Keep Adding

For this reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. – (2 Peter 1:5-7, NIV)

Because you have these blessings, do all you can to add to your life these things; to your faith add goodness; to your goodness add knowledge; to your knowledge add self-control; to your self-control add patience; to your patience add devotion to God; to your devotion add kindness toward your brothers and sisters in Christ, and to this kindness add love. – (2 Peter 1:5-7, ERV)

So don’t lose a minute in building what you’ve been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love, each dimension fitting into and developing the others. – (2 Peter 1:5-7, MSG)

Faith is our first step in a relationship with Christ. We must believe that He is who He says He is in order to trust Him to grow us into who we are meant to become. To be more like Him so that His light and love show through us, we must grow in goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, kindness and love. These things demonstrate the heart and character of God to those around us. We must not merely speak of what we believe, but rather we ought to live it out through all that we say and do. Our heart, character, and nature speak volumes when we do so in pursuit of growth in our relationship with God. To grow, we must actively pursue the Lord and His very best for us. The more we know and understand Him and how He loves, the deeper our desire becomes to love likewise. May we ever seek the Lord and be intentional in our pursuit of all that He wants us to learn and how He wants us to grow, so that we may clearly reflect His heart to those around us.

O Lord, please show us,

how to further grow;

to reflect Your heart,

to all whom we know.

Your kindness, goodness,

patience and Your love;

grown and reflected,

to show You’re enough.

The more we seek You,

the more that we learn;

Your heart for people,

as our lives You turn.

Turn to Your goodness,

demonstrate Your grace;

patient and gentle,

grow us in Your ways.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to grow in ways that demonstrate who You are and how You love. Thank You that You sent Your Son to show us what goodness truly is. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to live out who You have called us to be, or have stayed stagnant in our current space. Teach us to seek You anew each day, and to listen to learn how to walk in Your way. Lead us in Your love so that we may love those around us as You love us all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to grow us to live and love more like You. Amen.

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

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever. – Psalm 136:1

Our Burden Bearer

Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. – (1 Peter 5:7, NIV)

Give all your worries to Him, because He cares for you. – (1 Peter 5:7, ERV)

Since God cares for you, let Him carry all your burdens and worries. – (1 Peter 5:7, VOICE)

God is good and He is ever present to help us. Not only is He capable of carrying our heaviness, but He invites us to let Him do the heavy lifting. He is faithful to go before us and walk beside us and will help us as we ask and depend on Him. Our worries and anxiousness do not make our circumstances better, rather they slow us down and prevent us from moving forward in faith if we try to bear them alone. When we turn to God and give our worries to Him, He helps us navigate what is weighing us down, and provides wisdom and strength to press on. This is easier said than done, but it is worthwhile when we learn to trust Him more in every situation and circumstance. Remembering back to some of the most stressful times in my life, I can see clearly that the more I trusted Him, the more He took care of me and provided what I needed to do what He was calling me to do. For some, the holidays cause extra stress due to extra responsibilities, finances, or seeming lack of time. The more I focus on the reason for the season, the less I worry about things and the more I find I am equipped to carry the load meant for me. May we ever trust the Lord and His faithfulness, for He is ready and willing to carry our worries and burdens so that our load is bearable.

Instead of anxious,

choose trust in the Lord;

our Great Provider,

we won’t be ignored.

For He hears each word,

that our hearts lift up;

and grants us His strength,

as He fills our cup.

The things that God gives,

are good and so kind;

for He loves us best,

and has good in mind.

His grace, sufficient,

and His strength is more;

ever He will help,

we won’t be ignored.

Choose to seek in trust,

His faithfulness reigns;

for He’s always good,

and His love remains.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are always good and that You are for us. Thank You that we can bring our worries, anxieties and cares before You and You are ready to listen and help as we trust You. Forgive us for the times that we have tried to power through things that we were not meant to carry on our own. Teach us to trust You and to listen to Your leading, for You place people in our lives to be tangible help, and You are equipped to carry all that is too much for us. Show us how to trust You more, so that we would seek You for strength, help and supply in all things and at all times. Lead us to love those around us in practical and tangible ways that make Your heart known. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we give You all our worries and trust You to lead us through all things with Your goodness and grace. Amen.

