The Power of Love

I pray that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. – (Ephesians 3:17-18, NIV)

I pray that Christ will live in your hearts because of your faith. I pray that your life will be strong in love and be built on love. And I pray that you and all God’s holy people will have the power to understand the greatness of Christ’s love – how wide, how long, how high, and how deep that love is. – (Ephesians 3:17-18, ERV)

I pray that the Messiah may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love. – (Ephesians 3:17-18, HCSB)

As much as we all dread the grief of death and loss, it seems to provide an incredible opportunity for Christ to make His love known. Yesterday, one of my dearest friends and her family had a memorial for her late mother. Not only was the depth of their love for her expressed as she was honored, but the family felt overwhelmed and surrounded as their extended family and friends joined them to honor her memory. That feeling of being seen, surrounded, supported and loved is but a glimpse of the greatness of Christ’s love. We as humans are imperfect; flawed, yet if our love is felt and received so tangibly, how much more is the love of God for all who seek Him? My prayer throughout the service was that each person present would know Christ and the overwhelming love that He has for us all. He is our Comforter and our Peace, and His grace grants us the strength to keep moving forward, even when the weight of our circumstances seem too much for us to bear. He comes alongside us and provides tangible help through the love and care of people who know and love us. May we ever be aware of His leading, for God has created us to love as He loves, and such love is that which walks beside, lifts up, and remains present through all things.

Throughout life’s seasons,

the Lord’s always good;

through the highs and lows,

His love understood.

He grants us His peace,

when peace should not be;

surrounds us with love,

that’s felt tangibly.

The Lord knows our need,

in love, He provides;

help, hope and goodness,

as we choose abide.

Father, we thank You,

for all that You are;

how You show us love,

from both near and far.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are love. Thank You that as we seek You, You show us more and more how deep, how wide, how long and how far Your love is for us all. Thank You that You come close and make Your care tangible. Forgive us for the times that we neglect to recognize Your provision and grace. Teach us to see You through those around us, and to give You praise for all that You provide through Your goodness and love. Show us how to love those around us in tangible ways that make Your heart known. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You in all circumstances and praise You for Your presence in all things and at all times and for the visible presence made known through the power of Your love. Amen.

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

Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. – 1 John 4:7

Place of Peace

“The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,” says the Lord Almighty. “And in this place I will grant peace,” declares the Lord Almighty. – (Haggai 2:9, NIV)

And the Lord All-Powerful said, “This last Temple will be more beautiful than the first one, and I will bring peace to this place.” Remember, this is what the Lord All-Powerful said. – (Haggai 2:9, ERV)

“This Temple is going to end up far better than it started out, a glorious beginning but an even more glorious finish; a place in which I will hand out wholeness and holiness.” Decree of God-of-the-Angel-Armies. – (Haggai 2:9, MSG)

This passage from Haggai is when the Lord had spoken to Haggai about rebuilding the temple. He had withheld His blessings because the people had not obeyed or honored Him. God spoke to Haggai and let him know what needed to be done and how He would restore the glory of His House and the peace of His people. The people feared the Lord and chose to obey. Though our gathering places are not ornate temples, where we gather is meant to be a place of peace. In my experience, churches that care well for one another and are good stewards of their space to gather perpetuate His peace. May we look to the Lord to lead and guide us in His ways, and may we care well for one another and our spaces to gather, for together, they become sweet places of peace.

Lord, build Your temple,

within all our hearts;

may we make the room,

for You to impart.

Deposit Your peace,

as wisdom we seek;

please teach and lead us,

so love does increase.

Help us to steward,

all that You do give;

so others may see,

Your love as we live.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our place of peace. Thank You that as we gather together to seek You, Your peace is present and Your goodness is shown. Forgive us for the times that we have not exemplified Your goodness and grace. Teach us to listen and love like You so that Your peace is ever present within us. Show us how to love and care for those around us well. May many come into a lasting relationship with You as they experience Your peace for themselves. Be glorified O God, as we are intentional to care for those around us and the places we gather so that Your peace and presence are made known. Amen.

