Sacrifice of Prayer

Posted on March 13, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

 

It’s Lent. 

 

Lots of people give up something for Lent. Some people do something extra during these days leading to Easter. 

This year, let your stealth prayers (your random acts of prayer) be your Lenten sacrifice.

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Random Acts of Prayer

Posted on March 12, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

 

Who do you pray for?

 

  • Myself
  • Family and friends
  • Anyone who asks 

I ran across a name for something I’ve been doing for years: stealth prayer, praying for people who don’t know you’re praying for them.

You’ve heard of random acts of kindness, these are random acts of prayer:

— The frustrated mom with the whining toddler
— The student stomping his way to the school bus
— The impatient driver riding your bumper
— The guy with the small shovel and big snowbank

Speak God’s blessing into their lives: patience, joy, gratitude, love, salvation.

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Christ-Centered Shelter

Posted on March 11, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

America has an opioid crisis. People around us are dying of overdoses.

“God is calling the Church to minister to those souls who are caught in the grip of this deadly disease.”

A Christ-centered culture of recovery makes a difference:

From The Christian Citizen, Volume 1, 2018, “Creating a Christ-Centered Culture of Recovery” by Rev. Dr. Morris Stimage, executive officer of New Life Center for Recovery in Indian Orchard, MA:

“Grace is fundamental . . . we sinners are saved and set free from drug abuse by God’s grace . . .

Hope creates a sense of optimism . . . God can and will deliver people from the ills of addition.

Prayer is essential . . . Without prayer, the ministry cannot guide people along the pathway of sobriety and freedom in Jesus Christ . . .

Christ-centered love is a powerful antidote . . .

Healing happens because God is able to heal.”

 Yes, Lord! Grace, hope, love and healing—in Jesus name, we pray.

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God’s Comfort Zone

Posted on March 9, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

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Simply Uncomfortable

Posted on March 8, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Don’t like to read? Uncomfortable studying the Bible?

Step out of your comfort zone.

 

Joshua 1:8 (CEV)
Never stop reading The Book of the Law.

God will help you.

 

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Comforting Words

Posted on March 7, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

I used to be uncomfortable speaking in public. So was Moses. God offered him these comforting words:

Exodus 4:12 (ESV)
Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth
and teach you what you shall speak.

 

Lord God, teach me what to speak, what to write, what to post, what to text. You don’t make me figure it all out for myself, and that’s comforting.

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Risky Comfort

Posted on March 6, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

The Bible warns us of the danger of getting too comfortable:

 

 

Deuteronomy 8:12-14 (MSG)
Make sure that when you eat and are satisfied, build pleasant houses and settle in, see your herds and flocks flourish and more and more money come in, watch your standard of living going up and up—make sure you don’t become so full of yourself and your things that you forget God, your God.

Don’t forget. Don’t make him make you uncomfortable.

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Lead Us Out of Our Comfort Zone

Posted on March 5, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

 

What’s outside your comfort zone?

 

  • Public speaking terrifies me
  • I cling to the comfort of my steady paycheck
  • I’m uncomfortable in a new place away from people I know

God doesn’t call us to be comfortable. 

Is God calling you to step into an uncomfortable place? To tell others what Jesus has done for you, to let go of your lifestyle, to go somewhere new? To step out in faith?

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Prayer School – Next Lesson

Posted on March 4, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Just up:

Lesson 8 – Prayer Cues

 

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Shelter from Witchcraft

Posted on March 3, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Here in America, we tend to take witchcraft lightly, as in TV sitcoms and fun fiction. Not so everywhere–Liberia, for example:

 

“‘Witchcraft can mix plant leaves and dust from the earth to destroy life,’ said James Cuffee, director of the Liberia-based Christ Evangelical Fellowship Ministries . . . Worshiping mountains, rocks, rivers and forests, witches sacrifice animals and take food to the evil spirits and gods and their corresponding idols, he said.”

Half the people in Liberia live below the poverty level. They feel powerless, and witchcraft offers a sense of control. CEFM brings the light of Christ into witchcraft-controlled darkness. Their missionaries hold evangelistic events, plant churches, feed the poor, provide medical assistance and care for orphans.

Almighty God, provide the resources CEFM needs to do good and battle witchcraft in the Liberian countryside. We know that you are more powerful than the strongest witchcraft. May the Liberians see that with their own eyes. Amen.

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