Unshakable Hope

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us hold on to grace. By it, we may serve God acceptable, with reverence and awe. – (Hebrews 12:28, HCSB)

So we should be thankful because we have a kingdom that cannot be shaken. And because we are thankful, we should worship God in a way that will please Him. We should do this with respect and fear. – (Hebrews 12:28, ERV)

Therefore, let us all be thankful that we are a part of an unshakable Kingdom and offer to God worship that pleases Him and reflects the awe and reverence we have toward Him. – (Hebrews 12:28, VOICE)

What is yet to come is far better than what has been. Even the best, most amazing moments of our life pale in comparison to what heaven holds for all of eternity. His kingdom cannot be shaken, despite the ups and downs we experience here and now. God’s grace is what carries us, and His strength is supplied as it is needed. Our charge is to seek and serve Him with reverence and awe, for that is acceptable and pleasing to Him. He is God and we are not. Life unfolds in ways that we do not and cannot completely understand, yet His presence and peace remain as we depend on Him. May we ever worship God for His goodness and grace, and seek Him with awe and reverence for who He is and how He loves. Let us ever remember where our unshakable hope is found.

Love impossible,

hope unstoppable;

grace infallible,

peace that’s palpable.

For such love is found,

in Jesus alone;

our help and our hope,

His goodness made known.

As we cling to Him,

the hope in us grows;

for His present peace,

beyond what we’ve known.

Let us choose hold fast,

to our hope in Him;

with reverent awe,

Love never grows dim.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we have an unshakable hope in You. Thank You that as we seek You, we find Your goodness, grace, and perfect peace, no matter what surrounds us. Forgive us for the times that we find our hope is lacking, for in such spaces, we have lost sight of You. Teach us to trust in You in all things and at all times, for You are hope unshakable. Lead us to love as You love, so that Your goodness and grace are made known and the unshakable hope we have in You is shown. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we place our hope in You with awe and reverence, for You cannot be shaken. Amen.

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

Now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You. – Psalm 39:7

The River to Our Roots

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. – (Jeremiah 17:7-8, NIV)

But those who trust in the Lord will be blessed. They know that the Lord will do what He says. They will be strong like trees planted near a stream that send out roots to the water. They have nothing to fear when the days get hot. Their leaves are always green. They never worry, even in a year that has no rain. They always produce fruit. – (Jeremiah 17:7-8, ERV)

But blessed is the man who trust Me, God, the woman who sticks with God. They’re like trees replanted in Eden, putting down roots near the rivers – never a worry through the hottest of summers, never dropping a leaf. Serene and calm through droughts, bearing fresh fruit every season. – (Jeremiah 17:7-8, MSG)

No matter our place in life, there is always opportunity to learn to trust God more. Two days ago, my mom had to undergo a surgical procedure that was pretty scary. Though she was afraid, she was extraordinarily brave, as her roots run deep and she continues to bear good fruit, even when life’s circumstances are quite rotten. For me, I felt like God prepared me, and though I was concerned, I did not feel afraid. Somehow, I knew that she would be okay and that all would be well. The day was crazy long, as the procedure was delayed by three hours, and then took about an hour longer than anticipated. What we thought would be a late afternoon exit, turned into a late evening release, followed by an hour and a half drive back to take mom home before I was going to turn around and drive five plus hours home. My sister was driving and I could barely keep my eyes open. She, my mom, and my husband all convinced me to stay the night there before returning home in the morning. I am so glad that I did, as the sleep was like water to my thirsty soul, and I was refreshed and ready to drive home the next morning. My drive was easy and it was so good to have time at home before going to coach in the afternoon. Though a little off late morning when I checked on her, my sister let me know that mom was back to feeling normal again by evening. I imagine much of it was sleep deprivation, as mom had not slept much the night prior, and then struggled to sleep the night that followed. My favorite part of the whole ordeal was when mom was in recovery. My sister and I went on a mini-adventure to find food for mom (as she had not been allowed to eat prior to the procedure and was super hungry). The tram took us down by the river in Portland, and one of mom’s favorites, The Spaghetti Factory, was walking distance. We were able to get a great dinner to take back, and mom was thrilled to have something good after waiting so long to eat. Her sense of humor was wonderful, and the three of us spent much time giggling as we waited for her release to come. At the end of the day, there was only gratitude that all was complete and that mom is doing well. May we ever seek the Lord to be the river to our roots so that we produce good fruit in every season.