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

When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. – Psalm 56:3

Holding Hospitality

Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. – (1 Peter 4:9, NIV)

Open your homes to each other and share your food without complaining, – (1 Peter 4:9, ERV)

Show hospitality to each other without complaint. – (1 Peter 4:9, VOICE)

Both after Thanksgiving and as we prepare for the Christmas season, I am reminded of the gift some people have in true hospitality. My grandmother, my mom, and my sister all are incredibly gifted in hospitality. Each has the amazing ability to open their home, make a wonderful meal, and make all feel welcome. My twins and I just spent Thanksgiving with my sister, her family, and my mom at my sister’s. Everything was delicious, and she and my brother-in-law are a fantastic team as they work together to welcome and host. I somehow think this gift skipped me, as we very seldom host others in our home. Perhaps it is our large dogs that would be rambunctious with extra people, or the layout that is not terribly accommodating for more than our family, but either way, extending hospitality in our home is a good goal, not a gift that I naturally hold. Perhaps that is the purpose of coming across these passages in my daily reading, for it does not say be hospitable, you who naturally display the gift of hospitality, but rather it tells us to open our homes and share our food without complaining. I am not sure what this is supposed to look like for us, but I recognize that this ought to be something that we work on, as it is good to extend invitations and share meals with those around us, for it is through sharing a meal and spending time together that hearts are known and community is strengthened. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in hospitality, so that we may welcome others in and build community with those around us.

O Lord, please show us,

hospitality;

to welcome others,

to come share a meal.

As we open home,

may hearts do the same;

so all feel welcome,

let love be proclaimed.

For it is a gift,

to feel welcomed in;

to share together,

what is and what’s been.

Lord, show us Your heart,

for community;

help us welcome in,

friends like family.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to be hospitable. Thank You for the amazing examples of hospitality that I have experienced in my life through my family and friends. Forgive us for the times that we have passed up opportunities to be hospitable because we somehow discounted ourselves from the ability to do so. Teach us to be willing to open our homes and our hearts to welcome others in and share what we have been given. Lead us to love others well through hospitality like the examples You have made known to us. Help us to love those around us well, so that they feel welcomed into community and recognize Your heart through the hospitality we extend. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us in Your love, and choose to extend hospitality to those around us. Amen.

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

Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. – Romans 12:13

Together in Peace

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. – (1 Peter 3:8, NIV)

So all of you should live together in peace. Try to understand each other. Love each other like brothers and sisters. Be kind and humble. – (1 Peter 3:8, ERV)

Finally, all of you, be like-minded and show sympathy, love, compassion, and humility to and for each other. – (1 Peter 3:8, VOICE)

In order to live in peace, we must try to understand one another, love each other like family, and choose to be humble and kind. When we do these things, we are living as God intended us to live. He created us for community and His plans for us include peace. We each have a free will to determine how we will live out our days. When we choose to follow after God, our hearts seek to know Him and His will for us. The more we invest our time in knowing Him, the more clearly we understand how to live out His love through all that we say and do. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in His peace, and guide us with love, compassion and humility for each other like family.

Together in peace,

is how we should live;

choose humble and kind,

as love’s what we give.

Lord, lead us to learn,

how community;

can live together,

in love, peacefully.

May our hearts choose seek,

to understand well;

for Your love and grace,

through our choices tell.

Thank You, Lord Jesus,

for Your way is best;

goodness and kindness,

show Your love expressed.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to show us what it is to walk in love, compassion and humility. Thank You for Your forgiveness and grace that give us the capacity to do the same. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to do what You are calling us to do. Teach us to trust You more so that we might live peacefully within each community to which we have been called. Show us how to love like You in all situations and circumstances. May many come into a lasting relationship with You as they experience Your love made tangible through those around them. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us to love like You and to live peacefully like a loving family. Amen.

