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

Love Made The Way

This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. – (1 John 4:9, NIV)

This is how God showed His love to us: He sent His only Son into the world to give us life through Him. – (1 John 4:9, ERV)

Because of this, the love of God is a reality among us: God sent His only Son into the world so that we could find true life through Him. – (1 John 4:9, VOICE)

We each were created on purpose with purpose. However, on our own, we wander away and walk in our own way and follow our own will. Without God, it is impossible to follow His will and walk in His way. However, God, in His overwhelming love, sent His Son to make the way for us to have eternal life in Him. His sacrifice paid the price for our sin and showed us a love that knows no end. Because He came, we are able to know and give love, and understand that the here and now is not the end. When we reach the end of ourselves we discover where true life begins. The reality of God’s love is goodness, grace, mercy, hope and help for all our days. He walks beside us, in love, He’ll guide us, as He shows us what love really means. May we ever seek the Lord to show us more and more of Himself, for in and through Him, there is true life forever.

Because God so loved,

He sent us His Son;

To show us His love,

Help us overcome.

He conquered the grave,

So we could be free;

From our sin and shame,

And walk lovingly.

Lead us Lord Jesus,

To love as You love;

So Your heart is known,

To all Your beloved.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You loved us so much that You sent Jesus to show us what love us and made the way for us to be in right relationship with You. Forgive us for the times that we neglect to listen to Your leading. Teach us to trust You more, so that we embrace the overwhelming grace You give to us, and the love that made the way for us to know true life in You. Show us how to love those around us as You intended. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your overwhelming love that sent Your only Son to show us what love really is. Amen.

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

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. – Isaiah 43:19

Jesus the Coming King

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May He strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all His holy ones. – (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13, NIV)

We pray that the Lord will make your love grow. We pray that He will give you more and more love for each other and for all people. We pray that you will love everyone in the same way we love you. This will strengthen your desire to do what is right, and you will be holy and without fault before our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all His holy people. – (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13, ERV)

May the Lord flood you with an unending, undying love for one another and for all humanity, like our love for you, so that your hearts will be reinforced with His strength, held blameless and holy before God, our Father, when our Lord Jesus, the Anointed, the Liberating King, appears along with all His holy ones. Amen. – (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13, VOICE)

This is a great prayer to be praying for all of us to pray, for this is the very thing that is lacking in the world today. Instead of fault-finding and demeaning one another’s differences, we need to love as we are loved by God. He does not tell us to get it all together before we can receive His love and forgiveness, instead, He calls us, just as we are, and then He cleanses us and changes our heart so that we might more clearly reflect His own. One day, He will return. Knowing Him strengthens our desire to do what is right and draws us into His holiness. Once we have tasted and seen the reality of God’s goodness, we cannot help but desire to know Him more. May we ever seek the Lord to flood us with His unending, undying love for one another and for all humanity, so that we might love as He intended and be found blameless when He returns.

Lord, strengthen our hearts,

To love each other;

All Your creation,

Sisters and brothers.

Teach us to see good,

And extend the same;

To love as You do,

With grace, without blame.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to love everyone as You do. Thank You that You loved us first. Forgive us for the moments where we lack love in response to what we see or feel. Teach us to love anyway. Show us Your heart for every person we encounter so that we too, may love well. Lead us to love those around us in tangible ways that make Your goodness known. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Prepare our hearts each day to love like You. Be glorified O God, as we prayerfully seek You to lead us in Your love and intentionally choose to love everyone. Amen.

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

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

Made Alive in Jesus

But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved. – (Ephesians 2:4-5, NIV)

But God is rich in mercy, and He loved us very much. We were spiritually dead because of all we had done against Him. But He gave us new life together with Christ. (You have been saved by God’s grace.) – (Ephesians 2:4-5, ERV)

But God, with the unfathomable richness of His love and mercy focused on us, united us with the Anointed One and infused our lifeless souls with life – even though we were buried under mountains of sin – and saved us by His grace. – (Ephesians 2:4-5, VOICE)

When we give our lives to God, He makes us alive in Him. It is only by His mercy and grace that we have been rescued from the ultimate sentence for our sins. Jesus made the way for us to have new life with Him, as He took our penalty upon Himself so that we might receive what He freely gives. As we do, we experience the amazing grace and goodness of God, and are provided opportunities to show the same to those around us. May we continually give thanks to Jesus, as He has made us alive in Him now, and provides the hope we hold for eternity.

