Given to the Seeking

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. – (Matthew 6:33, NIV)

What you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what He wants you to do. Then He will give you all these other things you need. – (Matthew 6:33, ERV)

So above all, constantly seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness, then all these less important things will be given to you abundantly. – (Matthew 6:33, TPT)

When we pursue the heart and will of God for our lives, He provides all that we need. In times that I have worried about a lack, God has provided. In seasons that I have had more than enough, He has shown me how to utilize the abundance for blessing. God is faithful to meet us where we are and provide all we need as we seek to walk in His will. Though in this passage Jesus was speaking about physical needs being met, He is faithful to meet our spiritual and emotional needs as well. The Lord supplies strength when we are weary, hope when we feel lost, and peace when chaos seems to reign. It is in the seeking that we truly find, and in the pursuit of doing right by God that we discover all that we need is faithfully provided. May we ever seek the Lord and His will for our lives, for it is in our pursuit of His path that we find there He is present to help and supply what we need.

In seeking the Lord,

Is where we shall find;

God’s ways are perfect,

And His love is kind.

He makes clear a path,

For us to move on;

Grants us what we need,

And makes our hearts strong.

Each need that we have,

Is seen and is known;

By grace the Lord gives,

As His love is shown.

Strength when we’re weary,

Supply in our lack;

Peace in our chaos,

Hope to stay on track.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You supply all that we need as we faithfully seek You and Your will for our lives. Thank You that You show us the ways in which we are meant to go, and You remain present to help and uphold us. Forgive us for the times that we have allowed fear a foothold based solely on what we could see, rather than trust You and all that You do in the unseen. Teach us to trust You more, as we discover the abundant and unending faithfulness that is forever found in You. Show us how to lavishly love those around us, so each may be encouraged and built up. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we ever pursue Your heart and will for how we walk out each day. Amen.

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

So I say to you: 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. – Luke 11:9-10

So Much 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)

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)

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. Glory to God in the church! Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus! Glory down all the generations! Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes! – (Ephesians 3:20-21, MSG)

It should not be easy to overlook this fact, but there are times that I make God too small. I think I get caught up in the frustration, fear, or a funk, forgetting what I know to be true. God has ALWAYS been faithful, and He ALWAYS uses our trials as testimonies and our struggles as ways to show us just how mightily He can move. Incredibly, as we seek Him and allow Him to work in us, through us and around us, He exceeds our hopes and expectations every time. Though His answers and solutions may not look like we had hoped or imagined, they ultimately are far better than what we hoped would be so. As we give God room to move, He is given glory through His church (all of us), and through His Spirit (working in us). Whether we are faithful and trusting or not, He forever remains worthy of all glory and praise. May we ever seek the Lord and allow Him room to be God, for He will do exceedingly more than we could hope or imagine.

God’s more is so much,

Photo by Lukas Rodriguez on Pexels.com

Immeasurable;

Beyond all our hopes,

Power enabled.

All we imagine,

Is still nowhere near;

What the Lord can do,

When we release fear.

Choose trust in the Lord,

Watch all that He does;

More than we could dream,

Power through His love.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You do exceedingly more than we could hope or imagine; in us, through us and around us. Thank You that Your glory lasts forever, and You love never quits. Forgive us for thinking our hopes, dreams, trials and difficulties are insignificant to You. Teach us to trust You more, for Your love and ability to move on our behalf are beyond what we could hope or imagine. Show us how to love those around us in ways that grant glimpses of the depth and breadth of Your unending love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we give You all the glory forever for all that You have and will ever do. Amen.

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

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. – Matthew 6:33

Familial Ties

Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God. – (John 1:12, NIV) 

But some people did accept Him. They believed in Him, and He gave them the right to become children of God. – (John 1:12, ERV) 

But those who embraced Him and took hold of His Name were given authority to become the children of God! – (John 1:12, TPT) 

What a crazy, wonderful truth for us to hold onto! If we receive what God offers us through Jesus, and believe He is who He says He is, we are given the right to become His children. As God’s children, we are heirs to His Kingdom. All power, authority, and promised hope are ours in Him, so that we may walk in His way and do His will. We do not earn our way into His good grace, but rather we need believe and receive what He freely gives. This is such a wonderful encouragement. He takes us as we are and transforms us into who we are created to become. It is a lifelong process, yet we are His, the moment we receive Him. May our hearts be open to all that He offers, as we embrace the grace that He gives to His children. 

