My Portion Forever

Who do I have in heaven but You? And I desire nothing on earth but You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever. – (Psalm 73:25-26, HCSB)

In heaven, God, I have only You. And if I am with You, what on earth could I want? Maybe my mind and body will become weak, but God is my source of strength. He is mine forever! – (Psalm 73:25-26, ERV)

For all of my wanting, I don’t have anyone but You in heaven. There is nothing on earth that I desire other than You. I admit how broken I am in body and spirit, but God is my strength, and He will be mine forever. – (Psalm 73:25-26, VOICE)

In Psalm 73, the author began with his struggle as he speaks of witnessing the wicked prosper. However, he soon realized that such things are temporary and God and all that He has for us is eternal. His mind shift resulted in him recognizing that what he truly wanted was God, no matter what the circumstances in the here and now. This is the perspective that matters, for God is eternal while all else is fleeting. On challenging days it is a great reminder, for God is our portion and He is the one who supplies all that we need. May we ever seek the Lord and trust in Him, for He is our portion forever.

O God, my portion,

my true hiding place;

loving provision,

throughout all my days.

Though wicked prosper,

it’s just for a while;

the Lord’s forever,

He’s always worthwhile.

Through good things and bad,

His presence is near;

our hope, forever,

His promises clear.

A place He’s prepared,

forever awaits;

we’ll be welcomed home,

through the pearly gates.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are better than anything here on earth. You are our portion and provider, our Father and our friend. Thank You that all that is in the here and now is temporary, yet You and Your love are eternal. Forgive us for the times that we are distracted or drawn away by the things that are temporary. Lead our hearts firmly back to You. Teach us to trust You in all things and to set our hearts and minds on that which is forever. Show us how to love those around us well, so that they would come to know Your goodness, grace, and promise of forever. Be glorified O God, as we set our sights on You and all that is eternal. Amen.

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

What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived – the things God has prepared for those who love Him. – 1 Corinthians 2:9

Faith Expressed Through Love

The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. – (Galatians 5:6b, NIV)

The important thing is faith – the kind of faith that works through love. – (Galatians 5:6b, ERV)

What matters is something far more interior: faith expressed in love. – (Galatians 5:6b, MSG)

We are called to love God and love people. When we do so, we are living out our faith as God intended. No religious ritual, good deed, or righteous act captures God’s heart in the way that loving well does. Love gives without expectation in return. Love is patient and kind. Love does not envy nor boast. Love is not proud nor self-seeking. It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) Faith is made evident by love. The more we walk out our faith in love, the more God’s heart is made known. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in His love, as we walk by faith that is filled and fueled by His heart for us all.

To live without faith,

makes impossible;

to please our Father,

who fiercely loves all.

Yet when we choose love,

we honor the Lord;

our faith visible,

as love is outpoured.

Let’s rise up in love,

and choose to love well;

let each choice to love,

of His glory tell.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You love us with an everlasting love. Thank You that You call and command us to love. Forgive us for every ritual, act, and action that was not motivated by love. Teach us to trust in You and Your heart for us all. Show us how to live out our faith by loving You and loving people well. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your goodness and love, and seek You to lead us to love as You do. Amen.

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

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. – 1 John 4:16b

Speak Life

Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. – (Psalm 141:3, NIV)

Lord, help me control what I say. Don’t let me say anything bad. – (Psalm 141:3, ERV)

Guard my mouth, O Eternal One; control what I say. Keep a careful watch on every word I speak. – (Psalm 141:3, VOICE)

What we give voice to matters. Our words hold the power of life and death. Though what we say may not seem significant, words have power as they echo in the halls of hearts and minds. As a teacher, I am acutely aware of this, as students often say things that they have heard from others, and such words become a part of their own self-talk. The number of times that I have heard kids claim that they are stupid is heartbreaking. I often spend much of the year trying to help them recognize their own intelligence so that they can discover they are indeed capable of doing difficult things. Though I would never tell anyone that they were stupid, how I deal with frustration and discouragement matters. I need God to guard my mouth so that what I say brings life and hope and help. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in what we allow to leave our lips, and fill our hearts with His words of hope, help, life, and love.

