Made Known

If I a not doing My Father’s work, don’t believe Me. But if I am doing them and you don’t believe Me, believe the works. This way you will know and understand that the Father is in Me and I in the Father. – (John 10:37-38, HCSB)

If I don’t do what my Father does, then don’t believe what I say. But if I do what my Father does, you should believe in what I do. You might not believe in Me, but you should believe in the things I do. Then you will know and understand that the Father is in Me and I am in the Father. – (John 10:37-38, ERV)

By all means, do not believe in Me, if I am not doing the things of the Father. But examine My actions, and you will see that My work is the work of the Father. Regardless of whether you believe in Me – believe the miracles. Then you will know that the Father is in Me, and I am in the Father. – (John 10:37-38, VOICE)

When the Pharisees and religious leaders of the time were trying to stone Jesus, this was His response. Incredibly, they had all seen and knew of the miracles that Jesus had done and could not argue this truth. As they sought to capture Him, Jesus eluded them, for that time had not yet come. What His example shows us is that if we live out love, Jesus in us will be evident. Our aim ought to be so full of Jesus that people cannot help but see His love in and through us. May we ever seek the Lord so that we are so filled with His goodness and grace that we cannot help but overflow to those around us.

The Lord God with us,

is made evident;

as we love like Him,

the One who was sent.

He showed all goodness,

and living out love;

His words and His deeds,

pointed to above.

He healed the broken,

spoke to the denied;

touched untouchables,

and for all He died.

Death could not hold Him,

the third day He rose;

gave us His Spirit,

so love might be shown.

In all that He did,

and all that He was;

He showed us the way,

to do as He’d done.

May we choose go forth,

do all things in love;

so His heart’s made known,

our Savior above.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You came and lived out love so well, that no one could deny the power of God in You and You in Him. Thank You that You showed us the way to live and love like You. Forgive us for every time that we fall short, for we are broken and in need of Your leading every moment of every day. Teach us to trust and follow after You more completely. Show us how to love as You loved. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us in Your love, for loving like You testifies the truth of who You are in all things. Amen.

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

We love because He first loved us. – 1 John 4:19

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

Unshakable Hope

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us hold on to grace. By it, we may serve God acceptable, with reverence and awe. – (Hebrews 12:28, HCSB)

So we should be thankful because we have a kingdom that cannot be shaken. And because we are thankful, we should worship God in a way that will please Him. We should do this with respect and fear. – (Hebrews 12:28, ERV)

Therefore, let us all be thankful that we are a part of an unshakable Kingdom and offer to God worship that pleases Him and reflects the awe and reverence we have toward Him. – (Hebrews 12:28, VOICE)

What is yet to come is far better than what has been. Even the best, most amazing moments of our life pale in comparison to what heaven holds for all of eternity. His kingdom cannot be shaken, despite the ups and downs we experience here and now. God’s grace is what carries us, and His strength is supplied as it is needed. Our charge is to seek and serve Him with reverence and awe, for that is acceptable and pleasing to Him. He is God and we are not. Life unfolds in ways that we do not and cannot completely understand, yet His presence and peace remain as we depend on Him. May we ever worship God for His goodness and grace, and seek Him with awe and reverence for who He is and how He loves. Let us ever remember where our unshakable hope is found.

Love impossible,

hope unstoppable;

grace infallible,

peace that’s palpable.

For such love is found,

in Jesus alone;

our help and our hope,

His goodness made known.

As we cling to Him,

the hope in us grows;

for His present peace,

beyond what we’ve known.

Let us choose hold fast,

to our hope in Him;

with reverent awe,

Love never grows dim.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we have an unshakable hope in You. Thank You that as we seek You, we find Your goodness, grace, and perfect peace, no matter what surrounds us. Forgive us for the times that we find our hope is lacking, for in such spaces, we have lost sight of You. Teach us to trust in You in all things and at all times, for You are hope unshakable. Lead us to love as You love, so that Your goodness and grace are made known and the unshakable hope we have in You is shown. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we place our hope in You with awe and reverence, for You cannot be shaken. Amen.

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

Now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You. – Psalm 39:7

With All That We Are

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. – (Deuteronomy 6:5, HCSB)

You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. – (Deuteronomy 6:5, ERV)

Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love Him with all that’s in you, love Him with all you’ve got! – (Deuteronomy 6:5, MSG)

We are called and commanded to love God with all of our heart, soul and strength. As we learn to do so, we are better equipped to love those around us as well. Love is funny that way – the more we give, the more it increases within us to give away. If we love with all of our heart, we keep nothing hidden and give God access to all. To love with all of our soul is to pour out from everything that makes us who we are and is eternal. All of our strength is expressed through how we think, speak and act with integrity and intention. This is an ongoing work in progress. The more we choose to love, the more love we have to give. May we ever seek the Lord with our whole heart, soul, and strength, so that we are equipped to love in and through our seeking.

