Space In Between

But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – (Romans 5:8, NIV)

But Christ died for us while we were still sinners, and by this God showed how much He loves us. – (Romans 5:8, ERV)

But think about this: while we were wasting our lives in sin, God revealed His powerful love to us in a tangible display – the Anointed One died for us. – (Romans 5:8, VOICE)

The time in between the crucifixion and the resurrection is a strange space. Back then, I can only imagine the grief and horror the disciples and family of Jesus must have been feeling. It had to have been a somber, sorrowful sort of Saturday as they faced the disbelief that the Savior had died. Being a Sabbath, there was little that could be done on this in between day. Thankfully, now, it is more of an anticipatory sort of day, as we await the Sunday celebration of our risen Savior. He who died on the cross was not defeated by death, but was about rise, overcoming a horrific death, to show us the power and love of our Lord. Today is a great day to contemplate not only the sacrifice our Savior made on our behalf, but to anticipate with hope, the soon and coming King. His resurrection is our reminder that after darkness, light will come; after death, new life awaits; and after sorrow, there is a celebration that lies ahead. May we never forget the death Christ died on our behalf, and the powerful love that not only did so for our sake, but defeated death and rose again to show us the hope we forever have in Him.

Love overwhelming,

Chose wear all our sin;

Suffered for our sake,

So hope could begin.

Hope in the waiting,

Unsure what to do;

Anticipating,

All that is made new.

With resurrection,

New life can begin;

Where death’s defeated,

As His love does win.

The cross remembered,

This time in between;

Anticipation,

Of that yet unseen.

The stone rolled away,

And an empty tomb;

Holy announcement,

To see Jesus soon.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son to save us. Jesus, thank You that You took on all of our sin and shame so that we might know new life in You. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to recognize the overwhelming weight that You bore on our behalf, and the miraculous power within You to overcome death; for not even the grave to hold You. Teach us to reflect and rejoice in Your goodness and love, and show us how to love those around us in ways that extend the hope that is found in You alone. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for You sacrifice and embrace the hope that we know in You because the same power that defeated death dwells in every heart that has invited You in. Amen.

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

Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. – Matthew 27:59-60

Give Him Praise

Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise His Holy Name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits. – (Psalm 103:1-2, NIV)

My soul, praise the Lord! Every part of me, praise His Holy Name! My soul, praise the Lord and never forget how kind He is! – (Psalm 103:1-2, ERV)

O my soul, bless God. From head to toe, I’ll bless His Holy Name! O my soul, bless God, don’t forget a single blessing! – (Psalm 103:1-2, MSG)

When we think about the kindness of God and all of His blessings, it is impossible not to give Him praise! For light and life, love and hope, peace and joy, and every good thing in our lives, to God be the thanks and praise. It is wonderful how God can bring blessing in and through all things. For example, yesterday, we got hit with a winter storm that dumped more than a half a foot of snow. For me, I love the blanket of beauty that snow provides in the Pacific Northwest. My husband was pleased to have the opportunity for overtime, our youngest was happy to have chauffeur service to and from work, the eldest twin was glad to have a lunch date with me, the oldest boys were thrilled to take out their four-wheel drive vehicles, and the pups love to play in the snow. One winter happening that many might not consider a blessing, was a wonderful way to enjoy the last day of a long and blessed weekend. In all things, God can bring blessings. As we praise Him for who He is, we become better equipped to recognize all that He does. May we each pause and give God praise for who He is everyday. 

My soul, bless the Lord,

For He’s always good;

Love never ending,

Makes hope understood.

Help in times of need,

Our peace in the storms;

Calm in the chaos,

His love keeps us warm.

Warm on the inside,

Where fear makes us cold;

Goodness delivered,

As love is outpoured.

Take time to ponder,

The blessings from Him;

And give Him glory,

For all He brings in.

Dear Heavenly Father, we praise You and thank You for the incredible blessings of loving kindness that You pour out upon us. Forgive us for not always recognizing the good that You provide. Teach us to see Your hand in all things, for You are love, light, goodness, hope, help and peace. Lead us to lean into Your love so that we too, may love like You. Show us how to be an extension of Your kindness and grace to all people throughout each day. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your loving provision and seek to love like You. Amen.

