Be Family

In your relationship with one another, have the same mindset as Christ. – (Philippians 2:5, NIV)

In your life together, think the way Christ Jesus thought. – (Philippians 2:5, ERV)

In other words, adopt the mind-set of Jesus the Anointed. Live with His attitude in your hearts. – (Philippians 2:5, VOICE)

This is my first year coaching junior varsity volleyball at the school where I teach. My sister was a collegiate volleyball player, but my only volleyball experience was playing in the summers at the beach. I know the basics, but there are many nuances that I do not. The program that has been built where I am coaching is centered on the premise that we are a sisterhood. Incredibly, this really follows this verse, as family looks out for each other, helps one another, and has each other’s back. Jesus called us to love one another in similar ways. I know the success that they have experienced in the past has been based on valuing one another, much as we are called to do. Though I am learning volleyball, I am acutely familiar with what we are meant to do with a mindset like Christ. The biggest challenge is to do so. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us to love one another with the mindset of Christ.

Love one another,

As Jesus loves us;

Choose be like-minded,

With His faithfulness.

Prefer each other,

Encourage, build up;

Support and choose bless,

Fill each other’s cup.

Give grace for mistakes,

Forgive and choose love;

Together in peace,

Like Jesus above.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us to love one another as You love us. Thank You Jesus, that You modeled what it is to love like You. Forgive us for the times that we have not lived with Your mindset or attitude towards each other. Show us how to love like You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us to love as You love. Amen.

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

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. – Romans 10:12

Good From Good

A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. – (Luke 6:45, NIV)

Good people have good things saved in their hearts. That’s why they say good things. But those who are evil have hearts full of evil, and that’s why they say things that are evil. What people say with their mouths comes from what fills their hearts. – (Luke 6:45, ERV)

A person full of goodness in his heart produces good things; a person with an evil reservoir in his heart pours out evil things. The heart overflows in the words a person speaks; your words reveal what’s within your heart. – (Luke 6:45, VOICE)

In order for good to be what comes out of us, we must fill our hearts with Him from whom good comes. The more we know God, the more clearly we are able to reflect the good that comes from Him alone. What we consume is what from our heart blooms, be it good or ugliness. My desire is to store up the goodness of God in such a way that what comes out of me is only kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, love, and goodness. May we ever seek the Lord to fill us with His loving kindness, so that what we exude reflects His heart for the world.

What we choose consume,

Is what we reflect;

Be it good or bad,

Our heart we project.

May we fill our hearts,

With goodness and grace;

So God’s love is shown,

In every place.

Let loving kindness,

Be how we choose glow;

As our hearts are filled,

In the Lord we grow.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we fill our hearts with who You are and how You love, we are able to demonstrate Your goodness through what we say and do. Forgive us for the times that we take in that which does not honor You, and in turn, reflect anything other than Your love. Teach us how to be continuously seeking You so that we may be beacons of Your loving light to the world. Show us how to love everyone we encounter as You do and let good be the thing that we extend to all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we invest our hearts and minds into Your goodness so that we reflect the same to the world. Amen.

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

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. – Titus 3:4-5a

Purposefully Produced

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. – (Galatians 5:22-23, NIV)

But the fruit that the Spirit produces in a person’s life is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these kinds of things. – (Galatians 5:22-23, ERV)

The Holy Spirit produces a different kind of fruit: unconditional love, joy, peace, patience, kindheartedness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. You won’t find any law opposed to fruit like this. – (Galatians 5:22-23, VOICE)

I so appreciate that these things – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control – are all things the Holy Spirit produces in us, rather than us having to somehow will these things into existence in our lives. Rather than pursuing fruit, we are to pursue the One who grow such things within us as we follow Him. Every morning is new and He deposits fresh fruit within us as we give Him room. The more we allow God access to our hearts and lives, the more evidence of His fruit is produced within us. May we ever seek our Savior, for He grows and produces in us, good things.

The goodness of God,

Is grown from within;

Planted and rooted,

To overcome sin.

The fruit from the Lord,

Everything good;

To share with others,

His love understood.

So, seek Him each day,

All good is made new;

The fruit He’s planted,

Signs of His love true.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that every good thing comes from You. Thank You that love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control all come from You. Thank You that as we seek and depend on You, You grow these things within us. Forgive us for the times that we have not given You access to the spaces within us that need tending or pruning. Teach us how to open our hearts and lives to You so that You can transform us to bear good fruit and reflect Your love to the world around us. Show us how to love like You in everything we do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to grow good fruit within us to share with those around us. Amen.

