Love Deeply

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sin. – (1 Peter 4:8, NIV)

Most important of all, love each other deeply, because love makes you willing to forgive many sins. – (1 Peter 4:8, ERV)

Most of all, love each other steadily and unselfishly, because love makes up for many faults. – (1 Peter 4:8, VOICE)

The more we love one another, the more willing we are to give grace when others are not at their best. Incredibly, when we choose to love, the recipient wants to do and be better too. Many times I have been on the receiving end of love that I did not deserve, and each time, it compelled me to love more deeply and forgive more freely, for this is how Jesus loves us all. As we march forward into the holiday season, may we be intentional to love each other deeply. We know not the burden that others are carrying, so as we interact with those around us, may we give grace and extend love to all. 

To love steadily,

Is to look past faults;

Ever giving good,

Through word, deed and thoughts.

For grace upon grace,

Is what we’ve received;

God’s loving kindness,

Brought us to believe.

Let’s rise with purpose,

Give grace and forgive;

Love without limits,

And choose freely give.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that while we were yet sinners, You loved. Thank You that Your love is not dependent on our behavior, performance, or goodness. Thank You that You love us because we are Yours. Thank You that You call us to do the same for those around us. Forgive us for the times that we have not given grace and not chosen to love. Show us how to love in every circumstance. Make a way for Your heart to be made evident to all. Lead us in Your unending love and overwhelming grace to treat those around us as You would. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to show us how to love others so deeply that we are ever willing to forgive their faults, just as You have forgiven us. Amen.

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

Together with these things, the most important part of your new life is to love each other. Love is what holds everything together in perfect unity. – Colossians 3:14

Grow Roots of Gratitude

Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. – (Colossians 2:7, NLT)

You must depend on Christ only, drawing life and strength from Him. Just as you were taught the truth, continue to grow stronger in your understanding of it. And never stop giving thanks to God. – (Colossians 2:7, ERV)

Let your roots grow down deeply in Him, and let Him build you up on a firm foundation. Be strong in the faith, just as you were taught, and always spill over with thankfulness. – (Colossians 2:7, VOICE)

 

As we depend on Christ and draw life and strength from Him, our roots grow deep and our foundation, strong. Consequently, the deeper our understanding, the more our heart begins to overflow with gratitude. This week marks the kickoff of the whirlwind that is the holiday season. Life tends to become extraordinarily busy with the bonus activities and added gatherings the season supplies. If we stand strong in our faith, just as we were taught, our hearts cannot help but overflow with thankfulness. May we press into our Provider and allow our roots to grow deep down into Him, so that we draw life and strength from the true Source and overflow with thankfulness at His abundant provision of all that we need and more.

 

For in Christ alone,

Our roots shall grow deep;

Safe, strong and secure,

Our hearts His grace keeps.

As we learn and grow,

His love will abound;

Reason to give thanks,

His leading is sound.

With hearts full of praise,

Give thanks forever;

For God is faithful,

Beyond all measure.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we grow our roots in You, You build a firm foundation within us. Thank You that as we grow strong in our faith, our heart begins to overflow with thankfulness for You and all that You have done. Forgive us for not pursuing growth in You, or for neglecting to give thanks for all that You have done. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would seek You to be our Strength and Supply and give You praise in all things and at all times. Show us how to love those around us in a way that makes gratitude contagious. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we give You thanks for all that You are and all that You do. 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

As Unto You

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. – (Colossians 3:23, NLT)

Whatever you do, do it from the heart for the Lord and not for people. – (Colossians 3:23, CEB)

Put your heart and soul into every activity you do, as though you are doing it for the Lord Himself and not merely for others. – (Colossians 3:23, TPT)

 

After student-led conferences, there is a sort of shift as we are race forward into the holiday season. We have a four-day week this week, less than three-day week next week, then we are only a month away until Christmas Break. Calendars fill rapidly, and it is easy to over-commit. That being said, my intent going into this busy, but beautiful season, is going to be – if I cannot put my heart and soul into whatever it is, as if unto the Lord, then my answer to the invitation will need to be a “no”. My family, my job, and my existing commitments to that which I am called, have to be my priority as I go. I love people deeply, and grew up as a “pleaser”, so I must be certain that my motivation is as unto the Lord. He is well-pleased with us because we are His, not for anything that we do or do not do. May we keep our eyes fixed on the Lord as we walk into this wonderful season, and allow Him to lead us into the things that we can do with our whole heart.

