The Skies Proclaim His Handiwork

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. – (Psalm 19:1, NIV)

The heavens tell about the glory of God. The skies announce what His hands have made. – (Psalm 19:1, ERV)

The celestial realms announce God’s glory; the skies testify of His hands’ great work. – (Psalm 19:1, VOICE)

As I read this passage this morning, I could not help but recall all of the beautiful photos I have seen that friends and family took of the Aurora Borealis last week. If the beauty of the night sky’s light show isn’t a declaration of God’s glory, I don’t know what is. The variety of colors and lights and patterns all leave me awestruck at the work of His hands. Already, I am in awe when I witness a glorious sunrise or sunset, as each time I am reminded of God’s creativity and handiwork. Sadly, I did not see the light show for myself, as I am an “early to bed, early to rise” sort of girl. It is still on my bucket list of things to see, but I am so thankful to have seen all of the captures of the glory in the sky. To see such beauty is to gaze at the work of God. I cannot fathom witnessing such glory and simply chalking it up to a freak of nature. God made the sun and the skies, and all are the work of His hands. Incredibly, the same is true of all of us, His created. We too, are His handiwork, designed to display His glory through our love. May we ever seek the Lord and recognize the glory of who He is, for as the skies above proclaim His goodness to all who look up, so too should we.

The glory of God,

Photo courtesy of my sister’s post. ❤

is on clear display;

we need to look up,

to see all He’s made.

The sun and the stars,

the mountains and seas;

all living creatures,

He called each to be.

With purpose, each formed,

the work of His hands;

all crafted in love,

each part of His plan.

Let us give Him thanks,

and all of our praise;

for all He has made,

throughout all our days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that the heavens declare Your glory and the skies announce all that Your hands have made. Forgive us for the times that we have not paused to praise You for all of the good that we can see. Teach us to recognize Your glory in every created thing, for all that Your hands have made have purpose. Lead us to love those around us as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for all that Your hands have made, and stand in awe and wonder as we witness Your glory all around us. Amen.

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

“I tell you,” He replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” – Luke 19:40

Blessings of Strength and Peace

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

May the Lord make His people strong. May the Lord bless His people with peace. – (Psalm 29:11, ERV)

God makes His people strong. God gives His people peace. – (Psalm 29:11, MSG)

Mondays tend to require a bit of extra strength, especially as we roll into the last several weeks of school and state testing. Kids are anxious about testing and amped up about the warmer weather, and school staff members are enlisted to try to keep it all together. It is easy to forget that this is the struggle each spring. Perhaps because He provides the strength we need for each new day, or because He provides His peace and once it is all done, we have a four-day weekend coming to rest and recover. Incredibly, God gives peace and strength in the midst of chaos, and brings calm to our hearts, even if all around us is not. Each day is new, and we have another opportunity to rely on His strength to carry us, and His peace to be present. As we seek Him, God is faithful to meet us anew. This morning, though I know it will be a long week of testing and two volleyball games this week, as well as a quick trip to Oregon at the end, I bounded out of bed to feed our dogs and spend time in His word. Every morning, He is faithful to meet me and show me His goodness and grace. His love overwhelms me and His peace is present in the still. quiet hours of the morning. Before the sun rises, He is here. As the light of dawn appears, He remains near. May we ever seek the Lord to be our strength and peace, for He is faithful in all things and at all times as we trust in Him.

The Lord is our strength,

throughout each new day;

His peace, made present,

as we walk His way.

He leads and guides us,

in His tender care;

He helps and holds us,

always, ev’rywhere.

God’s grace and goodness,

provide what we need;

to keep pressing on,

wherever He leads.

So trust in the Lord,

our strength and our peace;

ever we praise Him,

as love is increased.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You supply strength and peace as we navigate each new day. Thank You that Your goodness and love lead us in the ways we are meant to go. Forgive us for the times that we have allowed our circumstances or situations to take our eyes off of You. Teach us to look to You to lead and provide. Guide us in Your goodness and grace so that we might love those around us as You intend. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for the strength and peace that You provide, and Your grace and goodness that guide us as we go. Amen.

