Shirlee Abbott

May the Transformation Begin

Posted on October 1, 2016 by Shirlee Abbott

Posted in 40 Days of Prayer for America | Tagged 40 Days of Prayer, Luke 19:8, Zacchaeus | Comments Off

Let the 40 Days of Prayer Begin

Posted on September 30, 2016 by Shirlee Abbott

Posted in 40 Days of Prayer for America | Tagged 2 Corinthians 5:17, Pray for America | 2 Comments

O, Say, Can You Pray?

Posted on September 29, 2016 by Shirlee Abbott

Whenever we hear our national anthem, we all should fall to our spiritual knees and pray!

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray . . .

Several prayer leaders have called for 40 days of prayer leading up to the presidential election. I am joining them. Starting Friday and continuing to election day, this blog will be devoted to a daily prayer for America. For my readers from other places, please pray for your own country–and certainly, we welcome your prayers for ours.

Posted in 40 Days of Prayer for America | Tagged 2 Chronicles 7:14, 40 Days of Prayer, National Anthem | Comments Off

Love the Debate

Posted on September 28, 2016 by Shirlee Abbott

The talking heads keep chattering on about Monday’s Presidential debate. I’d like to bring a bit of John Wesley’s wisdom to the discussion:

“An ounce of love is worth a pound of knowledge.”

What this campaign needs is a ton of love.

(John Wesley (1703-1791), together with his brother Charles, is credited with founding Methodism.)

Posted in other | Tagged debate, John Wesley, love | Comments Off

Loving Disagreement

Posted on September 27, 2016 by Shirlee Abbott

The Presidential debate–folks tend to get all fired up. How do you feel about the people who support the candidate you don’t?

Idiots! Can’t think for themselves
They are just misinformed
They could be right
Live and let live

Jesus said,

Matthew 5:44 (NIV)
Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

Those on the other side of your political divide are not enemies and persecutors. They are created by God and bear his image. God loves them so much that he sent his Son to die for them.

So disagree nicely. And pray.

Posted in other | Tagged debate, Matthew 5:44, politics | 2 Comments

Lookin’ for Love

Posted on September 25, 2016 by Shirlee Abbott

Posted in other | Tagged 1 Corinthians 13:1, debate, love | 2 Comments

We Grieve with God

Posted on September 23, 2016 by Shirlee Abbott

Black men shot by police officers and police officers killed by angry men. Gang hits and innocent bystanders. IEDs and drone attacks. Weapons of mass destruction and natural disasters.

Gentle believer passing into God’s arms or evil tyrant condemned to hell.

God knows, and God grieves.

Matthew 10:29 (NLT)
What is the price of two sparrows–one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it.

Posted in other | Tagged all lives matter, Matthew 10:29 | Comments Off

Vacation Confession

Posted on September 22, 2016 by Shirlee Abbott

Oh Lord, I am so slow to take the Sabbath rest you command and so quick to take vacation from ministry you call me to do. Forgive me.

Teach me to use my time wisely, obediently.

Posted in other | Tagged Sabbath, Time, vacation | Comments Off

More Light!

Posted on September 21, 2016 by Shirlee Abbott

Summer’s over.

I’m already missing its light.

Did you take the summer off from worship and ministry? Church is a darker place without your light.

Matthew 5:15-16 (TLB)
Don’t hide your light! Let it shine for all; let your good deeds glow for all to see, so that they will praise your heavenly Father.

Posted in other | Tagged church, light, Matthew 5:15-16, summer | 2 Comments

God Can Use Your Help

Posted on September 20, 2016 by Shirlee Abbott

God uses us to build his Church.

Too often, I hear someone say, “What can I possibly do to help? I don’t have anything to offer.”

1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 (MSG)
Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful that when you get on each other’s nerves you don’t snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out.

I’m betting that there’s something on that list you can do.

Posted in other | Tagged 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15, church | Comments Off