May Love Abound

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in the knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. – (Philippians 1:9-10, NIV)

This is my prayer for you: that your love will grow more and more; that you will have knowledge and understanding with your love; that you will see the difference between what is important and what is not and choose what is important; that you will be pure and blameless for the coming of Christ. – (Philippians 1:9-10, ERV)

So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately. You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. Live a lover’s life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of. – (Philippians 1:9-10, MSG)

Paul’s exhortation to the church of Philippi is still relevant to us all. If our love abounds more and more in the knowledge and depth of insight, we will be able to identify what is good and important, and what is not, so that we live out our days the way that Christ intended, filled with sincere love. This is an ongoing, lifelong process. As we seek the Lord and pursue a life of living out His love, He refines us and transforms us so that we more clearly reflect His heart to the world. On the day that I at long last meet Him face-to-face, my heart’s desire is to know that I have sought Him to show me again and again to learn to love as He intended. God is good and He is faithful to continue to show us more and more where we are lacking love and how to love well in all things. May we ever seek Him to teach us His way of love so that we may be found blameless before Him at the end of our days.

May we seek the Lord,

to show us His ways;

so love may abound,

throughout each new day.

Help both head and heart,

learn how to align;

so sincere love’s found,

most all of the time.

And when love’s lacking,

Lord, make Your way clear;

lead us and guide us,

as we choose draw near.

Thank You, Lord Jesus,

that in You, we’ll know;

what we are to do,

and how Your love’s shown.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good and loving and kind. Thank You that as we seek You, You teach us what matters and what does not. Forgive us for the times that we have not sought You to show us how to love well. Teach us to trust You more, so that we might seek You to lead us in all things and at all times. Lead us to love as You love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us in Your love throughout all of our days. Amen.

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

I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them. – John 17:26

Heaven’s Poetry

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. – (Ephesians 2:10, NIV)

God has made us what we are. In Christ Jesus, God made us new people so that we would spend our lives doing the good things He had already planned for us to do. – (Ephesians 2:10, ERV)

For we are the product of His hand, heaven’s poetry etched on lives, created in the Anointed, Jesus, to accomplish the good works God arranged long ago. – (Ephesians 2:10, VOICE)

People are the product of God’s handiwork. Each of us carries heaven’s poetry through the way that He has made us – individually, purposefully, and specifically to do good things. However, God did not make us puppets. He gave us each a free will to choose for ourselves to accept or reject our Maker. When we accept Him, He makes us new; He drives out the darkness and floods us with His love and light so that we may become the people He intended for us to be. God’s plans are good, and His way is filled with love. May we ever seek the Lord to transform us, so that heaven’s poetry He has etched on our lives may be evident to all.

The Lord is faithful,

abundant in love;

He helps and holds us,

for we’re His beloved.

Created by Him,

with purpose and plan;

as we pursue Him,

throughout our life span.

Each day is a gift,

given by His grace;

to love and be loved,

’til we see His face.

May we keep growing,

as we are made new;

help us to love well,

as we’re made to do.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we have each been created with a purpose and plan. Thank You that Your love is etched in our DNA. Thank You that as we follow after You, heaven’s poetry is made evident in our lives. Forgive us for the times that we have hidden the work of art that You intended us to become. Show us how to trust You more and to give You access to all so that we may be transformed by Your love. Lead us to love those around us well. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we follow after You and seek to live and love as we have been created to do. Amen.

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

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Eternal, “plans for peace, not evil, to give you a future and hope – never forget that.” – Jeremiah 29:11

The Light of Truth

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people. – (Ephesians 1:18, NIV)

I pray that God will open your minds to see His truth. Then you will know the hope that He has chosen us to have. You will know that the blessings God has promised His holy people are rich and glorious. – (Ephesians 1:18, ERV)

Open the eyes of their hearts, and let the light of Your truth flood in. Shine Your light on the hope You are calling them to embrace. Reveal to them the glorious riches You are preparing as their inheritance. – (Ephesians 1:18, VOICE)

This was part of Paul’s opening to the church of Ephesus. His purpose was to remind the people that the risk was worth the reward. Temporary struggles are nothing when compared to the glory of salvation and all that awaits in eternity. His light reveals the hope that we find in Him. The same hope held in the hearts of believers back then is the hope we have still today. God’s light illuminates truth for us to see and understand, and our hearts have the capacity to hold onto His goodness and grace that remind us anew that hope is ours forever. In the middle of our own “stuff”, we are reminded that He is good and He is the one to trust in all things. Despite what we see, hope is ours to embrace. May we ever seek the Lord to let His light flood into the dark corners of our hearts, and trust in His glory that is illuminated for us to embrace, as He is our hope forever.

