To Save Me

For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. – (John 3:17, NIV)

God sent His Son into the world. He did not send Him to judge the world guilty, but to save the world through Him. – (John 3:17, ERV)

Here’s the point. God didn’t send His Son into the world to judge it; instead, He is here to rescue a world headed toward certain destruction. – (John 3:17, VOICE)

It is hard to believe that it is already Easter week. The winter is long, and days seem to drag on until suddenly spring arrives and it is hard to believe it has already come. Being away from home on Easter week is strange, yet as I continue my usual studies, I am reminded of the significance of this season, and the incredible gift that God gave so that I might have life abundantly. Jesus woke up on Monday knowing what was coming on Friday, and continued to walk the road to which He had been called, teaching, leading and loving those who followed Him. May we each take pause to remember the ultimate gift that we have been given so that we might know God and have eternal life with Him.

Sacrificial love,

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Was given for me;

To unbind me from sin,

In Christ I am free.

Free and forgiven,

Through love and new life;

Opportunity,

An ending to strife.

My shame and my sin,

Held Him to the cross;

In love, He remained,

The ultimate cost.

May we remember,

What He gave for us;

Love’s restoration,

Our Savior, Jesus.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the overwhelming gift of Your Son. Thank You Jesus, that You came, lived, loved, died, and rose again so that we might have life in You. Forgive us for our sin and help us to remember that You paid the ultimate price so that we might live. Show us how to live and love in ways that honor You. Teach us to love those around us as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for the ultimate sacrifice You gave for us all, and embrace the grace that You provide through Your overwhelming love. Amen.

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

For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:2b

At Peace With Each Other

Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement allow you to live in harmony with one another, according to the command of Christ Jesus. – (Romans 15:5, HCSB)

All patience and encouragement come from God. And I pray that God will help you all agree with each other, as Christ Jesus wants. – (Romans 15:5, ERV)

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had. – (Romans 15:5, NIV)

God provides the endurance and encouragement that we need to live in harmony with each other. He does not tell us to suck it up or figure it out, but rather He modeled for us what it is to live in harmony with one another through His Son, and then God supplies what we need to do the same. It is not easy, nor does it always come naturally, but continually seeking God to show us how to live in harmony with each other is worthwhile. Peace, patience, goodness and kindness find their way in when we earnestly seek the Lord. May we ever go to God to provide what we need so that we may live in harmony with those around us.

O Lord, please lead us,

In Your love and grace;

Provide what we need,

Throughout ev’ry day.

Grant us endurance,

When the days seem long;

Your encouragement,

So we can be strong.

Strong in Your mercy,

Full of love and grace;

At peace with others,

Your love leads the way.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You give us patience, encouragement and endurance to live out our days in harmony with one another. Thank You that each day is new, and yesterday’s shortcomings do not determine today’s peace. Forgive us for our lack of seeking, or for holding onto things that divide rather than unite us. Teach us to follow Your example and to rely on You to provide what we need to be at peace with one another. Show us how to love and encourage one another in such a way that we find common ground and mutual respect for each other. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to supply all that we need to live in harmony with one another. Amen.

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

The Lord gives His people strength; the Lord blesses His people with peace. – Psalm 29:11

Extraordinary Through the Ordinary

And the angel came to her and said, “Rejoice, favored woman! The Lord is with you.” – (Luke 1:28, HCSB)

The angel came to her and said, “Greetings! The Lord is with you; you are very special to Him.” – (Luke 1:28, ERV)

Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Rejoice, beloved young woman, for the Lord is with you and you are anointed with great favor.” – (Luke 1:28, TPT)

I imagine this whole experience was a bit surreal to Mary. A visit from a messenger of God, followed by words that called you favored and anointed. She was a young girl, likely in her mid-teens, and engaged to be married. Was she an ordinary girl with extraordinary faith? Or perhaps there was something in her heart of worship that demonstrated her faithful and willing heart that was ready to respond with her very best yes? Either way, of all the women of child-bearing age in the world, God saw and chose her to carry His Son. As we gain further glimpses of her heart through the conception, development in the womb, time of arrival, and throughout the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus, her character is revealed as one who is ever faithful to the Lord. She had extraordinary insight into who God is through a seemingly ordinary life. Mary witnessed God in everyday circumstances as she raised Jesus, who was without sin. There were many reasons to rejoice throughout her entire experience, yet there were times of great grief as well. Ultimately, she came to know and understand the plan and purpose of the promised baby that would become the Savior of the world. May we reflect with awe and wonder at the amazing ways that God came near to ordinary people to show us His great love.

