Author Archives: Shirlee Abbott

Morning Prayer: Righteous and Just

Good morning, Lord. You are perfectly righteous and just, I am not. Forgive me for questioning Your ways, for thinking I know better than You how things should work, how the world should run. Forgive me for taking the short … Continue reading

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The Advent of Justice and Righteousness

  On this first Sunday of Advent, I heard these familiar words from the prophet Isaiah:     Isaiah 9:7 (NIV) He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time … Continue reading

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Morning Prayer: Peacemaker

Good morning, Lord. Advent begins, and we celebrate the Prince of Peace. Teach me to be a peacemaker, O God. May I speak words of encouragement, not criticism; good, not evil; truth, not lies; praise, not gossip; reconciliation, not division. … Continue reading

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Bad Attitude: Troublemaker

  Beatitude versus bad attitude:   Matthew 5:9 (TLB) Happy are those who strive for peace—they shall be called the sons of God. Proverbs 6:16-19 For there are six things the Lord hates—no, seven: haughtiness, lying, murdering, plotting evil, eagerness … Continue reading

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Bad Attitude: Critical

  It’s a good thing I’ve learned to hold my tongue. If I said out loud what first pops into my mind, I’d be in big trouble. My initial thoughts can be downright mean. Per the Beatitudes, I should aim … Continue reading

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Morning Prayer: A Kinder Attitude

Good morning, Lord. You are all good, all just, all merciful, all loving. I am not. Help me become better, fairer, kinder and more loving. Chisel the hard edges off my personality. Shape my attitudes and actions to be more … Continue reading

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Bad Attitude: Overbearing

  “Gentle.” A word seldom used to describe me. Yup, I can be overbearing.   Matthew 5:5 (EXB) They are blessed who are humble [meek; gentle], for the whole earth will be theirs. Blessed are the humble, meek and gentle. … Continue reading

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Morning Prayer: A Gracious Attitude

Good morning, Lord. Everybody has a story, I know, and I see only one small corner of it. You know it all. Teach me to pause before I judge, to pray before I jump to conclusions, to listen to Your … Continue reading

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Bad Attitude: Know-It-All

Sometimes I think I’m smarter than everyone around me. The Bible has an answer to that bad attitude. Matthew 5:3 (MSG) You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God. … Continue reading

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Morning Prayer: A Better Attitude

Good morning, Lord. It’s sad how often my first reaction is far from godly. I’m quick to justify my own actions and slow to extend grace, quick to judge others and slow to see the log in my own eye … Continue reading

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