Judge Not

Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. – (Romans 14:13, NIV)

So we should stop judging each other. Let’s decide not to do anything that will cause a problem for a brother or sister or hurt their faith. – (Romans 14:13, ERV)

In light of this, we must resolve never to judge others and never to place an obstacle or impediment in their paths that could cause them to trip and fall. – (Romans 14:13, VOICE)

We are not called to judge each other, but rather we are asked to help one another do the right thing. This is only possible when we seek the Lord to lead us in His love, and we avoid doing things that could cause someone else to stumble or challenge their trust in God. Unless we know people well, we may not know what might be a stumbling block for them. When our hearts are set on doing good and encouraging one another in love, we can avoid doing thing that could be considered questionable by some. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in His love, and follow after the example that He has set before us through His Son.

Choose not judge others,

instead seek to love;

let words and actions,

point to God above.

All things with kindness,

with purpose that’s good;

be sure to listen,

so all’s understood.

Choose to hear the heart,

of those who surround;

with love and with grace,

God’s peace will be found.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good and that You lead us on the path You have placed before us as we seek to follow after You. Thank You that You remind us that it is not our job to judge others, but rather to help, love, and encourage each other in ways that keep us from stumbling or veering off the path You have for us. Forgive us for the times that we have judged those around us instead of seeking to understand. Show us Your heart for others so that we may see all through Your lens of love. Lead us in Your goodness and grace so that we love others as You intended. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us in Your ways and to show us the things that could cause another to stumble that we ought not do. Amen.

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

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. – Ephesians 4:2

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

Our Best “Yes”

“Follow Me,” Jesus told them, “and I will make you fish for people!” Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. – (Mark 1:17-18, HCSB)

Jesus said to them, “Come follow Me, and I will make you a different kind of fishermen. You will bring in people, not fish.” So they immediately left their nets and followed Jesus. – (Mark 1:17-18, ERV)

Jesus: Come and follow Me, and I’ll send you to catch people instead of fish. Simon and Andrew left their nets and followed Jesus at once. – (Mark 1:17-18, VOICE)

This particular passage always causes me to ponder and wonder what this would have actually been like for the first disciples as they were called. How much did they know about Jesus? Had they met Him before? How many of us would throw down the tools that provided our livelihood and simply walk away to follow after Jesus? They say He was an ordinary man in appearance, yet these fishermen somehow knew that they needed to leave everything and go with Jesus. For us today, knowing who Jesus was and what would transpire over the next several years in His presence, the decision to go along would be far easier than back then when all was unknown. Because these fishermen and the ten others gave their best “yes”, they witnessed and experienced the love, wisdom, power, healing, miracles, help and wholeness that was found in His presence. Additionally, they were granted the power to do what Jesus had done. Of the twelve, one allowed greed to cloud his vision of the hope of eternity. The other eleven went on to do what Jesus had done and continued to share the goodness, love and grace that God offers all who believe and receive. May we look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, to lead us and show us how to give our best “yes” to whatever He is asking of us.

Lord, You have shown us,

that You are so good;

You lead and guide us,

Your love understood.

You show us the way,

invite us to more;

it is up to us,

to walk through the door.

The doors You open,

clearly show the way;

to walk out our steps,

listen and obey.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the examples of the early disciples who willingly left everything to follow after You. Forgive us for our indecisiveness when You call us to do something or go somewhere, as we worry about the details that You have already worked out. Teach us to trust You more so that we are able to give You our best “yes” each time You ask of us. Lead us to love those around us as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we say “yes” to what You ask of us and trust You to lead and provide for each step that we take. Amen.

