The Best Teacher

This is what the Lord says – your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.” – (Isaiah 48:17, NIV)

The Lord, the Savior, the Holy One of Israel, says, “I am the Lord your God. I teach you for your own good. I lead you in the way you should go.” – (Isaiah 48:17, ERV)

The Eternal One, who rescued you, the Holy One of Israel declares, “I am the Eternal One your God. I have given you My instruction for living well and right, leading you in how you should be and do.” – (Isaiah 48:17, VOICE)

I am so thankful that God is the same: yesterday, today and forever! The same God who loved and led the Israelites so long ago, has lovingly led us and will continue to do so until He returns. When we seek Him and truly listen, He shows us what is best and leads us in the ways that we are meant to go. Though the Israelites had God made tangible to them through a cloud and with fire, we have the tremendous blessing of knowing how Jesus lived and loved as God intended for all of us. He sent His Spirit after Jesus ascended, and we now have God made tangible, dwelling in the hearts of all who believe. Because of this, we see glimpses of God everywhere. His reassurance is real as we press into time with Him and come to understand that He will never leave us or forsake us. May we ever seek the living God who teaches us what is good and leads us in the ways that we are meant to go in all things.

The Lord is faithful,

To lovingly lead;

Throughout all our days,

As we trust, believe.

He shows us the ways,

That we’re meant to go;

When we’re to harvest,

And when we’re to sow.

His presence is clear,

As we look around;

His good abundant,

And hope in Him, sound.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we seek You, You teach us what is best for us and where we are meant to go. Thank You that You lovingly lead and guide us throughout all our days. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to listen. Teach us to trust You in all things and at all times, for You know the outcome before we begin and there is purpose in the places You call us to. Show us how to love those around us like You, with purpose and goodness and grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You to lead us in all things. Amen.

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

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

Flowers or Weeds?

Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. – (Proverbs 21:21, NIV)

People who try hard to do good and be faithful will find life, goodness, and honor. – (Proverbs 21:21, ERV)

Whoever pursues justice and treats others with kindness discovers true life marked by integrity and respect. – (Proverbs 21:21, VOICE)

What we plant, we harvest. We can plant flowers or weeds; things that give life or those which choke it out. If we pursue goodness, justice, kindness and love in all that we do, these are exactly what we will find. It may take time, effort and endurance, but ultimately such good is what will be found. Though there are days that it is a battle, it is always worth the effort. May we ever pursue He who is righteousness and love, so that we may discover the full life that abounds in Him.

May we choose pursue,

God’s goodness and grace;

Seek justice and love,

Throughout all our days.

Let us be faithful,

Purposefully kind;

Let love guide all things,

With goodness in mind.

May integrity,

Be how we are known;

Honoring others,

As God’s good is shown.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good, just, loving, faithful and kind, and that You will show us how to live accordingly. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to live as You intended. Teach us to walk in Your ways and to love like You. Show us how to love those around us best, so that justice, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and integrity are what will be found. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You and Your heart so that we may love as You love. Amen.

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

Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on Your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your Name. – Psalm 86:11

Persevere in Doing Good

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. – (Galatians 6:9, NIV)

We must not get tired of doing good. We will receive our harvest of eternal life at the right time. We must not give up. – (Galatians 6:9, ERV)

So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. – (Galatians 6:9, MSG)

 

The first person that came to mind as I read this verse this morning, is my vice principal at school. She is the person who did some of the most difficult work on campus, yet did not grow weary in doing good, with a positive attitude and a heart for people. Her kindness and heart for people draws others in, and I consider her a friend as well as a colleague. Part of not growing weary in doing good, is knowing when to take a rest. For her, the opportunity to take a year’s sabbatical has presented itself in the coming school year, and I imagine God has an incredible harvest of blessings for her as she enjoys a new season of rest and is able to spend far more quality time with her wonderful family.

This same principle applies with mom and all who are in her corner. Each person who is investing or has invested time to help with her healing and recovery, is aiding in her ultimate good. The willingness of others to walk alongside mom has encouraged her to rise up and press on with a determination and resilience that few would find in such a situation. Yesterday was a changing of the guard day for my sister and me. I returned after time at home to close out the school year, and she now needs to get back to her home to her family and work. There is good to be done in each space, and our call is to do what we can, wherever we are – no more, no less. God is faithful to grant us the strength; it is our charge to keep moving forward. May we ever continue to press on in the good that lies before us, for every act of kindness goes out and can be utilized by God.

