Faithful

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. – (Hebrews 10:23, NIV)

We must hold on to the hope we have, never hesitating to tell people about it. We can trust God to do what He promised. – (Hebrews 10:23, ERV)

Let us hold strong to the confession of our hope, never wavering, since the One who promised it to us is faithful. – (Hebrews 10:23, VOICE)

Thursday evening, after work and coaching, I made my way down to my sister’s home to be here to take our mom to a medical appointment on Friday. Friday morning I went and picked up mom to run errands and have an early lunch before her scheduled procedure. We had a great time wandering and doing some shopping, and then enjoyed a fantastic lunch. As we were finishing our food, my sister called and let us know that the doctor had reviewed mom’s files again in preparation for the procedure, and determined that it was not at all necessary. Her appointment was cancelled, and we were able to drive to the nearby town where my sister works, tour her new job site, and visit with her during her lunch. Later, after my sister had finished work and my brother-in-law had returned home, we all met for an enjoyable dinner. It was a fantastic day, especially for mom, and far better than I had hoped and prayed for. I had hoped and prayed for it to be an easy procedure, and that we would be able to have a wonderful day together, in spite of my reason for being here. God was faithful beyond what I had hoped and imagined, as He spared mom from yet another medical procedure. My sister had apologized for me having made arrangements to miss work to be present for mom, yet I know that what happened was exactly what mom and I both needed. He is good, and He provided what our hearts desired most, despite the circumstances that provided time together. This morning, as I prepare to make the drive home, I am reminded again of how good God is when we cling to Him to be our hope. I did not know what my time here would hold, but I trusted that He would supply sweet time with mom and my sister. He did exceedingly more, and I will be heading home with a heart full of gratitude for the precious time together. May we ever seek God and place our hope in Him, for He is faithful to meet us and ever be near.

In God, there is hope,

Because we forgot to take a picture all together…

in all things always;

His loving kindness,

and most faithful ways.

When we trust in Him,

He’s present to save;

His help and goodness,

come close and remain.

Even in the times,

we face the unknown;

He meets us, shows up,

Mom and I after a great day. ❤

His nearness made known.

Sometimes He strengthens,

our hearts for the task;

yet other times He,

exceeds what we ask.

In all things always,

God’s faithful and true;

the Hope we can hold,

what He says, He’ll do.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our hope and that You are faithful to Your promises. Thank You that You hear our prayers and do exceedingly more than we could hope or imagine. Thank You for the incredible blessing of time with my family, and for sparing our mom of another medical procedure. Forgive us for making You too small, for You can do so much more than we ask or imagine. Teach us to continue to seek You and trust You in all things and at all times. Show us how to love and share of Your faithfulness with those around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your goodness and grace, and for Your incredible faithfulness throughout all our days. Amen.

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

…Because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” – Hebrews 13:5b

Gather Together

For where two or three gather in My Name, there am I with them. – (Matthew 18:20, NIV)

Yes, if two or three people are together believing in Me, I am there with them. – (Matthew18:20, ERV)

For when two or three gather together in My Name, I am there in the midst of them. – (Matthew 18:20, VOICE)

This passage is yet another reminder that we are called to be in community. There is power in being present with fellow believers. We can encourage and lift one another up, and Jesus tells us He will be with us when we join with one another in purpose. Yes, we can be aware of God’s nearness on our own, but there is something powerful that happens when we are united in prayer and intention with at least one or two others. Sometimes, all we need is simply to be present with one another to find comfort, peace and encouragement. Being together turns friends into family and family into friends as hearts are heard and held up through fellowship. Incredibly, the friendships that have been established over time become the ones that we can go to, no matter how much time has passed, and share life together as if we had never had time apart. May we ever be intentional to invest in community so that we gather together often with those whom we can encourage and lift up and know that the same will be done for us.

We’re called to gather,

be community;

and as we do so,

God’s there, faithfully.

He hears what we ask,

and receives our praise;

in love He upholds,

throughout all our days.

Ever let’s seek Him,

gather and be near;

love one another,

as we seek, He hears.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You promise to be present when two or three of us gather in Your Name. Thank You that You hear our prayers and receive our praise. Thank You that You provide Your comfort, care, peace and protection in tangible ways through those around us. Forgive us for the times that we have isolated ourselves when we needed one another. Show us how to reach out and be intentional to spend time with those whom You have placed in our lives. Lead us to love and encourage each other as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we gather together in Your Name and seek You to lead us to love well, each person who crosses our path. Amen.

