Who’s In Control?

Posted on November 26, 2024 by Shirlee Abbott

Proverbs 25:28 (NIV)
Like a city whose walls are broken through
is a person who lacks self-control.

If I’m not in control, who is? Who has broken through the boundaries of my life, making decisions for me? 

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

Beware the enemy!  

 

Good morning, Lord. I so often forget there’s an enemy watching for gaps in my self-control, eager to step in and take charge. Open my eyes to his devious ways, protect me from his destructive schemes. I don’t want him to snatch control out of my hands. I want to willingly hand off control to You. Make it so, in Jesus’ name.

 

 

 

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Self-Control (or Lack Thereof)

Posted on November 25, 2024 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Here in the USA, it’s Thanksgiving week — a perfect time to ponder the last attribute in the fruit-of-the-Spirit list:

 

Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Self-control. Frankly, it’s the lack thereof I notice. I can complete this sentence with a wide assortment of wrongdoing:

“When it comes to [fill in the blank], I lack self-control.”

 


Good morning, Lord. All too often, I lack self-control. I eat too much, especially chips and chocolate. I waste too much time on social media, filling my head with stuff I don’t need to know. I procrastinate, setting myself up for more stress down the road.

Help me do the right things at the right time, Lord. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:6). Boost my faith and empower my choices, in Jesus’ name.

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Gentle, Me?

Posted on November 22, 2024 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Philippians 4:5 (NIV)
Let your gentleness be evident to all …

 

 

Evident to all? I’m not sure my gentleness is evident even to me. 

 


Good morning, Lord. Teach me to be gentle. I want others to see Your gentleness in and through me. Grant me the strength to put unkind thoughts on hold, to keep back harsh words, to restrain from getting even. Fill me to overflowing with love and mercy — let me pour forth a continuous stream of love and compassion.

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Gentle Man

Posted on November 21, 2024 by Shirlee Abbott

Paul, the outspoken man, was also a gentle man.

2 Corinthians 10:1 (NIV)
By the humility and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am “timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” toward you when away!

Question: How do others describe you: bold, timid or gentle? What would you have to say and do differently to be gentle the way Christ is gentle?

 

Good morning, Lord. Thank You for Your gentle touch guiding me daily. Teach me to be gentle with others — nudging them towards You, encouraging them to walk in Your light, wrapping them in my prayers. Forgive my quick judgments, harsh words and selfish deeds. Help me to be as gentle to others as I want them to be gentle with me.

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Gentle Strength

Posted on November 20, 2024 by Shirlee Abbott

 

“Nothing is so strong as gentleness,
nothing so gentle as real strength.”
Francis de Sales, 1567-1622

 

Never mistake gentleness for weakness. They are grounded in totally different places.

 


Good morning, Lord. You spoke the universe into being with words, and You could speak us out of existence in a flash. I cannot comprehend Your power, partly because You are so gentle with me. Thank You for grace and mercy, more than I deserve or understand.

I am wrapped in faithful kindness, gentle strength and everlasting goodness, thanks be to God!

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Gentle Shepherd

Posted on November 19, 2024 by Shirlee Abbott


Isaiah 40:11 (NIV)
He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young.


We sheep want our Shepherd to be tough on the enemy, gentle with us. And for the most part, that’s how He works.

 

Good morning, Lord. Thank You for being my gentle Shepherd, for gathering me in Your everlasting arms and carrying me close to Your heart. I know I can be a stubborn, wayward sheep, forgive my foolish wandering. Lead me in paths of righteousness — even (especially) when I’m reluctant to follow. May Your love and mercy follow me all the days of my life. (Psalm 23:3,6)

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Gentle Jesus

Posted on November 18, 2024 by Shirlee Abbott

Jesus said:

Matthew 11:29 (NIV)
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.


When I think of the King of kings and Lord of lords, gentle isn’t the first word that comes to mind. And yet, Jesus used it to describe Himself. Thus I stop and think: when and how was Jesus gentle?

          • Healing the sick, with quiet words and a kind touch
          • Blessing the children
          • Teaching and re-teaching His disciples
            (they often failed to get it the first time)
          • Teaching and re-teaching me
            (when I don’t get it the 1st, 3rd or 23rd time)

 

Good morning, Lord. Thank You for the quiet nudge, the subtle push, the gentle touch to tell me I’m on the wrong path, following bad advice or a faulty train of thought. You are so patient with me. Rarely do You smack me harshly — even then, I know, it’s not to show me who’s boss. Sometimes I’m distracted, forgetful, or rebellious. You get my attention for my own good, and I’m grateful.

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The Faithful Message

Posted on November 15, 2024 by Shirlee Abbott


Romans 10:17 (NIV)
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

 

I heard, I believed.  

Who has heard through me?

 


Good morning, Lord. I am grateful for the good news of Your salvation. Show me when and how to share that message with others — sometimes in words, sometimes in actions, always in faithful obedience. Be my strength, my shield and my story.

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The Measure of Faithfulness

Posted on November 14, 2024 by Shirlee Abbott

 

“Success is the world’s criterion of merit;
fidelity is God’s.”
Charles S. Robinson (1829-1899)

 

Fidelity = faithfulness. Faithfulness is doing things God’s way.

Faithfulness (obedience) is God’s measure of merit.

 

Good morning, Lord. You don’t call us to succeed, You call us to obey. Remind me of this when I struggle, when the win doesn’t come easily, when a plan doesn’t play out the way I expected.  My goal should be obedience to You — not popularity with the world, not financial reward, not another step up the corporate ladder.

Teach me to learn from Your Word, to listen to the nudge of Your Spirit, to walk in the path of righteousness for Your sake.

 

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God’s Faithfulness

Posted on November 13, 2024 by Shirlee Abbott

Deuteronomy 7:9 (NIV)
Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.

Oh, to be as faithful to God as He is to me!

 

Good morning, Lord. You are forever faithful. I am not. Forgive me for fixing my mind on worldly distractions, chasing after useless treasures, and following the foolish fantasies of my culture. Thank You for never giving up on me, welcoming me back when I’ve strayed, and restoring my broken soul time and time again. I don’t know why You love me so, but I am grateful.

 

 

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