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

Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your gracious Spirit lead me on level ground. – Psalm 143:10

He Hears

Now this is the confidence we have before Him: Whenever we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. – (1 John 5:14, HCSB)

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)

We live in the bold confidence that God hears our voices when we ask for things that fit His plan. – (1 John 5:14, VOICE)

I love that God is relational. We can talk to Him anytime and anywhere. When we present our requests before Him, He hears and cares about what we have to say. He calls us to seek His will so that we may know what is good and pleasing unto Him. As we ask for such things, He hears and makes a way for us. Because of Jesus, our line of communication is wide open. The barrier that once stood between God and us was torn in two when Jesus bore all our sin and shame on the cross. His sacrifice settled our debts and opened the door for us to dwell in His holy presence. May we ever seek the Lord with confidence, trusting that He hears and cares and knows how to make a way when there seems to be no way.

With true confidence,

we can choose to pray;

through earnest seeking,

He hears all we say.

As we choose abide,

our heart shall align;

with all that’s His will,

what He has designed.

Sometimes the answers,

seem to not be heard;

His ways are higher,

despite what’s occurred.

May we ever seek,

for in Him, we’re found;

His heart is for us,

and His grace, profound.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we seek You according to Your will, You hear us. Thank You Jesus, for making the way for us to come directly to God with our requests. Thank You that we can pray anytime and anywhere, both silently and aloud, and You hear our heart, always. Forgive us for the times that we neglect to seek You. Teach us to bring all things before You, both praise and petitions. 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 seek You and Your will as we pray throughout our days. Amen.

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

All humanity will come to You, the One who hears prayer. – Psalm 65:2

So Loved

For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. – (John 3:16, HCSB)

Yes, God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him would not be lost but have eternal life. – (John 3:16, ERV)

For God expressed His love for the world in this way: He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not face everlasting destruction, but will have everlasting life. – (John 3:16, VOICE)

Nothing compares to the overwhelming, all-encompassing, sacrificial love of God. His love knows no bounds, and our understanding of such is but a glimpse of His true goodness. The best way for us to begin to comprehend the incomparable love is to look to Jesus and how He laid down His life to save ours. Even more, this incredible love grants us a free will and a choice as to whether or not we receive all that He has to offer. For those who choose to believe and receive, He is preparing a place for us for all eternity. I don’t know about you, but the very thought of a place prepared for us by the God who created such beauty throughout the heavens and the earth, is both overwhelming and exciting. We are so loved. Incredibly, His love is not limited to those who believe. He loves all and longs for each to turn to Him in trust. May we ever seek the Lord to grow our understanding of how we are loved, and in turn, how we were created to love in the same way.

There is such a love,

that knows of no bounds;

It searches for lost,

until they are found.

Love laid down His life,

so I might know mine;

forever with Him,

throughout all of time.

Love everlasting,

beyond all we know;

treasures in heaven,

and here down below.

As we choose to trust,

we soon understand;

how we are so loved,

was always God’s plan.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You so loved us that You gave Your one and only Son so that we might come to know life forever in You. Thank You for the people You have placed in our lives that show us glimpses of the goodness of Your perfect love. Forgive us for the times that we have either rejected the love You have for us, or have withheld love where we were meant to give. Teach us to trust You and follow Your leading, for You love in all things and at all times. Show us how to love others so that they understand how they are so loved. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You in awe and wonder and give You thanks that we are so very loved. Amen.

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

This is My command: Love one another as I have loved you. – John 15:12

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

Grateful for the Faithful

I thank my God every time I remember you. – (Philippians 1:3, NIV)

Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. – (Philippians 1:3, MSG)

Whenever you cross my mind, I thank my God for you and for the gift of knowing you. – (Philippians 1:3, VOICE)

One of the greatest gifts that we have, aside from salvation, is the treasure found in faithful friends and family. These are the people in our circle that no matter what, they are for us and would do anything they could if a need arises. Such people in our lives are our tangible reminder of the goodness and faithfulness of God. Even now, as I ponder such individuals in my life, I smile and give God thanks, for I am rich in family and friends. Friends and family that fall into this category, are the ones that no matter how much time has passed between conversations, we are able to pick up where we left off without hesitation or discomfort. Joy is always present when time is spent together. May we ever give thanks to God for the people whom He has placed in our lives in different seasons, and praise Him for the treasure we know in each one.

