The Importance of Love

To love Him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices. – (Mark 12:33, NIV)

And you must love God with all your heart, all your mind, and all your strength. And you must love others the same as you love yourself. These commands are more important than all the animals and sacrifices we offer to God. – (Mark 12:33, ERV)

To love God with all our heart and soul and mind and strength and to love our neighbors as ourselves are more important than any burnt offerings or sacrifice we could ever give. – (Mark 12:33, VOICE)

The most important things that we can do are love God and love people. No sacrifice or offering compares to the call to love. When we truly love those that God placed around us as we are loved by Him, His heart is made known and His love is evident to all. God’s love for us is not dependent on what we do, how we look, or the company we keep; He loves because we are His creation. Likewise, we are called to love others because they too, are His dearly loved created. The more we get to know God, the more we love Him and are able to see others through His eyes. We are an ongoing work in progress, yet the more we choose to love, the greater our capacity seems to grow. When we seek God to show us how to love, He shows us where love is absent and challenges us to give love in those spaces. Love is far more evident in action than simply in words. Those who have made me feel the most loved are the people whom God placed beside me to come alongside and walk through life together. They see my needs and seek to meet them, and give their time and attention when we are together. In today’s society, this can simply be setting phones aside and engaging in conversation and doing practical things. I’m not sure where I am going with this, other than pondering for myself, what are the ways that I can show love today? As we ask, He answers. May we ever seek the Lord to know Him more, and ask Him to lead us to love those around us as He loves each one of us.

Lord, help us love You,

with all that we are;

and love each other,

both those near and far.

Please show us the ways,

to make Your love known;

as practically,

Your kindness is shown.

With all of our strength,

our hearts and our minds;

may we love You well,

and to all, be kind.

Lead us, Lord Jesus,

to love as You do;

with words and actions,

that show Your heart true.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You show us simply and practically how to follow after You. Thank You that what matters most is that we love You and love people the way that You love us. Thank You that Your love is tangible and practical. Forgive us for the times that we neglect to love. Show us how to love in all things and at all times, and keep our eyes and hearts set on You and how You lead us to love. Grant us Your eyes to see and Your heart to understand how to love those around us as You do. 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 and call us to do likewise. Amen.

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

We love because He first loved us. – 1 John 4:19

Encourage to Love

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… – (Hebrews 10:24-25a, NIV)

We should think about each other to see how we can encourage each other to show love and do good works. We must not quit meeting together… – (Hebrews 10:24-25a, ERV)

Let us consider how to inspire each other to greater love and righteous deeds, not forgetting to gather as a community… – (Hebrews 10:24-25a, VOICE)

There is such power in gathering together with family and friends. For those whom God has established us to be in relationship with, it matters not how much time passes, the mutual love and appreciation for one another remains. Last evening, my husband and I had the opportunity to drive a few hours north to meet up with my sister and brother-in-law to watch my nephew’s baseball game. A wonderful bonus was time with one of my aunts whom I have not seen in a few years. In my childhood and teen years, I spent much time with she and her family, as my cousin and I are the same age and enjoyed time together as often as possible. My sister is a wonderful communicator and planner, and coordinated us all meeting and spending time with each other. Though only an evening, my heart was filled as the connection and love has remained over time. Each time I am able to see family and friends after time apart, I am so encouraged to love and do my best in all things. God designed us for connection in community, and has blessed us with numerous ways to do so. May we ever pursue opportunities to gather, and encourage each other in love.

Gather together,

whenever you can;

encourage, build up,

for it is God’s plan.

Time with each other,

is always well spent;

inspired to love,

good that won’t relent.

Thank You, Lord Jesus,

for community;

for loving kindness,

that’s given freely.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good and loving and kind. Thank You that You place us in families and communities that love and encourage us well. Forgive us for our lack of engagement when life becomes busy. Teach us how to prioritize connection and to love each other well. Show us how to love and spur one another on to do good. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for the people whom You have placed in our lives and for the opportunity to encourage each other well. Amen.

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

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Be Strong in Him

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. – (Ephesians 6:10, NIV)

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

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

It is amazing what we can accomplish when we draw our strength from God. My least favorite job is cleaning and organizing indoors. I much prefer to be outside doing yardwork or going on an adventure. However, there have been several neglected spaces in our home that have been waiting for my attention. Incredibly, after beginning my days with God and then taking the dogs for a long walk, I have found the strength and motivation to get things done. The more I complete said tasks, the more I discover I want to get others finished as well. I so appreciate having more organized spaces, and find myself ready to keep pushing to complete as much as possible each day. God’s power is limitless, and He supplies the strength we need as we seek Him. May we ever go to God to be our strength, and pursue the path that He has placed before us in all things.