As we trust in God,

My sister and me on the river walk in Portland. ❤

our roots grow down deep;

they stretch to water,

that supplies our need.

No matter the day,

or the circumstance;

roots planted in Him,

are strengthened, enhanced.

Each time that we seek,

we find faithfulness;

water for our soul,

help and graciousness.

The more we trust Him,

the more that we find;

that fruit is produced,

when He’s on our mind.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the water that nourishes our soul and meets our needs in every season. Thank You that You love us and keep us nourished in Your love and grace as we seek You. Thank You for protecting mom through this most recent endeavor. Forgive us for our fearfulness when storms come our way. Teach us to lean into You, for You grow our roots deep so that we are nourished in every season. Lead us to love those around us in ways that produce good fruit. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to deepen our roots so that we ever produce fruit that reflects Your love and care for all. Amen.

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

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for You, my God. – Psalm 42:1

Be Still

He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Silence! Be still!” The wind ceased, and there was a great calm. – (Mark 4:39, HCSB)

Jesus stood up and gave a command to the wind and the water. He said, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind stopped, and the lake became calm. – (Mark 4:39, ERV)

He got up, shouted words into the wind, and commanded the waves. Jesus: “That’s enough! Be still!” And immediately the wind died down to nothing, the waves stopped. – (Mark 4:39, VOICE)

This is a powerful reminder of what Jesus can do when we call on Him in the middle of our storms. His power can silence the storm around us, or the storm in us, in an instant. Jesus did not prevent the storm, for storms come and go. He did, however, respond to the disciples when the called on Him. In the same way, we can call on Jesus in the midst of our own storms. Sometimes, it is that around us that needs to be calmed, yet others, it is the heart within us that truly needs His peace. As much as we might desire for the chaos to cease in an instant, there are times that knowing His calm within us is enough to navigate that which surrounds us. No matter our environment, situation or circumstance, He is near and able to help in ways we might not have imagined. For the disciples, He spoke and the wind and water obeyed. In my life, I have seen and known His help, His provision, His peace, and His presence in ways that calmed my heart and brought me to safe harbor. Not every storm stopped, but His peace was present and His strength supplied to press on in the direction to which I was called. His command, “Be still!” was spoken into my heart and at times, to my surroundings. In all things, He is good and He is able to bring us through every storm. May we ever seek the Lord and His powerful presence to bring peace to the places of unrest, and true rest to our weariness.

Jesus says, “Be still!”

to our hearts and minds;

all circumstances,

His help’s always kind.

He supplies the strength,

that our heart will need;

to navigate all,

in word, thought and deed.

Wherever we are,

whatever we do;

may we call on Him,

for He’ll see us through.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You can calm the storms around us and within us. Thank You that when You say, “Be still,” the storm is silenced, be it within our around us. Forgive us for the times that we flail about in the waves and wind instead of calling on You to be our peace. Teach us to trust You more, for You are always good and Your power provides what we need to navigate every storm. Lead us in Your love so that all those around us may understand the goodness of Your grace and the power of Your perfect peace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You in stillness and storm, and praise You for the reminder to be still. Amen.

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

“For I know the plans I have for you” – this is the Lord’s declaration – “plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. You will call to Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:11-13

Because He Loved Us

Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. – (1 John 4:10, HCSB)

True love is God’s love for us, not our love for God. He sent His Son as the way to take away our sins. – (1 John 4:10, ERV)

This is the embodiment of true love: not that we have loved God first, but that He loved us and sent His unique Son on a special mission to become an atoning sacrifice for our sins. – (1 John 4:10, VOICE)

There is no love like God’s love. He graces us with glimpses through those who He has placed in our lives that love us well, yet none even come close to that of God. He sent His only Son to take away our sins and make the way for us to spend all eternity with Him. When I ponder the enormity of His sacrifice for me, I am overwhelmed and in awe. I have done nothing to deserve such love, yet He loves me anyway. I am grateful for the incredible reminders that He has placed in my life through my husband, children, family, and friends, for each have ways of showing me that He is good and His love is greater than I can fully grasp. In the same way that Jesus was sent to model real love, we are charged to go forth and do likewise. May we ever seek the Lord, Who is Love, to lead us in loving Him and those around us well.