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

My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest. – Isaiah 32:18

He Looks into the Heart

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” – (1 Samuel 16:7, NIV)

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Eliab is tall and handsome, but don’t judge by things like that. God doesn’t look at what people see. People judge by what is on the outside, but the Lord looks at the heart. Eliab is not the right man.” – (1 Samuel 16:7, ERV)

But God told Samuel, “Looks aren’t everything. Don’t be impressed with his looks and stature. I’ve already eliminated him. God judges persons differently than humans do. Men and women look at the face; God looks into the heart.” – (1 Samuel 16:7, MSG)

God had called Samuel to anoint a new king. Jesse presented seven of his sons to Samuel, thinking that surely one of them must be the one Samuel was looking to make king. However, that is not how the story goes. After the seven sons had been seen by Samuel, he asked Jesse if he had any other sons. Jesse let him know there was one more, but he was out tending the sheep. As the story unfolds, David is the shepherd boy whom Samuel sees and then anoints as king. What the others did not see in David, God saw and knew and honored. David was strong and unafraid, for he often fought off wild animals to protect the sheep, and he had a heart to worship, as he was later known for his songs of both praise and lament that we find throughout the Psalms. There is much more to David’s story, but the gist is that God saw and knew his heart. It is no different for us. God sees and knows us, and His plans for us are best. God knows the potential and giftings within us, and intends to set us in spaces where we can use them best to honor Him. I know not what that might mean for me, but I do know that God is good and has a plan and a purpose for my life. The thing is, His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are so much higher than ours. Even if the direction that He seems to be leading us appears to be at a standstill, He is good and is still working. May we ever praise God for His goodness and love, and give Him thanks that He looks into our hearts and knows what is best.

O Lord, we praise You,

for all that You do;

Your ways are higher,

and Your word is true.

I trust You anew,

each day as I rise;

Your goodness surrounds,

our Hope realized.

Father, we thank You,

that You are so good;

Your plan for our lives,

make grace understood.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You do not base our worth nor our purpose on the external, but rather You look into our heart and determine what is best for us, individually. Thank You that Your plans and purpose are always good. Forgive us for our impatience when we feel like You are leading us in one direction, yet cannot see how You are moving. Teach us to trust You in the waiting, for David was anointed king when he was a boy, but did not become king until years later. Show us how to love and encourage those around us well. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your promises and ever trust in who You are and what You say. Amen.

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

As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. – Isaiah 55:9

Hope for the Hurting

When they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recognize him; they began to weep aloud, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads. Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was. – (Job 2:12-13, NIV)

But his friends didn’t even recognize him when they first saw him in the distance! They began to cry loudly. They tore their clothes and threw dirt in the air over their heads to show how sad they were. Then they sat on the ground with Job for seven days and seven nights. They didn’t say a word, because they saw he was in so much pain. – (Job 2:12-13, ERV)

When they first caught sight of him, they couldn’t believe what they saw – they hardly recognized him! They cried out in lament, ripped their robes, and dumped dirt on their heads as a sign of their grief. They they sat with him on the ground. Seven days and nights they sat there without saying a word. They could see how rotten he felt, how deeply he was suffering. – (Job 2:12-13, MSG)

How we respond to the hurting matters. Job’s friends responded well in the beginning. An act of support and solidarity was clearly displayed through their actions. Sometimes, when the pain is too great, the best thing we can do is simply be present. Job had lost everything – his family, his flocks, his home, his possessions, and his health. The agony of such great loss and suffering was beyond offering words. Job had done nothing wrong to deserve such tragedy, yet he remained faithful to God in his tremendous season of suffering. God honored Job’s faithfulness, and ultimately restored all that had been lost and more. Our charge and challenge is to remain faithful to God in and through all things. When we suffer, do we blame God or cry out to God to be our help and our hope? Currently, my biggest wonder for so many that I know who are suffering is the question, “Why?” I know some amazing humans who are fighting for their lives as they battle disease, illness, and overcoming injuries. Incredibly, instead of a self-pity party, each is surrounded by people who are willing to walk beside them and do what can be done, as each is persevering in their own fight. After spending a few days with my mom who is recovering from a broken hip, I feel like this hits home all the more. Presence is everything to her right now and it is impossible to be there 24/7 as she would like. Thankfully, she is in a place where people are ready and available to help with anything she needs at a simple push of a button. With God, we have so much more. He knows our thoughts before we think them, our hearts, even when we are silent, and hears every cry uttered unto Him. Always present, we can trust in His goodness and faithfulness forever. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us so that we too, can sit with those who need tangible presence, and for wisdom to know how to navigate what is needed. In all things, God is good, even when our circumstances are not.

