The Power of Love

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

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

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

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

Throughout life’s seasons,

the Lord’s always good;

through the highs and lows,

His love understood.

He grants us His peace,

when peace should not be;

surrounds us with love,

that’s felt tangibly.

The Lord knows our need,

in love, He provides;

help, hope and goodness,

as we choose abide.

Father, we thank You,

for all that You are;

how You show us love,

from both near and far.

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

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

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

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

Be a Pleasing Aroma

For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. – (2 Corinthians 2:15, NIV)

Our offering to God is to be the perfume of Christ that goes out to those who are being saved and to those who are being lost. – (2 Corinthians 2:15, ERV)

In a turbulent world where people are either dying or being rescued, we are the sweet smell of the Anointed to God our Father. – (2 Corinthians 2:15, VOICE)

Our strongest memories are typically those that are multisensory. When I smell the scents of a Thanksgiving or Christmas meal being prepared, I am taken back to childhood and my grandparents home. The house was full of family, and Grandma, Mom, and my aunts were all busily preparing and organizing dishes. Often, my cousins and I would get to join in to help, as we donned one of Gram’s aprons, and love and laughter filled the air. For those of us who know, love, and follow Christ, we have the opportunity to become a sweet scent to God as we love and care for those around us well. In the same way that the scents in creation remind us of who God is and how He loves, we can demonstrate our love of God through the way that we love those around us. May we be as fragrant as spring flowers in bloom, the salty air by the sea, and the fresh pine in the forest to God as we love and honor Him by loving those around us well.

The sweetest of scents,

remind us of things;

imprints on the heart,

that of His love sing.

Tangible His love,

experienced by grace;

His heart He pours out,

throughout all our days.

May we do the same,

as we seek to love;

by grace let us give,

like the Lord above.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You created us with multiple senses to experience the fullness of Your love. Thank You that as we love as You love us, we are a sweet aroma unto You. Forgive us for the times that our attitudes, words or actions have stunk. Teach us to trust You more, so that we may be a clear reflection of Your loving kindness and grace. Show us how to love others so that what we say and do is a pleasing aroma unto You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us in Your love so that we may be a pleasing aroma unto You. Amen.

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

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. – Psalm 19:14

The Significance of a Shepherd

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.” – (Luke 2:8-11, NIV)

That night, some shepherds were out in the fields near Bethlehem watching their sheep. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord was shining around them. The shepherds were very afraid. The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid. I have some very good news for you – news that will make everyone happy. Today your Savior was born in David’s town. He is the Messiah, the Lord.” – (Luke 2:8-11, ERV)

There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. – (Luke 2:8-11, MSG)

 

It is so interesting that God chose to announce the arrival of the birth of His Son to a group of shepherds who were out in their fields, guarding their flocks at night. The more I pause and ponder, the more fascinated I become with the significant roles and references to shepherds throughout the Bible. David was a shepherd boy who became a great king. Jesus was from the line of David, which is why Mary and Joseph had to travel to Bethlehem for the census in the first place. Additionally, there are many references throughout the New Testament where Jesus is referred to as the good shepherd, as He tends to us and watches over us as His flock. Shepherds care for and protect their sheep, and know them each by name. Back then, shepherds had to fight off wild animals and protect the sheep from all harm, as well as tend to the sick and injured among them. Their livelihood was dependent on the well-being of their sheep, and from what I have read, the shepherds that tended their own flocks, did so in much the same way as Jesus did for the people all around Him. The shepherds in the fields that night, though well-trained in fending off predators, had no exposure to a visit from heavenly hosts. It is no wonder that the first words prior to announcing the arrival of Jesus, was “Do not be afraid.” Between shock and awe, the shepherds took in the announcement and acted upon it. With great urgency, they hurried off to see what the heavenly hosts had proclaimed.  Lastly, in the same way that shepherds care for their sheep and that Jesus modeled for us what it is do love and shepherd those around us well, we too are called to be shepherds of God’s flock; watching over them and caring well out of our own eagerness to serve. (see 1 Peter 5:2) May we seek the Lord to have the heart of a shepherd; humble, protective, and willing to go to great lengths to love and care for those who are placed in our reach.

 

Fiercely protective,

image from http://www.fministry.com

With hearts full of love;

We’re called to shepherd,

Like the Lord above.

Watch and extend care,

Throughout night and day;

Listen to God’s lead,

So none go astray.

For God chose the hearts,

Of the faithful ones;

In love, tending flocks,

To announce His Son.

