Shirlee Abbott

Imprisoned Bodies, Sheltered Souls

Posted on March 31, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

“But, because Jesus has been raised from the dead,
there is hope—even for the most hopeless prisoner.”
(from Ocean’s Story, Prison Fellowship)

That’s the reason for prison ministry–whether it’s ordinary folks heading into their local jail, or national organizations like Prison Fellowship. It all started with Christ’s own words:

Luke 4:18 (NIV)
“The Spirit of the Lord . . . sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners.”

Bodies may be locked in the darkest of prisons, but souls can safely rest in the shelter of God’s love.

Dear God, set the prisoners free! Open their hearts to the Easter message of salvation. Shelter them with your mercy and grace. Be with those who share your story behind bars, Lord Jesus, and raise up even more willing workers.

Posted in other | Tagged Easter, Luke 4:18, Prison Fellowship, prison ministry, Safe Shelter | Comments Off

Done!

Posted on March 30, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

Philippians 2:8 (ERV)
He humbled himself
by being fully obedient to God,
even when that caused his death—
death on a cross.

Posted in other | Tagged Christ, cross, Philippians 2:8 | Comments Off

Do It God’s Way

Posted on March 29, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

Posted in other | Tagged Luke 22:42, Your will be done | Comments Off

Simply Do It

Posted on March 28, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

“What He says we will do,
Where He sends we will go.
Never fear, only trust and obey.”
Trust and Obey, 1887
John H. Sammis

Posted in other | Tagged John H. Sammis, K.I.S.S., Keep it short and simple, Trust and Obey | Comments Off

Do You Mean What You Pray?

Posted on March 27, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

Jesus told this story:

Matthew 21:28-32 (NIV)
“There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’

“‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.

“Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go.

“Which of the two did what his father wanted?”

Your will be done. Do you mean what you pray?

Posted in other | Tagged Matthew 21:28-32, Parable of the two sons, Your will be done | 2 Comments

Do I Have To?

Posted on March 26, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

You want something. You want it a lot, and God seems to be leading in a different direction. What do you do?

I beg God
Reluctantly, I do it his way
I trust he knows what he’s doing

Jesus dreaded the cross in his future. We see his human side, the child asking his Father, “Do I have to?” There’s no sin in an honest, “I don’t want to.”

The sin isn’t in the question. The sin is in knowing the answer and ignoring it. Jesus showed his true self, not in the doubt, but in his whole-hearted, all-in obedience.

Posted in Lent | Tagged Thy will be done | 3 Comments

Sheltered at Easter

Posted on March 24, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

This year, as in years past, many Christians will remember Christ’s sacrifice and victory in silence. Some are on the run, hiding by day and traveling by night. Some are in crowded refugee camps. Some are in dreary, dirty prisons. And some are in their own homes, in places where owning a Bible can bring disaster on your household.

While we comfortably celebrate Easter with spring flowers, pastel eggs and chocolate, let’s remember our brothers and sisters who risk their lives to celebrate Christ’s death and resurrection.

May your angels encamp round about our fellow believers, Lord, protecting and encouraging them. Meet their need for food and shelter. My the hope of eternal life overshadow the threat of disaster. May the joy of their salvation override their fear. Grant them peace.