Hold On

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. – (Hebrews 10:23, NIV)

We must hold on to the hope we have, never hesitating to tell people about it. We can trust God to do what He promised. – (Hebrews 10:23, ERV)

Let us hold strong to the confession of our hope, never wavering, since the One who promised it to us is faithful. – (Hebrews 10:23, VOICE)

No matter how the day ahead appears, we have hope to hold onto. Jesus is our rock and our anchor, the One who has promised and has proven Himself faithful, again and again. For some, the day holds anticipation for the unknown; for others, the overwhelming busyness that awaits; yet in all things, we have hope that we can cling to, for God is always faithful, and He grants us peace in places it does not make sense, and helps in things that seem impossible. May we ever cling to Christ, who is our hope, for He is faithful to fulfill His promises.

May we speak aloud,

The truth our hearts know;

That God’s always good,

And His way He’ll show.

He grants us His peace,

When chaos seems reign;

Provides strength we need,

And makes our way plain.

Always He faithful,

He’ll show us the way;

He leads and guides us,

As in Him, we stay.

So, trust in the Lord,

Hold tight to what’s true;

Trust Him forever,

In Him we’re renewed.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the One whom we can cling to in all situations and circumstances. Thank You that You are faithful forever and that our hope is assured in You. Forgive us for our fearfulness when we cannot see how You are working in the midst of all that lies before us. Teach us to see things through Your lens, for all that is now is temporary, yet all that is in You, is forever. Show us how to have an eternal perspective. Thank You for the glimpses of Your glory that we get to witness in the waiting. Lead us to love those around us as You do, so that they may come to know the hope that is found in You alone. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we hold fast to the hope we confess, and trust without wavering because we know that You are good and faithful forever. Amen.

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

He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters. – Psalm 18:16

The Courage to Hope

So don’t throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you need endurance, so that after you have done God’s will, you may receive what was promised. – (Hebrews 10:35-36, HCSB)

So don’t lose the courage that you had in the past. Your courage will be rewarded richly. You must be patient. After you have done what God wants, you will get what He promised you. – (Hebrews 10:35-36, ERV)

Remember this, and do not abandon your confidence, which will lead to rich rewards. Simply endure, for when you have done as God requires of you, you will receive the promise. – (Hebrews 10:35-36, VOICE)

This confidence is the courage that comes from trusting in God. He provides as we abide, and He will lead us through all that He has called us to do. Our reward is the hope and help that we have in the here and now, and the promise to be in His presence for eternity. The Lord blesses and keeps us, helps and holds us, and loves us through all that comes our way. May we ever hold fast to the confidence we have in Him, and keep moving forward in the direction to which we have been called. He is faithful, and will see us through all things.

The courage to hope,

In what is unseen;

Is true confidence,

God says what He means.

His presence, promised,

And hope for much more;

Grace to keep going,

Love that He outpours.

Endurance given,

So we persevere;

Trust in His goodness,

And that He is near.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we can be confident in You and have courage to keep pressing forward because You are with us. Thank You that our ability to persevere comes from You, not from our own strength. Thank You that You meet us where we are, and walk alongside us to where You are leading. Forgive us for our frustration when the road is not smooth. Teach us to hold fast to You, and to trust that You will continue to be faithful as You bring us to the places of promises fulfilled. Teach us to trust You more, especially when the way does not seem to be headed where we thought we would go. Show us how to love, encourage and walk alongside all those whom You have placed in our lives in this season. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You to do what You say You will do, and lean into Your love that holds us up. Amen.

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

But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are His house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory. – Hebrews 3:6

Hope is Certain

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. – (Hebrews 10:23, NIV)

We must hold on to the hope we have, never hesitating to tell people about it. We can trust God to do what He promised. – (Hebrews 10:23, ERV)

Let us hold strong to the confession of our hope, never wavering, since the One who promised it to us is faithful. – (Hebrews 10:23, VOICE)

Hope is certain when we understand the faithfulness of God. His faithfulness is not dependent on whether or not things go the way that we’d hoped, but rather that He remains with us, in and through all things. God’s promises are not for an easy life, but rather for one with Him present to help us live with purpose. Our purpose is not some big mysterious question mark, but is to love God and love people in all that we do. Some of the greatest examples of people who have held onto hope without wavering, were people who had to navigate the greatest obstacles, yet did so with a firm faith in He who is our hope. God has shown us again and again that we can trust Him to be present and to provide what we need to press on. May we ever hold fast to the hope we have in God, for He is trustworthy and is faithful to His promises forever.

Lord, help us hold fast,

To Your promises;

For You are faithful,

To all You have said.