Lord, open our eyes,

so that we may see;

the glory in You,

is our victory.

No matter what comes,

our hope is in You;

You are forever,

and Your word is true.

Help us to seek You,

ever and always;

for You will show us,

Your hope to embrace.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the Light of hope for us all. Thank You that You show us more and more of who You are and how You love as we seek You. Forgive us for all that we say and do that does not shine Your light to those around us. Teach us to trust You more so that the hope we know is what compels us in all that we say and do. Lead us in the light of Your love, so that we might shine hope to all whom we encounter. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for the hope we have in You forever, and trust You to show us how to shine wherever we are. Amen.

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

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. – Matthew 5:16

Keep Doing Good

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. – (Galatians 6:9, NIV)

We must not get tired of doing good. We will receive our harvest of eternal life at the right time. We must not give up. – (Galatians 6:9, ERV)

So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. – (Galatians 6:9, MSG)

We are called to do good things. If we love God and love people, we are compelled to speak and act out of His love toward all. This call is not merely for a season, but rather for each day that we draw breath. In doing so, we gain glimpses of eternity here on earth and are reminded of the promise that we are not home yet. Our charge is to persevere, for challenges will come our way, yet we have the One who will strengthen and equip us to overcome. May we ever seek the Lord to strengthen and encourage us to press on, even when things are difficult. As we do, we see the power of His love at work all around us.

Do not grow weary,

choosing to do good;

press on in His strength,

make love understood.

For we have been called,

to love as He loves;

equipped and upheld,

to do as He does.

As we choose press on,

we witness His grace;

the power of love,

as we run our race.

Lead us, Lord Jesus,

to love others well;

in word, thought and deed,

so love our lives tell.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call and equip us to do good. Thank You that the good You call us to lifts others up and points hearts to You. Forgive us for our weariness when we cannot see the difference that love is making. Teach us to trust You in all things and for all times. Show us how to love and do the good that You are calling us to. May many come into a lasting relationship with You as they experience Your loving kindness. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us in Your love in all that we say and do. Amen.

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

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. – Psalm 34:14

Faith Expressed Through Love

The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. – (Galatians 5:6b, NIV)

The important thing is faith – the kind of faith that works through love. – (Galatians 5:6b, ERV)

What matters is something far more interior: faith expressed in love. – (Galatians 5:6b, MSG)

We are called to love God and love people. When we do so, we are living out our faith as God intended. No religious ritual, good deed, or righteous act captures God’s heart in the way that loving well does. Love gives without expectation in return. Love is patient and kind. Love does not envy nor boast. Love is not proud nor self-seeking. It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) Faith is made evident by love. The more we walk out our faith in love, the more God’s heart is made known. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in His love, as we walk by faith that is filled and fueled by His heart for us all.

To live without faith,

makes impossible;

to please our Father,

who fiercely loves all.

Yet when we choose love,

we honor the Lord;

our faith visible,

as love is outpoured.

Let’s rise up in love,

and choose to love well;

let each choice to love,

of His glory tell.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You love us with an everlasting love. Thank You that You call and command us to love. Forgive us for every ritual, act, and action that was not motivated by love. Teach us to trust in You and Your heart for us all. Show us how to live out our faith by loving You and loving people well. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your goodness and love, and seek You to lead us to love as You do. Amen.

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

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. – 1 John 4:16b

To Be In The Light

Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. – (1 John 2:10, NIV)

Those who love their brothers and sisters live in the light, and there is nothing in them that will make them do wrong. – (1 John 2:10, ERV)

It’s the person who loves brother and sister who dwells in God’s light and doesn’t block the light from others. – (1 John 2:10, MSG)

We are called to be a light unto the world. On our own, we manage to find ourselves in darkness, yet when Christ is in us and we do what He has called us to do, His light shines in and through us wherever we go. Where light shines, there is no darkness to cause us to stumble. Dark and light cannot coexist. Darkness flees when light is let in. One of the best ways we can shine brightly is to love those around us well. As we love people with the love that Christ gives to us, His light illuminates dark spaces and makes His heart known. If we do not love, we hide the light within and block the light that was meant to shine for others. May we ever seek the Lord to flood our hearts with His loving light so that we too, may go forth and be light and love to those around us.

