Why He Rose

He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you, while He was still with you in Galilee. “The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.” Then they remembered His words. – (Luke 24:6-8, NIV)

Jesus is not here. He has risen from death. Do you remember what He said in Galilee? He said the Son of Man must be handed over to the control of sinful men, be killed on a cross, and rise from death on the third day. Then the women remembered what Jesus had said. – (Luke 24:6-8, ERV)

He is not here. He has risen from the dead. Don’t you remember what He told you way back in Galilee? He told you that the Son of Man must be handed over to wicked me, He must be crucified, and then on the third day He must rise. The women did remember Jesus’ words about this. – (Luke 24:6-8, VOICE)

This morning, I read through each of the gospel accounts of Easter morning. There are different details in each account, yet the story remains the same. The same women who had hurried to prepare the burial spices on Friday, had waited out that somber Saturday, had now returned to the tomb to fulfill the burial process and say their final farewells. Incredibly, they were met by angels who announced that Jesus was not there, that He had risen. In each account, the angels had let them know that they need not fear, and that Jesus had risen and would meet them. The ladies in their fear and wonder, went to tell the disciples what they had witnessed. I love that these women were the last to see Jesus and where He was laid on Friday, and the first to hear that He had risen. Additionally, Jesus first appeared to them after He had arisen. There is so much more to the story than a few verses, and the overwhelming power, goodness, and grace that were on display through all of the events that had transpired, took place so that we might know that no matter where we have come from, in Christ, we can be set free and rise in His glory. Our hope was assured through the resurrection of Jesus. If He can defeat death, He can grant us what we need to navigate all things that come our way. His power proves that we can overcome in Him and our eternity is assured when we choose trust in Him. May we celebrate today the risen Lord, and remember that the same power that defeated death has come to dwell in the hearts of all who believe so that we too may join Him in glory.

The word of the Lord,

is faithful and true;

what He has promised,

He will surely do.

His death He foretold,

and promise to rise;

death was defeated,

our King is alive.

The power displayed,

has once and for all;

overcome our sin,

for us, took the fall.

Death could not hold Him,

nor could man-made grave;

His power, perfect,

and so are His ways.

When we choose to trust,

and truly believe;

we discover more,

than we could conceive.

Love everlasting,

a hope that’s assured;

peace and His presence,

our future secured.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your One and only Son to make the way for us to be restored to a right relationship with You. Thank You Jesus, for taking all of our sin upon Yourself, dying in our place, and then overcoming the grave as You had promised. Thank You that You rose to be seated at the right hand of the Father to contend for us. Forgive us for forgetting the incredible gift that You have given of Yourself so that we might have hope in You forever. Teach us to ever pursue more of You so that we might reflect Your goodness and grace to those around us. Lead us in Your perfect love so that we love like You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we celebrate Your overwhelming power that defeated death and provides life everlasting to all who receive what You freely give. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. – Matthew 28:6

A Somber Saturday

Then they returned and prepared spices and perfumes. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandments. – (Luke 23:56, HCSB)

Then they left to prepare some sweet-smelling spices to put on the body. On the Sabbath day they rested, as commanded by the Law of Moses. – (Luke 23:56, ERV)

Then they went back to prepare the burial spices and perfumes. They rested quietly on the Sabbath, as commanded. – (Luke 23:56, MSG)

Interestingly, in all of the gospels, word about what transpired on Saturday is silent. In my mind, I imagine that those who knew Him were shocked, confused, and grieving the loss of the Savior. However, even in their grief, they could not really do much about it, as the rules for the Sabbath required all to rest. For some, I can visualize total exhaustion, as they had followed the whole ordeal from the garden to the trials, to the cross, and then to the grave. By the time they knew where His body had been laid, they had to hurry home so that they could observe the Sabbath according to what was commanded, many had been up throughout the entirety of what had transpired. Perhaps some were anxious to gather with others to talk about all that had taken place. Still others may have been in a space of mourning, ready to grieve properly. For all, I imagine the tone was quite somber, for they had lost their teacher, friend, son, brother, and so much more. As I sit in the quiet of this Saturday, I am so grateful that I know how the story unfolds. Today’s silence is merely a space of waiting for tomorrow’s celebration. May we join in the waiting, for we know that tomorrow we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, the One who defeated the grave and rose again so that we might know life everlasting.

