Promote Peace

If it is at all possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. – (Romans 12:18, NIV)

Do the best you can to live at peace with everyone. – (Romans 12:18, ERV)

If it is within your power, make peace with all people. – (Romans 12:18, VOICE)

The only thing that we can control is the way that we choose to interact and react to those around us. If our heart is determined to love in all that we do, we are promoting peace through our words and actions. We can be at peace with those around us, even if they are not interested in the same. As we walk in forgiveness, we do not carry the weight that holding grudges creates. On our own, this is an impossible ask, yet with Jesus, we are equipped and empowered to love and forgive and be at peace in all things and at all times. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in His love and pray to Him to provide peace within us wherever we go.

Peace is possible,

wherever we go;

as we live at peace,

with all whom we know.

The choice, it is ours,

to love in all things;

respond like Jesus,

so goodness we bring.

Wherever we go,

whatever we do;

Lord help us bring peace,

as we choose love true.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to peace. Thank You that You do not merely call us to peace, but You equip and empower us to be at peace with those around us. Forgive us for the times that we have held onto hurts or have grown a grudge against another. Teach us to release all things into Your hands, for You are just and good, and trustworthy with all things. Show us how to love those around us in ways that promote peace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we listen to Your leading and rely on Your love. Amen.

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

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. – Psalm 34:14

Held in Heaviness

Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and joy are in His dwelling place. – (1 Chronicles 16:27, NIV)

He lives in the presence of glory and honor. His Temple is a place of power and joy. – (1 Chronicles 16:27, ERV)

Splendor and majesty flow out of Him, strength and joy fill His place. – (1 Chronicles 16:27, MSG)

Yesterday evening, after returning from a great weekend away, we discovered there had been a double homicide in our city, only a few miles away. As I scrolled on social media, I soon discovered who had been killed. Two young women murdered, with whom many friends and former students were connected. After a bit more looking, to my horror, I found that one had been a barista at the coffee shop near where I used to live years ago, and my kids and I knew and loved her, her sister, and her mom, as they all worked there together. The other woman was featured in photos with several people who attended the school where I have taught for 26 years. My heart is heavy for the families and friends of these women who were senselessly killed. What is the connection between the verse and the tragedy? I cannot think of death without thinking of the hope and glory that is held in heaven. In God’s presence, there is glory and honor, power, and joy. There is no more suffering, crying, or pain. The only thing that makes loss bearable is the hope that is held in the Everlasting. My hope this morning is that all who are impacted by the losses may be comforted in the hope that is yet to come. May we ever seek the Savior, who Himself, understood the weight of tragic loss and holds the hope of eternal glory in the hollow of His hands.

In times of great loss,

Awful tragedy;

The Lord’s ever near,

To grant us His peace.

Splendor and power,

Goodness that is seen;

A powerful peace,

For the in between.

Between loss and life,

In the hope we know;

May we look to Him,

So His love is shown.

Father, please help us,

In this broken place;

Flood us with Your love,

As we seek Your face.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us and for preparing a place for us to dwell with You forever. Lord, be our peace amid senseless loss and tragedy. Forgive us as we struggle to make sense of things that should not be. Teach us to lean into You in all things, as You are our Source of comfort and care, strength, and peace, in all things and always. Show us how to love those around us through such anguish. May many come to know and trust in You as You make Your love evident, even in the worst of situations and circumstances. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us and be our strength in seasons of loss. 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

United in Purpose

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. – (1 Corinthians 1:10, NIV)

Brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, I beg all of you to agree with each other. You should not be divided into different groups. Be completely joined together again with the same kind of thinking and the same purpose. – (1 Corinthians 1:10, ERV)

I have a serious concern to bring up with you, my friends, using the authority of Jesus, our Master. I’ll put it as urgently as I can: You must get along with each other. You must learn to be considerate of one another, cultivating a life in common. – (1 Corinthians 1:10, MSG)

Paul’s appeal to the church of Corinth was for the followers of Christ to be united in what they said. There was division among them over things that did not impact the integrity of who Jesus was and how He loved. It is no different for us. We must make the main things the main things and be united in purpose. For Jesus commanded us to love God and love people. If we all made that the true focus, we would be united, not divided. When our focus is to love one another well as we follow and love God, we get along and accomplish far more than we would on our own. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in His love so that we will love one another as He loves and be united in purpose for God’s glory.

