Shirlee Abbott

Not Wise

Posted on July 9, 2020 by Shirlee Abbott

Lots of folks claiming to know it all
don’t.

James 3:13b-14 (MSG)
Mean-spirited ambition isn’t wisdom.
Boasting that you are wise isn’t wisdom.
Twisting the truth to make yourselves
sound wise isn’t wisdom.

Beware false wisdom.

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Simply Wise

Posted on July 8, 2020 by Shirlee Abbott

Psalm 19:7 (NCV)
The rules of the Lord can be trusted;
they make plain people wise.

You don’t have to be a great reader to understand God’s wisdom.

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Get Wise

Posted on July 7, 2020 by Shirlee Abbott

“If you lack knowledge, go to school.
If you lack wisdom, get on your knees!”
Vance Havner (1902-1986)

Dr. Havner started preaching at age 14 and wrote more than 40 books. He had a knack for packing biblical wisdom into short, memorable phrases. We should follow his advice.

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Who’s Wise

Posted on July 6, 2020 by Shirlee Abbott

In the flow of debate, grandstanding and angry words, which words influence you? Whose wisdom is worthy of our attention?

- - - Someone who doesn’t claim to know it all
    - Someone who explains why without name-calling
    - Someone who takes time to listen

Measure what you hear by this:

James 3:17 (NIV)
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

True wisdom doesn’t insult, promote violence and play favorites.

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Sheltered by Positive Thoughts

Posted on July 4, 2020 by Shirlee Abbott

Working from home for my day job, I was assigned a few lessons in positive psychology. According to PositivePsychology.com:

“Positive psychology focuses on the positive events and influences in life, including:

Positive experiences (like happiness, joy, inspiration, and love).
Positive states and traits (like gratitude, resilience, and compassion).
Positive institutions (applying positive principles within entire organizations and institutions).”

What’s the point? To help us–individually and collectively–thrive and be our best.

Modern psychology has discovered ancient wisdom:

Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Who’s driving our thoughts? Where’s the focus? Does it build up or tear down? Is it positive or negative?

Your Word, Lord God, tells us to shelter our souls with positive thoughts. As Americans celebrate the birth of our nation, keep our focus on what’s noble and admirable. Let us build up, not tear down. Fill us with good and godly thoughts, in Jesus’ name.

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Mind of Christ

Posted on July 3, 2020 by Shirlee Abbott

“May the mind of Christ, my Savior,
live in me from day to day,
by his love and power controlling
all I do and say.”
Kate Barclay Wilkinson, 1925

Mrs. Wilkinson, a member of the Church of England, was involved in the Keswick Convention that began in 1875 as part of the Higher Life Movement. Founded by an Anglican and a Quaker, its theme was and remains, “All One in Christ Jesus.”

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Change Your Mind

Posted on July 2, 2020 by Shirlee Abbott

Romans 12:2b (CEV)
Let God change the way you think.

If you’re willing, God is able.

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A Godly Mindset

Posted on July 1, 2020 by Shirlee Abbott

Definition: mindset (per Merriam-Webster)
1. A mental attitude, inclination
2. A fixed state of mind

Philippians 2:5 (NIV)
In your relationships with one another,
have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.

What would Jesus do? What would Jesus say?
When would Jesus speak? When would Jesus listen?
How would Jesus react? How would Jesus debate?
Who would Jesus condemn? Who would Jesus forgive?

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All Your Mind

Posted on June 30, 2020 by Shirlee Abbott

Luke 10:27 (NIV)
Love the Lord your God with . . . all your mind.

“Mind.” Luke uses the Greek word dianoia—diá, from side to side, and noiéō, to use the mind. Considering both sides. Balanced thought.

Some folks say faith is anti-science, anti-facts, anti-thought. What does God say?

Isaiah 1:18a (EXB – Expanded Bible)
The Lord says,
“Come, let us talk about these things
[reason together; or settle this matter;
or consider your options].

God wants us to think things through. He’s not asking for mindless obedience.

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Do You Mind?

Posted on June 29, 2020 by Shirlee Abbott

Do you?

- - - Do you mind if I love folks on both sides of the political aisle?
    - Do you mind if I’m passionate about projects that don’t matter to you?
    - Do you mind if I’m not passionate about projects that matter a great deal to you?

Apparently, there are many who do mind. Lots of people want to surround themselves only with like-minded folks. I don’t think that’s how God wants it.

I’m praying they change their minds.

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