Promote Peace

If it is at all possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. – (Romans 12:18, NIV)

Do the best you can to live at peace with everyone. – (Romans 12:18, ERV)

If it is within your power, make peace with all people. – (Romans 12:18, VOICE)

The only thing that we can control is the way that we choose to interact and react to those around us. If our heart is determined to love in all that we do, we are promoting peace through our words and actions. We can be at peace with those around us, even if they are not interested in the same. As we walk in forgiveness, we do not carry the weight that holding grudges creates. On our own, this is an impossible ask, yet with Jesus, we are equipped and empowered to love and forgive and be at peace in all things and at all times. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in His love and pray to Him to provide peace within us wherever we go.

Peace is possible,

wherever we go;

as we live at peace,

with all whom we know.

The choice, it is ours,

to love in all things;

respond like Jesus,

so goodness we bring.

Wherever we go,

whatever we do;

Lord help us bring peace,

as we choose love true.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to peace. Thank You that You do not merely call us to peace, but You equip and empower us to be at peace with those around us. Forgive us for the times that we have held onto hurts or have grown a grudge against another. Teach us to release all things into Your hands, for You are just and good, and trustworthy with all things. Show us how to love those around us in ways that promote peace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we listen to Your leading and rely on Your love. Amen.

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

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. – Psalm 34:14

Love Fulfills the Law

The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law. – (Romans 13:9-10, NIV)

The law says, “You must not commit adultery, you must not murder anyone, you must not steal, you must not want what belongs to someone else.” All these commands and all the other commands are really only one rule: “Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.” Love doesn’t hurt others. So loving is the same as obeying all the law. – (Romans 13:9-10, ERV)

The commands given to you in the Scriptures – do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not take what is not yours, do not covet – and any other command you have heard are summarized in God’s instruction: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Does love hurt anyone? Absolutely not. In fact, love achieves everything the law requires. – (Romans 13:9-10, VOICE)

If we truly love as God intended, we are fulfilling the law. How we treat others is a direct reflection of either love, or a lack thereof. The “shall nots” lead us directly to what love should be. Love is patient and kind, it rejoices with truth, it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. It does not fail. (1 Corinthians 13) Our charge is to love. When we love the Lord, we seek to do His will. His will is to love one another as He loves us. Through Him, we are equipped and empowered to love as He intended. Jesus grants us patience and kindness, hope and perseverance, trust and an ongoing desire to walk in truth. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in His love, so that we might love in a way that fulfills the law in every way.

The commands we’re given,

All point back to one;

Love one another,

And His will is done.

For love does no harm,

Instead, it protects;

It won’t separate,

But rather, connects.

Love brings together,

With kindness and grace;

It forgives, fulfills,

And walks in God’s ways.

His ways are loving,

Always He is good;

As we choose love too,

His heart’s understood.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to love. Thank You that Your commands are fulfilled when we love our neighbors as ourselves. Forgive us for the times that we have not loved as You intended. Teach us to be patient and kind, so that we model truth, hope, trust, protection and perseverance. Show us how to best love those around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose to love all around us as You intended. Amen.

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

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34

The Way of Love

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” – (John 13:34-35, NIV)

“I give you a new command: Love each other. You must love each other just as I loved you. All people will know that you are My followers if you love each other.” – (John 13:34-35, ERV)

“Let Me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are My disciples – when they see the love that you have for each other.” – (John 13:34-35, MSG)

Truer words have never been spoken. It is only by loving one another well, that anyone will see a difference in our lives. If we act and react the same way as everyone else, there is nothing different about those who are in a life-changing relationship with Christ. However, if we love and care for each other, and extend love, even when it is not “deserved”, there is a noticeable difference, and it demonstrates the goodness of God to those around us. Not only are we commanded to love one another, but we are given the clear “why” as to the impact it has when we do. Today, though a “Hallmark” sort of holiday, it is another opportunity to choose to love well, all whom we encounter. Imagine the impact if followers of Christ truly followed Christ in such a way that all whom we see, speak, and interact with would know by our love. May we seek the Lord to lead us in His love and allow His love to transform our hearts and minds so that we too, love well.