Lord, help us to keep,

Our eyes upon You;

Lead us in Your love,

So we might live true.

True to the purpose,

For which we are called;

Light in the darkness,

That tears down the walls.

Walls in between us,

For trivial things;

Your love overcomes,

As goodness it brings.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us to be united in purpose, as Your ultimate purpose for us all is to love like You. Forgive us for our every word, thought and deed that was not directed by Your love. Teach us to lean into You so that we love as You do. Show us how to love those around us in a way that promotes unity, not division. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we see You to lead us in loving You and loving those around us in unity and in truth. Amen.

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

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. – Colossians 3:14

Speech That’s Seasoned With Salt

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. – (Colossians 4:6, NIV)

When you talk, you should always be kind and wise. Then you will be able to answer everyone in the way you should. – (Colossians 4:6, ERV)

Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out. – (Colossians 4:6, MSG)

To be seasoned with salt in the original context was a reference to keeping food from spoiling. Because there was no refrigeration, salt was a method to preserve food so that it would nourish and fuel people, rather than spoil and cause sickness. Our words ought to do the same. If we speak in a way that is kind and wise and full of grace, we will bring out the best in others, this is life-giving. However, when we do not, the people around us are on their guard and lack the desire to be their best selves. May we ever seek the Lord to fill us with His grace so that our words will always be kind and wise and encourage the best in all those around us.

Lord, fill us with grace,

In all that we say;

Grant wisdom, kindness,

To speak in Your way.

Let each word spoken,

Give life and lift up;

Help mend the broken,

And fill other’s cups.

Show us Lord Jesus,

To love as You do;

And speak words of life,

So goodness shines through.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness and grace. Thank You that Your words are light and life and love. Thank You that You call us to do the same. Forgive us for the times that our words have lacked the grace You intended us to give. Teach us to rely on You to lead us in all that we say and do. Show us how to always speak with wisdom and grace, so that all whom we encounter are encouraged and built up in You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us in how we speak to those around us. Amen.

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

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

Always Rejoice

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV)

Always be full of joy. Never stop praying. Whatever happens, always be thankful. This is how God wants you to live in Christ Jesus. – (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ERV)

Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. – (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, MSG)

Though it has been a whirlwind of a four-day adventure, with hundreds of miles driven, gratitude has been at the forefront of my mind. Joy comes from within, not from our circumstances. We can give thanks in all circumstances without giving thanks for our circumstances. When mom fell and broke her hip, we were not grateful that it happened, but we were overwhelmingly grateful that it took place in her current living situation where help was available immediately. Each step, from transfers, to the right surgeon, to space being available in her own community, we have countless reasons to be thankful. The staff and the skilled nursing center are amazing, and all of us are learning and working together to figure out how to best get mom on the road to healing and full recovery. Additionally, our quick turn-around visit to Wenatchee to pack a moving pod with more of mom’s things was reason to rejoice. Though the pod appeared smaller than anticipated, my Viking was able to “tetras” the loading so well that we were able to get everything needed into that small space. We are thankful that all was able to be packed up, and for the option of a pod being delivered instead of having to drive back to Albany (seven hours from Wenatchee) only to return home (another 4+ hours of driving). We arrived home late yesterday afternoon and were showered with affection from our pups, who though well cared for by our children, act as if we have been gone forever. We are thankfully rejoicing that we have all of today to go to church and prepare for the week ahead before Monday arrives. May we ever rejoice in the Lord for His goodness, give Him thanks in all things, and continue to pray to Him in all circumstances, for He is faithful forever.

Rejoice in the Lord,

For He’s always good;

Our Help and our Hope,

True grace understood.

He hears ev’ry prayer,

And knows all our needs;

He’s present to help,

Each time that we seek.