 

Let’s not grow weary,

In choosing do good;

For God grants us strength,

To do as we should.

He helps us to rise,

Encourage, be kind;

To help each other,

With their best in mind.

When the day is done,

And it’s time to rest;

May we truly say,

We gave God our best.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to do good; not because we have to do or be anything to earn Your favor, but rather because You want others to see You through us. Thank You that we can be Your ambassadors of love to those who need to know what love and kindness and grace truly means. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to demonstrate the good that You have for those around us. Teach us to trust You more, so that we may be a living reflection of who You are to those around us. Show us how to love others in the same way that You so perfectly love each of us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose to do good and love well. Amen.

 

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

 

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

Grow Not Weary in Doing Good

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. – (Galatians 6:9, NIV)

We must not get tired of doing good. We will receive our harvest of eternal life at the right time. We must not give up. – (Galatians 6:9, ERV)

So, let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. – (Galatians 6:9, MSG)

 

We are called to give as we have been given. God has shown us what it is to do good – to walk in the light of His love before all others, for as we do, they too may come to know Him. The “not giving up” part can often be the biggest challenge. It can become exhausting to extend God’s goodness and grace to those who are unkind or rude to those around them. Daily, this is a portion of my reality, as kids are seeking to discover their way. Keeping calm and seeking to understand first, can be quite arduous when that which is directed at others is intended for harm. Often, when harsh words or unkind actions are met with calm words, a change in behavior occurs. Though it does not change the trajectory of the path they are on, repeated kindness, goodness and grace, can begin to wear away and the tough exterior that acts out. Ultimately, persistent good extended, changes us, even if it does not adjust attitudes of those around us. We are called to persevere on the path He has placed before us, depending on Him to love others as we are loved by Him. May we ever persist in doing good, for at the right time, we will receive His reward, regardless of the response of those around us.

 

Let’s not grow weary,

Photo by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤

In choosing do good;

For we’re called to give,

God’s love, understood.

Without conditions,

May we extend grace;

Love and God’s kindness,

To all in our space.

For if we persist,

God says He’ll reward;

Faith to choose follow,

Walk in one accord.

So, do not give up,

When love seems too hard;

God will be our strength,

His grace, our reward.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have shown us what it is to do good without giving up through the life, death and resurrection of Your Son. Though persecuted, pursued, and ultimately hung on a cross, Jesus chose to give love and grace, according, to Your perfect plan. Forgive us for not extending good when we receive unkindness, as You do not intend us to repay evil with evil. Help us to seek You for strength to respond and reach out in the opposite spirit of those intending anything other than good. Show us how to love those around us in practical ways. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose to do good, regardless of how we feel in the moment. Amen.

 

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

 

It (love) always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. – 1 Corinthians 13:7

Sowing Seeds of Peace

Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. – (James 3:18, NIV)

Those who make peace sow the seeds of justice by their peaceful acts. – (James 3:18, CEB)

You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoys its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor. – (James 3:18, MSG)

 

Typically, the role of a peacemaker has served me well in the classroom. When kids are escalated, remaining calm most often leads to peace restored. However, despite the difficult work that has already been invested, there is clearly much more to be done, as there are a few students throughout my day that continue to struggle to get along with others and treat others with dignity. In the wait, I will continue to promote peace with each group of young people that enters my classroom, by modeling the very things that I ask of each of them. May we depend on the Lord to sow in peace, so that we may reap a harvest of righteousness.

 

May we ever choose,

To sow seeds of peace;

Kindness and honor,

To others increase.

The more we feel known,

The more we’re at ease;

Able to settle,

Calm down and sow peace.

