Made New

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come. – (2 Corinthians 5:17, HCSB)

When anyone is in Christ, it is a whole new world. The old things are gone; suddenly, everything is new! – (2 Corinthians 5:17, ERV)

Therefore, if anyone is united with the Anointed One, that person is a new creation. The old life is gone – and see – a new life has begun! – (2 Corinthians 5:17, VOICE)

I am so thankful that our renewal in Christ is not a one-time deal, but He is making us new, daily. Just as each new day holds a fresh start, so too, do our hearts as He refines and transforms us to more clearly reflect His love to the world. We will have good days and bad, yet ever He will be working in and through us if we allow Him room to move. Being near the ocean is my favorite, and it is remarkable how vastly different each day can unfold. This morning, I woke to sunshine and blue skies. A few minutes ago, rain blew in and a full double rainbow appeared. Thankfully, the rain is not supposed to stick around, so we will likely stay dry on our last day of exploring. New discoveries and new adventures remind me how we are new in Him. As He makes us new, He shows us the beauty that has come from our brokenness, and the joy that now lives where sorrow once stood. May we ever seek the Lord, who covers us in His righteousness and cleanses us from our sin, as He makes us new so that we can love as He loves us.

When we seek the Lord,

we’re made ever new;

treasured creation,

in me and in you.

He cleanses our hearts,

and renews our minds;

shows us His great love,

for all humankind.

Granted strength and love,

His patience and peace;

the more we seek Him,

we see love increase.

Keep seeking the Lord,

in all that we do;

grant access to all,

it’s how we’re made new.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we seek You, we are refined and renewed in You. Thank You that You forgive us for our flaws and failures, and make us new in the goodness of Your love. Forgive us for the times that we have tried to make things better on our own, instead of seeking You to forgive and show us the ways that we are meant to go. Lead us in Your love everlasting, so that those around us might be made new in the overwhelming, unrelenting goodness of Your love for us all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You and thank You that You are ever making us new. Amen.

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

So Christ brings a new agreement from God to His people. He brings this agreement so that those who are chosen by God can have the blessings God promised, blessings that last forever. This can happen only because Christ died to free people from sins committed against the commands of the first agreement. – Hebrews 9:15

A Godly Wardrobe

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. – (Colossians 3:12, NIV)

God has chose you and made you His holy people. He loves you. So your new life should be like this: Show mercy to others. Be kind, humble, gentle, and patient. – (Colossians 3:12, ERV)

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. – (Colossians 3:12, MSG)

Because I am such a visual learner, the idea of clothing ourselves with attributes that God designed for us to wear is a beautiful analogy. As a Pacific Northwest native, clothing matters, as the weather here can cover all four seasons in one day. To remain comfortable with outdoor adventures, we must layer properly so that we are warm enough when the air is cool or the rain is falling down, yet be able to remove layers so that we can maintain comfort when the sun appears with a base layer that is designed for keeping cool. If we clothe ourselves with mercy, kindness, humbleness, gentleness, patience, compassion, quiet strength, and discipline, we will be prepared for all sorts of “weather” that life brings our way. Each of the layers that God designed should fit well, be comfortable, and be utilized as everyday attire. There is no place nor occasion that such a wardrobe is not the right things to wear. Much like clothing fashion, when others wear His attributes well, they are desired and sought after. Imagine being a trend-setter with the wardrobe that Christ has designed for each of us to wear. Our kindness is contagious, and compassion causes others to do the same. Patience comes through practice, just like a favorite pair of jeans that are worn over and over so that they become a staple in our attire. Quiet strength is like supportive shoes for outdoor activities, as they keep the wearer supported and protect the feet from the elements, just a God supplies the strength we need to do the things we are called to do. God is so good, and my desire is to be clothed in His wardrobe anew every morning so that I may go forth in all that He has designed for me. May we ever seek Him to lead, guide, and design our layers so that we may reflect His goodness and grace to the world.

Lord, let us be clothed,

in what You’ve designed;

layers of goodness,

with Your love in mind.