The love of the Lord,

Power to change things;

It transforms the heart,

And the hope we bring.

For when we know God,

And receive His love;

We are empowered,

To do as He does.

For God, He so loved,

That He freely gave;

Without conditions,

The way He did make.

Help us to love well,

So all people know;

The goodness of God,

Through the love we show.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You love us in such a way that we are empowered and equipped to love like You. Thank You for the examples You have given us through Your Son and through the people around us who choose to love like You. Forgive us for the times that our words, thoughts and deeds have not been done in love. Teach us to seek You to lead us in all that we say and do. Show us how to love everyone as You do. Give us Your eyes to see and Your heart to understand so that we may love well. May many come into a lasting relationship with You, for Your love knows no end. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to love everyone as You do, today and always. Amen.

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

May Your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in You. – Psalm 33:22

Purposeful Peace

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. – (Matthew 5:9, NIV)

Great blessings belong to those who work to bring peace. God will call them His sons and daughters. – (Matthew 5:9, ERV)

You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. Thant’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family. – (Matthew 5:9, MSG)

When we truly seek the Lord to lead us in His perfect peace, we are equipped and empowered to bring His peace wherever we go. People recognize there is a difference when we operate from a position as a peacemaker, rather than as one who seek only to be right or to be heard. Peacemakers prioritize people. Their mode of operation is loving kindness and grace. Above all else, when we extend God’s peace to those around us, He calls us His own sons and daughters. Our place is in His family, and our hearts begin to more closely resemble His own as we follow after Him. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in His peace in all things, and may we recognize and receive who we are as His beloved children.

Cooperation,

And purposeful peace;

Are brought together,

As grace is released.

The Lord equips us,

To in love, bring peace;

Living with purpose,

His good does increase.

The more we choose love,

As it’s meant to be;

The more peace will spread,

Intentionally.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to be peacemakers. Thank You that as we seek You, You equip and empower us to pass on Your perfect peace to those around us. Forgive us for the times that we have allowed our egos to get in the way of showing love and grace as You intended. Teach us to depend on You to provide wisdom, strength, and peace in all things. Show us how to love those around us in ways that promote Your perfect peace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we love You and those around us, and by Your grace, extend Your purposeful peace wherever we go. Amen.

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

For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility. – Ephesians 2:14

Peace and Gratitude

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. – (Colossians 3:15, NIV)

Let the peace that Christ gives control your thinking. It is for peace that you were chosen to be together in one body. And always be thankful. – (Colossians 3:15, ERV)

Let your hearts fall under the rule of the Anointed’s peace (the peace you were called to as one body”, and be thankful. – (Colossians 3:15, VOICE)

We are called to be the body of Christ together in peace. When we allow gratitude to rule our thinking, Christ’s peace reigns in our hearts and we are empowered to peacefully be together as one. Peace among the body does not mean that we are all exactly alike, but it instead means that we appreciate and honor one another’s strengths and perspectives. May we ever seek the Lord with grateful hearts, and allow Him to lead us to be one body, united in purpose.

With grateful hearts,

We are called to peace;

To be the body,

Where love is released.

As we give God room,

To reign in our hearts;

Gratitude rises,

We’re shown how to start.

Honor each other,

Seek to understand;

Let thanks overflow,

Side by side, we stand.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the abundant blessings that You pour out upon us as You have placed us in communities on purpose, with a purpose. Thank You that in You, there is peace, and that You show us how to function together in Your peace. Forgive us for allowing our egos to get in the way. Show us how to allow gratitude to rise and Your peace to permeate all that we say and do. Teach us how to love those around us in ways that unite us in purpose and bind us in Your perfect love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You with grateful hearts and trust You to lead us to be the body in Your perfect peace. 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 107:1

No Barrier

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

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

That hope is real and true, an anchor to steady our restless souls, a hope that leads us back behind the curtain to where God is (as the high priests did in the days when reconciliation flowed from the sacrifices in the temple). – (Hebrews 6:19, VOICE)

