Eternal Treasures

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. – (Luke 12:34, NIV)

Your heart will be where your treasure is. – (Luke 12:34, ERV)

Your treasure will be stored in the heavens, and since your treasure is there, your heart will be lodged there as well. – (Luke 12:34, VOICE)

Our greatest gifts are not things at all, but rather include life and love and hope. Each of these things come from God. We must keep perspective that He is our greatest treasure, and every good thing in our life comes from Him. When we have an attitude of gratitude for who God is and how He loves, we maintain perspective that our greatest treasure is in Him, both now and for all eternity. May we ever keep our eyes on the Lord and recognize that our true treasures are those which are eternal in Christ.

Lord, help us recall,

Where true treasure lies;

Hope and life in You,

True love realized.

Every good thing,

That come in our lives;

Reflect back to You,

Good exemplified.

Teach us to treasure,

All that is from You;

Our hope forever,

Each day we’re made new.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that our treasures are found in You. Thank You that You give us life, love and hope that are forever in You. Forgive us for the times that we lose proper perspective and place too much value on the temporary. Teach us to hold all of our hope in You, for true treasure lies in the promises You provide and life everlasting with You. Show us how to love those around us in ways that point their hearts to You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You forever and treasure who You are and all hope that is found in You alone. Amen.

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

…Put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore. – Psalm 131:3

Lead Us to Love Well

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. – (1 Corinthians 13:4-5, NLT)

Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not conceited, does not act improperly, is not selfish, is not provoked, and does not keep a record of wrongs, – (1 Corinthians 13:4-5, HCSB)

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. Love is not rude, it is not selfish, and it cannot be made angry easily. Love does not remember wrongs done against it. – (1 Corinthians 13:4-5, ERV)

Love is patient; love is kind. Love isn’t envious, doesn’t boast, brag, or strut about. There’s no arrogance in love; it’s never rude, crude, or indecent – it’s not self-absorbed. Love isn’t easily upset. Love doesn’t tally wrongs. – (1 Corinthians 13:4-5, VOICE)

I so appreciate how clearly 1 Corinthians walks us through what love is, and what it is not. God’s love is perfect and people are not. We are broken and fall short, yet we have guidance to lead us to love well. When we pause to look around, we can see evidence of God’s love everywhere. There are those who exemplify this very sort of love beautifully. Two examples that God set before me include my grandmother and my own mom. Both of these women have always exemplified patience and kindness, were/are not easily upset, and did/do not keep record of wrongs. Arrogance was/has no part of who they were/are, and each has always considered others before themselves. Their modeling has continually compelled me to seek the Lord to lead me in love. We are all a work in progress, yet the more we seek the Lord to lead and empower us, the more readily we love well. May we ever seek the One who is love so that we too, may love as He intended.

Love’s patient and kind,

Mom and Gram ❤

Forgiving with grace;

God’s heart to extend,

Throughout all our days.

Love does not envy,

Not full of itself;

Love seeks ways to bless,

To reach out and help.

Love’s not conceited,

It’s humble and kind;

Keeping no records,

Leaves the past behind.

True love looks forward,

Chooses to endure;

Knows love is what lasts,

Faith and hope assured.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are Love, and that You show us what love is and what it is not. Thank You that we all have been created with the capacity to love and be loved. Forgive us for the times that we have not been patient or kind, when we have been envious or proud, when we’ve acted improperly, been selfish, or held a grudge. Teach us to love as You do, for Your love lasts forever. Lead us to love those around us in ways that make Your love tangible. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us to love well. Amen.

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

This is what I command you: Love one another. – John 15:17