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

Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I entrust my life. – Psalm 143:8

Real Love

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. – (1 John 3:18, NIV)

My children, our love should not be only words and talk. No. our love must be real. We must show our love by the things we do. – (1 John 3:18, ERV)

My little children, don’t just talk about love as an idea or a theory. Make it your true way of life, and live in the pattern of gracious love. – (1 John 3:18, VOICE)

Real love is not mere talk, but rather it is demonstrated again and again through the way we treat others and the things that we do. God’s love is an ongoing pattern, an actual way of life, not a theory or idea. Love chooses kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, goodness, joy, peace, patience, and self-control. Yesterday afternoon, my high school gymnasts and the coaching crew, all attended a collegiate gymnastics meet together. Among us, were some excellent examples of love in action. First, there was a father of one of my gymnasts who decided to drive his daughter and a few of her teammates who needed rides to the meet. Willingly, he gave of his time, energy, and resources to help provide a wonderful experience for these young ladies. Second, the boyfriend of one of my senior gymnasts came along to be supportive. For him, he gave of his time and utilized his hard-earned resources, so that he could be beside her as they watched some incredible gymnastics. Another example among us was the cousin of one of my gymnasts. Her sweet cousin came along to provide comfort and companionship, as walking into the unknown can be challenging for some. Finally, my Viking joined us as well. He was a driver for me and another coach, and a presence among us as we walked from the parking lot to the venue, and remained seated beside me as I watched in awe and wonder at the incredible display of athleticism and grace, and gained a deeper understanding of the sport I have joyfully coached for all these years. Love walks beside, supports, encourages, and remains present. This is not something that merely happens by accident, but rather to love is an ongoing decision. May we ever seek the Lord to make love our way of life so that in all that we do, love is the evident motivator.

Lord, help us to love,

In all that we do;

Let Your fruit be found,

As we love in truth.

May ev’ry action,

Demonstrate Your grace;

Faithful in all things,

Lead us in Your ways.

Father, please show us,

Your heart in all things;

So Your love is shown,

Through goodness we bring.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your love is not merely words or an idea, but rather it is found in everything You say and do. Forgive us for the times that our lives have not reflected Your love to those around us. Teach us how to walk in Your ways and demonstrate the truth of Your incredible love through all that we do. Show us how to love each person we encounter best, for You know each heart and each need. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we thank You for the examples of Your love that are all around us, and ask You to lead us to do the same for others as we seek You to infuse love in all things, always. Amen.

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

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. – Romans 12:10

What Love Really Means

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. – (1 Corinthians 13:4-5, NIV)

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 or 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)

As we head toward Valentine’s Day, it is always a good idea to think about what love really means. So often, love is mistaken for lust or infatuation. Real love is a decision and a commitment, not a fleeting feeling. Love is not limited to eros, which is physical love, the sort of love intended for spouses; philos, is warm affection or friendship; agape is the sacrificial, unconditional love of God, and the example of how we ought to love one another. In this 1 Corinthians 13 explanation of love, we see that love is sacrificial – for it requires sacrifice to let go of anger and wrongs. This passage also demonstrates that love is active, for patience and kindness are intentional acts of the will. Additionally, we need to be obedient to God to love in a way that does not envy or boast or dishonor others. If we love and obey God, we are God-seeking Him to show us and grow us in His love so that we may love Him and one another as He designed us to love. May we ever invest our hearts into a deeper relationship with Christ so that we may be transformed into His likeness to love well.

Lord, grow our patience,

And help us be kind;

No grudge or envy,

With Your love in mind.

May love be our choice,

Every day new;

Reflecting Your heart,

In ways that are true.

Alive and active,

Is the love from You;

May we love likewise,

Bring honor to You.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your perfect love for us. Thank You that You designed us and You remind us to understand and extend all that You’ve given us to You and those around us. Forgive us for the times that we have been rude, self-seeking, or held grudges. Teach us to love like You in every situation and circumstance. 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 we seek You to learn to love well. Amen.

