Imagine the Hope

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)

In my lifetime thus far, I have beheld the incredible beauty of God’s creation in numerous places around the globe. I have heard singing that moved my heart and mind to the incredible majesty of our Maker, and I have imagined a place where peace, love and joy abound and pain and sorrow are no longer found; yet, my experience and imagination do not even begin to compare to that which lies ahead. God has prepared a place for all who love and call on His Name, to join with Him for forever. This is what brings peace and comfort in seasons of loss or seeming hopelessness. Though we may not see it now, there is a place that has been prepared for us that is beyond our wildest dreams. Beloved friends and family members who have gone before me, are already there. Despite the grief from loss in the here and now, there is such hope, peace, comfort and joy in what is promised for eternity. May we ever seek to learn and grow in our love for the Lord, as He reveals more and more of who He is and how His love shall not end. His promised future for us is hope that we can cling to, no matter how the here and now appear.

Lord, show us the hope,

That is found in You;

Forever granted,

To all who love true.

The seeking shall find,

True joy that is found;

Blessed assurance,

Great faith that abounds.

Imagine a place,

A future so bright;

No sorrow or grief,

Just joy and delight.

The lasting presence,

Of God up above;

Preparing a place,

Abounding in love.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have prepared a place for all those who love You that exceeds our wildest imaginations. Thank You that the beauty and majesty that we have seen, heard and imagined, pales in comparison to all that lies ahead. Forgive us for losing sight of the hope we have in You. Teach us to trust the journey we are on, ever holding fast to all that lies ahead. Show us how to love those around us in ways that give glimpses of the hope that is found in forever with You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we set our entire being on loving You and those You have placed around us with hope securely set in our hearts. Amen.

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

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

A Plan and a Purpose

“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” – (Luke 11:9, NIV) 

“So I tell you, continue to ask, and God will give to you. Continue to search, and you will find. Continue to knock, and the door will open for you.” – (Luke 11:9, ERV) 

“So listen: Keep on asking, and you will receive. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened for you.” – (Luke 11:9, VOICE) 

On this day, the day that the last fifteen years of schooling have prepared my children for, this seems an appropriate reminder of what matters, as they prepare for the next leg of their journey. Luke reminds us where our priorities ought to lie in our pursuit of next steps, and how important perseverance truly is. Keep seeking, asking, searching and knocking, even when the road is rough and it seems as there is no way to keep moving forward. He is present and able to help, and He hears, sees, knows and honors every move we make in pursuit of His best for what lies ahead.  

For my own son, Lucas, whose name is derived from Luke, my reminder to you who has fought and overcome the challenges associated with dyslexia to become a bright and talented writer, a critical thinker, and a young man who is ready to pursue his dreams as you graduate with honors, it seems only fitting to remind you of the words that Jesus said. Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” – (Luke 18:27) You have been a living example of the power of God working to make impossibilities possible. Keep trusting, seeking, asking and knocking, for He has great things in store for you. 

Micah, my youngest son, (by one minute), you too, are biblically named. Despite obstacles, heartache, frustration and fears, you have risen up and become a man of integrity, who loves deeply, acts justly and is humble and kind. For you, always remember who you are, and stay true to the man you have been called to be. 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) As you seek the Lord for each next step, He will indeed show you what is good and what He requires of you to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him.  

On this special day, 

Please never forget; 

The hope that is found, 

Purposeful mindset. 

Ever keep seeking, 

Pursuing God’s best; 

Asking and knocking, 

He’ll show you the rest. 

A plan and purpose, 

The Lord has for you; 

A future that’s good, 

So, listen, pursue. 

Keep asking of Him, 

What He has for you; 

Then step out in faith, 

As your dreams come true. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You remind us to seek, ask, and keep knocking, as You have created each of us to faithfully persevere in pursuit of all that You have for us. Thank You that Your promises are good, and You are faithful forever. Forgive us for our frustrations and fears when things seem impossible. Teach us to remember that all things are possible in You. Show us how to encourage, trust, seek, pursue and lift up those around us in Your love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we celebrate the accomplishments of all of our graduates, and support and encourage each in the next chapter of their stories. Amen. 