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

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor; if either of them falls down, one can help the other up. – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10a

In All Things

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. – (Romans 12:12, NIV)

Be happy because of the hope you have. Be patient when you have troubles. Pray at all times. – (Romans 12:12, ERV)

Do not forget to rejoice, for hope is always just around the corner. Hold up through the hard times that are coming, and devote yourselves to prayer. – (Romans 12:12, VOICE)

No matter what we face today, we are able to find joy because we know that hope is not just for here and now, but it is eternal. When we are in the midst of affliction, trials or difficulty, we can have patience to hold us up in knowing Who is for us. The way to remember our hope and help is to keep praying. When we pray, we remember that He is God and we are not. His plans are greater than our own, and we either heal, grow, or gain a testimony of God’s goodness when we are on the other side.

This is skin cancer awareness month. As such, I cannot help but think back to my own experience, a year and a half ago. Yes, I waited far too long to go and see a dermatologist for a skin check, especially as a redhead, but I did, at long last, have an appointment on the books. My very first appointment, when asked if I had any spots of concerns, I pointed to a mystery bump just above my lip. Upon further investigation, the dermatologist determined that it would need to be biopsied and sent to the lab. From there, I was sent to a specialist, who had to do a more invasive biopsy, only to reveal that it was indeed squamous cell cancer. I had to undergo a Mohs procedure, followed by plastic surgery. Thankfully, after a quarter-sized portion of my skin above my lip was removed, it was determined to be successful. The thing about this whole ordeal was that I absolutely prayed continually, and discovered joy, even in the scary spaces (as there have been numerous watchful follow ups and scans). I have had to be patient both in the process and the recovery and healing, as there was a day between the Mohs surgery and the plastic surgery, and the healing process when facial nerves are cut is strange and lengthy. All this to say that despite the ordeal, my take away is gratitude to God that all was caught and has been deemed good, and the importance of remaining vigilant about skin protection as I move forward. Each time I feel a strange twinge above my lip, I am reminded of His faithfulness and goodness, and that nerves take a long time to heal. My purpose in sharing this is first, to highlight the reality of this verse, as hope, joy, patience and prayer are necessary to navigate each day. Second, please, get your skin checked. Skin cancer is one of the easier cancers to treat, but early detection is essential in preventing it from spreading to other parts of the body.

May we hold to hope,

in all things always;

for there joy is found,

throughout all our days.

No matter what comes,

the Lord will remain;

we must be patient,

through patience comes change.

In all things always,

continue to pray;

for God hears each word,

we think and we say.

He knows all our fears,

and what brings delight;

our Healer and Help,

for He makes things right.

So trust in the Lord,

and patiently pray;

be real with the One,

Who loves us always.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our reason for hope and joy, patience and peace, even when such things are not aligned with what we are experiencing. Thank You that we can come to You and pray to You without fear or hesitation. Forgive us for our fears and worries when unknowns come our way. Thank You that You are greater than all that we face. Continue to teach us to trust and hope in You. Show us how to love those around us in ways that provide hope, help, patience and peace in all things and at all times. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we pray continually and seek You to continue to show us the hope and joy, peace and patience that You provide throughout each new day. Amen.

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

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7

To Confidently Ask

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. – (1 John 5:14, NIV)

We can come to God with no doubts. This means that when we ask God for things (and those things agree with what God wants for us), God cares about what we say. – (1 John 5:14, ERV)

We live in the bold confidence that God hears our voices when we ask for things that fit His plan. – (1 John 5:14, VOICE)

God is not a genie that grants wishes. He is the Creator of heaven and earth and all that is, and we can call on Him to be our help, hope, and strength throughout all of our days. He is our Provider and the One who loves us beyond what we can comprehend. If our requests before God are fueled by our love for Him and our love for others, we can confidently seek Him and know that He hears. However, if we are asking things out of revenge or selfish ambition, we can be thankful that God does not listen. God cannot be manipulated nor coerced into doing something that is not in His nature. He loves deeply, yet always wants what is best for us, even when we cannot see it. Sometimes, God’s biggest blessings come to us through seemingly unanswered prayers. He knows what the outcome would be if things went a different route than they have. The more we trust, the more we recognize that God is faithful, even when we cannot see what He is doing. Our charge is to keep seeking and trusting, and place all things in His hands. May we ever walk out our days in bold confidence, knowing that God hears us when we ask of Him, things according to His good and perfect will.