Let all that we are,

choose to love the Lord;

His grace and goodness,

all help He affords.

Hope in the present,

and for all of time;

how He designed things,

with our hearts in mind.

His love is greater,

than all that is known;

and His ways, higher,

than the sky that’s shown.

May we choose to love,

with all that we are;

God’s love multiplies,

both near and afar.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are love. Thank You that we are called and commanded to love like You. Thank You that as we seek You and love You with all that we are, You fill us to overflowing with Your love to give away. Forgive us for the times that we have not fully loved or withheld what was meant to give away. Teach us to trust You more so that we can love You with all of our heart, soul, and strength. Lead us to love like You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek to love You with all that we are. Amen.

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

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. – Mark 12:30

Grateful for the Faithful

I thank my God every time I remember you. – (Philippians 1:3, NIV)

Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. – (Philippians 1:3, MSG)

Whenever you cross my mind, I thank my God for you and for the gift of knowing you. – (Philippians 1:3, VOICE)

One of the greatest gifts that we have, aside from salvation, is the treasure found in faithful friends and family. These are the people in our circle that no matter what, they are for us and would do anything they could if a need arises. Such people in our lives are our tangible reminder of the goodness and faithfulness of God. Even now, as I ponder such individuals in my life, I smile and give God thanks, for I am rich in family and friends. Friends and family that fall into this category, are the ones that no matter how much time has passed between conversations, we are able to pick up where we left off without hesitation or discomfort. Joy is always present when time is spent together. May we ever give thanks to God for the people whom He has placed in our lives in different seasons, and praise Him for the treasure we know in each one.

Forever grateful,

is how my heart feels;

when I remember,

loved ones that are real.

For each is a gift,

So many more that are not pictured here… ❤

that my heart treasures;

kindness, grace and love,

found beyond measure.

This love that is known,

all we can compare;

to the love of God,

such goodness He shares.

All that we have found,

is only a part;

of eternal love,

that dwells in our heart.

His love is beyond,

all that we have known;

His goodness and peace,

through loved ones is shown.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You gift us with family and friends that provide us with glimpses of the goodness and faithfulness we have in You. Thank You for the treasures we have in those whom You have purposefully placed in our lives. Forgive us for the times that we neglect to give You praise, for You are the Provider throughout all our days. Teach us to recognize the glorious gifts that You have given, and to praise You with thanksgiving for each treasure we have known. Lead us to love one another as You love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as I give You thanks each time a loved one comes to mind. Amen.

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

God is the source of our blessings; may every corner of the earth respect and revere Him. – Psalm 67:7

Help We Can Trust

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” – (Psalm 91:2, NIV)

I say to the Lord, “You are my place of safety, my fortress, My God, I trust in You.” – (Psalm 91:2, ERV)

He will say to the Eternal, “My shelter, my mighty fortress, my God, I place all my trust in You.”
– (Psalm 91:2, VOICE)

I think that intuitively, most people know that this is true of God. The reason I say this is that often, people who don’t typically pray or struggle to pray, do so when hard things happen. This morning, I am blown away by His provision, as I simply woke asking for His help and strength to get through the day, for I am thoroughly exhausted after both a very late gymnastics meet end last night, and sleep (when I finally got to sleep) that was interrupted by two doggos that woke me up twice in the night to go outside. Needless to say, the little sleep that I did get was not sound. Seemingly out of nowhere, my phone was ringing with the usually district identification showing on caller ID. The robocall announced that school will be starting two hours late, due to icy road conditions and freezing fog. At first, I thought there was an error, but then a text followed with the same announcement. For me, the provision of a couple of extra hours to start my day provide rest and the opportunity to prepare for the day at a leisurely pace, and the comfort of knowing that classes will be shorter. This may not seem like much, but in my heart, it is a clear reminder that I am seen and heard and known by God. His provision grants peace and strength, and His goodness knows no end. I trusted Him to provide the strength I needed to get through the day, but how He provided is so much more. May we ever seek the Lord in great and small things, and lean into Him, for He is our fortress and provider, and will do exceedingly more than we could hope or imagine as we trust in Him.

The Lord, my refuge,

Post competition and clean up, awaiting results…

safe place where I seek;

help and provision,

when I’m feeling weak.