 

In all that we do,

May it be done well;

As unto the Lord,

Love’s own personnel.

As we choose commit,

To events and tasks;

We need make certain,

Our heart in it lasts.

How we choose to work,

The care placed in things;

Is our way to show,

The good that God brings.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to do all things as unto You. Thank You that we are not created to please people, but rather to be obedient to You. Thank You that as we live and love according to Your call, work is done well and people are loved as You love. Forgive us for the times that we have over-committed ourselves and have been pulled in so many different directions that we were unable to fully invest in anything. Teach us to balance our time and place our whole heart into the things that we are called to do. Show us how to love and prioritize people as we work as unto You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we put our heart and soul into every activity that we do, as unto You. Amen.

 

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

 

A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way? – Proverbs 20:24

 

Come to Rest

Then Jesus said, “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” – (Matthew 11:28, NLT)

“Come to Me, all you who are struggling hard and carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.” – (Matthew 11:28, CEB)

 

Though the holiday season is busy, as an educator I am blessed with a break that is long enough to actually slow down, set aside the weight of what wears me out, and really rest. There is time to catch up on the little things that need doing around the house, and I am able to sleep longer hours than I ordinarily do. These are the sort of things that lighten the load when the time comes to return to school again, as I will go back rested with less on the list that seems to hang over my head. The incredible thing about the promise in these words spoken by Jesus, is that a vacation is not required to go to Him and hand over our burdens and allow Him to grant us rest. He willingly and lovingly will help handle the load that we are bearing, and provide opportunity for us to find rest in Him. In Him, our strength is renewed and our load is lightened, even in the busiest of times. May we look to the Lord who is our strength, and take our burdens before Him, trusting that He is the One who will grant us the rest that we need.

 

Ever He calls us,

The weary and worn;

To come close to Him,

With strength, He’ll adorn.

He will grant us rest,

From the weight we bear;

No more to struggle,

The burden, He’ll share.

Come all you weary,

For Jesus is best;

His arms are open,

In love, He’ll grant rest.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to come to You when we are weary and worn from bearing heavy burdens, and You give us rest. Thank You that Your shoulders are far stronger than ours, and that no burden is too heavy for You to bear. Forgive us for attempting to carry the weight of the world on our own shoulders, rather than seeking and trusting You. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would bring our burdens before You, asking You for help and hope and strength, so that we would only carry that which we are called to carry, and set aside that which we are not. Show us how to love those around us in a way that lightens loads and shines hope in dark places. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we come to You with our heavy burdens, and receive the rest that You have for us. Amen.

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

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. – Galatians 5:22-23

Called to Live in Peace

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. – (Colossians 3:15, NLT)

 

This is such a timely scripture, as hearts are often unsettled as we approach the holiday season. Sometimes the unrest is due to overscheduling, but others are dealing with grieving losses that are magnified during this festive time of year. Our peace can only come from Christ. When we seek Him first, and rely on Him to rule and reign in our hearts, His peace comes and helps us live accordingly. If we are at peace within ourselves, it is far easier to be at peace with those around us. We tend to be bothered less by the little things, and more apt to extend grace to those around us. It is in this space that we recognize the remarkable that our Redeemer has done in and around us, and thankfulness cannot help but bubble up within our hearts. May we seek the Lord and His peace, so that we may be at peace within ourselves and those around us. Let thankfulness rise up and flow freely from our lips for His great faithfulness and the hope that is held forever in Him.

 

In spaces of stress,

May we offer peace;

For Christ within us,

Brings hope that won’t cease.

We are one body,

Called to live as one;

Loving each other,

’til our days are done.

Let thanks fill our hearts,

For God and His love;

For His peace that reigns,

May hope rise above.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that the peace that passes all understanding is available in You. Thank You that You equip and empower us to live in peace with one another as Your body. Forgive us for not seeking Your strength to be at peace within ourselves or with those around us. Teach us to trust You more for what we need to operate as agents of peace, especially during this season of giving thanks. Show us how to love and bless others well, so that they may know Your peace as we extend Your goodness and grace to those around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we allow Your peace to rule in our hearts and seek to live in peace with those around us. All thanks to You, Lord, now and forever. Amen.

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

Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths; …my hope is in You all day long. – Psalm 25:4-5