Gather Together

For where two or three gather in My Name, there am I with them. – (Matthew 18:20, NIV)

Yes, if two or three people are together believing in Me, I am there with them. – (Matthew18:20, ERV)

For when two or three gather together in My Name, I am there in the midst of them. – (Matthew 18:20, VOICE)

This passage is yet another reminder that we are called to be in community. There is power in being present with fellow believers. We can encourage and lift one another up, and Jesus tells us He will be with us when we join with one another in purpose. Yes, we can be aware of God’s nearness on our own, but there is something powerful that happens when we are united in prayer and intention with at least one or two others. Sometimes, all we need is simply to be present with one another to find comfort, peace and encouragement. Being together turns friends into family and family into friends as hearts are heard and held up through fellowship. Incredibly, the friendships that have been established over time become the ones that we can go to, no matter how much time has passed, and share life together as if we had never had time apart. May we ever be intentional to invest in community so that we gather together often with those whom we can encourage and lift up and know that the same will be done for us.

We’re called to gather,

be community;

and as we do so,

God’s there, faithfully.

He hears what we ask,

and receives our praise;

in love He upholds,

throughout all our days.

Ever let’s seek Him,

gather and be near;

love one another,

as we seek, He hears.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You promise to be present when two or three of us gather in Your Name. Thank You that You hear our prayers and receive our praise. Thank You that You provide Your comfort, care, peace and protection in tangible ways through those around us. Forgive us for the times that we have isolated ourselves when we needed one another. Show us how to reach out and be intentional to spend time with those whom You have placed in our lives. Lead us to love and encourage each other as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we gather together in Your Name and seek You to lead us to love well, each person who crosses our path. Amen.

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

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor; if either of them falls down, one can help the other up. – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10a

Love and Loyalty

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bin them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. – (Proverbs 3:3, NIV)

Don’t ever let love and loyalty leave you. Tie them around your neck, and write them on your heart. – (Proverbs 3:3, ERV)

Stay focused; do not lose sight of mercy and truth; engrave them on a pendant, and hang it around your neck; meditate on them so they are written upon your heart. – (Proverbs 3:3, VOICE)

King Solomon, the son of David, was asked by God what he wanted. Solomon could have asked for power, wealth, long life, etc., but he asked for a heart of wisdom to lead God’s people well. Because God was well-pleased with Solomon’s request, He gave him wisdom beyond what had ever been seen before or since. This Proverb is one of the many written by Solomon during his reign. Love and faithfulness need to be in the forefront of our mind and heart in all that we say and do. To place something around one’s neck is a constant reminder, as is writing something upon one’s heart. Can you imagine what the world would be like if everyone chose to allow love and faithfulness to be the motivation in all that was said and done? The more we follow after God with our whole heart, the more we are able to demonstrate what it is to faithfully and loyally love. May we ever pursue God and His heart for the world so that we may let love and faithfulness lead us in all that we say and do.

Let true loyalty,

If we all had the love and loyalty of dogs…❤

and love for the Lord;

be that which leads us,

for His grace affords.

He grants us wisdom,

goodness and His grace;

He leads and guides us,

as we seek His face.

So, keep seeking God,

and let His love reign;

His loving kindness,

will show us the way.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to love and loyalty as a way of life. Thank You for the faithful who have show us what it is to follow after You wholeheartedly. Forgive us for the times that we have not. Teach us to trust You more so that Your love and faithfulness will be imprinted upon our heart in such a way that we cannot help but mirror that which we have been given by You. Show us how to love all whom we encounter. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for loving us faithfully, even when we are faithless. Grow us, Lord Jesus, in Your goodness and grace. Amen.

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

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; love and faithfulness go before You. – Psalm 89:14

For Us, In Us, Through Us

And we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in Him. – (1 John 4:16, HCSB)

So we know the love that God has for us, and we trust that love. God is love. Everyone who lives in love lives in God, and God lives in them. – (1 John 4:16, ERV)

We have experienced and we have entrusted our lives to the love of God in us. God is love. Anyone who lives faithfully in love also lives faithfully in God, and God lives in them. – (1 John 4:16, VOICE)

As we come to know and trust the love that God has for us, it grows in us, and flows through us. The more faithfully we love, the more clearly we reflect God to those around us. Without God, it is impossible to love as He loves. With Him, His love flows through us and others gain glimpses of His goodness. May we ever seek the Lord to live faithfully in Him, for when we do so, we are faithful to love as He loves.