Confidently come,

before the Lord God;

for He hears our heart,

in love, He responds.

When our ask is good,

fueled by His love;

we can trust He hears,

listens from above.

For God knows what’s best,

when we cannot see;

He knows each outcome,

moves accordingly.

Sometimes the silence,

is just a not yet;

or redirection,

that His grace has set.

In everything,

for now and always;

seek the Lord in trust,

to walk in His ways.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good and that You hear our every prayer. Thank You that You move according to what is good and what is best for us. Forgive us for our lack of faith when we cannot see how You are moving. Lead us to listen and learn as we navigate each day, for You are faithful and worthy of our trust. Show us how to love and pray for those around us in ways that align with Your will. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we thank You for Your goodness and grace in both the answered and unanswered prayers we have prayed. Amen.

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

I call on You, my God, for You will answer me; turn Your ear to me and hear my prayer. – Psalm 17:6

How Faith Grows

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. – (Hebrews 11:6, NIV)

Without faith no one can please God. Whoever comes to God must believe that He is real and that He rewards those who sincerely try to find Him. – (Hebrews 11:6, ERV)

It’s impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that He exists and that He cares enough to respond to those who seek Him. – (Hebrews 11:6, MSG)

Faith is like a muscle, when we use it regularly, it grows strong and steady, but if it is seldom used, it atrophies and becomes weak and small. Incredibly, if we have even the smallest bit of faith, it can increase into something incredibly powerful, as it leads to trust and hope and help. Without faith it’s impossible, yet with faith as small as a mustard seed, mountains can be moved. Our actions determine whether or not our faith grows. If we choose to continually seek God and trust in Him, our faith multiplies and we become more aware of His goodness and faithfulness. However, if we only seek God in our struggles, we miss out on witnessing and experiencing so much more of who He is and how He loves. May we ever seek the Lord and trust Him to grow our faith, for He hears our every petition, and loves us more than we can imagine.

Without having faith,

it’s impossible;

to please the Lord God,

Who is over all.

Faith is required,

to keep seeking Him;

in all things, always,

even when hope’s dim.

He’s present to help,

no matter what comes;

but we must choose trust,

that His will be done.

He is always good,

even when life’s not;

He shows His nearness,

and love that we’ve got.

So, trust in the Lord,

and watch your faith grow;

for faithfulness reaps,

where trust has been sown.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we trust that You are who You say You are, our faith grows and we come to know more and more of You. Thank You that as we seek You in trust, You hear us and are pleased to help. Forgive us for our lack of faith when storms come our way. Teach us to trust You to be our anchor in the storms and the peace that surpasses our understanding in all things and at all times. Lead us to love those around us in ways that point to You and expand the faith in others. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we faithfully seek and trust in You, for You hear us and bless us with Your nearness and eternal hope. Amen.

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

He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” – Matthew 17:20

Liberate the Lost

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. – (Luke 19:10, NIV)

The Son of Man came to find lost people and save them. – (Luke 19:10, ERV)

For the Son of Man came to seek and to liberate the lost. – (Luke 19:10, VOICE)

Jesus came down from heaven to earth to seek out those who were far from God. His sacrifice set us free from the weight of sin and shame and made the way for us to be found in Him. Our salvation is not because of anything we have or have not done, but rather is the goodness and grace of God given to all who trust and believe. Because of Jesus, we have hope both here and now, and for all eternity. May we ever praise and thank the One who set us free, and seek Him to live and love as He has done for us.

If not for Jesus,

we all would be lost;

stuck in sin and shame,

yet He paid the cost.

He came near to us,

and showed us the way;

to live out His love,

throughout each new day.

For as we receive,

what He freely gives;

the weight is lifted,

so in Him, we live.

Live not just today,

but forever more;

eternal future,

with Him we adore.