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

How great are Your works, Lord, how profound Your thoughts! – Psalm 92:5

Rejoice. Pray. Give Thanks.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV)

Always be full of joy. Never stop praying. Whatever happens, always be thankful. This is how God wants you to live in Christ Jesus. – (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ERV)

Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God want you who belong to Christ Jesus to live – (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, MSG)

Rejoicing is a recognition of the goodness of God and radiating our gratitude for the Redeemer. Praying continually is an open-ended, ongoing conversation with God in which we share our celebrations, gratitude, fears, frustrations, and short comings. To give thanks in all circumstances is not to give thanks for all circumstances, but rather to the One who will remain with us in and through all circumstances. God has given us reasons to be full of His joy, and is present so that we can keep praying. Gratitude takes our focus off of what lies before us and places it on the One who is with us. This time of the school year it is extra challenging to focus on living the way that God wants. Kids are often full of angst, as there is agitation at all of the spring testing, the pollen count is so high that everyone has allergy symptoms, and the close of the school year is in sight. Between congestion, irritation with one another, spring pairing drama, and the like, it is essential to remember who is good and holds us in His hands. If nothing else, I can be grateful for the number of days that have been successfully completed, and know that the number remaining are few in comparison. Each morning, I can give thanks for a new day and a fresh start. Throughout the day, I can be thankful for the little victories, as a new student grows in understanding or effort, and I have incredible colleagues surrounding me. I cannot help but pray, for often I catch myself grumbling in frustration internally, and have to give it to God as soon as I recognize my own frustration or irritation. By the close of each day, I can look back and see the good that God has sprinkled throughout, and need to thank Him for His faithfulness that knows no end. May we ever rejoice in the Lord and pray continually, for He is good in all things and at all times, and is faithful to see us through.

Choose rejoice always,

for the Lord is good;

no matter what comes,

our Hope’s understood.

Always we can pray,

in each circumstance;

there’s nothing not known,

that He leaves to chance.

God is our reason,

to rise and rejoice;

Eternal presence,

why we lift our voice.

Thank You, Lord Jesus,

that You’re always good;

Your help and Your hope,

make love understood.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our reason to rejoice, always. Thank You that You are good, even when our situations or circumstances are not. Thank You that we can come to You and pray to You in all things and at all times. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to count our blessings and have fixated on the struggles before us. Teach us to place all in Your hands so that we can be aware of the countless ways that You are with us, You help us, You provide for us, and You show us who You are and how deeply You love us all. Lead us to love as You love, and show us how to rejoice and pray in all things and at all times so that Your heart is made evident to all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we rejoice in You, pray to You continually, and listen to Your leading in all things, and give You thanks for who You are. Amen.

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

For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations. – Psalm 100:5

Steady in the Storms

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV)

Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds. – (Philippians 4:6-7, ERV)

Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of you life. – (Philippians 4:6-7, MSG)

Worry and anxiousness are tangible signs that things are out of balance in our hearts and minds. Most often, it is because we are not praying and seeking God about what is going on, nor giving thanks for that which we have. Because we belong to Christ Jesus, He will guard and protect us, and give us direction as to what we can do and grant us His peace that guards our hearts and minds. His wholeness is made known as we seek Him and trust that He is the One who can work all things out for good. Yes, there are times when there is an issue that brings us to a place that we need God to show us tangible help to supply His peace and rest in His presence. We are created to be in community. Part of being a community includes helping bear one another’s burdens, and walking alongside each other in seasons of both struggle and of celebration. There is a quieting of the clamor caused by chaos that comes when we join with another to pray. Strength and resolve rise up and we are encouraged to get back to praying in all things and at all times. May we ever seek the Lord to show us His perfect peace as we pray, for it is as we pray for help and give Him thanks that we discover the peace that only God provides.

Lord, be our anchor,

https://soundcloud.com/user-955678799/steady-through-the-storm

throughout each new storm;

for Your love’s greater,

and Your peace transforms.

You transform our heart,

mind, body, and soul;

the depth of Your love,

brings peace, makes us whole.

