Cleansing Within

And He said to them, “Are you also as lacking in understanding? Don’t you realize that nothing going into a man from the outside can defile him? For it doesn’t go into his heart but into the stomach and is eliminated.” (As a result, He made all foods clean.” Then He said, “What comes out of a person – that defiles him.” – (Mark 7:18-20, HCSB)

He said, “Do you still have trouble understanding? Surely you know that nothing that enters the mouth from the outside can make people unacceptable to God. Food does not go into a person’s mind. It goes into the stomach. Then it goes out of the body.” (When Jesus said this, He meant there is no food that is wrong for people to eat.) And Jesus said, “The things that make people wrong are the things that come from the inside.” – (Mark 7:18-20, ERV)

Jesus: Do you mean you don’t understand this one either? Whatever goes into people from the outside can’t defile them because it doesn’t go into their hearts. Outside things go through their guts and back out, thus making all foods pure. No, it’s what comes from within that corrupts. – (Mark 7:18-20, VOICE)

What we eat does not determine our righteousness before God. It is what comes out of our mouth and heart that demonstrates our thoughts and beliefs. To speak and act in alignment with God, we must seek and know God, to do His will. It is an ongoing process, as we constantly encounter new situations and circumstances and need God to guide us in His ways. Additionally, we need Him to help us filter our frustrations in such a way that we respond, rather than react. Personally, my default is sarcasm. It is a coping method, but it is not necessarily a way to honor the Lord. I need Him to show me how to adjust my thinking and responding when frustrations come. He is faithful to meet us each time we seek Him, and He helps us recognize a right response more quickly as we are in continual pursuit of His best. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in every word, thought and deed, so that the things that come out of us glorify Him.

The things called “unclean”,

are not found in food;

it’s words and actions,

that are unkind, rude.

That which is unclean,

comes from peoples hearts;

and then manifests,

through what we impart.

O Lord, please lead us,

to choose what is clean;

our words and actions,

so Your love is seen.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You show and instruct us in how we ought to live. Thank You that living out love is what demonstrates Your goodness and grace. Forgive us for the times that we react out of our frustrations instead of responding in love. Teach us to look to You in all that we say and do so that those around us experience Your loving kindness. Show us how to love well, so that Your cleanliness flows from us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us in Your love in all that we say and think and do. Amen.

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

Create in me a clean heart, O God; restore within me a sense of being brand new. – Psalm 51:10

Love is Patient

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. – (1 Corinthians 13:4, NIV)

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. – (1 Corinthians 13:4, ERV)

Love is patient; love is kind. Love isn’t envious, doesn’t boast, brag, or strut about. There’s no arrogance in love. – (1 Corinthians 13:4, VOICE)

I so appreciate that the first attribute of love mentioned is patience. In every relationship, patience is essential. A love that is patient is willing to take and make time for those around them. As a parent, this is an ongoing necessity to help children thrive and grow. In marriage and in friendships, we must be patient to listen and communicate well with one another. Kindness goes hand-in-hand with patience, for each person that I know who is patient, is also very kind. To be kind is to withhold the reaction that often rises up, and rather, times the time (and patience) to respond in love, no matter what the circumstance. That does not mean love and kindness make a person a pushover, but rather the two drive us to deliver communication in a way that it is more readily received. The things that love is not are also great reminders to help our hearts align with His. Love does not envy; instead it celebrates the success of others. A love that does not boast or brag is one that prefers others and looks out for their very best, rather than making things all about self.

Real love is patient,

it’s gracious and kind;

love prefers others,

with their best in mind.

Love does not envy,

instead, celebrates;

it cheers others on,

God’s grace demonstrates.

There is no boasting,

to spotlight oneself;

but rather, highlights,

strength in someone else.

May love lead us on,

as Christ has loved us;

patient surrender,

for love’s a process.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You instruct us in how we are meant to love. Thank You that You not only tell us in Your word, but You show us again and again through the people whom You place in our lives to love us well. Forgive us for the times that we have lacked patience and kindness, and for the times that we have made things all about ourselves. Teach us to love like You, for Your love covers us and lifts us up. Show us how to love like You, with patience and kindness, always. May many come into a lasting relationship with You as they recognize Your heart for them through the people You have placed in their lives to love them well. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to grow Your love within us so that we may love those around us with Your perpetually patient love. 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

