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

Praying in Jesus’ Name

Until now you have not asked for anything in My Name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. – (John 16:24, NIV)

You have never asked for anything in this way before. But ask in My Name, and you will receive. And you will have the fullest joy possible. – (John 16:24, ERV)

Ask the Father for whatever is in keeping with the things I’ve revealed to you. Ask in My Name, according to My will, and He’ll most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks! – (John 16:24, MSG)

We are called to pray in Jesus’ Name, by faith, asking for what we need. As we abide, He provides. In Him, we discover faithful provision and abundant joy in knowing God and His faithfulness. This does not mean that we come to Jesus with a laundry list of wants, but rather we seek Him for what we need to love Him and love those around us. Jesus hears our every cry and makes a way where there seems to be no way. His answers are rarely what we imagine, but ultimately, they are best for us and for those around us. Sometimes, we have to go through things in order to experience His goodness and faithfulness in the fire. Jesus did not promise us an easy life, but rather one in which He would be with us always, no matter what comes our way. Through every trial and triumph, He has been with me. Though I may not understand why things have happened the way that they have, I can look back and see His faithfulness, His provision, and how He carried me through the difficult and brought me into more than I had hoped or imagined. Additionally, many of the most arduous circumstances led me to a place of far better, or to a space where He used my experience to help others who were navigating similar struggles. He promises us to work all things together for good for those who love Him, and I know this to be true as we pray in His Name. We might not understand or witness the good or the answer right away, but His presence is always made known and His peace, abundantly shown, despite what is seen. May we ever pray in Jesus’ Name, trusting that He is true to His word and will forever remain faithful to His promises.

In Jesus’ great name,

As we choose to pray;

His will shall be done,

His love makes a way.

Whatever we ask,

Our God, He does hear;

Each need He will meet,

And make the path clear.

Where there is no way,

That we can see through;

Jesus is present,

His promises true.

So, pray in His Name,

Trust that He is good;

Ever He’s faithful,

Each promise has stood.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we pray and trust in Your Name, You meet us and supply all that we need. Thank You that You are faithful to hear and that You are ever moving on our behalf. Thank You that Your ways are not our ways, and Your thoughts are so much higher than our own. Forgive us for our fears and doubts when we cannot see or understand the good that could come from what we face. Teach us to trust You more, for You are always good. Show us how to love those around us through trials and triumphs, as Your heart is made known as great love is shown. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we pray in Jesus’ Name, trusting in Your faithfulness forever. Amen.

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

You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you might go and bear fruit – fruit that will last – and so that whatever you ask in My Name the Father will give you. – John 15:16

The Baptizer with the Holy Spirit

Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on Him. And I myself did not know Him, but the One who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.” – (John 1:32-33, NIV)

Then John said for everyone to hear: “I also did not know who the Messiah was. But the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘You will see the Spirit come down from heaven like a dove and rest on this man. He is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.” – (John 1:32-33, ERV)

John clinched his witness with this: “I watched the Spirit, like a dove flying down out of the sky, making himself at home in him. I repeat, I know nothing about him except this: ‘The One on whom you see the Spirit come down and stay, this One will baptize with the Holy Spirit.” – (John 1:32-33, MSG)

Though John was the cousin of Jesus, he did not fully realize who Jesus was until the Spirit of God descended upon Him when John was baptizing Jesus with water. God had shown him that the Messiah would be the One to whom the Spirit comes down and rests upon. Imagine the awe and wonder that John must have experienced as he witnessed the Spirit of God resting on Jesus… Incredibly, when Jesus ascended into heaven, He promised that He would send His Spirit upon all who believed. As we read in Acts, that is exactly what He did. The same Spirit that came and filled the room on the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem, is the same Spirit that comes and dwells in us as we choose to believe and receive all that God has for us. Furthermore, His power is poured out as we ask Him to move in and through us. May we ever seek the Lord for a fresh anointing of His Spirit so that we may encourage and build up all those around us.

Heavenly Father,

Before You, we come;

Breathe in Your Spirit,

So Your will be done.

Fill us with power,

To love others true;

And move as You move,

So we reflect You.

