What is Right and Good

Do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, so that it may go well with you… – (Deuteronomy 6:18a, NIV)

You must do what is right and good – what pleases the Lord. Then everything will go well for you… – (Deuteronomy 6:18a, ERV)

Do the things He considers right and good. Then everything will go well for you… – (Deuteronomy 6:18a, VOICE)

We are called to do what is right and good in the sight of the Lord. The only way that we come to know and understand what that is, is through a relationship with Christ. As a child, the more we spent time with and listened to our parents, the more in tune we became with what was good and right in their eyes. It is the same with Jesus. Spending time in the word, worship, and in prayer, teaches us what is right and good to God. If our words and actions align with loving God and loving people we are following after God’s own heart. What goes well for us is the hope we gain in knowing and following after the Lord. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in what is good and right and rely on Him to strengthen us to follow His ways throughout all of our days.

To do what is right,

And that which is good;

What pleases the Lord,

Is love understood.

For we are all called,

To choose love the Lord;

The work of His hands,

All that He adores.

Rise up and seek Him,

He’ll show us the way;

To love as He loves,

And do good each day.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness and grace that cleanses us from our past mistakes and leads us forward in the comfort of knowing that we are forgiven and loved and equipped to do likewise. Forgive us for the times that we have not chosen to do what is right and good, despite knowing what that is. Lead us in Your loving kindness toward all as You intended. Show us how to love those around us with purpose. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us in what is right and good so that we may ever bring glory to Your Name.

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

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him. – Psalm 34:8

Remove Retaliation

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. – (Romans 12:17, NIV)

If someone does you wrong, don’t try to pay them back by hurting them. Try to do what everyone thinks is right. – (Romans 12:17, ERV)

Do not retaliate with evil, regardless of the evil brought against you. Try to do what is good and right and honorable as agreed upon by all people. – (Romans 12:17, VOICE)

In my college years, I had a dear friend who had an awesome strategy to keep himself in check when people were rude on the road. Every time someone would cut him off or do something that felt dangerous that could lead to anger or retaliation, he would yell, “Jesus loves you,” at the person who was driving offensively. Though the yell was through closed windows, the words were what his own heart heard, rather than an angry or rude response. It was a reminder to himself that he did not need to do anything to get back at the driver, and to hold onto the truth that they were indeed, loved by God. As a passenger, not only did it diffuse the frustration with the recklessness of others, but it planted a seed that I never forgot about what I could do instead of retaliating. This principle is useful in responding to people in general. If they are unkind, I can smile and walk away, reminding myself that they are loved by God, or I can extend compassion, despite the ugly that I received. God is gracious and kind, and He loves us, even when we are the most unlovable. If He can love and forgive and receive us, then we ought to extend the same to those around us. No, this does not mean we are meant to be a doormat, but we are not meant to return evil for evil. 

Wrong done unto us,

Should not be done back;

We are called to peace,

Not to choose attack.

Instead we are called,

Let love lead the way;

Give good undeserved,

Like God does each day.

He gives us His grace,

His mercy and love;

And we’re called to do,

As the Lord above.

Father we need You,

To show us Your way;

Keep us from evil,

Lead us each new day.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us and have shown us through Your Son, that we are not to retaliate and return harm. Forgive us for the times that we have returned evil for evil, be it in our words, thoughts or actions. Teach us to give all to You, and to trust You to move on our behalf. Show us how to make Your love known, even when love is the last thing that we want to extend. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to show us what to do when harm or evil is directed at us. Lead us in Your everlasting love. Amen.

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

Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. – Romans 12:2

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

Light Makes Things Clear

Everything exposed by the light is made clear, for what makes everything clear is light. – (Ephesians 5:13, HCSB)

But the light makes clear how wrong these things are. Yes, everything is made clear by the light. – (Ephesians 5:13, ERV)

When the light shines, it exposes even the dark and shadowy things and turns them into pure reflections of light. – (Ephesians 5:13, VOICE)

But everything exposed by the light becomes visible – and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. – (Ephesians 5:13, NIV)

The light that makes things clear to us is the light of Christ. In Him, there are no shadows. As we seek Him and invest time in His word, He illuminates what is good and right, and makes our path clear. As we walk in the light, we reflect His light and provide light to the places it is lacking. God is faithful to shine His light on the darkness within and lead us to change that allows His light enter in. May we ever seek the Lord, who is the light, for He will shine in dark spaces and show us which ways we are to go.

Welcome the Lord’s light,

My morning view in Fidalgo Bay.

At the dawn each day;

Faithful to meet us,

The Lord won’t delay.

His light ever shines,

And shows us the way;

That we’re meant to walk,

Each time that we pray.

Our prayers invite Him,

To shine bright His light;

That removes darkness,

And shows us what’s right.

May we ever seek,

The Lord God of light;

Follow His leading,

To do what is right.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are light and life and love. Thank You that there is no darkness in You, and as we seek You, Your light shines and removes the darkness within us. Forgive us for the times that we hide in the shadows. Teach us to trust You, for Your light is love and it leads us to all that is good and full of grace. Show us how to live in that place each day that we draw breath. Instruct us in Your love so that we might love those around us as You intended. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust in Your goodness and love to shine Your light upon us and show us all that is good. Amen. 