So, give the Lord thanks,

No matter what comes;

For He’s always good,

The Most Holy One.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we can rejoice in You, always. Thank You that our joy is not dependent on our circumstances, but rather is because You are present to help and love us endlessly. Forgive us for our fears and frustrations that try to steal our joy in You. Teach us to continually seek You in prayer, for You are faithful forever as You hear our every cry. Lead us to love those around us as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we rejoice in You, pray continually, and give You all our thanks and praise. 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

A Time for All Things

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: …a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance. – (Ecclesiastes 3:1 & 4, NIV)

There is a right time for everything, and everything on earth will happen at the right time. There is a time to cry and a time to laugh. There is a time to be sad and a time to dance with joy. – (Ecclesiastes 3:1 & 4, ERV)

There’s an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth: …a time to cry and another to laugh, a right time to lament and another to cheer. – (Ecclesiastes 3:1 & 4, MSG)

Today is such a day, as I imagine there will be both laughter and tears, mourning and celebration, as we will gather to celebrate the life of a dear friend’s mom. She was kind and welcoming to all who entered her home, and her love for Jesus was infectious. Her love and laughter were shared generously, and the children she and her husband raised exemplify the same. The legacy of her life is reflected in her children and grandchildren. I am grateful that there is room to both cry and laugh, and to mourn and feel joy simultaneously. There is the hollow space that loss leaves behind, yet celebration in knowing that she is in her eternal home. We mourn in the waiting time in between yet give thanks in knowing that death is not the end, and loved ones will be reunited again one day. May we ever seek the Lord to be near in such spaces and pray that though there is grief in the loss, that there may also be laughter and joy in remembering the blessings beheld through the loving life the one we have lost.

All things have seasons,

Love, laughter and loss;

Yet in Christ, there’s good,

For He paid the cost.

His life was given,

So we too could live;

With Him in heaven,

Hope transformative.

Lord, help us rejoice,

In knowing what’s true;

Our time here is short,

Yet each day is new.

In You there is life,

For eternity;

Help us hold onto,

All that’s yet to be.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that in You, we have life everlasting. Thank You that though we grieve losses now, we have hope in all that is yet to come. Thank You that when we know, love, and follow You, death is not the end. Forgive us for forgetting that we can both cry and laugh, grieve, and celebrate, in the same space and season. Teach us how to embrace the abundant grace You give and lead us to love those in seasons of loss as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your presence in every season of our lives. Amen.

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

Summon Your power, God; show us Your strength, our God, as You have done before. – Psalm 68:28

Keep On Forgiving

“If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times comes back to you saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” – (Luke 17:3-4, NIV)

“If your brother or sister in God’s family does something wrong, warn them. If they are sorry for what they did, forgive them. Even if they do something wrong to you seven times in one day, but they say they are sorry each time, you should forgive them.” – (Luke 17:3-4, ERV)

“Be alert. If you see your friend going wrong, correct him. If he responds, forgive him. Even if it’s personal against you and repeated seven times through the day, and seven times he says, ‘I’m sorry, I won’t do it again,’ forgive him.” – (Luke 17:3-4, MSG)

Jesus spoke these words as instruction to those who followed Him. In the same way that we are forgiven by God each time we ask forgiveness, we ought to do the same for those around us. Often, it is difficult to imagine continuing to forgive someone over and over again; yet when I think of my children when they were little, often there were repeated “offenses” that required redirection and apologies. In the same way (and even more) that I continued to look upon my kids with love and happily forgave them; so too does God with us, as we are His children. May we ever be mindful of the enormous mercy and grace that we have been given by God and seek Him to help us continue to forgive those who sin against us.

Help us to forgive,

Each time someone asks;

Lead us in Your love,

Let go of what’s past.

Forgiveness is more,

Than letting things go;

It’s choosing to love,

So God’s love is shown.

For as we forgive,

Your heart is made known;

The weight is lifted,

And love’s seeds are sown.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You forgive us each time we ask. Thank You that You call us to do the same. Forgive us for the times that we have not truly forgiven when someone asks. Teach us to see others through Your eyes, so that we would have compassion and willingness to forgive, as we have been forgiven and loved by You. Show us how to love and forgive like You, so that those around us truly understand Your goodness and grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we forgive others in the same way that You have and continue to forgive us. Amen.

