Faithful

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. – (Hebrews 10:23, NIV)

We must hold on to the hope we have, never hesitating to tell people about it. We can trust God to do what He promised. – (Hebrews 10:23, ERV)

Let us hold strong to the confession of our hope, never wavering, since the One who promised it to us is faithful. – (Hebrews 10:23, VOICE)

Thursday evening, after work and coaching, I made my way down to my sister’s home to be here to take our mom to a medical appointment on Friday. Friday morning I went and picked up mom to run errands and have an early lunch before her scheduled procedure. We had a great time wandering and doing some shopping, and then enjoyed a fantastic lunch. As we were finishing our food, my sister called and let us know that the doctor had reviewed mom’s files again in preparation for the procedure, and determined that it was not at all necessary. Her appointment was cancelled, and we were able to drive to the nearby town where my sister works, tour her new job site, and visit with her during her lunch. Later, after my sister had finished work and my brother-in-law had returned home, we all met for an enjoyable dinner. It was a fantastic day, especially for mom, and far better than I had hoped and prayed for. I had hoped and prayed for it to be an easy procedure, and that we would be able to have a wonderful day together, in spite of my reason for being here. God was faithful beyond what I had hoped and imagined, as He spared mom from yet another medical procedure. My sister had apologized for me having made arrangements to miss work to be present for mom, yet I know that what happened was exactly what mom and I both needed. He is good, and He provided what our hearts desired most, despite the circumstances that provided time together. This morning, as I prepare to make the drive home, I am reminded again of how good God is when we cling to Him to be our hope. I did not know what my time here would hold, but I trusted that He would supply sweet time with mom and my sister. He did exceedingly more, and I will be heading home with a heart full of gratitude for the precious time together. May we ever seek God and place our hope in Him, for He is faithful to meet us and ever be near.

In God, there is hope,

Because we forgot to take a picture all together…

in all things always;

His loving kindness,

and most faithful ways.

When we trust in Him,

He’s present to save;

His help and goodness,

come close and remain.

Even in the times,

we face the unknown;

He meets us, shows up,

Mom and I after a great day. ❤

His nearness made known.

Sometimes He strengthens,

our hearts for the task;

yet other times He,

exceeds what we ask.

In all things always,

God’s faithful and true;

the Hope we can hold,

what He says, He’ll do.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our hope and that You are faithful to Your promises. Thank You that You hear our prayers and do exceedingly more than we could hope or imagine. Thank You for the incredible blessing of time with my family, and for sparing our mom of another medical procedure. Forgive us for making You too small, for You can do so much more than we ask or imagine. Teach us to continue to seek You and trust You in all things and at all times. Show us how to love and share of Your faithfulness with those around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your goodness and grace, and for Your incredible faithfulness throughout all our days. Amen.

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

…Because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” – Hebrews 13:5b

Blessings of Strength and Peace

The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace. – (Psalm 29:11, NIV)

May the Lord make His people strong. May the Lord bless His people with peace. – (Psalm 29:11, ERV)

God makes His people strong. God gives His people peace. – (Psalm 29:11, MSG)

Mondays tend to require a bit of extra strength, especially as we roll into the last several weeks of school and state testing. Kids are anxious about testing and amped up about the warmer weather, and school staff members are enlisted to try to keep it all together. It is easy to forget that this is the struggle each spring. Perhaps because He provides the strength we need for each new day, or because He provides His peace and once it is all done, we have a four-day weekend coming to rest and recover. Incredibly, God gives peace and strength in the midst of chaos, and brings calm to our hearts, even if all around us is not. Each day is new, and we have another opportunity to rely on His strength to carry us, and His peace to be present. As we seek Him, God is faithful to meet us anew. This morning, though I know it will be a long week of testing and two volleyball games this week, as well as a quick trip to Oregon at the end, I bounded out of bed to feed our dogs and spend time in His word. Every morning, He is faithful to meet me and show me His goodness and grace. His love overwhelms me and His peace is present in the still. quiet hours of the morning. Before the sun rises, He is here. As the light of dawn appears, He remains near. May we ever seek the Lord to be our strength and peace, for He is faithful in all things and at all times as we trust in Him.