Present in all things,

You supply our needs;

Flood our hearts with love,

For Your grace exceeds.

Love that’s unfailing,

Grace that knows no end;

Hope in forever,

And peace You extend.

All thanks be to God,

Our hope ever more;

Where goodness and love,

Are an open door.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are faithful forever and the One in whom we can place our hope. Thank You that Your love sustains us and Your goodness strengthens us to hold fast to hope in all things. Forgive us for the times that we have lost sight of the hope that is only found in You. Teach us to trust in You and to remember You are faithful to fulfill Your promises. Show us how to love, encourage, and extend hope to all whom we encounter. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we hold fast to the hope we profess and trust in Your faithfulness always. Amen.

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

Be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord. – Psalm 31:24

Think About Each Other

And let us be concerned about one another in order to promote love and good works. – (Hebrews 10:24, HCSB)

We should think about each other to see how we can encourage each other to show love and do good works. – (Hebrews 10:24, ERV)

Let us consider how to inspire each other to greater love and to righteous deeds. – (Hebrews 10:24, VOICE)

If we take our eyes off of ourselves and take a look around us, it is easy to see the need for love, kindness and good deeds all around us. I know for me, when I am the recipient of such, I am inspired to go and do likewise. The status quo gets disrupted in the very best way, I am compelled to do differently. May we each be concerned about those around us – our family, our friends, our colleagues, and each individual we encounter in a day, to look for ways to encourage and make the day a bit brighter. Sometimes, it is as simple as extending a smile or kind word. Lord, help us to be ever listening to Your leading so that we might encourage each other and make Your goodness known.

Lord, help us to look,

Fill one another’s cup.

To see all around;

The need of others,

Let Your good be found.

Show us through Your eyes,

How each person’s seen;

Lead us in Your love,

Be encouraging.

Bring the good to mind,

That will bless, build up;

The goodness and love,

That will fill each cup.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to care well for one another. Thank You that You sent Your Son to model this for us. Thank You Jesus, that You demonstrated care, concern and encouragement in countless ways. From touching the untouchable, to feeding those who were hungry, You lived and loved in practical and tangible ways. Forgive us for the times that we neglect to follow Your leading. Teach us to trust in You and to listen in every situation and circumstance. Show us Your heart for each person we encounter and lead us to love and encourage as You would. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we look for ways to love, encourage and do good for those around us. Amen.

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

“I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another.” – John 13:34

Where Hope is Held

Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. – (Hebrews 10:23, HCSB)

We must hold on to the hope we have, never hesitating to tell people about it. We can trust God to do what He promised. – (Hebrews 10:23, ERV)

Let us hold strong to the confession of our hope, never wavering, since the One who promised it to us is faithful. – (Hebrews 10:23, VOICE)

Hope is a funny thing, for we use the word to talk about what we want to happen or about something we desire; however, true hope is a confident space of waiting for that which has been promised by the One who is faithful forever. This is important for me to remember as our vacation is coming to a close. The day after tomorrow, I will return to work. I know not how spring break has gone for my students and colleagues, but I know Who holds us all in His hands. As much as I “hope” that all goes well, I need to remember that the One who is our hope will be with me, leading, guiding, protecting and providing. I don’t need to know what tomorrow holds to have hope in Him. He is our hope and the One who provides all of our tomorrows. May we hold fast to our hope in Him, for He is forever faithful and worthy of all of our trust.

O Lord of all hope,

To You I will cling;

No matter what comes,

You’re faithful to bring.

Bring goodness and grace,

Your presence and peace;

Trust for each new day,

As love is released.

O God, we rise up,

And trust in Your love;

For we’re in Your hands,

Our Father above.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that our hope resides in You. Thank You that You hold us and all of our tomorrows in Your loving hands. Thank You that we need not worry about what lies ahead, for You are with us, always. Forgive us for our concerns about things that are yet to come. Teach us to trust in You in all things and at all times. Show us how to live and love like You, knowing that You are our hope and help, and that You love lavishly and call us to the same. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we place all of our hope in You, for You are faithful forever. Amen.

