Author Archives: Shirlee Abbott

Zeal for God’s House

  Psalm 69:9 (NIV) Zeal for your house consumes me.   We associate this Old Testament verse with the New Testament story of Jesus clearing the profiteers out of the Temple courts (John 2:14-17). Jesus also demonstrated his zeal for … Continue reading

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Zeal for the Work

  The third chapter of Nehemiah lists who did what and where to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. One verse includes a unique descriptor.   Nehemiah 3:20 (NIV) Next to him, Baruch son of Zabbai zealously repaired another section, from … Continue reading

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Morning Prayer: Discipline

Good morning, Lord. Your discipline is a sign of Your love. Forgive me for trying to sneak past discipline, like teenagers trying to slip a misdeed past their parents. Teach me to respect Your Word and its wisdom. Teach me … Continue reading

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Zeal for Discipline

  In John’s vision, God had strong words for the church of Laodicea:   Revelation 3:15, 19 (NASB) I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! … Those … Continue reading

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Morning Prayer: Zeal for the Lord

Good morning, Lord. Why is it that I’m more zealous about my to-do list than I am for You? My priorities are out of order, I know. Tune my ears to hear Your Word, tune my heart to sense Your … Continue reading

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Zeal for the Lord

The zeal of the Lord has accomplished much for me. What has my zeal accomplished for Him? Romans 12:11 (NIV) Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Lacking in zeal, me? You bet. I’m … Continue reading

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Morning Prayer: Zeal of the Lord

Good morning, Lord. Here I am, with bleary eyes and bedhead hair, dreading the start of the workweek. Here You are, eternal and powerful, zealous with love for Your children. Forgive my reluctance to get out of bed and get … Continue reading

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The Zeal of the Lord

Isaiah’s prophecy tells how God will establish His kingdom. The section we often hear during Advent ends with these words: Isaiah 11:7 (NIV) The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. Zeal, qinah in Hebrew, means ardor or jealousy. Our God’s “divine … Continue reading

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Morning Prayer: Christmas Plans

Good morning, Lord. You know my Christmas to-do list: presents to buy, cookies to bake, a tree in need of decorating, celebrations to plan. Deliver me from the temptation to give any of these a higher priority than time with … Continue reading

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A Flood of Justice and Righteousness

  God had harsh words for some Old Testament celebrations.   Amos 5:21, 23-24 (NIV) “I hate, I despise your religious festivals; your assemblies are a stench to me … Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen … Continue reading

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