Be strong in the Lord,

for His strength is great;

He meets as we seek,

and trust in the wait.

Each day He’ll equip,

with the things we need;

to keep pressing on,

in every deed.

No matter how great,

or how small the task;

He always hears us,

when we seek and ask.

Thank You, Lord Jesus,

that You hear our heart;

and grant us Your strength,

to complete each start.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good and faithful to meet us as we seek You. Thank You that You strengthen and equip us to do the things that we need to do, even the seemingly trivial tasks. Thank You that You care about the details. Forgive us for the times that we try to push through on our own and find ourselves falling short. Teach us to trust You more and to rely on You to be our strength and resolve. Lead us in Your lavish love to care well for those around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to be our strength in all things and at all times and we give You praise for Your unfailing faithfulness and love that lead us. 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

Rejoice and Be Glad

Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure. – (Psalm 16:9, NIV)

So my heart and soul will be very happy. Even my body will live in safety. – (Psalm 16:9, ERV)

This is a good life – my heart is glad, my soul is full of joy, and my body is at rest Who could want for more? – (Psalm 16:9, VOICE)

This hits all the feels as I have entered a brief season of rest. Honestly, the first day of my summer afforded me the time to do things I have not had the time nor energy to do for months. Today, as day two of said break, there are countless possibilities. Likely it will be a day that provides our pups an extra long walk, time to tackle one of the many projects around the house, time with my kiddo who does not have to work today, and the sort of rest that comes from time to just be still. Joy within me rises and I find myself singing more often. Though the school year is long, and at times, grueling, the season of rest that follows is a reminder that it is worthwhile. This holds true in all things, for God is faithful to lead us through and bring us to a space of rest. May we ever give God all glory and praise, for He is loving, faithful and good throughout all of our days.

My heart is so glad,

ever I’ll sing praise;

for the Lord’s goodness,

and all of His ways.

Ever He is near,

in struggle and peace;

His rest He provides,

as grace is released.

Let us sing for joy,

for the love He brings;

His help, hope and peace,

in and through all things.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are so good and that Your love fills our hearts with joy. Thank You that You provide peace and rest. Thank You that You are the reason we sing. Forgive us for not recognizing Your nearness. Show us Your goodness and grace throughout all of our days, and lead us in Your love as we give You praise. Help us to love those around us as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we give You all of our praise for Your loving and faithful ways forever. Amen.

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

Sing to God, sing in praise of His Name, extol Him who rides on the clouds; rejoice before Him – His name is the Lord. – Psalm 68:4

Give Thanks for Love that Never Fails

Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind. – (Psalm 107:8, NIV)

Thank the Lord for His faithful love and for the amazing things He does for people. – (Psalm 107:8, ERV)

May they erupt with praise and give thanks to the Eternal in honor of His loyal love and all the wonders He has performed for humankind! – (Psalm 107:8, VOICE)

Any time there is repetition in scripture, we are meant to take notice. This sentence found in Psalm 107 is repeated three more times in Psalm 107, in verses 15, 21, and 31. Throughout the ages, God has shown His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for all of humanity. God is worthy of all of our thanks and praise. When I pause and ponder the ways that He has demonstrated His unfailing love and done wonderful deeds for me, I cannot help but give Him thanks and praise. Despite the challenges that life brings our way, God’s faithful presence, help and abounding love has been with us through all things and at all times. Today, as I think about this past school year and all of the ups and downs, I cannot help but be grateful for God’s evident help that carried me through the heavy and hard, and His goodness and grace that gifted me with energetic interactions and joy when kids learned new things, and the sweet afternoon reset each day as I coached kids in sports in which they were eager to improve. Additionally, when I would arrive home, I was (and continue to be), greeted by a loving husband and sweet kiddos and pups that bring me great joy. May we ever give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and for His wonderful deeds for us all.

Give thanks to the Lord,

for His love won’t fail;

His love’s unending,

in ev’ry detail.

He knows when we rise,

when we come and go;

His presence made known,

as His grace He shows.

He grants us His strength,

His help, hope and peace;

throughout all our days,

His love is released.

So, give the Lord thanks,

for all of His ways;

for goodness and grace,

He gives us always.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are so good and worthy of all of our praise. Thank You that You are wonderful in all of Your ways. Forgive us for our lack of thanks and praise when our eyes are not set on You. Teach us to seek You and praise You as we greet each new day, and to give You thanks for all of Your ways. Show us the ways that we are meant to go, and how to love those around us as You intended. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we give You praise for Your unfailing love and all of our gratitude for Your wonderful ways. Amen.