Tired or troubled,

the Lord’s ever near;

He makes clear the way,

to overcome fear.

Ever He’s present,

in Him, I can trust;

always beside me,

to do what I must.

Thank You, Lord Jesus,

that always You care;

You see what we need,

as Your love is shared.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the safe place we can run to and trust that You will be present through all things. Thank You that You are always good, even when our circumstances are not. Thank You that You show us Your goodness and kindness throughout each new day. Forgive us for the times that we think we have to simply power through, rather than trust and depend on You. Teach us to bring all things before You, both challenges and celebrations, for You are present through all. Lead us to love as You love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You to be our help and our hope in all things and at all times, and praise You for the ways that You provide and make Your love tangible. Amen.

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

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. – Psalm 46:1

Luke 24 – Alive, Appearances, and Ascension

Luke 24 begins with the women who had prepared spices for Jesus’ body went to the tomb and discovered that the stone had been rolled away, and there was no body inside. In wonder, two men in gleaming clothes told them to be not afraid and that Jesus had risen, just as it had been foretold. The women went to the Eleven to share with them what they had heard and seen. Most did not believe them, but Peter ran to the tomb to see for himself. The same day, two men were on the road to Emmaus discussing all that had taken place. Jesus began walking and talking with them, but He kept them from recognizing who He was. When they approached where they were headed, they invited Jesus to stay with them. At the table, Jesus took bread and broke it as He had done just before His arrest in the garden. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him, and He disappeared from their sight. (verse 31) Right away, the two men returned to Jerusalem to find the Eleven and those with them. They confirmed that the Lord had risen and explained what they had experienced. While they were still talking about this, Jesus Himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” (verse 36) Jesus spent time with them and opened their understanding of the scriptures. From their, the group went with Jesus out to Bethany where He blessed them. While He was blessing them, He left them and was taken up into heaven. (verse 51)

So fully alive,

the Lord Jesus rose;

appeared to many,

ditched burial clothes.

The women who came,

to see and to mourn;

found an empty tomb,

as hope was reborn.

Two angels announced,

“Jesus is alive!”

In awe and wonder,

the women, they tried.

To the Eleven,

the women exclaimed,

“Jesus has risen!”

Most doubted their claim.

Two men were walking,

to a nearby town;

then Jesus appeared,

as they gave account.

They shared the story,

of what had transpired;

Jesus gave insight,

brought scripture to life.

It wasn’t until,

Jesus broke the bread;

that their eyes opened,

He’s no longer dead!

Jesus then vanished,

the men made their way;

to the Eleven,

with so much to say.

As they all gathered,

Risen Lord appeared;

He opened their eyes,

and calmed all their fears.

A short time later,

Jesus blessed them all;

rose into heaven,

they all watched in awe.

Now He is seated,

on His proper throne;

all on our behalf,

so His ways are known.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son to save us. Jesus, thank You for setting aside Your throne to come and make Your love known. Forgive us for neglecting to honor You as we ought to. Teach us more and more of who You are and how You love so that we might go and do likewise. Lead us to love those around us well. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for sending Love to us in human form so that we might spend eternity with You. Amen.

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

After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was taken up into heaven and He sat at the right hand of God. – Mark 16:19

Spur One Another On

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. – (Hebrews 10:24, NIV)

We should think about each other to see how we can encourage each other to show love and do good works. – (Hebrews 10:24, ERV)

Let us consider how to inspire each other to greater love and to righteous deeds. – (Hebrews 10:24, VOICE)

In my world, this is always the aim – both in the classroom and in the gym, for we grow best when we feel valued and loved. Yesterday was day one of high school gymnastics season. It is always exciting and nerve-wracking, for I never know for certain how many gymnasts to expect, nor what the dynamics we be like. It is my aim to create a space of encouragement and positivity, where girls are excited to learn new things and cheer one another on as they go. My returners who were able to be present, were kind, encouraging and helpful. Much consideration and preparation go into a season, and I am feeling blessed to have such a great coaching team and group of athletes ready to work hard. Such encouragement and kindness carry over into all aspects of our lives when we make it a daily practice. I have had both coaches and teachers in my own experience that did exactly this. Their example inspires me to continually learn and grow so that I too, might encourage others to do and be their best. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in all that we do, so that we may inspire and encourage those around us to love and do good things.

May we consider,

how to choose love well;

encourage, uplift,

may love our lives tell.

Lord, help us to live,

in ways that inspire;

bring out other’s best,

kindle a great fire.