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

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

To Respond Rather than React

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. – (Colossians 3:17, NIV)

Everything you say and everything you do should be done for Jesus your Lord. And in all you do, give thanks to God the Father through Jesus. – (Colossians 3:17, ERV)

Surely, no matter what you are doing (speaking, writing, or working), do it all in the name of Jesus our Master, sending thanks through Him to God our Father. – (Colossians 3:17, VOICE)

This is why we are always a work in progress. Between the distractions all around us and our own sinful nature, we are in constant need of God to lead us in all that we say and do. The more we know Jesus and are intentional to spend time with Him, the more His word and His Spirit within us influence how we live and move and have our being. My hope in this is that the more I am intentional to study God’s word and seek Him to lead me, the more my words and actions can reflect His love to those around me. This is far more easily said than done, for all it takes is a troublesome driver or a rude interaction to react rather than respond. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us so that we would pause and trust His leading in how we respond rather than simply reacting out of anger or frustration in a manner that is anything but loving or kind. When I recognize how He has influenced my words, thoughts, or actions, I give Him thanks for helping my heart to hear His. In all things and at all times, may we seek the Lord’s guidance and give Him thanks for His faithfulness to answer when we ask.

The Lord is faithful,

when we choose to seek;

He leads and guides us,

grants strength when we’re weak.

His strength through kindness,

with grace, He lifts up;

He shows His mercy,

in love, fills our cup.

With hearts full of praise,

help us follow You;

to walk in Your ways,

and do as You’d do.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good all the time. Thank You that You call us to the same in all that we say and do. Forgive us for the times that we react rather than seek You to show us how to respond. Show us how to do all things in and through You so that You heart may be made known. Teach us to trust and follow after You, and to give You all thanks and praise as You show us what to do. Lead us in Your love so that we may make Your goodness known to those around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us and praise You for Your ongoing faithfulness to all. Amen.

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

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. – Romans 14:19

Rooted in Gratitude

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. – (Colossians 2:6-7, NIV)

You accepted Christ Jesus as Lord, so continue to live following Him. You must depend on Christ only, drawing life and strength from Him. Just as you were taught the truth, continue to grow stronger in your understanding of it. And never stop giving thanks to God. – (Colossians 2:6-7, ERV)

My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you’ve been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live in Him. You’re deeply rooted in Him. You’re well constructed upon Him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you’ve been taught. School’s out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving. – (Colossians 2:6-7, MSG)

God provides all that we need to move forward in faith and live out His love. The more we walk in His way and do His will, the more we discover our reasons to be grateful. Right now, I am exceptionally grateful for my husband, who loves me and my family so well. Because we did not have someone who could care for our dogs in our absence, we had to work out who would come to Thanksgiving in Oregon, and who would stay home. My love sacrificed time all together (which he loves), so that my twins and I could come and spend time with my mom, sister and her family for the holiday. We all have been abundantly blessed by the time together, as we enjoyed the entire day, and late into the evening together. Laughter filled the house, and gratitude flooded our hearts. Today, the twins and I will spend the morning with mom, and my sister and her family will have one final outing together before their boys return to out-of-state schools tomorrow morning. This afternoon, we will return and enjoy the remainder of the long weekend at home. I am so thankful that we are able to spend time with our loved ones near and far, and enjoy the long anticipated break. May we ever seek solitude with the Savior and live out the goodness and love that He has given unto us. Let gratitude rise up as we recognize His heart for us in all things.

O Lord, let us be,

rooted in Your love;

strengthened in the faith,

given from above.

In all things, may thanks,

be what flows from us;

for all You’ve given,

help, hope and Jesus.

For You are our strength,

and all that is good;

You lead us in love,

make hope understood.