The space in between,

from darkness to light;

the place of waiting,

for all to be right.

When darkness does fade,

as the new day comes;

the sun will arise,

for hope has begun.

The promise that’s held,

in what’s not yet seen;

God will make a way,

past the in between.

In silence we wait,

but not for too long;

tomorrow’s coming,

new breaks forth in song.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are with us in all things, especially the somber in between times where we seem to be waiting. Thank You that though things may seem dark and hopeless, new light is coming and You are with us every moment of every day. Forgive us for our fears and doubts when all seems silent. Teach us to trust in the silence and the waiting, for You are working even when we cannot see it. Show us how to love those around us through their seasons of waiting so that all may know the hope that is held forever in You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we ponder Your goodness and power and all that You must have been doing on that somber Sabbath before Easter. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. – Psalm 27:14

Good From All Things

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. – (Romans 8:28, NIV)

We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love Him. These are the people God chose, because that was His plan. – (Romans 8:28, ERV)

We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan. – (Romans 8:28, VOICE)

This verse is one of the milestones of faith to which we can anchor our hearts and minds. It does not say all things are good, but rather that God can work in all things for the good of those who love Him. Both through the mountains, valleys, and everything in between, God can move and grow something beautiful in us and through us as we trust in Him. God is the One who brings beauty from ashes and hope from despair. He teaches us how strong He is, and how His loving kindness will strengthen and carry us as we navigate all that life brings our way. I can look back and see how present God has been every step of my journey thus far. It is clear that even on my most difficult days, He was with me, for He brought me from there to here, and I am so very grateful. That does not mean that all is good and perfect, yet His love, grace, kindness, goodness and faithfulness is perfect. He is the Author and Perfecter of our faith, and He makes the way where there seems to be no way. May we ever seek the Lord and trust in Him, for He is the one who can orchestrate good from all things, even when it seems nothing good could come from our circumstances.

The Lord God above,

brings good from all things;

as we trust in Him,

His presence He brings.

God’s presence that fills,

our hearts and our minds;

in love, make a way,

where hope we can find.

For He fills our hearts,

as His strength He gives;

to navigate all,

each day that we live.

Even in the worst,

the struggles of life;

He somehow brings good,

and peace to our strife.

Beauty for ashes,

and hope for despair;

all through His great love,

and sweet, tender care.

Thank You, Lord Jesus,

in You, we find good;

through all that life brings,

Your love’s understood.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You work all things together for the good of those who love You and have been called according to Your purposes. Thank You that even on the hardest days, You can bring good from the chaos and ugly that life sometimes brings. Forgive us for our fears and doubts in the midst of struggle and heartache. Teach us to trust You more, for Your love and faithfulness know no end, and Your promises last forever. Lead us to love everyone with Your goodness and grace in ways that make Your heart known. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we place all things in Your hands and trust You to bring beauty from our ashes as only You can do. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

He will: “bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair…” – Isaiah 61:3b

Compassion and Comfort

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. – (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NIV)

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Father who is full of mercy, the God of all comfort. He comforts us every time we have trouble so that when others have trouble, we can comfort them with the same comfort God gives us. – (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, ERV)

All praise goes to God, Father of our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One. He is the Father of compassion, the God of all comfort. He consoles us as we endure the pain and hardship of life so that we may draw from His comfort and share it with others in their own struggles. – (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, VOICE)

The compassion and comfort of Christ not only teaches us how to give the same to others, but it fills us to overflowing so that we are able to comfort others as we ourselves are comforted. When we endure our own trials and struggles, we gain insight and understanding for those who go through similar things after us. It never ceases to amaze me as to how quickly God brings this sort of beauty from our ashes. Empathy can only truly exist through our own experiences and God seems to place us in spaces where there are people who need what we know, and find comfort in the company of another who has walked a similar road. Though none of us enjoy struggles and hardships, there is comfort in knowing that God can use the difficult things to help someone else. May we ever seek the Lord to be our strength in the struggle and our peace as we walk alongside those in the midst of their own difficulties, for He is the God of all comfort and compassion.