Compassion, kindness,

grace and gentleness;

true humility,

that’s wrapped in patience.

Clothe us, Lord Jesus,

in loving attire;

so we are prepared,

as You we admire.

Thank You, Lord Jesus,

for all of these things;

the layers of love,

that Your goodness brings.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You hand-crafted the wardrobe that we are meant to wear each day. Thank You that You supply us with the layers we need to navigate our days in the goodness of Your love that is meant to be shared. Forgive us for the days that we are ill-equipped or have not properly prepared to model the layers You intended us to wear. Show us how to “dress” each day in Your attributes so that we may share with all whom we encounter. Lead us in Your lavish love so that all might know the power present in Your design. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God as we seek You to clothe us in Your goodness, kindness, patience, humility, grace, and love. Amen.

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

Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the times to come. – Proverbs 31:25

Immeasurably 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… – (Ephesians 3:20, NIV)

With God’s power working in us, He can do much, much more than anything we can ask or think of. – (Ephesians 3:20, ERV)

God can do anything, you know – far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, His Spirit deeply and gently within us. – (Ephesians 3:20, MSG)

Now to the God who can do so many awe-inspiring things, immeasurable things, things greater than we ever could ask or imagine through the power at work in us… – (Ephesians 3:20, VOICE)

Yesterday was a sort of Sabbath for me, as I did my devotional reading, but then went for a beautiful walk down to the river with my sister instead of writing. The opportunity to get outside and walk and talk together was just what we both needed. We have come together to take on the daunting task of preparing our mom’s house to be sold. Though we know not what the timeline or process will entail, I have a peace about the process. I know that God will equip us for the task, and will provide the help we need to navigate this next step. Incredibly, He is able to do so much more than we can hope or imagine both in us and through us as we move forward in what we need to do. To trust Him to lead and be our strength is the most important step we must take over the next few days. It is easy to become overwhelmed by all that needs to be done if we view things through our own eyes, however, when we trust in Him to lead us, we know that we can do whatever is asked through His strength. May we ever seek the Lord who is able to immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine, and give Him praise for His faithfulness throughout all of our days.

The Lord is faithful,

in all things, always;

He does so much more,

throughout all our days.

In our weariness,

we are unaware;

of what God’s doing,

and how much He cares.

The strength that rises,

from deep down within;

determination,

is what comes from Him.

When we choose to do,

what we know is asked;

He does so much more,

than help with a task.

He touches our hearts,

and makes His love known;

He shows His goodness,

for we are His own.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are faithful forever and that You do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine. Forgive us for the times that we allow the task before us to be seen as bigger than what You can do. Teach us to trust You more, for You are greater and stronger than any task that lies before us, and You have a plan and a purpose for every step we take. Show us Your love and strength and supply anew as we trust You to lead us through challenging things. Lead us in Your love in all things so that we may share the goodness of Your love with all whom we encounter. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to guide us and trust You to do immeasurably more both in us and through us as we walk out each new day. Amen.

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

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

Refreshing Rain

He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His Name’s sake. – (Psalm 23:3, NIV)

He restores my strength. He leads me on right paths to show that He is good. – (Psalm 23:3, ERV)

True to Your word, You let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. – (Psalm 23:3, MSG)

He makes me whole again, steering me off worn, hard paths to roads where truth and righteousness echo His Name. – (Psalm 23:3, VOICE)

For the first time that I can ever recall, we have a three-day weekend just prior to the final two days of school. In my mind, this weekend should have been an opportunity to go somewhere or do something fun and outdoors. Interestingly, the forecast is rain for the entire long weekend. That being said, with no specific plans, I know that there will be time to rest, relax, and tackle some tasks that have been neglected at home. This morning, the cooler temperatures and darker skies must have aided in my sleeping in more than an hour longer than usual. My fur baby who typically wakes me up, kept sleeping until he sensed me stirring. For the last hour that we have been upstairs, I have watched the rain refresh the trees and grass out front, and sipped coffee while my pup snuggled and snoozed beside me. God knows what we need to be restored, and sometimes a rainy weekend is just what we need to catch our breath and press forward in the right direction. May we ever seek the Lord to refresh and direct us so that we continue on the path that He has prepared for us.