O God, guard my mouth,

help me to speak life;

silence anything,

that might lead to strife.

Flood my heart with love,

for all whom I meet;

let kindness pour out,

overcome defeat.

May my heart and mind,

Filter what I say;

let Your words of life,

be all that escape.

Show me, Lord Jesus,

others through Your eyes;

so all that I say,

is love realized.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You instruct us to watch what we say. Thank You that words from You bring life, and hope, and love. Forgive us for every word spoken that does not reflect Your goodness and love. Teach us to self-edit so that we encourage and build up through what we give voice. Show us how to speak words of life to all whom we encounter. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to guard our lips so that we silence words that do not give hope, and flood our hearts and minds with words that encourage and give life. 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

Hope for the Hurting

When they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recognize him; they began to weep aloud, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads. Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was. – (Job 2:12-13, NIV)

But his friends didn’t even recognize him when they first saw him in the distance! They began to cry loudly. They tore their clothes and threw dirt in the air over their heads to show how sad they were. Then they sat on the ground with Job for seven days and seven nights. They didn’t say a word, because they saw he was in so much pain. – (Job 2:12-13, ERV)

When they first caught sight of him, they couldn’t believe what they saw – they hardly recognized him! They cried out in lament, ripped their robes, and dumped dirt on their heads as a sign of their grief. They they sat with him on the ground. Seven days and nights they sat there without saying a word. They could see how rotten he felt, how deeply he was suffering. – (Job 2:12-13, MSG)

How we respond to the hurting matters. Job’s friends responded well in the beginning. An act of support and solidarity was clearly displayed through their actions. Sometimes, when the pain is too great, the best thing we can do is simply be present. Job had lost everything – his family, his flocks, his home, his possessions, and his health. The agony of such great loss and suffering was beyond offering words. Job had done nothing wrong to deserve such tragedy, yet he remained faithful to God in his tremendous season of suffering. God honored Job’s faithfulness, and ultimately restored all that had been lost and more. Our charge and challenge is to remain faithful to God in and through all things. When we suffer, do we blame God or cry out to God to be our help and our hope? Currently, my biggest wonder for so many that I know who are suffering is the question, “Why?” I know some amazing humans who are fighting for their lives as they battle disease, illness, and overcoming injuries. Incredibly, instead of a self-pity party, each is surrounded by people who are willing to walk beside them and do what can be done, as each is persevering in their own fight. After spending a few days with my mom who is recovering from a broken hip, I feel like this hits home all the more. Presence is everything to her right now and it is impossible to be there 24/7 as she would like. Thankfully, she is in a place where people are ready and available to help with anything she needs at a simple push of a button. With God, we have so much more. He knows our thoughts before we think them, our hearts, even when we are silent, and hears every cry uttered unto Him. Always present, we can trust in His goodness and faithfulness forever. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us so that we too, can sit with those who need tangible presence, and for wisdom to know how to navigate what is needed. In all things, God is good, even when our circumstances are not.

To help the hurting,

we need listen well;

be it to just sit,

or of goodness tell.

The Lord is faithful,

He knows what we need;

in our suffering,

His love is our lead.

In times of stillness,

we can hear His voice;

tangible goodness,

reason to rejoice.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for those whom You have provided in our seasons of suffering to simply sit with us, or to walk alongside us as we navigate what we cannot understand. Thank You that You call us to do the same for those around us. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to reach out, walk beside, or simply sit with the suffering. Teach us to trust You more so that we would be quick to come alongside the hurting. Lead us to love as You love, and provide opportunities for us to make Your love tangible to those who need it most. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your presence in all things and at all times. 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

Present in All

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. – (Joshua 1:9, NIV)

Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take. – (Joshua 1:9, MSG)

This is My command: be strong and courageous. Never be afraid or discouraged because I am your God, the Eternal One, and I will remain with you wherever you go. – (Joshua 1:9, VOICE)