The Love of the Lord,

is one of a kind;

He gave all for us,

with our lives in mind.

Jesus came to us,

and made plain the way;

to walk in His grace,

know love each new day.

Because we’re so loved,

we can choose love too;

for everyone,

may we learn love true.

Each day we seek Him,

the more we shall find;

His love unending,

and strength to be kind.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are love and we know love because You loved us first. Thank You that You show us more and more what it is to live a life of love through You. Forgive us for the times that we do not abide in Your love and our words and deeds are not aligned with You. Teach us to trust You more so that we walk in Your way and do Your will. Lead us in Your love so that we may love one another as You intended. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Who You are and how You love, and seek You to lead us on each day. Amen.

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

Now this is His command: that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another as He commanded us. – 1 John 3:23

Petition and Prayer

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” – (Matthew 7:7-8, NIV)

“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. Yes, whoever continues to ask will receive. Whoever continues to look will find. And whoever continues to knock will have the door opened for them.” – (Matthew 7:7-8, ERV)

“Just ask and it will be given to you; seek after it and you will find. Continue to knock and the door will be opened for you. All who ask receive. Those who seek, find what they seek. And he who knocks, will have the door opened.” – (Matthew 7:7-8, VOICE)

Prayer and petition are ways in which we communicate with God. Just as in any other relationship, communication is essential. The amazing thing is that prayer is an ongoing conversation with God. It is us thanking Him for who He is, praising Him for His goodness, letting Him know our needs, and trusting Him to provide. Petition is the coming before Him requesting that He intervene and bring change to whatever is going on. Sometimes the change is in our circumstances, but often, the change takes place within us. These verses in Matthew remind us that we need to keep asking, seeking, and knocking, for God is faithful to answer our prayers. Just as a human father wants the very best for his children, so God does all the more. He who is perfect has the perfect solution as we ask. God is a gentleman and does not force His way in. In love, He is present to help, yet wants us to ask and invite Him into our hearts, lives and circumstances. May we ever seek the Lord, ask for His help, and knock on the doors that are placed before us that we are meant to go through, as we continually communicate with Christ.

Reach out, pray to God,

for He always hears;

His heart is for us,

and ever He’s near.

Each time that we seek,

the Lord will be found;

listening, waiting,

His grace is profound.

To knock on the door,

is to ask in prayer;

let Him know our need,

for He’s waiting there.

Our help and our hope,

all comfort and peace;

God is the answer,

to all that we need.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we seek You, we find You. Thank You that You are not elusive or unavailable, but rather You are ever-present, waiting for us to call on You. Thank You that each time we ask, You hear us and bring answers. Thank You that You open the doors that are meant for us, and You show us those that are not. Forgive us for the times that we attempt to navigate on our own, rather than talking to You and asking You for all that we need. Teach us to trust You more. Show us how to seek, ask, and knock in all things. Lead us to love one another as You love us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You, ask You, praise You, and trust You in all things and at all times. Amen.

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

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. – Philippians 4:6

Luke 11- Pray, Be Light and Love

Luke 11 opens with the disciples asking Jesus to teach them how to pray. His instruction is what we know today as The Lord’s Prayer. After His instruction, He goes on to explain the importance of presenting their requests to God. Keep asking and praying, “For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Luke 11:10) When Jesus was driving out a demon, some of the people in the crowd said He was doing so by the prince of demons. Jesus explained how that was not the case, for “Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall.” (verse 17) As the crowds grew larger, some began asking for a sign. Jesus let them know that if Nineveh could repent and be saved through the preaching of Jonah, so too could they, for someone greater than Jonah was before them. Next is a four-verse section about our eyes being the lamp of the body. If our eyes are full of light and healthy, so too is the rest of our body. Likewise, if our eyes are full of darkness, so too will our body be. Chapter 11 closes with Jesus interacting with Pharisees and teachers of the law over a meal. He calls them out for their lack of love and lets them know that they will be held responsible for the blood of the prophets since the beginning of the world because their words and actions hindered those who were entering the Kingdom.