Alive in Jesus,

Is what we receive;

Goodness and mercy,

For all who believe.

Our every sin,

In Him, washed away;

Hope for forever,

And each brand new day.

No more in darkness,

For He is the light;

That leads and guides us,

Through both day and night.

Thank You, Lord Jesus,

For Your gracious love;

That cleanses our sin,

And calls us beloved.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son and made the way for us to be alive in Jesus. Thank You that it is only by Your grace that we have been saved. Thank You that You pour out Your mercy, grace, goodness, and love upon us so that we may do likewise for those around us. Forgive us for the times that we have not shared with others that which we have been given in excess. Teach us to embrace the mercy and grace that You have given abundantly, so that we might walk in the same with those around us. Show us how to love those around us as You do, so that they too would come to know Your mercy and love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise Your for being made alive in Jesus and look to You to lead us in Your mercy and grace with those around us. Amen.

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

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! – 2 Corinthians 5:17

Graciousness Made Known

Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. – (Philippians 4:5, HCSB)

Let everyone see that you are gentle and kind. The Lord is coming soon. – (Philippians 4:5, ERV)

Keep your gentle nature so that all people will know what it looks like to walk in His footsteps. The Lord is ever present with us. – (Philippians 4:5, VOICE)

Graciousness, gentleness and kindness are all things that God gives to us in abundance. His grace grants us a new sunrise each day, air to breathe, and everything good in our lives. God’s gentleness is the still small voice that speaks to our hearts, and reminds us of which way we are to go, who we are in Him, and how to choose to love. Extending kindness, especially when it is not “deserved”, is a demonstration of God’s graciousness made tangible through us. Each time we both extend and experience these things, we are gaining glimpses of just how near the Lord is to us. His presence provides as we choose to abide. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us to love as He loves, so that our gentleness and kindness help others to see God’s own heart.

Let God’s gentleness,

Truly take the lead;

His kindness made clear,

For love’s what we need.

The heart of the Lord,

Is most clearly shown;

Through His loving grace,

That’s ever made known.

Help us, Lord Jesus,

To love graciously;

So others may know,

All good that’s from Thee.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You show us Your kindness, gentleness and grace through Your overwhelming and eternal love. Thank You that You pour so much into us, that we can share generously out of the overflow within. Forgive us for the times that Your gentleness and grace have been absent from how we operate. Teach us to seek You to lead us in all things and at all times, so that Your goodness and grace are clearly shown. Direct us to love those around us like You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to fill us with more of You so that Your graciousness is made evident through all that we say and do. Amen.

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

One who loves with a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend. – Proverbs 22:11

Grace that Guides Us

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. – (Philippians 1:9-10, NIV)

This is my prayer for you: that your love will grow more and more; that you will have knowledge and understanding with your love; that you will see the difference between what is important and what is not and choose what is important; that you will be pure and blameless for the coming of Christ. – (Philippians 1:9-10, ERV)

Here’s what I pray for you: Father, may their love grow more and more in wisdom and insight – so they will be able to examine and determine the best from everything else. And on the day of the Anointed One, the day of His judgment, let them stand pure and blameless. – (Philippians 1:9-10, VOICE)

Though these words were Paul’s to the church of Philippi, they are applicable and relevant for us still today. I don’t know about You, but I need my love through Him to grow more and more, and to have wisdom and insight to know what is best. Also, the only way that I will be blameless when I meet Him face-to-face is through His overwhelming mercy and grace that guides us in His love. God, in His eternal love, will lead us and guide us to know what is important and what is not. Yesterday, I knew that lifting up my day at school, especially the time with my last class of the day, was important. I had no idea what would unfold, but looking back, I can see how clearly God’s hand of protection was over my students and me, and that His grace was with me in a moment that I hope will never again be repeated in my career. A student snapped and went into a fit of rage; one that included throwing desks and stools across a crowded classroom. Thankfully, no one was injured and the episode lasted less than a minute before he stormed out of the room. Now, in the aftermath, I need God’s wisdom and insight to lead and guide me as I go today (and everyday). May we ever seek the Lord to grow His love in us more and more, and to flood our hearts and minds with His wisdom and insight so that we might navigate our days in a way that is blameless before Him.