Oh Lord, You are good,

and true to Your word;

You lead and guide us,

all our prayers are heard.

The way You answer,

might not look like mine;

Yet always Your way,

is loving and kind.

You lead us to rest,

when weary our soul;

in quiet stillness,

again, we’re made whole.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You know what is best for us and You provide what we need when we need it most. Thank You that You send Your rain to refresh and renew both the glory of Your creation and the souls of Your created. Forgive us for our dizzying pace when we neglect to slow down and simply rest in the goodness of Your love. Lead us to love those around us well. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for the ways that You provide refreshment for our soul and lead us in the ways in which we are meant to go. Amen.

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

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

Precious Protective Wings

How priceless is Your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. – (Psalm 36:7, NIV)

Nothing is more precious than Your loving kindness. All people can find protection in You. – (Psalm 36:7, ERV)

Your strong love, O True God, is precious. All people run for shelter under the shadow of Your wings. – (Psalm 36:7, VOICE)

It takes very little looking around to discover trials and tragedies. Without God, we are helpless and hopeless. However, with God’s unfailing love, we can find strength, protection, and peace. His loving kindness carries us when we cannot continue on our own, and His grace guides us in the direction we are meant to go. May we ever seek the Lord with hearts full of praise, for in Him we find peace and comfort throughout all our days.

Nothing’s more precious,

Than Your lasting love;

Our hope and our help,

From You, God above.

Through trials You’re near,

You hold fast our hands;

In You we find strength,

To rise up and stand.

When the storms come near,

In You we can hide;

You’re our safe shelter,

With arms open wide.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that in You there is unending love. Thank You that we can find safety and space in the shelter of the shadow of Your wings. Forgive us for the times that we have not sought You to be our safety and the times that we have failed to recognize the overwhelming power and goodness of Your love. Teach us to trust You to be our hope and our help in all things. 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 be our Source and praise You for Your love, strength, and comfort that You continually provide. Amen.

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

Keep me safe, my God, for in You I take refuge. – Psalm 16:1

Hope in the Promise

“Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You may now dismiss Your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.” – (Luke 2:29-32, NIV)

“Now, Lord, You can let me, Your servant, die in peace as You said. I have seen with my own eyes how You will save Your people. Now all people can see Your plan. He is a light to show Your way to the other nations. And He will bring honor to Your people Israel.” – (Luke 2:29-32, ERV)

“God, You can now release Your servant; release me in peace as You promised. With my own eyes I’ve seen Your salvation; it’s now out in the open for everyone to see: A God-revealed light to the non-Jewish nations, and of glory for Your people Israel.” – (Luke 2:29-32, MSG)

Simeon, who had lived in prayerful expectancy, had been shown by the Holy Spirit that he would see the Messiah before he died. Can you imagine waiting your whole life for a promise, and then recognizing the moment that it had been fulfilled? Mary and Joseph had brought Jesus to the temple on the eighth day after His birth, and the above verses are Simeon’s words of praise for his promise provided. Mary and Joseph had already been visited by angels and shepherds, and now were witnessing one who had waited his whole life to see God’s promised hope, was holding their baby and declaring praise for who He was. Simeon saw Jesus with so much more than human eyes. His heart heard hope in the sweet small breaths of the Savior, and his spirit sensed the significance of the One whom he was holding. God gave Simeon insight, wisdom and words that would make a lasting imprint on the hearts of Mary and Joseph. This is the sort of joy and celebration that we ought to hold as we embrace this most sacred season. Jesus came to earth to save us and was the promise that had been so long awaited, fulfilled. Despite the things that go on around us, be it challenge, loss, struggle, or strife, may we pause and recognize the One who has experienced all and took it upon Himself so that we might know light, life, hope, peace, joy and love that last forever. Glory to God in the highest, and upon us all, may His favor rest.