Lord, help us to pray,

each day that we live;

take darkness from us,

so there’s light to give.

Let each word and deed,

be fueled by love;

cleanse us from darkness,

as light shines above.

Father, please teach us,

to walk in Your ways;

so we don’t hinder,

Your love and Your grace.

When we are tempted,

help us not succumb;

may we choose obey,

so Your will be done.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son to teach us how to pray, to live and to love in the light of Your goodness and grace. Forgive us for the times that we neglect to do what we know we ought to do. Teach us to trust You more so that we choose well in all things and at all times by Your goodness and grace. Show us how to love those around us in ways that make Your heart known. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us to pray and to be light and love to those around us. Amen.

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

“This, then, is how you should pray: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” – Matthew 6:9-13

Found by the Seeking

I love those who love Me, and those who seek Me find Me. – (Proverbs 8:17, NIV)

I love those who love Me, and those who look for Me will find Me. – (Proverbs 8:17, ERV)

I love those who love Me; those who search hard for Me will find Me. – (Proverbs 8:17, VOICE)

Though we are all loved by God, I think that those of us who love Him are acutely aware of how completely He loves us. Anyone who seeks, looks for, or searches hard for God will find Him. He is not elusive nor exclusive; He makes Himself known to those who look for Him and desire to know Him. Once we come to know Christ, we become aware of His goodness and presence throughout each day. Though yesterday was an exceptionally long day, it was a beautiful blessing from God. My day began with eight hours at a city street fair watching my love represent his shop as he guided kids in how to play games for prizes and witnessing him teaching community members about what his job entails, and was followed by a late lunch/early dinner that extended well into the evening with fantastic friends before the day came to a close. There is something amazing about watching a person be who God has made them to be. Joy radiates, and peace is present. Time with people whom conversation flows easily and deeply is another way that I am overwhelmingly aware of God’s goodness. He created us for connection, and when we are able to connect, we gain glimpses of His heart for us. May we ever seek to know the Lord more, and receive the loving kindness that He extends as we love Him and love those whom He places in our lives.

When we choose to love,

we know love much more;

to give and return,

through Christ, the adored.

For He is faithful,

as we seek, we find;

He shows He’s able,

to love heart and mind.

Love independent,

from that which we do;

He makes us worthy,

to know His love’s true.

The more we know Him,

the deeper the love;

our hearts discover,

all grace from above.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that the more we seek You, the more we love You. Thank You that we love because You love us beyond what our hearts can hold. Thank You for the ways that You make Your love for us tangible through those whom You place in our lives. Forgive us for the times that we do not recognize Your presence or praise You for Your goodness and love. Teach us to love You and those around us as we were designed to do. Show us how to bless, encourage, and support those around us with Your love that knows no end. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for showing us who You are and how You love in tangible ways. Amen.

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

But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul. – Deuteronomy 4:29

Hope That Won’t Be Shaken

Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from Him. Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken. – (Psalm 62:1-2, NIV)

God, the one and only – I’ll wait as long as He says. Everything I need comes from Him, so why not? He’s solid rock under my feet, breathing room for my soul, an impregnable castle: I’m set for life. – (Psalm 62:1-2, MSG)

My soul quietly waits for the True God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my deliverance, my citadel high on the hill; I will not be shaken. – (Psalm 62:1-2, VOICE)

I love how God knows our heart, our needs, and even the things that will renew our hope, far better than we do. My soul has been quietly waiting on God, simply for refreshment, and He has done so much more. Though I am still in a space of waiting, I am feeling refreshed with renewed hope, as He is the one who steadies me and keeps me safe. He knows the best plans for me, and I can trust Him to bring them to fruition. My part is to keep moving forward in the direction to which He is leading, until He either says turn, or keep on this particular path. No matter the outcome, I know and see His goodness in all things. He is faithful and true, and His love cannot be shaken. May we ever seek God to find rest, and trust in His goodness to secure our footing and make our hearts steady in Him.

The Lord is my rock,

on Whom I rely;

His promises true,

as hope He supplies.

Forever He’s good,

on Him I’ll depend;

My security,

until my time ends.