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

You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. – Jeremiah 29:13

Hope is the Anchor

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. – (Hebrews 6:19a, NIV)

This hope is like an anchor for us. It is strong and sure and keeps us safe. – (Hebrews 6:19a, ERV)

We have this certain hope like a strong, unbreakable anchor holding our souls to God Himself. – (Hebrews 6:19a, TPT)

 

One of the most critical elements to recovery that I am discovering along this journey with mom, is that hope has to be held in her heart. Incredibly, the faithful prayers of so many are being heard and answered, as she is beginning to see and embrace the steps of progress, she is making for herself. I watch in awe, as each new day, mom is able to say and do things that she was unable to accomplish or communicate the day prior. Hope is rising within her, before my own eyes. Mom is rooted and grounded in Christ, first and foremost, however, a blow like this to a very independent, self-sufficient, bright and extroverted woman, is extraordinarily troubling. Though we do not know what the outcome will be exactly, there is great hope as she is on a phenomenal track to recovery. Mom is finding hope in each day. She is strengthened and encouraged, and surrounded by the most positive, encouraging and wonderful team of people I could have ever hoped for. God hand-selected each one, just for her, to encourage, challenge, push, love, lead and care for her the way she needs most. God is good, and He is the hope that anchors our soul; strong and secure, with and unbreakable hold that will never let us go.

 

Hope is the anchor,

That secures the soul;

It grounds and roots us,

In Christ, makes us whole.

Hope moves us forward,

To keep pressing on;

The spark that’s needed,

When our strength seems gone.

Sometimes hope enters,

With a quiet word;

Loving reminders,

Truth needing be heard.

Some days hope floods in,

Like a trumpet’s call;

Miracle moments,

Both the great and small.

No matter what comes,

The sun shall still rise;

God will not leave us,

His grace realized.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the hope that is the anchor for our soul, firm and secure. Thank You that You are the same, yesterday, today and forever. Thank You that Your love and faithfulness know no end. Forgive us for our fearfulness and our distorted vision that loses sight of hope when difficulties make hope hard to see. Teach us to trust You more, so that we NEVER lose sight of hope in You. Show us how to love those around us in a way that encourages and shares Your hope that is held in our hearts. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we hold firmly to You, our anchor, through the storms and in safe harbor; for You are our security and hope forever. Amen.

 

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

 

For I have always been mindful of Your unfailing love and have lived in reliance of Your faithfulness. – Psalm 26:3

To Drive Out Darkness

You, Lord, are my lamp; the Lord turns my darkness into light. – (2 Samuel 22:29, NIV)

O Lord, You are my light! You make my darkness bright. – (2 Samuel 22:29, TLB)

Suddenly, God, Your light floods my path, God drives out the darkness. – (2 Samuel 22:29, MSG)

 

These were the words of David, as he reflected on God’s faithfulness to him. David had faced countless enemies and exhaustion, and God continued to rescue, redeem, and hear his prayers. The same God who provided for David on his most difficult days, is alive and active, ever-ready to overcome the darkness before us. May we turn in trust to the Lord, always seeking Him to light our path and show us the ways we are meant to go.

 

The Lord is my lamp,

Emitting His light;

Makes plain all our paths,

And which choice is right.

In spaces of dark,

His love light shines through;

As we choose to seek,

Faithfully pursue.

Pursue God’s wisdom,

Direction to know;

What we are to do,

And where we should go.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are loving and kind, faithful and true. Thank You that You are the light that shows us what to do. Forgive us for not seeking You for light in spaces of darkness. Teach us to trust You more, as You make the path plain when we look to Your light. Show us how to love those around us in ways that illuminate Your faithfulness forever. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we pursue the path You light before us. Amen.

 

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

 

You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. – Psalm 18:28

Be Full of Light

If you are full of light, and there is no part of you that is dark, then you will be all bright, as though you have the light of a lamp shining on you. – (Luke 11:36, ERV)

Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be just as full of light as when a lamp shines its light on you. – (Luke 11:36, NIV)

 

In order for us to be full of light, the light of Christ must dwell within us. When we invite Christ to be the Lord of our lives, His Spirit comes and lives in us. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is light and life, and no shadow may remain. For light and darkness cannot coexist. Light chases away all that is dark. Though our human nature contains much darkness, the Lord is light and in Him, all that is dark within us is dispelled. The more we trust Christ in all things, the more clearly His light radiates through us to all who are around us. May we be so filled with the light of Christ that no darkness remains, and may all who come around us see the light of His love through our hearts that are radiating the reality of hope in Him.

 

May we be so full,

of Your loving light;

that all that is dark,

must flee from our sight.

