Abounding in Love

You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to You. – (Psalm 86:5, NIV)

My Lord, You are good and merciful. You love all those who call to You for help. – (Psalm 86:5, ERV)

O Lord, You are good and ready to forgive; Your loyal love flows generously over all who cry out to You. – (Psalm 86:5, VOICE)

Because God is good, He is ever ready to forgive. Each time we ask, He answers. God floods us with His generous, overwhelming, never-ending love as we cry out to Him. When I think about all of the times that I have cried out to God and sought Him to be my help, He has been faithful to be present and to provide. His answers seldom come in the ways that we expect, yet He is always good and His love never fails. In love, as we confess our sins to Him and ask His forgiveness, He picks us up, dusts us off, and shows us the ways in which we are meant to go. Each day, He provides new strength and fills my heart with His love. There are days that it feels as though I have depleted all that He has given by the end of my first period class, yet His abounding love comes crashing in and reminds me who He is for me so that I can press on. May we ever seek the Lord to forgive and fill us anew, for He faithful to help all who call on Him.

O Lord, You abound,

in love we can share;

Your help and Your hope,

for us, anywhere.

You’re quick to forgive,

as we seek and ask;

in love You equip,

our hearts for each task.

In all things, always,

You show us You’re near;

Your good overwhelms,

and chases off fear.

Thank You, Lord Jesus,

that You are so good;

for love abounding,

Your heart understood.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we seek You, You meet us and forgive us. Thank You that You are abounding in love that floods our hearts and minds and strengthens us to keep moving in the direction to which we are called. Thank You that You are our help and our hope each time we call on Your Name. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to seek You. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would bring all things before You, both our reasons for gratitude and those that bring sorrow or struggle. Show us how to allow the abounding love You give to us to overflow to all those around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You as they experience the power of Your goodness and grace. Be glorified O God, as we seek You in all things and praise You for Your presence and help provided each time we ask. Amen.

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

I lift my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. – Psalm 121:1-2

Instructions for Interactions

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. – (Ephesians 4:2, NIV)

Always be humble and gentle. Be patient and accept each other with love. – (Ephesians 4:2, ERV)

Be humble. Be gentle. Be patient. Tolerate one another in an atmosphere thick with love. – (Ephesians 4:2, VOICE)

These are instructions for how we ought to interact with one another. Imagine an atmosphere where everyone intentionally chose to be humble, gentle and patient, and accepted each other with love. Many of us have circles that we are in that provide insight to how this ought to look and feel. Among beloved friends and family, this is felt and experienced, yet what we know now is but a glimpse of how God does all these things and more for each of us. His overwhelming love and acceptance ought to propel us to do the same. For me, the more I understand God’s love and acceptance of me, the greater my capacity grows to be humble, gentle, patient and accepting of others. To be humble means that we listen, care, and put each other first, rather than focusing entirely on ourselves and what we want and need. Humility is a willingness to compromise, share, and sacrifice for the good of those around us. Gentleness creates safety to be oneself, and space to learn and grow. Patience is the practice of letting go of our own agenda and expectations, and allowing others to discover who they are meant to be. Acceptance is loving one another in all things and at all times, regardless of whether or not our own expectations are met. Imagine if God only accepted us when we reached perfection? None of us would ever be accepted or know His overwhelming love. May we ever seek the Savior to lead us in humility, patience, gentleness, acceptance and love so that all whom we meet may come to know His goodness and grace.

Choose to be humble,

let others be first;

be patient always,

for better or worse.

Accept each other,

no matter the flaws;

for we all have them,

yet God loves us all.

Allow the Lord’s love,

rise up, overflow;

so grace and mercy,

is what all might know.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to the very things that Your Son showed us by example. Jesus was humble and gentle, patient and kind, and He accepted everyone with His great love. Jesus listened, loved, helped, touched, taught and cared in ways that made God’s goodness tangible. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to do the same. Teach us humility, patience, acceptance and love so that we too, may extend these things to others. Lead us in Your love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to instruct us in the ways we interact with one another. Amen.

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

This is My command: Love each other. – John 15:17

To Be Otherly

Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” – (Mark 9:35, NIV)

Jesus sat down and called the twelve apostles to Him. He said, “Whoever wants to be the most important must make others more important than themselves. The must serve everyone else.” – (Mark 9:35, ERV)

He sat down and summoned the Twelve. “So you want first place? Then take the last place. Be the servant of all.” – (Mark 9:35, MSG)

Jesus not only told His disciples how to live, but He modeled it for them continuously. Instead of getting caught up in our own head, we need to look outward and discover how we can help, love and prefer one another as Jesus does for us all. Though Jesus was the Son of God, He came to seek and save the lost, to serve and help and heal, and ultimately, to lay down His life for ours. As we seek the Lord to lead and guide us, He shows us how to love and serve those around us. May we ever keep our eyes, ears and hearts open so that we may serve those around us in love.

