Grace Given to Lead

I always thank my God for you because of His grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in Him you have been enriched in every way – with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge. – (1 Corinthians 1:4-5, NIV)

I always that my God for you because of the grace that He has given you through Christ Jesus. In Him you have been blessed in all your speaking and all your knowledge. – (1 Corinthians 1:4-5, ERV)

I can never stop thanking God for all the wonderful gifts He has given you, now that you are Christ’s; He has enriched your whole life. He has helped you speak out for Him and has given you a full understanding of the truth. – (1 Corinthians 1:4-5, TLB)

Paul’s appreciation for those who were leading well in Corinth, mirrors my own sentiment for those who lead well around me. I am blessed to have pastors and mentors that have been granted wisdom and grace through Christ, as they continually invest in His word, worship and prayer, and submit to the Lord. Love is what equips each to speak and act as we are called by Christ to do. May we ever follow the examples set before us in the word and through those around us who unceasingly pursue a life led by God.

All thanks be to God,

For those who lead well;

That set example,

And truth’s what they tell.

Empowered by love,

Entrenched in God’s grace;

With hearts set to serve,

And walk in His ways.

Lord, show us all how,

To speak and love well;

So all that we do,

Shows in whom we dwell.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of leaders and mentors that speak in wisdom, grace and love, and lead well. Thank You for the faithfulness that each example shows. Forgive us for neglecting to seek You for wisdom, and for ignoring the examples that You have set before us. Teach us to look to You and Your word for wisdom and grace, and to recognize and give thanks for those whom You have placed around us to demonstrate Your goodness as they lead. Show us how to live and love in such a way, that all whom we encounter would be encouraged and blessed. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we give You thanks for those You have placed around us to lead, and for the wisdom and knowledge that is ever available in You to walk in Your way. Amen.

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

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. – James 1:5

Listen and Learn

Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge. – (Proverbs 23:12, NIV) 

Pay close attention to the teaching that corrects you, and open your heart to every word of instruction. – (Proverbs 23:12, TPT) 

Develop a disciplined life. Be attentive so you can be well informed. – (Proverbs 23:12, VOICE) 

The beautiful thing about learning is that it never ends. We are all a work in progress, with much learning and growing to be done. As we choose to be attentive and invest in trustworthy instruction, our minds are challenged and our hearts are transformed. With formal education, there may be a point where we have gone as far as we want or need to go, yet the wisdom and understanding that will propel us forward and transform our hearts and minds, knows no end. When we listen more and speak less, our grasp on the world around us grows stronger, and we are better equipped to love well. This is the space where being invested in Christ and listening to His Spirit within us, is critical. That still small voice within, guides our hearts and minds in how we ought to hear, receive, and act on words of instruction. Learning how to live a disciplined life, empowers us to be attentive to the lessons that our peers, mentors, family, friends and experiences are showing us along the way. Often, our greatest growth comes out of the most difficult of seasons. For many of us, this time of solitude has served to lead us to a greater awareness of the people and world around us. The more we know and understand, the better equipped we are to be agents of change for injustice and inequity, as we learn to love better. May we seek the Lord to guide us, so that we may continue to listen and learn all that He has for us.   

To listen and learn, 

With an open heart; 

Is how to grow wise, 

Treat love as an art. 

For wisdom, it grows, 

As we choose invest; 

Seek understanding, 

And bless as we’re blessed. 

Choose be disciplined, 

Ever seeking truth; 

Throughout our whole lives, 

Not merely in youth. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to pay attention, listen and learn. Thank You that You are the ultimate teacher and example for us. Forgive us for the times that we have not listened to Your leading, or have not slowed down to listen and learn. Teach us to be lifelong learners, so that we may grow more and more like You. Show us how to love and listen well. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we listen and trust as You lead. Amen. 

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

Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me. – Psalm 54:4