This morning, this is a reminder to myself of what is true. A week and a half ago, we placed our puppies in the care of trainers for a three-week board and train program. Yesterday evening, we received a message that it might not work out for one of our dogs. The thing is, we trusted that the trainers were professionals and would be able to aid us in correcting some undesired behaviors, as well as guide us through additional obedience training. Now, after a sizable investment and emotional turmoil, we may be bringing our doggos home, requiring us to begin again with the search for how to best train our sweet puppies to peacefully coexist with each other and be mindful of what is being asked of them. Right now, after a reasonable night’s sleep, I cannot help but trust that God knows our needs and perhaps this was not the best fit or solution, and He will be with us as we walk out this process. Today, I will trust that He will provide the strength, courage and tenacity to do whatever we need to do that is best for our family. No matter the outcome, God will be with us. What matters most is that we listen to His leading and follow through. To some, this may seem trivial, however, for us, our dogs are a huge part of our family. God knows our needs and I will trust Him as we go today. May we ever choose strength, courage and resilience rather than fear or discouragement. For He will remain with us wherever we go.

Be not discouraged,

Choose faith over fear;

The Lord has promised,

He’ll always be near.

No matter what lies,

Ahead in our lives;

The Lord has His best,

True hope realized.

The things that matter,

That pull our heart strings;

Also God’s concern,

And answers He’ll bring.

Today I choose trust,

I know the Lord cares;

He’ll lead us in love,

Through answers He shares.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You remind us to be strong and courageous in You. Thank You that You love and care for all creatures that You created. Thank You that You are faithful to show us how to care best for all that You bless us with. Forgive us for our anger and frustration over something that may be for the best. Teach us to trust You more as we walk out each new day, seeking to follow after You and all that You have for us. Show us how to love in such a way that we extend Your goodness and grace in all that we do and say. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we continue to trust in You. Amen.

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

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. – 1 Thessalonians 3:12

Choose to Love

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. – (1 Corinthians 13:6-7, NIV)

Love is never happy when others do wrong, but it is always happy with the truth. Love never gives up on people. It never stops trusting, never loses hope, and never quits. – (1 Corinthians 13:6-7, ERV)

Love joyfully celebrates honesty and finds no delight in what is wrong. Love is a safe place of shelter, for it never stops believing the best for others. Love never takes failure as defeat, for it never gives up. – (1 Corinthians 13:6-7, TPT)

This is a beautiful reminder of what matters. Honesty, truth, trust, hope and perseverance are things that exemplify love. When we choose to love one another, we extend each of these things to each other. I appreciate the idea of love being a safe shelter, as loving and being loved well provides security and a sense of safety. Additionally, to love is a choice. God designed each of us for love, but we must choose to live according to our design. In order to love like the Lord, we need to know and trust Him. As we do, we become acutely aware of His love for us, and desire to share what we have been given. May we ever seek the Lord and receive His love so that we may go forth and love others in the same way.

To love is to choose,

To speak truth always;

Rejoice in the good,

Found in each new day.

Love always protects,

Provides a safe space;

Where hope’s always found,

As is loving grace.

Love never will quit,

When the going’s rough;

Chooses persevere,

It’s always enough.

May we learn to love,

As we were designed;

Let the Lord’s love lead,

And always be kind.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You love us the way that You call us to love. Thank You that You do not ask of us, anything that You don’t already give. Forgive us for the times that we have failed to love as You call us to love. Teach us to receive all that You are offering so that we learn to love like You. Show us how to love others with honesty, trust, hope and a determination that never quits. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we learn to love like You. Amen.