Hope in the promise,

Spoken long before;

Joy through revealing,

The One we adore.

Promise awaited,

With joy, realized;

The Savior had come,

Seen with his own eyes.

The One who arrived,

The hope for the world;

Made the way for us,

Fulfillment observed.

May we take the joy,

The love, hope, and peace;

Into the new year,

His presence increased.

Sing praise, all the earth,

Our Savior has come;

His light unto us,

The Most Holy One.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your one and only Son to us so that we might come to know and understand the goodness of Your love. Thank You for time during this sacred season to gather and remember just how good You truly are. Forgive us for the things that we allow to distract us from the reason for this season. Teach us to lean into You and receive all that You offer, so that we might be bearers of Your loving light. Show us how to love those around us like You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we make room to recognize who You are and how You love us all beyond what our hearts can hold. Amen.

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

But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. – Micah 7:7

Heaven’s Poetry

For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them. – (Ephesians 2:10, HCSB)

God has made us what we are. In Christ Jesus, God made us new people so that we would spend our lives doing the good things He had already planned for us to do. – (Ephesians 2:10, ERV)

For we are the product of His hand, heaven’s poetry etched on our lives, created in the Anointed, Jesus, to accomplish the good works God arranged long ago. – (Ephesians 2:10, VOICE)

There is something so powerful and encouraging about The Voice translation of this passage. The reminder that we are the work of God’s hands, created in Jesus, and as we walk out our days in pursuit of His will, “heaven’s poetry is etched on our lives,” and the evidence of who God is and how He loves is made visible to those around us, is an incredible inspiration to follow the Lord’s leading in all that we say and do. Thankfully, it is not up to us to do or to be enough, instead, as we follow after the Lord, He leads and guides us in all that He has for us. Our part is to be faithful, and God will do as only He can. May we each start this day in the knowledge and understanding that we have been created on purpose, with a purpose, and all of His plans are good.

Heaven’s poetry,

Unfolds on the earth;

Through God’s created,

Each life has great worth.

Purpose is planted,

For each person born;

It becomes made known,

In love, we’re adorned.

It is up to us,

To seek the Lord’s will;

And as we choose to,

With love we are filled.

Each step that we take,

That He leads us to;

Reflects His goodness,

And hope that is true.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You created each of us with a plan and a purpose. Thank You that as we seek You and follow after You, You lead, guide and provide all that we need to display the goodness of Your love as Your poetry is written on the walls of our heart. Forgive us for the times that we have gone our own way or have neglected to listen to Your leading. Teach us to trust You in all things and to intentionally listen to the still small voice within. Show us how to love those around us as You intended. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we listen to Your leading and love as You created us to love. Amen.

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

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11

A Way in the Wilderness

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. – (Isaiah 43:19, NIV)

Because I am doing something new! Now you will grow like a new plant. Surely you know this is true. I will even make a road in the desert, and rivers will flow through that dry land. – (Isaiah 43:19, ERV)

Watch closely: I am preparing something new; it’s happening now, even as I speak, and you’re about to see it. I am preparing a way through the desert; waters will flow where there has been none. – (Isaiah 43:19, VOICE)

This is a reminder of true hope. If God can make a way in the wilderness and bring streams to desert spaces, He can bring light and life and hope to us all. Right now, this reminder is needed. God is working even when we cannot see it or feel a change yet. It requires trust on our part, for He is faithful always. May we ever seek the Lord to do the needed new, and trust that He is making a way in our wilderness and sending streams to the dry spaces.

O Lord, You are love,

You’re goodness and grace;

You move great mountains,

That stand in our way.

You bring strength and hope,

In our weariness;

Refreshment and love,

Throughout each new day.

Lord, send flowing streams,

To lifeless in us;

Make way in trials,

Grant strength, Lord Jesus.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we call on You and trust in You, You meet us where we are. Thank You that You make a way where there seems to be no way, and You bring refreshment, strength and peace to the parched places in us. Forgive us for allowing our circumstances to dictate our capacity to choose joy in You. Teach us to hold fast to You and the goodness of Your love to fuel us when we feel empty. Show us how to pour into the lives of those around us in ways that make Your goodness and love evident. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You to meet us where we are, and to supply all that we need to navigate each new day. Amen.