God of compassion,

Photo by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤

Father of all grace;

comforts the seekers,

throughout all our days.

All that He gives us,

we have to give too;

to comfort others,

with love that is true.

True in its goodness,

an embrace of peace;

sweetness in sorrow,

compassion’s release.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the God of all compassion, comfort and care. Thank You that You see and know our needs. Thank You that You provide, even in our most difficult seasons. Thank You that You use such seasons to help others later on. Forgive us for our fears and frustrations when we walk through hard things. Teach us to trust You more, for You can use all things for good when we trust in You. Lead us in Your love so that we might have compassion for those around us and offer comfort in the same ways that we ourselves were comforted. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we thank You for the comfort You continually give to us and for the beauty that You can bring from our ashes. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

…To bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair… – Isaiah 61:3b

The Power of Love

I pray that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. – (Ephesians 3:17-18, NIV)

I pray that Christ will live in your hearts because of your faith. I pray that your life will be strong in love and be built on love. And I pray that you and all God’s holy people will have the power to understand the greatness of Christ’s love – how wide, how long, how high, and how deep that love is. – (Ephesians 3:17-18, ERV)

I pray that the Messiah may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love. – (Ephesians 3:17-18, HCSB)

As much as we all dread the grief of death and loss, it seems to provide an incredible opportunity for Christ to make His love known. Yesterday, one of my dearest friends and her family had a memorial for her late mother. Not only was the depth of their love for her expressed as she was honored, but the family felt overwhelmed and surrounded as their extended family and friends joined them to honor her memory. That feeling of being seen, surrounded, supported and loved is but a glimpse of the greatness of Christ’s love. We as humans are imperfect; flawed, yet if our love is felt and received so tangibly, how much more is the love of God for all who seek Him? My prayer throughout the service was that each person present would know Christ and the overwhelming love that He has for us all. He is our Comforter and our Peace, and His grace grants us the strength to keep moving forward, even when the weight of our circumstances seem too much for us to bear. He comes alongside us and provides tangible help through the love and care of people who know and love us. May we ever be aware of His leading, for God has created us to love as He loves, and such love is that which walks beside, lifts up, and remains present through all things.

Throughout life’s seasons,

the Lord’s always good;

through the highs and lows,

His love understood.

He grants us His peace,

when peace should not be;

surrounds us with love,

that’s felt tangibly.

The Lord knows our need,

in love, He provides;

help, hope and goodness,

as we choose abide.

Father, we thank You,

for all that You are;

how You show us love,

from both near and far.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are love. Thank You that as we seek You, You show us more and more how deep, how wide, how long and how far Your love is for us all. Thank You that You come close and make Your care tangible. Forgive us for the times that we neglect to recognize Your provision and grace. Teach us to see You through those around us, and to give You praise for all that You provide through Your goodness and love. Show us how to love those around us in tangible ways that make Your heart known. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You in all circumstances and praise You for Your presence in all things and at all times and for the visible presence made known through the power of Your love. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. – 1 John 4:7

He Sees

She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” – (Genesis 16:13, NIV)

The Lord talked to Hagar. She began to use a new name for God. She said to Him, “You are ‘God Who Sees Me.'” She said this because she thought, “I see that even in this place God sees me and cares for me!” – (Genesis 16:13, ERV)