Show us, Lord Jesus,

how good that You are;

so we love like You,

those both near and far.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good and that You show us and grow us in Your goodness and love. Thank You that You strengthen our faith so that we may live rooted in You, for it is in You that we find strength and our reasons to give You all praise and thanks. Forgive us for the times that we lack love or gratitude. Teach us to continue to invest our time in knowing You so that we may more clearly reflect Your heart to the world around us. Lead us in Your love, for it is Your kindness that leads to repentance and brings people into lasting relationships with You. May many come to know life living in Your lavish love. Be glorified O God, as we give You all thanks and praise throughout all our days, for You make Your goodness known and provide a way when things seem impossible. Amen.

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

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. – Proverbs 3:3

Peace and Gratitude

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. – (Colossians 3:15, NIV)

Let the peace that Christ gives control your thinking. It is for peace that you were chosen to be together in one body. And always be thankful. – (Colossians 3:15, ERV)

Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. – (Colossians 3:15, MSG)

My heart is overflowing with gratitude for a myriad of things as we go into a long weekend that reminds us to be thankful. Two different dear friends have faced frightening diagnoses, and both had surgeries that resulted in a very positive outcome. Additionally, time off always seems to arrive when it is most needed. Today is a shorted school day, and practice too, will be held earlier than usual. I will arrive home during daylight hours, so our dogs will get a nice long walk as well. Tomorrow, the twins and I will rise early (even by my standards) to travel to my sister’s home where we will spend time with she, her family, and my mom. My gratitude continues, as there is much peace between us all and time together is easy. We truly enjoy each other’s company and that fills my heart all the more with thanksgiving. My hope and prayer going into today is that God’s peace would permeate our campus, and calm would be present in every classroom, hallway, and area where staff and students enter. May our hearts overflow with gratitude as we work together for the common good and may tranquility transpire wherever we go.

The peace of the Lord,

is more than just calm;

love overwhelming,

a great healing balm.

For as we allow,

the Lord to take lead;

His love overwhelms,

as He meets our needs.

All thanks be to God,

for His grace and peace;

help our love to grow,

gratitude increase.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are so good. Thank You that Your peace surrounds us and our reasons for gratitude are too numerous to name. Forgive us for the times that we have not contributed to peace in the community around us. Teach us to be peacemakers as we allow Your love to lead and guide us. Flood our hearts with gratitude so that thankfulness is contagious. Show us how to love those around us as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we give room for Your peace to rule in our hearts and minds, and seek You to lead us in Your peace as we overflow with gratitude for who You are and how You love. Amen.

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

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

The Calm That Comes

Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. – (James 3:18, NIV)

People who work for peace in a peaceful way get the blessings that come from right living. – (James 3:18, ERV)

The seed that flowers into righteousness will always be planted in peace by those who embrace peace. – (James 3:18, VOICE)

Peace is not necessarily the absence of chaos, but it is a calm that comes, despite what is going on, through the loving kindness of Christ. To be a peacemaker, we must choose to communicate calmly, and exercise self-control in all that we say and do. One of the definitions of peace found in dictionary.com, defines peace as: freedom of the mind from annoyance, distraction, anxiety, an obsession, etc.; tranquility; serenity. We are all a work in progress, and our freedom of the mind from these things seems to be proportional to our dependence on God. When we are actively and routinely seeking Him, His calm comes and peace prevails, regardless of our circumstances. As a middle school teacher, I am well aware of what peace feels like, despite the chaos. It is not the absence of annoyances or distractions, but it is the freedom to not be worn down, overwhelmed or controlled by them. There are times that they need be corrected or redirected, but when done in a calm and peaceful manner, it is better received and more quickly made right than if I allow frustration to get the better of me and give anger a foothold. May we ever seek the Lord to be our peace in every circumstance, and rely on Him to hold us in His hands, for it is in our awareness of His presence that we know and experience true peace, as relying on Him is right living.