O Lord, be the Light,

that shines from within;

let not our hearts hide,

nor make Your light dim.

Help us to embrace,

the light that You bring;

so we too may shine,

love in ev’rything.

Please show us Your ways,

to love each other;

family and friends,

sisters and brothers.

May our love be light,

that takes dark away;

so all that remains,

are Your loving ways.

Lord, fill us anew,

as we start each day;

lead us in Your love,

so we shine Your way.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to love one another, and as we do, we shine Your light before those around us. Thank You that You equip and fill us to love and shine like You. Forgive us for the times that we get in the way and block the light that we are meant to shine. Teach us to trust and rely on You more, so that in all things and at all times, Your love and light are what shine from within. Lead us to love those around us well, so that all might come to know the light of Your love that chases away darkness. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we thank You for the overwhelming love and light that You place within us so that we too, might love and illuminate the darkness that surrounds. Amen.

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

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. – Matthew 5:16

The Path of Patient Perseverance

So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. – (Hebrews 10:35-36, NIV)

So don’t lose the courage that you had in the past. Your courage will be rewarded richly. You must be patient. After you have done what God wants, you will get what He promised you. – (Hebrews 10:35-36, ERV)

Remember this, and do not abandon your confidence, which will lead to rich rewards. Simply endure, for when you have done as God requires of you, you will receive the promise. – (Hebrews 10:35-36, VOICE)

Our courage and confidence ought not be found in our own strength, but rather in our faith and trust in God. He provides what we need to navigate each step He asks us and He carries us when we cannot go further on our own. Patience and perseverance are required as God directs our steps. His sequence and timing is not ours, yet He is faithful and will carry us through to what has been promised, if only we endure and stand firm in the process. Sometimes, the wait is short between what He has shown us and when it comes to fruition. Yet others times, He has given us a promise that takes many years to fulfill. His timing is not ours, and His ways are higher than our own. Whatever the promise, the path is worth persevering, for He is good and His promises lead us to more than we could hope or imagine. May we ever seek the Lord and His faithfulness, for He will bring us from where we are to where He is calling us to be, if only we are willing to be patient and persevere in trust.

Do not abandon,

true trust in the Lord;

for He is faithful,

all grace He affords.

Real perseverance,

trusts more than what’s seen;

presses on with hope,

through times in between.

From what’s been promised,

to when it’s made real;

requires true trust,

despite what we feel.

Feelings are fleeting,

faith is forever;

the Lord’s always good,

through life’s endeavors.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are faithful to Your promises and Your goodness and grace know no end. Thank You that we can trust Your word and Your promises, for Your love never fails. Forgive us for our impatience when Your timing does not align with our understanding. Teach us to trust in You in all things, for You never leave us nor forsake us, and You are worthy of all of our trust. Show us how to persevere faithfully in the things to which You have called us. Lead us to love those around us in ways that encourage faithful perseverance and share of how good You are. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You to continue leading us in the direction You have called us to go, and rely on You for patience and perseverance to press on. Amen.

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

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6

Accept One Another

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. – (Romans 15:7, NIV)

Christ accepted you, so you should accept each other. This will bring honor to God. – (Romans 15:7, ERV)

So accept one another in the same way the Anointed has accepted you so that God will get the praise He is due. – (Romans 15:7, VOICE)

Last evening, my school held our Open House. One of the most incredible things about both my school and school district is the beautiful diversity represented through our families. There are over 119 different languages spoken by families throughout our district, and last evening, I gained a glimpse of some of the glorious variety of language and life experience. At one point, I had a Ukrainian mom and her son, as well as a family from Afghanistan, from which I teach two of the daughters, interacting together in my classroom. Despite the clear language barrier, we all were eager to meet one another and celebrate the great kids that they have sent to our school. Smiles are universal, and we all exchanged those along with what we could communicate. Throughout the evening, I had families from all over the world, representing many first languages that differ from my own, wander into my classroom to gain a glimpse of their child’s daily experience. This morning, as I ponder the goodness that I was blessed to see, I recognize that what I experienced last evening is but a glimpse of the homecoming that will be experienced in heaven. Every tribe and nation will be represented, as God loves and makes Himself known to all. May we ever celebrate the richness that those around us from other places have to offer, and give God glory for the beauty He created across the globe.

Each tribe and nation,

the Lord’s been made known;

through kindness given,

His heart has been shown.

Each face, a story,

of God’s faithfulness;

hand-crafted glory,

to treat with kindness.