Compassionate One

Luke 7 provides much insight as to what Jesus values. His exchange with a centurion demonstrates that Jesus valued humility and faithfulness. Throughout Luke 7, there is an underlying theme of compassion woven throughout. After healing the centurion’s servant, Jesus raised a widow’s only son from the dead. When the Lord saw her, His heart went out to her and He said, “Don’t cry.” (Luke 7:13) He then told the son to get up, and he sat up and was returned to his mother. In the next section of text, John’s disciples inquire of Jesus, wanting to know if He is the One who is to come. As they were talking to Jesus, He healed many of their sickness and diseases. Jesus instructed them to go back to John and let him know what they had witnessed. Jesus’ last encounter discussed in Luke 7 is that of a sinful woman who went where Jesus was and washed His feet with her tears, dried them with her hair, and poured perfume on them. The Pharisees who had invited Jesus, asked Him if He knew the sort of woman that she was. Jesus told them a parable of two people who owed money to a moneylender and could not afford to pay him back. One owed five-hundred denarii and the other owed fifty. Jesus asked which of those forgiven their debt would love him more. Simon recognized it would be the one who owed a greater debt. Jesus then went on to speak of the way that the sinful woman had washed His feet with her tears, dried them with her hair, and then anointed His feet with perfume. “Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven – as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” (Luke 7:47)

God of compassion,

the Lord of all grace;

Jesus moves in love,

as we seek His face.

Help for the hurting,

strength when we are weak;

forgiveness, mercy,

each time that we seek.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the God of compassion and You showed us through Your Son, again and again, how You love and care for us. Thank You for the tangible ways that You have shown Your presence this week. Forgive us for the times that we somehow doubt or question Your care for us. Teach us to trust You more, and to be acutely aware of Your nearness through all things. Show us how to love those around us tangibly so that Your love is made known. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your compassion for us, and seek You to lead us to do the same for those around us. Amen.

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

The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. – Psalm 116:5

How Love’s Made Complete

Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us. – (1 John 4:11-12, NIV)

This is how much God loved us, dear friends! So we also must love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us. If we love each other, God’s love has reached its goal – it is made perfect in us. – (1 John 4:11-12, ERV)

My dear, dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other. No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and His love becomes complete in us – perfect love! – (1 John 4:11-12, MSG)

God’s overwhelming, never-ending, sacrificial love demonstrates to us, repeatedly, what love ought to be. Though we have not seen the face of God yet, we can clearly see His love all around us. Our charge is to love like Him so that His love may be made complete in us and give those around us the opportunity to come to know the same. Through loving God and loving people, God works in and through us to more clearly make His love known. We are imperfect vessels, yet we are perfectly loved and can extend the same to those around us as we trust and rely on God to lead us. Today, my Viking is taking the day off to accompany me to an appointment with a specialist. He did not have to, yet I am comforted in knowing he will be beside me as we discover possible next steps and a plan for continued healing and care. His loving sacrifice for me is a glimpse of just how much God loves us and is made tangible through my spouse. May we ever seek the Lord, who lives in us, to lead us in His perfect love so that we may clearly share the goodness of God.  

God’s love is perfect,

His goodness made known;

Evident through those,

Who seek to be shown.

Shown goodness and grace,

Loving sacrifice;

A love so much more,

Than just being nice.

The love of God sees,

And then reaches out;

Both actions and words,

That of goodness shout.

O Lord, please lead us,

To love as You do;

Never withholding,

The light that is You.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your love is perfect. Thank You that You show us again and again, the goodness and fullness of Your love through those around us. Forgive us for the times that our words and actions did not clearly reflect Your heart to those around us. Teach us to listen well, so that we might make the most of every opportunity to love as we are loved by You. Show us how to love those around us as You intended. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we thank and praise You for the countless ways that You make Your love known and seek You to lead us so Your love is shown. Amen.

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

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. – 1 Corinthians 13:13

The Purpose is Love

The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. – (1 Timothy 1:5, NIV)

My purpose in telling you to do this is to promote love – the kind of love shown by those who are pure, who do what they know is right, and whose faith in God is real. – (1 Timothy 1:5, ERV)

Our teaching about this journey is intended to bring us to a single destination – a place where self-giving love reigns from a pure heart, a clean conscience, and  genuine faith. – (1 Timothy 1:5, VOICE)

Our call, command and purpose is to love. This is not merely some romantic love or infatuation, rather God’s love is sincere, from a pure heart and a genuine faith, that ever seeks to lift up, do right, and encourage the best in others. I imagine we all can think of people who have shown us love like this. Those individuals are God’s gifts to us. Each models what it means to love as God intended, and their loving kindness has been and continues to be an encouragement to do the same. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in His love, purify our hearts, cleanse our conscience, and grow in a genuine faith.