As a result of this encounter, Hagar decided to give the Eternal One who had spoken to her a special name because He had seen her in her misery. Hagar: I’m going to call You the God of Seeing because in this place I have seen the One who watches over me. – (Genesis 16:13, VOICE)

God’s interaction with Hagar is a wonderful reminder of His care for each of us, individually. He sees and knows our need, and makes His heart for us known as we seek Him. God spoke to Hagar in her space of need, and encouraged her to rise up and press on. For us, He does the same when we look to Him. Our heart is heard and our needs are known and He meets us in our moments with His loving kindness and grace. Though our circumstances may not change, His care and goodness to us will carry us through. Hagar’s circumstances did not change, but her perspective did once she understood the Lord’s care for her. At times, it is difficult to get past the questions as to why we must face and endure the things that come our way. Some people seem to have no obstacles, and then others who do not deserve difficulty and heartache have to endure the most. Thankfully, God is greater than our questions and frustrations. We may not get our answers as to why things happen the way that they do, but He will be present and will provide what we need to press on. His goodness and grace never run out, and His heart for us is one of a loving Father. May we ever seek the Lord in both our struggles and our celebrations, for He is good and is faithful to walk beside us in all things.

Our Holy Father,

is the God who sees;

all that we go through,

and all that we need.

He sees our struggles,

in love, He provides;

His help and His hope,

as we choose abide.

To abide in Him,

means that He is near;

to hear our heartache,

and help us with fear.

His provisions come,

despite what we see;

His presence always,

supplies what we need.

Though answers might not,

explain things we lose;

His love will uphold,

as He’s who we choose.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are bigger than our challenges and circumstances, and that Your love is larger than our questions and our fears. Thank You that You are big enough to handle our questions and love us through our struggles. Forgive us for our anger and frustration when we cannot make sense of what transpires in our lives and in the lives of those around us. Teach us to cling to You, even when things do not make sense. Thank You for the Biblical examples of how You have made Yourself known and shown Your care for those in need throughout the ages. Lead us to love those around us in tangible ways that make Your heart known to all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You and trust You, even when things seem unfair or do not make sense. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Though the Lord is exalted, He looks kindly on the lowly; though lofty, He sees them from afar. – Psalm 138:6

Luke 20 – Authority, Tenants, Taxes, Resurrection, and Warning

Luke 20 begins with the chief priests, teachers of the law, and the elders coming to Jesus and asking Him who gave Him His authority. Jesus responded with a question asking them if John’s baptism was from heaven or from human origin. Because they knew that they would have grave consequences with either answer, they claimed that they did not know. “Jesus said, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.” (Luke 20:8) The next portion of Chapter 20 is The Parable of the Tenants. In this story, a man planted a vineyard and rented it to some farmers and then went away. When it was time for the harvest, he sent a servant to get some of the fruit of his vineyard. The farmers beat him and sent him away. Twice more the owner sent servants to the tenants to collect fruit, and each time the response was the same. Finally, the owner decided to send his son, for he thought the tenants would have to respect him. The tenants saw him and decided that if they killed the heir, the inheritance would be theirs. They neglected to realize that the owner of the vineyard would grant them the gravest of consequences for their actions. When those in the crowd had heard this parable, they were outraged. The chief priests and teachers of the law looked for a way to arrest Him, for they knew Jesus had spoken the parable about them. Determined, the crew against Christ sent spies that pretended to be sincere to try and trap Jesus in something that He would say. Foolishly, they asked Him if it was right to pay taxes to Caesar. Jesus saw through their question and knew their intent. He answered by asking them whose image and inscription was on a denarius. “Caesar’s,” they replied. He said to them, “Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” (verse 25) Some Sadducees came around and asked Jesus about marriage and the resurrection. Jesus unpacked for them that there will be no marriage in the resurrection, for we be like angels and live forever. Jesus further questions His hearers about who the Messiah is. Chapter 20 closes with a warning about the teachers of the law. Because they like the attention and status and care not for the widows, they will be punished more severely.