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

But You, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. – Psalm 86:15

Praying in Jesus’ Name

Until now you have not asked for anything in My Name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. – (John 16:24, NIV)

You have never asked for anything in this way before. But ask in My Name, and you will receive. And you will have the fullest joy possible. – (John 16:24, ERV)

Ask the Father for whatever is in keeping with the things I’ve revealed to you. Ask in My Name, according to My will, and He’ll most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks! – (John 16:24, MSG)

We are called to pray in Jesus’ Name, by faith, asking for what we need. As we abide, He provides. In Him, we discover faithful provision and abundant joy in knowing God and His faithfulness. This does not mean that we come to Jesus with a laundry list of wants, but rather we seek Him for what we need to love Him and love those around us. Jesus hears our every cry and makes a way where there seems to be no way. His answers are rarely what we imagine, but ultimately, they are best for us and for those around us. Sometimes, we have to go through things in order to experience His goodness and faithfulness in the fire. Jesus did not promise us an easy life, but rather one in which He would be with us always, no matter what comes our way. Through every trial and triumph, He has been with me. Though I may not understand why things have happened the way that they have, I can look back and see His faithfulness, His provision, and how He carried me through the difficult and brought me into more than I had hoped or imagined. Additionally, many of the most arduous circumstances led me to a place of far better, or to a space where He used my experience to help others who were navigating similar struggles. He promises us to work all things together for good for those who love Him, and I know this to be true as we pray in His Name. We might not understand or witness the good or the answer right away, but His presence is always made known and His peace, abundantly shown, despite what is seen. May we ever pray in Jesus’ Name, trusting that He is true to His word and will forever remain faithful to His promises.

In Jesus’ great name,

As we choose to pray;

His will shall be done,

His love makes a way.

Whatever we ask,

Our God, He does hear;

Each need He will meet,

And make the path clear.

Where there is no way,

That we can see through;

Jesus is present,

His promises true.

So, pray in His Name,

Trust that He is good;

Ever He’s faithful,

Each promise has stood.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we pray and trust in Your Name, You meet us and supply all that we need. Thank You that You are faithful to hear and that You are ever moving on our behalf. Thank You that Your ways are not our ways, and Your thoughts are so much higher than our own. Forgive us for our fears and doubts when we cannot see or understand the good that could come from what we face. Teach us to trust You more, for You are always good. Show us how to love those around us through trials and triumphs, as Your heart is made known as great love is shown. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we pray in Jesus’ Name, trusting in Your faithfulness forever. Amen.

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

You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you might go and bear fruit – fruit that will last – and so that whatever you ask in My Name the Father will give you. – John 15:16

The Work of Wisdom

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. – (Psalm 90:12, NIV)

Teach us how short our lives are so that we can become wise. – (Psalm 90:12, ERV)

Teach us to number our days so that we may truly live and achieve wisdom. – (Psalm 90:12, VOICE)

The older I get, the more aware I become of just how short life truly is. Each day is a gift, and we either learn and grow as we go, or life passes us by. Wisdom is the work of God in us as we seek Him to teach us more of who He is and how He calls us to love. To gain a heart of wisdom, we must be intentional to seek the Lord in all things and to trust Him as He walks beside us and leads us in the directions we are meant to go. This does not transpire overnight, but rather is a lifelong process. God has gifted me with access to wise women who have a few years more life experience than me to bless, encourage, challenge and model what it is to ever grow in wisdom. Each are acutely aware that every single day is a gift to be treasured, and their faithfulness models what an ongoing pursuit of wisdom in Him looks like. My hope for the coming year is to ever seek the Lord to grow in His wisdom so that I may walk out my days according to His purpose.

Please teach me, O Lord,

To number my days;

To grow in wisdom,

And walk in Your ways.

I need Your guidance,

Each day that I wake;

To love as You love,

And learn from mistakes.

Thank You, Lord Jesus,

That all that life brings;

Can be used for good,

Because You’re the King.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we grow and trust You more, we gain wisdom and insight in You. Thank You that You are faithful to show us how You can work all things together for our good, even when our circumstances are not. Forgive us for being flippant with our time and for the times that we have delayed in seeking You. Show us how to turn to You first in all things, and to listen to Your leading. Help us to love those around us as You do, so that all might gain glimpses of Your goodness and love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we recognize the gift that each new day brings and choose to seek You with intention so that we may continue to grow in wisdom as we go. Amen.