The purpose is love,

In all that we do;

Our ultimate goal,

To learn to love true.

For God has shown us,

What it is to love;

Without conditions,

He gives from above.

Love overwhelming,

With goodness and grace;

It meets us always,

As we seek God’s face.

May we learn to love,

With hearts that are true;

That choose give freely,

As we’re called to do.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call and command us to love, not out of our own selfish desires or ambitions, but rather from a pure heart, clean conscience, and genuine faith. Thank You that this is not dependent on our own reserves, but rather is endlessly supplied as we seek You. Forgive us for the times that we have not chosen love. Teach us how to love in every situation and circumstance. Show us how to love each person we encounter in a way that demonstrates Your goodness to them. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead and grow us in Your love, and as a result, give love to all as You have designed us to do. Amen.

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

I delight to do Your will, my God; Your instruction lives within me. – Psalm 40:8

Love is the Message

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)

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)

To love is the foundation of our faith, for without love, there would be no hope for all that God has in store for both now and eternity. It is God’s perfect love that demonstrates to us what love is and how to give it away. When those around us do things that frustrate or irritate us, love chooses to assume positive intent, rather than allow anger to begin. To love one another is to do unto others what we would want done to us. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in His perfect love, so that we might love one another well.

Love is the message,

Photo by Ravi Kant on Pexels.com

For it’s always been;

A call to choose love,

As each day begins.

No matter what comes,

The call is the same;

Love one another,

To honor God’s Name.

Let loving kindness,

Be what leads the way;

Give as God gives us,

Love that’s new each day.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your message is clear, and that You only ask of us that which You do and are willing to equip us to do as well. Thank You that not only do You show us love, but You are love. Forgive us for responding to anyone without love. Teach us how to love those around us best, as You know what each heart needs. Lead us in Your love throughout each new day, and may Your love be what others recognize in us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us in Your love as You call and command us to do. Amen.

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

Nothing is more precious that Your loving kindness. All people can find protection close to You. – Psalm 36:7

Well Loved

Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind. – (Psalm 107:8, NIV)

Thank the Lord for His faithful love and for the amazing things He does for people. – (Psalm 107:8, ERV)

So lift your hands and thank God for His marvelous kindness and for all His miracles of mercy for those He loves. – (Psalm 107:8, TPT)

Time away always reminds me of how grateful I am for everything in my life. God’s unfailing love and kindness surround me, bless and encourage me, as He has given me family and friends that demonstrate His selfless love regularly. The beauty of His creation is a visual reminder of all that He has done and continues to do for all of us. May we ever give God thanks for His unfailing love and wonderful kindness, as we recognize the amazing things that He has done for us all.

All thanks be to God,

For love that won’t fail;

His grace and mercy,

That always prevail.

The Lord’s great kindness,

Reminds us anew;

That we are well loved,

His promises, true.

Take time to notice,

His love and His grace;

Beauty around us,

Our reasons to praise.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unfailing love and for the abundant blessings that surround us. Thank You that You so loved us that You show us again and again through Your kindness and grace just how good You are. Forgive us for the times that we neglect to recognize or thank You for how completely You love us. Teach us to have eyes to see and hearts to understand so that we may ever give You our gratitude. Show us how to love those around us the way that You intended, so all might know the incredible depth of Your love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your unfailing love and the kindness You grant to us all. Amen.

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

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. – 1 Chronicles 16:34

Strength in the Struggle

Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. – (James 1:4, NIV)

If you let that patience work in you, the end result will be good. You will be mature and complete. You will be all that God wants you to be. – (James 1:4, ERV)

Let your patience show itself perfectly in what you do. Then you will be perfect and complete. You will have everything you need. – (James 1:4, ICB)

None of us enjoy trials or struggles, yet we all must go through them. When we are invested in our relationship with Christ, He uses each challenge that comes our way to strengthen and grow us to be more like Him. He does not cause the struggle, but allows it so that we may grow in maturity in our relationship with Him. As our patiences grows, His heart more clearly shows. It is on the other side of struggles and challenges that we can look back and see how far we have come. In the verses that precede verse four, we are called to consider such situations with joy, not because they are happy and fun, but rather because of what trials produce within us. Faith grows and perseverance manifests as we depend on God through each challenge. Not only does God show us who He is, but He demonstrates how He can work both in and through us to navigate the storms. May we ever lean into the Lord as we encounter every trial that life throws our way. For as we trust in Him, His strength, patience and perseverance are made evident through us.