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

The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of His unfailing love. – Psalm 33:5

To Treasure What Lasts

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be.” – (Matthew 6:19-21, NIV)

“Don’t save treasures for yourselves here on earth. Moths and rust will destroy them. And thieves can break into your house and steal them. Instead, save your treasures in heaven, where they cannot be destroyed by moths or rust and where thieves cannot break in and steal them. Your heart will be where your treasure is.” – (Matthew 6:19-21, ERV)

“Don’t hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or – worse! – stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it’s safe from moth and rust and burglars. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.” – (Matthew 6:19-21, MSG)

This is the ever-challenging passage that deems it necessary for each of us to take inventory of our priorities. How are we spending our time, talents and resources? Are we hiding them, keeping them for ourselves, or are we looking outward and identifying places where we can love and serve like Jesus? There are many “thieves” out there. For example, comparison is the thief of joy. In a nation that is bursting with so much, the desire to keep up with those around us can take our eyes off of what matters and bring our heart to an ugly space. Rather, if our eyes are fixed on Jesus and all that He has for us, we see the blessings that we already hold, and celebrate the blessings that those around us are given.  Each of us has an inheritance waiting in heaven. It is up to us to embrace the gift that God gives to know that it is already ours. Our perspective shifts when we recognize that this is not our home. We are merely visitors in the here and now, and will spend all of eternity elsewhere. Where we end up will be ours to determine. Will we choose to love God and love people as we are called to do, or will we focus only on what lies before us in hope of ever amassing more? The place that we treasure is demonstrated by how we use what we have been given. I don’t know about you, but I am an ongoing work in progress. I begin my days looking to the Lord, yet life spins quickly around me, and has a way of distracting from that which matters most. Impatience in traffic, frustration with the outspoken, unrest in the isolation… The list goes on and on, as the treasure trolling is in full force. We need God’s grace to grow in His love. He is faithful to meet us each time we seek Him, yet it is up to us to pursue Him. May we ever grow closer to He who is our true treasure, and fix our eyes on that which matters most – loving God and loving people.

O Lord, please show us,

Above all to love;

In grace, redeem us,

Set our gaze above.

Help us to treasure,

The things that will last;

Love, grace and kindness,

Doing what You ask.

Lead us in mercy,

Teach us to be kind;

To listen in love,

So hope all may find.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that the things You offer are eternal and worth treasuring. Thank You that faith, hope and love are gifts from You that last. Forgive us for the times that we allow earthly things to steal our focus and take our eyes off of You and what matters most. Teach us to fix our eyes and hearts on that which You intend for is forever. Show us how to love those around us like You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek to store up our treasures in heaven, for those are the things that last forever. Amen.

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

And the Lord has declared this day that you are His people, His treasured possessions as He promised, and that you are to keep all His commands. – Deuteronomy 26:18

Gain in Grace

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. – (Titus 2:11-12, NIV)

This is the way we should live, because God’s grace has come. That grace can save everyone. It teaches us not to live against God and not to do the bad things the world wants to do. It teaches us to live on earth now in a wise and right way – a way that shows true devotion to God. – (Titus 2:11-12, ERV)

God’s marvelous grace has manifested in person, bringing salvation for everyone. This same grace teaches us how to live each day as we turn our backs on ungodliness and indulgent lifestyles, and it equips us to live self-controlled, upright, godly lives in this present age. – (Titus 2:11-12, TPT)

It is God’s grace that grants us each the opportunity to believe and receive, and enter the folds of His salvation. Being saved does not mean we have reached perfection, but rather it means that He who is perfect, is present and available to lead and guide us throughout all our days. God has given all people a free will; it is our decision alone to either receive all that He has to offer, or not. For those who actively receive, God teaches us what we ought not do, and what we need to do, to walk in the way He intended. We need wisdom, grace, and self-control to live upright and demonstrate our devotion to Him. Each word and deed that we extend that demonstrates God’s overwhelming love, is a manifestation of God’s goodness and grace that is available for everyone. However, when we get caught up in the ways of the world, there is nothing about us that leads anyone closer to the loving embrace of God. All that we say and do matters. May we ever pursue He who is pure and loving and full of grace, so that we too, may navigate each day His way.

Lord, help us receive,

Salvation in You;

For each brand new day,

Show us to live true.

True to Your goodness,

Your love and Your grace;

Upright and godly,

Help us walk Your way.