In all that we do,

wherever we go;

may love and goodness,

be how we are known.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to love and do good. Thank You that You have shown us again and again, what love looks like in word, thought and deed. Forgive us for the times that we have not lived out love. Teach us to lean into You in all that we say and do so that Your goodness and love are made tangible to those around us. Show us how to love and encourage those around us as You intended. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us in Your love that builds others up and encourages the best in everyone. Amen.

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

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” – John 15:12

God is… (Day 25 – Righteous)

The Lord is righteous in all His ways and faithful in all He does. – (Psalm 145:17, NIV)

Everything the Lord does is good. Everything He does shows how loyal He is. – (Psalm 145:17, ERV)

Everything God does is right – the trademark on all His works is love. – (Psalm 145:17, MSG)

The questions that people cannot help but ask in response to hearing that God is righteous in all of His ways include, “Why do bad things happen? or Why is there suffering?” Some answers we may not ever know or understand until we meet Him face-to-face. I do know that even when bad things happen or suffering is happening, God is present to help and provide comfort. His righteousness and faithfulness transcend our understanding. Between living in a world run by broken humanity and having a free will, the difficulties we endure are not given by God. Our bodies are not eternal and we each have an expiration date. Thankfully, our soul is eternal and we have a choice in where it will reside forever. When we give our lives to God and choose to follow after Him, we have the blessed assurance that our home is not here, but rather in heaven with the Lord. I don’t have all the answers, but I do know that God is good. His righteousness and goodness are made evident in and through all things. Even in hardships and suffering, He makes His love and care for us known. May we ever seek the Lord and trust in Him, for He is righteous and all of His ways are motivated by His overwhelming love.

The Lord is righteous,

in all of His ways;

His love surrounds us,

throughout all our days.

In good times and bad,

the Lord’s ever near;

our help and comfort,

the truth that we hear.

Faithful forever,

His promises true;

our hope and our peace,

each day He makes new.

All praise to the Lord,

God of righteousness;

His good knows no end,

endless faithfulness.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are righteousness and faithfulness and love. Thank You that even when we do not understand why things transpire as they do, we can trust that You are good and You can bring beauty from ashes and hope from despair. Forgive us for the times that we limit Your power and goodness in our own minds, for we cannot grasp how great You truly are. Teach us to trust You in all things and at all times. Lead us to love as You love so that all may gain glimpses of Your goodness. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your righteousness, faithfulness and love, and how You have so much more in store for all of us. Amen.

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

I will give thanks to the Lord because of His righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High. – Psalm 7:17

God is… (Day 21 – Omnipotent)

“I know that You can do all things; no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.” – (Job 42:2, NIV)

“I know You can do everything. You make plans, and nothing can change or stop them.” – (Job 42:2, ERV)

“I know You can do everything; nothing You do can be foiled or frustrated.” – (Job 42:2, VOICE)

“Omnipotence refers to God’s all-powerful character. To say that God is omnipotent is to recognize that there is nothing outside of His ability to accomplish and no one who can exercise power over Him. God created the entire universe, and He holds the power over it.” – (The Basilica) In a world where we, as humans, are acutely aware of our limitations, it is mind-blowing to try to understand the omnipotence of God. He created all that is and was and ever will be, and holds us in the hollow of His hands. To try to set human limitations on an all-powerful God does not align. All that we see and know comes from Him, and God can accomplish all that He determines to do. The Lord created, gave life and breath, parts seas, calms storms, raises the dead, heals the diseased, loves the unlovable, and so much more. What is impossible for us is completely possible to God. Because God is omnipotent, we can trust in Him to be who He says He is and to do what He says He will do. There is much comfort in knowing that the God of the universe is for us as we seek Him and choose to walk in His will. May we ever trust in the omnipotent God, for His power is made perfect in our weakness.

Our Lord and Savior,

Omnipotent God;

all power is His,

perfect, without flaws.

He made all we see,

and things not yet known;

His power too great,

yet we’re called His own.

in Him and through Him,

all is possible;

He can do much more,

than seems plausible.

The wind and the waves,

must do as He says;

He’s greater than all,

creation declares.

Each day’s new sunrise,

reminds us anew;

a fresh beginning,

shows His power’s true.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are omnipotent, for Your power makes all things possible in You. Thank You that though You are all-powerful and hold the universe in Your hands, You know and love us individually. That alone is beyond our human understanding. Forgive us for somehow setting limits on You as we view what lies before us through our own capacity to comprehend. Teach us to trust You beyond what we see or know, for You are above all things and in all things. Show us how to love those around us in ways that demonstrate the limitless power of Your love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your power and grace, goodness and love. Amen.

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

And looking at them, Jesus said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” – Matthew 19:26