Author Archives: Shirlee Abbott

Morning Prayer: Choices

Good morning, Lord. Every day I have choices. I can choose to listen to the enemy’s lies and give in to temptation, or I can choose to resist evil and listen to Your Word. When I make poor choices, O … Continue reading

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Grateful for My Control

I believe in God, and I believe He has ultimate control. But this belief doesn’t turn me into some sort of puppet, someone with no control. I have free will. The Bible tells me so. Joshua 25:15 (MSG) If you … Continue reading

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Morning Prayer: What’s Right with the World

Good morning, Lord. I thank You for all that’s right with the world: the stars above and the flowers below, the happy sound of children at play, a hug from a friend and a smile from a stranger, the fragrance … Continue reading

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Grateful for a World Under Control

We say, “The world’s out of control!”  Ponder this: the sun still rises and sets, the tides rise and fall, the moon waxes and wanes, the seasons come and go. Seems to me, God still has our little planet under … Continue reading

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Victors, Not Victims

  Sometimes it feels like we’re losing the battle. We wonder if we’re victims of circumstances beyond our control.   Romans 8:37 (ESV) No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. “More than conquerors.” Victors, … Continue reading

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Morning Prayer: Watch and Pray

Good morning, Lord. When things are going well–for me!–I forget that we’re in a spiritual battle. When I forget about the enemy, I’m open to his attack. Teach me to “keep watch and pray” (Matthew 26:41), teach me to avoid … Continue reading

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Offense, Not Defense

Ephesians 6:12 (MSG) This is no weekend war that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. We’re in … Continue reading

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Morning Prayer: Blessed Are You

Good morning, Lord. The Beatitudes (the “blessed are you” part of Matthew 5) seem backwards to me. We’re blessed for being poor in spirit, meek and insulted. Our culture says, “be strong, stand up for yourself, step away from toxic … Continue reading

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Blessed, Not Cursed

  It’s easy to get upset when others insult you for your faith. Here’s what Jesus said:   Matthew 5:11-12 (NLT) “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of … Continue reading

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Morning Prayer: Fresh Air

Good morning, Lord. I will encounter some grumpy people today. Don’t let their bad attitudes influence mine–may my good attitude influence them. Fill me with joy and let it overflow to others–not as a pasted-on smile, but with Your peace. … Continue reading

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