He’s my salvation,

the Source of all hope;

the One with the plan,

despite the path’s slope.

The grueling uphill,

in Him we can climb;

on sweet level ground,

presence still we’ll find.

Thank You, Lord Jesus,

that You’re always good;

Your love surrounds us,

Your grace understood.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our Rock and the One on whom we can depend. Thank You that You are our salvation, safety, and hope. Thank You that You bless us and keep us, and lead us to new things that You have for us. Forgive us for our frustrations when things don’t seem to go the way we think they ought to be going. Teach us to trust You more, for Your plans are far greater than ours, and Your ways are so much more than we could ever hope or imagine. Show us how to love, support, and encourage those around us well. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for being our Rock, our salvation, our safety, and our hope forever. Amen.

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

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You. – Isaiah 26:3

Ever Present with 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)

I am so grateful that God is ever present to help, forgive and love us as we call on His Name. His goodness and mercy are not dependent on our worthiness, but rather His love, mercy and grace cleanse us from all of our sin and make us worthy in His sight. The love that He has for us is so abundant, that it is meant to overflow to those around us. May we ever call on the Lord to be our help, hope, and grace, that we too, may extend mercy, goodness, and love to all those around us.

My Lord, You are good,

Loving, merciful;

You’re faithful to all,

Who upon You, call.

With wide open arms,

In love, You embrace;

Each as we choose come,

In trust, seek Your face.

It is as we seek,

That truly we find;

Your goodness and grace,

Always You are kind.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son to make the way for us to boldly approach Your throne. Thank You that You hear us, see us, love and help us, each time we call on Your Name. Forgive us for our fears and doubts when we cannot see how You are present to move in our circumstances. Teach us to trust in Your faithfulness and love, for You have promised to never leave us nor forsake us. Show us how to love those around us in ways that make Your goodness known. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we call on You in all things and at all times, and extend the very same goodness to all whom we encounter. Amen.

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

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. – 2 Corinthians 13:14

The Throne of Grace

This is a post from a few years ago, yet is so timely right now…

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. – (Hebrews 4:16, NIV)

With Jesus as our high priest, we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it. – (Hebrews 4:16, ERV)

So let us step boldly to the throne of grace, where we can find mercy and grace to help when we need it most. – (Hebrews 4:16, VOICE)

 

This is a timely reminder this morning, as I find myself on the brink of burnout. It is easy to remember to approach God on His throne of grace to petition on behalf of those around me, but I don’t think that I go before God often enough for the mercy and grace that I truly need. Don’t get me wrong, I pray for strength to get through the day and patience to persevere; but really boldly stepping into His throne room to rest and refresh and meet my own deepest needs – seldom, to rarely, at best. Perhaps it is a matter of looking for ways to keep a Sabbath. Rest is not my forte, and to do so would require serious intentionality. To find grace and mercy and help when we need it most, looks different for each person. For me, I feel closest to our Creator when I am outside in the beauty that He has made. When my body is moving, my mind and heart are able to find rest. For others, rest is a matter of being still. What does appear to be clear is that I need to make time to be intentionally in a space where my heart and mind are fixed on God, just being present (without studying, writing, or any sort of specific doing), so that His mercy, grace and help may be made tangibly known. May we each be intentional to step boldly to the throne of grace, so that we may find mercy and grace and help when we need it most.

 

Go to the throne room,

Seek God and His grace;

Rest in His presence,

Receive His embrace.

For as we choose rest,

Let our minds be still;

God’s goodness and help,

Floods as mercy fills.

Choose set aside time,

By grace, enter in;

Be refreshed in love,

It’s where peace begins.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You love us with an everlasting love. Thank You that You made the way through Your Son, so that we can come before Your throne and be in Your presence, and You grant us mercy and grace and the help we are needing. Thank You that You are greater than every challenge we face, and that You provide Your help and presence, with mercy and grace. Forgive us for not being intentional to seek time just being present with You. Teach us how to rest in You. Show us what it means to find rest and refreshment in Your throne room. Lead us to love those around us in a way that encourages, strengthens and refreshes where weariness is setting in. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we love You and are forever grateful that we can come into Your presence and receive mercy and grace and help. Amen.

 

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

 

Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him. – Psalm 62:5