Shirlee Abbott

Vacation Prayer School

Posted on August 4, 2015 by Shirlee Abbott

Our Vacation Bible School starts next week. I’m the director, and there’s still much to do.

Six weeks ago, I was absolutely clueless. No curriculum seemed right.

Dear God, are we just supposed to skip VBS this year?

I was in the car when the words “Teach us to pray,” bubbled up in my brain.

A rough outline came together over the next 15 miles. I found good on-line resources. The concept was well-received by others at church. Prayerful research brought the lessons together.

God answered my prayer with bigger and better prayer. This is the year we have Vacation Prayer School. Join us!

Posted in other | Tagged Teach us to pray, Vacation Bible School, Vacation Prayer School | 2 Comments

Not Praying? Why Not?

Posted on August 3, 2015 by Shirlee Abbott

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV)
Pray continually.

The Bible says do it. You’re not. Why not?

I’m not on speaking terms with God just now
I prayed once, didn’t work. Haven’t prayed since
Too busy!
Don’t know how

Sin and disbelief get in the way of praying, for sure. Upside down priorities can interfere, temporarily or permanently.

Almost all Christians could use some prayer training. It’s like physical exercise–the more you do, the better you do. A personal trainer helps. And you have access to the best.

Luke 11:1 (NIV)
One of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray.”

Just ask.

Posted in other | Tagged 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Luke 11:1, prayer, Teach us to pray | 6 Comments

Judging Stones

Posted on July 31, 2015 by Shirlee Abbott

Stones in the wall.

We are impressed by the biggest and prettiest stones.

That small smooth stone over there? It doesn’t look like much. But it’s the stone that brought down Goliath.

Posted in other | Tagged David and Goliath, five smooth stones, living stones | Comments Off

Living Stones, Living Souls

Posted on July 30, 2015 by Shirlee Abbott

If you follow this blog, you know how much I like Spurgeon.

“Was ever a thought so massive as this—a building built of souls—a structure made of hearts? There is no house like a heart for one to repose in. There a man may find peace in his fellow-man; but here is the house where God delighteth to dwell—built of living hearts, all beating with holy love—built of redeemed souls, chosen of the Father, bought with the blood of Christ.“
From Tabernacle of the Most High, preached Aug 14, 1859
Read the whole message here.

Posted in other | Tagged 1 Peter 2:4-5, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, living stones | 1 Comment

As the Stubborn Stone Rolls

Posted on July 29, 2015 by Shirlee Abbott

Per Monday’s post, we are God’s building stones:

1 Peter 2:5 (MSG)
Present yourselves as building stones for
the construction of a sanctuary vibrant with life.

I confess that I don’t always present myself to God as a willing stone. Sometimes I whine,

Can I be in a different wall? Please? Not next to her!

I complain.

I don’t like this spot. The sun is too bright, the rain is too wet and the wind blows too much.

And sometimes I stubbornly jump out of the wall, roll down the hill and pout in a dark corner.

Thankfully, our Builder is patient.

Posted in other | Tagged 1 Peter 2:5, living stones, willing | 2 Comments

God’s House on the Rock

Posted on July 28, 2015 by Shirlee Abbott

1 Peter 2:4-5 (TLB)
Come to Christ, who is the living Foundation of Rock upon which God builds . . . And now you have become living building-stones for God’s use in building his house.

Wisconsin gal that I am, I once visited the House on the Rock in Spring Green, WI. It is built high atop Deer Shelter Rock, with views down to the forest below. It reminds me of this Bible passage. Stonework on a mighty stone foundation.

Alex Jordan built a house that is impressive but impractical. It’s a tourist attraction, not an eternal dwelling. Jordan’s house is a poor imitation of the real thing.

Let’s be living stones in God’s House on the Rock. The view will be glorious.

Posted in other | Tagged 1 Peter 2:4-5, House on the Rock, living stones | Comments Off

God’s Rocks

Posted on July 26, 2015 by Shirlee Abbott

You’re a rock.

What kind?

I crumble under pressure
I’m a smooth stone, my rough edges worn off by years of troubled waters
For decorative use only
May not look special, but I’m solid

Matthew 16:18 (NIV)
. . . on this rock I will build my church,
and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

Jesus spoke these words to Peter. Peter passed the message of the rock on to future generations.

1 Peter 2:5
You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

We are God’s rocks.

Posted in other | Tagged 1 Peter 2:5, living stones, Matthew 16:18, rock | Comments Off

I’ll Be Back!

Posted on July 20, 2015 by Shirlee Abbott

I’m taking a break to restore my own soul.

Thank you for stopping by. Check back on the 27th

Posted in other | Comments Off

Closeted Treasures

Posted on July 17, 2015 by Shirlee Abbott

Line the walls of your prayer closet with shelves where you keep your answers to prayer.

From time to time, pick up these treasures and remember the circumstances. Remember how God answered your prayer at just the right moment. Remember how he surprised you with an unexpected answer. Remember when he gave you more than you could ask or think. Remember when he didn’t give you what you asked for, because he had something much better.

Psalm 77:11 (ESV)
I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
yes, I will remember your wonders of old.

Posted in other | Tagged answered prayer, gratitude, prayer closet, Psalm 77:11 | 1 Comment

Got Prayer in Your Closet?

Posted on July 16, 2015 by Shirlee Abbott

Matthew 6:6 (NASB)
But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

Those of us who grew up on the King James Version called this “inner room” our “prayer closet.” There should be room in you closet for you and God. If there isn’t, you need to get rid of some worldly possessions. Make room for prayer.

Posted in other | Tagged closet, Matthew 6:6, prayer closet | 2 Comments