Christmas at Its Best

Posted on December 5, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Psalm 133:1 (NIV)
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!

 

Make this the best Christmas ever.

 

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All in One

Posted on December 4, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Galatians 3:26-28 (NIRV)
So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God by believing in Christ…You have put him on as if he were your clothes…That’s because you are all one in Christ Jesus.

The arms in your shirtsleeves are from the same body. We are one body clothed in Christ.

 

 

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What Jesus Wants for Christmas

Posted on December 3, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

What do you want for Christmas?

  • Money
  • Clothes
  • Toys
  • World peace

Have you ever wondered what Jesus wants for Christmas? The Bible tells us; it’s right there in Christ’s prayer the night before his crucifixion:

John 17:21 (TLB)
I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one–as you are in me, Father, and I am in you.

 

Jesus wants unity in his followers. So give up your grudge, let go of your gossip, reach out in love to your brothers and sisters in Christ—in your own congregation, in your community and in the Church world wide.

This year, give Jesus what his heart desires.

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Safe Shelter in Alaska

Posted on December 2, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

 

Part of Alaska was rocked by a recent earthquake. It’s hard to feel safe when the ground is shaking.

 

Lord, we thank for the safe shelter of buildings which shook but did not fall. We are grateful that the earthquake wasn’t deadly. But we know how people’s nerves are on edge—be their secure Rock, their safe Shelter, even when the ground shakes and their hearts tremble. Amen.

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Excuse: “I’m Not Sure”

Posted on November 30, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Not sure what God’s saying?
Check in with other Christians.

 

 

Proverbs 12:15
The wise listen to advice.

 

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Excuse: “Not Now”

Posted on November 29, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

“How soon ‘not now’ becomes ‘never.'”
Martin Luther (1483-1546)

 

 

Let God be the one to say, “Not now.”

 

 

 

 

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Excuse: “We’ve Always Done It This Way!”

Posted on November 28, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

 

Remember Peter’s vision of the sheet filled with unclean animals and God’s command, “Kill and eat.”

 

Acts 10:14 (NLT)
“No, Lord,” Peter declared. “I have never eaten anything that our Jewish laws have declared impure and unclean.”

Find yourself saying”No, Lord” often? It’s time to rethink what the word “Lord” means.

 

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Excuse: “Not Me!”

Posted on November 27, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

The Spirit nudges you, and you think you’re not up to the job.

You’re in good company. Remember Moses:

 

Exodus 4:13 (NIV)
But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.”

 

 

God did send “someone else.” Aaron went with Moses–not instead of him. God’s got a plan. Go with it.

 

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Excuses, Excuses

Posted on November 26, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

The Spirit nudges you to take action. What do you say?

 

 

• It’s too hard
• I’m not good enough
• Not that job!
• I don’t want to

Excuses! Truth be told, sometimes I think a job is above me, and sometimes I think it is beneath me. And sometimes I don’t want to get up off the couch.

Who is the better judge of what’s good for me—me, or God?

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Sacred Safe Spaces

Posted on November 25, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

If there’s one place people should feel safe, it’s church. American Baptist Churches of New Jersey are encouraged to be sacred safe spaces –that is, to

 

“create compassionate healing communities that provide a safe place for the restoration of those who have experienced violence … encourage intentional practice of healthy relationships which include mutual respect, justice, love and peace for all persons.”

Open our eyes, Lord, to see the need, and open our hearts to those who hurt. Amen.

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