Prepare

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, in which God prepared in advance for us to do. – (Ephesians 2:10, NIV)

God has made us what we are. In Christ Jesus, God made us new people so that we would spend our lives doing the good things He had already planned for us to do. – (Ephesians 2:10, ERV)

For we are the product of His hand, heaven’s poetry etched on lives, created in the Anointed, Jesus, to accomplish the good works God arranged long ago. – (Ephesians 2:10, VOICE)

 

As the calendar turns another page and we are now making our way into December, the word that keeps coming to my heart and mind, is “prepare”. I did a quick biblical word study, and discovered that the many mentions of preparing or preparation were for battles, arrivals, departures, deaths, feasts, sacrifices, celebrations and ceremonies. In each instance, those preparing were the ones whom had been called. The tenth verse of the second chapter of Ephesians, helps us recognize that we all have been called, created and prepared to do good works that God has planned for us. It is not difficult to find places where good is needed during this holy season, and we are each meant to step in and offer what we have to give – be it our time, our talents or our resources. Our heart is what requires preparation the most frequently, as the distractions all around us can dull our awareness to the places we have been prepared to extend good. May we slow down often in this sacred season, to prepare our hearts, so that we are ready and available to do the good things that God has for us to do.

 

This sacred season,

May we rise, prepare;

Set our hearts on good,

And how we can share.

For we’re created,

Each of us prepared;

With plan and purpose,

In God’s loving care.

Let us each choose seek,

So that we may find;

The good we can do,

In love for mankind.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that in the same way You prepared each one of us with a plan and a purpose, may we too, prepare our hearts this season, to walk out the good that You have for us to give. Thank You that we all have something to offer, be it our time, talent or resources. Forgive us for the times that we think we have nothing to give, or we neglect to slow down and look for ways to extend Your heart to others in this sacred season. Teach us to take time to listen to Your leading, and to be willing to walk out whatever You ask of us. Show us how to love those around us in tangible and practical ways this season, that make Your goodness and grace evident. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we prepare our hearts in the same way that You prepared each of us, to do good and represent You well. Amen.

 

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

 

Show me Your ways, Lord, teach me Your paths. – Psalm 25:4

From Thanksgiving to Advent

With Thanksgiving behind us and the Advent season before us, it is easy to get caught up in the chaos of the preparations for Christmas celebrations. However, Advent is an entire season of anticipation, in and of itself. Advent, is “The Arrival.” This is the season in which we celebrate the arrival of our Savior, as He came to us, from Heaven to Earth, making peace within us, possible.

For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. – (Isaiah 9:6-7, NIV)

Isaiah foretold Christ’s arrival long before it came to pass. There had been much anticipation of Christ, the coming King, for far too long. No one anticipated a baby being born in a stable, yet He came. He arrived in a most unassuming and approachable way, and went on to establish His kingdom in the hearts of all who call on His Name. His peace is available and present as we seek Him. His peace within us, can be passed on to those around us, if we slow down and are intentional to prioritize people, not calendars, acquisitions, or agendas. May we be filled to overflowing with His peace during this wonderful season of His arrival, and in turn, let us go forth and be utilized as agents of peace to all people.

With hearts full of thanks,

in awe we recall;

tender arrival,

sweet baby, so small.

Precious Son given,

so much more than known;

the great Prince of Peace,

His grace to be shown.

Kingdom established,

in the hearts of all;

who earnestly seek,

on the Lord, we call.

He upholds justice,

righteousness is His;

His reign’s forever,

and in Him, we’ll live.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for an intentional season of thanks. Thank You for the blessings that You poured out upon us as we offered our praises to You. Thank You that as we usher in a new season of anticipation, we celebrate and remember with awe and wonder, Your arrival. Forgive us for not embracing You and the peace that You alone provide, and for allowing ourselves to get too caught up in the chaos that can come with the season’s festivities. Teach us to trust You more, so that we fix our hearts, eyes and energy on what matters most. Show us how to love people as You love, so that Your peace would flow out of us and bring calm into places of chaos. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be exalted O God, as we are in awe of Your arrival, and seek to be agents of Your peace to the people all around us. Amen.

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

As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. – James 5:11