Shirlee Abbott

Shelter with Room to Grow

Posted on April 28, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

The 2004 tsunami killed 35,000 people in the island nation of Sri Lanka. A 26-year civil war killed twice that and displaced almost 300,000 people. Habitat for Humanity has helped over 23,000 low-income families build safe shelters.

A typical Habitat Sri Lanka home is 350 square feet, with a larger foundation. When they can afford it, the homeowners expand their space.

Built with room to grow–what a great idea, Lord. We thank you for the present safe shelter for these Sri Lankan families, and for hope built into the bigger foundation. And, Lord God, help us all to grow into the foundations you’ve prepared for us.

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Wholly Healthy

Posted on April 27, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

“It is not the soul alone that should be healthy; if the mind is healthy in a healthy body, all will be healthy and much better prepared to give God greater service.”
Saint Ignatius, 1491-1556

Posted in other | Tagged Saint Ignatius | 5 Comments

Sick of My [Spiritual] Self

Posted on April 26, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

Romans 7:15 (NIV)
For what I want to do I do not do,
but what I hate I do.

Count me in with Paul, Lord. I’m auto-immune–that is, my soul works against itself. I want to be all-in for you, God. Really. Show me how.

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Simply Do It

Posted on April 24, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

Get some spiritual exercise. read your Bible and pray. Then you too can say

2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)
I have fought the good fight,
I have finished the race,
I have kept the faith.

Posted in other | Tagged 2 Timothy 4:7, Bible study, K.I.S.S., Keep it short and simple, prayer | Comments Off

Don’t Be a [Spiritual] Couch Potato

Posted on April 24, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

Psalm 1:1 (NASB)
How blessed is the man who does not
walk in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the path of sinners,
Nor sit in the seat of scoffers.

Are you a spiritual couch potato, cozy with the complainers, slouching with the sarcastic, mingling with the mean?

Here’s the antidote:

Psalm 1:2
But his delight is in the law of the Lord.

Get off the couch, get some exercise. Open that Bible!

Posted in other | Tagged Bible study, Psalm 1:1-2 | 2 Comments

Short of [Spiritual] Breath

Posted on April 23, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

Have you been running short?

Short-tempered
Too many short cuts
Short attention to the hard jobs
Short on patience

Maybe you’re short on Bible study and prayer, short on inspiration and communication with the All-Powerful. Skip the quick fix. Take a long deep breath.

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Shelter for the Lord’s Church

Posted on April 22, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

Hurricane Maria was hard on Puerto Rico, damaging and destroying homes, businesses and churches. Over 3000 church buildings were harmed in the storm. Those congregations need help. American Baptist Home Missions Societies responded with money and volunteers.

“The Puerto Rican people—the ay bendito—known for their compassion and warmth, will rise from this adversity and welcome the world to their shore again . . . Puerto Rico, you will not be forgotten! Thanks to each of you for helping us address the needs. Please continue to give; our work has just begun.”
Dr. Eddie Cruz, ABHMS Mission Advancement and Passionary Movement

Let’s not forget to pray for our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico.

Lord, we know that the people are your Church, not the buildings. We pray that our sister churches in Puerto Rico will worship and minister in the safe shelter of sturdy buildings. Bless their worship, bless their work. Restore and renew your Church, in Jesus’ name.

Posted in other | Tagged American Baptist Home Mission Societyi, Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico | Comments Off

The Real Thing.

Posted on April 20, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

I spend more time reading about the Bible than I do reading the Bible. How silly.

Lord, teach me to appreciate the real thing.

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Just Breathe

Posted on April 18, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

Posted in other | Tagged Bible study, Oswald Chambers, prayer | Comments Off

God’s Breath