The Lord is true peace,

in Him, we’re set free;

calm in the chaos,

our Help in our need.

Anxiety goes,

and peace finds a way;

to settle our hearts,

and make new, each day.

O Lord, please lead us,

to ever trust You;

for You are the way,

that peace is made new.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our perfect peace, not matter what surrounds us. Thank You that as we trust and rely on You, You show us the calm that comes in knowing and following You. Forgive us for the times that we have allowed our circumstances to get the better of us, or have ignored the direction You have shown us to experience Your peace. Teach us to trust You more, for You show us what is good and right, and You provide peace that surpasses our understanding. Lead us to love as You love so that many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us to live right and rely on You to be our perfect peace in all things and at all times. Amen.

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

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You. – Isaiah 26:3

Faith Requires Action

As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. – (James 2:26, NIV)

A person’s body that does not have a spirit is dead. It is the same with faith – faith that does nothing is dead! – (James 2:26, ERV)

Removing action from faith is like removing breath from a body. All you have left is a corpse. – (James 2:26, VOICE)

Faith goes beyond simply believing. Without action, it is meaningless. True faith compels us to move forward in trust, believing that what God has promised, He will do. We think little about hopping in our car and driving to our destination, for we have faith that it will take us from point A to B and back again. With God, our faith is the belief in what we cannot see, yet strengthens, encourages, directs and corrects us in the ways we are meant to go. Faith in God moves us to not only worship and spend time in His word, but it leads us to love and move and give, even when it does not make sense. If we say that we believe but do not demonstrate any evidence of our faith, it is meaningless; for even the devil believes God exists. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in His love as He gives us strength to put into action the faith that He solidifies within us.

Faith’s our foundation,

of all that is good;

He teaches us how,

to do what we should.

God leads us in love,

so we do the same;

and strengthens our hearts,

to honor His Name.

Show us, Lord Jesus,

throughout each new day;

how to live out love,

and walk in Your way.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that without faith it is impossible to please You, and faith is nothing without acting upon it. Thank You that Jesus showed us what it is to live out faith in tangible ways. Forgive us for the times that we do not demonstrate the faith we know through our words and deeds. Teach us to trust You more so that all that we say and do would bring glory to You. Show us how to love those around us in ways that honor You and make Your heart tangible. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek and trust You to lead us to live out our faith. Amen.

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

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. – Hebrews 11:6

Quick to Listen

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. – (James 1:19, NIV)

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

Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. – (James 1:19, MSG)

I remember once hearing that because we have two ears and one mouth, we ought to use them proportionately. Often, simply listening more than we speak keeps anger under control. It provides pause to listen and think through how we respond, rather than speaking out of need to be heard. Anger comes when we misinterpret what is said or care more about being heard than we do about mutual understanding. Yes, there are times when what is spoken is foolishness or outright rude, but our response is what we can control. We can either engage in conversation that becomes ugly or seek to understand where the other person is coming from. Sometimes, we simply must walk away. This is where the still small voice of the Holy Spirit guides us in what is good. If we listen with our heart, then we will know how to best respond. May we ever seek the Lord to help us be quick to listen and slow to speak, and guard us from allowing anger to take over.

Lord, help us listen,

more than we choose speak;

keep anger at bay,

Your wisdom we seek.

May we truly hear,

one to another;

so our hearts connect,

sisters and brothers.

Lead us in Your love,

with patience and grace;

show us Your kindness,

to walk in Your ways.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are loving and kind, and that You listen to us each time we come before You. Forgive us for the times that we speak without listening, and allow anger to dominate our thoughts and words. Teach us to truly listen before we use our voice, and help us to keep anger under control so that we love Your way. Show us how to hear those around us in ways that help them feel heard and understood. Lead us to love as You love so that Your heart is made known. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we listen to Your leading and praise You with all that we say and do. Amen.

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

Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance. – Proverbs 1:5