True Freedom

Posted on July 4, 2017 by Shirlee Abbott

 

“There are two freedoms – the false, where a man is free to do what he likes; the true, where he is free to do what he ought.”
Charles Kingsley (1819 – 1875)

 

Celebrate true freedom.

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Freedom’s Wilderness

Posted on July 2, 2017 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Independence Day. Think freedom. Think spiritual freedom. What is holding you back from full spiritual freedom?

 

 

  • Bitterness and anger
  • My cravings
  • Fear!
  • The need to be in control

Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Christ sets us free.

Don’t feel free? Remember, the Israelites were free from slavery in Egypt for 40 years before they stepped into the freedom of the Promised Land. 

Maybe you’re still in the wilderness, on your way to the Promised Land.

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Simple Faith

Posted on June 29, 2017 by Shirlee Abbott

It’s not complicated.

 

Matthew 18:3 (NIV)
Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

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Teach One Another

Posted on June 29, 2017 by Shirlee Abbott

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No Retirees

Posted on June 28, 2017 by Shirlee Abbott

Old saints don’t retire. They are reassigned to the front, where they became prayer warriors on the battle line.

 

James 5:16 (MSG)
The prayer of a person living right with God
is something powerful to be reckoned with.

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Grow with God

Posted on June 27, 2017 by Shirlee Abbott

Friends just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Their children assembled a photo album, divided into decades. Each decade had a title. This got me thinking. If I divide my adult life into 10-year increments, what title should I give each decade?

Here’s how my assignments from God worked out (feel free to share yours)–

 

20’s – Teach me to work
30’s – Teach me to love
40’s – Teach me to pray
50’s – Teach me to write
60’s – Teach me, Lord, to tell your story

 

Note to self: you don’t retire from God’s work. You grow into it.

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Aging Grace

Posted on June 26, 2017 by Shirlee Abbott

I just celebrated a milestone birthday—one that required registration with the federal government (no, I didn’t just turn 18 and register for the draft). Truth is, we’re all getting older. How do you see yourself?

 

  • Not older, better!
  • Over the hill
  • Young at heart
  • Aging gracefully

I’ve never been graceful. I’m a bit of a klutz. So I won’t age gracefully.

I do, however, aim to age graciously.

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Eyes Are Watching

Posted on June 23, 2017 by Shirlee Abbott

 

 

“Fathers and mothers, do not forget that children learn more by the eye than they do by the ear.”
J.C. Ryle  (1816-1900)

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Simply Help

Posted on June 22, 2017 by Shirlee Abbott

It is estimated that 40-50% of American adults read at or below an 8th grade level. Think about it —  four of ten adults in church may have trouble reading.

How can we help?

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Chain of Custody

Posted on June 21, 2017 by Shirlee Abbott

What I received from my parents and grandparents is my inheritance. What I leave my children and grandchildren is my legacy.

 

Lord, may I accept my inheritance with forgiving gratitude and offer my legacy with humble grace.

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