Category Archives: Constructive Thought

For My Sake

Posted on October 30, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

I write for my own sake. This blog is an exercise in discipline. Over the years I’ve honed my unique voice and learned to put big thoughts into simple words. The words written here remind me how far–with God’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Constructive Thought | Tagged 1 Samuel 7:12, Ebenezer, my sake, Stone of help | Comments Off

For God’s Sake

Posted on October 30, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

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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Be Hospitable to Angels

Posted on October 27, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

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 →

Posted in Constructive Thought | Tagged angels, Hebrews 13:2, hospitality, strangers | Comments Off

Be Hospitable to Strangers

Posted on October 26, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

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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Be Hospitable to Travelers

Posted on October 25, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

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?

Posted in Constructive Thought | Tagged hospitality, Job 31:32, travelers | Comments Off

Be Hospitable to the Family of God

Posted on October 24, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

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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Be Hospitable–for the Fun of It

Posted on October 22, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

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 →

Posted in Constructive Thought | Tagged 1 Peter 4:9, hospitality | Comments Off

Answering God’s Call

Posted on October 20, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

When it comes to answering God’s call, we can’t do better than Peter and his brother Andrew. Matthew 4:19-20 (NIV) “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets … Continue reading →

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Running from God’s Call

Posted on October 19, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

Jonah heard God’s call and ran away. Jonah 1:2-3 (NLT) “Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are.” But Jonah got up … Continue reading →

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Doubting God’s Call

Posted on October 18, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

Samuel heard God’s call and stepped forward in faith. Not so Moses. He heard, but he had doubts. Exodus 3:10-12 (NLT) “Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of … Continue reading →

Posted in Constructive Thought | Tagged doubts, Exodus 3:10-12, God's call, Moses | Comments Off