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

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

Act Justly and Do Good

Blessed are those who act justly, who always do what is right. – (Psalm 106:3, NIV) 

Those who obey His commands are happy. They do good things all the time. – (Psalm 106:3, ERV) 

The happiest one on earth is the one who keeps Your word and clings to righteousness every moment. – (Psalm 106:3, TPT) 

When we act justly and do what is right, there is joy in knowing that we have carried out the will of God. Our obedience brings happiness, as we discover what it is to know God’s pleasure. He loves us no matter what, yet knowing He is pleased with our words, thoughts and actions brings blessing to the depth of our being. The more we seek the Lord, the more equipped we are to know what is right and just. As we ask, He is faithful to answer and show us what it is to act justly and to do good at all times. We are all a work in progress. No one gets it right 100% of the time, yet those who are actively seeking wisdom and grace, find joy in choosing well. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us to act justly and do what is right, each new day that we draw breath. 

True happiness comes, 

As we freely choose; 

Justice and mercy, 

Proof of God’s good news. 

When we choose what’s right, 

God’s pleasure is known; 

Our hearts find blessing, 

As goodness is shown. 

So, seek the Father, 

Act justly, choose right; 

In everything, 

Choose to be His light. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You remind us of the happiness our heart will hold when we act justly and do what is good in Your eyes. Forgive us for the times that we have been unjust, unkind, or negligent in doing what You have called us to do. Teach us to trust You always; for You alone are good and faithful. Show us how to love those around us through acting justly and doing good. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for who You are and how You love us all. Amen. 

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

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

Love Builds Up

We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. – (Romans 15:2, NLT) 

But do what pleases them and is for their good. We should do whatever helps everyone grow stronger in faith. – (Romans 15:2, ERV) 

Our goal must be to empower others to do what is right and good for them, and to bring them into spiritual maturity. – (Romans 15:2, TPT) 

In order to help others and build them up in the Lord, we must be invested and growing in the Lord ourselves. The more deeply we understand and receive the love He has for us, the better equipped we are to empower others to do what is right and encourage them to be their best selves. I know I keep coming back to loving God and loving people, but this is the greatest command. If we do this, all else will follow. When we love people, we want to help them do what is best for them. When we love God, we want others to know and understand the beauty and blessing that is held in a relationship with Christ. May we invest in our relationship with the Lord and allow Him to grow us in our love, so that we may go forth and love others in the way that He is calling us to love. 

May we choose to love, 

In Christ’s righteous way; 

Building others up, 

God’s grace on display. 

Empower others, 

To do what is right; 

Support, encourage, 

Shine bright, God’s love light. 

For as we love God, 

And love each other; 

Good and grace rise up, 

One to another. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to build each other up and encourage one another. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to build others up. Teach us to invest in our relationship with You, so that we might love as we are called to love. Show us how to best encourage and build up those around us in Your love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us to love like You. Amen. 

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

In Your unfailing love You will lead the people You have redeemed. In Your strength You will guide them to Your holy dwelling. – Exodus 15:13

Trust to Do What is Right

“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if He does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” – (Daniel 3:17-18, NIV)

“If you throw us into the hot furnace, the God we serve can save us. And if He wants to, He can save us from your power. But even if God does not save us, we want you to know, King, that we refuse to serve your gods. We will not worship the gold idol that you have set up.” – (Daniel 3:17-18, ERV)

“If you throw us into the blazing furnace, then the God we serve is able to rescue us from a furnace of blazing fire and release us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if He does not, O king, you can be sure that we still will not serve your gods and we will not worship the golden statue you erected.” – (Daniel 3:17-18, VOICE)

 

Daniel 3 is a fantastic example of trusting God to do what is right, and the Lord’s faithfulness as the trio of young men stood firm in their convictions. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego knew that bowing down to a statue constructed of gold, made by man, would dishonor God. Despite the threat of death as a punishment for disobedience, the young men trusted that God would save them if sent to the fire. They even went so far as to say that if God did not save them, they still refused to bow before the gold statue. God honored their faithfulness in a miraculous way, as He met them in the fire, and kept them from being burned, despite the intense heat. As a result, the king decreed that if anyone spoke out against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, they would lose their life. The king’s heart was transformed as he witnessed the trio’s trust and the Lord’s faithfulness. We may not be facing the fiery furnace, nor forced to bow before a golden statue, but we do have opportunities daily to choose to trust God. How are we standing firm in faith, despite what we see? Each stand we take in trust, gives God room to move mightily. Our ongoing trust gives glimpses of the faithfulness of God to those around us. May we ever choose to stand firm in our convictions, and have faith to trust God to be faithful forever.

 

Choose trust in the Lord,

When facing the fire;

He’s faithful always,

The help that’s required.

He knows what we need,

Provision through trust;

Faith makes us aware,

Of how He meets us.

