Shirlee Abbott

Secular vs Sacred (Monday)

Posted on June 23, 2014 by Shirlee Abbott

I’m writing this on Sunday, after worship. Come Monday, I leave the sacred behind and launch into secular, right? What are your thoughts on secular and sacred?

There’s nothing sacred about cleaning bathrooms and taking out the trash
It’s either mundane or it’s holy
Separate worlds, and crossing back and forth wears me out

What about Jesus? Did he leave the sacred (heaven) to come to earth (secular) and return to sacred? Or does his presence render it all holy?

If Christ is in me and I am in Christ, where does secular fit in?

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Who’s the Enemy? (Friday)

Posted on June 20, 2014 by Shirlee Abbott

I know someone who routinely lies. But he does it so well, I keep thinking that this time it’s the truth. Alas! Not so.

Our enemy is a liar (the Bible tells me so):

John 8:44 (NLT)
He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Satan lies well, and I keep falling for it. Somewhere between “the devil made me do it” and “it’s all good” is the discernment I need.

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Who’s the Enemy? (Thursday)

Posted on June 19, 2014 by Shirlee Abbott

From Martin Luther, 1592:

“For still our ancient foe
doth seek to work us woe”

Satan, the ancient foe 400+ years ago, is still working woe. Our Enemy’s only admirable quality is his perseverance.

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Who’s the Enemy? (Wednesday)

Posted on June 18, 2014 by Shirlee Abbott

A friend told me about a contentious church meeting. The battle was pretty much a repeat of previous meetings, with two factions each accusing the other of ungodly behavior. After everyone was sliced, diced and miserable, the meeting adjourned.

This is the visual image I got from God:

Satan pushed his chair back from the table with a satisfied smile, just like folks do after a sumptuous meal. “Well! Another great meeting.”

Many victims, just one enemy.

Posted in other | Tagged Enemy, Satan | 3 Comments

Who’s the Enemy (Tuesday)

Posted on June 17, 2014 by Shirlee Abbott

Psalm 137:8-9 (NLT)
Stop being angry!
Turn from your rage!
Do not lose your temper—
it only leads to harm.
For the wicked will be destroyed,
but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land.

This passage brings to mind the Beatitude about the meek inheriting the earth (Matthew 5:5). The Greek word for meek, praus, also means gentle.

We’re apt to equate meek with doormat and wimp. Not so! The meek man or woman is unruffled, calm, thoughtful–the exact opposite of out of control.

Satan wants to take control by getting you out of control.

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Who’s the Enemy?

Posted on June 16, 2014 by Shirlee Abbott

Enemy is an unpleasant word. Let’s take it down a notch. Who aggravates you most?

My spouse
My boss
My child
My neighbor

1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

The real enemy hopes you and the person aggravating you will start biting and tearing at each other. Then he can come in an eat the leftovers.

Don’t feed the enemy.

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Parental Prayers (Friday)

Posted on June 13, 2014 by Shirlee Abbott

Jewish Sabbath tradition includes the father’s blessing (think “Sabbath Prayer” from Fiddler on the Roof). No matter what happens during the week, Friday night brings Daddy’s blessing:

Numbers 6:24-26 (NLT)
May the Lord bless you and protect you.
May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you.
May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.

When did you last bless your children–out loud, while they were listening?

Have a blessed Father’s Day, all you dads out there. Bless your children.

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Parental Prayers (Thursday)

Posted on June 12, 2014 by Shirlee Abbott

I get caught up in the day-to-day drama of my children’s and grandchildren’s lives. I pray for short-term success; God reminds me to seek long-term maturity.

Me: Lord, open the door to a better job.
God: First, he should seek my kingdom (from Matthew 6:33).

Me: Dear God, grant him a break from the pressure.
God: Let perseverance finish its work (James 1:4).

Me: He needs a good grade on today’s test, Lord.
God: Knowledge starts with worship (from Proverbs 1:7).

Me: I keep missing the mark, God. Why bother?
God: Prayers of a godly mother are powerful (from James 5:16).

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Parental Prayers (Wednesday)

Posted on June 11, 2014 by Shirlee Abbott

Matthew 19:14 (NASB)
Jesus said, “Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me.”

I picked these from the synonym lists for hinder: impair, invalidate, neutralize, screw up, undermine, complicate, entangle, inhibit, interrupt, obstruct, restrain, challenge, repulse, weaken, disable, oppose, arrest, stall.

There are many ways a parent can hinder a child from coming to Christ.
Dear God, hinder our hindering!

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Parental Prayers (Tuesday)

Posted on June 10, 2014 by Shirlee Abbott

I remember the adult Sunday School teacher, sitting on his stool and ignoring his notes on the podium. He made no effort to hide his tears as he ‘fessed up about his hopes for his children.

“I discovered something about myself this week,” he shared. “I would be more upset if my daughter decided not to go to college than I would be if she decided she didn’t believe in God. My priorities are all wrong.”

It’s easy, as parents, to tell God what we want for our children. Better to let God tell us his plsns for them.

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