In all that we do,

Let’s look to the Lord;

He is the anchor,

And where love’s outpoured.

It is through our trust,

That love and grace grow;

We’re made more like Him,

And patience is shown.

So, rise up in faith,

Turn in trust to Him;

Ever He’s faithful,

As we let love in.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that the joy in our trials is not the trial itself, (for they are never terribly fun) but rather joy comes in knowing the work that You are doing in and through us as we press on in faith. Thank You that You are faithful to strengthen and lead us through every storm, as You grow us to become a clearer reflection of You. Forgive us Lord, for the desire for things to always be easy. Teach us to trust the process, as the challenges are the spaces where the most growth occurs. Show us how to love those around us through all things, for often You make Your love and support tangible through others. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You in our trials, and praise You for the patience and perseverance that are grown in us through Your faithfulness as we press on. Amen.

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

It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. – Psalm 18:32

So Loved

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. – (John 3:16, NIV)

Yes, God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him would not be lost but have eternal life. – (John 3:16, ERV)

For this is how much God loved the world – He gave His one and only, unique Son as a gift. So now everyone who believes in Him will never perish but experience everlasting life. – (John 3:16, TPT)

 

God so loved that He gave. He gave all so that we might come to know His love that leads to life everlasting with Him. The very same God who loves us to life, calls us to love each other. His example demonstrates what love truly is. Love gives the best of oneself to others, so that they too, may know and understand the vast depth and breadth of the love that God lavishes upon all who trust in Him. Incredibly, God did not so love the saints, or those who were somehow sinless, (for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God) but He so loved the world – all of us, all people, for all time – that He gave. There were no qualifiers nor prerequisites, God simply loved His created. In the same way, we are called to love those around us. Not just our friends and family, but all – for all are His created. May we receive and embrace the overwhelming and powerful love that God gives to us, and in turn, go forth and love those around us, so that all may experience the power of His love, personally.

 

Despite how things seem,

One thing shall remain;

The love of the Lord,

Is always the same.

His love chose to give,

Not some, but gave all;

So we might have life,

And answer His call.

God’s love grants us grace,

Brings new life and light;

Hope from the despair,

Beauty and delight.

So, seek first the Lord,

Receive all He gives;

Then go forth, love well,

It is how love lives.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You so loved the world that You gave Your one and only Son to bring us the opportunity to have everlasting life with You. Thank You that when we accept what You offer, we gain grace and forgiveness and love overflowing to go forth and love like You. Forgive us for the times that we have not chosen love, despite the incredible, unending love that You have for us. Teach us to love those around us as we are loved by You. Show us practical and tangible ways to be Your hands, heart and voice in love to those around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for the incredible love You have for us, and rely on You to help us love others well. Amen.

 

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

 

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever. – Psalm 136:1

Simply Love

The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. – (1 Timothy 1:5, NIV)

The whole point of what we’re urging is simply love – love uncontaminated by self-interest and counterfeit faith, a life open to God. – (1 Timothy 1:5, MSG)

For we reach the goal of fulfilling all the commandments when we love others deeply with a pure heart, a clean conscience, and a sincere faith. – (1 Timothy 1:5, TPT)

 

Love really is the whole point. When we operate from a heart that is pure and our intent on choosing to love, we are living our faith out loud. Our motivation for all that we do, must be rooted in love. When it is, we are operating in a sincere faith, with a clear conscience, from a heart made pure by He who is love. If we truly love from a pure heart, we cannot envy, hate, boast, be unkind, or the like. Love conquers all. I imagine that is why it is said that “the greatest of these, is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13) As we step into a new day, at the start of a new week, may we be open to God with a sincere faith so that we may navigate our days with a clean conscience and a pure heart, and choose to simply love.

 

Love is the answer,

To all of life’s woes;

For the love of God,

Multiplies and grows.

It purifies hearts,

Makes consciences clean;

Through a sincere faith,

We learn what love means.

The more that we learn,

The more we choose give;

Love from a pure heart,

Each day that we live.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call and command us to love from a pure heart, a clear conscience and a sincere faith. Thank You that as we seek You and pursue a life lived according to Your calling, You empower us to love. Forgive us for allowing our selfishness, bitterness, anger or fear to get in the way of choosing love. Show us how to love those around us simply and purely, in a way that demonstrates love tangible to each heart. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we pursue You wholeheartedly so that we may love unreservedly. Amen.

 

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

 

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. – 1 Corinthians 13:13