Shirlee Abbott

For Christ’s Sake

Posted on November 3, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

“For Christ’s sake” — all too often used as a curse word. For believers, it’s a blessing. These words should be our motivation.

Colossians 3:17 (MEV)
And whatever you do in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.

In Jesus’ name.

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Morning Prayer: Simply Kind

Posted on November 2, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

Good morning, Lord. May I honor You today, not so much in doing some great and godly deed, but through a thousand simple acts of kindness–done for Your glory and not my own.

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For Your Sake

Posted on November 2, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

You’re busy. All sorts of things compete for your attention. For your sake, I try to keep the message short and simple.

Habakkuk 2:2 (ERV)
The Lord answered me, “Write down what I show you. Write it clearly on a sign so that the message will be easy to read.

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For Their Sake

Posted on November 1, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

I write first for the Lord, then for myself–always with the hope my words will encourage others. I trust God to use my work for their sake …

Ephesians 4:12 (ESV)
to equip the saints for the work of ministry,
for building up the body of Christ.

I pray for the folks who read what I write.

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Morning Prayer: God’s Help

Posted on October 31, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

Good morning, Lord. When I do things out of my own strength and wisdom, I simply wind up with a bigger mess. Teach me to look to You in all things, to do things Your way, to thank You for Your help, and praise You for Your goodness.

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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 help–I have come.

1 Samuel 7:12 (AMP)
Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and he named it Ebenezer (stone of help), saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”

Souls Under Construction is my Ebenezer—thus far the Lord has helped me.

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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 men.

“As for the Lord.” For God’s sake.

I write for God’s sake. What do you do for God’s sake?

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Morning Prayer: Open Hands and Heart

Posted on October 27, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

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 needs a hot meal, who needs to know that You (and I) care what happens to them.

Give me wisdom to know the right response. Give me the courage to step up, speak up and follow through, in Jesus’ name.

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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 up incognito.

Hebrews 13:2 (ESV)
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unaware.

Apparently, God wants us to view strangers as potential angels.

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