Author Archives: Shirlee Abbott

For God’s Sake

Christian writers sometimes say they write “for an audience of one.” They write–first and foremost–to please God. Everything and everyone else dims in comparison.   Colossians 3:23 (ESV) Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for … Continue reading

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Morning Prayer: Open Hands and Heart

Good morning, Lord. Let me approach this weekend with open hands and an open heart. May I not be so self-absorbed that I’m blind to what’s happening around me. Give me eyes to see who needs an encouraging word, who … Continue reading

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Be Hospitable to Angels

I’d love to show hospitality to angels, invite them to dinner and let them sleep in the guest room. Who wouldn’t? Trick is, I won’t answer the doorbell and find an angel on the front stoop. Angels tend to show … Continue reading

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Morning Prayer: Hospitable to Strangers

Good morning, Lord. I’m standoffish with folks I don’t know. I want to be careful but not isolated, cautious but not quick to judge. Teach me to look at a stranger and think, “Here is someone God loves. Here’s a … Continue reading

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Be Hospitable to Strangers

  Paul listed the characteristics of godly widows:   1 Timothy 5:10 (GNT) . . . a woman who brought up her children well, received strangers in her home, performed humble duties for other Christians, helped people in trouble, and … Continue reading

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Morning Prayer: Open to Travelers

Good morning, Lord. It’s one thing to share my space and my faith with my friends. Opening up to passing strangers–I hang back. Open my heart to “divine appointments,” those unexpected encounters only You can arrange. Grant me wisdom to … Continue reading

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Be Hospitable to Travelers

  Job had many fine qualities, including: Job 31:32b (NIV) … my door was always open to the traveler.   Who among us can say the same?  

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Be Hospitable to the Family of God

I welcome my extended family into my home. I offer them a warm bed and few meals, no complaints. So should it be for my brothers and sisters in Christ.   Romans 12:13 (PHILLIPS) Give freely to fellow-Christians in want, … Continue reading

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Morning Prayer: the Habit of Hospitality

Good morning, Lord. I got sloppy during the pandemic. I wore my PJs till noon, let housework go and got used to hanging out with myself. I’ve been slow to restore some good habits–especially the habit of hospitality. Teach me … Continue reading

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Be Hospitable–for the Fun of It

I used to invite folks to my house. I quit during the pandemic, and I never really started again. The world went back to normal, and my new normal didn’t include hospitality. Until this week. We hosted a potluck dinner … Continue reading

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