The Lord is our strength,

throughout each new day;

His peace, made present,

as we walk His way.

He leads and guides us,

in His tender care;

He helps and holds us,

always, ev’rywhere.

God’s grace and goodness,

provide what we need;

to keep pressing on,

wherever He leads.

So trust in the Lord,

our strength and our peace;

ever we praise Him,

as love is increased.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You supply strength and peace as we navigate each new day. Thank You that Your goodness and love lead us in the ways we are meant to go. Forgive us for the times that we have allowed our circumstances or situations to take our eyes off of You. Teach us to look to You to lead and provide. Guide us in Your goodness and grace so that we might love those around us as You intend. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for the strength and peace that You provide, and Your grace and goodness that guide us as we go. Amen.

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

How great are Your works, Lord, how profound Your thoughts! – Psalm 92:5

Steady in the Storms

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV)

Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds. – (Philippians 4:6-7, ERV)

Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of you life. – (Philippians 4:6-7, MSG)

Worry and anxiousness are tangible signs that things are out of balance in our hearts and minds. Most often, it is because we are not praying and seeking God about what is going on, nor giving thanks for that which we have. Because we belong to Christ Jesus, He will guard and protect us, and give us direction as to what we can do and grant us His peace that guards our hearts and minds. His wholeness is made known as we seek Him and trust that He is the One who can work all things out for good. Yes, there are times when there is an issue that brings us to a place that we need God to show us tangible help to supply His peace and rest in His presence. We are created to be in community. Part of being a community includes helping bear one another’s burdens, and walking alongside each other in seasons of both struggle and of celebration. There is a quieting of the clamor caused by chaos that comes when we join with another to pray. Strength and resolve rise up and we are encouraged to get back to praying in all things and at all times. May we ever seek the Lord to show us His perfect peace as we pray, for it is as we pray for help and give Him thanks that we discover the peace that only God provides.

Lord, be our anchor,

https://soundcloud.com/user-955678799/steady-through-the-storm

throughout each new storm;

for Your love’s greater,

and Your peace transforms.

You transform our heart,

mind, body, and soul;

the depth of Your love,

brings peace, makes us whole.

Help us keep seeking,

in prayer, with praise;

Your faithfulness shown,

throughout all our days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we need not worry nor be anxious about anything, but instead, we can bring our requests before You and trust in Your goodness and grace. Thank You that when worries come, You remind us that You are greater than all that we face. Forgive us for our fears and anxiousness, for You have overcome all that we will ever endure. Teach us to trust You more, for You are faithful to show us the ways we are meant to go and how to maneuver in all things. Lead us in Your love to care well for those around us, so that they too may know Your perfect peace, be it in storms or in settled spaces. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we ever seek and praise You, for You are our anchor and the One who keeps us steady in all sorts of seas. Amen.

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

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths. – Proverbs 3:5-6

He Is The One

But You, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. – (Psalm 3:3, NIV)

But You, Lord, protect me. You bring me honor; You give me hope. – (Psalm 3:3, ERV)

But You, Eternal One, wrap around me like an impenetrable shield. You give me glory and lift my eyes up to the heavens. – (Psalm 3:3, VOICE)

God is our Protector and the One who leads us in what is good. He sets our sights on Him as we seek Him, He grants us hope and blessings to behold. Yesterday, as I was running an errand, I was driving a familiar route and approaching a stop light. As I neared the stop light, a big truck and trailer zipped across my lane in front of me to turn into a business nearby. I slammed on my brakes and came to a stop just short of hitting the truck that did not have time to make the turn. At first, I was really irritated with the truck for being so foolish and careless. After my heartrate returned to normal, I began thanking God for His protection. The scenario could have gone far differently, and I am so grateful that it was a near miss rather than a direct hit. Not only would it have made my errand impossible (timing wise), but my vehicle would have been damaged and that is time and money that no one wants to have to spend. Instead, God made me aware and helped me react in the timespan necessary to avoid a collision. This may seem simple and insignificant, yet I cannot help but think of how many times He likely protects us from even the close calls. Many times I have come upon a fender bender or worse, shortly after they have taken place. Each time, I am thankful that I had not arrived moments sooner, for if I had, it could have been me. When I am aware of His nearness, I am reminded of the hope I have in Him. He is my peace and provider, and He loves me at all times. His goodness does not mean that everything will always go our way, but it does determine that His presence is promised and that we will not navigate our days alone. May we ever seek the Lord and trust in Him, for He is the One who protects, provides, loves, blesses, keeps, and grants us hope forever.