To each is a choice, 

Believe and receive; 

All that God offers, 

Our hope and reprieve. 

His grace is granted, 

Freely He does give; 

To all who seek Him, 

Help and strength to live. 

Live in His goodness, 

Aware of His grace; 

Annointed His kids, 

As we seek His face. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we choose to believe and receive all that You freely offer, You call us Your sons and daughters. Thank You that our inheritance in You is everlasting life in Your presence. Forgive us for losing sight of what is promised in You. Help us to fix our eyes on You and the promises that You have for us in You. Teach us how to love those around us in a way that honors and represents well, You, our Heavenly Father. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we believe and receive all that You offer, and gratefully embrace our inheritance through our familial ties to You. Amen. 

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

And, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” – 2 Corinthians 6:18

He Reigns

God reigns over the nations; God is seated on His holy throne. – (Psalm 47:8, NIV) 

God sits on His holy throne, He rules all the nations. – (Psalm 47:8, ERV) 

Our God reigns over every nation. He reigns on His holy throne over all. – (Psalm 47:8, TPT) 

This is what we have to remember, even when the world around us seems to be in turmoil. God is still good, and He is in charge.  The One who made heaven and earth is more than able to see us through trying times. Though it is difficult to understand why the world is the way it is right now, with God, we can trust that His presence will never leave us, and His plans and purposes will come to pass. Each new day we must choose to trust in He who is greater than anything that is in the world. Some days it is easier than others. May we seek first, His kingdom, for in Him and through Him all things exist. 

Above all nations, 

The Lord God, He reigns; 

Faithful forever, 

He is who He claims. 

Despite what we see, 

His word’s always true; 

Throughout each trial, 

He’s making things new. 

Choose hold onto hope, 

And look to His throne; 

He’ll strengthen and lead, 

‘til we make it home. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are on Your throne over the nations, as You are ultimately the One in control. Forgive us for losing heart when we look around and see the state of the world today. Teach us to trust You and Your plan and follow wherever and however You lead. Show us how to love those around us best, in ways that make Your heart known. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You to rule and reign, even when we cannot see how You are working. Amen. 

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

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!” – 1 Chronicles 16:31

Seek in All Things

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. – (Matthew 6:33, NIV)

What you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what He wants you to do. Then He will give you all these other things you need. – (Matthew 6:33, ERV)

So above all, constantly chase after the realm of God’s kingdom and the righteousness that proceeds from Him. Then all these less important things will be given to you abundantly. – (Matthew 6:33, TPT)

 

The difference this makes in my life is remarkable. This morning, I did not have time to begin my day in the usual way, and I felt off and irritable. By rising early and spending time with God, my heart and mind are set on Him, rather on self, and His grace is grown greater within me. Today, that has not been my story. Mom had a rough night, and woke several times. Consequently, my sleep was quite compromised, and we did not get up for breakfast until 6:45. Normally, that would be okay, but today we needed to have mom’s car down to the dealership by 8:30 for an oil change and tire rotation. The morning felt hurried and my heart, unsettled. Small things that normally would not bother me at all, were bringing me near tears, and I could feel my patience running very thin. It took everything in me to not be short with mom, and I was not likely as patient or kind as I normally would have been. After our outing, we returned home and I needed to contact the company whom her wheelchair was ordered through two months ago. Every ounce of self-control was utilized to not unleash on the person on the other end of the line, as she claimed they were still waiting on a signature from a doctor to actually order the chair. By the end of the conversation, I could have utilized a heavy bag and some boxing gloves, or a nice, long run, but alas, neither are options right now. Thankfully, mom was ready to relax and I very much needed to get in the word and chill out with the One who holds my heart. Already, I can feel the tension subsiding, and peace beginning to return to the spaces where it was absent. For me, morning devotions are not about religion or ritual, they are connection and centering and setting my heart right for the day. With intentional time before my day begins, my head and heart are prepared to navigate whatever comes my way. Without it, ugh; my heart gets ugly quickly. May we ever seek His kingdom first, as it is in Him that we find all that we truly need to navigate this life well.