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

Reverence for the Eternal is the first step toward wisdom. All those who worship Him have a good understanding. His praise will echo through eternity! – Psalm 111:10

Opportunities for Good

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. – (Galatians 6:10, NIV)

When we have the opportunity to do good to anyone, we should do it. But we should give special attention to those who are in the family of believers. – (Galatians 6:10, ERV)

So seize any opportunity the Lord gives you to do good things and be a blessing to everyone, especially those within our faithful family. – (Galatians 6:10, VOICE)

It always amazes me that when we take the opportunity to do good, we end up feeling blessed. Every time I choose to help, extend kindness, walk beside – whatever the good God is showing me to do – I discover my heart is filled and I feel blessed in the process. I imagine that this is why God calls us to be in community. We are provided opportunities to both give and receive His goodness through those whom He has purposefully placed in our lives. May we ever use every opportunity provided to do the good that God intended, for He is faithful to bless and encourage us all as we do.

The Lord is faithful,

To give us the chance;

To do the good things,

Just as the Lord’s asked.

The good that we do,

Becomes a blessing;

To us and to them,

His love expressing.

So, look for the good,

That we each can do;

Opportunities,

To see God’s love true.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to do good. Thank You for providing opportunities for us to walk beside, help, and encourage those around us. Thank You that in the process, we end up blessed with Your goodness and faithfulness in ways we would never expect. Forgive us for the times that we have not chosen to do the good You were showing us to do. Teach us to trust You and Your leading, for You are faithful to show us each next step. Lead us to love those around us in ways that make Your goodness and faithfulness known. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we take every opportunity to do the good that You show us to do. Amen.

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

The Lord gives His people strength; the Lord blesses His people with peace. – Psalm 29:11

Belief Makes Right and Confession Saves

One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation. – (Romans 10:10, HCSB)

Yes, we believe in Jesus deep in our hearts, and so we are made right with God. And we openly say that we believe in Him, and so we are saved. – (Romans 10:10, ERV)

Belief begins in the heart and leads to a life that’s right with God; confession departs from our lips and brings eternal salvation. – (Romans 10:10, VOICE)

I am so thankful that it is our belief and trust in God that makes us right with Him, and our expression of this belief that saves us, rather than some sort of performance rating that has to be earned. As we trust in the Lord, we desire to do what pleases Him. That being said, we all fall short. Thankfully, it is not about what we do or don’t do to earn His grace, but rather He freely gives, and because of it, we rise. May we ever seek to know God more so that we might trust Him more deeply and confess our faith more freely. 

With hearts we believe,

That God is what’s true;

Faithful confession,

Salvation ensues.

It is by His grace,

That we are made right;

And because of this,

In Him we delight.

The more we pursue,

The more we can see;

The Lord’s faithfulness,

Hope eternally.

To choose to have faith,

Trust what we can’t see;

Leads to evidence,

He shows tangibly.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we trust in You and profess that You are Lord, we receive Your grace and gain the hope of eternity. Thank You that though we cannot see You, it is not blind faith. Thank You that there is evidence of who You are and how You love all around us, if only we open our eyes to see. Forgive us for our fears and doubts. Thank You that You are not offended by our questions. Show us more and more of who You are and how You love, so that we may represent Your love well to those around us. Teach us how to love everyone whom we encounter as You would. Give us Your goodness and grace to share. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You with all that we are and confess aloud our love and trust in You, our hope forever. 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

He’ll Lead Through All

God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. – (Psalm 46:1, HCSB)

God is our protection and source of strength. He is always ready to help us in times of trouble. – (Psalm 46:1, ERV)

God is our shelter and our strength. When troubles seem near, God is nearer, and He’s ready to help. So why run and hide? – (Psalm 46:1, VOICE)

I imagine many of us can attest to the truth of this verse after the last few years. At times, it has felt as if the whole world has been flipped upside down. Thankfully, God does not change. He is our help and hope, strength and source, and the One whose love knows no end. It is up to us to turn to Him to be these things, but He is ever-present and available. May we ever run to the Lord to be our refuge, strength and help in times of trouble, and the One to whom we ought to bring our thanks and praise.

God is our shelter,

To where we should run;

In Him there’s no fear,

How battles are won.

He too is our strength,

How we persevere;

Help to keep moving,

Ever He is near.

No matter what comes,

The Lord is greater;

He’ll lead us through all,

Holy Creator.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our shelter and strength, our safe space when things don’t make sense. Thank You that we can always call on You and trust that You hear. Forgive us for the times that we have struggled to trust. Teach us to look back and remember Your faithfulness that has always been, and grow our faith further as we press on. Show us how to love those around us in ways that demonstrate Your goodness, grace, safety and help. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You to be our refuge, strength and help in all things and at all times. 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