Shirlee Abbott

God’s Team

Posted on August 4, 2014 by Shirlee Abbott

Which do you prefer: working alone, or with a team?

The more, the merrier
The more, the harder
Every team has a slacker; I’d rather do it myself
I’m social, always happier in a group

Most ministry is accomplished in collaboration with others. It’s true, sometimes someone fails to follow through and others have to pick up the slack. Per 1 Corinthians 12, God equips all members of the team. The goal is the common good. It is good when our common practice is to do our part.

And be certain of this: when teamwork is lacking, it isn’t God who is slacking off.

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Who’s Greedy? (Friday)

Posted on August 1, 2014 by Shirlee Abbott

Contentment: the antidote to greed.

Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,

“Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you.”

Love God whole-heartedly, and that will be enough. More than enough.

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Who’s Greedy? (Thursday)

Posted on July 31, 2014 by Shirlee Abbott

I admit it–sometimes I get greedy, I want something that isn’t mine.

God nudges me: You don’t trust my plan for you, my provision for you?

King David’s words from Psalm 51 come to mind:
Against you, Lord, and you only, have I sinned.

It’s not just between me and the other guy. It’s all about faith and gratitude.

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Who’s Greedy? (Wednesday)

Posted on July 30, 2014 by Shirlee Abbott

I’m reading The Pursuit of Man by A.W. Tozer. Monday I featured greed as this week’s constructive thought; I came to this from Tozer on Tuesday:

“Faith . . . shifts the inward gaze from self to God.”

How appropriate. Focus on God, and greed is gone.

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Who’s Greedy? (Tuesday)

Posted on July 29, 2014 by Shirlee Abbott

We can trace a thread of greediness through Scripture, from Eve’s temptation in Genesis to the avaricious beast of Revelation. David, a man after God’s own heart, coveted his neighbor’s wife. Even Christ’s disciples jostled for the best seats in eternity.

Greed flows out of a sense of entitlement, saying “I deserve this.” Grace is unmerited favor. Greed and grace cannot fill the same space.

May you be filled with grace.

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Who’s Greedy?

Posted on July 28, 2014 by Shirlee Abbott

We hear a lot about greed. Who do you think are the biggest culprits?

Greedy Wall Street executives–building their wealth on the backs of others
Greedy politicians–pretending to care about the country while they stuff their own wallets
Greedy welfare recipients–wanting it without working for it
Greedy corporate CEOs–paying themselves millions while the workers go without

Who is greedy? All of the above. And all of us.

Greed made God’s Top Ten list: Thou shalt not covet. Greed may enrich our bank accounts, but it diminishes our souls.

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It’s a Wedding (Friday)

Posted on July 25, 2014 by Shirlee Abbott

John Wesley, founder of Methodism, valued “works of mercy”– the social ministry of a believer — not as a means to get to heaven, but as a reflection of Christ. Wesley’s acts of mercy included:

Doing good
Visiting the sick and imprisoned
Providing food and clothing
Earning, saving, giving
Opposing slavery

I made my own wedding dress. I bought the fabric and pattern, cut it out and carefully sewed it together. Per Revelation 19, doing works of mercy is a little like making your own wedding dress.

Make works of mercy part of your daily routine. Be a disciplined and well-dressed bride.

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It’s a Wedding (Thursday)

Posted on July 24, 2014 by Shirlee Abbott

Revelation 19:7-8
For the wedding of the Lamb has come,
and his bride has made herself ready.
Fine linen, bright and clean,
was given her to wear.”
(Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.)

What if I had to go out in the world dressed only in my good deeds for the day–spotless bride? Or (more likely) the Emperor’s New Clothes?

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It’s a Wedding (Wednesday)

Posted on July 23, 2014 by Shirlee Abbott

My wedding was more than 40 years ago. Our marriage has seen its battles. An oft-repeated theme is “You take me for granted!” And it’s true; we each expect the other to pick up the slack–with no recognition, no gratitude.

Beloved Lord Jesus, I confess that I personally and your Church corporately are guilty of taking you for granted. We ignore you till there’s a crisis, and then we assume that you will protect and provide for us–with no recognition, no gratitude. Thank you, dear Jesus, for not doing to us as we do unto you.

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It’s a Wedding (Tuesday)

Posted on July 22, 2014 by Shirlee Abbott

“Well married a person has wings, poorly married shackles.”
Henry Wade Beecher (1813-1887)

Certainly, as the bride of Christ we are well-married: Our Groom gives us more than mere wings–we have eternity in heaven. Why would anyone choose shackles instead?

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