His loving kindness,

has come set us free;

lost liberated,

our hope guaranteed.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son to liberate the lost. Thank You that as we seek You, we are found. Thank You that You forgive us and set us free from our sin and shame so that we may walk in Your ways and love as You love us. Forgive us for the times that we neglect to live and love as You intended. Teach us to trust You more so that we forever keep an eternal perspective in all that we say and do. Show us how to love like You in all things and at all times. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for seeking us out and setting us free so that we could come to know and trust You. Amen.

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

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. – Romans 8:1-2

All Things Always

He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. – (Colossians 1:17, NIV)

The Son was there before anything was made. And all things continue because of Him. – (Colossians 1:17, ERV)

He has always been! It is His hand that holds everything together. – (Colossians 1:17, VOICE)

In this passage in Colossians, Paul pointed to the eternity of Jesus. Because this concept is so beyond human understanding, it helps to look back and read in Genesis 1, as we read, “Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26, HCSB) The Us and Our are God referencing Himself and Jesus, His Son. I cannot pretend to understand the concept of no beginning and no end, but I can embrace the goodness and grace that God gives to us through Jesus. Jesus was God in the flesh so that we might know and understand that He is loving, kind, forgiving, for us, and the One who heals and sets us free. Because the Son was there before anything was made, He knows how to hold all things together. For me, this provides the assurance that I am loved and upheld by His mighty hands. May we ever seek the Lord to show us more and more of Himself, and look to the Word to remind of the truth.

Before all things were,

was eternity;

found in the Father,

and the Prince of Peace.

Called to existence,

all things by the Lord;

made in their image,

we’re loved and adored.

Granted Their goodness,

love and strength to grow;

wisdom, forgiveness,

and hope that we know.

May we ever seek,

come to understand;

the glory of God,

and the Son of man.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You give us Your word to show us who You are and how Your love and power know no beginning nor end. Forgive us for our doubts when we cannot fathom the endlessness of You. Lead us to ever pursue more of You. Show us how to love those around us in ways that make Your heart known. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek to know You more, and trust You in the things that we cannot yet grasp. Amen.

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

You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand. – Psalm 16:11

Trust Saves

For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile – the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” – (Romans 10:12-13, NIV)

It says this because there is no difference between those who re Jews and those who are not. The same Lord is the Lord of all people. And He richly blesses everyone who looks to Him for help. Yes, “everyone who trusts in the Lord will be saved.” – (Romans 10:12-13, ERV)

Remember that the Lord draws no distinction between Jew and non-Jew – He is the Lord over all things, and He pours out His treasures on all who invoke His name because as Scripture says, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” – (Romans 10:12-13, VOICE)

At the time and in the place where this was recorded, the Jews had been God’s chosen people for centuries. However, He made it abundantly clear that His saving grace was available for all. In our culture, it might be cultural, racial, political or economic distinctions that people think exist to God, yet the same statement remains true – “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” There is such reassurance in this. We do not have to be born into a particular bloodline or social status for salvation. Our charge is to believe and receive to be saved and welcomed into God’s family. To God, none of us are superior nor inferior to one another. Each of us are His handiwork, created on purpose with a purpose. Because He loves us all, we ought to do likewise. If we know, love and trust Him, we are called to love Him and those around us well. It is by our love that those who know Him not might come into a saving relationship as they understand His power, goodness and grace that is given freely through His overwhelming love. May we ever seek Him to lead us so that we may make His love known through how we reflect His heart to others.

There’s no distinction,

in our Savior’s eyes;

He loves each of us,

we are why He died.

He chose to give all,

so all might have life;

hope everlasting,

only found through Christ.

To trust and believe,

is how we are saved;

and all He’ll welcome,

who trust in His ways.

So, choose trust in Him,

for He is the way;

life everlasting,

where our hope can stay.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You came to save all who choose to trust and believe. Thank You that there is no barrier that keeps us from You except our own heart. Forgive us for our lack of faith or for somehow thinking that some are more or less deserving than others. Teach us to trust You completely so that we love others as You love us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your love that saves all who trust in You, and the goodness and grace to grow us to be more like You. Amen.

