Show Me Your Way

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. – (Psalm 139:23-24, NIV)

God, examine me and know my mind. Test me and know all my worries. Make sure that I am not going the wrong way. Lead me on the path that has always been right. – (Psalm 139:23-24, ERV)

Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I’m about; See for Yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong – then guide me on the road to eternal life. – (Psalm 139:23-24, MSG)

God is patient and kind. He does not force His way into the space of leading and advising us unless we invite Him. When we ask, He answers, and is faithful to show us what is good, and where we need to make changes. The Lord leads us in the ways that are right and that usher us into eternal life with Him. Sadly, I think it is easy to forget to ask God to search our hearts and show us what needs to change. Instead, I find that I ask for forgiveness, and then move on and ask for what is needed. I take for granted that God knows everything about me. Today, I am reminded anew to be intentional to ask Him to show me where I need to adjust my course, so that I might whole-heartedly be following after Him. May we ever seek the Lord, who knows us best, and ask Him to lead us in His way and to show us which way is right in all things.

Please search me, O God,

And show me the ways;

That need to be changed,

And those that should stay.

Lead me in Your love,

With goodness and grace;

To everlasting,

Throughout each new day.

Lord, be the anchor,

That keeps me secure;

Safe in Your harbor,

Steadfast and assured.

And as I go forth,

Lord, please take the helm;

Lead me in all things,

Ever in Your realm.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are faithful to hear us as we call on Your Name. Thank You that You will lead us, guide us, and redirect us as we ask You to show us all things. Forgive us for the times that we have not asked You to show us where changes need to be made. Thank You that You are gentle and kind, and that You guide and redirect in love, to lead us in the ways that we are meant to go. Teach us to trust You more, so that we are constantly seeking You to be in tune with Your leading. Show us how to love those around us well, and make Your heart known through our love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to show us the things in us that need to change, and to lead us in all things. Amen.

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

Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may Your good Spirit lead me on level ground. – Psalm 143:10

Trust Beyond

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” – (Mark 10:27, NIV)

Jesus looked at them and said, “That is something people cannot do, but God can. He can do anything.” – (Mark 10:27, ERV)

Jesus was blunt: “No chance at all if you think you can pull it off by yourself. Every chance in the world if you let God do it.” – (Mark 10:27, MSG)

Our God is the God of possibilities. Though things may be impossible for us on our own, with God, anything is possible. The Creator of the universe and of each one of us, is not limited by human understanding. He sees far beyond what we can see, and He knows the outcome before things have even begun. The longer we follow Jesus, the more we grow to understand that all things are possible with Him. His thought are higher than our thoughts, and His ways are far beyond what we can imagine with our own limitations. God sees and knows what is possible when we trust in Him and makes a way where there seems to be no way. May we ever seek Him with a child-like faith, trusting Him, not what we can see or imagine.

The impossible,

Our reality;

When we look beyond,

What our eyes can see.

For God’s perfect plans,

Surpass our own reach;

Only possible,

Through the One we seek.

In Him there is more,

His strength limitless;

He makes mountains smooth,

His love is endless.

Lord, help us to trust,

For in You, there’s more;

As You see beyond,

And open new doors.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your ways are higher than ours, and Your thoughts – beyond what we could begin to imagine. Thank You that nothing is impossible with You. Forgive us for our uncertainty and fears, for we only see in part all that truly could be. Teach us to trust You boldly, so that we walk forward in faith into all that You are leading us into. Show us how to love and encourage those around us in ways that spur on hope and trust in You for all that lies ahead. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to grow our trust and teach us to look beyond what we can see. Amen.