Called highly favored,

Chosen to be blessed;

A holy calling,

That might cause a mess.

A virgin promised,

To Joseph to wed;

Yet called to be more,

As the angel said.

God knew the people,

Who’d answer the call;

Despite how things looked,

To one and to all.

Ever He’s faithful,

The Lord God above;

Who sent us His Son,

To show us His love.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You do extraordinary things through ordinary people who are willing to say yes to You and the plans You have. Thank You that You sent Your Son through ordinary people with extraordinary faith. Forgive us for our fear and lack of faith when things we know we ought to do seem inconceivable. Teach us to trust You to lead us in all that You have for us, and to trust that Your plans are for good. Show us how to love and honor You in all that we say and do, and help us to love those around us as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for the amazing things You do through ordinary people who trust You well. Amen.

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

Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant. Let this thing you have said happen to me!” Then the angel went away. – Luke 1:38

Give Us Grace

Therefore, God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. – (Colossians 3:12, HCSB)

God has chosen you and made you His holy people. He loves you. So your new life should be like this: Show mercy to others. Be kind, humble, gentle, and patient. – (Colossians 3:12, ERV)

You are always and dearly loved by God! So robe yourself with the virtues of God, since you have been divinely chosen to be holy. Be merciful as you endeavor to understand others, and be compassionate, showing kindness toward all. Be gentle and humble, unoffendable in your patience with others. – (Colossians 3:12, TPT)

Because we are His created, we are all dearly loved. We cannot be holy on our own, yet because of Jesus, He sees us as holy through the lens of His Son. As a result of God’s great love for us, we too ought to seek to love in the same way. To do so, we must be compassionate to others, show kindness to all, be gentle and humble, and patiently unoffendable. In order to live like this, we need to understand and know the depth and breadth of God’s love for us so that we may extend the same to those around us as it overflows. God knows our human limitations. He provides where we are lacking, and grants us wisdom and grace to keep pursuing to live life as He intended. May we all embrace the grace that lies before us in a welcomed long weekend, and may the Lord strengthen us and grant us the rest we need to continue to keep loving others as we are called to love.

O Lord, give us grace,

To love others well;

Compassionately,

May our kindness tell.

Tell of Your mercy,

Show people Your grace;

Be not offended,

Choose love anyway.

Seek understanding,

Be humble and kind;

Love one another,

With heart, soul and mind.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You first loved us. Thank You that we are created to love as You love. Thank You that this is not something that we are expected to do in our own strength, for surely we would fail miserably if that were so. Thank You that You supply the strength, grace, kindness and love that we need to live as Your beloved children. Forgive us for all of the times that we have moved in our own strength and fallen short. Thank You that Your mercies are new every morning and Your faithful love knows no end. Teach us to live and love as You do. Show us how to have heartfelt compassion that gives grace, mercy, kindness, gentleness, and patience that is not offendable. May many come into a lasting relationship with You as they come to understand the power of Your great love. Be glorified O God, as we seek and depend on You to lead us to love well. Amen. 

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

This God, our God forever and ever – He will always lead us. – Psalm 48:14

Kind, Loving and Forgiving

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. – (Ephesians 4:32, NIV)

Be kind and loving to each other. Forgive each other the same as God forgave you through Christ. – (Ephesians 4:32, ERV)

But instead be kind and affectionate toward one another. Has God graciously forgiven you? Then graciously forgive one another in the depths of Christ’s love. – (Ephesians 4:32, TPT)

 

