Wisdom to Speak Well

They were not able to catch Him in what He said in public, and being amazed at His answer, they became silent. – (Luke 20:26, HCSB)

The men were amazed at His wise answers. They could say nothing. They were not able to trick Jesus there in front of the people. – (Luke 20:26, ERV)

Try as they might, they couldn’t trap Him into saying anything incriminating. His answers caught them off guard and left them speechless. – (Luke 20:26, MSG)

The Pharisees relentlessly tried to trick Jesus into saying something incriminating so that they could justifiably get rid of Him. However, Jesus knew their intentions, and answered in ways that spoke truth and silenced those who could not catch Him with words. The very same God is available and able to give us the words to say in every situation. Rather than simply react, we ought to pause, quiet our hearts, and hear what He would have us say. God grants wisdom so that we can speak truth in love. It is never His intent for us to be in a war of words or a battle of wits. Instead, He calls us to love as He first loved us. May we ever seek the Lord to grant us His wisdom and words, so that we may answer in truth and love in every situation and circumstance.

Words can be weapons,

That we use for good;

The Lord’s own defense,

Made truth understood.

No harmful intent,

But rather in love;

He spoke only truth,

With grace from above.

As we seek the Lord,

And listen with care;

He will equip us,

With goodness to share.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus to show us the way to walk out our everyday life. Thank You that when people attempted to slander His character or trap Him in some sort of untruth, He slowed down and spoke in wisdom and truth, without harmful intent, motivated by love. Forgive us for speaking without love, or for being defensive instead of listening and then only speaking what is beneficial to all. Teach us to slow down and seek You to give us words to speak, rather than blurting out whatever rolls off the tongue. Lead us to speak truth in love, and to demonstrate Your love for those around us in all that we say and do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we listen to Your leading and speak out of love in all things. Amen.

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

But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head – Christ. – Ephesians 4:15

Wisdom Chooses Opportunities to Love

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. – (Colossians 4:5, NIV)

Be wise in the way you act with those who are not believers. Use your time in the best way you can. – (Colossians 4:5, ERV)

Be wise when you engage with those outside the faith community; make the most of every moment and every encounter. – (Colossians 4:5, VOICE)

If there is no difference between believers and those who do not, what is the possible appeal in following Christ? We are called to love God and love people. If we seek to do these things with all of our heart, our actions will be a reflection of our Father’s love. However, if we allow the things of the world to suck us in, and allow popular culture to shape our views, rather than our Redeemer, we are not making the most of our opportunities to love as Christ loves us. May we seek the Lord to lead us in His love so that we go forth loving others as God intended. God grants wisdom and grace so that we may love like Christ throughout all our days, if only we turn to Him to lead us.

May wisdom and grace,

Be what’s clearly seen;

As we seek to love,

And know what God means.

Each interaction,

Let it be quite clear;

that love is our charge,

To all who are near.

May each moment count,

Let love be expressed;

Through grace and kindness,

For the Lord leads best.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we seek You, You lovingly grant us wisdom and grace to love others the way that You intended. Thank You that You call us to love those around us in the same way that You love. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to love like You. Teach us to seek You and trust You to lead us well, as Your love is perfect and You grace cleanses and covers us, setting us free from our own ideas of how to love. Show us, O God, how to love all as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to make the most of every opportunity to choose to love. Amen.

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

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 record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Rise Up in Courage

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – (Joshua 1:9, NIV)

“Remember, I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – (Joshua 1:9, ERV)

“Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take.” – (Joshua 1:9, MSG)

 

This is a timely reminder, as there is an uneasiness, driven by fear, that is greatly impacting society right now. Though the spread of sickness is a reality, it is not something that we need to fear to the point of panic; rather, we ought to walk in wisdom and take preventative measures to stay safe and well. We are commanded to be strong and brave. Strength and courage come when we choose to trust in God, rather than panic at every story released by the press. Hand washing and maintaining healthy habits are ways that we can be wise. May we set our hearts and minds on He who is our strength, and choose to walk in courage knowing that God is with us every step we take.

 

As for mom, she is doing well. There have been several cases of norovirus (puking flu) where she is living, and they placed residents on quarantine to help prevent further spread around the complex. The dining facility is closed for corporate meals, and instead, they are delivering meals to each apartment, individually. All activities are cancelled as well, so if it weren’t for mom’s fabulous friends who come and rescue her to get out and about, she would be quite restless. Thankfully, she is remaining well and aptly entertained by loving friends.  Mom is strong and courageous, and she knows well, that God is with her, everywhere she goes.

 

We are commanded,

Be strong and be brave;

Not by our own will,

But through Him who saves.

For God doesn’t give,

A spirit of fear;

He grants us wisdom,

And draws ever near.

Rise up in courage,

Be strong in His love;

His grace is present,

All help from above.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You command us to the strength and courage that You supply. Thank You that You are always with us and You never leave us. Forgive us for our fears and doubts when we cannot see solutions to what lies before us. We ask that You would bring healing to all those impacted by illness, protect all from further spread, especially those with compromised immune systems, and that You would grant us Your wisdom and peace. Show us how to love those around us well, so that fear would flee and peace would be present. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose courage and strength in You, knowing that You are with us every step that we take. 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

 

The Look of His Love

“Love the Lord your God with all of your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.  The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  There is no commandment greater than these.” – (Mark 12:30-31)

The solution to our struggles, always seem to return to being rooted in love.  When our character is assaulted with false accusations, or our integrity questioned without reason, we can grow frustrated and defensive, or we can choose to love anyway.  Human nature causes our head and heart to hold out for an equally hurtful response, yet the still small voice within, whispers, “Love.”  Though it may take swallowing some of our own righteous wrath to choose to love, to do so, is that which we are called to do.  Often, it is through our responding in love, that the accusations are disproven and our integrity is clearly upheld.  Responding in love, removes the claws, from those with ill intentions.

This is not to say that we are always meant to face the fire, as there are times when He calls us to retreat and stick to praying for those who persecute.  God is gracious and kind, and grants wisdom as to when and what we are to do.  If our focus is on loving Him and loving others, we will be walking in obedience to what He is asking of us.

When words are like weapons,

and they puncture the heart;

seek He who is loving,

to heal and grant fresh start.

Respond not in anger,

words can’t be taken back;

go straight to the Father,

when we’re under attack.

He alone is our peace,

our place of perfect rest;

our anchor through the storms,

the One who loves us best.

Let all of our focus,

eyes, heart, soul and our mind;

fix on loving the Lord,

and the rest of mankind.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You simplified all that You ask of us into one command: Love You, and love others.  Thank You that You do not ask us to do this in our own strength, but rather if we come to You and trust You, You equip and empower us to love You and love others, as You are calling us to do.  Forgive us for our pride that attempts to preserve our reputation, rather than allowing You to be our protection in all things.  Please grant us wisdom and strength to hear You clearly, and to heed Your instruction in all things and at all times.  Lead us to truly love as You love us, and may many come to know You as a result.  Be glorified through our love for You and one another.  Amen.

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

As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. – James 5:11