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

It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. – Psalm 18:32

Reason to Rejoice

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! – (Philippians 4:4, NIV)

Always be filled with joy in the Lord. I will say it again. Be filled with joy. – (Philippians 4:4, ERV)

Be cheerful with joyous celebration in every season of life. Let your joy overflow! – (Philippians 4:4, TPT)

The key to this is Whom we rejoice in, not our circumstances. To rejoice is to be glad and take delight in, which is how our hearts feel when we understand who God is, and how He loves. Joy and rejoicing are not dependent on our circumstances, but rather are present despite our circumstances as we look to and lean on the Lord. True joy is found in Him, and is not swayed by what goes on around us. Though rejoicing is not dependent nor determined by our circumstances, I think He often uses the people in our lives to remind us of His goodness, grace and loving ways. Yesterday, I was in need of a reminder of the joy found in every season. It was a long week, and the opportunity to spend one-on-one time with my youngest, blessed my heart and reminded me of my reasons to rejoice in He who has provided me with my family. Though each day and season presents its own set of challenges, there is always reason to rejoice in the Lord. May we ever seek to know Him more, for the more we know Him, the better our heart holds onto the joy provided through His love.

Rejoice in the Lord,

Be glad for His grace;

Give thanks unto Him,

Throughout all our days.

For blessings we know,

All come from the Lord;

Our reasons to praise,

Him who we adore.

His gift of children,

A love that delights;

Each season given,

Wonder in plain sight.

Let all that’s in me,

Rejoice and give praise;

For love unending,

That lasts for all days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our reason to rejoice in every season. Thank You for the tangible blessings that point our hearts back to You with gratitude. Forgive us for allowing our circumstances to overshadow our hope that is held in You. Teach us to continue to trust and pursue You, as You are our Source of strength and hope, love and light. Show us how to love those around us well, so that they may understand the delight that is held in Your nearness. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we delight in the goodness of Your love, and praise You for the hope we have in You forever. Amen.

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

Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. – Psalm 105:3

Better Ways

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.” – (Isaiah 55:8-9, NIV)

The Lord says, “My thoughts are not like yours. Your ways are not like mine. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways, and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.” – (Isaiah 55:8-9, ERV)

“I don’t think the way you think. The way you work isn’t the way I work.” God’s Decree. “For as the sky soars high above the earth, so the way I work surpasses the way you work, and the way I think is beyond the way you think.” – (Isaiah 55:8-9, MSG)

 

I am so grateful that this is the truth. God is not limited to human insight and understanding; for He sees and knows far beyond what we can even begin to imagine. Though we often think we know what would be best, when we give it to God, He reveals that there is so much more. His ways are far greater than ours, and He knows the best way to take us from where we are to where He planned and purposed for us to end up. This is particularly comforting when things do not seem to make sense. When we are caught in the space of “Why?” and need Him to lead, guide, strengthen and equip us to press on to the space that He is bringing us into, and we are not there yet. May we seek the Lord for His thoughts and His ways, for they are far greater than anything that we could ever hope or imagine.

 

The thoughts of the Lord,

Are higher than mine;

His love so much more,

He’s holy, divine.

So too are His ways,

Far above my own;

His plan is greater,

Beyond what I’ve known.

Let us seek the Lord,

In all and always;

For His plans are good,

To bless and give grace.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your thoughts are so much higher than mine, and Your plans, beyond what my mind can fathom. Forgive us for doubting the goodness that You have in store for us when we are in a season of struggle. Thank You that Your love is not limited by our circumstances. Teach us to trust You in all things and at all times. Show us how to love those around us in the ways that they need love most. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek Your thoughts and Your ways in all things, for they are so much greater than our own. Amen.

 

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

 

Answer me, Lord, out of the goodness of Your love; in Your great mercy turn to me. – Psalm 69:16