The Lord is for us,

as we seek, He stays;

faithful to lead us,

in all of His ways.

He shows us real love,

so we do the same;

as we live for Him,

we honor His Name.

Let’s faithfully live,

in God’s love and grace;

so we may share well,

each one of our days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we invite You to live in us, You show that You are for us, and demonstrate Your love through us. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to receive all that You offer, or have withheld love that we were meant to share. Teach us to trust You more so that we walk out each day faithfully loving as You love each of us. Show us how to love in all things and at all times so that Your goodness is evident to all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we recognize You are for us, trust You because You are in us, and give You room to move through us. Amen.

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

This God, our God forever and ever – He will always lead us. – Psalm 48:14

God is… (Day 30 – Good)

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

Give thanks to the Lord because He is good. His faithful love will last forever. – (1 Chronicles 16:34, ERV)

Give thanks to God – He is good and His love never quits. – (1 Chronicles 16:34, MSG)

Yesterday was another day of dear ones sharing their greatest joy and their most devastating heartbreak. The incredible reunion of my dear friend and her husband, after waiting three years for his green card, finally transpired. She shared a few photos with me and I could not help but fend off tears of joy on she and her family’s behalf. However, I also learned that a wonderful young woman, a former student of mine, passed away unexpectedly. To make matters worse, she left behind a twin sister and two young children. The overwhelming grief that the family is experiencing is immense, as their older sister passed a year ago. That being said, the living twin reached out and asked for prayer for the family, for she knows that even in despair, God is good. My friend who is at long last reunited, shared her joy as she is celebrating God’s goodness and faithfulness. The love of God is always good, even when our circumstances are not. In fact, we are assured that in this life, there will be trouble, yet we are promised that He will be with us through all things. His goodness assures us that though we will walk through seasons that shake us to the core, He will be with us, upholding us, carrying us, and walking beside us to see us to the other side. God demonstrates His goodness and faithfulness constantly. We need only to pause and look around us to witness in wonder how very good He is. Right now, I am flanked by our two dogs, with my husband sitting beside me before he heads out the door to work. Our home is warm and I am able to sip coffee and spend time reading God’s word and reflect upon what it says. Each morning, I am reminded anew of His love and goodness, faithfulness and nearness, as I am intentional to seek Him. No matter what is going on in life, His mercies are new every morning and I know that He is good. May we ever seek the Lord and give Him our praise, for He is good throughout all of our days.

In joy and sorrow,

God is always good;

His grace upholds us,

makes love understood.

Even in darkness,

when we cannot see;

the Lord is moving,

ever faithfully.

In seasons of joy,

let us give Him praise;

and in our sorrow,

choose trust in His grace.

His love surrounds us,

forever He reigns;

Our Hope, Provider,

Soother of our pains.

All thanks be to God,

because we’re assured;

no matter what comes,

God’s love will endure.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are always good. Thank You that Your goodness and love never end. Thank You that You make Your goodness known in both joy and heartache. Forgive us for the times that we question Your goodness when bad things happen. Thank You that You are big enough to hear and answer our questions. Teach us to trust You more, so that we instantly turn to You in every season that we walk through. Show us how to love those around us well, so that Your goodness and love are made tangible at all times and through all things. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You and thank You that You are always good. Amen.

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

The Lord is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made. – Psalm 145:9

I Rejoice in Your Love

I will be glad and rejoice in Your love, for You saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. – (Psalm 31:7, NIV)

Your kindness makes me so happy. You have seen my suffering. You know about the troubles I have. – (Psalm 31:7, ERV)

I will gladly rejoice because of Your gracious love because You recognized the sadness of my affliction. You felt deep compassion when You saw the pains of my soul. – (Psalm 31:7, VOICE)