The Lord’s ever near,

to those who choose seek;

anchor in the storm,

and strength when we’re weak.

A shield about us,

in love, He protects;

He grants us favor,

help, hope and sweet rest.

Throughout all our days,

His goodness is known;

for He is the One,

supplying grace shown.

All thanks be to God,

each day we draw breath;

for He is the One,

who chose die our death.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You protect us, show us Your glory, and grant us all hope. Thank You that You are ever-present with us. Forgive us for the times that we forget how faithful You truly are. Teach us to trust You more and to be quick to acknowledge Your hand in our daily lives. Show us how to love as You love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You and give You praise for how You love and grant us Your goodness and hope forever. Amen.

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

We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. – Psalm 33:20

Grow

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. – (2 Peter 1:5-8, NIV)

Because you have these blessings, do all you can to add to your life these things: to your faith add goodness; to your goodness add knowledge; to your knowledge add self-control; to your self-control add patience; to your patience add devotion to God; to your devotion add kindness toward your brothers and sisters in Christ, and to this kindness add love. If all these things are in you and growing, you will never fail to be useful to God. You will produce the kind of fruit that should come from your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. – (2 Peter 1:5-8, ERV)

So don’t lose a minute in building on what you’ve been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love, each dimension fitting into and developing the others. With these qualities active and growing in your lives, no grass will grow under your feet, no day will pass without its reward as you mature in your experience of our Master Jesus. – (2 Peter 1:5-8, MSG)

The more we seek and are intentional to pursue the heart of God, the more we increase in the things that are valued by Him. Faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, patience, devotion, kindness and love are some of the attributes that God grows in us as we rely on Him to lead us. We are most effective in all that God has for us as we grow and mature in the things of Him. This is not something that we can simply try to do better, but rather He grows us in these things as we seek Him and choose to love God and love those around us. Faith is a spiritual muscle, the more we use it, the greater it grows. Our faith leads us to depend on God more and more, which transforms our hearts to more clearly reflect His own. Such a heart is one of good character, is granted spiritual understanding, is disciplined, patient, and ever in awe of our Creator. He cultivates kindness within us, which leads us to love deeply. May we ever pursue the Lord and all that He has for us, so that we may be affective in sharing His goodness and love wherever we go and with whomever we encounter.

The Lord is faithful,

each time that we seek;

His love, it grows us,

and grants us His peace.

Our hearts are transformed,

in all that is good;

His love reflected,

His heart understood.

Our faith in the Lord,

a gift that’s bestowed;

for it multiplies,

and in Him, we grow.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we seek You, You grow our faith and the attributes that most clearly reflect Your heart to the world. Thank You that we cannot simply will ourselves to grow, but rather we cannot help but grow the more we spend time in Your presence. Forgive us for the times that we neglect to rely on You. Teach us to turn to You in trust in all things and at all times. Show us how to love those around us best, for Your heart is for us all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we invest time with You each day, for we come to know more of You and in You alone, we grow. Amen.

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

Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches. – Matthew 13:32

To Love and Be Loved

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments. – (Deuteronomy 7:9, NIV)

So remember that the Lord your God is the only God, and you can trust Him! He keeps His agreement. He shows His love and kindness to all people who love Him and obey His commands. He continues to show His love and kindness through a thousand generations. – (Deuteronomy 7:9, ERV)

I want you to know that the Eternal your God is the only true God. He’s the faithful God who keeps His covenants and shows loyal love for a thousand generations to those who in return love Him and keep His commands. – (Deuteronomy 7:9, VOICE)

