Shirlee Abbott

Jesus in the Old Testament: Mighty God

Posted on December 3, 2025 by Shirlee Abbott

Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)
For to us a child is born …
And he will be called …
Mighty God.

It’s Christmas time and we tend to focus on sweet baby Jesus. Isaiah reminds us that He is also Mighty God — drop-to-your-knees-in-awe mighty. The God who spoke the world into existence. God who rose from the grave. God who is coming in power to establish His kingdom and judge the living and dead.

Good morning, Lord. You are King of kings and helpless Babe. You are my best Friend and my Lord God Almighty. You are perfectly loving and perfectly holy. Teach me to love and fear You at the same time. Fill me with the wonder of Christmas, the joy of Easter and the hope of eternity, in Jesus’ mighty name.

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Jesus in the Old Testament: Counselor

Posted on December 2, 2025 by Shirlee Abbott

We’re looking for Jesus in the Old Testament. Let’s start with names.

Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given …
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor …

We know this son is Jesus. The name here is Counselor — a title we associate with the Holy Spirit. Isaiah is reminding us that we worship one God in three persons (Father, Son and Holy Spirit).

One more thought: there is no better counselor than God.

Good morning, Lord. Thank You for good counselors, for people who provide godly advice and help us understand our thoughts and actions. But You are the Wonderful Counselor, the One who knows all our thoughts and sees every action. Teach me to seek first Your divine wisdom and follow Your guidance in humility and trust — in Jesus’ wonderful name.

Posted in Advent, Morning Prayer | Tagged Advent, Isaiah 9:6, Jesus' name, Old Testament, Wonderful Counselor | Comments Off

Gifts from the Old Testament

Posted on December 1, 2025 by Shirlee Abbott

More than a few Christians skip right over the Old Testament, thinking the New Testament is all they need. That’s like leaving half the presents under the Christmas tree unopened.

Jesus said,

Matthew 5:17 (EXB)
“Don’t think that I have come to destroy [abolish; do away with] the law of Moses or the teaching of the prophets [the Law and the Prophets; referring to the OT]. I have not come to destroy them but to bring about what they said [fulfill/complete them].”

Between now and Christmas, we’ll focus on Old Testament references to Christ. Prepare to open some old gifts.

Good morning, Lord. Thank You for Your Word — all of it! Forgive me for skipping over the parts I don’t like, sections that are hard to read or understand. Every jot and tittle is important, this I know. It’s all part of Your big, beautiful love story. Holy Spirit, reveal Scripture’s message for me today and every day.

Posted in Advent, Morning Prayer | Tagged Advent, gifts, Matthew 5:17, Old Testament | Comments Off

Missed Gratitude for New Creations

Posted on November 28, 2025 by Shirlee Abbott

A name and face kept interrupting my thoughts. It was my difficult, arrogant boss from a short-term job decades ago. Moving on, I’d put those unhappy months out of my mind. A quick internet search led me to my former boss’s obituary. It told of his deep love for God and his years of humble service to his church and community.

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

Thanks be to God, he was a not the man I knew … he was a new creation.

Good morning, Lord. There are people in my life for whom I give no thought or prayer. Thankfully, You are at work in their hearts, without my help. I focus on myself, on my friends and family, on people in my inner circle. You focus on everyone. Thank You for Your transforming power at work in me, in those I know and love, in folks I have long forgotten, in multitudes I do not know.

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Missed Gratitude for a “No” Answer

Posted on November 27, 2025 by Shirlee Abbott

“Thanks for prayers that Thou hast answered,
Thanks for what Thou dost deny!”
Thanks to God
August L. Storm, 1891
Trans. Carl L. Backstrom, 1931

Yes or No, God is right — He always is.

Good morning, Lord. Thank You for answering all my prayers. Your response isn’t always what I want when I want it, but every answer is the right answer. Even when I don’t understand the why, I can trust the Who. You bring me good blessings every day of my life, and for that I am grateful.