Father of mercy,

My view as I arrived on campus a few mornings ago…

This is what I pray;

For wisdom, insight,

Your help each new day.

O God, grow in me,

Your love more and more;

So I might know best,

How to stand, endure.

Help me, Lord Jesus,

To listen to You;

For You lead and guide,

Show what’s best to do.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are faithful to meet us in each new moment as we trust in You. Thank You that You grow us more and more in Your love and wisdom and insight as we seek You. Thank You that You consider us blameless before You because of the sacrifice of Your Son. Forgive us for leaving You out of the loop when troubles come our way. Teach us to trust in You to grant us Your wisdom and insight so that we will know which way to go in every situation and circumstance. Show us how to love those around us as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we are intentional to come before You to listen and learn, so that we may become more of who You created us to be. Amen.

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

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

Our Provider

May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy. – (Colossians 1:11, HCSB)

God will strengthen you with His own great power, so that you will be patient and not give up when troubles come. Then you will be happy. – (Colossians 1:11, ERV)

Strengthen them with Your infinite power, according to Your glorious might, so that they will have everything they need to hold on and endure hardship patiently and joyfully. – (Colossians 1:11, VOICE)

Though this was part of Paul’s prayer for the church of Colossae, it is applicable and needed still today. Being strengthened with His power rather than our own, is the very thing that provides patient endurance when troubles come. Knowing He is for us and with us provides joy, even in the midst of challenges. I know not what you are facing, but I do know the presence of God and His power are beneficial to everyone. The gift of finding joy in the midst of challenges is the very thing that reminds us that we can press on. May we ever seek the Lord, who lovingly strengthens us and empowers us to press on, no matter what comes our way, and fill us with His patience and joy as we navigate all things.

Lord, grant us Your strength,

To keep pressing on;

No matter what comes,

In You, we are strong.

Grant us endurance,

Fill us with Your joy;

Patience and Your peace,

With grace to enjoy.

Lead us, Lord Jesus,

In You, make us strong;

Grant all that’s needed,

In You, we belong.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You strengthen us in Your power and fill our hearts with patience and joy, even when trials come our way. Forgive us for our frustration and lack of hope when the road before us is rocky. Teach us to turn in trust to You, for You alone provide what is needed to navigate well. Show us how to love as You love, with patience and joy. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to be our strength, and the One who provides patience and joy. Amen.

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

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10

Hope As We Wait

I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His word I put my hope. – (Psalm 130:5, NIV)

I am waiting for the Lord to help me. My soul waits for Him. I trust what He says. – (Psalm 130:5, ERV)

So I wait for the Eternal – my soul awaits rescue – and I put my hope in His transforming word. – (Psalm 130:5, VOICE)

I am not necessarily in need of rescue, but I certainly need the Lord’s help to navigate each new day. Right now, we are in the throes of back-to-school training and meetings, and I feel like it is a scramble to get all that needs to be done, completed. This morning, I am again reminded to trust in Him, for He is my help and my hope. It does not mean that I sit idly by and wait for Him to magically impart all that is needed upon me, but rather I keep moving forward and trust in Him to fill and equip me for all that lies ahead. The wait is to settle my own heart so that I am aware of His presence and perfect peace. When I slow down and settle into the seeking as I start my day, I know that I can trust Him for all that lies ahead of me. May we ever wait on the Lord to be our help and our hope, and trust in Him, for His word is true and endures forever.

O Lord, help us wait,

For Your perfect peace;

That comes from trusting,

You’ll meet all our needs.

Strength when we’re weary,

Hope in the unknowns;

Grace on the journey,

‘Til heaven’s our home.

Show us, Lord Jesus,

Your help, hope and peace;

Equip us for where,

Your loving path leads.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our help and our hope as we wait on You to lead us forward. Thank You that we become aware of the presence of Your perfect peace as we slow down and spend time waiting on You. Forgive us for our frustrations and fears as we walk into new seasons. Show us Your goodness and grace, for Your word is faithful and Your peace is available, always. Teach us to trust You more. Lead us to love all those around us as You do, so that all might know the hope that is found in You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we wait on Your leading, and trust You to be our ever-present help and hope through every season. Amen.