More than nine years ago, I was in a space of such sadness in my soul. My marriage of many years had ended and I had to trust God completely to pick up the pieces and mend my heart. He faithfully surrounded me and my kids with family and community that helped heal our hearts and I was able to discover who He had made me to be as just me, not as merely a part of a pair. Seven years ago, I was in a good space; I was completely content being single and focusing on raising our boys. However, God clearly had a better plan for me, as I met this gentle giant of a man who was kind and set my heart at ease from the first time we met. For the next two years I learned how to be loved as who God made me to be. No criticism or unkindness, only encouragement, support, and love. Five years ago today, we were married in my mom’s backyard overlooking the river and orchards below, surrounded by mountain foothills and our closest friends and family. Here we are, five years later, and we have three kids who are successfully navigating their way into adulthood, and one bonus kid who is finding his footing after losing all that he had. I am so grateful for God’s compassion for me and His love that is demonstrated to me through my spouse. Of course no relationship is perfect, yet I know I am perfectly loved. We have navigated challenges, hardships, heartaches, and great victories; I am certain that it has been God’s gracious love and strong capable hands that have held us and led us to today. May we ever look back at God’s goodness and give Him praise, and look forward with great anticipation for all that lies ahead with His leading.

The Lord is so good,

Photo by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤

for He knows our heart;

He picks up pieces,

when we fall apart.

He heals what’s hurting,

and makes things brand new;

my heart was transformed,

when He gave me you.

To truly be loved,

in tangible ways;

treasured and valued,

throughout each new day.

One to walk beside,

through all that life brings;

protected, cherished,

always, through all things.

Through the ups and downs,

and the highs and lows;

together we walk,

and see God’s love shown.

O Lord, I thank You,

for this gift of grace;

he reflects Your heart,

by loving Your way.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible gift of love that You have given me in my Viking. You knew exactly what my heart needed to love and trust the way You designed. Thank You for leading us, carrying us, and showing us each next step as we together, follow after You. Forgive us for the times that we have taken the blessings for granted. Teach us to continue to seek You to lead us in the ways we are meant to go. Show us how to love those around us as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as I praise You for the amazing gift that You have given to me in my spouse, and for the treasure he is as a protector and provider to our community as well. Amen.

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

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

– Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

*All photos in this post were taken by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤

All That We Can

When it is in your power, don’t withhold good from the one it belongs to. – (Proverbs 3:27, HCSB)

Do everything you possibly can for those who need help. – (Proverbs 3:27, ERV)

Do not withhold what is good from those who deserve it; if it is within your power to give it, do it. – (Proverbs 3:27, VOICE)

The thing is, we can always give good. Our kindness, attention and grace cost us nothing, yet provide much to those who need it most. God is the ultimate giver of all good, and we are called to love in the same way. Sometimes, it is through tangible giving of things, yet often, it is our time, energy and love that are truly needed. As we seek the Lord and receive His goodness and grace, we are compelled to love those around us in the same way. During this most wonderful season, there are always needs to be met. It is up to us to look around us and do what we can, with what we have, wherever we are. May we open our eyes to see the need around us and do what we can to give good to all.

Lord, open our eyes,

So that we may see;

The needs we can meet,

By grace, faithfully.

Teach us to choose love,

To honor and serve;

To love as we’re loved,

Kindness not deserved.

For all deserve good,

Not for what’s been done;

But rather because,

We’re daughters and sons.

All of creation,

You’ve made and called good;

So help us to love,

Each one as we should.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You love us and give good gifts, not because we deserve them, but because we are Yours. Thank You that You call us to do the same. Forgive us for neglecting to do the good that we can, and lead us in Your love to give of our time, talents and resources wherever You ask. Teach us to trust You more, so that we can love those around us as You first loved us. Show us how to love like You wherever we go. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we do everything we possibly can, with what we have, wherever we are. Amen.