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

God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; He does great things beyond our understanding. – Job 37:5

Clean

Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them. – (Mark 7:15, NIV)

There is nothing people can put in their mouth that will make them wrong. People are made wrong by what comes from inside them. – (Mark 7:15, ERV)

There is nothing outside someone that can corrupt him. Only the things that come out of a person can corrupt him. – (Mark 7:15, VOICE)

We are not made unclean or unholy by what we eat or drink, but rather by the actions that are motivated by our heart. Our words, attitudes, and actions determine whether we are following God’s own heart or not. If love is not the motivation behind what we say and do, then we are defiling ourselves and being sinful. In this, we all fall short. However, with God, we can seek Him to lead and guide us according to His good and perfect will. As we do, we begin to more closely resemble our Heavenly Father with our words, thoughts and deeds. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us so that what comes out of us gives honor to God.

It’s not what we eat,

Or choose to consume;

But rather, the heart,

Where sin tries to loom.

The source of our sin,

Comes straight from the heart;

Willful wrongdoing,

The defiling part.

As we seek the Lord,

He shows us the way;

To love as He loves,

Throughout each new day.

It is up to us,

To listen and learn;

For God’s ever near,

But we must choose turn.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we do not live under stringent regulations about what we can and cannot eat, or how we do everyday tasks in a space of fearing being made unclean. Thank You that our cleanliness before You has everything to do with the condition of our heart. Forgive us for the things we say, think, and do that do not bring honor to You. Teach us to keep short accounts before You, and to ever seek You to lead us in all that we do. Show us Your way to love those around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to wash us in Your word and immerse us in Your overwhelming love so that we might go forth and love likewise. Amen.

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

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. – Psalm 51:10

Real Love

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. – (1 John 3:18, NIV)

My children, our love should not be only words and talk. No. our love must be real. We must show our love by the things we do. – (1 John 3:18, ERV)

My little children, don’t just talk about love as an idea or a theory. Make it your true way of life, and live in the pattern of gracious love. – (1 John 3:18, VOICE)

Real love is not mere talk, but rather it is demonstrated again and again through the way we treat others and the things that we do. God’s love is an ongoing pattern, an actual way of life, not a theory or idea. Love chooses kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, goodness, joy, peace, patience, and self-control. Yesterday afternoon, my high school gymnasts and the coaching crew, all attended a collegiate gymnastics meet together. Among us, were some excellent examples of love in action. First, there was a father of one of my gymnasts who decided to drive his daughter and a few of her teammates who needed rides to the meet. Willingly, he gave of his time, energy, and resources to help provide a wonderful experience for these young ladies. Second, the boyfriend of one of my senior gymnasts came along to be supportive. For him, he gave of his time and utilized his hard-earned resources, so that he could be beside her as they watched some incredible gymnastics. Another example among us was the cousin of one of my gymnasts. Her sweet cousin came along to provide comfort and companionship, as walking into the unknown can be challenging for some. Finally, my Viking joined us as well. He was a driver for me and another coach, and a presence among us as we walked from the parking lot to the venue, and remained seated beside me as I watched in awe and wonder at the incredible display of athleticism and grace, and gained a deeper understanding of the sport I have joyfully coached for all these years. Love walks beside, supports, encourages, and remains present. This is not something that merely happens by accident, but rather to love is an ongoing decision. May we ever seek the Lord to make love our way of life so that in all that we do, love is the evident motivator.

Lord, help us to love,

In all that we do;

Let Your fruit be found,

As we love in truth.

May ev’ry action,

Demonstrate Your grace;

Faithful in all things,

Lead us in Your ways.

