Shirlee Abbott

Pledge Your Allegiance

Posted on June 30, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

I spent the past seven months working in a high school. Every morning started with the Pledge of Allegiance. To whom or what do you pledge allegiance?

To my flag
To my country
To my God
To my spouse

Not necessarily in that order.

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Safe Shelter for the Elderly

Posted on June 29, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

According to the CDC, over 15,000 US nursing homes care for over 1.3 million people. Other senior citizens with fragile health still live on their own or with family members. Many experience confusion, financial difficulties and social isolation.

Surely you know a few of these folks. What can you do to help?

Lord God, You call on us to help the widows (James 1:27), visit the sick (Matthew 25:36) and show respect for the elderly (Leviticus 19:32). Give us eyes to see their need, resources to respond and willing hearts to step up and make a difference. Shelter them in Your loving arms, Lord, but also in safe spaces.

Keep tabs on your elderly neighbors. Visit a near-by nursing home. Volunteer to deliver meals or provide transportation. Pray for them and pray with them.

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Simply Unselfish

Posted on June 28, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

It’s simple. You can’t be selfish and obey
commands #1 and #2.

Matthew 22:37-39 (NIRV)
Jesus replied, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Love him with all your mind.’ (Deuteronomy 6:5) This is the first and most important commandment. And the second is like it. ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ ” (Leviticus 19:18)

God first, then others. Self last–unselfish.

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Wisely Self-Confident

Posted on June 27, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

Philippians 1:6 (NIV)
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Wise selves put their confidence in God.

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Got Self-Control?

Posted on June 26, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

“To gain self-control, give God control. “
Unknown Author

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The Measure of Your Self-Esteem

Posted on June 25, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

How does your self-esteem measure up?

Romans 12:3 (NLT)
Don’t think you are better than you really are.
Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves,
measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.

It’s not how smart you are, not how much you earn, not what you own. Faith is your measuring stick. And honestly, even that is a gift from God.

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Self-Sufficient?

Posted on June 24, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

I’ve got it all under control
Who, me? Couldn’t be!
Maybe, maybe not

Proverbs 3:5 (ESV)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.

Less self-sufficient. More God-reliant.

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Sheltering Campers, Transforming Lives

Posted on June 23, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

School’s out, some kids are headed to . . .

camp.

“Camp is a chance for kids and teenagers to escape the constant pressures and distractions of their everyday lives. It’s an open door to new adventures. It’s a place for them to discover their purpose and consider their future. Camp is life changing. And Christian camps provide an eternal perspective by demonstrating the love of God through the counselors and staff who serve as positive role models for campers.”
Christian Camp and Conference Association

Are there Christian camps near you? Do you know some campers? Add them to your prayer list.

Lord, equip the campers for adventure, supply the counselors with patience and humor, shelter them all with your outstretched hand, transform lives in Jesus’ name.

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My Father’s Child

Posted on June 21, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

John 1:12 (CEV)
People accepted him
and put their faith in him.
So he gave them the right
to be the children of God.

I believe; thus I’m a child of the heavenly Father (it’s my God-given right).

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In the Image of Your Father

Posted on June 19, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

Genesis 1:27 (NIV)
So God created mankind in his own image.

Two errors to avoid:

Recreating God in the image of your earthly father.
Recreating yourself in the image of your earthly father.

The image of your heavenly Father is stamped on your soul. Wear it well.

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