Author Archives: Shirlee Abbott

Offense, Not Defense

Ephesians 6:12 (MSG) This is no weekend war that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. We’re in … Continue reading

Share
Posted in Constructive Thought | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Offense, Not Defense

Morning Prayer: Blessed Are You

Good morning, Lord. The Beatitudes (the “blessed are you” part of Matthew 5) seem backwards to me. We’re blessed for being poor in spirit, meek and insulted. Our culture says, “be strong, stand up for yourself, step away from toxic … Continue reading

Share
Posted in Morning Prayer | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Morning Prayer: Blessed Are You

Blessed, Not Cursed

  It’s easy to get upset when others insult you for your faith. Here’s what Jesus said:   Matthew 5:11-12 (NLT) “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of … Continue reading

Share
Posted in Constructive Thought | Tagged , | Comments Off on Blessed, Not Cursed

Morning Prayer: Fresh Air

Good morning, Lord. I will encounter some grumpy people today. Don’t let their bad attitudes influence mine–may my good attitude influence them. Fill me with joy and let it overflow to others–not as a pasted-on smile, but with Your peace. … Continue reading

Share
Posted in Morning Prayer | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Morning Prayer: Fresh Air

Sweet Fragrance, Not Stale Air

  2 Corinthians 2:15 (NET) For we are a sweet aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.   We are called to be the aroma of Christ, a sweet fragrance, … Continue reading

Share
Posted in Constructive Thought | Tagged , | Comments Off on Sweet Fragrance, Not Stale Air

Changed for Better, Not for Worse

  Things seem to be getting worse at a faster rate. Don’t let it change you.   Romans 12:2 (ERV) Don’t change yourselves to be like the people of this world, but let God change you inside with a new … Continue reading

Share
Posted in Constructive Thought | Tagged , | Comments Off on Changed for Better, Not for Worse

Morning Prayer: God’s Timing

Good morning, Lord. Your timing is perfect, this I know. And yet, I keep hoping You will follow my timeline. I keep asking You to do what I want when I want. Forgive me for thinking You aren’t listening when … Continue reading

Share
Posted in Morning Prayer | Tagged , | Comments Off on Morning Prayer: God’s Timing

God’s Rhythm of 50

50 is an important number in Scripture. There’s the Year of Jubilee, when slaves were freed and debts were cancelled.   Leviticus 25:10 (ESV) You shall consecrate the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout the land. And there’s Pentecost. In … Continue reading

Share
Posted in Constructive Thought | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on God’s Rhythm of 50

Morning Prayer: The Rhythm of Work

Good morning, Lord. From the beginning, You planned for us to work. Our culture seems to scream, “Work less! Work is bad.” Teach me to see work as my opportunity to obey You and serve others–in Jesus’ name.

Share
Posted in Morning Prayer | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Morning Prayer: The Rhythm of Work

God’s Rhythm of 7

Genesis 20:9-10 (ESV) Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.    Six days for us and our work. One day for God. Let’s do it God’s way. Live out … Continue reading

Share
Posted in Constructive Thought | Tagged , , | Comments Off on God’s Rhythm of 7