Father, please show us,

Your heart in all things;

So Your love is shown,

Through goodness we bring.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your love is not merely words or an idea, but rather it is found in everything You say and do. Forgive us for the times that our lives have not reflected Your love to those around us. Teach us how to walk in Your ways and demonstrate the truth of Your incredible love through all that we do. Show us how to love each person we encounter best, for You know each heart and each need. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we thank You for the examples of Your love that are all around us, and ask You to lead us to do the same for others as we seek You to infuse love in all things, always. 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

Sweet Solitude

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed. – (Mark 1:35, NIV)

The next morning Jesus woke up very early. He left the house while it was still dark and went to a place where He could be alone and pray. – (Mark 1:35, ERV)

Early in the morning, Jesus got up, left the house while it was still dark outside, and went to a deserted place to pray. – (Mark 1:35, VOICE)

Though I wake early every morning, before sunrise, to spend time with the Lord and do my devotions, I seldom find the solitude that I seek. Between two energetic dogs and a variety of household distractions, I must be very intentional to find the solitary time and space that I need to start my day well. Jesus modeled what we ought to do to spend time with the Father in prayer. It makes me wonder if Jesus was naturally an early riser too, or if He struggled to rise early, but did so anyway. Passages like this remind me that Jesus was God in the flesh, yet He had the same sort of challenges that we do. He had to leave the house before daylight to find a solitary space to pray and focus on time with the Father. I know there is no set time that we are meant to seek the Lord, however, for me, early morning works best. Because the nature of my job is busy and ever-changing, it makes all the difference for me to begin my day with Jesus, as my heart is set right and I am reminded anew, of the importance of choosing to love in all that I say and do. When I seek Him, I am equipped to love as He loves. This is an ongoing, lifelong process, as there is a perpetual battle between God in us and the world around us. We are constantly pulled in two different directions and need Jesus to choose the way that is best. May we ever seek the Savior in prayer, for as we do, He shows us how to live and love as He intended, and He equips and empowers us to be His hands and heart to those around us.

To choose seek the Lord,

Intentionally;

Equips, empowers,

To live purposely.

The love and goodness,

That comes from the Lord;

Is freely given,

Yet often ignored.

We must choose to seek,

Spend time in His word;

Prayerfully listen,

And His way is heard.

Help us, Lord Jesus,

To ever seek You;

To lead and guide us,

In all that we do.

Dear Jesus, thank You that You modeled how to spend intentional time with the Father. Thank You that we can get away from distractions to be with You alone, when we make an intentional decision to seek You and set all else aside. Forgive us for the times that we have allowed the distractions around us to interfere with time in Your presence. Teach us to continue to seek You in solitude to learn and grow as we pray, listen, worship, and spend time in Your Word. Teach us each day to listen and follow Your heart in all that we say and do. Lead us to love those around us as You designed us to love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we set aside time each day to be in Your presence, pray, and listen to Your leading. Transform us, O God, so that we clearly reflect Your love. Amen.

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

Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. – 1 Chronicles 16:11

Nothing Can Separate His Love

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. – (Romans 8:35 & 37, NIV)

Can anything separate us from Christ’s love? Can trouble or problems or persecution separate us from His love? If we have no food or clothes or face danger or even death, will that separate us from His love? But in all these troubles we have complete victory through God, who has shown His love for us. – (Romans 8:35 & 37, ERV)

So who can separate us? What can come between us and the love of God’s Anointed? Can troubles, hardships, persecution, hunger, poverty, danger, or even death? The answer is, absolutely nothing. But no matter what comes, we will always taste victory through Him who loved us. – (Romans 8:35 & 37, VOICE)

No matter what comes our way, God is with us, and His love knows no end. Though most of us cannot fathom persecution, hunger, poverty, danger, or death, we all have experienced troubles or hardships that can make us question where God is in the midst of it. What I have discovered again and again as trials come, is that God’s love is constant, and He provides the grace and strength we need to navigate each challenge, and His peace and presence are near when we slow down and seek Him. The victory comes as God leads us out of or through the trials, and shows us how He is near as He provides what we need to press on. Additionally, in His great love, God often uses our trials and challenges to help others who are walking through something similar. I heard something on the radio yesterday that was quite profound and aligns with the sentiment of this passage. When we are willing to share our struggles, our stories becomes a guide book of sorts for those who follow and find themselves in similar situations. God is always good. He wants us to know victory in Him, and He is faithful to walk with us, every step of the way, each moment of every day.