Yesterday, mom conquered more fears, as she had her first hair appointment since March. She had been anxious about going and sitting and worried about transferring from her chair to the one in the shop, but all went well and she felt fantastic after. Additionally, mom had a wonderful visit with two of her dearest friends at lunchtime. They blessed us with lunch and Dutch Bros delivery as well. After they left, mom was ready to relax, so we attempted to watch a movie. Mom was quite weary, but refused to go take a rest. She nodded off several times during the show, but insisted that she did not want to go nap. The remainder of the evening she continued to fight off sleepiness, and finally gave in at a normal bedtime. Whether it was the exhaustion or her mental list-making for the move that made sleep a challenge, her sleep was clearly not restful. Today, I am seeking our Savior specifically for peace and rest, so that mom gets a great night’s sleep tonight.

 

Seek first the kingdom,

The Lord above all;

He holds heart and hand,

And won’t let us fall.

He grants us the strength,

To love and be kind;

Choose patience and peace,

As He has designed.

In all things choose seek,

The Lord and His grace;

So we may love well,

For all of our days.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we seek You, You meet us, no matter how we come. Thank You that You love us through our grumpiness, brokenness, and ugliness. Thank You that You offer peace and patience, and fill us with love to extend to those around us as we trust in You. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to turn to You for help, and instead focus on our lack. Teach us to trust You more, as You are our Provider and Comfort. Show us how to love those around us well, so that we may extend the peace and kindness that is lacking. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You first in all things. Amen.

 

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

 

For the word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all He does. – Psalm 33:4

 

 

 

 

Hope in What is Unseen

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. – (Hebrews 11:1)

 

Perhaps that is why the term “leap of faith” is so often used. In order to demonstrate our faith, our certainty in what we do not see, we must move forward into the great unknown. Inevitably, this sort of movement can be likened to leaping headlong off of the edge of a cliff, uncertain of what lies below. Is it warm and inviting water, meant to refresh and renew our souls, or is it jagged cliffs, ready to destroy all that remains? This is where the being sure of what we hope for is absolutely necessary. If we are not certain that God is good, and that His plans are for our ultimate good in His kingdom, our faith falters and we cannot be certain of what we do not see. It becomes far easier to rely on what our eyes take in, rather than the truth that is being whispered within the walls of our hearts. May we turn to Christ in trust, allowing Him to grow our faith so that we are sure of what we hope for, and certain of that which we do not see.

 

How to be certain,

of what is unknown;

is found when we hope,

in Christ’s love that’s shown.

For His evidence,

wherever we look;

from heaven to earth,

written in His book.

We must make the choice,

to hope and be sure;

for though He’s unseen,

the Lord’s way is clear.

Allow faith to rise,

choose nurture and grow;

ever seek the truth,

and His way we’ll know.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we can have faith, being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see because of Your ongoing, unchanging love for all. Thank You that Your faithfulness has been the same throughout the ages, and that Your love for us is so great, that You laid down Your very life so that we might live. Forgive us for our uncertainty in the unseen, and give us Your eyes to see the hope that lies before us, even when our own minds and hearts cannot begin to conceive anything hopeful ahead. Lead us to love others in such a way, that they too may find faith to hope in what is unseen. Be glorified O God, as we are sure of what we hope for, and certain of that which we do not yet see. Amen.

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

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

Rooted In Relationship

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his (or her) friend can help him (or her) up. But pity the man (or woman) who falls and has no one to help him (or her) up! – (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)

 

We are created for relationship. In the beginning, God said that it was not good for man to be alone, so He created a help mate for him. Today, we are no different. As His created, we were never intended to exist in isolation. God’s purpose for us, is rooted in relationship. Ideally, our priority ought to be our relationship with Him first, followed by that with those around us. If we prioritize our relationships as God intended, we benefit from the plan and purpose He set in motion. People are strengthened, encouraged, and able to be more productive in every area of their lives, when our relationships are rooted in Christ.

 

Establish well,

foundation in Christ;

invest in friends,

as the Lord supplies.

Seek His wisdom,

rely on His grace;

allow Him to guide,

each step of our days.

Be the body,

together as one;

stand strong in Christ,

for His Kingdom come.

Lift those who fall,

support those who stand;

walk side by side,

to fulfill His plans.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You created us for relationship. Thank You that You desire to spend time with us and have a relationship with each one of us, individually – as Your beloved children. Thank You that You call us to be in relationship with one another as well. Thank You that You do not ask us to walk through this life alone, but rather intend for us to be established and invested in communities. Forgive us for not investing in the relationships that we ought to, and grant us wisdom to know how we should interact in every relationship, so that we are honoring You, above all else. Let those who are looking, see You in us, and come to a saving relationship with You. May we love and invest in others, as You invest in us. Be exalted, Lord God, as we relate to one another. 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