God is the hope that anchors our lives. He is strong and secure and keeps us safe. Typically, I pause there, as knowing that I have Christ as the anchor to steady me is of great comfort. However, this morning as I ponder further the second half of the verse, I am reminded that Jesus goes where we cannot; He sees what we cannot; and He is able to do the things that we are not equipped, empowered, or allowed to do. The curtain, in Old Testament times, was the separation between God and man. When Jesus died on the cross, the veil was torn in two and there no longer was a divide between us and God. Jesus made the way for us to fully access God, personally, rather than having to have a go-between that was only allowed in His holy presence once a year. We can seek and approach the Lord any time, for Jesus is the lens through which the Father sees us as holy and acceptable. This is not through anything that we have or have not done, but rather all because of Jesus. May we ever hold fast to Him who is the anchor of our hope, and the One who has removed the barrier that kept us separated from God.

Hope is the anchor,

That keeps us afloat;

No separation,

With Christ in our boat.

He’s our safe harbor,

Throughout each new storm;

Our hope and our help,

To keep keeping on.

No longer is there,

A limit for us;

All times and places,

Right there is Jesus.

Cling to the anchor,

The barrier’s gone;

In Christ there’s a way,

For He makes us strong.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the anchor of our hope, and that because of Jesus, there is no longer a barrier that separates us from You. Thank You Jesus, for making the way for us to have full access to God. Forgive us for being our own barrier. Teach us to trust in You, Lord, that Your sacrifice and Your grace are enough to steady us and grant us access to ever come before You. Show us how to love like there is no barrier standing in our way. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we hold fast to You, our anchor, and praise You for the ongoing access we have to come before You on Your throne, without fear or barrier to keep us from You. Amen.

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

You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take rest in safety. – Job 11:18

Ever Near

I keep the Lord in mind always. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. – (Psalm 16:9, HCSB)

I always remember that the Lord is with me. He is here, close by my side, so nothing can defeat me. – (Psalm 16:9, ERV)

He is ever present with me; at all times He goes before me. I will not live in fear or abandon my calling because He stands at my right hand. – (Psalm 16:9, VOICE)

This is the goal for sure, to keep the Lord in mind always and to remember that He is ever present with us wherever we go and whatever we do. Whatever He calls us to, He will see us through. It does not mean that it will be easy, but it will always be worthwhile. Whether we have known Jesus the majority of our lives or for a short while, it is good to be reminded of how very near He is. When we are aware of His presence, fear flees and we find we are equipped and empowered to move forward into all that He is asking. May we ever seek the Lord and be intentional to spend time with Him, as it is through our drawing near that we are reminded that the Lord is but a heartbeat away.

O Lord, You are good,

Chasing sunsets on Oahu.<3

Ever near to me;

My help and my hope,

For eternity.

As close as my hand,

You stay by my side;

Your nearness is clear,

As I choose abide.

Remind us, O God,

Of Your strength and grace;

How present You are,

When we seek Your face.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are always with us and ever ready to help us and strengthen us so that we can press on. Thank You that we need not fear because You are with us. Forgive us for losing sight of Your nearness. Teach us to trust in Your goodness and grace that is ever with us. Show us how to love those around us in ways that make Your nearness tangible. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we are ever aware of Your nearness. Amen.

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

The Lord is near to all who call out to Him, all who call out to Him with integrity. – Psalm 145:18

So Love Shines Through

For God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you showed for His name when you served the saints – and you continue to serve them. – (Hebrews 6:10, HCSB)

God is fair, and He will remember all the work you have done. He will remember that you showed your love to Him by helping His people and that you continue to help them. – (Hebrews 6:10, ERV)

Because God is not unjust or unfair, He won’t overlook the work you have done or the love you have carried to each other in His name while doing His work, as you are still doing. – (Hebrews 6:10, VOICE)

When we love and serve those around us like Jesus, He sees, knows and remembers. He is pleased when we love others as He has loved us. We do not do these things to get something, but rather it is out of the overflow of all that He has done for us that we are propelled to do likewise. May we ever be aware of the goodness of God and how He loves us, so that we may go forth and serve in love, helping those around us like Him.

The Lord is faithful,

He sees what we do;

Not for a reward,

But so love shines through.

Each time we choose love,

Show kindness and serve;

The Lord is well pleased,

For good is observed.