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

The Lord of Hosts says this: Make fair decisions. Show faithful love and compassion for one another. – Zechariah 7:9

To Use What We’ve Been Given

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies. – (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, NIV) 

You should know that your body is a temple for the Holy Spirit that you received from God and that lives in you. You don’t own yourselves. God paid a very high price to make you His. So, honor God with your body. – (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, ERV) 

Don’t you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who comes from God and dwells inside of you? You do not own yourself. You have been purchased at a great price, so use your body to bring glory to God! – (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, VOICE) 

When we give our lives to God, He comes and dwells in us and makes our heart His home. He is not pushy, rather He waits for the invitation to clean house and make our heart more like His. To honor God with our bodies is a charge that looks different for everyone. For some, honoring God with the body is to sing, play music, or create. For others it is to get out and move. Each of us have been gifted with different strengths, talents and desires, and as we pursue them with a heart after Him, we are honoring the Lord with our entire being. Tending to His temple is to care best for the body that we have been given. I don’t know about you, but this whole COVID situation has made the normal rhythm of fueling the temple healthfully, far more difficult. My saving grace has been my desire to get outside and move. Thor, our sweet puppy, helps with that as well. Everything we do has the capacity to honor God, if we are seeking Him and following His will in what we do. May we be purposeful in our pursuit of God and His best for us, so that we may honor God by caring well for our temple. 

Lord, help me to care, 

For this body well; 

With all that I do, 

May Your goodness tell. 

Help me to choose well, 

With what’s allowed in; 

So that You’re honored, 

And I’m kept from sin. 

Let moderation, 

And wisdom guide me; 

Please keep me moving, 

With thanks, faithfully. 

Let also these hands, 

Bring glory to You; 

Writing, creating, 

Please keep my heart true. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we receive the gift that You have freely given of Yourself, we become the temple for Your Holy Spirit. Thank You that as we seek You, You teach us to tend the temple and utilize our bodies to give You glory through how we make use of what You have given us. Forgive us for becoming lazy, or gluttonous, or allowing garbage in, rather than seeking to honor You in all. Show us how to best tend to the temple that You have given, and show us how to honor You in all that we do. Lead us to love those around us in practical and tangible ways. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to show us how to best care for and utilize all that You intended for that which we have been given. Amen. 

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

In my distress I called to the Lord; I called out to my God. From His temple He heard my voice; my cry came to His ears. – 2 Samuel 22:7

A Plan and a Purpose

“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” – (Luke 11:9, NIV) 

“So I tell you, continue to ask, and God will give to you. Continue to search, and you will find. Continue to knock, and the door will open for you.” – (Luke 11:9, ERV) 

“So listen: Keep on asking, and you will receive. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened for you.” – (Luke 11:9, VOICE) 

On this day, the day that the last fifteen years of schooling have prepared my children for, this seems an appropriate reminder of what matters, as they prepare for the next leg of their journey. Luke reminds us where our priorities ought to lie in our pursuit of next steps, and how important perseverance truly is. Keep seeking, asking, searching and knocking, even when the road is rough and it seems as there is no way to keep moving forward. He is present and able to help, and He hears, sees, knows and honors every move we make in pursuit of His best for what lies ahead.  

For my own son, Lucas, whose name is derived from Luke, my reminder to you who has fought and overcome the challenges associated with dyslexia to become a bright and talented writer, a critical thinker, and a young man who is ready to pursue his dreams as you graduate with honors, it seems only fitting to remind you of the words that Jesus said. Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” – (Luke 18:27) You have been a living example of the power of God working to make impossibilities possible. Keep trusting, seeking, asking and knocking, for He has great things in store for you. 

Micah, my youngest son, (by one minute), you too, are biblically named. Despite obstacles, heartache, frustration and fears, you have risen up and become a man of integrity, who loves deeply, acts justly and is humble and kind. For you, always remember who you are, and stay true to the man you have been called to be. He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. – (Micah 6:8) As you seek the Lord for each next step, He will indeed show you what is good and what He requires of you to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him.  

On this special day, 

Please never forget; 

The hope that is found, 

Purposeful mindset. 

Ever keep seeking, 

Pursuing God’s best; 

Asking and knocking, 

He’ll show you the rest. 

A plan and purpose, 

The Lord has for you; 

A future that’s good, 

So, listen, pursue. 

Keep asking of Him, 

What He has for you; 

Then step out in faith, 

As your dreams come true. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You remind us to seek, ask, and keep knocking, as You have created each of us to faithfully persevere in pursuit of all that You have for us. Thank You that Your promises are good, and You are faithful forever. Forgive us for our frustrations and fears when things seem impossible. Teach us to remember that all things are possible in You. Show us how to encourage, trust, seek, pursue and lift up those around us in Your love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we celebrate the accomplishments of all of our graduates, and support and encourage each in the next chapter of their stories. Amen. 

