With All That We Are

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. – (Deuteronomy 6:5, HCSB)

You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. – (Deuteronomy 6:5, ERV)

Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love Him with all that’s in you, love Him with all you’ve got! – (Deuteronomy 6:5, MSG)

We are called and commanded to love God with all of our heart, soul and strength. As we learn to do so, we are better equipped to love those around us as well. Love is funny that way – the more we give, the more it increases within us to give away. If we love with all of our heart, we keep nothing hidden and give God access to all. To love with all of our soul is to pour out from everything that makes us who we are and is eternal. All of our strength is expressed through how we think, speak and act with integrity and intention. This is an ongoing work in progress. The more we choose to love, the more love we have to give. May we ever seek the Lord with our whole heart, soul, and strength, so that we are equipped to love in and through our seeking.

Let all that we are,

choose to love the Lord;

His grace and goodness,

all help He affords.

Hope in the present,

and for all of time;

how He designed things,

with our hearts in mind.

His love is greater,

than all that is known;

and His ways, higher,

than the sky that’s shown.

May we choose to love,

with all that we are;

God’s love multiplies,

both near and afar.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are love. Thank You that we are called and commanded to love like You. Thank You that as we seek You and love You with all that we are, You fill us to overflowing with Your love to give away. Forgive us for the times that we have not fully loved or withheld what was meant to give away. Teach us to trust You more so that we can love You with all of our heart, soul, and strength. Lead us to love like You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek to love You with all that we are. Amen.

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

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. – Mark 12:30

Love With Our All

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. – (Deuteronomy 6:5, NIV)

You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. – (Deuteronomy 6:5, ERV)

Love God, your God, with your whole heart; love Him with all that’s in you, love Him with all you’ve got! – (Deuteronomy 6:5, MSG)

We are not only instructed to love God, but we have guidance as to how to love Him as well. To love the Lord with all of our heart means that there is nothing that we do not freely give Him access to. He is invited to come and cleanse, refresh, direct and correct so that our heart is a welcome home for His Spirit. To love with all of our soul is to love Him with that within us that is eternal. Our strength is what propels us forward, and when we love God with our strength, we choose to utilize all that we have for His glory. Whatever we say and do, if we do so with the love that He has given us, we are loving Him with our words and actions. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in loving well, and may we willingly choose to love Him with all that we are: heart, soul, and strength.

O Lord, we love You,

please teach us how more;

heart, soul, and all strength,

it’s You we adore.

For You are the Source,

of all that is good;

grace, love, help and strength,

where hope’s understood.

Lead us, Lord Jesus,

to ever love You;

to walk in Your ways,

and demonstrate truth.

The truth of Your love,

that grants us new life;

hope in forever,

an end to all strife.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You not only call us to love, but You tell us how to do so. Thank You that You first loved us. Forgive us for every time that we have not loved You with all of our heart, soul, or strength. Teach us what it means to surrender all to You each day. Show us how to walk in Your love so that You are glorified. Lead us to love You and one another in the way that You designed us to love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we learn how to love You more each day. Amen.

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

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. – Mark 12:30

Trustworthy Content Creator

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. – (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV)

Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. With every step you take, think about what He wants, and He will help you go the right way. – (Proverbs 3:5-6, ERV)

Place your trust in the Eternal; rely on Him completely; never depend on your own ideas and inventions. Give Him the credit for everything you accomplish, and He will smooth out and straighten the road that lies ahead. – (Proverbs 3:5-6, VOICE)

In today’s fast-paced, media saturated, instant access world, what voices are most influential in our lives? I know for many, it is the content creators, the Youtube sensations, and the social media saturated society we live in that speaks volumes and influences beliefs and actions. This is why it is so important to set our hearts on God as we begin each day. As we seek Him, He will show us what is good and point us to the paths we are meant to take. I have to intentionally choose and limit my exposure to the overcrowded spaces that social media, the news, and pop culture that I take in. Who we “follow” greatly impacts the sort of content we take in. Our “feed” speaks volumes about our priorities, and shows us where our heart lies. For me, my “feed” is full of dogs, gymnastics stunts, fitness snippets, bible verse posts, and positive photos and clips of encouraging and uplifting content. Even so, if I spend more time scrolling than I do in His word, I am allowing other people’s content to speak louder than He who created all. When I trust God and seek Him earnestly, He shows me what is good and corrects what is not. He is faithful and trustworthy, and is the One whom we ought to seek to start each day well. May we ever be intentional to spend time with the Lord and in His word, for it is through our trust that we discover the direction He has for us in all things and at all times.