We each have been called,

to love each other;

to help, give and serve,

sisters and brothers.

We’re not to promote,

ourselves to the top;

instead, boost others,

so selfishness stops.

For as we choose love,

we begin to see;

through Christ’s loving lens,

that sets people free.

Help us, Lord Jesus,

to be otherly;

so all come to know,

Your love graciously.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son to show us what it is to prefer one another in love. Thank You that as we seek You, You show us more and more how to live out Your love. Forgive us for the times that our own selfish ambition or desires have gotten in the way of loving as You intended us to love. Teach us to seek You to lead and guide us in all things. Show us how to love one another in a way that lifts others up. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us in loving one another as we lift up, encourage, and build each other up. Amen.

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

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. – Romans 12:10

Renewing Strength

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. – (Isaiah 40:31, NIV)

But those who trust in the Lord will become strong again. They will be like eagles that grow new feathers. They will run and not get weak. They will walk and not get tired. – (Isaiah 40:31, ERV)

But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles. They run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind. – (Isaiah 40:31, MSG)

As we trust and wait upon the Lord, He renews us with His fresh strength. He fills and equips us to do far more than we thought was possible. Every day is new, even if our challenges do not seem to change. His grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in our weakness. The Lord is gentle and kind, and His renewal is one that strengthens us body, mind, and spirit, for all that lies before us. There are days when I look back and wonder how I made it to the day’s end, only to recognize that it was God who carried me when I did not think I could go on. May we ever seek the Lord and His strength, for He is faithful to meet us in each moment as He renews our strength to press on.

The Lord is faithful,

forever, always;

to grant us His strength,

throughout all our days.

He blesses and keeps,

in His tender care;

His love overflows,

so we too, can share.

Lead us, Lord Jesus,

to choose trust in You;

our Savior, Healer,

One who makes us new.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for renewing our strength each day. Thank You that as we lean into You, You equip, strengthen, and walk along side us through every season. Thank You that in You, we can go farther and do more than we could hope or imagine. Forgive us for the times that our faith falters and we do not rely on You. Teach us to trust You more, for Your strength is sufficient and Your kindness can carry us when we grow weary. Show us how to love those around us in ways that refreshes and renews. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to strengthen and sustain us, and praise You for Your powerful presence that is made known as we call on You. Amen.

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

But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. – 2 Corinthians 12:9

Petition and Prayer

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” – (Matthew 7:7-8, NIV)

“Continue to ask, and God will give to you. Continue to search, and you will find. Continue to knock, and the door will open for you. Yes, whoever continues to ask will receive. Whoever continues to look will find. And whoever continues to knock will have the door opened for them.” – (Matthew 7:7-8, ERV)

“Just ask and it will be given to you; seek after it and you will find. Continue to knock and the door will be opened for you. All who ask receive. Those who seek, find what they seek. And he who knocks, will have the door opened.” – (Matthew 7:7-8, VOICE)

Prayer and petition are ways in which we communicate with God. Just as in any other relationship, communication is essential. The amazing thing is that prayer is an ongoing conversation with God. It is us thanking Him for who He is, praising Him for His goodness, letting Him know our needs, and trusting Him to provide. Petition is the coming before Him requesting that He intervene and bring change to whatever is going on. Sometimes the change is in our circumstances, but often, the change takes place within us. These verses in Matthew remind us that we need to keep asking, seeking, and knocking, for God is faithful to answer our prayers. Just as a human father wants the very best for his children, so God does all the more. He who is perfect has the perfect solution as we ask. God is a gentleman and does not force His way in. In love, He is present to help, yet wants us to ask and invite Him into our hearts, lives and circumstances. May we ever seek the Lord, ask for His help, and knock on the doors that are placed before us that we are meant to go through, as we continually communicate with Christ.

Reach out, pray to God,

for He always hears;

His heart is for us,

and ever He’s near.

Each time that we seek,

the Lord will be found;

listening, waiting,

His grace is profound.

To knock on the door,

is to ask in prayer;

let Him know our need,

for He’s waiting there.

Our help and our hope,

all comfort and peace;

God is the answer,

to all that we need.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we seek You, we find You. Thank You that You are not elusive or unavailable, but rather You are ever-present, waiting for us to call on You. Thank You that each time we ask, You hear us and bring answers. Thank You that You open the doors that are meant for us, and You show us those that are not. Forgive us for the times that we attempt to navigate on our own, rather than talking to You and asking You for all that we need. Teach us to trust You more. Show us how to seek, ask, and knock in all things. Lead us to love one another as You love us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You, ask You, praise You, and trust You in all things and at all times. Amen.