God is faithful and true, and we can trust Him to keep His word. As we seek Him and follow after Him and His ways, we discover His love and kindness throughout all of our days. That does not mean that all is easy and without challenge, but it does mean that He makes His presence known and walks beside us through all things. As I pondered each part of this verse, I wondered just how long a thousand generations might be. According to my quick Google search, that is 20,000 years. What that means is that for us, it has been a bit less that 4,000 years since Moses, so His faithfulness will continue far beyond our lifetime and the lives of those who follow after us. I imagine it was used to illustrate a concept that continues forever. Incredibly, when Jesus came, He let us know that all of God’s commands can be simplified into loving God and loving our neighbor. If we do these things, we keep His commands. I know in theory this seems quite simple, but it requires an act of willful obedience to choose to love God and love people all the time. Loving people means EVERYONE, even if they are rude, unkind, or worse. It does not mean placing ourselves in harm’s way, but if we cannot love safely in person, we can still pray for them and ask God to move in them and through them. May we ever seek the Lord and invest time with Him and in His word, so that we are equipped to love Him and love all whom we encounter.

The Lord is faithful,

throughout all of time;

He leads and guides us,

with His love in mind.

He shows us His grace,

as He leads in love;

all help, faith and hope,

come from God above.

His love is the light,

that shows us the way;

to love as He loves,

so in Him, we stay.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we choose to love and follow after You, You show us Your kindness and faithfulness forever. Thank You that we can love because You first loved us. Forgive us for the times that we have not loved or have not sought after You and Your best for us. Teach us how to trust You more, so that we love You and those around us in all things and at all times. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You as the One True God, and thank You for Your endless faithfulness and love that lead us to love like You. Amen.

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

For the word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all He does. – Psalm 33:4

To Reflect You

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. – (Psalm 139:23-24, NIV)

God, examine me and know my mind. Test me and know all my worries. Make sure that I am not going the wrong way. Lead me on the path that has always been right. – (Psalm 139:23-24, ERV)

Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I’m about; see for Yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong – then guide me on the road to eternal life. – (Psalm 139:23-24, MSG)

This is a powerful pair of verses. It is not that God does not already know our hearts, our anxieties, and the offensive ways with in us, but it a matter of us choosing to allow Him access into the things that we would rather keep hidden. When we reach out and ask Him to enter into all of us, He is faithful to show us what is good and the things that ought to change. We are works in progress. God is faithful to lead, guide and direct us in the ways we are meant to go, and trustworthy to come into the spaces we prefer be left unseen to show us how to do things differently. His kindness leads to repentance and His love restores the broken and brittle spaces within us. May we ever seek the Lord to know us, correct us, lead us and guide us into a life that leads to His everlasting love.

Search my heart, O God,

make me ever new;

show me how to change,

so I reflect You.

Where I am anxious,

show me how to trust;

where I’m unloving,

fill me with Jesus.

Lord, show me the path,

that I’m meant to take;

the way that is best,

each day as I wake.

Lead me in Your love,

in all that I do;

make Your kindness clear,

so I reflect You.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are gentle and kind and that though You know everything about us, You wait to be invited in to show us the ways we are meant to go. Thank You that You are faithful to meet us each time we ask and that Your love is unconditional and eternal. Forgive us for the times that we have been lacking love. Show us how to love like You in every situation and circumstance. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to refine us to reflect You. Amen.

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

God has been kind to you. He has been very patient, waiting for you to change. But you think nothing of His kindness. Maybe you don’t understand that God is kind to you so that you will decide to change your lives. – Romans 2:4

To Find Life

Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. – (Proverbs 21:21, NIV)

People who try hard to do good and be faithful will find life, goodness, and honor. – (Proverbs 21:21, ERV)

Whoever pursues justice and treats others with kindness discovers true life marked by integrity and respect. – (Proverbs 21:21, VOICE)

The more we pursue what is good, right and just, the more we discover a life filled with goodness and respect. This does not mean that all is free from challenge and trouble, but it does mean that the love we choose to continually give is seen and known, and our heart and intent are clear, despite what comes our way. God is good, and His ways are right and true. As we trust and follow Him, we naturally seek to treat others with kindness, just as He has done for us. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in what is just and kind, and may our lives be marked with integrity and respect as we love as God designed us to love.

Pursue what is just,

with integrity;

for in doing so,

we find we are free.

Free to love all those,

throughout each new day;

whom we encounter,

as we live His way.

