Grace to Guide Us

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age. – (Titus 2:11-12, NIV)

That is the way we should live, because God’s grace has come. That grace can save everyone. It teaches us not to live against God and not to do the bad things the world wants to do. It teaches us to live on earth now in a wise and right way – a way that shows true devotion to God. – (Titus 2:11-12, ERV)

We have cause to celebrate because the grace of God has appeared, offering the gift of salvation to all people. Grace arrives with its own instruction: run away from anything that leads us away from God; abandon the lusts and passions of this world; live life now in this age with awareness and self-control, doing the right thing and keeping yourselves holy. – (Titus 2:11-12, VOICE)

Because of God’s grace, we do not need to remain stuck in our sinful ways. His love teaches us what is right and grants us the strength to walk in His ways. God made the way for us to have His presence with us now, and the hope of eternity with Him forever. The more we know God, the better equipped we are to recognize what is good and right before Him, and the deeper our desire to do those things. May we ever seek the Lord and His amazing grace to lead us away from the things that are destructive, and to that which is aligned with His loving kindness.

The grace of the Lord,

Is loving and kind;

It shows us the way,

To with Him, align.

Salvation offered,

With goodness and grace;

His love will lead us,

To walk in His ways.

Our task is simple,

Seek the Holy One;

In all things, always,

So His will be done.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the way to hope both now and forevermore. Thank You that You show us what is good and right, and what we need to avoid. Forgive us for the times that we have walked our own way and ignored what we know is right and true. Teach us to turn to You to be always our strength and our guide 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 turn to You and away from anything that distracts or diverts us from You and all that You have for us. Amen.

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

Out of His fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. – John 1:16

The Goodness of God

For You have made me rejoice, Lord, by what You have done; I will shout for joy because of the work of Your hands. – (Psalm 92:4, HCSB)

Lord, You make us very happy because of what You did. I gladly sing about it. Lord, You did such great things. Your thoughts are too hard for us to understand. – (Psalm 92:4, ERV)

Because You, O Eternal One, thrill me with the things You have done, I will sing with joy in light of Your deeds. – (Psalm 92:4, VOICE)

God is always good. It is important to pause and take inventory of His faithfulness in our lives. When we look back, we can see how God has been present throughout all our days. There is evidence of His loving kindness and the work of His hands, as we remember what He has brought us through. I am in awe of how He provides and moves when we seek Him. After a crazy school year, it is incredible how in a mere four days, I am feeling rested and refreshed. My heart sings in response to the joy that rises as I reflect on His goodness. May we ever recognize God’s presence and help throughout our days, and sing for joy in thanksgiving for His goodness.

The goodness of God,

Is beyond compare;

In love, He meets us,

Shows us tender care.

His strength upholds us,

As He leads us on;

Kindness unending,

By grace we’re made strong.

Strong to keep moving,

In love and with grace;

May we give God praise,

Throughout all our days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You love us and do great things in our lives as You remind us of Your faithfulness and goodness. Forgive us for the times that we neglect to praise You for Your presence and love. Teach us to recognize Your nearness in all things and at all times. Show us how to love those around us in ways that make Your heart evident. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You and praise You for who You are and how You love. Amen.

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

They will give a testimony of Your great goodness and will joyfully sing of Your righteousness. – Psalm 145:7

Help Each New Day

But I call to You for help, Lord; in the morning my prayer meets You. – (Psalm 88:13, HCSB)

Lord, I am asking You to help me! Early each morning I pray to You. – (Psalm 88:13, ERV)

But I am calling out to You, Eternal One. My prayers rise before You with every new sun! – (Psalm 88:13, VOICE)

When we start the day seeking God, our hearts are in the right space and we are making room for God to move. No, He does not need our permission, yet His Father’s heart for us is that He wants His kids to seek and ask, inviting Him into every part of our day. As we do, He is faithful to meet us, walk beside us, and remind us of His loving kindness. The state of the world today is our ever-present reminder to seek Him. May we look to the Lord to be our help, for His mercies are new every morning.

O Lord, each morning,

We seek You anew;

To help and lead us,

And see the day through.

We call upon You,

Our help and our hope;

To begin each day,

With promises spoke.

Your promised presence,

And love that abounds;

Purpose empowered,

In You, help is found.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that each new day we can rise and seek You to be our help and our hope. Thank You that You are faithful to meet us when we seek You. Forgive us for the times that we have not sought You. Teach us to trust You and turn to You in all things and at all times. Show us Your power and Your loving kindness anew. Lead us to love those around us in ways that give help and strength to persevere in all things. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we call on You for help and pray to You at the start of each new day. Amen.

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

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart rejoices, and I praise Him with my song. – Psalm 28:7