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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Morning Prayer: Hospitable to Strangers

Posted on October 26, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott


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 potential friend.”

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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 devoted herself to doing good.

First, a good mother–check. Next up, hospitable to strangers–You gotta be kidding!

Truth be told, Lord God, I aspire to be a good mother. Good to strangers–not even on my radar. Teach me to align my priorities with Yours. Give me eyes to notice the strangers in our midst. And give me a heart that cares.

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Morning Prayer: Open to Travelers

Posted on October 25, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

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 know what to say and the courage to speak up, in Jesus’ name.

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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?

 

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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, never grudging a meal or a bed to those who need them.

We’ll share throughout eternity. Might as well start now.

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