Shirlee Abbott

A Call to Prayer

Posted on July 6, 2026 by Shirlee Abbott

Following up on the 4th of July celebration, this week we’ll explore our Biblical responsibilities toward our nation.

1 Timothy 2:1-3 (NIV)
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior …

First and foremost — before we complain, criticize or praise our leaders — let’s pray.

Good morning, Lord. Your Word tells me to pray for all those in authority. I am so quick to criticize, Lord, and so slow to pray — forgive me. Remind me to pray for their wisdom and safety. It’s not a matter of getting them to do what I want, it’s asking You to work through them, for their well-being and Your glory.

Posted in Constructive Thought, Morning Prayer | Tagged 1 Timothy 2:1-3, prayer for those in authority | 1 Comment

A 4th of July Prayer

Posted on July 4, 2026 by Shirlee Abbott

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I’ll be back after the 4th of July — see you then

Posted on June 26, 2026 by Shirlee Abbott

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Keep Training

Posted on June 25, 2026 by Shirlee Abbott

I need to practice what I preach and put Paul’s words into action.

1 Corinthians 9:26-27 (MSG)
I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No lazy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.

Note to self: It’s training time!

Good morning, Lord. It’s easy to get comfy and decide to do it all some other time. Forgive me for putting off till another day what You call me to do today. A bit of rest is good, but I don’t want to get so comfortable that I become useless. Teach me to lace up my spiritual sneakers and get back on track. I want to move forward in step with Your plan, so help me, God.

Posted in Constructive Thought, Morning Prayer | Tagged 1 Corinthians 9:26-27, train for the race | 3 Comments

Keep Running

Posted on June 24, 2026 by Shirlee Abbott

“Run each day’s race with all your might, so that at the end you will receive the victory wreath from God. Keep on running even when you have had a fall. The victory wreath is won by him who does not stay down, but always gets up again, grasps the banner of faith and keeps on running in the assurance that Jesus is Victor.” Mother Basilea Schlink (1904-2001)

Good morning, Lord. I stumble in my spiritual walk almost daily, occasionally with a hard fall. Sometimes it hurts physically, other times it hurts only my ego. You are patient with my whining and grumbling, thank You. Grant me the physical and emotional strength to get up and get going, again and again, for Your name’s sake.

Posted in Morning Prayer, Timeless Wisdom | Tagged Basilea Schlink\, run the race, stumble and fall | Leave a comment

The Starting Line

Posted on June 23, 2026 by Shirlee Abbott

Accepting Christ isn’t a finish line, it’s the starting line. Scripture offers this advice for all us runners:

Hebrews 12:1-2 (MSG)
… Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it … When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item …

This long race to spiritual maturity doesn’t earn our way to heaven; it prepares us for heaven. And Jesus shows us how it’s done.

Good morning, Lord. Early in my journey with You, I was an eager runner. Now, I confess, I sometimes drag my feet, take a seat and make myself comfortable. You call me to step out in faith and move forward with confidence. Renew my strength, Lord, so I can run and not grow weary, walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31).

Posted in Constructive Thought, Morning Prayer | Tagged Hebrews 12:1-2, Isaiah 40:31, starting line | Leave a comment

The Finish Line

Posted on June 22, 2026 by Shirlee Abbott

With a smile and a handshake, graduates cross the finish line and accept their prized diplomas.

As believers in Christ, we look forward to a bigger and better prize.

James 1:12 (NASB)
Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

It’s easy to get stuck in the daily details and lose sight of the finish line.

Good morning, Lord. Sometimes I’m so focused on the here and now that I lose sight of the now and forever. Grant me a balanced view of the race You’ve laid out for me. Teach me to run with one eye on the path in front of me and the other on the eternal finish line.

Posted in Constructive Thought, Morning Prayer | Tagged finish line, James 1:12, race | 2 Comments

Unexpected Gratitude

Posted on June 19, 2026 by Shirlee Abbott

Joseph’s brothers thew him in a pit and sold him into slavery. He wound up in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Not much there to inspire gratitude.

Years went by. Joseph became the #2 man in Egypt, responsible for helping millions through an extended drought. He spoke graciously to his brothers:

Genesis 50:20 (NIV)
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

In essence, thank You, God, for bringing good out of this mess.

Unexpected gratitude, indeed.

Good morning, Lord. We joke about “you’ll thank me later,” but how many times have I thanked You later? How often has my complaining turned into unexpected gratitude? Lots and lots! Thank You.

Posted in Constructive Thought, Morning Prayer | Tagged Genesis 50:20, gratitude, Joseph | Comments Off

Delayed Gratitude

Posted on June 18, 2026 by Shirlee Abbott

Jesus healed 10 lepers. Only one took time to offer a proper thank you.

Luke 17:15-16 (NIV)
One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him.

I wonder about the other nine. After the initial excitement wore off, were they overwhelmed with gratitude?

Good morning, Lord. How often do I forget to thank You? More times than I can count — forgive me. As I look back on my life, I can see Your hand at work in ways I missed in the excitement or frustration of the moment. And I have taken the credit when it rightly belonged to You. Dear God, I’m sorry. You have been so good to me, and I am grateful.

Posted in Constructive Thought, Morning Prayer | Tagged gratitude, Luke 17:15-16, ten lepers | 4 Comments

Interrupted Gratitude

Posted on June 17, 2026 by Shirlee Abbott

Luke 8:41-42 (NIV)
Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come to his house because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying.

Surely Jairus was grateful when Jesus agreed to come to his house. Along the way, Jesus stopped to heal a woman. In Jairus’ place, I’d have thought (and maybe even said), “I’m grateful, yes, but could we skip the interruption?”

Good morning, Lord. When I ask You for something, I’m hoping for an answer sooner rather than later. Teach me to trust Your timing, to wait patiently with an attitude of gratitude.

Posted in Constructive Thought, Morning Prayer | Tagged gratitude, interruption, Jairus, Luke 8:41-42 | 4 Comments