Seek First the Faithful One

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. – (Matthew 6:33, HCSB)

What you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what He wants you to do. Then He will give you all these other things you need. – (Matthew 6:33, ERV)

See first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and then all these things will be given to you too. – (Matthew 6:33, VOICE)

Despite how things appear, God is faithful to supply what we need to get through each new day as we seek Him. For months, it feels as if I have been going nonstop. There were small breaks on the weekends, but never a whole day to slow down and rest. Today, I will have an unexpected day off from work, as one of my kiddos needs me to drive him to an appointment out of town, and there is a terrific substitute available to cover. I anticipate the provision of a day today will be more than enough to carry me through tomorrow, as it will be the last day before spring break. Each morning I begin my day seeking God, and lifting up the cares and worries of the day ahead. His faithfulness never fails me and His mercies are new every morning. May we ever seek the Lord in His goodness and grace, for He is faithful to provide all that we need.

The Lord is so good,

Ever He is kind;

Faithful to provide,

He has us in mind.

God knows what we need,

And as we choose seek;

He hears and helps us,

Grants strength when we’re weak.

For in our pursuit,

Following the Lord;

He’s our provider,

All grace He affords.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are faithful as we seek You. Thank You that You see and hear and know what we need, and in love, You supply all in just the right time. Forgive us for struggling to trust Your timing, for You always have a purpose and a plan, despite what we see. Teach us to trust Your goodness and faithfulness in all things and at all times. Show us how to love those around us well, so that they may tangible see Your provision and faithful love for them too. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You and trust in Your faithfulness forever. Amen.

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

Search for the Lord and for His strength; seek His face always. – 1 Chronicles 16:11

Give Thanks for His Faithfulness

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His faithful love endures forever. – (Psalm 118:29, HCSB)

Praise the Lord because He is good. His faithful love will last forever. – (Psalm 118:29, ERV)

Give thanks to our Eternal Lord; He is always good. He never ceases to be loving and kind. – (Psalm 118:29, VOICE)

God is always good. He is worthy of our thanks and praise, for His faithful love knows no end. It has been an extraordinarily long week already, and today is only Wednesday. Between the dogs waking me well before my alarm, kids at school being extra with spring break coming up, and my own eager anticipation for a much-needed break, each day seems to drag on. That being said, it is now Wednesday. Two weeks ago, the countdown was much longer. Two more wakeups until we get to a break, and three wakeups until my love and I escape to a week in a warmer climate. There is so much to be thankful for. Two years ago, our spring break plans were canceled because of Covid. Now, two years later, our plans are firm and the countdown is about 72 hours away. Despite all of the busy and the crazy, I have felt His presence and His peace. I know anticipating something good has been helpful as well. In life, we should always hold that anticipation of something better coming, as we have hope in eternity with Him. No matter what lies directly before us, the ultimate outcome that we are waiting for is goodness forever. May we hold fast to the hope we have now and forevermore, and may we give God thanks and praise for His faithful love forever.

Give thanks to the Lord,

Forever He’s good;

His love surrounds us,

Kindness understood.

No matter what comes,

We’ve blessings to hold;

Hope in forever,

A love beyond bold.

His kindness and grace,

Fill and overwhelm;

Forever faithful,

He makes His love known.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good and that Your love lasts forever. Thank You that all hope is found in You. Forgive us for our fears, frustrations and doubts that sneak in when days overwhelm us. Show us anew, the hope we have in You. Lead us to love those around us as You do.  May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we embrace the hope we have in You and praise You for Your loving kindness that meets us where we are and leads us where we need to go. Amen.

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

Be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord. – Psalm 31:24

Love Beyond What is Seen

For we walk by faith, not by sight. – (2 Corinthians 5:7, HCSB)

We live by what we believe will happen, not by what we can see. – (2 Corinthians 5:7, ERV)

The path we walk is charted by faith, not by what we see with our eyes. – (2 Corinthians 5:7, VOICE)

When we know God and trust in Him, we need not fear what we see with our eyes, but rather hold fast to the truth of all that He has promised. What we see is only a small part of the big picture; we only know in part what God knows in whole. He knows the outcome before things begin, and He holds us in the hollow of His hands. In Him, we can trust that He will lead us, guide us, and stay beside us, through every step of every day. So often, things have looked bleak or hopeless or impossible through my own eyes, yet with Christ, the bleak became beautiful; the hopeless, full of hope; the impossible was indeed possible and my perspective was persuaded to see beyond what my eyes could take in. Walking in faith is not blind, but rather it is seeing through His eyes rather than our own. May we ever walk in faith, trusting beyond what we cannot see, for God sees and knows all and has our very best in mind.

