Simply Read (with Help)

Posted on April 17, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

You never read the Bible alone.

The Holy Spirit is your helper and teacher.

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The Bible Tells Me So

Posted on April 16, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

“Because the Bible tells me so.” Many of us sang these words, way back before we learned to read. But now? How often do you read the Bible?

 

  • Every day
  • Now and then
  • Hardly ever

God’s Word is at your fingertips . . . on your phone, on the internet, yes, even that book on your coffee table.

You read texts, posts, magazines, newspapers, how-to guides, novels. And there’s nothing wrong with them. But the Bible should be your go-to source for praise, wisdom, guidance and answers.

The Bible won’t “tell you so” if you don’t read it.

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Safe Shelter in Uganda

Posted on April 15, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

 

Two-thirds of Ugandans live in sub-standard housing. This family used to be among them:

 

“Sambula Grace is 42 years old and has 13 children under her care; 10 are her biological children and 3 are her brother´s who died in the 2010 landslide in Bududa . . . Grace and her family lived in a mud and wattle house that had a tarpaulin roof and was in a poor state. It had collapsed on one side and was too small to accommodate all her children.” 

Habitat for Humanity Uganda built a new house for Grace–complete with a rainwater collection system and a shower. 

We thank you, Lord, for Grace’s new home. We pray that Habitat and other organizations will step in to provide safe shelter for more people like Grace. They need good housing and more, dear God. Meet that need, in Jesus’ name. 

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Grace and Mercy, a Two-for-One Deal

Posted on April 13, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Grace and mercy . . . you can’t have one without the other.

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So Long, Shame

Posted on April 12, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

If anyone deserved to drag a suitcase of shame through life’s journey, it was the Apostle Paul. He was on a mission to kill off Christianity when he met Jesus up close and personal.

1 Timothy 1:15-16 (CEV)
I was the worst sinner of all!  But since I was worse than anyone else, God had mercy on me and let me be an example of the endless patience of Christ Jesus. He did this so that others would put their faith in Christ and have eternal life.

 

Paul–proof positive that God’s mercy kicks shame out of the picture.

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Making Short Work of Shame

Posted on April 11, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)
He endured the cross,
scorning its shame.

 

Jesus let go of his shame. Let go of yours.

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Guilt and Shame, Redeemed

Posted on April 10, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Philip P. Bliss understood shame and guilt . . . and redemption (“Man of Sorrows,” 1875).

 

 

“Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
  in my place condemned he stood,
  sealed my pardon with his blood:
  Hallelujah, what a Savior!

  Guilty, helpless, lost were we;
  blameless Lamb of God was he,
  sacrificed to set us free:
  Hallelujah, what a Savior!”

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Guilty!

Posted on April 9, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Under our legal system, the words “not guilty” are often used to describe folks who are very guilty. What are your thoughts on guilt?

 

  • It’s either guilty or innocent
  • Guilt depends on circumstances
  • We’re all guilty

Think about these two words: guilt and shame:

Guilt – I have done something bad
Shame – I am a bad person

Think two more words:

Mercy – I’m not given the punishment I deserve
Grace – I’m given blessings I don’t deserve

Yes, I am guilty. I’m a work in progress, a soul under construction. By mercy, I’m forgiven. By grace, I have the hope of heaven.

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Spring Break Shelter

Posted on April 7, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

College students and spring break. Sunshine and beaches, right?

Not for almost 400 young adults from a dozen colleges.

These students sacrificed their vacations to rebuild hurricane-damaged homes in southeast Texas, volunteering with Samaritan’s Purse.

“And helping other people is just part of who I am . . . It’s what I’m good at, and I feel it’s what God has called me to do.”
Mark Persinger from Virginia Military Institute

Samaritan’s Purse is rebuilding 500 homes damaged by Hurricane Harvey.

Dear Lord, these kids focused on giving instead of getting. Give to them as they have given to others. Bless them as they blessed these home-owners. Teach us to give as they have given.

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Let It Shine!

Posted on April 6, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

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