Release the great gifts,

That Your Spirit brings;

Ever grow our faith,

As we see these things.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You send us Your Spirit so that we may live and love in Your wisdom and power. Thank You that You move among us and through us as we invite You in. Forgive us for not asking or not utilizing what You have already given. Teach us to listen to Your leading as we live out our days and show us how to move as You move so that all might see Your goodness and grace. Lead us to love all whom we encounter in a way that makes Your heart evident. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we invite You anew to come and move in and among us. Amen.

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

John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful that I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. – Luke 3:16

Clean and New

God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me. – (Psalm 51:10, HCSB)

God, create a 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)

As I gaze upon the freshly fallen snow, and the world looks clean and new, I am reminded that God does this for us each time we ask. He wipes away all of our guilt and shame, and provides a new start as we seek Him. Each time I fall short and am given a fresh start, I am compelled to do and be better. God is faithful to meet us each time we seek Him, and His heart is to ever give us a fresh start. May we ever seek the Lord to cleanse us and strengthen us so that we may clearly reflect His goodness and His love.

O God, cleanse my heart,

May it be made pure;

Strengthen my spirit,

As You remain near. 

Lead me in Your love,

May Your heart move mine;

To love others well,

And always be kind.

With each brand new day,

May I rest assured;

That You are with me,

In You I’m secure.

Ever Your faithful,

So we should be too;

Deepen my love, Lord,

So I love like You.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You cleanse us and make us new, and You strengthen us for all that we are called to do. Forgive us for our fears and doubts, for You are faithful forever. Teach us how to trust You more, so that from the moment we rise to the close of our day, we operate in the lavish goodness of Your unending love. Show us how to love those around us well, and to forgive as we have been forgiven by You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You, as they come to know who You are and how You love. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to cleanse us and strengthen us by Your love so that we may love likewise. 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

Devoted

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. – (Colossians 4:2, NIV)

Never stop praying. Be ready for anything by praying and being thankful. – (Colossians 4:2, ERV)

Pray diligently. Stay alert, with your eyes wide open in gratitude. – (Colossians 4:2, MSG)

To devote oneself to God is to be dedicated and committed to communicating with our Creator. It is an intentional act of speaking and listening, by which we give our gratitude and present our petitions to the Lord. We are charged to be watchful and aware, which sets our hearts at the ready as we communicate with and praise God. This purposeful devotion results in constant communion with Christ. He is faithful to meet us each time we draw near, as He hears our prayers and praise, and speaks to our hearts as we wait in silent stillness. May we choose to pray diligently, for as we do, we are aware and equipped, and overwhelmed with gratitude to God.

Because of Jesus,

We have access to;

The Holy Father,

Who blesses, renews.

In this sweet freedom,

We are called to pray;

Commune with the Lord,

Throughout ev’ry day.

Faithful to meet us,

The Lord’s ever near;

Each praise and request,

In love, the Lord hears.

With wonder, seek Him,

Ask and we’ll receive;

Direction and help,

And all that we need.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to come near and commune with You. Thank You that You are but a heartbeat away. Thank You that You hear our petitions and praise, and that You answer us as we call on You. Forgive us for merely presenting a laundry list of requests. Teach us to see all of the reasons we have to praise You as we go about our days. Show us how to love those around us in ways that make Your goodness and love evident. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we continually pray, prepare and praise through our time intentionally spent with You. Amen.

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

I call on You, my God, for You will answer me; turn Your ear to me and hear my prayer. – Psalm 17:6

Ask Accordingly

Now this is the confidence we have before Him: Whenever we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. – (1 John 5:14, HCSB)

We can come to God with no doubts. This means that when we ask God for things (and those things agree with what God wants for us), God cares about what we say. – (1 John 5:14, ERV)

We live in the bold confidence that God hears our voices when we ask for things that fit His plan. – (1 John 5:14, VOICE)

I appreciate that there are qualifiers to being heard when we ask. Jesus is not our fairy godmother nor some genie in a lamp. The same God who created the entire universe and all its inhabitants, is near enough to hear our prayers. He hears us as we ask according to His will, not our own. Often, our biggest blessings are seemingly unanswered prayers, as His plan is so much better. We think we know what we want and need, but God knows beyond our immediate circumstances. He sees the entire outcome and longs to bless, strengthen and guide us for all of our days, not just the days that we realize our need for His help. If things are good, we ought to praise Him. When things are challenging, we are meant to ask for His help, guidance and strength. God is faithful to hear us, and is loving and kind in how He answers. His thoughts are higher than our thoughts, and His ways, higher than our own. May we ever seek the Lord with confidence, as we ask according to His good and perfect will.