Help us keep seeking,

in prayer, with praise;

Your faithfulness shown,

throughout all our days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we need not worry nor be anxious about anything, but instead, we can bring our requests before You and trust in Your goodness and grace. Thank You that when worries come, You remind us that You are greater than all that we face. Forgive us for our fears and anxiousness, for You have overcome all that we will ever endure. Teach us to trust You more, for You are faithful to show us the ways we are meant to go and how to maneuver in all things. Lead us in Your love to care well for those around us, so that they too may know Your perfect peace, be it in storms or in settled spaces. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we ever seek and praise You, for You are our anchor and the One who keeps us steady in all sorts of seas. Amen.

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

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths. – Proverbs 3:5-6

How Faith Grows

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, NIV)

Without faith no one can please God. Whoever comes to God must believe that He is real and that He rewards those who sincerely try to find Him. – (Hebrews 11:6, ERV)

It’s impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that He exists and that He cares enough to respond to those who seek Him. – (Hebrews 11:6, MSG)

Faith is like a muscle, when we use it regularly, it grows strong and steady, but if it is seldom used, it atrophies and becomes weak and small. Incredibly, if we have even the smallest bit of faith, it can increase into something incredibly powerful, as it leads to trust and hope and help. Without faith it’s impossible, yet with faith as small as a mustard seed, mountains can be moved. Our actions determine whether or not our faith grows. If we choose to continually seek God and trust in Him, our faith multiplies and we become more aware of His goodness and faithfulness. However, if we only seek God in our struggles, we miss out on witnessing and experiencing so much more of who He is and how He loves. May we ever seek the Lord and trust Him to grow our faith, for He hears our every petition, and loves us more than we can imagine.

Without having faith,

it’s impossible;

to please the Lord God,

Who is over all.

Faith is required,

to keep seeking Him;

in all things, always,

even when hope’s dim.

He’s present to help,

no matter what comes;

but we must choose trust,

that His will be done.

He is always good,

even when life’s not;

He shows His nearness,

and love that we’ve got.

So, trust in the Lord,

and watch your faith grow;

for faithfulness reaps,

where trust has been sown.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we trust that You are who You say You are, our faith grows and we come to know more and more of You. Thank You that as we seek You in trust, You hear us and are pleased to help. Forgive us for our lack of faith when storms come our way. Teach us to trust You to be our anchor in the storms and the peace that surpasses our understanding in all things and at all times. Lead us to love those around us in ways that point to You and expand the faith in others. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we faithfully seek and trust in You, for You hear us and bless us with Your nearness and eternal hope. Amen.

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

He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” – Matthew 17:20

Love and Loyalty

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

Don’t ever let love and loyalty leave you. Tie them around your neck, and write them on your heart. – (Proverbs 3:3, ERV)

Stay focused; do not lose sight of mercy and truth; engrave them on a pendant, and hang it around your neck; meditate on them so they are written upon your heart. – (Proverbs 3:3, VOICE)

King Solomon, the son of David, was asked by God what he wanted. Solomon could have asked for power, wealth, long life, etc., but he asked for a heart of wisdom to lead God’s people well. Because God was well-pleased with Solomon’s request, He gave him wisdom beyond what had ever been seen before or since. This Proverb is one of the many written by Solomon during his reign. Love and faithfulness need to be in the forefront of our mind and heart in all that we say and do. To place something around one’s neck is a constant reminder, as is writing something upon one’s heart. Can you imagine what the world would be like if everyone chose to allow love and faithfulness to be the motivation in all that was said and done? The more we follow after God with our whole heart, the more we are able to demonstrate what it is to faithfully and loyally love. May we ever pursue God and His heart for the world so that we may let love and faithfulness lead us in all that we say and do.

Let true loyalty,

If we all had the love and loyalty of dogs…❤

and love for the Lord;

be that which leads us,

for His grace affords.

He grants us wisdom,

goodness and His grace;

He leads and guides us,

as we seek His face.

So, keep seeking God,

and let His love reign;

His loving kindness,

will show us the way.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to love and loyalty as a way of life. Thank You for the faithful who have show us what it is to follow after You wholeheartedly. Forgive us for the times that we have not. Teach us to trust You more so that Your love and faithfulness will be imprinted upon our heart in such a way that we cannot help but mirror that which we have been given by You. Show us how to love all whom we encounter. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for loving us faithfully, even when we are faithless. Grow us, Lord Jesus, in Your goodness and grace. Amen.