No trial too great,

That God walks away;

His presence promised,

Ever near He’ll stay.

He supplies the strength,

And all that we need;

To keep pressing on,

However He leads.

Always He’s for us,

His power exceeds;

All that’s against us,

Love provides our needs.

God’s faithful presence,

And how He provides;

Our story of love,

Found as we abide.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that in You there is NOTHING that can separate us from Your love. Thank You that Your love is not circumstantial nor dependent on what we say or do. Thank You that You show us how Your love is true. Forgive us for our fears and doubts as troubles come our way. Teach us to stand firm in the promises You provide, for You are faithful forever to remain with us and lead us in all things. Show us how to love and encourage those around us in ways that supply strength and hope. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we depend on You to lead us in and through all things, for in You, we have all that we need. Amen.

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

In Your unfailing love You will lead the people You have redeemed. In Your strength You will guide them to Your holy dwelling. – Exodus 15:13

How to Love

For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. – (1 John 3:11, NIV)

This is the teaching you have heard from the beginning: We must love each other. – (1 John 3:11, ERV)

For this is the original message we heard: We should love each other. – (1 John 3:11, MSG)

The central truth – the one you have heard since the beginning of your faith – is that we must love one another. – (1 John 3:11, VOICE)

Yesterday was a day filled with the evidence of God’s love all around me. The entire staff, from the receptionist to the nurse, the doctor, and the phlebotomist, each displayed incredible kindness and grace through the care that they provided. From the moment we arrived, their demeanor set my heart at ease, and what could have been an unnerving experience, was pleasant and encouraging. Upon arriving home, my husband, who had already taken the day off to accompany me to my appointment, went out to the shop to fix the issues that were going on with my vehicle. While I went to go coach my gymnasts, he tirelessly worked to make certain that I would be able to drive my own car once again. Love is not merely a word, but rather it alive and active. It show up through acts of service, time together, willingness to sit beside another, and so much more. Love sees a need and takes action to meet it. Though we are taught that we should love one another, it becomes a genuine desire to do so well as we grow in our understanding of who God is and how He so completely and perfectly loves us. May we ever seek the Lord to show us more and more how to love each other well.

Created and called,

To love, one and all;

Ongoing actions,

Both through great and small.

To truly show love,

Intentional choice;

Tangible actions,

Not merely our voice.

To love is to see,

What others need most;

Then freely extend,

In love, move close.

To extend a hand,

Or give of our time;

Draw near, sit beside,

A choice to be kind.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have called, commanded, and created us to love. Thank You that You see our needs and find ways to provide abundantly. Forgive us for the times that we have not acted on a prompting to extend love in a tangible way. Grant us Your eyes to see how we might love best, all those around us. Show us specific things we can do to show love in ways that speak clearly to the heart of the recipient. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for the countless ways that You show us Your love through others, and as we listen to Your leading and act in love. Amen.

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

Love is patient. Love is kind… – 1 Corinthians 13:4a

Eternal Encouragement

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. – (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, NIV)

We pray that the Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father will comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say. God loved us and gave us through His grace a wonderful hope and comfort that has no end. – (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, ERV)

May Jesus himself and God our Father, who reached out in love and surprised you with gifts of unending help and confidence, put a fresh heart in you, invigorate your work, enliven your speech. – (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, MSG)

The encouragement that Paul sent to the church through this letter, is still meant to be the same for us today. As we hope in Him, God shows us His love through Jesus and provides us with encouragement and strength in all that we do and say. His comfort continues throughout each new day, as hope in Him knows no end. Daily, we can receive the gifts that He offers as He grows our confidence in Him, for it is through Him that we find wonderful hope and unending comfort. May we ever seek the Lord to place a new heart in us to invigorate what we do and enliven what we say in ways that point people to the goodness of God.

The Lord, Jesus Christ,

And God our Father;

Grant us the good gifts,

To love each other.