Keep on investing,

Choose love others well;

With honor and grace,

May peace in us dwell.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we sow seeds of peace, we reap a harvest of righteousness. Thank You that what we invest in extending peace does not go out void, but You use every intentional word and deed to plant seeds of peace. Forgive us for our frustration in the wait, as at times it appears our efforts are for naught. Teach us to trust You more, as You are the One who brings lasting peace and righteousness to those who seek and follow after You. Show us how to love those around us in a way that promotes peace for all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we sow seeds of peace and rely on You to return a harvest of righteousness. 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)

Peace Planted Grows Goodness

And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. – (James 3:18, NLT)

People who work for peace in a peaceful way get the blessings that come from right living. – (James 3:18, ERV)

And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness. – (James 3:18, TLB)

 

The pursuit of peace can often seem like a daunting dream, especially when one is surrounded by a vast array of needs and personalities that are vying for attention. Each seed planted is not spread in vain, as the unexpected moments of goodness that crop up when least expected, are reminders that choosing to sow seeds of peace is worthwhile. May we ever pursue the path of peacemakers, for His goodness granted is worth the time and effort spent in sowing seeds of peace.

 

Be not discouraged, 

All seekers of peace;

For each those who sow,

Will find sweet relief.

For God is faithful,

To honor with good;

All those who’ve planted,

Peace seeds as He would.

We’re not meant to live,

In turmoil, dissent;

We’re crafted for peace,

His love knows no end.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have created us to be peacemakers who sow seeds of peace in places of turmoil. Thank You that as we continue to extend Your peace in places of unrest, we begin to see Your goodness rise up. Forgive us for the times that we succumb to the unrest or walk away from the spaces that we are meant to stay. Teach us to trust You more so that we would bring peace to the places that are unsettled and in desperate need of You. Show us how to love others well, so that our words and deeds plant seeds of Your peace in their hearts. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we go forth as peacemakers, sowing seeds of peace. Amen.

 

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

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. – Matthew 5:9

 

 

At Peace With People

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. – (Romans 12:18, NIV)

Do the best you can to live in peace with everyone. – (Romans 12:18, ERV)

If possible, to the best of your ability, live at peace with all people. – (Romans 12:18, CEB)

If it is within your power, make peace with all people. – (Romans 12:18, VOICE)

 

In two very different and distinct arenas within my world, there are amazing people who feel at odds with one another. Sadly, the thing that seems to disrupt the peace between people is not a lack of desire for the same outcome, but rather a misperception of one another’s intention of how to work toward and achieve the end goal. When we slow down and listen with the intent of seeking to understand, peace prevails and progress toward the desired outcome actually occurs. When our intention is to be at peace with the people around us, that is the very attitude that abounds. We reap what we sow and harvest what we grow. May we be sowers and growers of peace.

 

We’re called to our best, 

To live life in peace;

With everyone,

As grace grants release.

So often unrest,

Is need to listen;

Where seeking to know,

Will make peace happen.

 We shall one day reap,

The peace that we sow;

And likewise harvest,

The good that we grow.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the God of all peace. Thank You that as we seek Your strength and understanding, You grant us what we need to bring peace to the places in which we dwell. Forgive us for expecting peace to be present without our persistence. Teach us to trust You more so that we would depend on You to be the Provider of peace in all things. Show us how to love those around us well, so that we may be at peace with everyone. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we depend on You to supply the strength we need to be at peace with all people. Amen.

 

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

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. – Matthew 5:9

Grow Not Weary in Doing Good

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. – (Galatians 6:9, NLT)

May we never tire of doing what is good and right before our Lord because in His season we shall bring in a great harvest if we can just persist. – (Galatians 6:9, VOICE)

 

Choosing to do the right thing can be exhausting. When everyone around us seems to be taking an easy way out, or going and doing things that He has made clear are not acceptable for us, individually, it takes His strength to keep walking the way in which we have been called. Fortunately, God does not call us to good for naught. He has a plan and a purpose for each one of us, and each time that we choose to do good, our decision can impact those around us in a way that points hearts to Him. It is so often through faithfulness over time, that people come to know the goodness of God through the loving kindness of those who choose to keep doing good. May we rise up and rely on the Lord and His lasting love to never tire of doing what is good and right before Him. In the end, the reward will far outweigh the sacrifice.

 

Let’s not grow weary,

Of doing what’s good;

For we have been called,

Make love understood.

Each time that we choose,

To do what is right;

We make God’s grace known,

Harvest of delight.