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

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. – Philippians 4:6

Power to Love

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about Me everywhere – in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – (Acts 1:8, NLT)

“But the Holy Spirit will come on you and give you power. You will be My witnesses. You will tell people everywhere about Me – in Jerusalem, in the rest of Judea, in Samaria, and in every part of the world.” – (Acts 1:8, ERV)

“Here’s the knowledge you need: you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you. And you will be My witnesses, first here in Jerusalem, then beyond to Judea and Samaria, and finally to the farthest places on earth.” – (Acts 1:8, VOICE)

These were the last words that the disciples heard from Jesus before He ascended into heaven. His words were their assurance that they would be equipped for all He had called them to do. Incredibly, the same remains true today. For as we ask and wait on the Lord, He comes and equips us with the wisdom and power that we need to do what He has called us to do. No matter what we do as an occupation, we are each called to represent Jesus wherever we go and in all that we do. For me, I am acutely aware of my need for His Spirit to be with me. My own short-comings are evident, and without Him, I fall short every time. However, He is gracious and kind and is quick to forgive when we repent and ask for His help. This morning, one of our dogs, who is always up early and had already been fed and was watching out the window, while the other, who lounges longer, came upstairs to join us and was clearly ready to be fed. As I was preparing her food, Thor somehow pulled the calendar off of the wall and took it to his favorite spot and was starting to shred it. I was very frustrated and reacted in anger, and was yelling at him as I got him to drop it and get it placed out of reach. Of course I felt bad, and in a matter of moments, he brought his ball to me to toss for him, caught it, and then returned to his usual spot next to me on the couch with his ball. It was his way of saying he was sorry and that he was not upset with me for being angry. God’s love for us is even greater, and His desire is for all to come to know His love. As we seek Him and follow after Him, He equips us to make His love evident wherever we go. The more we love, the more His heart is made tangible to those around us.

The power to love,

is given to us;

as we seek the Lord,

to love like Jesus.

It’s by His Spirit,

we know God with us.

The more we know Him,

the more we should share;

the love He’s given,

and His tender care.

For it is through love,

that His heart’s made known;

through experience,

love’s seeds have been sown.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Jesus’ final words before ascending into heaven were those that tell us we will be equipped and empowered by Your Holy Spirit to do what we are called to do. Thank You that for all that You ask, You also empower. Forgive us for the times that we react in our own strength rather than seek You to respond. Help us ever seek You to lead us in all that we say and do. Teach us how to answer the call that You have placed in our lives. Show us how to love one another in ways that make Your goodness and grace tangible. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us, guide us, equip and empower us so that we walk in Your ways and do Your will. Amen.

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

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 3:17b-18

One Body

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all others. – (Romans 12:4-5, NIV)

Each of us has one body, and that body has many parts. These parts don’t all do the same thing. In the same way, we are many people, but in Christ we are all one body. We are the parts of that body, and each part belongs to all the others. – (Romans 12:4-5, ERV)

For in the same way that one body has so many different parts, each with different functions; we, too – the many – are different parts that form one body in the Anointed One. Each one of us is joined with one another, and we become together what we could not be alone. – (Romans 12:4-5, VOICE)

I love the comparison of the body of Christ to the human body. As one who is extraordinarily visual, this makes so much sense. We all have different strengths and talents, are all are called to be who God created us to be. Personally, I can think of people in my community that are the eyes, the ears, the voice, the heart, the lungs, the hands, the feet, the circulation system, the nervous system, and so much more. Some inspire, while others bring comfort and peace. Still others serve, and others are ready to go wherever there is a need. There are the listeners, the observers, the communicators, and so on. Each part needs the other, for not one of us can do all things alone. Not only is there strength in community, but there is a sense of being more complete when we join together. God has created us for such community wherever we go. I see this at work as a teacher, in the gym as a coach, in our household as a family, and of course in church as a congregation. In each arena, there are different parts with different strengths. The more we work as a cohesive unit and depend on one another, the better we are together. Because we are all flawed and broken, this is not automatic nor without challenges. Different strengths and personalities with unique ways of doing things means all things are not perceived in the same way. However, when united for a common purpose or for the greater good, we can persevere and keep moving forward together. May we ever seek the Lord and His wisdom and strength so that we are willing to rise up and be who He has created us to be in our communities.

We are one body,

called forth to unite;

when joined together,

there is great delight.

For each with purpose,

and strengths meant to share;

more is accomplished,

and handled with care.

Lord, help us rise up,

in who we’re to be;

lead us and guide us,

as Your family.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have hand-crafted each of us with different strengths and talents. Thank You that we are each made for community. Thank You that we all are designed to fill a different part to make the body complete. Forgive us for the times that we have held back from what You intended for us to do. Teach us to trust and listen to Your leading as we seek You and invest in our communities. Show us how to live and love according to who You made us each to be. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we operate in our strengths, celebrate those in others, and work together as a body for You. Amen.