Forever grateful,

is how my heart feels;

when I remember,

loved ones that are real.

For each is a gift,

So many more that are not pictured here… ❤

that my heart treasures;

kindness, grace and love,

found beyond measure.

This love that is known,

all we can compare;

to the love of God,

such goodness He shares.

All that we have found,

is only a part;

of eternal love,

that dwells in our heart.

His love is beyond,

all that we have known;

His goodness and peace,

through loved ones is shown.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You gift us with family and friends that provide us with glimpses of the goodness and faithfulness we have in You. Thank You for the treasures we have in those whom You have purposefully placed in our lives. Forgive us for the times that we neglect to give You praise, for You are the Provider throughout all our days. Teach us to recognize the glorious gifts that You have given, and to praise You with thanksgiving for each treasure we have known. Lead us to love one another as You love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as I give You thanks each time a loved one comes to mind. Amen.

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

God is the source of our blessings; may every corner of the earth respect and revere Him. – Psalm 67:7

Let Your Light Shine

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people. – (Ephesians 1:18, NIV)

I pray that God will open your minds to see His truth. Then you will know the hope that He has chosen us to have. You will know the blessings God has promised His holy people are rich and glorious. – (Ephesians 1:18, ERV)

Open the eyes of their hearts, and let the light of Your truth flood in. Shine Your light on the hope You are calling them to embrace. Reveal to them the glorious riches You are preparing as their inheritance. – (Ephesians 1:18, VOICE)

For all of us who know and trust God, I imagine that we can name people in our lives who were lights of hope and living examples of God’s love that helped open our eyes, minds and hearts to the truth of who God is and how He loves. Their light showed us the hope we have in Him, and the beauty that is found in embracing all that He has for us. As believers, our charge is to do the same. This is not something that we can try to make happen, but rather His light shines through us the more we seek the Lord to lead us, change us, renew and strengthen us, so that we may walk in His ways and do His will. His heart is made plain as we worship and honor His Name. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us and guide us so that we may shine light on who God is and how He loves us all.

Lord, as we seek You,

shine Your light through us;

so those around us,

encounter Jesus.

May Your heart be known,

as we choose to love;

Your grace and goodness,

Our power is found,

as we choose to pray;

our God grants us strength,

and opens a way.

A way for His light,

to shine all around;

for goodness and grace,

to clearly be found.

So let us choose seek,

ever trust in Him;

to lead and guide us,

as He shines within.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that there is power as we pray, for You shine Your light both in and through us as we trust in You. Thank You for those who came before us and were faithful to follow after You and light the way for us to know You. Forgive us for the times that we have not given You room to make Your heart known to those around us. Teach us to seek, listen, trust, and do as You ask. Lead us in Your love so that Your light may shine to those around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we love You and love one another. Amen.

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

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. – Psalm 34:17

Exceedingly More

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. – (Ephesians 3:20-21, NIV)

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. – (Ephesians 3:20-21, NKJV)

With God’s power working in us, He can do much, much more than anything we can ask or think of. To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time, forever and ever. Amen. – (Ephesians 3:20-21, ERV)

As humans, our limited minds attempt to set limits on what we think God can do. Incredibly, He can do far more than we could hope or imagine. Just this morning, I was dwelling on a situation that I am dreading dealing with, for in my own understanding I am uncertain of what to do, yet God, in His infinite wisdom, can do exceedingly more than I could envision. My task is to trust Him and do what He shows me to do. He is good, and His ways lead to good as well. As we follow His leading, we are giving Him glory, both individually and corporately as the church. However, when we attempt to do things in our own understanding and strength, we are not trusting Him for His way, which is always greater. For me, even in the span of the short time it has taken to read and ponder today’s passage, my heart is strengthened and encouraged, and resolve is rising up to trust as I move forward in what needs to be done. God is good, and He has a plan and a purpose in all things. His heart is for us and He shows us and grows us so that we can love well and glorify Him in all that we say and do. May we ever seek Him and trust in His goodness to do exceedingly more than we could hope or imagine.