May we celebrate,

the beauty God’s made;

honor each other,

throughout all our days.

Thank You, Lord Jesus,

for diversity;

the beauty displayed,

in variety.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the beauty that You have set in the hearts of people everywhere. Thank You for the gift of diversity, as each nation and culture has a wealth of experience to share. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to seek to understand. Teach us to slow down and invest time and energy into learning about one another. Show us how to love and care for all who come into our lives in ways that make Your heart tangible. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for the glory and goodness found in the hearts of all humanity. Amen.

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

After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb… – Revelation 7:9a

Gracious Love

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship if the Holy Spirit be with you all. – (2 Corinthians 13:14, NIV)

I pray that you will enjoy the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. – (2 Corinthians 13:14, ERV)

The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be will all of you. – (2 Corinthians 13:14, MSG)

The grace and love of God is overwhelming when we become aware of His presence and how near He remains. Yesterday, I had to go to the dermatologist to have a spot above my eyebrow looked at. I knew, before even going in, that I would have to have a biopsy done. No one told me, yet I knew based on previous experience. As I was driving, a song came on the radio that reminded me of God’s presence and filled my car with His peace. My assurance was not that all would be clear or not a concern, but rather that He would be with me through whatever was to come. The medical staff was incredible, and the instrumental music playing in the background in the office was that of familiar worship songs, and again peace flooded my heart and mind. I did indeed have to have a biopsy done, but it was quick and relatively painless. Additionally, I could have results as soon as tomorrow. The peace that I experienced is common when we are aware of Christ’s presence. May we ever seek the Lord and trust in Him, for He is loving, gracious, and ever-present to walk beside us in all that life brings.

The grace that God gives,

In the same way that my pups can settle into my lap, we too, can settle into Christ.

always so much more;

beyond imagined,

His peace floods our core.

He walks beside us,

through all that life brings;

our heart, He’s holding,

in everything.

Through life’s highs and lows,

the Lord’s ever near;

to calm our chaos,

and silence our fears.

In all things He’s good,

His love knows no end;

His grace sufficient,

as we let Him in.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your grace is sufficient and Your love is unending. Thank You that Your presence provides the peace that our hearts need to navigate all that comes our way. Forgive us for the times that we allow our circumstances to steal the peace that You provide. Teach us to trust You more, for You are always good. Show us how to love those around us in ways that extend Your grace, kindness, and peace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for who You are and how You love us all. Amen.

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

Out of His fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. – John 1:16

Together is Better

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. – (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, NIV)

Two people are better than one. When two people work together, they get more work done. If one person falls, the other person can reach out to help. But those who are alone when they fall have no one to help them. – (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, ERV)

It’s better to have a partner than go it alone. Share the work, share the wealth. And if one falls down, the other helps. But if there’s no one to help, tough! – (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, MSG)

There are so many instances in my life that have shown me again and again that this is true. It is true in marriage, friendship, family, work, and so much more. In our household, having a partner to work and walk beside makes so much more possible. In all things, when work is divided we are united. If one of us is not feeling well or overwhelmed, the other is there to help lighten the burden and carry the load. With family and close friendships, there is mutual encouragement and space to share, be it worries, celebrations, adventures or obstacles. At work, having a person to walk alongside and share ideas and strategies lightens the load. It makes the seemingly impossible, possible. God is so good and He knows what we need. We were created to be in relationships, and having a trusted partner makes all the difference as we navigate each new day. May we give God all thanks and praise for those whom He has given us to walk alongside in this life.

Together’s better,

than walking alone;

a help and partner,

new possibles known.

The work that is shared,

is done much faster;

a dear on that’s near,

averts disaster.

When challenges come,

there is someone near;

with encouragement,

and a heart to hear.

In all things, always,

another beside;

a blessing of strength,

goodness and delight.

Thank You, Lord Jesus,

for relationships;

that strengthen, lift up,

for life they equip.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that two are better than one. Thank You that You bless us with people whom we can walk alongside stronger. Thank You for the countless benefits of invested relationships. Forgive us for the times that we think we need to navigate alone. Teach us to trust You, and to trust those whom You have placed in our lives as a partner to walk beside. Show us how to best encourage, support, love and work together with those whom we have been blessed. May many come into a lasting relationship with You as they witness the power of Your presence and goodness of Your grace that is made evident through people partnering well. Be glorified O God, as we thank and praise You for the people whom You have intentionally given us as partners and helpmates to navigate our days. Amen.

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

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. – Philippians 2:5