Shirlee Abbott

Every Word Counts

Posted on July 18, 2017 by Shirlee Abbott

Many readers can’t scan. They have to read every word.

Let’s make every word worth their effort.

Posted in other | Tagged K.I.S.S., Keep it short and simple | 2 Comments

And God Answers . . .

Posted on July 17, 2017 by Shirlee Abbott

Why doesn’t God answer my prayers?

Yep, I say that a lot
Maybe I’m asking all wrong
Maybe I’m not listening

Or maybe I already have his answer. In my Bible.

When I wasn’t sure how to spell a word, I’d ask my mother. Dad would scold from the next room, “Look it up!” And he had a point. When my mom spelled it for me, the letters went from her mouth to my paper, bypassing my brain. If I used the dictionary, I remembered.

Imagine this: you ask, and God answers, “Look it up!”

Posted in other | Tagged Bible study, prayer | 2 Comments

Where? What?

Posted on July 14, 2017 by Shirlee Abbott

1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray without ceasing.

If you’re somewhere doing something,
and you just can’t make yourself pray–
maybe you shouldn’t be there, doing that.

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Talk to God

Posted on July 13, 2017 by Shirlee Abbott

How do you discuss everything with God, everywhere?

You thank God for what is good: the beauty of nature, finding the lost item, a blessing for the driver who lets you into traffic.

You ask for wisdom in solving a problem, for safety on the road, for words in a tricky situation, for the well-being of friends and family.

You praise the great God who runs the universe, listens to you . . . and answers back.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (AMP)
Be unceasing and persistent in prayer.

Posted in other | Tagged 1 Thessalonians 5:17, prayer | 4 Comments

How to Pray

Posted on July 12, 2017 by Shirlee Abbott

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (MSG)
Pray all the time.

Life lived in conversation with God. All the time.

Posted in other | Tagged 1 Thessalonians 5:17, prayer | 2 Comments

Simple Instructions

Posted on July 11, 2017 by Shirlee Abbott

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NLT)
Never stop praying.

Easier read than done.

Posted in other | Tagged 1 Thessalonians 5:17, K.I.S.S., simple | 2 Comments

All the Time

Posted on July 10, 2017 by Shirlee Abbott

Are you in a prayer rut? Same time, same place?

Every morning
Me, pray? Only in an emergency
Routine is good

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV)
Pray continually.

Continually. All the time.

Not “all the time,” as in never sleeping or eating. But “all the time,” as never a situation where you cannot pray. Eyes open, not necessarily out loud (God hears your thoughts).

God is listening. All the time.

Posted in other | Tagged 1 Thessalonians 5:18, prayer | 2 Comments

Simple Freedom

Posted on July 7, 2017 by Shirlee Abbott

Life.
Liberty.
The pursuit of happiness.

Simple.

Posted in other | Tagged Declaration of Independence, Freedom, K.I.S.S., simple | Comments Off

Free Peace

Posted on July 6, 2017 by Shirlee Abbott

Peace, even in troubled times . . .
can’t buy it, can’t get it from the government.

John 14:27 (NIV)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled
and do not be afraid.

Best peace ever. And it’s free.

Posted in other | Tagged Freedom, John 14:27, peace | 2 Comments

Free from Lies

Posted on July 5, 2017 by Shirlee Abbott

Christ sets us free. You can be sure that those whispers of slavery (as CelebrateRecovery puts it, “our hurts, hang-up and bad habits”) come straight from the mouth of the enemy:

“They’re all out to get you.”
“Just one more won’t hurt you.”
“You’re too stupid.”
“Have it your way.”

John 8:44 (MSG)
When the Liar speaks, he makes it up out of his lying nature and fills the world with lies.

Truth wins. Christ beat up the liar. You’re free!

Posted in other | Tagged John 8:44, the enemy, Truth | Comments Off