Shirlee Abbott

Respectful Middle Ground

Posted on June 1, 2017 by Shirlee Abbott

Lord, I’m mindful of the many moments I’ve failed to show proper respect. Help me find that wide line between cultural compromise and headstrong legalism.

Posted in other | Tagged legalism, middle ground, respect | 2 Comments

Respect the Image

Posted on May 31, 2017 by Shirlee Abbott

Take care to respect others. They bear God’s image.

Genesis 1:27 (NLT)
So God created human beings in his own image.
In the image of God he created them.

Posted in other | Tagged Genesis 1:27, image of God, respect | 2 Comments

Follow the Directions

Posted on May 30, 2017 by Shirlee Abbott

From critical to respectful . . . the Bible tells how–

John 8:7 (NLT)
“Let the one who has never sinned
throw the first stone!”

Romans 12:3
Don’t think you are better than you really are.
Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves.

Matthew 7:12
Do to others whatever
you would like them to do to you.

Posted in other | Tagged John 8:7, Matthew 7:12, respect, Romans 12:3 | 2 Comments

Remember Respectfully

Posted on May 28, 2017 by Shirlee Abbott

Respect seems to have gone missing from our culture. Why is that, do you think?

Too much self-esteem, not enough selfless service
Lack of manners
Lack of morals

Folks think that unless you agree 100% with other people’s politics and lifestyle, you can’t respect them. Differ with someone on a single point or discover that the person has a single failing—Boom! Respect is gone.

Newsflash! No one is perfect.

Romans 3:23 (NLT)
We all fall short of God’s glorious standard.

It’s Memorial Day – don’t analyze, don’t judge. Just remember. And respect.

Posted in other | Tagged Memorial Day, Romans 3:23 | 2 Comments

Dignity

Posted on May 26, 2017 by Shirlee Abbott

Proverbs 31:25 (NIV)
She is clothed with strength and dignity.

Clothed. Not an old cloak casually thrown our worst secrets. No, dignity is God’s under-armor.

Posted in other | Tagged dignity, Proverbs 31:25 | 2 Comments

Fidelity

Posted on May 25, 2017 by Shirlee Abbott

I confess–I’ve been cheating on you, Lord, with the gods of my culture: possessions, power, popularity. I’m sorry. I want to quit. I want to be faithful to you, and you alone.

Posted in other | Tagged faityhful, fidilit, fidility | 2 Comments

Serenity

Posted on May 24, 2017 by Shirlee Abbott

I’ve used this quote before, but to my mind, there’s no better picture of true serenity.

“A cup brimful of sweetness cannot spill even one drop of bitter water, no matter how suddenly jarred.”
Amy Carmichael (1867-1951)

Posted in other | Tagged Amy Carmichael, serenity | 2 Comments

Integrity

Posted on May 23, 2017 by Shirlee Abbott

We live in an era of spin, damage control and fake news.

Fake integrity?

You can’t fool God.

Posted in other | Tagged Integrity | 2 Comments

Ity Words

Posted on May 21, 2017 by Shirlee Abbott

These words have been running through my head all last week. Do they describe you?

Integrity
Serenity
Fidelity
Dignity

Holding to high moral values. Consistently displaying a calm and unruffled nature. Being faithful in all things. Living in a manner worthy of respect.

Paul’s letter to the Philippian church comes to mind:

Philippians 4:8 (NLT)
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Fix your thoughts. Think “ity.”

Posted in other | Tagged Philippians 4:8 | 2 Comments