God grants us the strength,

In truth, to stand firm;

Obey, honor Him,

In all that we’ve learned.

So, let us choose right,

By faith, do His will;

The Lord will grant strength,

As peace He instills.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the examples in Your word of people who were faithful to You, even when society dictated otherwise. Thank You that You show us again and again, that You are faithful to those who trust in You. Forgive us for the times that we have not stood firm in what we know You are asking us to do. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would not waiver from what You ask. Show us how to love those around us as You call us to love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You in all things and watch in wonder as You move faithfully on our behalf. 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

Let It Shine

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. – (Matthew 5:16, NIV)

In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven. – (Matthew 5:16, ERV)

You are like that illuminating light. Let your light shine everywhere you go, that you may illumine creation, so men and women everywhere may see your good actions, may see creation at its fullest, may see your devotion to Me, and may turn and praise your Father in heaven because of it. – (Matthew 5:16, VOICE)

 

What we do and how we live speak volumes about God. Our choices either point to Him in a positive light, or one that is less than edifying. For some, our light, life, and approach in what we do, is the only exposure to Christ that exists in their lives. How we choose to live, matters. As we invest in our relationship with Christ, our lives are transformed to more clearly reflect His light through how we choose to live. May we ever invest in the Light of the World, for He grows the good within us that fans the flame of our light to shine ever brighter before those around us.

As for Mom, she is happily back in the routine of life with my sister and her family. It is a joy to receive texts and sneak in quick phone calls, as we lovingly laugh about the fun we had shopping with the driving carts and checking in with one another. She continues to build confidence with using her cane, as there has been no looking back. Yesterday marked one whole week of only using a cane as a walking aid! We are celebrating and praising God, as this is remarkable progress in this healing process Mom is walking through. Please continue to pray for strength to return to her right arm and pathways to be made. She is able to move her right arm when it is unweighted in a hydraulic contraption at physical therapy, but she does not yet have the strength to move the weight of her arm on its own. Again, the capacity to move is there, she now needs the strength to be built up and returned to make it all work together. Mom’s positivity and perseverance shine brightly wherever she goes.

 

We are all equipped,

To rise up and shine;

Embrace all God gives,

Love as we’re designed.

For how we choose live,

Determines the light;

That shines to others,

Through both day and night.

As we choose give good,

God’s love light’s made known;

Darkness fades away,

As kindness is shown.

Let us choose to love,

To live in God’s light;

Extend love and grace,

And do what is right.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to be light wherever we go. Thank You that it is not something that we do on our own, but rather it is Your light within us that shines through us, as we trust and follow after You. Forgive us for neglecting to listen to Your leading and doing what serves us best, rather than seeking the good of others. Show us how to be Your light wherever we go. Teach us to love all those around us as Your do. Help us to do the practical and tangible good that blesses hearts and soothes minds. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we pursue the path that You make plain before us so that we may shine Your light before those around us through doing good. Amen.

 

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

 

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

Be Willing

Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. – (Matthew 3:15, NIV)

Jesus answered, “Let it be this way for now. We should do whatever God says is right.” Then John agreed. – (Matthew 3:15, ERV)

But Jesus said, “Please do it, for I must do all that is right.” So then John baptized Him. – (Matthew 3:15, TLB)

 

This verse is part of the story of when Jesus went to the Jordan River, where John the Baptist was baptizing people, in order to be baptized. At first, John tried to dissuade Him, for he felt the roles should be reversed. John understood who Jesus was, and did not feel worthy to fulfill such a significant role in the life of the Savior. However, Jesus let John know that it was an act of obedience to God. With that in mind, John’s mind quickly changed and he somberly moved forward in fulfilling that which was being asked of him. Because John was willing, he also was witness to heaven opening and the Spirit of God descending upon Jesus, with a voice from heaven saying, “This is my Son, whom I love, with Him I am well pleased.” One act of willing obedience, despite it not making sense, led to a tremendous blessing that few were privileged to see. God still works the same way with us. Often, He calls us to things that seem strange or beyond our capacity, yet when we rise up and move forward in faith, we discover more of who He is and how much He loves. May we ever choose to do all that is right, according to what God asks of us; even when it does not make sense or is far beyond our capacity to complete on our own. God is faithful, and He does not lead us anywhere that He will not also meet us and see us through.

 

Be willing to walk,

Photo by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤

Into the brand new;

Despite how it seems,

God will see us through.

For He will not call,

Us where He won’t lead;

He supplies us strength,

And grace to succeed.

For in Christ there’s more,

Than our hearts can dream;

We have to choose trust,

In Him we’re redeemed.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us into new things that are beyond what we think we can do. Thank You that in You, we are granted the strength, wisdom, grace and help we need to keep moving forward in all that is asked of us. Forgive us for our fears and doubts, as we look at what we can see, rather than who You are. Teach us to trust You more. Show us how love, encourage and support those around us in the same way. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we listen to Your leading and move forward into the new that You call us to. Amen.

 

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

 

Blessed are those who act justly, who always do what is right. – Psalm 106:3