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

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; love and faithfulness go before You. – Psalm 89:14

Good Silences Foolishness

For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. – (1 Peter 2:15, NIV)

When you do good, you stop ignorant people from saying foolish things about you. This is what God wants. – (1 Peter 2:15, ERV)

You see, it is God’s will that by doing what is right and good you should hush the gabbing ignorance of the foolish. – (1 Peter 2:15, VOICE)

When we do what is right, people know that good is our intent. What we do over and over again is what speaks for our character. For a person whose character is known to be good, foolish people have nothing to say that will stick. The more we do what is right, ignorant foolish talk is silenced. If we remember that what we say and do is unto God, the more we make choices that are good. In all things, may we seek to do good as unto the Lord, for it is by our love that His heart is made known.

It is the Lord’s will,

that we choose do good;

for as we do so,

His love’s understood.

The foolish talkers,

have nothing to say;

when we serve the Lord,

and walk in His way.

For who can bad mouth,

the things that are right?

They silence foolish,

and bring God delight.

So, trust in the Lord,

choose walk in His way;

do good and love well,

throughout each new day.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to do what is good and right in Your sight. Thank You that as we do, ignorant and foolish talk is silenced. Forgive us for the times that we have veered from the good we should have done or have allowed foolish talk a voice. Teach us to trust You more, for it is Your voice that matters most and is the One that we hope to hear say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Show us how to do what is good and right in all things and at all times so that our words and deeds may be pleasing unto You. Lead us to love everyone as You do so that Your heart is made known. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us in what is good and right and trust You to silence the foolish talk around us. Amen.

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

Love each other in a way that makes you feel close like brothers and sisters. And give each other more honor than you give yourself. – Romans 12:10

Evidence Everywhere

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, NIV)

There are things about God that people cannot see – His eternal power and all that makes Him God. But since the beginning of the world, those things have been easy for people to understand. They are made clear in what God has made. So people have no excuse for the evil they do. – (Romans 1:20, ERV)

From the beginning, creation in its magnificence enlightens us to His nature. Creation itself makes His undying power and divine identity clear, even though they are invisible; and it voids the excuses and ignorant claims of these people. – (Romans 1:20, VOICE)

As someone who has had the opportunity to see many different parts of the world and all the beauty that each place uniquely holds, I cannot fathom how anyone does not believe in God. The majesty of the mountains, the power and tides of the ocean, lush forests, sunrises in the desert, the list is endless of all that our eyes can take in to witness God’s power, care, and creativity. Additionally, He has made each of us unique with a purpose, on purpose. God’s glory knows no end, and the wonder of all that His hands have made make His power and position evident. This past weekend, we have had a few gorgeous days in the Pacific Northwest. When the sun is out and the skies are blue, the glory of the snow-capped mountains are in full view, and the Puget Sound sparkles and points to His heart for us. As someone who loves the outdoors, this passage resonates clearly to me. Each time I pause in wonder at all of the beauty His hands have made, I cannot help but praise Him. The views I have known since childhood still never grow old. I continue to be captivated by the good that His hands intentionally crafted. May we ever recognize the power and divine nature that created all that surrounds us, and give God praise for His wonderful ways.

The power of God,

is on full display;

wherever we look,

we see what He’s made.

All that’s created,

the work of His hands;

goodness and glory,

through sea, sky and land.

And living creatures,

all that does draw breath;

show of His goodness,

from life unto death.

The love that we feel,

the awe that we know;

all point to the Lord,

as His grace is shown.

Thank You, Lord Jesus,

for all that You’ve made;

glory and wonder,

for all of our days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the beauty and glory of creation that announce Your power and goodness wherever we go. Thank You that the wonder of all that Your hands have made points our hearts to You. Forgive us for the times that we have doubts or are blind to the beauty all around us. Teach us to appreciate all that You have created and to marvel at the work of Your hands. Show us how to love everything and everyone that Your hands have made with purpose, even when we cannot yet see or understand. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, for the evidence of You is everywhere and our eyes and hearts have the joy of seeing Your hand in all things. Amen.