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

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. – 1 Corinthians 12:12

Unity Through Love

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” – (John 13:34-35, NIV)

“I give you a new command: Love each other. You must love each other just as I loved you. All people will know that you are My followers if you love each other.” – (John 13:34-35, ERV)

“Let Me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are My disciples – when they see the love you have for each other.” – (John 13:34-35, MSG)

Jesus commands us to love each other in the same way that He loves us. If we truly want to be united rather than divided, love must be the motivation for all that we say and do. As we treat one another this way, people recognize something different in us, and desire to do the same. I know that I am drawn to kind and gracious people and am repelled by those who are not. Those whom I desire to spend time with are those who love in word and action. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in His love, for as we do, unity is established among us and others desire to be a part of the same.

O Lord, unite us,

in goodness and love;

show us the power,

love has from above.

For as we seek You,

Your love is made plain;

You align our hearts,

to choose do the same.

Help us, Lord Jesus,

in all that we do;

may each word and deed,

clearly reflect You.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You command us to love one another and empower us to do so as we seek You. Thank You that You have shown us over and over again how love unites us together as one. Forgive us for the times that our words or actions were not loving toward each other. Teach us how to do all things in love, so that our hearts may be united in purpose. Lead us to love each other as You love us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we love one another as You first loved us. Amen.

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

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. – Ephesians 4:2

Grateful for the Faithful

I thank my God every time I remember you. – (Philippians 1:3, NIV)

Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. – (Philippians 1:3, MSG)

Whenever you cross my mind, I thank my God for you and for the gift of knowing you. – (Philippians 1:3, VOICE)

One of the greatest gifts that we have, aside from salvation, is the treasure found in faithful friends and family. These are the people in our circle that no matter what, they are for us and would do anything they could if a need arises. Such people in our lives are our tangible reminder of the goodness and faithfulness of God. Even now, as I ponder such individuals in my life, I smile and give God thanks, for I am rich in family and friends. Friends and family that fall into this category, are the ones that no matter how much time has passed between conversations, we are able to pick up where we left off without hesitation or discomfort. Joy is always present when time is spent together. May we ever give thanks to God for the people whom He has placed in our lives in different seasons, and praise Him for the treasure we know in each one.

Forever grateful,

is how my heart feels;

when I remember,

loved ones that are real.

For each is a gift,

So many more that are not pictured here… ❤

that my heart treasures;

kindness, grace and love,

found beyond measure.

This love that is known,

all we can compare;

to the love of God,

such goodness He shares.

All that we have found,

is only a part;

of eternal love,

that dwells in our heart.

His love is beyond,

all that we have known;

His goodness and peace,

through loved ones is shown.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You gift us with family and friends that provide us with glimpses of the goodness and faithfulness we have in You. Thank You for the treasures we have in those whom You have purposefully placed in our lives. Forgive us for the times that we neglect to give You praise, for You are the Provider throughout all our days. Teach us to recognize the glorious gifts that You have given, and to praise You with thanksgiving for each treasure we have known. Lead us to love one another as You love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as I give You thanks each time a loved one comes to mind. Amen.

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

God is the source of our blessings; may every corner of the earth respect and revere Him. – Psalm 67:7

Let Your Light Shine

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 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)

For all of us who know and trust God, I imagine that we can name people in our lives who were lights of hope and living examples of God’s love that helped open our eyes, minds and hearts to the truth of who God is and how He loves. Their light showed us the hope we have in Him, and the beauty that is found in embracing all that He has for us. As believers, our charge is to do the same. This is not something that we can try to make happen, but rather His light shines through us the more we seek the Lord to lead us, change us, renew and strengthen us, so that we may walk in His ways and do His will. His heart is made plain as we worship and honor His Name. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us and guide us so that we may shine light on who God is and how He loves us all.

Lord, as we seek You,

shine Your light through us;

so those around us,

encounter Jesus.

May Your heart be known,

as we choose to love;

Your grace and goodness,

Our power is found,

as we choose to pray;

our God grants us strength,

and opens a way.

A way for His light,

to shine all around;

for goodness and grace,

to clearly be found.

So let us choose seek,

ever trust in Him;

to lead and guide us,

as He shines within.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that there is power as we pray, for You shine Your light both in and through us as we trust in You. Thank You for those who came before us and were faithful to follow after You and light the way for us to know You. Forgive us for the times that we have not given You room to make Your heart known to those around us. Teach us to seek, listen, trust, and do as You ask. Lead us in Your love so that Your light may shine to those around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we love You and love one another. Amen.

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

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. – Psalm 34:17