Shirlee Abbott

Comfortable Criticism

Posted on May 15, 2015 by Shirlee Abbott

I was driving home from work, pondering what I’d write for this last post on constructive criticism. I passed my usual flock of sheep, and they had an unusual look–shorn, clipped . . . naked.

That’s how I feel after receiving criticism, I thought. Exposed, naked.

Funny thing, the sheep didn’t look embarrassed. I suspect they feel lighter and more comfortable. Free. Free of all that hot and heavy wool. And surely the wool clippings will be put to good use. A win-win for all.

Maybe I need a good clipping. Some constructive, comfortable criticism.

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Old Constructive Criticism

Posted on May 14, 2015 by Shirlee Abbott

Sometimes old advice is the best.

“We often learn more of God under the rod that strikes us
than under the staff that comforts us.“
Puritan Stephen Charnock, 1628-1680

No one said it was easy, even back in the 1600’s.

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The Discipline of Wisdom

Posted on May 13, 2015 by Shirlee Abbott

Proverbs 19:20 (NIV)
Listen to advice and accept discipline,
and at the end you will be counted among the wise.

Really, God? Can’t I just skip over the discipline part and go straight to wise?

[sigh]

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Critical Wisdom

Posted on May 12, 2015 by Shirlee Abbott

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Drink Up Some Constructive Criticism

Posted on May 11, 2015 by Shirlee Abbott

How do you handle constructive criticism?

Smile on the outside, seethe on the inside
I’ll take it under prayerful consideration
Criticism? Can’t be. I’m never wrong!

Consider these instructions from Paul relating to Communion:

1 Corinthians 11:28 (NIV)
Everyone ought to examine themselves
before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.

Self-criticism? Perhaps not that so much as God-criticism. How well do I listen to God’s whispers of constructive criticism? And what if God serves up his constructive criticism via hard words from other people?

It’s hard to swallow.

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Fragrant Prayers for Our Nation

Posted on May 8, 2015 by Shirlee Abbott

Yesterday was our National Day of Prayer. The weather was glorious. I drove to our Sussex County prayer gathering with the windows down, enjoying the sweet scent of flowering trees.

Our prayers for the government, public services and our fellow Americans should rise to heaven like the scent of the trees, a pleasing aroma to God.

Sweet prayers, my friend.

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Join in Prayer for our Nation Today

Posted on May 7, 2015 by Shirlee Abbott

An excerpt from Dr. Jack Graham’s prayer for today’s National Day of Prayer:

Hear our cry, oh God, and pour out Your Spirit upon us that we may walk in obedience to Your Word. We are desperate for Your tender mercies. We are broken and humbled before You.

Forgive us, and in the power of Your great love, lift us up to live in Your righteousness.

We pray for our beloved nation. May we repent and return to You and be a light to the nations.

Amen.

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Prayers of Choice for Our Nation

Posted on May 6, 2015 by Shirlee Abbott

How, then, should we pray for our nation?

Should we pray for prosperity
or for grateful and generous hearts?

Should we pray for freedom to worship
or for sincere hearts that worship in spirit and in truth?

Should we pray for peace with the world
or for peace with God?

Your will be done, Lord, in this nation as it is in heaven.

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A Hard Prayer for Our Nation

Posted on May 5, 2015 by Shirlee Abbott

Easy to sing, hard to pray:

“America! America!
God mend thine every flaw.“
Katharine Lee Bates

Lord God, mend America’s flaws–including the ones I profit from, the ones that I enjoy, the ones that I contribute to. Mend America’s flaws, Lord God, and start with me.

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Prayer: What’s Wrong with Our Nation

Posted on May 3, 2015 by Shirlee Abbott

What do you think is the biggest problem facing our nation?

Racism
Impending war
Disintegration of the family
“It’s the economy, stupid”

All of the above. More than the above.

When was the last time you prayed for our nation, seriously prayed, heartbroken-before-God prayed?

Maybe our nation’s biggest problem is the lack of prayer for our nation.

Thursday, May 7, is our National Day of Prayer. But you don’t have to wait till then to pray.