Far greater are You,

who dwells within us;

for Your light is life,

through Your Son, Jesus.

May all that is dark,

within us dispel;

and Your light remain,

as it shines hope well.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are light and life and hope and help to all who seek Your face. Thank You that in You, there is no darkness. Thank You that when we invite You to be the Lord of our lives, You come and dwell within us, and Your light makes the darkness disappear. Forgive us for the corners that we try to hide, or the shadows we seek to somehow hold. Teach us to trust You more, as Your light is life, and the only hope worth holding. Show us how to go forth and love in the light of Your truth, so that others too, may see the hope that is held in You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we allow Your light to chase away every darkness within us, and trust You to shine through us as we seek to honor You in all that we say and do. Amen.

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

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. – Galatians 5:22-23

Blessing Our Boys

Though not intended to be read in isolation, the portion of the passage that stands out to me the most this morning, is a verse from Jacob’s blessing to Joseph’s sons. The Angel who has delivered me from all harm – may he bless these boys. May they be called by my name and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they increase greatly upon the earth. – (Genesis 48:16)

 

Today, our household celebrates the coming of age of our two boys, as they traverse into the trials and triumphs of their teen years. Cautious and Adventurous made their debut into the world thirteen years ago. It is my ongoing prayer that they be protected from all harm, that they walk in the way of the Lord, and follow Him all the days of their lives. Both are tender-hearted young men, who love the Lord and are seeking to serve Him. God’s grace and an army of faithful family and friends have brought them from premature newborns to the bright and kind young lads that they are today. May Christ continue to grow them into the men they are called to become, and may they serve Him all of their days.

 

Double the blessing,

two times as much grace;

so lavished in love,

in seeking Your face.

For given to us,

our duo of joy;

far more than we’d hoped,

from our little boys.

God keep them from harm,

in Your tender care;

may they bear Your light,

O Lord, hear my prayer.

Grow them in Your grace,

and strong in Your love;

proud to praise You, Lord,

our Father above.

Let their life purpose,

be known early on;

grow them and lead them,

in You, make them strong.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the beautiful blessings that my boys have been. Every single day I am in awe of how You grow and use them to show me more of Yourself. Thank You for the gift of children. Forgive me for my frustration and lack of patience at times, and grant me wisdom and grace to grow them ever closer to You and Your purpose for their lives. Lead me to love them as You love me. May we together, love others, so that they might see You. Let many come to know You as Savior and King, as we each pursue the fulfillment of our purpose. Be glorified O God, as we love our children as You love us. Amen.

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

You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence. – Acts 2:28

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the dream that has come so far, enjoy a previously written poem by clicking the highlighted link. Let Freedom Ring.

The Mind of Christ

“As the Scriptures say, ‘Who can know what is on the Lord’s mind?  Who is able to give Him advice?’  But we have been given Christ’s way of thinking.” – (I Corinthians 2:16 ERV)

Not one of us has the capacity to comprehend our Creator.  However, by His Holy Spirit, those who commit their hearts and minds unto Him, are granted insight and understanding into some of God’s plans, thoughts and actions.  In a sense, we are granted access to the mind of Christ.  As we invest in an intentional intimate relationship with our Redeemer, He reveals more of Himself to us, by His Spirit.  Time spent in His word, in worship, and in prayer, provide opportunities for us to grow closer to our Creator, as we learn more of who He is, and all that He has done for us.

Who can come to know,

the mind of the Lord?

Those who will invest,

choose time to afford.

Time spent with Jesus,

will not return void;

understanding comes,

when our heart’s employed.

Lean not on our strength,

but fully on Christ;

to know how He gave,

His great sacrifice.

Let our hearts receive,

all He has to give;

so by His Spirit,

we shall truly live.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You love us and reveal to us, more and more of Yourself.  Thank You that by Your Spirit, we may come to know Your thoughts, which are far higher and greater than our own.  Forgive us for not investing our whole hearts, or for turning a deaf ear to what You are speaking to our hearts.  Help us to give You our whole heart, and may our ears and hearts be open to hear and obey all that You are asking.  Let us live in worshipful obedience, so that our love for You and for others is evident.  May many be drawn unto You as a result.  Let Your light be bright in us.  Be magnified through all that we say and do.  Amen.

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

I thank and praise You, O God of my fathers: You have given me wisdom and power. – Daniel 2:23