Typically, I am quite even tempered, as I seldom get overly upset or worked up about things; usually, I choose to take a deep breath, and keep pressing forward. However, like anyone, I do have my breaking point. When I reach a space where no matter how hard I work, and how much I try, I still feel grossly inadequate, it is then that I begin to withdraw, and the sarcasm spews out as an ugly coping mechanism. Thankfully, my Viking is kind and compassionate to me. He sees me wherever I am, and grants grace and extends love, with some humor, in a way that helps pull me out of my place of frustration and back into a space of depending on God’s abundant grace. Somehow, I am blessed with tremendous friends that do the same as well. In this season of adjusting and adapting to staying at home and working remotely, we all need to be kind, compassionate and forgiving. It is easy to extend these things to others, but much more difficult to offer the same to ourselves. God, in His outrageous grace, sent His Son for us, so that we might truly know and understand the depth of His forgiveness and love. My hope is that as we set our sights toward Easter, we might look to the cross and recognize that the forgiveness and redemption extended to all is a gift that we are meant to embrace, and then extend to those around us. May we each look for ways to be loving and kind to one another; graciously forgiving each other in love, just as we have been loved and forgiven by God.

 

Kindness, compassion,

Photo by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤

Extended in grace;

The Lord’s forgiveness,

New, every day.

We all are chosen,

To love the same way;

Give love and forgive,

God’s grace on display.

As we extend love,

God’s love and light’s shown;

Forgiveness and grace,

In kindness, made known.

So, keep reaching out,

Choose love and forgive;

In kindness grant grace,

Where hope truly lives.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are kind and compassionate toward us, forgiving us in love. Thank You that You call us and empower us to do the same. Thank You for the people whom You have placed in our lives who show us these things in tangible ways. Forgive us for the times that we have lacked compassion, kindness or forgiveness toward those around us. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would extend the very things that You have so lavishly granted to us, to those around us. Show us how to best love those around us with kindness and compassion. Point out the places where we need to walk in forgiveness with one another. Grant us Your grace and strength to love like You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose to be kind and compassionate, and forgive one another as You have forgiven us. Amen.

 

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

 

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. – Romans 12:10

How We Love

This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. – (1 John 4:9, NIV)

The light of God’s love shined within us when He sent His matchless Son into the world so that we might live through Him. – (1 John 4:9, TPT)

Because of this, the love of God is a reality among us: God sent His only Son into the world so that we could find true life through Him. – (1 John 4:9, VOICE)

 

We know love, because God first loved us. Jesus made the way for all who choose believe and receive, to access a love so great, that once it is known, it must be shared. The beauty of God’s love is that it is so all-encompassing that we are filled to overflowing and cannot help but give love as we have been given. Our challenge is to actually receive what is being extended. When we truly take the time to taste and see how good God is and how vast His love is for each one of us, it is impossible to not be overwhelmed with gratitude. It is in that space of grace, when we are fully aware, that we long to give that which we have been given. May we each take pause and allow God’s love to wash over us so that we may view others through His lens of love.

 

The love of the Lord,

Photo by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤

Is granted to us;

Ready to receive,

Through His Son, Jesus.

In Him there is life,

Grace and lasting love;

Floods both heart and mind,

As we trust above.

And as we receive,

We expand and grow;

Equipped to love well,

So grace overflows.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son to show us love and to equip us with the capacity to love others as we are loved by You. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to choose to love. Teach us to trust You more, so that we may view others through Your lens of love, and extend all of Your goodness and grace to each person we meet. Show us how to love those around us in ways that demonstrate Your light and love in ways that bless their hearts most. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we receive all that You have to give so that we may go forth and love like You. Amen.

 

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

 

But if anyone obeys His word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in Him. – 1 John 2:5

As He Loves

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. – (John 15:12, NIV)

This is what I command you: Love each other as I have loved you. – (John 15:12, ERV)

So this is my command: Love each other deeply, as much as I have loved you. – (John 15:12, TPT)

 