Our greatest blessing,

Awaits at the end;

So let us press on,

Choose good, love extend.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son to show us what it means to not grow tired of doing good. Thank You Jesus, for loving with Your life, all whom You encountered. Forgive us for growing tired of choosing to do what is right, as we rely on our own strength instead of Yours. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would seek You and Your strength in every circumstance so that we will not grow weary of doing what is good. Show us how to love and bless those around us in a way that points hearts to You, our Provider. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we grow not weary in doing good. Amen.

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

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. – 2 Corinthians 1:3

Grow Not Weary of Good

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. – (Galatians 6:9, NIV)

May we never tire of doing what is good and right before our Lord because in His season we shall bring in a great harvest if we can just persist. – (Galatians 6:9, VOICE)

 

Doing what we know is good in the sight of the Lord, is not always an easy task. Often, seemingly everyone else around us is doing differently, and making the choice to do right before God takes an intentional commitment to persist. Remaining right before Him is not about immediate gratification, rather with Christ, our ongoing decisions to live a life of faithfulness to our Heavenly Father, holds an eternal reward. The life we live is an example to those around us – be it good or bad, and if we are persistent in remaining upright according to God, others will be compelled to seek Him too. May we never grow weary in doing good, so that what we sow in faithfulness will be reaped in the righteousness of many.

 

Lord, keep far from me,

Weariness in good;

For I want to be,

Where love’s understood.

Help me to be light,

In places of lack;

Give me strength to fight,

When under attack.

Help me not give up,

No matter what comes;

As You fill my cup,

With each rising sun.

Thank You, dear Jesus,

That faithful shall reap;

A harvest success,

Safe in the Lord’s keep.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that in You, we need not grow weary in doing good, as You grant those who persist, a great harvest. Thank You that as we take steps of faith, You meet us with Your unending faithfulness and grace. Forgive us for our lack of persistence. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will learn to persevere in all things and at all times, even when we grow weary and want to quit. Show us how to love those around us the same way that You love us so well. May many come into a lasting relationship with You, as they see evidence of Your love and faithfulness through us. Be glorified O God, as we persevere in doing the good that You have called us to do. Amen.

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

When times are good, be happy. – Ecclesiastes 7:14

 

Peacemakers Plant Seeds of Peace

And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. – (James 3:18, NLT)

 

I teach in a growing community. Three brand new mega-apartment complexes will have opened in our city by this time next year. One of the complexes will house students that will attend the school where I teach. This can be both terrific and terrifying for teachers. On one hand, it provides an opportunity for a whole new group of students to care for and embrace, yet on the other, it can be a nerve-wracking thing, as there are many variables that are unknown, leaving questions unanswered and planners without a proper path to plan. The first housing community opened just prior to the start of the school year, and housed far more students than had been projected. With so many more students than anticipated, schools were scrambling to figure out the best ways to meet student needs, and accommodate numbers in the classrooms.

Thankfully, the first opening taught our district how we might best prepare for the next. With the second community six weeks or so away from opening and sending students to my school, we are working to make the transition to a new place as pleasant as possible. What has been determined, is that if we go as peacemakers and ambassadors to meet the families before they come to register students for school, there will be familiar friendly faces that they know are for them, and ready to help welcome them to their new school community. It is a way of planting seeds of peace. I imagine that an investment of time and care will reap a harvest of right relationships between school and community in the long run.

May we choose to be peacemakers wherever we go, planting seeds of peace. Let the harvest be one of righteousness before the Lord.

 

Let us go in peace,

wherever we go;

to plant well Your seeds,

of truth that we know.

May what is then reaped,

be Your righteousness;

so all whom we meet,

will come to feel blessed.

Let Your love lead us,

in all that we do;

in word and in deed,

all glory to You.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to be peacemakers who plant seeds of peace wherever we go. Thank You that as we do, a harvest of righteousness is reaped. Please watch over and bless each family that is preparing to moving into our community – provide protection, direction and all that they need. Forgive us for not sowing peace in places that need it most, and help us to trust You more, so that we would be Your ambassadors of peace, no matter what is going on around us. Show us how to plant seeds of peace everywhere we go, and how to love as You first loved us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we go forth as peacemakers who plant seeds of peace wherever You direct our steps. Amen.

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

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. – Psalm 23:6