Hope to Hold

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us hold on to grace. By it, we may serve God acceptably, 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)

Since we are receiving our rights to an unshakable kingdom we should be extremely thankful and offer God the purest worship that delights His heart as we lay down our lives in absolute surrender, filled with awe. – (Hebrews 12:28, TPT)

I am so thankful for a well-timed break and for the gift of family and friends. Each time we gather and recognize our blessings, we gain glimpses of the hope we hold in Christ. His Kingdom cannot be shaken and is our hope both now and forevermore. Though yesterday did not look like our usual Thanksgiving gatherings, it was good and we are blessed to have each other. Our tradition for the last many years has been to gather at my sister and brother-in-love’s home with our mom. Sadly, with our kids working, logistics to coordinate with mom on such a long drive, and my nephew’s short time home from Bemidji, we all had to opt to stay home. Our dear, life-long friends and former neighbors from our entire childhood, hosted and welcomed mom to their gathering. They are family, and blessed all of us in knowing that mom would be with loved ones. Today, my love and I will make a quick trip to see mom too. Though it is not the same as our traditional whole family gathering, it is time together. Incredibly, that which is yet to come will not require us to choose and coordinate, but rather we will all be together in the presence of the One who gives us all. That hope is reason to give thanks. In the waiting, all praise belongs to Him who sits on the throne, for it is in Him and through Him that we can live and love a life that honors Him with all that we are. May our hearts be overflowing with love and gratitude as we recognize and honor the One who gives every good and perfect gift.

Give thanks to the Lord,

Thanksgiving past… ❤

For His loving grace;

The hope we now hold,

Throughout all our days.

Glimpses of goodness,

His blessings outpoured;

Not what we pictured,

Yet in Him, it’s more.

The love of the Lord,

Our hope forever;

Help, strength, love and life,

Goodness, so tender.

May we choose give thanks,

Today and always;

God’s love does not end,

So let us sing praise.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are always good and our hope in You never ends. Thank You that no matter what happens in the here and now, Your kingdom cannot be shaken. Our hope is secure and Your love knows no end. Forgive us for our frustrations and sorrow when things do not work out the way we had hoped. Teach us to trust and praise You in all things and at all times, for You are always good. Show us how to love those around us best, for it is You who grant us kindness, peace, patience and love to pass on. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we give all thanks and praise to You for the hope we have in You. Amen.

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

Be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord. – Psalm 31:24

All Thanks for His Goodness

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. – (1 Chronicles 16:34, NIV) 

Give thanks to the Lord because He is good. His faithful love will last forever. – (1 Chronicles 16:34, ERV) 

Give testimony about the Eternal because He is good; His loyal love lasts forever. – (1 Chronicles 16:34, VOICE) 

One of my favorite testimonies about God’s goodness is how He provided the person that He had for me, despite the unlikely pairing. If it were not for our mutual friendship with my best friend, we would likely have never met. What began as a candid conversation on her deck, a little over four years ago, turned into a marriage that is blessed, and the clear provision of God’s love for each of us through each other. I am so thankful for the Lord’s goodness, and today I am extra grateful as we celebrate my Viking’s birthday. God’s goodness is all around us, and He deserves all of our thanks and praise. May we recognize God’s goodness and grace in those whom He brings into our lives, and look back and remember all of the ways in which His love has supported, strengthened and carried us, all throughout our lives. All thanks to the Lord, for He is good, and His faithful love never ends. 

May we count the ways, 

That the Lord is good; 

In love and in life, 

His grace understood. 

Faithful forever, 

His love never fails; 

Even in darkness, 

His goodness prevails. 

All praise to the Lord, 

In light of His grace; 

For all that He does, 

And His loving ways. 

For those that He brings, 

To show us His love; 

Forever faithful, 

Thanks to God above. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You know us and love us so well. Thank You for the incredible blessing of those whom You gift to us in our lives. Thank You today, (and everyday) for the amazing gift of the one whom You knew my heart needed. Forgive us for not thanking You enough for Your goodness and love, as there is nothing that compares to You and Your love for us all. Show us how to love like You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You, as they recognize Your heart for them through our love. Be glorified O God, as we thank You and praise You for Your everlasting love and goodness that surrounds us every day of our lives. We love You, Lord. Amen. 

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

Surely You have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of Your presence. – Psalm 21:6

Seek to Do Good and Love

Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. – (Proverbs 21:21, NIV)

People who try hard to do good and be faithful will find life, goodness, and honor. – (Proverbs 21:21, ERV)

Whoever pursues justice and treats others with kindness discovers true life marked by integrity and respect. – (Proverbs 21:21, VOICE)

 

The human condition becomes quite ugly when individual agendas are pursued, rather than righteousness and love. If we cannot look past ourselves to extend the same love that we have so freely been given, peace is lacking, and satisfaction never arrives. I cannot help but cringe in today’s political climate. With both sides in seeming pursuit of personal agendas, rather than what is truly right, there is no love extended, and it becomes an episode of adults behaving badly. What if each party set aside their differences and looked for solutions that are founded in love, kindness and justice? Integrity would remain intact, and representatives would be respected, regardless of party affiliation. Currently, all I know to do is pray – for both sides. On a personal level, if I am working hard to do good and be faithful to love, I know peace in my pursuit of right living. May we each pursue righteousness and love, personally, and pray for such for those who have been chosen to lead our nation.

 

We each have been called,

To live right and love;

Choose good for others,

As God does for us.

For as we choose well,

A true life is shown;

Honor and respect,

As grace is made known.

Imagine a place,

Where righteousness reigned;

Love motive for all,

Peace could be maintained.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You reward righteousness and love with life, goodness and honor. Thank You that this is not something that we are expected to do on our own, but rather as we seek You and pursue a life of loving You and loving people, goodness and love are extended according to what is right. Forgive us for the times that we have chosen to withhold good or do anything out of selfish ambition rather than love. Teach us to seek You and follow Your leading, so that love and righteousness will be our mode of operation. Show us how to give good and love well for the good of those around us, and not just ourselves. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek to do good and love well. 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