Lord as we listen,

You lead us in truth;

Steer us from evil,

As You make us new.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unending grace that grants us salvation in You. Thank You that as we seek and grow in our understanding of You, You show us what we should and should not do. Forgive us for forging our own way without seeking Your wisdom, or for allowing ourselves to get caught up in the ways of the world, rather than staying true to who You are calling us to become. Teach us to trust and rely on You to lead and guide us throughout all our days. Show us how to love those around us well, as it is Your love that demonstrates the goodness and kindness that leads people into lives full of the hope that only Your salvation provides. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we receive Your grace that is freely given, and trust in You to lead and direct us in all of the ways that are meant to go. Keep us away from that which was not meant for us. In Your precious name we pray, Amen.

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

Out of His fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. – John 1:16

Making Our Days Matter

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. – (Psalm 90:12, NIV)

Teach us how short our lives are so that we can become wise. – (Psalm 90:12, ERV)

Help us to remember that our days are numbered, and help us to interpret our lives correctly. Set Your wisdom deeply in our hearts so that we may accept Your correction. – (Psalm 90:12, TPT)

A common thread among us is that I think we are all far more aware that our days are numbered. There is nothing quite like a pandemic to remind us that none of us are immune to the reaches of the affects, as I know few folks who do not at least know someone impacted by COVID19. We have the opportunity to respond to the realization that none of us are guaranteed a long life on earth, so how we spend our days matters. In order to use the time we are given well, we need God’s wisdom. He is faithful to grow us and show us more and more of His love and grace, as we choose to follow after Him. The Lord is faithful to direct and correct, if we are willing to pursue Him and respond to His promptings. I desire to live each day with intention, and am acutely aware of my need for God’s intervention to do so. May we ever recognize that we are not promised tomorrow, so that we might live each day with wisdom and grace, according to God’s good and perfect plan.

O Lord, I thank You,

For each day thus far;

As Your love and grace,

Meet us where we are.

Grant us Your wisdom,

Help us to live well;

Let each brand new day,

Be love’s show and tell.

May each day we rise,

Be seen as a gift;

Each moment a chance,

For spirits to lift.

Lord, show me Your heart,

In each circumstance;

Make me wise with love,

To live out Your plans.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have good plans for each of us. Thank You that You meet us as we seek You, and You grant us wisdom to navigate our days well. Forgive us for the times that we take our days for granted. Teach us how to live with intention, each new day that we draw breath. Show us how to live and love with wisdom and grace, so that all might seek Your welcome embrace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for each new day, and seek You to live it out with wisdom, love and grace. Amen.

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

How many are Your works, Lord! In wisdom You made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures. – Psalm 104:24

Live Wisely and Do Good

Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. – (Ephesians 5:15-16, NIV) 

So be very careful how you live. Live wisely, not like fools. I mean that you should use every opportunity you have for doing good, because these are evil times. – (Ephesians 5:15-16, ERV) 

So be careful how you live, not being like those with no understanding, but live honorably with true wisdom, for we are living in evil times. Take full advantage of every day as you spend your life for His purposes. – (Ephesians 5:15-16, TPT) 

How we live matters. To live well requires wisdom and a choice to make the most of every opportunity to do good and live for His purposes. Evil exists in the world, but we can overcome evil with good. We can either allow the darkness to overcome us, or we can be light bearers and bring good wherever we go. No one is perfect, yet we can ever purposefully pursue His best for how we live out our days. When we are intentional to seek the Lord and listen to His leading, we walk in His wisdom and grace that leads us to love as we are loved by Him. May we ever be careful how we live; choosing wisdom and the pursuit of good toward all. 

Choose live carefully, 

Use wisdom and grace; 

To love and do good, 

Throughout all our days. 

Though there is evil, 

True good overcomes; 

Wise, loving living, 

Shows how good is done. 

So, ever pursue, 

God’s purpose for us; 

Be bearers of light, 

Just like our Jesus. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that despite the evil in the world, You are good, and good overcomes every darkness. Thank You that You designed each of us to be bearers of light and to do good. Forgive us for the times that we have not. Show us how to listen to Your leading, so that we may do good and love well. Teach us to love those around us in the same way that You love each of us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as You grant us wisdom to do good, regardless of what surrounds us. Amen. 

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

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. – Romans 12:21