Posted in Morning Prayer, Timeless Wisdom | Tagged answered prayer, August Ludvig Storm, gratitude, Thanks to God for My Redeemer | Comments Off

Missed Gratitude for Long Legacies

Posted on November 26, 2025 by Shirlee Abbott

I’m part of a church established more than a hundred years ago. Folks long dead had the faith to buy the property and build a house of worship. I’ve listened to sermons, vacuumed the sanctuary, taught Bible lessons and served on committees with nary a thankful thought of the people who came before me.

Perhaps, from their home in heaven, they see us and give thanks.

Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
… we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses …

We’re witnesses to their legacy of faithful service. Let’s carry on their work with grateful hearts.

Good morning, Lord. I reap blessings from the efforts of believers who came before me — in my church, in my family, in my nation. Forgive me for overlooking their work. May I live in such a way that future generations will be blessed by the legacy of faith I leave behind.

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Missed Gratitude for Good Discipline

Posted on November 25, 2025 by Shirlee Abbott

Proverbs 3:11 (MSG)
But don’t, dear friend, resent God’s discipline; don’t sulk under his loving correction. It’s the child he loves that God corrects; a father’s delight is behind all this.

Discipline isn’t punishment. It’s correction, and sometimes it is uncomfortable. Like it or not, It’s good for me. It’s worthy of gratitude.

Good morning, Lord. Thank You for teaching me how to live. Sometimes Your discipline is hard to take, sometimes it is just a gentle nudge. Either way, it makes me a better person. And just when I think I’ve learned one lesson, You bring on the next one. You’ve never given up on me, and for that I am grateful.

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Missed Gratitude for Closed Doors

Posted on November 24, 2025 by Shirlee Abbott

I’ve bumped up against a few closed doors in my adult life: the great job I didn’t get, the cute house we couldn’t buy, the friendship that didn’t work out. Yes, I was disappointed.

Psalm 23:3 (NIV)
… He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

For me, disappointment and gratitude tend not to mix. Thus, I rarely thank God for closed doors. But God knows what’s best for me … and for that, I’m grateful.

Good morning, Lord. Thank You for the closed doors that have kept me on the path You laid out for me from the beginning. From my earthly perspective those doors looked to be good opportunities, but You knew they wouldn’t serve me well. Thank You for opening the right doors at the right time.

Posted in Constructive Thought, Morning Prayer | Tagged closed doors, gratitude, Psalm 23:3, right path | 2 Comments

Missed Gratitude for Good Health

Posted on November 21, 2025 by Shirlee Abbott

I’m quick to complain when my stomach is upset or my joints ache or my head throbs or my sinuses drip. Am I equally quick to give thanks when I feel good?

I don’t think so.

3 John 2 (TLB)
Dear friend, I am praying that all is well with you and that your body is as healthy as I know your soul is.

The healthier my soul, the less I whine, the more I give thanks. And the better I feel.

Good morning, Lord. I tend to forget about the inner workings of my body until some part is out of synch– forgive me. Thank You for the days when I have no complaints. I am wonderfully made, I know that full well (Psalm 139:14). Thank You for restoring me, body and soul, more times than I know.

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Missed Gratitude for Safe Travel

Posted on November 20, 2025 by Shirlee Abbott

Late for a meeting, I muttered in frustration as I stopped for the yellow light. The dump truck ahead of me sped through the intersection and hit a bump. A rock bounced out and landed right where I would have been if I hadn’t stopped.

Psalm 18:2 (GNT)
The Lord is my protector; he is my strong fortress. My God is my protection, and with him I am safe. He protects me like a shield; he defends me and keeps me safe.

I’m thankful for God’s protection … when I see it. Surely He has protected me more times than I know. Thanks be to God!

Good morning, Lord. Most of the time, I assume I will arrive at my destination, no problem. I attribute a safe trip to my good planning and driving skills. How many times have You intervened to save me from disaster? I’ll never know this side of heaven. But here I am, safe and sound. Thank You for watching and protecting me.

Posted in Constructive Thought, Morning Prayer | Tagged God's protection, gratitude, Psalm 18:2, safe travels | 2 Comments