Peace that Passes Understanding

Posted on October 17, 2024 by Shirlee Abbott


Philippians 4:7 (ESV)
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 

God’s peace isn’t logical. It is beyond anything we can conjure up in our own minds. We don’t have to understand it. We simply embrace it.

 

Good morning, Lord. Thank You for Your peace — without it, I would be overwhelmed by worries. I didn’t earn this peace, I don’t deserve it, and I don’t understand it. Nevertheless, I sense it, I hold on to it, I trust that it won’t disappear like a breath of wind. Faith is the assurance of things we cannot see (Hebrews 11:1), and peace is one of the things we cannot see. Again, thank You.

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War and Peace

Posted on October 16, 2024 by Shirlee Abbott


“What! At peace with the Father,
and at war with His Children?
It cannot be.”
John Flavel (1627–1691)

 

 

Good morning, Lord. I say I want to live at peace with You and those around me. But then, I make snap judgments, speak rudely, plot to get my own way. Forgive me. Your way, not mine, is the path to peace. Be the light to my feet, the wisdom in my ears, the compassion in my eyes and the kindness behind my words.  

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No Peace

Posted on October 15, 2024 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Jeremiah 6:14 (NIRV)
They bandage the wounds of my people as if they were not very deep. ‘Peace, peace,’ they say. But there isn’t any peace.

 

The world’s version of peace is like a band aid on a broken bone. It’s only skin deep. Make-believe. Unreal.

 

Good morning, Lord. The world offers fake peace. You offer true peace, the kind that settles into my soul and sustains me through troubled times. Grant me wisdom to know the difference. Don’t let me waste energy chasing after pretend peace. I want to pursue real peace — peace with You, which grows into peace with myself and others.

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Know Peace

Posted on October 14, 2024 by Shirlee Abbott

 

2 Thessalonians 3:16 (MEV)
Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.


Know God, know peace. No God, no peace.
‘Nuff said.

 

Good morning, Lord. The news is often unsettling, sometimes downright scary. If I didn’t know You and carry the hope of heaven in my heart, I would be terrified. I know the future rests in Your hands. I can step out into my day knowing You are watching over me. Instead of inner fear, I have inner peace. Thank You.

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Joyless

Posted on October 11, 2024 by Shirlee Abbott

 

“Holy joy will be oil to the wheels of our obedience.”
Matthew Henry (1662-1714)

 


Squeaky wheels may get things done, but without joy.

 

Good morning, Lord. I’ve learned that Your way is the best way, and yet I want things my way. I sometimes move according to Your plan with a bad attitude — complaining as I go and dragging my feet. I’m like a child headed for a delightful vacation destination, whining because the scenery is boring. Joyless.

Forgive my grudging obedience. Keep my eyes on the final destination, focus my mind on Your Word, fill my heart with holy joy.

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Joy Restored

Posted on October 10, 2024 by Shirlee Abbott

The psalmist praises God:

Psalm 30:11 (TLB)
Then he turned my sorrow into joy!
He took away my clothes of mourning
and clothed me with joy.

God restores joy that’s gone missing. Wait for it!

 

 

Good morning, Lord. Today, when I see the destruction in Florida and the uncertainties of world events, my joy falls away. I feel the dark closing in.  It’s all so overwhelming.


I look to Your Word, and it restores my soul. You have not abandoned us. You walk beside me through the darkness, lighting the path ahead. Things will be good again — if not here on earth, then absolutely in heaven. The joy of Your presence wraps around me like a blanket. I am safe. Thank You!

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Joy Lost

Posted on October 9, 2024 by Shirlee Abbott

 

“If you have no joy, there’s a leak in your Christianity somewhere.”
Billy Sunday (1862-1935)

 

I plug one leak, and the enemy drills another. I have to be vigilant.

 

Good morning, Lord. Some days I feel joyless. I feel all alone. I feel the troubles of the world closing in. My hope and trust seem to have drained away. In those moments, dear God, remind me to trust Your Word and not my feelings. Set my feet on the path of righteousness. Refill my heart with the joy of Your presence. Restore my soul.

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Joy Full

Posted on October 8, 2024 by Shirlee Abbott

John 15:10-11 (ESV)
If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

Imagine a fuel gauge for your joy — E on one side, F on the other. Does the needle point to F? 

If my joy isn’t full, I need to fill my tank with love and obedience.

 

Good morning, Lord. All too often, I look for joy in the wrong places: in possessions, job or popularity. Forgive me. I know my joy comes from You, from Your Word, from my hope of heaven. Align my desires with Your plan. Teach me to love and obey. Lead me in paths of righteousness. Fill my heart with the joy of Your eternal presence.

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Persevering Joy

Posted on October 7, 2024 by Shirlee Abbott


James 1:2-3 (NIV)
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

As I watch the news, I see folks facing the trials of hurricane destruction. I doubt they count it joy. But I don’t doubt that current events will produce perseverance.

God takes bad and turns it good.

 

Good morning, Lord. I look at the good things around me — vibrant colors on the trees, the solid structure of my home, the well-marked roads, stores packed with products — and I am grateful. I look at the images of hurricane damage, and my heart goes out to those who have lost everything. Comfort them!

May we who dwell in safety surround them with prayer and provisions, now and throughout the restoration. May we persevere together.

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Love as God Commands

Posted on October 4, 2024 by Shirlee Abbott

James 2:8-9 (CEV)
… It is the law that commands us to love others as much as we love ourselves. But if you treat some people better than others, you have done wrong, and the Scriptures teach that you have sinned.

God didn’t say, “Love the folks you like as much as you love yourself.” Truth is, there are people I don’t want to love. And that’s wrong.

 

Good morning, Lord. You are my example, and You forgave those who put You to death (Luke 23:34). You command me to love others like You do (John 13:34).  I have trouble loving like that! Loving my friends, those I like — this I can do. Loving people I don’t like, people who have done me wrong — this is hard.

Nudge me, Holy Spirit, when I think unloving thoughts. Stop me before I speak unloving words. Redirect me when I start to take unloving action. Change my heart, O God.

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