persecuted for your sake. Build that dedication into our souls. Teach us to be obedient to your call.

 

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