To help the hurting,

we need listen well;

be it to just sit,

or of goodness tell.

The Lord is faithful,

He knows what we need;

in our suffering,

His love is our lead.

In times of stillness,

we can hear His voice;

tangible goodness,

reason to rejoice.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for those whom You have provided in our seasons of suffering to simply sit with us, or to walk alongside us as we navigate what we cannot understand. Thank You that You call us to do the same for those around us. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to reach out, walk beside, or simply sit with the suffering. Teach us to trust You more so that we would be quick to come alongside the hurting. Lead us to love as You love, and provide opportunities for us to make Your love tangible to those who need it most. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your presence in all things and at all times. Amen.

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

Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. – 1 Chronicles 16:11

Give Thanks in Word and Deed

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. – (Colossians 3:17, HCSB)

Everything you say and everything you do should be done for Jesus your Lord. And in all you do, give thanks to God the Father through Jesus. – (Colossians 3:17, ERV)

Let every activity of your lives and every word that comes from your lips be drenched with the beauty of our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One. And bring your constant praise to God the Father because of what Christ has done for you! – (Colossians 3:17, TPT)

Can you imagine what the world would be like if everyone did EVERYTHING unto Jesus? Love would lead and kindness would be everywhere. Whenever we do things unto God and give thanks to Him, He is glorified as His goodness is honored and His love is made known in a tangible way. We all are a work in progress, yet the more that we seek to let the Lord’s love lead, the more we become accustomed to doing things as His ambassadors of goodness and grace. Love leads when we seek to do things the way that Christ intended. Today, as we gather and give thanks, it is the perfect opportunity to seek the Lord to lead us in every conversation and activity that we participate in, so that God may be made known and glorified through our purposeful and intentional love. May God be glorified as we gather and give thanks.

O Lord, flood our hearts,

With goodness and grace;

Lead us in Your love,

Throughout all our days.

God, as we gather,

Show us what to do;

To love in all things,

Choose to honor You.

May Your heart be known,

In all that we do;

Lead us with Your love,

So Your heart shines through.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us and equip us to love as You love in all that we say and do. Forgive us for all that we’ve said or done that has not represented You well. Continue to show us and grow us to walk in Your ways and to love as You do. Teach us to turn to You to be our Supply for words and actions. Lead us to love those around us well, so that they may come to understand the goodness and grace that are found as we follow Your ways. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to show us how to honor You with our every word and deed. Amen.

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

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

Trust in Trials and Triumphs

I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand on the earth. – (Job 19:25, NIV)

I know that there is someone to defend me and that He lives! And in the end, He will stand here on earth and defend me. – (Job 19:25, ERV)

Still, I know that God lives – the One who gives me back my life – and eventually He’ll take His stand on earth. – (Job 19:25, MSG)

Job, after he had lost everything, still stood on the truth that he knew. In his heartache and anguish, he cried out to God and proclaimed the truth before his friends who had stopped supporting him and begun blaming him for his own misery. God, in His goodness and mercy, restored Job’s health and wealth to more than it was before, and honored his faithfulness, despite all that Job had suffered. God has good things in store for us, despite the trials and heartaches we have to endure. His goodness stands forever, and His promises are eternal. It is our eternity that provides hope, even on the darkest days. No matter what comes, God is still good and is still on the throne. May we ever remember that our Redeemer lives and in the end, He is our hope forever as Lord and King of all.

The Lord is alive,

Our hope and our peace;

No matter what comes,

His love will not cease.

Though days might seem dark,

The true light will come;

He brings grace and peace,

For all is not done.

Look to the heavens,

The Lord ever reigns;

Our hope forever,

And goodness He brings.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your word and for the examples who have gone before us. Thank You that despite the difficulties that happen, You still reign and have power to restore. Forgive us for our wavering faith when challenges overwhelm us. Teach us to turn in trust to You, ever holding fast to the truth that we know. Thank You that You are our hope and promise forever. Show us how to walk alongside those in the midst of struggle, so that we might love, encourage and bless as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You in every season – both trying and triumphant, for You love and lead us through all. Amen.

