Shirlee Abbott

The Fruit of Heaven

Posted on May 13, 2026 by Shirlee Abbott

This passage from John’s description of heaven intrigues me.

Revelation 22:1-2 (NIV)
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb … On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month.

A monthly harvest of fruit? Does heaven cycle through all four seasons in a month? Time works differently there.

Good morning, Lord. I imagine the best of everything here on earth is a poor reflection of the glories of heaven. The most delicate spring flowers, the most colorful autumn vistas, the tastiest fruit are previews of the coming attractions of heaven — abundantly bigger, brighter and sweeter than I can ask or think (Ephesians 2:20). All that, plus You, I look forward to it.

Posted in Constructive Thought, Morning Prayer | Tagged Ephesians 2:20, fruit of heaven, Revelation 22:1-2, time in heaven | Leave a comment

Heaven: Our Happy Place

Posted on May 12, 2026 by Shirlee Abbott

The next time I stub my toe or burn my finger, I’ll think about this verse:

Revelation 21:3-4 (NLT)
… Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.

Let’s put it in perspective — not just the quick cry or the short-term pain. No deep grief, no devastating diagnoses, no raging fevers, no aching joints. Forever and ever!

Good morning, Lord. When my body hurts, I look to the medicine cabinet for relief. In heaven, I’ll need no pain relievers, no tissue boxes, no ice packs or heating pads. No tears no pain, it’s all good. Hallelujah!

Posted in Constructive Thought, Morning Prayer | Tagged Heaven, no tears and pain, Revelation 21:3-4 | Leave a comment

Hope of Heaven

Posted on May 11, 2026 by Shirlee Abbott

This week, we’ll catch a few glimpses of our future in heaven.

“It is not darkness you are going to, for God is Light. It is not lonely, for Christ is with you. It is not unknown country, for Christ is there.”
Charles Kingsley (1819-1875)

Without a doubt, we will know we’re in the right place.

Good morning, Lord. I get so caught up in day-to-day life that I lose sight of eternity in heaven. Remind me of its unending joy, grant me glimpses of its magnificent glory. While my feet are planted securely here on earth, set my heart on the hope of heaven, in Jesus’ name.

Posted in Morning Prayer, Timeless Wisdom | Tagged Charles Kingsley, Heaven, hope of heaven | Leave a comment

A Mother’s Day Blessing

Posted on May 10, 2026 by Shirlee Abbott

Posted in Morning Prayer | Tagged Mother's Day | 3 Comments

Growing Self-Control

Posted on May 8, 2026 by Shirlee Abbott

Self-control is one of many godly attributes we should be eager to embrace.

2 Peter 1:5-7 (NIV)
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.

We don’t add each characteristic one at a time, like picking a bouquet of flowers. We grow them together, like a field of wildflowers.

Good morning, Lord. Grow good attributes in my soul: faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, love. Transform me from a self-centered individual into a God-centered person of faith, hope and love.

Posted in Constructive Thought, Morning Prayer | Tagged 2 Peter 1:5-7, self-centered | Leave a comment

The Spirit of Self-Control

Posted on May 7, 2026 by Shirlee Abbott

“We must have a spirit of power towards the enemy, a spirit of love towards men, and a spirit of self-control towards ourselves.”
Watchman Nee (1903-1972)

Power, love and self-control — working together for good.

Good morning, Lord. How many times each day do I make choices that don’t reflect Your truth? Too many! I get distracted by the enemy’s whispers, or I look at others with envy or judgment. Jumpstart my spirit of self-control, O God. Show me how to keep my thoughts, words and actions in line with Your Word.

Posted in Morning Prayer, Timeless Wisdom | Tagged 2 Timothy 1:7, self-control, Watchman Nee | Leave a comment

The Gift of Self-Control

Posted on May 6, 2026 by Shirlee Abbott

2 Timothy 1:6-7 (MEV)
Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God … For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and self-control.

The spirit of self-control is a good gift. God offers me the opportunity to exercise my free will.

Free will and self-control … they work well together.

Good morning, Lord. If I had no free will, I would not need self-control. If I had no free will, I would be a puppet of the one with control, be it You or the enemy. With no self-control, my free will would lead me into chaos. Teach me to exercise self-control and use my free will for good — good for me, good for others, good for Your kingdom.

Posted in Constructive Thought, Morning Prayer | Tagged 2 Timothy 1:6-7, free wo;;, self-control | Leave a comment

Self-Control or God-Control

Posted on May 5, 2026 by Shirlee Abbott

Who’s in control?

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

My self-control is the product of God’s control.

Good morning, Lord. When I let You take control, I see an increase in my self-control. The tighter I hold on to control, the more out-of-control I feel. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for working Your way in me. Keep up the good work, in Jesus’ name.

Posted in Constructive Thought, Morning Prayer | Tagged fruit of the Spirit, Galatians 5:22-23, self-control | 2 Comments

No Self-Control

Posted on May 4, 2026 by Shirlee Abbott

Proverbs 25:28 (ESV)
A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.

“Broken into and left without walls” — in other translations of the Bible: breached, helpless, without protection, defenseless, conquered.

Without self-control, I leave myself defenseless, unprotected, open to the enemy.

Good morning, Lord. Teach me self-control. Without it, I am open to the enemy’s attacks, and I know he comes to steal my peace, kill my joy and destroy my hope (John 10:10). Show me the path of righteousness, help me establish safe boundaries, and empower me to live within the guardrails of Your truth.

Posted in Constructive Thought, Morning Prayer | Tagged John 10:10, Proverbs 25:28, self-control | Leave a comment

Face to Face

Posted on May 1, 2026 by Shirlee Abbott

Exodus 33:11 (NIV)
The Lord would speak
to Moses face to face,
as one speaks to a friend.

Friends with God … face-to-face conversations … anytime, anywhere.

Good morning, Lord. I am grateful for our friendly conversations — at daybreak, midday, evening and in the dark of night. Round the clock, You are willing to listen to me. Forgive me for failing to be equally attentive to You. Tune my ears to hear Your words of guidance and encouragement … even correction … all the time, everywhere.

Posted in Constructive Thought, Morning Prayer | Tagged conversation with God, Exodus 33:11, face to face, friends with God | 2 Comments