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

You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. – Jeremiah 29:13

Confidently Seek in Love

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. – (1 John 5:14, NIV)

We can come to God with no doubts. This means that when we ask God for things (and those things agree with what God wants for us), God cares about what we say. – (1 John 5:14, ERV)

Since we have this confidence, we can also have great boldness before Him, for if we present any request agreeable to His will, He will hear us. – (1 John 5:14, TPT)

 

At first read, this can be a bit intimidating. Who am I to truly know God’s will? The more I read and ponder and pray, the more I recognize that if whatever I am asking God is aligned with loving Him and loving people, then my prayers will be heard. His will not always revealed to us, yet we do know that what He commands of us, desires of us, and has created us for – loving Him and loving those around us. It seems that the bottom line as we approach God for anything, is what is the condition of our heart? What I mean by that is what is our intention for what we are asking. Is it for the good our heart toward Him? Will it help or better the life of another? What I have learned is that God is gracious and kind and full of love, and He hears our heart cry as we come before Him with honesty and truth. He leads and guides in the ways we are meant to go, and blesses us with His peace. May we ever confidently seek the Lord in prayer, trusting that He hears and cares about what we ask as we pursue His best for every circumstance.

 

We can be certain,

https://relevantmagazine.com/god/true-worship-more-singing-church/

The Lord hears our prayer;

Each time that we seek,

He listens with care.

With a heart for good,

Full of love and peace;

God shows us the way,

As grace is released.

So, choose seek the Lord,

Pray confidently;

With a heart of love,

God hears faithfully.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us and showing us what is good. Thank You that if our heart is for loving You and loving people, You hear our prayers with a heart of love. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to seek You or have sought You out of selfishness. Teach us to trust and follow You in all things. Show us how to love those around us in the same way that You love us so well. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You with a heart of love, ever pursuing Your will. Amen.

 

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

 

For You have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. – Psalm 71:5

 

 

Blessed in Wonder

The whole earth is filled with awe at Your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, You call forth songs of joy. – (Psalm 65:8, NIV)

People all around the world are amazed at the wonderful things You do. You make all people, east and west, sing with joy. – (Psalm 65:8, ERV)

O God, to the farthest corners of the planet people will stand in awe, startled and stunned by your signs and wonders. Sunrise brilliance and sunset beauty both take turns singing their songs of joy to You. – (Psalm 65:8, TPT)

 

I am in awe as I take in all of the blessed new associated with our sweet new fur baby addition to our family. There is fresh wonder to watch a puppy discover all things new, as he explores the world around him. Thor is a little love, and a reminder that joy is present and new every morning. We are newbies with such a young puppy, so crate training on night one was a bust. I caved after a few minutes of agonizing cries, and moved to lie on the floor beside him, where I could talk to Thor and place a hand on him to calm him. It worked until I attempted to quietly and slowly crawl away from the crate and back onto the bed. The cries began again, all the louder and more agonizing, so I scooped him up and brought him into bed with us. Thor snuggled right in, and was sound asleep within minutes. He only woke twice in the night to go outside, so for us, it felt reasonably successful. This morning, he has eaten, played outside, run around inside, explored, and followed both Mark and I all around the house, even navigating the stairs. We are beyond grateful for our new little blessing, and feel a renewed sense joy in this season. God is so good, and there are wonders all around us to remind us of our reasons to sing for joy. May we pause and take notice of the good all around us, and give thanks to He who is so very good.

 

With awe and wonder,

May we know and see;

The blessings made new,

Each day, faithfully.

Such joy, the Lord brings,

As we seek His face;

Peace, hope and His love,

Never ending grace.

With fresh eyes to see,

His wonders anew;

May we give our praise,

And thanks unto You.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your wonders and blessings that are new every morning. Thank You that in You, we find joy in every season. Forgive us for not taking time to give You praise for all of the blessings You provide. Teach us to rise with hearts of praise, and to close each day with gratitude for the good given. Show us how to love those around us well, so that they too may be ever aware of Your goodness and grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we stand in awe of the wonders all around us, and give You glory for all of Your goodness. Amen.

 

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

 

He is the one you praise; He is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes. – Deuteronomy 10:21