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

We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. – Psalm 33:20

Promoting Peace and Building Each Other Up

So then, we must pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another. – (Romans 14:19, HCSB)

So let’s try as hard as we can to do what will bring peace. Let’s do whatever will help each other grow stronger in faith. – (Romans 14:19, ERV)

Join us, and pursue a life that creates peace and builds up our brothers and sisters. – (Romans 14:19, VOICE)

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and mutual edification. – (Romans 14:19. NIV)

This is important in every aspect of our lives, and we all are an ongoing work in progress. It requires an intentional decision to seek and depend on God to lead us to do and say things that promote peace and build others up. As we do, there is opportunity for faith to be fortified. To do this requires a never-ending cycle of seeking God, listening to Him, and a willingness to be corrected and redirected. Right now, my husband and I are on vacation. We are two very different types of people; though this is good, as it creates balance for both of us, it is an ongoing work to recognize one another’s needs and desires. For me, when I go somewhere new, I want to see and experience everything humanly possible in the short time we are provided. My husband, bless his heart, wants to slow down and simply relax. He is a champion at being willing to go out and explore, and I am learning to slow down and accept the need to rest. It is an ongoing battle, as I don’t want to miss out, yet know that if I just remain present in the moment, there will be peace and both of us will be built up. God is good, and He shows us what we ought to do to promote peace and build one another up. It is our task to listen and follow His lead. May we ever seek the Lord to show us how to best promote peace and build up those around us.

We’re called to pursue,

That which promotes peace;

Willing compromise,

As grace does increase.

Each time that we choose,

To bless each other;

Both are encouraged,

Sisters and brothers.

Lead us, Lord Jesus,

To love, promote peace;

Build each other up,

As Your love’s increased.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You love us so much that You call us and show us how to promote peace and build each other up in Your love. Forgive us for the times that we have either not listened to You or have only sought after our own selfish ambitions. Teach us to be a blessing as we make decisions that promote peace and encourage those around us. Show us how to love and make choices as You would. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us in promoting peace and building those around us up in the goodness of Your love. Amen.

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

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

Devoted to One Another

Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor. – (Romans 12:10, HCSB)

Love each other in a way that makes you feel close like brothers and sisters. And give each other more honor than you give yourself. – (Romans 12:10, ERV)

Live in true devotion to one another, loving each other as sisters and brothers. Be first to honor others by putting them first. – (Romans 12:10, VOICE)

True devotion looks different to everyone, but to me, it is shown in recognizing the needs and desires of one another and being willing to share in their joy, even if it is not your own. Some of you were around to read about my Viking and my fishing adventure in Westport. Sadly, despite catching our limit in fish, I was extremely seasick and had to dig deep to rally. Yesterday, for his birthday, I purchased a three-hour deep sea fishing adventure for the two of us. Prior to arriving in Hawaii, I had spoken with a seasoned fisherman for advice as to how to prevent a repeat experience the next time. I followed ALL of his advice, and am thrilled to report that I felt great out on the water! It is awesome how God helps us and answers prayers through practical help and divine intervention. Because I was willing to try again, I was blessed with a far better experience. I went into the trip with the attitude that I would be okay either way, as it was only going to be three hours of my life. Mark was blessed and overjoyed to be out on the water, and thankful that I was able to enjoy the experience as well. He honors me with all of my wild wants to wander and explore, so how could I not at least try? May we ever find practical ways to show devotion to one another in love, and give room to put others first, in the same way that Jesus did for us all.

To be devoted,

In brotherly love;

We look past ourselves,

To God up above.

Love is in choosing,

To put others first;

To love with actions,

Is how love’s dispersed.

Just as Lord Jesus,

Chose to give us all;

May we be willing,

Help others stand tall.

Even in challenge,

The Lord sees our hearts;

He grants us the strength,

To do what’s our part.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You set the standard of what it means to live sacrificially and to love completely. Thank You that as You call us to do the same, You supply what we need to be a blessing to those around us. Forgive us for fearing what could be lost, rather than that which can be gained. Show us how to be devoted to one another in love in ways that make Your heart tangible to those around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You to lead us and rely on You to supply all that we need to be devoted to You and to one another. 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