Story of tenants,

somehow hit me new;

they were all of us,

through what they did do.

For God sent prophets,

before His own Son;

ignored, mistreated,

then killed Holy One.

The difference now,

is Christ chose to die;

not what He wanted,

love He’d not deny.

For Jesus did know,

that His sacrifice;

would open the way,

to find paradise.

May we ever praise,

the Lord for His ways;

overwhelming love,

for all of our days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son, Jesus, to show us who You are and how You love. Thank You Jesus, for making the way for us to be forgiven and found in You. Forgive us for the times that we forget the magnitude of Your sacrifice and the horrible weight of our own sin. Teach us to trust You and praise You through all that we say and do. May our lives bring glory to You. Show us how to love those around us in ways that make Your heart known. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You anew each morning and rely on You to lead us throughout all of our days. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. – Luke 2:4

Luke 15 – When Lost Are Found

Luke 15 is the account of three different parables that Jesus told of things that were lost being found. The first story Jesus tells is of a person who owns a hundred sheep and one wanders off. Jesus reminds His hearers that an owner would leave his ninety-nine sheep to go and find the one. When it is found, the owner would celebrate and share his good news with his neighbors. Jesus concludes this parable with the following: “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” (Luke 15:7) The second parable in Chapter 15 is one of a woman who loses one of her ten coins she has to live on. She searches everywhere, and when she finds it, she shares her good news with her friends and neighbors. “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (verse 10) The final parable in this chapter is the story of a man with two sons. The younger one asked his father for his inheritance so that he could go and explore the world. Said son went off and squandered his wealth on wild living. After his money was gone, a severe famine hit the country he was visiting and he found himself in such poverty that he hired himself out to a citizen of that country to feed the owner’s pigs. Hungry and hopeless the younger son came to his senses and decided he would go back to his father, repent, and see if he would hire him on as a servant. “…While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” (verse 20) The lost son who had returned repented before his father and apologized for his foolishness. Hopeful for a servant’s position, the son was instead celebrated because he had returned. The elder brother who had remained home and faithful to his father heard the celebration and grew angry. His father explained that he had always been with him and all that the father had was for his son also. “But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” (verse 32)

The heavens rejoice,

when one lost is found;

a heart that repents,

great salvation sound.

For all who know Him,

we each were the one;

that He came after,

why God gave His Son.

Lord, help us to search,

for those who are lost;

lead us to love well,

so it’s You they want.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son. Thank You for the ways that He showed us who You are and how You love, as You actively pursue those who are lost. Forgive us for acting like the elder son when we see one who is lost being pursued. Teach us to have the attitude of angels so that we might celebrate with thanksgiving each time one who was lost is found. Show us how to love those around us in ways that point to You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we love as You love us, and praise You for the wonderful things that You do. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?” – Matthew 18:12

God is… (Day 30 – Good)

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. – (1 Chronicles 16:34, NIV)

Give thanks to the Lord because He is good. His faithful love will last forever. – (1 Chronicles 16:34, ERV)

Give thanks to God – He is good and His love never quits. – (1 Chronicles 16:34, MSG)

Yesterday was another day of dear ones sharing their greatest joy and their most devastating heartbreak. The incredible reunion of my dear friend and her husband, after waiting three years for his green card, finally transpired. She shared a few photos with me and I could not help but fend off tears of joy on she and her family’s behalf. However, I also learned that a wonderful young woman, a former student of mine, passed away unexpectedly. To make matters worse, she left behind a twin sister and two young children. The overwhelming grief that the family is experiencing is immense, as their older sister passed a year ago. That being said, the living twin reached out and asked for prayer for the family, for she knows that even in despair, God is good. My friend who is at long last reunited, shared her joy as she is celebrating God’s goodness and faithfulness. The love of God is always good, even when our circumstances are not. In fact, we are assured that in this life, there will be trouble, yet we are promised that He will be with us through all things. His goodness assures us that though we will walk through seasons that shake us to the core, He will be with us, upholding us, carrying us, and walking beside us to see us to the other side. God demonstrates His goodness and faithfulness constantly. We need only to pause and look around us to witness in wonder how very good He is. Right now, I am flanked by our two dogs, with my husband sitting beside me before he heads out the door to work. Our home is warm and I am able to sip coffee and spend time reading God’s word and reflect upon what it says. Each morning, I am reminded anew of His love and goodness, faithfulness and nearness, as I am intentional to seek Him. No matter what is going on in life, His mercies are new every morning and I know that He is good. May we ever seek the Lord and give Him our praise, for He is good throughout all of our days.