O Lord help us walk,

Photo by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤

By faith and not sight;

For we’ve but a glimpse,

Of all You make right.

Seasons of heartache,

And mountains we climb;

All with a purpose,

Holy and divine.

Each new obstacle,

You grant us the strength;

To keep on moving,

Through height, depth and length.

As our view changes,

And we have moved past;

You show us purpose,

Your love beyond our ask.

So, trust in the Lord,

Not in what we see;

For God’s always good,

In love He will lead.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that faith helps us to trust beyond what we can see, for we only see in part what You see in whole. Forgive us for our lack of faith when what we see seems far beyond what we are capable of navigating. Teach us to recognize that You can do far more than we could ever hope or imagine. Show us how to walk by faith and live out Your love for all those around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust beyond what we can see, for You are good and far greater than anything that comes before us. Amen.

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

For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift. – Ephesians 2:8

Wisdom Leads to a Lovely Life

Her ways are pleasant, and all her paths, peaceful. – (Proverbs 3:17, HCSB)

Wisdom will lead you to a life of joy and peace. – (Proverbs 3:17, ERV)

She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying. – (Proverbs 3:17, NLT)

Wisdom from God is what leads us to joy and peace. His wisdom shows us the ways we are meant to go, and guides us throughout all of our days. When we listen to His leading, we know joy and peace in Him, no matter what lies ahead. In this season of seemingly unending curves and treacherous hills, knowing His nearness and listening to His leading are the things that make our paths plain and our vision eternal. As we learn to look through the Lord’s lens of love, we discover pleasant paths and true peace are found as we faithfully follow our Heavenly Father. May we ever seek the Lord to grow in wisdom, so that we discover His ways that lead us to a life full of His joy and peace.

Wisdom is waiting,

As we seek the Lord;

His ways are pleasant,

As grace, He affords.

He brings us His joy,

And provides His peace;

His wisdom, guides us,

And supplies our needs.

So, keep seeking God,

And wisdom He gives;

He’ll show us the ways,

That we’re meant to live.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your wisdom leads us to pleasant paths and fills our lives with joy. Thank You that the wisdom in knowing You is what grants us hope and peace. Forgive us for taking our eyes off of You, or for attempting to navigate in our own knowledge. Teach us to seek You in all things, for You are faithful to lead us in the ways that we are meant to go. Fill us with Your wisdom that makes plain the paths that we are meant to take. Show us how to love those around us as You do, so that peace and joy are passed along to all those we encounter. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we pursue Your wisdom to lead us and provide us with Your peace and joy forever. Amen.

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

Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts. – Psalm 90:12

Thankful for Faithful Love

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His faithful love endures forever. – (Psalm 106:1, HCSB)

Give thanks to the Lord because He is good! His faithful love will last forever! – (Psalm 106:1, ERV)

Praise the Eternal! Thank Him because He is good and His loyal love will never end. – (Psalm 106:1, VOICE)

One of the things that I am most grateful to God for is family. Today, as my sister celebrates another trip around the sun, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the gift God gave me in my sister. Growing up, I had a built in best friend, and as an adult, I have a confidant and someone to be totally transparent with, without fear of judgment. Together, we have navigated some of the greatest celebrations and most trying circumstances that life can offer. When I ponder the loyal love of God, my sister (and our mom) are reminders of how He intended it to be.  May we ever give thanks to the Lord for His goodness and His faithful love that knows no end, and for the tangible examples of this love that He has given us in our lives.

All praise to the Lord,

For He is so good;

Loyal in His love,

Our hope understood.

Praise for the blessings,

Bestowed unto us;

Family, loved ones,

That love like Jesus.

Today, I give thanks,

For sister and friend;

A lifetime of love,

Good that knows no end.