All glory to God,

Who sits on the throne;

Who loves us much more,

than our hearts have known.

Ever He’s working,

within and around;

His grace and goodness,

are easily found.

For as we choose seek,

we soon come to know;

in Him there’s much more,

as we learn and grow.

To Him, be glory,

now and ever more;

Father, we praise You,

the One to adore.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You can do exceedingly more in and through us than we could ever hope or imagine. Thank You that You are greater than all of our situations, struggles and circumstances. Thank You that You are the solution, and You will always show us the way. Forgive us for our lack of faith and our foolishness that leads us to attempt things on our own instead of seeking You. Teach us to trust You more, in all things, always. Show us the ways that we are meant to go so that we may love as You first loved us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You and trust You to do exceedingly more in our hearts, circumstances, and lives, so that we may more clearly reflect Your goodness and grace to all. Amen.

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

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things and at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. – 2 Corinthians 9:8

Luke 19 – Seeing, Investing, Entering, and Teaching

Luke 19 begins with the story of Zacchaeus, a short tax collector who had climbed a tree in hope of seeing Jesus as He passed through town. Not only did he see Jesus, but Jesus called out to him and told Zacchaeus that He wanted to spend time with him in his home. All the people began to grumble about Jesus keeping company with a sinner. Zacchaeus, recognizing the magnitude of the moment with Jesus, repented and promised to make right his wrongs. Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.” (Luke 19:9-10) While He had the crowd’s attention, Jesus told a parable of a man of noble birth and ten of his servants whom he gave each ten minas to invest. The man was appointed king and returned home to see what the servants had done with the money he had given. The first servant had doubled what he had been given and the king celebrated him and gave him charge over ten cities because he had been trustworthy with what he had been given. The second servant had gained five minas in addition to the ten given. He too was recognized for his sound investing, and was given charge over five cities. The last servant mentioned in the parable is one who buried the ten mina in a piece of cloth. Upon the king’s return he retrieved it and took it to him. He told the king that he was afraid of him and that he “takes out what he did not put in and reaps what he did not sow.” The king berated him and asked him why he did not at least put the money on deposit to earn interest. He then took the mina from the fearful servant and gave it to the one who had doubled his money. After that, Jesus went on toward Jerusalem. Jesus sent two of His disciples ahead to collect a colt that had never been ridden to bring to Him. The two found a colt just as Jesus had told them. They placed their cloaks on the colt and Jesus rode on the colt through Jerusalem. The whole crowd of disciples who had gathered began praising God for all that they had seen. There were Pharisees in the crowd that told Jesus to rebuke His disciples. “I tell you,” He replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” (verse 40) As Jesus neared Jerusalem He wept over the city for all that would come. After the procession, Jesus entered the temple courts and cleared out those who were selling, and He said to them, “My house will be a house of prayer; but you have made it a den of robbers.” (verse 46) Each day He continued teaching at the temple. The chief priests, teachers of the law and the leaders were looking for a way to kill Him, but were unable to find a way because everyone listened intently to all that Jesus had to say.

The Lord always sees,

those who feel unseen;

He knows them by name,

in love, intervenes.

Those willing to hear,

are forever changed;

His love overwhelms,

it can’t be contained.

By grace, He trusts us,

to choose do His will;

He grants us wisdom,

to follow, fulfill.

When the time came near,

He entered the town;

celebrated King,

by those who were found.

Then to the temple,

He cleared what was wrong;

and kept on teaching,

all those who belonged.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son to save us and to show us how we ought to live. Forgive us for every word, thought, and deed that does not align with Your will. Teach us to walk in Your way and love as You love. Lead us to make Your love tangible to those around us. 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 to do likewise. Amen.

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

The crowds that went ahead of Him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” – Matthew 21:9