Shirlee Abbott

I Weep for My Nation

Posted on January 7, 2021 by Shirlee Abbott

Let us pray:

Your will be done, O God.

Posted in other | 3 Comments

New Creation

Posted on January 6, 2021 by Shirlee Abbott

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,
he is a new creation.

Lord God, I don’t feel like a new creation I feel like a weary and worn creation. Thankfully, Your truth doesn’t depend on how I feel.

Posted in other | Tagged 2 Corinthians 5:17, new creation | 2 Comments

Always New

Posted on January 5, 2021 by Shirlee Abbott

I sometimes get a text from my cellphone company warning me I’m reaching the limits on my data use. Imagine if God did this:

“Dear Shirlee Abbott, we’re halfway through the month and you’ve consumed 80% of your monthly allotment of mercies. Take care, or pay the price.”

Thankfully, that’s not how God works.

Lamentations 3:22-23 (MSG)
God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out, his merciful love couldn’t have dried up. They’re created new every morning.

New every day.

Posted in other | Tagged Lamentations 3:22-23, new mercies | Comments Off

What’s New

Posted on January 4, 2021 by Shirlee Abbott

2020 brought new things:

- - - global lockdown
    - mask mandates
    - empty schools

Sure, we’ve seen pandemics, riots and ugly elections before.

Ecclesiastes 1:9
There is nothing new under the sun.

Nothing new? Solomon hadn’t seen 2020.

Looking forward to what’s new in 2021.

Posted in other | Tagged Ecclesiastes 1:9, new year, nothing new | Comments Off

Safe from Persecution

Posted on January 3, 2021 by Shirlee Abbott

I read now and then about the persecution of Christians. How often does it happen?

Open Doors USA offers this quick count:

“1 in 9 Christians worldwide experience high levels of persecution.”

One of nine. What should the other eight of us do with this bit of information?

Let’s start by praying.

Almighty God, I’m pretty comfortable in my faith. The frequency of persecution stuns me. Make this my call to consciousness, and my call to prayer. What would You have us to do?

Posted in other | Tagged Open Doors, persecuted Christians, Safe Shelter | Comments Off

See You in 2021

Posted on December 28, 2020 by Shirlee Abbott

I’m retreating! I’ll rest, meditate and pray.

See you next year,

Posted in other | Comments Off

Safe Shelter in 2021

Posted on December 27, 2020 by Shirlee Abbott

Psalm 91:1 (NIV)
Whoever dwells in the shelter
of the Most High
will rest in the shadow
of the Almighty.

My New Year’s prayer for my faithful readers:

May you safely dwell in the shelter of the Lord’s hand.

Posted in other | Tagged Psalm 91:1, Safe Shelter | Comments Off

God’s People

Posted on December 24, 2020 by Shirlee Abbott

St. Augustine was a deep thinker and a great writer. A rather wild child, he came to Christ in his thirties. His written legacy (more than 5 million words) still speaks to our souls.

Let the just rejoice,
for their Justifier is born.
Let the sick and infirm rejoice,
For their Saviour is born.
Let the captives rejoice,
For their Redeemer is born.
Let slaves rejoice,
for their Master is born.
Let free men rejoice,
For their Liberator is born.
Let All Christians rejoice,
For Jesus Christ is born.
St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430)

Posted in Advent | Tagged Advent, St. Augustine | 2 Comments

Your People

Posted on December 23, 2020 by Shirlee Abbott

Think for a moment of your people, the folks who’ve had a part in your faith journey:

Your ancestors–from Adam to your parents.
The dear saints who founded the church where you worship.
Everyone who taught you something about God.
Anyone and everyone who’s prayed for you.

Hebrews 12:1 (MSG)
Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it . . . and never quit!

Don’t quit (pass it on!)

Posted in Advent | Tagged Advent, all people, Hebrews 12:1 | Comments Off

Those People

Posted on December 22, 2020 by Shirlee Abbott

Luke 2:10 (VOICE)
Don’t be afraid! Listen!
I bring good news, news of great joy,
news that will affect all people everywhere.

All people. Everywhere.

Including folks on the other side of the political aisle. Drug dealers. Cranky coworkers. Crooks. The filthy rich. Evil dictators.

Lord, Your good news is for all people–including the ones I don’t like. May this be the year those people receive it with great joy.

Posted in Advent | Tagged Advent, all people, good news, great joy, Luke 2:10 | Comments Off