Fresh hope to strengthen,

As we rise each day;

His encouragement,

That shows us His way.

May all that we say,

And all that we do;

Show Your gracious love,

And guide hearts to You.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You loved us first, and that You strengthen us and grant us hope through Your unending goodness and grace. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to seek You or have somehow ignored Your help that was right in front of us. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would seek You to lead us in Your love and to guide us in Your goodness through all that we say and do. Show us how to love those around us in tangible ways that make Your heart known. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we intentionally seek You to lead us in Your love as You flood us with Your hope, encouragement and strength. Amen.

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

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

Hope for Forever

However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” – the things God has prepared for those who love Him. – (1 Corinthians 2:9, NIV)

But as the Scriptures say, “No one has ever seen, no one has ever heard, no one has ever imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him.” – (1 Corinthians 2:9, ERV)

But as the Scriptures say, No eye has ever seen and no ear has ever heard and it has never occurred to the human heart all the things God prepared for those who love Him.  – (1 Corinthians 2:9, VOICE)

This passage reminds us that what is waiting for us in heaven is beyond what we could ever hope or imagine. For me, this blows my mind, as there is so much beauty in God’s creation on earth. The love of God is so great, that He has prepared a place even better than the most wonderful, beautiful spaces we have ever seen or experienced. That is part of the promise held in the hope of knowing God. Those who have gone before us who believed, are already in paradise with Him. Though I want my years on earth to be many more, I know that when my end comes, there will be great joy in the place that is far more than I can fathom and the reunion with loved ones who have gone before me will be beyond beauty that I can take in or hold in my heart. No more pain or suffering, no heartache or tears – joy, peace, and wonder at the brilliance of being in the Lord’s presence and worshiping among family in the faith is a glimpse of all that lies ahead. May we ever seek the Lord to grow us more in Him, and to increase the hope we hold in forever that lies ahead.

No human has seen,

All that lies ahead;

Paradise beyond,

What’s known or what’s read.

God the Creator,

Has prepared a place;

Glorious wonder,

By His lavish grace.

Open arms welcome,

Those who trust in Him;

The Father’s embrace,

Will usher us in.

Thank You, Lord Jesus,

For all that’s to come;

The good here and now,

And when our day’s done.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the hope we hold in knowing You. Thank You that our hope is not only for the here and now, but is found in eternity with You in a place that You have prepared for us. Forgive us for the times that our hope fades based on what we see. Thank You that Your ways are higher than ours, and You plans, so much greater. Teach us to hold fast to the hope that is found in forever with You. Give us glimpses of Your glory here, as such things remind our heart to cling to the wonder that will be forever with You. Show us how to love those around us in ways that help them recognize the hope that is found forever in You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we recognize the incredible hope that we have in You, both now and forevermore. Amen.

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

My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. – John 14:2-3

Ever Present with 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)

I am so grateful that God is ever present to help, forgive and love us as we call on His Name. His goodness and mercy are not dependent on our worthiness, but rather His love, mercy and grace cleanse us from all of our sin and make us worthy in His sight. The love that He has for us is so abundant, that it is meant to overflow to those around us. May we ever call on the Lord to be our help, hope, and grace, that we too, may extend mercy, goodness, and love to all those around us.

My Lord, You are good,

Loving, merciful;

You’re faithful to all,

Who upon You, call.

With wide open arms,

In love, You embrace;

Each as we choose come,

In trust, seek Your face.

It is as we seek,

That truly we find;

Your goodness and grace,

Always You are kind.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son to make the way for us to boldly approach Your throne. Thank You that You hear us, see us, love and help us, each time we call on Your Name. Forgive us for our fears and doubts when we cannot see how You are present to move in our circumstances. Teach us to trust in Your faithfulness and love, for You have promised to never leave us nor forsake us. Show us how 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 call on You in all things and at all times, and extend the very same goodness to all whom we encounter. Amen.

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

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