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

But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all Your deeds. – Psalm 73:28

True Community

If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. – (1 Corinthians 12:26, NIV) 

If one part of the body suffers, then all the other parts suffer with it. Or if one part is honored, then all the other parts share its honor. – (1 Corinthians 12:26, ERV) 

In that way, whatever happens to one member happens to all. If one suffers, everyone suffers. If one is honored, everyone rejoices. – (1 Corinthians 12:26, TPT) 

If we are truly living in community as we are called to do, our love for one another compels us to know and love each other so deeply, that when one is hurting – we all hurt; and when one is honored, we all rejoice with them. In a close-knit family, this is a natural response to one another. However, to become a body that cares for one another in the way that God intended, requires an investment of time and devotion to each other. As we grow in understanding and care for one another, we naturally mourn with those who mourn, and celebrate with those who celebrate. As a body, a true community, we come together with compassion and empathy. May we seek the Lord to show us and grow us in how to be in community with those around us. 

Lord, teach us to love, 

 One to another; 

With Your compassion, 

For sisters, brothers. 

Show us how to love, 

In ways that are clear; 

Through mourning and joy, 

Let all know You’re near. 

Show us how to mourn, 

With those stuck in grief; 

And how to rejoice, 

As they find relief. 

Help us walk beside, 

Helping each other; 

As You do for us, 

One to another. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to community in such a way, that we have empathy for those around us. Thank You that You call us to both mourn with those who are suffering, and to celebrate with those who are experiencing blessing. Forgive us for neglecting one and embracing the other, or for not investing well enough in those around us to know when either is taking place. Show us how to love as You love; for You walked among the broken and lifted up the downtrodden. Lead us to have compassion and empathy for those around us, no matter what season they find themselves in. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we learn to have compassion and empathy for all those around us. Amen. 

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

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. – Ephesians 4:2

Trust to Do What is Right

“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if He does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” – (Daniel 3:17-18, NIV)

“If you throw us into the hot furnace, the God we serve can save us. And if He wants to, He can save us from your power. But even if God does not save us, we want you to know, King, that we refuse to serve your gods. We will not worship the gold idol that you have set up.” – (Daniel 3:17-18, ERV)

“If you throw us into the blazing furnace, then the God we serve is able to rescue us from a furnace of blazing fire and release us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if He does not, O king, you can be sure that we still will not serve your gods and we will not worship the golden statue you erected.” – (Daniel 3:17-18, VOICE)

 

Daniel 3 is a fantastic example of trusting God to do what is right, and the Lord’s faithfulness as the trio of young men stood firm in their convictions. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego knew that bowing down to a statue constructed of gold, made by man, would dishonor God. Despite the threat of death as a punishment for disobedience, the young men trusted that God would save them if sent to the fire. They even went so far as to say that if God did not save them, they still refused to bow before the gold statue. God honored their faithfulness in a miraculous way, as He met them in the fire, and kept them from being burned, despite the intense heat. As a result, the king decreed that if anyone spoke out against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, they would lose their life. The king’s heart was transformed as he witnessed the trio’s trust and the Lord’s faithfulness. We may not be facing the fiery furnace, nor forced to bow before a golden statue, but we do have opportunities daily to choose to trust God. How are we standing firm in faith, despite what we see? Each stand we take in trust, gives God room to move mightily. Our ongoing trust gives glimpses of the faithfulness of God to those around us. May we ever choose to stand firm in our convictions, and have faith to trust God to be faithful forever.

 

Choose trust in the Lord,

When facing the fire;

He’s faithful always,

The help that’s required.

He knows what we need,

Provision through trust;

Faith makes us aware,

Of how He meets us.

God grants us the strength,

In truth, to stand firm;

Obey, honor Him,

In all that we’ve learned.

So, let us choose right,

By faith, do His will;

The Lord will grant strength,

As peace He instills.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the examples in Your word of people who were faithful to You, even when society dictated otherwise. Thank You that You show us again and again, that You are faithful to those who trust in You. Forgive us for the times that we have not stood firm in what we know You are asking us to do. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would not waiver from what You ask. Show us how to love those around us as You call us to love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You in all things and watch in wonder as You move faithfully on our behalf. Amen.