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

For we are the product of His hand, heaven’s poetry etched on lives, created in the Anointed, Jesus, to accomplish the good works God arranged long ago. – Ephesians 2:10

Encourage Each Other

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. – (Hebrews 3:13, NIV)

But encourage each other every day, while you still have something called “today.” Help each other so that none of you will be fooled by sin and become too hard to change. – (Hebrews 3:13, ERV)

Encourage each other every day – for as long as we can still say “today” – so none of you let the deceitfulness of sin harden your hearts. – (Hebrews 3:13, VOICE)

We were created to be in community. When we are surrounded and known, we are encouraged and challenged to do what is right. However, when left to our own restless heart, it is easier to be drawn in to things that we would not consider when we are in a community that mutually encourages one another to walk in His ways and do His will. The more that we encourage each other, the more we are able to resist the things that entangle us. May we ever rise and seek our Savior to lead us to encourage those around us, and may He protect us from the sin that hardens our hearts.

For we have been called,

to community;

that encourages,

to walk faithfully.

A heart that knows love,

can share lavishly;

such love lifts us up,

and keeps our hearts free.

Free from the sin that,

that seeks to destroy;

hope everlasting,

the good we employ.

Choose one another,

invest in the ones;

that are around us,

so His will be done.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to encourage each other daily. Thank You that in doing so, we help each other to follow the path that You have set before us. Forgive us for the times that we have withdrawn from the community to which we were called and attempted to navigate on our own. Teach us to trust You more and to stay connected to the communities to which You call us. Show us how to love and encourage well, so that all may be kept from the sin that so easily entangles us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You as they recognize the goodness and faithfulness of Your great love. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us to encourage each other each day. Amen.

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

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Peace and the Promise

In the evening of that first day of the week, the disciples were gathered together with the doors locked because of their fear of the Jews. Then Jesus came, stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” – (John 20:19, HCSB)

The day was Sunday, and that same evening the followers were together. They had the doors locked because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them. He said, “Peace be with you!” – (John 20:19, ERV)

On that same evening (Resurrection Sunday), the followers gathered behind locked doors in fear that some of the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem were still searching for them. Out of nowhere, Jesus appeared in the center of the room. He said, “May each one of you be at peace.” – (John 20:19, VOICE)

I love that we get a glimpse of the continuation of the events unfolding after the discovery of the empty tomb and Jesus’ appearance to the women who had first gone to the tomb. He told them to go and tell the other believers, but had not yet shown Himself to all of the disciples. Considering the crucifixion, it is no surprise that the disciples were fearful of the Jewish leaders. They had no desire to suddenly be taken away and crucified, so they locked the doors as they gathered to be together, likely to process all that had transpired that day. Imagine, with the doors locked, Jesus suddenly standing in the room among you. I am pretty sure that “peace be with you!” was as much about don’t be afraid as it was about a familiar greeting given by Him so that there would be instant recognition. He went on to show them the scars on His hands and feet, as it was an assurance that it truly was Him in the flesh. For me, I know how joyful it is to be reunited with loved ones after time away, but cannot even fathom a reunion with someone who had died and returned to life. The joy, awe, wonder and amazement is beyond our comprehension, yet it gives us a glimpse of what heaven will be like. Our loved ones that have gone before us that loved and followed Jesus, will be waiting when we arrive. Reunited in heavenly form, with no pain nor suffering, I try to imagine my grandparents running and jumping and singing as freely as a small child. God is so good and it is awesome to ponder what eternity might be like. Jesus, before He ascended into heaven to be seated at the right hand of the Father, said that He was going to prepare a place for us. If God created all of the heavens and the earth, the animals and people in six days, can imagine what He has done in the 2000 plus years since He ascended? May we ever praise the One who gave us life and made the way for life everlasting with Him.

In fear, they gathered,

behind, locked, closed doors;

in wonder, waited,

what could He do more?

At once, among them,

the Lord Jesus stood;

in flesh and wholeness,

it was very good.

He said, “Peace with you,”

so they might all know;

He was truly there,

not six feet below.

The Lord’s appearance,

a confirmation;

that what He foretold,

had truly been done.

Let us trust in Him,

the great Prince of Peace;

the Savior of all,

His love will not cease.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You love us so much that You died in our place. Thank You that You took all of our sin and shame upon Yourself so that we could be free. Forgive us for the times that we somehow think we have to carry the weight of what has been forgiven, or fail to seek You to forgive us and help us change. Teach us to trust in You, for You are the faithful Prince of Peace and the Mighty God who saves. Lead us to love those around us as You do so that Your heart is made known to all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your provision, peace, power, and love that made the way for us to spend eternity with You. Amen.

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

This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. – Romans 5:5