Let’s ask of the Lord,

Sweet Tali girl asking to play. ❤

What is right and true;

Aligned with His will,

For in Him, things move.

When we ask the Lord,

To come in and change;

We must allow Him,

Full and complete reign.

This means we listen,

And choose to obey;

That which He asks us,

Do all things His way.

It isn’t easy,

But always it’s best;

He give what we need,

Be it strength or rest.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we can come to You and pray to You, and You hear our prayers. Thank You that You answer according to Your good and perfect will, not our whims or wish lists. Thank You that Your ways are always best, even when we cannot begin to understand how. Forgive us for the times that we have sought You with wishes instead of heartfelt prayers. Teach us to invest time in Your word and in prayer so that we know Your voice and understand how to ask according to Your will rather than our own. Show us how to love those around us in ways that make Your goodness and kindness tangible. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You and ask of You according to Your will. Amen.

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

“Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7

Immeasurably More

Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us – to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. – (Ephesians 3:20-21, HCSB)

With God’s power working in us, He can do much, much more than anything we can ask or think of. To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time, forever and ever. Amen. – (Ephesians 3:20-21, ERV)

Now to the God who can do so many awe-inspiring things, immeasurable things, things greater than we could ask or imagine through the power at work in us, to Him be all glory in the church and in Jesus the Anointed from this generation to the next, forever and ever. Amen. – (Ephesians 3:20-21, VOICE)

Paul, the author of Ephesians, understood the incredible power of God’s work in us and His ability to do far more than we could ask or imagine. With all that Paul saw, experienced, and was a part of, he grasped God’s power working in and through him and gave God all the glory. God took a man who had been fervently working to persecute and even kill people and turned Paul into a man who sought to save people by His loving kindness and grace that was made evident through His Son, Jesus. The very same power that was at work in Paul’s life is available and working in ours as we ask. God knows our hopes, dreams and desires, and can do abundantly more than we could ask or imagine. His design may not look the way we would envision, but ultimately, it is so much more. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us and move in and through us, and give Him all the glory forever and ever.

The love of the Lord,

Is power and truth;

Beyond what we think,

And what we can do.

Beauty from ashes,

Hope from our despair;

God can do much more,

He knows all our cares.

God grants us His strength,

When ours is but gone;

Hope everlasting,

May we pass it on.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are able to do so much more in us and through us than we could ever hope or imagine. Thank You that Your strength empowers us and Your love leads us as we choose to follow after You. Forgive us for the times that we have either gone our own way or have neglected to give You glory for all that You have done. Teach us to seek You and see Your hand in all things. Show us how to love and encourage those around us so that they are strengthened in Your loving kindness and recognize Your goodness all around. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to do what only You can do, and give You the glory and honor forever and ever. Amen.

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

God will… bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair… – Isaiah 61:3a

Help Each New Day

But I call to You for help, Lord; in the morning my prayer meets You. – (Psalm 88:13, HCSB)

Lord, I am asking You to help me! Early each morning I pray to You. – (Psalm 88:13, ERV)

But I am calling out to You, Eternal One. My prayers rise before You with every new sun! – (Psalm 88:13, VOICE)

When we start the day seeking God, our hearts are in the right space and we are making room for God to move. No, He does not need our permission, yet His Father’s heart for us is that He wants His kids to seek and ask, inviting Him into every part of our day. As we do, He is faithful to meet us, walk beside us, and remind us of His loving kindness. The state of the world today is our ever-present reminder to seek Him. May we look to the Lord to be our help, for His mercies are new every morning.

O Lord, each morning,

We seek You anew;

To help and lead us,

And see the day through.

We call upon You,

Our help and our hope;

To begin each day,

With promises spoke.