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

We have this hope as an anchor for our lives, safe and secure… – Hebrews 6:19a

Let Us Consider

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. – (Hebrews 10:24, NIV) 

We should think about each other to see how we can encourage each other to show love and do good works. – (Hebrews 10:24, ERV) 

Discover creative ways to encourage others and to motivate them toward acts of compassion, doing beautiful works as expressions of love. – (Hebrews 10:24, TPT) 

When I read this passage, what kept coming to mind is knowing the love language of those around us, so that we may offer encouragement and express love in the way that they receive it best. For example, I am all about quality time. When others are intentional to give me their time and attention, especially to go and do things together, my heart is filled and encouraged, and I feel known. However, my husband is an acts of service guy. He notices and values every effort to do things that speak love through action. The better we know those around us, the more equipped we are to love and serve one another in the way that expresses love best. Care, conversation, observation, and listening are simple ways that we can discover how to love and encourage those around us best. This is no small task, but rather an intentional act of love. We also can lead by acting in compassion, so that we might compel those around us to do the same. May we ever invest in the lives of those around us, so that we may encourage each other to show love and compassion, and do good works. 

Lord, help us to seek, 

Love, listen and learn; 

How to encourage, 

In wisdom, discern. 

We need to know how, 

To love others best; 

By Your grace, love well, 

So each may feel blessed. 

Show us, Lord Jesus, 

How to truly love; 

In word and in deed, 

Hold others above. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You know us and love us best. Thank You that as we seek You, You will show us how to love one another in the same way. Forgive us for our lack of listening and the spaces where we have lacked love. Teach us to listen and learn, seek and discover, the ways that encourage and show love best. Lead us to love those around us in word and deed, so that all may know the depth and breadth of Your love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to encourage one another to love and do good. Amen. 

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

Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I entrust my life. – Psalm 143:8

Inspired to Love

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. – (Hebrews 10:24, NIV)

We should think about each other to see how we can encourage each other to show love and do good works. – (Hebrews 10:24, ERV)

Let us consider how to inspire each other to greater love and to righteous deeds. – (Hebrews 10:24, VOICE)

 

This is a season in which people are either most readily willing to step out and love greater and do good works in the name of “the Christmas Spirit”, or are most in need of being blessed, as lack or loss or absence makes this season extraordinarily difficult for them. Giving trees and Random Acts of Kindness are just a few of the simple ways that we are able to demonstrate love through good deeds. Being intentionally aware of those around us is a wonderful way to start. It is not difficult to find someone in need of encouragement or a kind word. Such things take little from us, yet have the capacity to turn a day around, simply by allowing another to know that they are seen and that they matter. As we continue to walk out these last few weeks leading to Christmas, may we consider how to spur one another on in love and good deeds, so all may know the kindness of Christ this sacred season.

 

May we consider,

How to best inspire;

To choose love greater,

Spread good like wild fire.

Look for the spaces,

Reach out and do good;

Help one another,

Just as we each should.

One act of kindness,

A sweet spoken word;

Make the difference,

Of how truth is heard.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your goodness and kindness are present throughout all of our days, if we only slow down and look around to take notice. Thank You that You call us to do the same, so that we may encourage one another. Forgive us for the opportunities to do good or love well that we did not take. Teach us to rise up and love like You. Show us how to love and encourage those around us in ways that bless tangibly. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we consider how to love, encourage and do good, as You are calling us to do. Amen.

 

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

 

Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. – 1 John 4:11

Place All Hope

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. – (Hebrews 10:23, NIV)

We must hold on to the hope we have, never hesitating to tell people about it. We can trust God to do what He promised. – (Hebrews 10:23, ERV)

Let us hold strong to the confession of our hope, never wavering, since the One who promised it to us is faithful. – (Hebrews 10:23, VOICE)

 

This is where the “rubber meets the road”, as we have to make a decision to hold hope in the proper place, no matter what we see. Every time I find myself discouraged or disappointed in how things appear to be unfolding, I have to check myself and evaluate exactly where I am placing my hope. What I find each time, is that the let down or seeming “loss of hope” is due to hope misplaced. When I place my hope in people or things, I will always end up disappointed. Humans are flawed and things are empty. Hope belongs in Christ alone. He who makes promises, is faithful to fulfill them, and God is the One in whom our hope belongs. If I place my hope in Him, and give Him my dreams, desires, and aspirations, He will do abundantly more than I could ever do on my own. Even when it appears that what I desired most is dead in the water, He can turn it around for something good. It has to be a matter of trust, and placing hope where hope belongs. May we hold fast to the hope we confess, without wavering; for He who has promised, is faithful forever.

The process feels a bit different when it comes to someone else, whom we love with all of our heart. It seems that it boils down to a matter of trust. With Mom, and her recovery, I have to trust that God’s word is true, and that He loves her even more than I do. He has a plan and a purpose for her, and it is good, and that reminds my heart that I have every reason to hope in Him for all that He is and continues to do for Mom on her road to recovery. He who promised is faithful, and daily there is tangible evidence of His love and grace as He encourages and strengthens Mom.