In joy and sorrow,

God is always good;

His grace upholds us,

makes love understood.

Even in darkness,

when we cannot see;

the Lord is moving,

ever faithfully.

In seasons of joy,

let us give Him praise;

and in our sorrow,

choose trust in His grace.

His love surrounds us,

forever He reigns;

Our Hope, Provider,

Soother of our pains.

All thanks be to God,

because we’re assured;

no matter what comes,

God’s love will endure.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are always good. Thank You that Your goodness and love never end. Thank You that You make Your goodness known in both joy and heartache. Forgive us for the times that we question Your goodness when bad things happen. Thank You that You are big enough to hear and answer our questions. Teach us to trust You more, so that we instantly turn to You in every season that we walk through. Show us how to love those around us well, so that Your goodness and love are made tangible at all times and through all things. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You and thank You that You are always good. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

The Lord is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made. – Psalm 145:9

God is… (Day 23 – Love)

I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. – (Ephesians 3:18-19, NIV)

And I pray that you and all God’s holy people will have the power to understand the greatness of Christ’s love – how wide, how long, how high, and how deep that love is. Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with everything God has for you. – (Ephesians 3:18-19, ERV)

May love be the rich soil where their lives take root. May it be bedrock where their lives are founded so that together with all of Your people they will have the power to understand that the love of the Anointed is infinitely long, wide, high, and deep, surpassing everything anyone previously experienced. God, may Your fullness flood through their entire beings. – (Ephesians 3:18-19, VOICE)

Love is the power of God in action. His love floods us and flows through us as we follow after Him. Yesterday, my step-son and bonus son chose to be tangible examples of God’s love. Despite a strained relationship, the two young men made the trip over the mountains to see their mom before she passed. Both men sacrificed to go, yet knew it was the right thing to do. They were able to see her and spend time with her, which was an incredible act of love from both of them. I can barely fathom what they are both going through right now, yet I know that their decision was a way to show the love of God to one so desperately in need of it. Last evening when we heard the news, I witnessed a glimpse of the Father’s heart as I watched my husband grieve for his boys. It took little to imagine that as much as we grieve in our losses, so too does the Father on behalf of His children. My heart is overwhelmed with compassion, and I cannot stop praying for their tender hearts that experienced this loss far too soon. May God’s grace and love surround and flood them both as they navigate the weight of their grief, and may they be embraced by His heart made tangible through those around them.

The Lord’s ever near,

with love, tangible;

He makes His heart known,

understandable.

His love is a flood,

that washes away;

our fears and our doubts,

as we seek and pray.

It’s sacrificial,

not selfish or vain;

God’s love, unending,

it can’t be contained.

For once we know it,

it fills, overflows;

to pour on others,

making His love known.

The greatest of gifts,

to give and receive;

a love that is pure,

it meets our heart’s need.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are love. Thank You that You loved us so much that You gave Your only Son so that we might know the fullness of Your love. Thank You that as we come to know the love You have for us, it overflows to those around us. Forgive us for the times that we have either rejected Your love or have withheld love that we were meant to extend to others. Teach us how to choose love in all things and at all times. Lead us in Your most excellent way. Show us how to love those around us as You intended. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we thank You for Your overwhelming love and seek You to lead us to love in the same way. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love. – 1 Corinthians 13:13