Author Archives: Shirlee Abbott

Spring Rain

Posted on April 24, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

Where I live, it rained Saturday night. You know what they say: “April showers bring May flowers.” I want spring flowers, so the storm made me happy. God also sends spiritual rain. It doesn’t bring flowers. Isaiah 45:8 … Continue reading →

Posted in Constructive Thought, Pentecost | Tagged Isaiah 45:8, rain, righteousness, salvation, Spirit | Comments Off

Fire and Whispers

Posted on April 21, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

God doesn’t always meet us with rushing winds and tongues of fire. 1 Kings 19:11-12 (MSG). Then he [Elijah] was told, “Go, stand on the mountain at attention before God. God will pass by.” A hurricane wind ripped through the … Continue reading →

Posted in 40 Days of Prayer for America, Constructive Thought | Tagged 1 Kings 19:11-12, fire, quiet whisper | Comments Off

Fire and Light

Posted on April 19, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

“Holy Spirt, the life that gives life . . . You are the fire that warms our hearts; You are the light that guides our feet. Let all the world praise you.” Hildegard of Bingen, (1098-1179)

Posted in Pentecost, Timeless Wisdom | Tagged fire, Hildegard of Bingen, Holy Spirit, light | Comments Off

Fire and Wind

Posted on April 18, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

Usually, wind + fire = disaster. In God’s hands, wind + fire = Holy Spirit. Acts 2:2-4 (CEB) Suddenly a sound from heaven like the howling of a fierce wind filled the entire house where they were sitting. They saw what … Continue reading →

Posted in Pentecost | Tagged Acts 2:2-4, fire, Pentecost, wind | Comments Off

Fire and Warmth

Posted on April 17, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

Fire, used properly, is a blessing. We could say it is a gift from God. “Thou fire so masterful and bright, that givest man both warmth and light, O praise him, O praise him, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!” St. Francis of … Continue reading →

Posted in Timeless Wisdom | Tagged All Creatures of Our God and King, fire, St. Francis | Comments Off

Fire and Destruction

Posted on April 16, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

My little corner of the world just experienced a three-day brush fire. I’m grateful that firefighters, first responders and God’s downpour kept everyone safe. Set me to thinking about fire’s destructive power. It brings to mind God’s judgment. … Continue reading →

Posted in Constructive Thought | Tagged 1 Corinthians 3:13, destruction, fire, works | 2 Comments

Waiting for the Promise

Posted on April 13, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

Acts 1:4 (NIV) Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised. Waiting on the Lord, for the promise given; Waiting on the Lord, to send from Heaven; Waiting on the Lord, by our faith receiving. . . … Continue reading →

Posted in Timeless Wisdom | Tagged Acts 1:4, Charles F. Weigle, Waiting on the Lord | Comments Off

Waiting on God

Posted on April 13, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

Jesus told His disciples to wait. Acts 1:4-5 (NIV) “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you … Continue reading →

Posted in Constructive Thought | Tagged Acts 1:4-5, Pentecost, wait | Comments Off

Prepared to Wait

Posted on April 12, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

Lent is a season of preparation. Pentecost (50 days) is a season of waiting. It is tied to the Jewish feast of Shavuot, seven weeks after Passover, marking the wheat harvest. In Acts, we learn that Jesus met … Continue reading →

Posted in Constructive Thought | Tagged Acts 1:4, Lent, Pentecost, wait | Comments Off

He Is Risen Indeed!

Posted on April 10, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

This is the message of the resurrection: Love wins. Indeed, God’s love wins. John 3:16 (ESV) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have … Continue reading →

Posted in Constructive Thought | Tagged Easter, John 3:16, love, Resurrection | Comments Off