 

Let us hold the hope,

Found in God alone;

He’s faithful always,

And our hearts are known.

It’s placing our trust,

In God and His will;

Not in other things,

For they won’t fulfill.

People are broken,

We fall short and fail;

But God, in His grace,

Will always prevail.

Choose trust in the Lord,

Place all hope in Him;

His love never fails,

Once we let Him in.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our hope. Thank You that You have plans and purposes for our lives that are greater than we could hope or imagine. Thank You that Your plans go far beyond what we can see with our eyes or own understanding. Thank You that You are always good. Forgive us for the times that we place our hope in people or things, rather than in You. Teach us to trust You more, for You alone deserve our trust. Show us how to love those around us in ways that bless, encourage and inspire hope in You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You and hope in You alone. Amen.

 

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

 

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. – Hebrews 6:19a

This Sort of Hope

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. – (Hebrews 10:23, NIV)

We must hold on to the hope we have, never hesitating to tell people about it. We can trust God to do what He promised. – (Hebrews 10:23, ERV)

So now we must cling tightly to the hope that lives within us, knowing that God always keeps His promises! – (Hebrews 10:23, TPT)

 

This sort of hope is the hope that is found in Christ. What it means is that we trust and have confidence that God is true to His word; faithful to keep His promises. Hope is not wishing for “things” to transpire, but rather is trusting in the nature of Him who holds all things in the hollow of His hands. It is believing and trusting in the person of God, not in what He will or won’t do for us in our timing. Sunday, hope was the topic of Pastor Omar’s message. He had a fantastic illustration that sank in. Hope is the pilot light for faith. As long as we have hope, faith ignites and fans to flame. However, if we lose hope, our faith wavers and we need something or someone to come along and reignite the flame, in order for the fire of faith to burn true. The illustration made so much sense; for in hindsight, each time I think of seasons in my life where hope waned, it impacted my faith until glimpses of hope were brought back to life. Thankfully, each time I found myself in such a space, I was surrounded by a community that burned bright, and the light they bore reignited the hope within me. When we cling tightly to He who is our hope, we burn bright and encourage light and life in those around us. May we ever hold hope in He who is faithful; for God is good and His promises are true.

 

Hope is the anchor,

That settles the soul;

A confident trust,

That mends and makes whole.

True to what’s promised,

The God of all grace;

Fans faith into flame,

This hope we embrace.

So, hold onto hope,

The goodness of God;

Trust in who He is,

Today and beyond.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that our hope is in You. Thank You that our reason for hope is who You are, rather than worrying about what we will or will not get. Forgive us for confusing hope with wishing and wanting. Teach us to trust and place our hope in You alone. Show us how to love those around us ways that fan flames of hope where they have grown dim. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we hope in You all of the days of our lives, allowing Your love to grow our faith into flames that burn bright and spread to those around us. Amen.

 

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

 

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. – Hebrews 6:19a

Draw Near with True Hearts

Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. – (Hebrews 10:22, NIV)

Sprinkled with the blood of Christ, our hearts have been made free from a guilty conscience, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. So, come near to God with a sincere heart, full of confidence because of our faith in Christ. – (Hebrews 10:22, ERV)

Let us draw near with true hearts full of faith, with hearts rinsed clean of any evil conscience, and with bodies cleansed with pure water. – (Hebrews 10:22, VOICE)

Christ made coming to God possible. Through His sacrifice, once and for all, we have full assurance that the price has already been paid for our sins. Because we have been washed clean from the inside out, when we draw near to God and receive what He freely offers, we can confidently enter into His presence and communicate with the nearness of a loving Father and friend. May we readily receive what Christ gives by His glorious grace, and draw near to the Lord with faith, as we are fully known.

 

One great sacrifice,

Photo by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤

Made way for us all;

To become washed clean,

Be heard when we call.

What Christ did for us,

Is ours to receive;

By faith, to lay hold,

All hope we believe.

So, let us draw near,

With hearts that embrace;

The gift of new life,

Through God’s lavish grace.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son as the ultimate sacrifice for us all. Jesus, thank You for taking on all of our sin and shame, so that we could be made clean and worthy to approach the throne of God. Forgive us for taking Your sacrifice for granted, or for somehow thinking it could not possibly cover the weight of our own ugliness. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would receive the grace that You have so generously given, and never forget the ultimate price that You paid on our behalf. Show us how to love those around us well, so that they might recognize Your grace and love through our words and deeds. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we receive the incredible gift of grace that You freely give, and continue to come close to You so that we will know how to best walk according to Your will. Amen.

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

For the law made nothing perfect, and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God. – Hebrews 7:19