Quiet Fools

Posted on August 25, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Proverbs 17:28 (NLV)
Even a fool, when he keeps quiet,
is thought to be wise.

 

Note to self: talk less!

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Quiet Waters

Posted on August 24, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

Psalm 23:1-3 (NASB)
The Lord is my shepherd,
I will not be in need.
He lets me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul.

O Lord, we live in a boisterous world overflowing with rushing water, flooding water, dirty water. You are the Prince of peace, leading us to green pastures and quiet waters. Thank You for room to breathe, room to think, room to rest.

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The Quiet Soul

Posted on August 22, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

John 10:27 (NIV)
My sheep listen to my voice;
I know them, and they follow me.

 

It is best to learn to silence the faculties and to cause them to be still so that God may speak.
John of the Cross (1542-1591)

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A Quiet Spirit

Posted on August 22, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott


1 Peter 3:4 (NASB)
It should be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.

A quiet spirit–hésuchios in Hebrew, meaning tranquil, peaceful.

When your heart overflows with peace and tranquility, you don’t sweat the small stuff.

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A Quiet Life

Posted on August 21, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott


We’re called to pray for those in authority …

1 Timothy 2:2 (NASB)
so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

 

Life seems anything but quiet. Tranquility, godliness and dignity are sorely lacking. It’s not a just a political problem, it’s a spiritual issue.

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The Discipline of Mercy

Posted on August 18, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott


“The gracious discipline of mercy breaks the ships of our vainglory with a strong east wind, and casts us shipwrecked, naked and forlorn, upon the Rock of Ages.” —Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892)

 

God’s discipline comes wrapped in grace and mercy.

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No Self-Punishment

Posted on August 17, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

 

There are many references in Scripture to self-discipline (self-control). I couldn’t find even one about self-punishment.

 

Apparently, punishment isn’t a DIY job. And that’s something to think about.

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Not My Self-Discipline

Posted on August 16, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

 

2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

 

Per this verse, I’m not the source of my own self-discipline. It comes from God.

Now that’s something to think about.

 

 

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Discipline or Punishment: Attitude Matters

Posted on August 15, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

 

It’s not only the motivation of the one punishing. The attitude of the one being disciplined opens the path to punishment.

 

This Scripture refers to God’s Word and His people. Discipline wasn’t working.

Zechariah 7:11, 13 (ESV)
 But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder and stopped their ears that they might not hear … “As I called, and they would not hear, so they called, and I would not hear,” says the Lord of hosts.

Their bad attitude bought them punishment (exile), not freedom. In the end, God got their attention.

 

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Discipline or Punishment: Motive Matters

Posted on August 14, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

 

This week’s discussion is on discipline and punishment. What’s the difference?

Let’s start with motive:

 

Love is the motivation behind discipline:

Proverbs 3:12 (NET)
For the Lord disciplines those he loves, just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights.

Loving discipline may involve punishment. But not all punishment is motivated by love.

Ecclesiastes 7:9
Do not let yourself be quickly provoked, for anger resides in the lap of fools.

Punishment motivated by anger is foolishness.

 

 

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