Your promised presence,

And love that abounds;

Purpose empowered,

In You, help is found.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that each new day we can rise and seek You to be our help and our hope. Thank You that You are faithful to meet us when we seek You. Forgive us for the times that we have not sought You. Teach us to trust You and turn to You in all things and at all times. Show us Your power and Your loving kindness anew. Lead us to love those around us in ways that give help and strength to persevere in all things. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we call on You for help and pray to You at the start of 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 I am helped. Therefore my heart rejoices, and I praise Him with my song. – Psalm 28:7

Hope in Living Water

But whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life. – (John 4:14, NIV)

But anyone who drinks the water I give will never be thirsty again. The water I give people will be like a spring flowing inside them. It will bring them eternal life. – (John 4:14, ERV)

I offer water that will become a wellspring within you that gives life throughout eternity. You will never be thirsty again. – (John 4:14, VOICE)

Jesus spoke these words to a Samaritan woman at the well in the middle of the day. First, Jews and Samaritans did not speak to one another. Second, male and female strangers did not speak to each other. Additionally, people did not typically draw water from the well in the heat of the day. His opening with the woman was simply to ask for a drink of water as she was drawing the water from the well. Her line of questions led to His statement about living water, and eventually to Jesus speaking the truth of who she was, what she had experienced, and what she could have through trusting in God. She embraced the grace that was freely given and then went and told everyone she could find about the One at the well. Her shame was overshadowed by the hope she discovered in Jesus. Incredibly, the same holds true for us still. When we realize the hope and joy that Jesus has for us as we trust in Him, we cannot help but allow His love and hope to radiate from us. May we ever trust in He who is the living water, and walk out our days in the reality of our eternal hope.

O Lord help us trust,

In all that is true;

Our eternal hope,

That is found in You.

Wherever we thirst,

Jesus is the cure;

True living water,

Hope that is assured.

For where there is hope,

There’s also resolve;

To keep keeping on,

As fears soon dissolve.

Rise up in worship,

To Him be all praise;

Our hope forever,

The strength through our days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You meet us each at our “wells”, show us where we have been and what we have done, and freely and lovingly offer us new life in You. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to seek You, or have lost sight of the hope that is forever in You. Teach us to trust in You in all things and at all times, and to remember that Your love is without limits or conditions. Show us how to love and accept those around us like You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we hold fast to the hope in You that lasts forever and live out our days trusting in the truth. Amen.

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

We have this hope as an anchor for our lives, safe and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain. – Hebrews 6:19

Do Not Worry

“This is why I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they?” – (Matthew 6:25-26, HCSB)

“So I tell you, don’t worry about the things you need to live – what you will eat, drink or war. Life is more important than food, and the body is more important than what you put on it. Look at the birds. They don’t plant, harvest, or save food in barns, but your heavenly Father feeds them. Don’t you know you are worth much more than they are?” – (Matthew 6:25-26, ERV)

“This is why I tell you to never be worried about your life, for all that you need will be provided, such as food, water, clothing – everything your body needs. Isn’t there more to your life than a meal? Isn’t your body more than clothing? Consider the birds – do you think they worry about their existence? They don’t plant or reap or store up food, yet your heavenly Father provides them each with food. Aren’t you much more valuable to your Father than they?” – (Matthew 6:25-26, TPT)

When we worry, we are doing one of two things: we are either depending on our own self-sufficiency, or we are doubting the power and love of God to help us. In Christ, we have all that we need to navigate each new day. He is our Provider, and will meet us where we are with what we need. His love is greater than anything and everything that might come against us, and He is willing and ready to show us the way. Our part is to trust Him and do what He asks of us. Just as He guides the birds to fly south during the winter months so that they may have all that they need to survive, He too, will direct our steps to do our part to walk into His provision. May we ever seek the Lord in our spaces of need or worry, for He is faithful and loving and will lead us in goodness and grace to a place of plenty for each new day. 

We need not worry,

In God there’s enough;

To meet all our needs,

And smooth what is rough.

The God of heaven,

Is He who supplies;

All that is needed,

Where hope’s realized.

No matter the ask,

The Lord always hears;

He’s ready to help,

And calm ev’ry fear.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that just as the birds need not worry about what they will eat or wear, we too need not worry about anything, for You hear our every prayer. Forgive us for doubting Your provision or for trying to do everything in our own strength. Teach us to turn to You in trust and ask You to lead us with all that we need. Show us how to love those around us tangibly, so that Your heart will be made plain to all whom we meet. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we cast all our cares upon You and seek You to lead us and supply us with all that we need each day. Amen.

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

For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. – Matthew 7:8