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

Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord. – Psalm 107:43

Right Living Brings Joy

The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him. – (Proverbs 23:24, NIV)

The father of a good person is very happy. A wise child brings him joy. – (Proverbs 23:24, ERV)

The parents of the right-living will celebrate; yes, parents of children who make wise choices are happy. – (Proverbs 23:24, VOICE)

With Father’s Day being celebrated tomorrow, this is a fitting verse to ponder. The most important father to consider is our Heavenly Father, and to know that when we live right, we bring Him joy. As far as tangible examples of fathers and their children, I love to witness the joy that my husband’s son brings to him. He raised his son well, and to see them together brings me delight. As a parent, my children bring me joy when they make wise choices and I am so grateful that they are good humans. Many of us have fractured or non-existent relationships with our earthly fathers. For some, it is the loss of their father, whereas others, time and distance have eroded opportunities to know one another and be known. I am so grateful for both my mom and the parental figures who have spoken into my life, and have pointed me to live and love in a way that pursues what God would want. My husband experienced the same growing up, as his mom saw to it that he knew the way that was right and how to work hard. I know that he brings her joy, as to this day, he is still quick to go to help her with whatever he can if a need arises. May we ever look to the Lord to lead us in all that we say and do, and may our decisions to live right bring Him joy.

Heavenly Father,

may we bring You joy;

through our right living,

and love we employ.

Please show us the ways,

to follow upright;

to love as You love,

and bring You delight.

Thank You for parents,

who love their kids well;

thank You for children,

who in Your love dwell.

Show us, Lord Jesus,

how to stay the course;

You’ve set before us,

as You are our Source.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our good Father. Thank You that You love beyond what we can grasp, and You show us what is good and the ways we are meant to go. Thank You that You delight in us when we walk in Your ways and do Your will. Forgive us for the times that we fall short and go our own way. Lead us to stay the course that You have set before us. 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 praise You for parents and children, and ever seek You to live and love as You intended. Amen.

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

Since You are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of Your Name lead and guide me. – Psalm 31:3

Always Rejoice

Rejoice in the Lord always I will say it again: Rejoice! – (Philippians 4:4, NIV)

Always be filled with joy in the Lord. I will say it again. Be filled with joy. – (Philippians 4:4, ERV)

Most of all, friends, always rejoice in the Lord! I never tire of saying it: Rejoice! – (Philippians 4:4, VOICE)

It seems fitting that this is part of the passage that began my morning, as yesterday concluded the school year and I was able to make a quick trip a few hours south of us to watch my nephew play college baseball for the evening. I rejoice in God’s protection for safe travels, for a vehicle that runs well, for my husband that keeps it running well, for family to spend an evening with, and for at last arriving to a season of rest and refreshment after closing out my twenty-seventh year of teaching and coaching. From the end of August to the end of May, I spent nearly every afternoon/evening coaching after the close of the school day. Honestly, that was the portion of my day that always reminded me to rejoice. No matter how my school day had gone, there was a filling of joy as I worked with young people who wanted to learn or advance in a sport, and were happy to be present and a part of it. I can rejoice in the Lord for His faithfulness and provision, and for His strength to get through the difficult days, and His love that brought celebration in successes. God is always good, and His faithfulness and love are reason to rejoice, always. May we ever seek the Lord and rejoice in Him, for He is our true Source of joy and everything that is good.

Rejoice in the Lord,

for He is so good;

He leads and guides us,

makes grace understood.

He grants us His strength,

when we feel there’s none;

helps and empowers,

the Most Holy One.

The space where we find,

hope, help and true joy;

are where we’ve given,

our heart, strength and voice.

Lead us, Lord Jesus,

where we’re meant to go;

and help us rejoice,

as we live and grow.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our reason to rejoice. Thank You that You provide joy in us and all around us so that we might know the goodness of Your love. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to rejoice in You, for in You, we always have reason to give praise. Teach us to trust You more, and show us the joy in all things. Lead us to love and spread joy wherever we go and whatever we do, so that more may come to know the goodness found in You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we rejoice in Your goodness and grace, and praise You for the joy found throughout each new day. Amen.

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

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him. – Psalm 28:7

Keep Pressing Forward

For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. – (Luke 11:10, NIV)

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. – (Luke 11:10, ERV)

All who keep asking will receive, all who keep seeking will find, and doors will open to those who keep knocking. – (Luke 11:10, VOICE)

This is a great reminder that we are meant to persist in prayer, and keep pressing forward in the direction to which we have been called. Following God’s leading requires both prayer and action. We have to seek Him to know His will, ask Him for His help, and then take steps in the direction which we are being led. Incredibly, the more we seek the Lord, the more we find what His next steps for us will be. Often we only know one step at a time, or the direction we should move, but it requires us to actually move forward in faith. As today marks the final day of our school year, my hope and prayer is that those who are moving onto high school will press in and persevere, and that the staff who are retiring or moving on, will find open doors for their next steps. May we ever keep asking the Lord for what we need and what we are meant to do, and listen and follow in the directions to which we are called.