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

Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all you shining stars. Praise Him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. Let them praise the Name of the Lord, for at His command they were created. – Psalm 148:3-5

Made Known

If I a not doing My Father’s work, don’t believe Me. But if I am doing them and you don’t believe Me, believe the works. This way you will know and understand that the Father is in Me and I in the Father. – (John 10:37-38, HCSB)

If I don’t do what my Father does, then don’t believe what I say. But if I do what my Father does, you should believe in what I do. You might not believe in Me, but you should believe in the things I do. Then you will know and understand that the Father is in Me and I am in the Father. – (John 10:37-38, ERV)

By all means, do not believe in Me, if I am not doing the things of the Father. But examine My actions, and you will see that My work is the work of the Father. Regardless of whether you believe in Me – believe the miracles. Then you will know that the Father is in Me, and I am in the Father. – (John 10:37-38, VOICE)

When the Pharisees and religious leaders of the time were trying to stone Jesus, this was His response. Incredibly, they had all seen and knew of the miracles that Jesus had done and could not argue this truth. As they sought to capture Him, Jesus eluded them, for that time had not yet come. What His example shows us is that if we live out love, Jesus in us will be evident. Our aim ought to be so full of Jesus that people cannot help but see His love in and through us. May we ever seek the Lord so that we are so filled with His goodness and grace that we cannot help but overflow to those around us.

The Lord God with us,

is made evident;

as we love like Him,

the One who was sent.

He showed all goodness,

and living out love;

His words and His deeds,

pointed to above.

He healed the broken,

spoke to the denied;

touched untouchables,

and for all He died.

Death could not hold Him,

the third day He rose;

gave us His Spirit,

so love might be shown.

In all that He did,

and all that He was;

He showed us the way,

to do as He’d done.

May we choose go forth,

do all things in love;

so His heart’s made known,

our Savior above.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You came and lived out love so well, that no one could deny the power of God in You and You in Him. Thank You that You showed us the way to live and love like You. Forgive us for every time that we fall short, for we are broken and in need of Your leading every moment of every day. Teach us to trust and follow after You more completely. Show us how to love as You loved. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us in Your love, for loving like You testifies the truth of who You are in all things. Amen.

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

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

Don’t Hold Back

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. – (1 Corinthians 15:58, NIV)

So, my dear brothers and sisters, stand strong. Don’t let anything change you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord. You know that your work in the Lord is never wasted. – (1 Corinthians 15:58, ERV)

With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And don’t hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for Him is a waste of time or effort. – (1 Corinthians 15:58, MSG)

If we are loving God and loving people in all that we do, we are working unto the Lord. No matter who our earthly boss or supervisor is, ultimately, God is the One to whom we answer. What this means is that in all that we do, we ought to do our best, as if we were working for Him directly. It does not matter what our work is, for all can be done unto Him. For me, as a teacher, I am called to care for and teach kids well. Some days are far more successful than others, but each day is a new opportunity to try again. Our charge is the same no matter what we do. My husband is an amazing mechanic. He works for the city, but on weekends, he will sometimes utilize time on Saturdays to help friends figure out what is going on with their cars so that they can afford the fix, and on most Sundays, he is one of the first faces that people see when they walk through the doors of our church. His love for people is evident as he makes a point to know everyone by name, and has a gift for making people feel welcome. Each day is a fresh start, and we are called to love in all that we do. From being kind to the checker at the grocery store, to extending grace to drivers who are distracted, we can love wherever we go and in all that we do. May we lay hold of today and seek the Lord to lead us in His love no matter where the day takes us. Let His light shine through in all that we do.

In all that we do,

My gentle giant… ❤

in word and in deed;

may it be to God,

to His voice we heed.

He calls us to love,

in Him to stand firm;

to trust in His grace,

as we grow and learn.

All that we choose do,

when done unto Him;

is never wasted,

as His light shines in.

Keep seeking the Lord,

and trust in His ways;

allow Him to lead,

and on His path, stay.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us unto Yourself and You lead and guide us in all that we say and do if we are willing to trust in You. Forgive us for every word and deed that did not honor You. Teach us to trust You more and to stand firm in the truth that we know. Lead us to love as You love, and to do all things unto You. 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, as You lead us to do likewise. Amen.

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

Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men. – Colossians 3:23