Shirlee Abbott

The Advent of Joy

Posted on December 16, 2024 by Shirlee Abbott

“Joy is distinctly a Christian word and a Christian thing. It is the reverse of happiness. Happiness is the result of what happens of an agreeable sort. Joy has its springs deep down inside. And that spring never runs dry, no matter what happens. Only Jesus gives that joy.”
S. D. Gordon (1859-1936)

Joy: Jesus in the manger, Jesus on the cross, Jesus resurrected, Jesus on the throne … Jesus in my heart.

Good morning, Lord. We sing, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come,” but the whole world isn’t rejoicing. The doubt and distress I see around me don’t detract from Your message, God. It simply means there are folks who haven’t heard or don’t care. Open their hearts, change their minds — bring them to Jesus, fill them with joy.

Posted in Morning Prayer, Timeless Wisdom | Tagged joy, S. D. Gordon | Comments Off

Peace on Earth, Goodwill towards Man

Posted on December 13, 2024 by Shirlee Abbott

James 3:18 (AMP)
And the seed whose fruit is righteousness (spiritual maturity) is sown in peace by those who make peace [by actively encouraging goodwill between individuals].

Plant seeds of peace, grow spiritual maturity. Plant seeds of goodwill, reap a harvest of righteousness.

Good morning, Lord. I want to sow seeds of peace, reaping a harvest of wisdom. I want to spread goodwill, leaving a trail of encouragement. Watch over my words and deeds, make them pure and righteous.

Posted in Constructive Thought, Morning Prayer | Tagged goodwill toward man, James 3:18, peace on earth | 2 Comments

Christ’s Peace

Posted on December 12, 2024 by Shirlee Abbott

“Christ died. He left a will in which He gave His soul to His Father, His body to Joseph of Arimathea, His clothes to the soldiers, and His mother to John. But to His disciples, who had left all to follow Him, He left not silver or gold, but something far better – His PEACE!“
Matthew Henry (1662-1714)

Peace of God, peace with God … who could ask for anything more?

Good morning, Lord. I am grateful for Your peace: the peace I have, knowing my sins are forgiven; peace of mind, knowing I am no longer lost and never alone; the ability to keep my peace, knowing that vengeance is Yours and it’s not up to me to get even; peace in speech, the ability to give gentle answers when others are angry. Indeed, Your peace passes understanding (Philippians 4:7).

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Step out in Peace

Posted on December 11, 2024 by Shirlee Abbott

Ephesians 6:15 (NLT)
For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.

Are you all dressed up and ready to go? Don’t forget your best shoes.

Isaiah 52:7
How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of the messenger who brings good news,
the good news of peace and salvation …

Good morning, Lord. Thank You for the good news of peace and salvation. It puts the spring in my step, even when the road is rough. It lights my way, especially when the world is dark. It empowers my forward motion, even when I can’t see the path ahead. It keeps my feet on the narrow way, even when the crowd heads in a different direction. I step out in peace, knowing You are with me.

Posted in Constructive Thought, Morning Prayer | Tagged Ephesians 6:15, Isaiah 52:7, shoes of peace | 4 Comments

Live in Peace

Posted on December 10, 2024 by Shirlee Abbott

Romans 12:18 (NASB)
If possible, so far as it depends on you,
be at peace with all people.

It takes effort on everyone’s part to live in peace. Question is, am I a roadblock on the path to peace?

Good morning, Lord. Look into my heart and show me everything standing between me and peace. Shine Your light of truth on any lingering resentment, desire for revenge, envy, scorekeeping or one-upmanship. Grant me a forgiving spirit.

Just as You offer me new mercies every morning (Lamentations 3:23), let me clean the slate of my relationships daily. Teach me the art of living at peace with everyone.

Posted in Constructive Thought, Morning Prayer | Tagged Lamentations 3:23, peace, Romans 12:18 | 1 Comment

The Advent of Peace

Posted on December 9, 2024 by Shirlee Abbott

“The feast day of your birth resembles you, Lord
Because it brings joy to all humanity . . .
Your day is a means and a pledge of peace.
At your birth heaven and earth were reconciled,
Since you came from heaven to earth on that day
You forgave our sins and wiped away our guilt.”
Ephrem the Syrian (306-373)

Our Prince of Peace is the Lord of Reconciliation — between heaven and earth, between God and humanity, between Him and me.

Good morning, Lord. I long for peace. I sometimes wish You’d wave a magic wand and send peace all around the world. But really, You’ve already done Your part. The lack of peace is mankind’s doing, not Yours.

Enable me to do my part — with my prayers, my words and my actions. I want to be an instrument of reconciliation. Teach me how to be a peacemaker.

Posted in Morning Prayer, Timeless Wisdom | Tagged Ephrem the Syrian, peace, reconciliation | 2 Comments

Foundation of Hope

Posted on December 6, 2024 by Shirlee Abbott

“My hope is built on nothing less
than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.”
Edward Mote, 1834

No Jesus, no hope.
Know Jesus, know hope.

Good morning, Lord. You are my hope … for sins forgiven, for eternal life, for peace on earth. Without You, my life would be gloom and doom. With You, it is light and grace. Thank You.

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The Source of Hope

Posted on December 5, 2024 by Shirlee Abbott

Psalm 119:114 (NLT)
You are my refuge and my shield;
your word is my source of hope.

Hope running low? Fill it up with the Word of God.

Good morning, Lord. When I’m discouraged, I tend to forget the stories of David, Daniel and Peter. My troubles fall short of Goliath, the lions’ den and prison — and yet, I think my situation is hopeless. If I turn to Your Word, I see Your power at work. I understand that I’m never alone, You are with me. I’m assured that no matter what happens on earth, I have the eternal hope of heaven. Thank You.

Posted in Advent, Constructive Thought, Morning Prayer | Tagged God's Word, hope, Psalm 119:114 | 1 Comment

Winter’s Hope

Posted on December 4, 2024 by Shirlee Abbott

“In the frost when the earth is barren,
You bring new hope to our souls.
In December when seeds are hidden in the soil,
The staff of life springs forth from the virgin womb.”
Ephrem the Syrian (306-373)

Are you in a spiritual winter, failing to feel the light? Fear not, hope rises from the chill.

Good morning, Lord. You are my hope in despair, my warm place in this cold world, the light in our dark culture, water in a dry and thirsty land. How do people get through their days without You? I need You every season, every day, every hour. Thank You for being present with and in me, everywhere and all the time.

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The Birth of Hope

Posted on December 3, 2024 by Shirlee Abbott

Matthew 1:21 (TLB)
… you shall name him Jesus (meaning ‘Savior’), for he will save his people from their sins.

No Savior = no hope.

Christmas celebrates the birth of hope.

Good morning, Lord. You are the Savior of the world, my eternal hope and my Redeemer. “Thank You” isn’t enough. I owe all that I am and ever will be to You. I present myself as a living sacrifice, holy and devoted to You, as my spiritual worship (Romans 12:1).

Posted in Advent, Constructive Thought, Morning Prayer | Tagged Matthew 12:1, Romans 12:1, Savior | Comments Off