Choose trust in the Lord,

and listen to Him;

He’s faithful to show,

His light where it’s dim.

No matter what trends,

the truth stays the same;

we must choose to trust,

the Name above names.

Trustworthy always,

He makes our paths plain;

His love knows no end,

and His grace, the same.

So, trust in the Lord,

ever seek His face;

may His love lead us,

in wisdom and grace.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we can trust in You with all of our heart. Thank You that we need not lean on our own understanding, but rather ought to seek You to show us what is good. Forgive us for the times that we allow the voices around us to speak louder than Your voice within. Teach us to trust You more so that we hear Your voice the most clearly and can silence that which is not of You. Show us the paths that are Your. Lead us to follow after You and love those around us as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You and the content that You have created for us to follow for all of our days. Amen.

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

Show me Your ways, Lord, teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long. – Psalm 25:4-5

What is Good

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. – (Micah 6:8, NIV)

Human, the Lord has told you what goodness is. This is what He wants from you: Be fair to other people. Love kindness and loyalty, and humbly obey your God. – (Micah 6:8, ERV)

But He’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don’t take yourself too seriously – take God seriously. – (Micah 6:8, MSG)

I so appreciate the Message translation, as it communicates what is being said in an easily understood manner. What God asked of people in the Old Testament times remained the same throughout Jesus’ life and beyond. To take God seriously means that we seek Him, obey what He is asking, and ever pursue what He wants us to do. Our neighbors are all those with whom we interact, and to be fair and just, compassionate and loyal, are clear explanations of how to love well. All of these boil down to loving God and loving people. Yesterday, I was blessed to spend the afternoon with one of my friends whom I have known the longest. We grew up together, back and forth across the street between one another’s homes, and shared life together until we graduated from high school and moved on. Our lives have been woven together since we were babies, and despite the twists and turns that life has taken, and when we get together, the sweet familial familiarity is ever-present and we can communicate about anything without fear of scorn or judgment, for we know one another’s heart. This sort of interaction is how God intended that we relate to one another. Not all interactions or relationships are so easy, but the intent ought to be the same – for if we truly love, we are humble and kind, fair and just, and choose compassion and loyalty as we relate to one another. May we ever seek the Lord to show us what is good and how to love Him and those around us well.

The Lord has shown us,

what is truly good;

to love as He loves,

His heart understood.

Kindness, compassion,

loyalty and love;

humbly extended,

like the Lord above.

Freely He’s given,

for all to receive;

grace and His goodness,

as we choose believe.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have shown us what is good and what You ask of us. Thank You that the bottom line is that we are called to love You and love those around us. Thank You that You first loved us. Forgive us for the times that we do not extend the love that You intended us to give to those with whom we interact. Teach us to trust and rely on You to lead us to love as You love. Show us how to love those around us with words and actions in ways that make Your goodness known. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we thank You for the unending, overwhelming, goodness and love that You pour out to us so that we can go and do likewise. Amen.

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

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these. – Mark 12:30-31

The Path of Patient Perseverance

So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. – (Hebrews 10:35-36, NIV)

So don’t lose the courage that you had in the past. Your courage will be rewarded richly. You must be patient. After you have done what God wants, you will get what He promised you. – (Hebrews 10:35-36, ERV)

Remember this, and do not abandon your confidence, which will lead to rich rewards. Simply endure, for when you have done as God requires of you, you will receive the promise. – (Hebrews 10:35-36, VOICE)

Our courage and confidence ought not be found in our own strength, but rather in our faith and trust in God. He provides what we need to navigate each step He asks us and He carries us when we cannot go further on our own. Patience and perseverance are required as God directs our steps. His sequence and timing is not ours, yet He is faithful and will carry us through to what has been promised, if only we endure and stand firm in the process. Sometimes, the wait is short between what He has shown us and when it comes to fruition. Yet others times, He has given us a promise that takes many years to fulfill. His timing is not ours, and His ways are higher than our own. Whatever the promise, the path is worth persevering, for He is good and His promises lead us to more than we could hope or imagine. May we ever seek the Lord and His faithfulness, for He will bring us from where we are to where He is calling us to be, if only we are willing to be patient and persevere in trust.

Do not abandon,

true trust in the Lord;

for He is faithful,

all grace He affords.

Real perseverance,

trusts more than what’s seen;

presses on with hope,

through times in between.

From what’s been promised,

to when it’s made real;

requires true trust,

despite what we feel.