Choose to seek the Lord,

press forward and pray;

go where He leads you,

He’ll show you the way.

Listen intently,

for He speaks to hearts;

steadfast to listen,

rise up, do your part.

When we’re uncertain,

ask Him and go forth;

each new step in faith,

He is our true north.

Ever be centered,

on that which is good;

His love will guide us,

on paths understood.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we seek You, we find You. Thank You that when we ask, You answer. And thank You that when we knock, the right doors will be opened to us. Forgive us for our lack of faith and perseverance when doors do not open immediately. Teach us to trust You as we press forward in the direction You call, and help us ever listen to Your leading for each next step. Show us how to love those around us as we are loved by You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You, follow You, and press on in Your goodness as grace each day that we draw breath. Amen.

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

Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. – Psalm 105:4

Heavenly Declaration

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. – (Psalm 19:1-2, NIV)

The heavens tell about the glory of God. The skies announce what His hands have made. Each new day tells more of the story, and each night reveals more and more about God’s power. – (Psalm 19:1-2, ERV)

The celestial realms announce God’s glory; the skies testify of His hands’ great work. Each day pours out more of their sayings; each night, more to hear and more to learn. – (Psalm 19:1-2, VOICE)

I don’t know about you, but every time I see a beautiful sunrise or sunset, I cannot help but stand in awe of God, who hand paints the skies. By day, we witness cloud formations, and at times, cloudless clear blues; by night, we witness stars beyond what we could ever count and planets that demonstrate more of our Maker’s handiwork. Some of the most important wisdom that we glean from observing the skies is that He is God and we are not. We cannot control the changing skies, we can only witness in wonder the works of His hands. When storms come, we observe His power, yet as the clouds part and give way to clear skies, His work is further on display. May we ever observe the work of His hands in awe and wonder, and grow in His goodness and grace as we seek Him.

Each time we look up,

a chance to take in;

the splendor of God,

and work of His hands.

Each day’s new sunrise,

and evening sunset;

display God’s power,

and all that’s not yet.

When daylight give way,

and darkness does come;

the moon and the stars,

show His work’s not done.

Beauty and spledor,

power and delight;

God’s hands made it all,

morning, noon, and night.

May we give Him thanks,

and all of our praise;

goodness that greets us,

throughout all our days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your glory is on display in the skies. Thank You for the beauty of sunrises and sunsets, and for the awe and wonder that comes with the ways that You show Your creativity when we look up. Thank You that You are God and we are not. Forgive us for taking Your goodness and power for granted. Teach us to appreciate each opportunity to look up and see the work of Your hands, and to witness everything in awe and wonder of You. Lead us to love those around us in ways that make Your goodness known. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we thank and praise You for the continual reminders of who You are as we need only look up to witness Your power and artistry on full display. Amen.

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

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. – Romans 1:20

Cleanse and Restore

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. – (Psalm 51:10, NIV)

God, create pure heart in me, and make my spirit strong again. – (Psalm 51:10, ERV)

Create in me a clean heart, O God; restore within me a sense of being brand new. – (Psalm 51:10, VOICE)

Not only is this a great thing to pray in this season, but it is one we ought to pray daily, for it is good to be cleansed and made new again as we navigate each day with a fresh start. To have a steadfast spirit is to have unwavering faith, which is a sort of strength that comes from God. My best days come when I feel rested and refreshed and have a sense of new resolve. Being brand new is an interesting concept. As I think about when we have something new, we will do our best to keep said item nice, for as long as we can. If we take the same approach with our spirit, we can ever be new through trusting and following the Lord’s leading. He can keep our heart pure and our spirit strong. It is not through us trying to be good enough or to do enough, but rather it is in the seeking and following after Him that we are refreshed and restored for so much more. ay we ever seek the Lord to cleanse our heart and restore in us a strong spirit.

O Lord, I seek You,

to create in me;

a heart that is clean,

and a spirit free.

Free to choose follow,

each day after You;

to rise in Your strength,

to ever love true.

Please show me, O God,

the ways I should go;

equip my being,

so Your goodness shows.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good and that You are for us. Thank You that as we seek You, You cleanse us from all unrighteousness and grant us strength to walk in Your ways and do Your will. Forgive us for the things that we think, say and do that do not align with Your goodness and grace. Show us Your plans that are good so that we may follow after You in all that we say and do. Lead us in Your overwhelming love to extend the same to those around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to make us clean and new so that we may go forth and love true. Amen.

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

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