He seeks the faithful,

To shepherd and keep;

All His beloved,

His people; His sheep.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You chose the faithful and protective ones to be the recipients of the great news of the arrival of Your Son. Thank You that You call each of us to faithfully love and protect those around us in much the same way. Forgive us for the times that we have not been as vigilant as we ought to for those who we are called to care for and protect. Teach us to love and protect like You. Show us how to love those around us in ways that make Your comfort, protections, peace and presence known in tangible ways. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You, the Good Shepherd, to direct our steps as we seek to love those around us as You call us to love. Amen.

 

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

 

Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them – not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve. – 1 Peter 5:2

He Hears the Seeking

O Lord my God, I cried to You for help, and You restored my health. – (Psalm 30:2, NLT)

Lord my God, I prayed to You, and You healed me. – (Psalm 30:2, ERV)

 

David, in his lifetime, experienced some of the highest highs and the lowest lows as he walked with God. He understood God’s faithfulness, as he had drawn very near, and had run just as far. Through it all, God loved him and drew David back unto Himself. So many of the Psalms demonstrate the depth of David’s understanding of God’s goodness and grace. As David was in trouble or was sick, he cried out to the Lord and trusted Him for help or for healing. Answers did not always come quickly by our standards, just as His answers come in His time still today. I have been watching a dear friend walk through an unusual medical dilemma, and in my own limited understanding, wonder why God didn’t just heal her. However, as I watch her walk out the steps towards resolution and recovery, I see His faithful hand at every turn, and the community that He has placed her in to love and care for her well. Perhaps He is completing a healing that goes far beyond what we can see, and as the doctors work out the physical piece, He is orchestrating the work of His hands for her heart and mind by His abundant and unending love. May we ever call on the Lord to be our Help and our Healer, and trust Him to bring us to a place of restoration.

 

O God we cry out,

To You in our need;

For You are our help,

The place where fear’s freed.

In You, we’re restored,

When broken or weak;

For You hear the cries,

Of all those who seek.

So Father, we come,

And humbly pray;

Bring healing and health,

Where needed today.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we can call on You and pray to You for help and for healing, and that You hear our prayers and restore us. Thank You that though Your answers come in Your time and Your way, Your ways are higher than our ways, and Your timing is perfect. Forgive us for our lack of patience and our frustration, when we want immediate answers, despite the work that You may be doing in the process as we wait. Teach us to trust You more. Show us how to love well, each person we know who is in the midst of the wait, without speaking foolishly, but rather meeting needs and being present in love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we call on You for help and thank You for the restoration that You provide. Amen.

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

But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ. – Ephesians 2:4-5

Mindful of Us

But there is a place where someone has testified: “What is man that You are mindful of him, the son of man that You care for him?” – (Hebrews 2:6, NIV)

What is man that You are mindful of him, the son of man that You care for him? – (Psalm 8:4, NIV)

 

It is an overwhelming thought to think that the Creator of the Universe would be mindful of us, individually – that He cares for every single person that ever has been, is and will be. Clearly, the very thought of such a personal God has been mind-blowing throughout the ages. Our mere mortal minds cannot hardly begin to grasp the magnitude of our Maker’s love and care for each of us. He deliberately designed each of us with a plan and a purpose, placing gifts and talents within us, that are unique to the DNA designed in our beings. There is no one else on the planet just like YOU. No one else can fulfill the purpose nor share the gifts that God has designed in and through you. Even with twins, who look remarkably similar, the Lord has created each with different talents, strengths and dreams planted within them to uniquely touch the world. May we each embrace the incredible, as God is mindful of each of us, and cares for us individually. Let us walk out our days as we have been designed, for we are the only one God created to answer the specific call placed on our lives.

 

The most holy God,

Is mindful of you;

Cares personally,

And His love is true.

The very same God,

Who created all;

Will love us to life,

Catch us when we fall.

Let’s trust in His word,

May our hearts align;

As we live our days,

As He has designed.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are mindful of us and care for us, individually. Thank You that despite You being God of matchless power and might, You still draw near and love even the least of us. Thank You that You designed us each with a plan and a purpose that is unique to us. Forgive us for forgetting that we are each intended to fill a role in Your kingdom, and all matter to You. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would walk out our days according to Your plan, trusting that which You have placed within us. Show us how to love those around us well, so that they would be encouraged to seek You and to see the deliberate design that You placed within them as well. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we walk out our days as You have designed, recognizing the care that You have for us all. Amen.

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

Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths; …my hope is in You all day long. – Psalm 25:4-5