Not our own goodness,

But rather, it’s His;

To do what He’s done,

And give as He gives.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You show us Your goodness, kindness, mercy and love, over and over again. Thank You that it is from that place of knowing Your grace, that we are equipped and empowered to love and serve like You. Thank You that You see and remember and are pleased when we love others as You intended. Forgive us for the times that we have not. Teach us to seek You and trust You to lead us to love and serve well in every situation and circumstance. Show us how to love and serve each person we meet, so that they might gain glimpses of Your goodness. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek to love and serve out of the overflow of all that You continue to pour into us. Amen.

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

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

Lead Me to Water

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He renews my life; He leads me along the right path for His name’s sake. – (Psalm 23:1-3, HCSB)

The Lord is my shepherd. I will always have everything I need. He gives me green pastures to lie in. He leads me by calm pools of water. He restores my strength. He leads me on right paths to show that He is good. – (Psalm 23:1-3, ERV)

God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, You find me quiet pools to drink from. True to Your word, You let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. – (Psalm 23:1-3, MSG)

God is so good. He leads us to quiet spaces to rest and be refreshed. He renews our strength and leads us in the ways that we are meant to go. The challenge is to actually seek Him and allow Him to lead us. It is easy to get caught up in the endless cycle of busyness, and neglect to seek God to lead us in the day-to-day. When we pursue the Lord to lead us, we gain wisdom and strength to do the things that we are meant to do, and understand what we need to let go of, step away from, or wait for the right timing to do. He is good, and He knows what we need far better than we do. May we ever trust the Lord and His leading to move forward in His wisdom and strength, for with Him, we find rest and refreshment and all that we need in His goodness and love.

Lord, I will seek You,

With each brand new day;

To lead and guide me,

To walk in Your way.

Lead me to water,

To rest, be refreshed;

Empowered in love,

To do what is best.

Thank You, Lord Jesus,

For Your faithfulness;

To strengthen and lead,

Remind us we’re blessed.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are always good. Thank You that You lead us to spaces to rest and find refreshment in You. Forgive us for getting caught up in the cycle of busy, rather than seeking You for wisdom to know what we should and should not take on throughout each day. Lead us in Your wisdom and grace. Teach us to love well, all those whom we encounter throughout our day so that they too, might know the refreshment found in Your lavish love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to grant us wisdom and rest to be refreshed and ready to do all that You have for us. Amen.

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

For You are my rock and my fortress; You lead and guide me because of Your Name. – Psalm 31:3

The Greatest Love Story

“For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” – (John 3:16, HCSB)

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 God expressed His love for the world in this way: He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not face everlasting destruction, but will have everlasting life. – (John 3:16, VOICE)

In this season of fixation on love, it seems only appropriate to recognize and celebrate the greatest love of all. God loved creation so much that He gave His Son to restore what had been lost, and to make the way for all who receive it, to have life everlasting with Him. We have all been hand-crafted, designed to love and be loved. The unique design placed within each of us grants us the capacity to love well. This love is not limited to romantic love, but rather it equips and empowers us to love all. From our parents, to siblings, to children, family, friends and a significant other, God gives us all that we need to love well. It is up to us to receive all that He offers so that we might truly know His love and then go and love likewise, all those whom He has placed in our lives. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us to love well, and give Him all praise for His loving ways each day that we draw breath.

The greatest love story,

That’s ever been told;

The gift of a Savior,

To have and to hold.

It is through the knowing,

Receiving of grace;

That we too can love well,

As we seek His face.

God places in our lives,

People we’re to love;

All whom He created,

Purposed from above.

So seek Him to love well,

Photo by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤

Receive all He gives;

In Christ we’re empowered,

To love as we live.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your One and only Son to make the way for us to be in a loving relationship with You and equipped to love others as You do. Thank You that Your love gives us hope and help, life and love that last forever. Forgive us for the times that we have not loved as You intended, and for when we neglect to receive what You freely and lovingly offer. Teach us to trust in Your everlasting goodness and grace as You continually show us Your loving ways. Lead us to love all those around us as You intended. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we receive the incredible gift of Your love and trust You to lead us to love all those around us well. Amen.

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

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. – Psalm 5:11