Goodness and justice,

peace and the Lord’s grace;

extended in love,

make the Lord’s love plain.

So, ever seek Him,

and do as He does;

for everything,

is done in His love.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to do good and what is just. Thank You that as we choose to love like You, we discover Your goodness and grace that is poured out upon us. Forgive us for the times that we have not responded to those around us with Your love that is just and good and right. Teach us to seek You to lead us in all things and all times. Show us how to love as You love, with goodness and grace, justice and faithfulness. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we ever seek You to lead us in Your love that is just and right and leads to life everlasting. 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

The Word of the Lord

For the word of the Lord is right and true; He is is faithful in all He does. The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of His unfailing love. – (Psalm 33:4-5, NIV)

The Lord’s word is true, and He is faithful in everything He does. He loves goodness and justice. The Lord’s faithful love fills the earth. – (Psalm 33:4-5, ERV)

For the word of the Eternal is perfect and true; His actions are always faithful and right. He loves virtue and equity; the Eternal’s love fills the whole earth. – (Psalm 33:4-5, VOICE)

God’s word teaches us what is true, and His faithfulness leads us in the ways we are meant to go. As we follow after Him, our hearts learn what is right and just, good, virtuous, and equitable. His endless and unfailing love fills the earth. In order to know God’s word, we must spend time in it. Each time we choose to read and reflect on what His word tells us, we learn the ways in which we are meant to live. Incredibly, there is so much to learn that it is a lifelong process. As we seek Him, He grows and transforms us more in His likeness and shows us how to be who He created us to become. May we ever seek the Lord and invest time in His word, for His love fills the earth and empowers us to live and love as He intended.

The word of the Lord,

is faithful and true;

it leads and guides us,

transforms, makes us new.

He shows us the way,

to love as He loves;

in truth and justice,

just as the Lord does.

The whole earth is filled,

with His faithful love;

His goodness for all,

who seek Him above.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are love. Thank You that Your word is true and just, and that Your love is unfailing. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to apply the truth that You show us in Your word. Lead us in Your everlasting love, so that we may live and love in ways that make Your goodness known. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You and spend time in Your word, so that we can be transformed to more clearly reflect Your goodness and love. Amen.

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

But the word of the Lord endures forever… – 1 Peter 1:25a

Abounding in Love

You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to You. – (Psalm 86:5, NIV)

My Lord, You are good and merciful. You love all those who call to You for help. – (Psalm 86:5, ERV)

O Lord, You are good and ready to forgive; Your loyal love flows generously over all who cry out to You. – (Psalm 86:5, VOICE)

Because God is good, He is ever ready to forgive. Each time we ask, He answers. God floods us with His generous, overwhelming, never-ending love as we cry out to Him. When I think about all of the times that I have cried out to God and sought Him to be my help, He has been faithful to be present and to provide. His answers seldom come in the ways that we expect, yet He is always good and His love never fails. In love, as we confess our sins to Him and ask His forgiveness, He picks us up, dusts us off, and shows us the ways in which we are meant to go. Each day, He provides new strength and fills my heart with His love. There are days that it feels as though I have depleted all that He has given by the end of my first period class, yet His abounding love comes crashing in and reminds me who He is for me so that I can press on. May we ever seek the Lord to forgive and fill us anew, for He faithful to help all who call on Him.

O Lord, You abound,

in love we can share;

Your help and Your hope,

for us, anywhere.

You’re quick to forgive,

as we seek and ask;

in love You equip,

our hearts for each task.

In all things, always,

You show us You’re near;

Your good overwhelms,

and chases off fear.

Thank You, Lord Jesus,

that You are so good;

for love abounding,

Your heart understood.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we seek You, You meet us and forgive us. Thank You that You are abounding in love that floods our hearts and minds and strengthens us to keep moving in the direction to which we are called. Thank You that You are our help and our hope each time we call on Your Name. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to seek You. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would bring all things before You, both our reasons for gratitude and those that bring sorrow or struggle. Show us how to allow the abounding love You give to us to overflow to all those around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You as they experience the power of Your goodness and grace. Be glorified O God, as we seek You in all things and praise You for Your presence and help provided each time we ask. Amen.

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

I lift my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. – Psalm 121:1-2