Feelings are fleeting,

faith is forever;

the Lord’s always good,

through life’s endeavors.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are faithful to Your promises and Your goodness and grace know no end. Thank You that we can trust Your word and Your promises, for Your love never fails. Forgive us for our impatience when Your timing does not align with our understanding. Teach us to trust in You in all things, for You never leave us nor forsake us, and You are worthy of all of our trust. Show us how to persevere faithfully in the things to which You have called us. Lead us to love those around us in ways that encourage faithful perseverance and share of how good You are. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You to continue leading us in the direction You have called us to go, and rely on You for patience and perseverance to press on. Amen.

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

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6

Clothed With Strength

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. – (Proverbs 31:25, NIV)

She is a strong person, and people respect her. She looks to the future with confidence. – (Proverbs 31:25, ERV)

Clothed in strength and dignity, with nothing to fear, she smiles when she thinks about the future. – (Proverbs 31:25, VOICE)

When we trust the Lord and follow His leading, we are strengthened and equipped to navigate everything that comes our way. We need not fear the unknown or unseen, but rather may look to the future with confidence, knowing that no matter what comes our way, God will be with us and He is for us. Today, I have an appointment with the oncologist, as an every three-month follow up to the skin cancer ordeal I had to navigate last winter. Each time I have been since, has been positive, encouraging, and in the clear. Currently, I have a couple of concerns that are new, but have to trust that God has me in His hands. I am hopeful that what I see is nothing of significance, but it is good that these appointments are frequent enough that if there is something, it will be caught early. All I can do is trust and know that He is good. May we ever seek the Lord and trust in Him, for He is the One who clothes us with strength and fills us with His hope for all that lies ahead.

The Lord is the One,

Who clothes us with strength;

with grace we’re equipped,

for great heights and depths.

Through both highs and lows,

the Lord will be near;

to supply our need,

and calm all our fears.

With Him, we can look,

to the days ahead;

with joy in knowing,

in love, we’ll be led.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You supply us with strength and walk beside us throughout all of our days. Thank You that we can look to the future with joy, as we know that You hold us in the hollow of Your hands. Forgive us for our fearfulness of the unknown, and teach us to trust You more, for You are good in all things. Show us how to trust You completely, even when what we see is concerning. Lead us in Your love, so that we may encourage and strengthen those around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You in all things, and look forward to the future with joy. Amen.

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

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust to Guide Us

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. – (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV)

Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. With every step you take, think about what He wants, and He will help you go the right way. – (Proverbs 3:5-6, ERV)

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the one who will keep you on track. – (Proverbs 3:5-6, MSG)

No matter what comes our way, we need to trust God in all things. What we know and have already experienced do not dictate the outcome of what lies ahead. God is good, and He has a plan and a purpose for each of us. When we give our heart and life to Him, He leads us in the ways that we are meant to go, and shows us the steps that we ought to take. We all go through seasons where we find ourselves in a space of uncertainty. It is in this space that we either trust in the Lord, or live in fear and anxiety. Choosing trust is a decision, not a feeling. One of the reasons that I am intentional to start my day with God, is that it sets my heart in a tender space of trusting Him, no matter what lies ahead. Though not everything goes as I would hope or plan in a given day, I can look back and see how He was present to help and lead me in the ways I was meant to go. May we ever seek the Lord and trust Him with all that we are, for He is good and loving and faithful, and He will guide us with His grace as we go.

Lord, I choose trust You,

in all things, always;

Your faithful presence,

forever in place.

You know my whole heart,

and hear all I ask;

in love, You show me,

Your strength in my lack.

Where I lack wisdom,

You provide much more;

You guide each footstep,

and open new doors.

Your timing’s perfect,

and so are Your ways;

help me to trust You,

throughout all my days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are loving and faithful, good and kind. Thank You that You are worthy of all of our trust. Thank You that You lead and guide us in the ways we are meant to go. Forgive us for the times that we rely on previous experience or what we think we know instead of seeking You. Teach us to bring all things before You, for Your way is always best. Show us how to love those around us in ways that demonstrate Your faithfulness and care for us all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose to trust in You for all things, for You are faithful to guide us in the ways we are meant to go in all things and at all times, if only we listen and act upon what You show us is right. Amen.

