Author Archives: Shirlee Abbott

Shaky Ground and Darkness

“On shaky ground” means I’m in an uncomfortable position. “In the dark” means I don’t know what’s going on. Johnson Oatman, Jr. (1856-1922) knew the feeling and wrote these words:   My heart has no desire to stay Where doubts … Continue reading

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Earthquake, Eclipse and Easter

  Friday, I felt a small earthquake. On Monday, I saw a partial eclipse. It brought to mind Scripture I read during Easter week.   Matthew 27:45, 50-51 (ESV) Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the … Continue reading

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The Unexpected and the Predictable

Friday: an unexpected earthquake Monday: a much-anticipated eclipse They bring to mind God’s conversation with Job (read the whole thing in Job, chapters 38-42).   Job 38:4, 33 (NIV) “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, … Continue reading

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Eclipsing the Glory

Psalm 19:1 (NIV) The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. The sun and the moon declare the glory of God … especially during today’s eclipse.     Good morning, Lord. Augustine said it better than … Continue reading

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With and In

“Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left.” St. Patrick (5th century) Christ in me. Christ around me. I am never alone. … Continue reading

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More or Less

  John 3:30 (NLT) He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.   Less me, more God. Less self-centered, more God-centered.   Good morning, Lord. I know the world doesn’t revolve around me, but sometimes … Continue reading

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Up and Down

Psalm 139:7-8 (NIV) Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. Up or down … God … Continue reading

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Magnify!

  Psalm 34:3 (ESV) Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!   Magnify the Lord? He’s already the greatest, kindest, strongest, holiest One in the universe. He needs no magnification. It’s us … we need to … Continue reading

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From Easter to Pentecost

  Today is the first of the 50 days between Resurrection and Pentecost Sunday.     “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love; here’s my heart, O take and seal it; seal it … Continue reading

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Holy Week: Dark and Light

Friday … the crucifixion … darkness. Luke 23:44 (AMP) It was now about the sixth hour (noon), and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour (3:00 p.m.) The sun couldn’t keep watch. But in the end, we … Continue reading

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