Lord, bless my sister,

My favorite gift;

Keep her in Your care,

With blessings, uplift.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness and Your faithful love. Thank You for the gift that You give us through friends and family that demonstrate Your love in tangible ways. Forgive us for taking these blessings for granted. Teach us to treasure the people whom You have placed in our lives to show us more of Your heart for us. Show us how to love well, all those around us, and may we uplift and encourage each with the faithful love that You give to us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your love and faithfulness, and for the beautiful blessings that You bestow upon us through family and friends. Amen.

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

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

Not Finished Yet

I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. – (Philippians 1:6, HCSB)

I am sure that the good work God began in you will continue until He completes it on the day when Jesus Christ comes again. – (Philippians 1:6, ERV)

I am confident that the Creator, who has begun such a great work among you, will not stop in mid-design but will keep perfecting you until the day Jesus the Anointed, our Liberating King, returns to redeem the world. – (Philippians 1:6, VOICE)

We are all a work in progress. Not one of us “arrives” at some point in our lives, but rather as we seek the Lord, He continues to transform our hearts to more clearly reflect His own. The great work He does in us is an ongoing process that we must be willing to pursue, for it is by His grace that we can live and love through a life that extends His heart to others. In our broken humanity, we all fall short, yet it is Christ who picks us up, dusts us off, and encourages and strengthens us to press on. May we ever seek the Lord to lead and guide us in His love, so that He may continue the good work that He has begun in each of us. 

Lord, please continue,

What’s begun in us;

Love’s transformation,

Power of Jesus.

For as we seek Him,

He shows us the way;

To love as He loves,

A bit more each day.

Such love’s a process,

That grows and refines;

Power of Jesus,

To change hearts and minds.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that the work You began in us will continue until the day that we see You face-to-face. Thank You that You are not finished with us yet. Forgive us for failing to press in when You are calling us to so much more. Teach us to trust and continually pursue You and all that You have for us. Show us how to love You and love people in the way that You intended. May many come into a lasting relationship with You as they witness the depth, power and goodness of Your unending love. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us and transform us to love as You do. Amen.

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

God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me. – Psalm 51:10

The Message Is Love

For this is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another. – (1 John 3:11, HCSB)

This is the teaching you have heard from the beginning: We must love one another. – (1 John 3:11, ERV)

The central truth – the one you have heard since the beginning of your faith – is that we must love one another. – (1 John 3:11, VOICE)

The foundation of our faith is meant to be to love God and love people. If we do these things, everything we say, every action and decision we make, ought to be led by love. This is both our charge and our challenge, as human brokenness and frailty can cloud our vision and divert our hearts from love. This is a lifelong process, yet every day is a new opportunity to seek Him to love well. Each day is a fresh start, with direction and appointments to love others as we are loved by God. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in love so that we may love one another as He intended.

God’s own foundation,

For what we’re to do;

To love each other,

With His love that’s true.

If left on our own,

We’d fail terribly;

Yet with the Lord’s grace,

We gain eyes to see.

To see each other,

As the Lord intends;

Brothers and sisters,

Meant to love as friends.

Show us, Lord Jesus,

To love as You do;

Make our hearts like Yours,

So each day love’s new.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that the foundation of our faith is all about love. Thank You that You first loved us, though we were unworthy. Thank You that You have shown us what we are meant to do, and that You are willing to equip and empower us to love like You. Forgive us for our lack of seeking You when we feel irritated or depleted. Teach us to turn to You in all things and at all times, so that we may see others through Your lens of love. Show us how to love those around us as You do. May many come to know the goodness of Your love and grace and choose to live a life in pursuit of You. Be glorified O God, as we seek to live out Your love throughout all of our days. Amen.

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

“I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another.” – John 13:34

Made Right and Granted Peace

Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. – (Romans 5:1, HCSB)

We have been made right with God because of our faith. So we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. – (Romans 5:1, ERV)

Since we have been acquitted and made right through faith, we are able to experience true and lasting peace with God through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, the Liberating King. – (Romans 5:1, VOICE)

Our faith, our trust in God to be Lord of our lives, is the very thing that makes us right before Him. Because of Jesus, we can have peace with God, and are able to understand what His everlasting peace is all about as we experience it in the midst of chaos and of calm. He is good and faithful in all. May we ever seek the Lord and invest our lives in Him, for He is where true peace is found.

Because of Jesus,

We have been made right;

It’s not what we do,

But who’s our delight.

For it is by faith,

He calls us enough;

God’s own precious kids,

No matter how rough.