I am beyond blessed to have so many people in my life who model this very sort of love toward me on a regular basis. This weekend, I have been reminded especially well, of just how much God loves me, as He has made His love tangible through the people whom He has intentionally placed in my life. Though this past year has not unfolded exactly as one might have hoped nor expected in the first year of marriage and as I roll into the start of my forty-eighth year of life, I can clearly see God’s hand in it, and have been held, strengthened, encouraged and carried, every step of the way. Many spouses would not be so fortunate to have the blessing of their husband of nine months, and their seventeen-year-old twins, to go and care for their mother after a stroke. Mine, however, said, “Go!” Each weekend, my husband has faithfully driven the three hours to come see me, and have made sure to speak with me and encourage me daily on the phone, (the boys join him as often as their schedules allow). This weekend was kicked off with my running bestie on Friday evening through Saturday morning, followed by my husband and boys on Saturday at midday, and as the fellas prepare to leave this afternoon, my best friend will arrive to stay a quick overnight as well. Not only am I blessed and encouraged by their visit and presence, but mom is too. It is only fitting, as she is the reason that I am here. As this week continues, Megan will return and I will head home to go on an escape for our first anniversary trip. God is good, and I have learned to love more deeply in the last three months than I ever knew possible prior.

As for mom and her progress yesterday, she accomplished another new milestone with her grandsons cheering her on! Mom walked the entire length of her hallway, twice! That is one-hundred and twenty feet, unassisted. I love watching the recognition of new progress on mom’s face each time she conquers new milestones. There is a visible flood of hope that fills not only her face, but her entire being. It is almost as if she could jump out of her chair and dance down the hallway with excitement. So much joy. Another accomplishment was tackled as we went out to dinner as a family. Being out in public is not her favorite, and I imagine the idea of sitting in a restaurant makes her feel especially vulnerable. Thankfully, the place we selected was fairly quiet, and we were at a table in a room where there were nearly no other patrons. We enjoyed our meal together and did not have any issues navigating the space. After dinner, we returned home and played several rounds of our family favorite game, Dirty Marbles. It is a sort of combination of Chinese Checkers and Sorry, and gets quite competitive. Each of us ended the day full, happy, and knowing how truly loved we are. I could not think of a better way to close out my 47th year. 😊

May we ever recognize how God loves us so well, and go forth and love as we are loved.

 

We are commanded,

To love as we’re loved;

Give as we’re given,

From the Lord above.

For all that God gives,

Within, multiplies;

So we might go forth,

And love with delight.

For each time we choose,

To love like the Lord;

We help others know,

How much they’re adored.

The Lord loves us all,

His most treasured ones;

May we trust in Him,

And love like His Son.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You only ask of us that which You already have shown us in countless ways. Thank You that Your love is tangible. Thank You for the treasured gift of family and friends whom You place in our lives to show us what Your love really means. Forgive us for the times that we have not loved according to Your plan. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would love without limits and allow Your light to burn brightly through us to the world. Show us how to love those around us, especially those who are difficult to love or do not know how to receive the love You have to offer. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we love others in the same way that You selflessly and generously love each of us. Amen.

 

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

 

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. – 1 Chronicles 16:34

The Ultimate Love

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. – (John 3:16, NIV)

Yes, God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him would not be lost but have eternal life. – (John 3:16, ERV)

For this is how much God loved the world – He gave His one and only, unique Son as a gift. So now everyone who believes in Him will never perish but experience everlasting life. – (John 3:16, TPT)

 

Because God loved us, His created, so much, He sent His Son to make Himself tangible and approachable to all. Jesus made the way for all who choose to believe, to have life eternal in Him. This blessed assurance provides hope, peace, comfort and removes fear from all that lies ahead. No matter how tumultuous life can become, there is so much more waiting for us when our time here is done. Though we mourn loss of loved ones as we have to adjust to life without their tangible presence, we may also rejoice for those who know Him, as they enter into eternal glory. Additionally, when we know the Lord as well, goodbye is really just a “see you later.” One day, we will be reunited with those who have gone before us to be with the Lord. Imagine the celebration that will take place when we see Jesus face-to-face, and again join with loved ones who have gone ahead of us. May we rejoice in the incredible love that God has for each of us, as His Son showed us what He is like and how greatly He truly loves.

 

The ultimate love,

Chooses truly see;

Past every flaw,

And looks to meet needs.

There’s no greater love,

Than God’s sacrifice;

A love undeserved,

Paid ultimate price.

A death undeserved,

In our place He chose;

Faced the darkest grave,

And third day, He rose.

He went on ahead,

To prepare a place;

For all who believe,

His welcome embrace.