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

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. – Matthew 6:14

Work With Purpose

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. – (1 Corinthians 15:58, NIV)

So, my dear brothers and sisters, stand strong. Don’t let anything change you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord. You know that your work in the Lord is never wasted. – (1 Corinthians 15:58, ERV)

With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And don’t hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for Him is a waste of time or effort. – (1 Corinthians 15:58, MSG)

What we are called to do, God will see us through. He is faithful to meet us in the spaces He has placed us and provides what we need to press on and stand firm. This is a good reminder for me this morning, as I woke tired, wishing I could just sleep longer. This writing process is part of my daily devotions, and something for which I have been called and equipped to do. Sometimes, what I get out of my reading and time with God is just for me, yet other times, it is for someone else. I never know who might tune in, nor what they are going through, but I do know that He is faithful, and He uses those willing to do what He asks. The amazing thing about the work of the Lord is that His work is anything we have been called to do and can love people well through what we do. If it is teaching, teach students with love and kindness; if customer service, extend help and kindness in ways that make customers feel heard and cared for; whatever we do, all can be done with care and love. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us well in all that we do, and may we work as unto Him so that those whom we encounter feel valued and loved.

In all that we do,

Do unto the Lord;

Faithfully with love,

Let good be outpoured.

For kindness and grace,

Ours to give away;

To make God’s love known,

Throughout each new day.

Be not discouraged,

On difficult days;

Instead call of Him,

To give us His grace.

God’s grace is enough,

To keep pressing on;

Not in our own strength,

But through Him we’re strong.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for equipping and strengthening us for all that You call us to do. Thank You that Your work can be done through all things, if only we choose to love as You love. Forgive us for the times that we have allowed obstacles to sway us from all that You call us to do. Teach us to press into You so that we may be strengthened and equipped to keep moving in the direction to which You have called us. Show us anew how to love those around us each day. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You for strength in all that we 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

Worth Celebrating

In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. – (Luke 15:10, NIV)

In the same way, it’s a happy time for the angels of God when one sinner decides to change. – (Luke 15:10, ERV)

Count on it – that’s the kind of party God’s angels throw every time one lost soul turns to God. – (Luke 15:10, MSG)

Our decisions matter to God. When we choose Him and turn away from our sinful ways, all of heaven celebrates. This is an ongoing lifelong process as we seek our Savior and follow Him. The celebration begins when we realize we need Jesus and turn away from trying to do it all on our own. As we turn to God, He loves, leads, corrects, and directs us in the ways we are meant to go. He is good and is faithful to forgive as we ask and shows us the way to live as He intended. May we ever seek the Lord to forgive us and lead us on His path that lasts forever.

The choice to repent,

And turn to the Lord;

Brings celebration,

Heavenly accord.

For each soul that’s lost,

And finds their way home;

A reason to praise,

Eternity shown.

Keep choosing the Lord,

And follow His ways;

Our help and our hope,

Throughout all our days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that our decisions matter. Thank You that our ultimate decision to follow You is one that causes celebration both in heaven and on earth. Forgive us for every word, thought and deed that has not pleased nor represented You to those around us. Show us how to represent You well. Lead us to love You and love those around us as You intended. May many turn away from their own ways and turn to You to be the Lord of their life. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to show us what we should and should not do and lead us in Your love throughout every day. Amen.

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

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!” – 1 Chronicles 16:31

Grace and Peace to You

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. – (1 Corinthians 1:3, NIV)

May all the gifts and benefits that come from God our Father, and the Master, Jesus Christ, be yours. – (1 Corinthians 1:3, MSG)

I pray that God our Father and the Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, will shower you with grace and peace. – (1 Corinthians 1:3, VOICE)

Early Monday morning, before the busy of the week begins, a reminder of who God is and how He provides for us, are just the things needed to strengthen and encourage as we rise and ready ourselves for the day ahead. Though I know not what the day will hold, I do know that God’s grace and peace are things that empower us to walk out our days well. His peace surrounds and His grace cover so that we may live out each new day with love. May we ever seek the Lord anew every morning and pray His provision of grace and peace over those around us.

All grace unto you,

Wherever you go;

And peace be present,

So His love you’ll know.

Every good gift,

Is from God above;

Hope, help, and blessing,

That demonstrate love.

Lead us Lord Jesus,

To love as You do;

May words and actions,

Through love point to You.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that because You love us all, You grant us Your grace and peace to navigate each new day. Thank You for the countless blessings that You provide us. Forgive us for the times that we have lacked grace or have disrupted the peace that is present through Your love. Show us how to purposefully pray Your goodness over those around us and fill us so that all that we say and do reflect Your grace and peace. Lead us in Your love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we pray Your peace and grace over those around us and praise You for Your overwhelming love. Amen.  

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

May the God of all hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. – Romans 15:13