 

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

 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6

Blot Out Barriers

To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. – (Daniel 1:17, NIV)

God gave these four young men the wisdom and ability to learn many different kinds of writing and science. Daniel could also understand all kinds of visions and dreams. – (Daniel 1:17, ERV)

Through all of this, God conferred upon these four young men superior abilities in literature, language, and wisdom. God had given Daniel an additional gift, too: the ability to interpret visions and dreams. – (Daniel 1:17, VOICE)

 

Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were among the chosen from Judah to be trained to serve in the king of Babylon’s palace. The king ordered for the men to be taught and trained in the language and literature of the Babylonians. As they were trained, they were granted rations of royal food and wine from the king’s table. Daniel, not wanting to defile himself with such things, petitioned for permission to eat only vegetables and water. Because he had found favor with the chief official over him, he agreed to try, despite his concerns about how the meager rations would affect Daniel and company’s appearance. At the end of the trial time, the young men looked healthier than the others, and had won over the official, allowing them to continue their vegetarian diet so that their focus could be on God and the learning that He would give them, rather than on what they would eat or drink at their next meal. God honored their hearts, and the four young men thrived in their learning, far above the others chosen for the same training. My take away from this story is the young men gave up fine delicacies that could distract, in exchange for focus and favor, granted by God. Food was to serve a function, rather than a focus, that way the young learners were able to set their minds on what mattered most. My prayer is that God would show me the things that are unnecessary distractions that I do not need, to set aside so that I may fully focus on what matters most. May we ever seek the Lord for wisdom, new insight and understanding, setting aside anything that pulls our attention away from our intended purpose.

 

When we set aside,

The things that distract;

The Lord is faithful,

Wisdom He’ll enact.

He’s faithful to hear,

Our heart as we ask;

Sometimes to listen,

Desires must be last.

Help us clear the way,

For all of the new;

Open minds and hearts,

To what You will do.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You give us biblical examples of those who sought You well. Thank You that there are things that we can to do to help make way for You to move. Thank You that if we ask, You are faithful to answer and show us the things that distract us from hearing You clearly. Forgive us for allowing our own agenda to get in the way of all that You have for us. Teach us to trust You more, as Your plans are far greater than our own. Show us how to love those around us well, as we listen to Your leading and follow what You are asking. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your faithfulness forever. Amen.

 

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

 

For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. – Proverbs 2:6

Honor and Protect

May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in You. – (Psalm 25:21, NIV)

You are good and do what is right. I trust You to protect me. – (Psalm 25:21, ERV)

May honor and strong character keep me safe. Vigilantly I wait for You, hoping, trusting. – (Psalm 25:21, VOICE)

 

One of my husband’s favorite things about his job is that he works with great people. He is especially drawn to the motor officers, as he has had the privilege of working closely with and attending training each summer with them, as he keeps their motorcycles running safely throughout the year. Last evening, we were honored to attend a small retirement dinner for one of the motor officers, whom Mark has worked with the entire time that he has been employed by the city. It was a joy to be in the company of men and their wives who live upright and are of strong character; humbly trusting and hoping in God as they choose to serve their community. In such a position, I imagine it requires intentional trust each day, for protection and direction as they seek to fulfill their duties with integrity and uprightness. In the same way that I pray daily for the safety and protection of my family, I ought to also remember those who serve our city, state and our nation. May integrity and uprightness protect us all as we place our hope in the Lord, who is worthy of all of our trust.

 

Lord, help me to seek,

A heart after Yours;

Strong in character,

That in trust, endures.

May I walk upright,

In all that I do;

Let each word and deed,

Clearly reflect You.

Protect me, O God,

In all of my ways;

So Your light is shown,

Today and always.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness and grace, and for the protection You provide for those who faithfully pursue Your ways. Thank You for those who willingly place their lives on the line to keep us safe, daily. Watch over and provide for their families too, as there is sacrifice in the space of uncertainty. Forgive us for taking such servants for granted, as so many seek You to lead and guide them in what they do. Teach us to remember in prayer, all who serve, and to pursue You to live with integrity and uprightness every single day. Show us how to love those around us in ways that encourage goodness, honor and strong character to rise up and be rooted securely in You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You, Lord. Be glorified O God, as we trust our lives into Your hands and seek You to live in such a way that You are honored well. Amen.

 

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

 

But let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your Name may rejoice in You. – Psalm 5:11