May we look to God,

Ever seek His face;

Trust all that He is,

And unending grace.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that because You loved, we too, may come to know love. Thank You for the precious gift of Your Son, who made love tangible for all to see and understand. Forgive us for the times that we let go of hope and allow our struggles to define what we see. Teach us to trust You more, so that despite the hard things that we walk through and endure, there is everlasting hope to be held in You. Show us how to love those around us in a way that demonstrates Your love and provides hope for what is yet to come. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we thank You and praise You for our everlasting hope, and embrace the grace that You alone give. Amen.

 

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

 

In Your unfailing love you will lead the people You have redeemed. In Your strength You will guide them to Your holy dwelling. – Exodus 15:13

You Have Shown Us

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. – (Philippians 4:9, NIV)

And do what you learned and received from me – what I told you and what you saw me do. And the God who gives peace will be with you. – (Philippians 4:9, ERV)

Keep to the script: whatever you learned and received and heard and saw in me – do it – and the God of peace will walk with you. – (Philippians 4:9, VOICE)

 

God has shown us what to do to walk in His way and know His peace, personally. He has given us His word, the example of His Son and all who followed faithfully before us, so that we may learn and receive from Him. Peace is present, even when things are difficult, as we are certain of the direction we are meant to be going. We learn, receive, hear and see the truth of what we are to know as we earnestly seek the Lord. Christ is faithful to meet us and lead us, so that we know His perfect peace wherever we go. May we ever put into practice that which we have come to know, so that we may grow in wisdom and know the presence of His perfect peace.

 

The Lord has shown us,

What we’re meant to do;

He’s modeled the way,

To live a life true.

All that we have learned,

Received, heard and seen;

Shows the path to peace,

And what that peace means.

Wherever we go,

And in all we do;

Let us trust the way,

That God leads us through.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness and grace. Thank You that You have shown and given us the ways in which we are meant to go. Thank You that as we do, we are met with Your peace. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to follow the path that You have provided, and have either gone our own way or stayed stuck in the space that we were meant to leave. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would know and understand the ways we are to walk forward with You. Show us how to love those around us in a way that provides Your peace and strength to move forward in the direction that You are calling. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust and follow all that we have learned and received from You. Amen.

 

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

 

He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you? But to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. – Micah 6:8

Fresh Freedom Has Come

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! – (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV) 

When anyone is in Christ, it is a whole new world. The old things are gone; suddenly, everything is new! – (2 Corinthians 5:17, ERV) 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. – (2 Corinthians 5:17, NKJV) 

 

As we step into day one of this new year, there is promise of fresh starts and brand-new beginnings in all that is yet to come. A sense of hope and resolve rise when we recognize that we are free to begin again. I am not big on resolutions, but rather desire to continue to learn and grow in all that the Lord has for me. My personal life has been made new in a beautiful way that I could not have imagined only a few short years ago. He makes new all that we are willing to place in His hands, and grant Him reign. God does exceedingly more than we could hope or imagine, as we allow Him room to rule. May we all recognize the opportunity for fresh starts and restoration as we walk boldly into 2019, trusting that God will do amazing things as we place our hope and our lives in His mighty hands. 

 

For all who trust Christ,

Photo by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤

Fresh freedom has come; 

God makes all things new, 

By grace through His Son. 

The old things are gone, 

And we are made new; 

As we allow God, 

To reign and to move. 

As the sun shall rise, 

To start a new day; 

So too, we’re made new, 

As we walk His way. 

Let us choose to trust, 

Find hope in His Name; 

For new life has come, 

Let God on high reign. 

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we are ever made new in You. Thank You that new life in You is not dependent on a day or a year, but rather on us allowing You to lead us and reign in our hearts. Thank You that new may begin each day, each moment, as we trust in You. Forgive us for our faltering faith, when new beginnings seem unobtainable. Help us to trust You, even when we cannot see hope, help or possible change in our circumstances. Show us how to love those around us in a way that demonstrates new life in You and offers the hope of the same for all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we allow You reign and embrace each change, as You ever make us new. Amen.

 

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

 

You must be made new in your hearts and in your thinking. Be that new person who was made to be like God, truly good and pleasing to Him. – Ephesians 4:23-24