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

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. – Psalm 119:105

Choose Trust

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. – (Psalm 20:7, NIV)

Some give credit for victory to their chariots and soldiers, but we honor the Lord our God. – (Psalm 20:7, ERV)

Many put their hope in chariots, others in horses, but we place our trust in the name of the Eternal One, our True God. – (Psalm 20:7, VOICE)

I imagine the modern equivalent would be to trust in weapons or technology, rather than trusting in God. In actuality, anytime that something good transpires we ought to give our thanks to God. When we have victories and overcome obstacles, our first thought ought to be to thank God for His goodness, strength, and provision. Our battles are seldom like those of David’s, yet the faithfulness of God remains the same. The same God who equipped David for battle, is He who empowers us to face the trials that come our way. God’s love and faithfulness are far greater than the challenges that we endure, even when we do not understand. May we ever place our hope in God and trust in His faithfulness, for He will lead us through every challenge and strengthen us to persevere.

Choose trust in the Lord,

for He is so good;

our Hope and our Help,

where love’s understood.

He grants us the strength,

we need for each day;

He makes plain the path,

to not go astray.

Each of our triumphs,

are thanks to the Lord;

His peace that’s promised,

as grace is outpoured.

May we in all things,

give God all our praise;

the glory is His,

throughout all our days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are forever faithful to be with us as we call on Your Name. Thank You that everything good in our lives is a gift from You. Thank You that every battle we have won and every obstacle overcome has been because of You. Forgive us for the times that we have trusted or given thanks to anything or anyone else for what You have done in our lives. Teach us to trust and acknowledge You in all things and at all times. Show us how to love those around us in ways that they see You through what is given. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose trust in You in all things and give Your praise for every good thing in our lives. Amen.

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

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your path straight. – Proverbs 3:5

To Know Is To Trust

Those who know Your Name trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You. – (Psalm 9:10, NIV)

Lord, those who know Your Name come to You for protection. And when they come, You do not leave them without help. – (Psalm 9:10, ERV)

Those who know Your Name will rely on You, for You, O Eternal One, have not abandoned those who search for You. – (Psalm 9:10, VOICE)

God is faithful to meet us wherever we are as we call on Him to be our help and He is present with us. It does not mean that all things will go as we hope or intended, but it does mean that He will be with us and is working on our behalf, even when we cannot see it. He is our comfort in the chaos and our peace in the grief. Whatever we go through, as we seek Him, we find His nearness and His direction to keep moving forward. God’s grace is more than enough, as He holds us up and grants us His strength to do whatever we are called to do. May we ever seek the Lord, who is faithful, and trust in Him in all things and at all times.

When we know the Lord,

Photo by Nikolay Draganov on Pexels.com

we trust in His Name;

Our help and our hope,

true love is proclaimed.

No matter what comes,

the Lord will be near;

each prayer that we pray,

He’s faithful to hear.

Ever He’s working,

He’s making a way;

help in the heavy,

He’s present to stay.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we know You and trust in Your Name, You are present to help and near us You stay. Forgive us for our fears and doubts when we cannot see what You are doing in our waiting. Teach us to trust You more, for You are faithful forever and worthy of all of our trust. 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 seek You and rely on Your Name, for You are the One in whom we can always trust. Amen.

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

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6

Wholly Love

Jesus replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” – (Matthew 22:37-39, NIV)

Jesus answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and most important command. And the second command is like the first: ’Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.” – (Matthew 22:37-39, ERV)

Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.’ This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.” – (Matthew 22:37-39, MSG)

The more we love God, the more we are aware of His love for us, and the greater our desire is to do the same for those around us. To love God with our heart, soul and mind is to know with our logic, emotion and gut, who He is and the overwhelming depth of His love. As we grow in our understanding, through seeking Him, we cannot help but desire to share out of the overflow of what we have been given. God’s goodness compels us to love Him as He loves us and to do what pleases Him. May we ever seek the Lord in love to show us more and more of who He is, and rely on Him to lead us to love those around us well.

Lord, show us Your love,

So we do the same;

Lead us to love well,

To honor Your Name.

Help our minds to know,

And hearts understand;

So our souls align,

With Your holy plan.

Grow in us, purpose,

To truly love well;

With heart, soul, and mind,

As in You we dwell.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call, command, and have created us to love. Thank You that You first loved us. Forgive us for the times that we neglect to love You with all that we are, and withhold love from those around us. Teach us to trust You more so that we are “all in” loving You and loving those whom You place in our lives. Show us how to love as You intended. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You anew each day to learn how to love You and those around us more. Amen.

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

Love the Lord your God with all your heart with all your soul and with all your strength. – Deuteronomy 6:5