And more than just right,

He grants us His peace;

The kind that remains,

He meets all our needs.

No matter what comes,

His peace can be found;

As we trust in Him,

Promise proven sound.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we trust in You, we are made right before You and granted Your everlasting, unshakeable peace. Thank You that Your peace is not circumstantial, but is present wherever You are welcomed in. Forgive us for the times that we have not sought You to be our peace in places of unrest. Teach us to turn to You in trust, so that we ever know Your peace, no matter what comes our way. Show us how to love those around us well, so that Your perfect peace may be made known in the spaces it is needed most. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust in You and depend on You to be our perfect peace. Amen.

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

The Lord gives His people strength; the Lord blesses His people with peace. – Psalm 29:11

Quick to Listen

My dearly loved brothers, understand this: Everyone must be quick to hear, and slow to speak, and slow to anger. – (James 1:19, HCSB)

My dear brothers and sisters, always be more willing to listen than to speak. Keep control of your anger. – (James 1:19, ERV)

Listen, open your ears, harness your desire to speak, and don’t get worked up into a rage so easily, my brothers and sisters. – (James 1:19, VOICE)

Imagine the conflicts that would be avoided if only we all followed these directions. When we are quick to listen, we hear the heart, hope and experience of the one before us, and it provides an opportunity to understand where another is coming from. Additionally, if we pause, listen and process before we respond, we are far more likely to speak out of love and not become frustrated or angry. Our charge is to be patient and not allow anger to fly out of control. God is faithful to provide the strength and self-control necessary to listen first and respond well. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us to listen intently and be slow to speak, so that anger is kept in check and our words and deeds are led by His love.

Help us to listen,

So we truly hear;

The heart of others,

All those who are near.

Show us to slow down,

To be slow to speak;

So ev’ry response,

Is kind and in peace.

Lord, help our anger,

Be under control;

So love is what leads,

And grace is our goal.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You listen to us with love every time we speak. Thank You that You respond to us in love and do not easily anger. Forgive us for the times that we have not slowed down enough to truly hear those around us, or have listened only to respond, rather than to truly hear. Please check our hearts when anger rises so that we would slow down and place all in Your hands to lead us. Show us how to listen in love well so that those around us may see Your heart for them. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us to listen well and do all things in love and with self-control. Amen.

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

I call on You, God, because You will answer me; listen closely to me; hear what I say. – Psalm 17:6

Where Strength Comes From

Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. – (Ephesians 6:10, HCSB)

To end my letter I tell you, be strong in the Lord and His great power. – (Ephesians 6:10, ERV)

Finally, brothers and sisters, draw your strength and might from God. – (Ephesians 6:10, VOICE)

Toward the end of Paul’s letter to the church of Ephesus, he reminded them where their strength comes from. The same God that strengthened His people back then, is willing and able to do the same for us today. All that stands before us is nothing compared to He who is in us. This is not to discount the struggles and obstacles we face, but rather to remind us that nothing is too big for God. I don’t know about you, but this whole Covid season has felt like a series of mountains to climb and barriers to navigate. That being said, we are a week and a half away from April! Masks are optional, travel is open, and the whispers that life would not be in Covid mode forever are turning into conversations at a normal voice level. Though I am sure that few of us would ever want to navigate such a season again, each of us has stories to tell of how God provided His strength when we needed it most. He is faithful, and we can trust in Him. May we ever rely on the Lord to be our strength, for He is stronger than anything that we have ever and will ever face.

The Lord is our strength,

We need not let fear;

Take hold of our hearts,

For He’s ever near.

The mountains we face,

Are never too large;

Our God is greater,

If we give Him charge.

Invite Him to take,

His place on the throne;

As Lord of our lives,

In Him, strength is known.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your strength is far greater than any struggle or obstacle that we face. Thank You that You are faithful to meet us where we are, and lead us to where we need to go. Thank You that all things are possible with You. Forgive us for our fears and doubts when what lies before us seems too much. Teach us to trust in You, for You are greater than anything and everything that lies ahead. Lead us in Your love so that we might love those around us in ways that strengthen and encourage people in places where there is fear and feelings of defeat. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to be our strength, and trust You even when things seem impossible. Amen.

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

The Lord gives His people strength; the Lord blesses His people with peace. – Psalm 29:11