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

The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation. This is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him. – Exodus 15:2

Loving Healer

Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits – who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases. – (Psalm 103:2-3, NIV)

My soul, praise the Lord and never forget how kind He is! He forgives all our sins and heals all our sickness. – (Psalm 103:2-3, ERV)

O my soul, come, praise the Eternal; sing a song from a grateful heart; sing and never forget all the good He has done. Despite all your many offenses, He forgives and releases you. More than any doctor, He heals your diseases. – (Psalm 103:2-3, VOICE)

This morning, my heart is overflowing with gratitude. My son, who was battling double pneumonia and on 2.5 liters of oxygen on Monday, is now breathing without oxygen and is likely going to be released to come home this evening or tomorrow morning, after his final treatment is administered today. God is so kind. Despite our flaws and failures, He loves us and holds us in His hands. The Lord forgives and loves and heals. David, the person who penned most of the Psalms, was a man who understood his own faults and failures, and the great goodness of God. Any time that life brings storms that seem insurmountable, I find comfort in the Psalms, as they are real and raw and poetic. God is faithful to show me over and over again in His word, how deeply He loves and how freely He forgives. The more firmly these truths are rooted in my heart, the greater my desire is to serve and honor Him in all that I say and do. I fail and fall short, yet He picks me up, dusts me off, and shows me again how He loves. May we ever seek the Lord and His heart made plain through His word to lead us, guide us and comfort us in all things.

How great is the Lord,

To Him I give praise;

Who loves and forgives,

Brings healing our way.

When life brings the storms,

That rattle our core;

He shows us His love,

As peace is restored.

Give praise, O my soul,

Praise His Holy Name;

Our loving Healer,

May our hearts proclaim.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You forgive and heal us. Thank You that You alone are worthy of all of our praise. Thank You that You are healing and restoring my son. Forgive us for our faults and failures, and for the times that we struggle to trust what we know is true. Teach us to turn to You in all things. Show us again and again, Your goodness, kindness and grace. Lead us to love those around us with an unflappable faith. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, our Healer and the One who deserves all of our praise. Amen.

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

I will sing the Lord’s praise, for He has been good to me. – Psalm 13:6

Remember to Praise

Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits. – (Psalm 103:1-2, NIV)

O my soul, bless God. From head to toe, I’ll bless His holy name! O my soul, bless God, don’t forget a single blessing! – (Psalm 103:1-2, MSG)

O my soul, come, praise the Eternal with all that is in me – body, emotions, mind, and will – every part of who I am – praise His holy name. O my soul, come, praise the Eternal; sing a song from a grateful heart; sing and never forget all the good He has done. – (Psalm 103:1-2, VOICE)

For so many, I know this pandemic is a very long season of struggle. Isolation and financial hardships have not been a positive pairing. However, even so, God is good. Difficult seasons have a way of bringing out the good in people. I have witnessed generosity and grace, kindness, goodness and compassion, in spaces where it was needed most. As we praise God and remember His blessings, it inspires us to do the same for those around us. The more we recognize the goodness of God, the greater our desire becomes to praise Him with all that we are. May we ever seek to know God more, and allow our lives to sing out our gratitude for who He is and all that He has done, as we intentionally love people and love God, the way that He intended.

Lord, I lift my praise,

All up unto You;

For Your mighty love,

And all that You do.

Your kindness and grace,

Give reason to sing;

All thanks unto You,

Our praise offering.

Let our very lives,

Be songs that give praise;

For Your mighty love,

Outpoured each new day.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our reason to praise. Thank You for Your goodness and grace, love and merciful ways, shown to us again and again throughout all of our days. Forgive us for allowing our eyes to fix on the difficulties before us, rather than on the One who is our Provider. Teach us to turn to You, recognizing the power of Your love and provision. Show us how to love those around us in ways that glorify You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You with all that we are through all that we do and say. Amen.

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

Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts. – 1 Chronicles 16:9

Purposeful Precepts

I will never forget Your precepts, for by them You have preserved my life. – (Psalm 119:93, NIV) 

But I’ll never forget the advice You gave me; You saved my life with those wise words. – (Psalm 119:93, MSG) 

I will never forget Your commands, because through them You gave me new life. – (Psalm 119:93, ERV) 

Upon first read, I pondered “precepts” and then referred to the dictionary for further clarification. A precept, according to my online dictionary, is a commandment or direction given as a rule of action or conduct. It goes on further to list a precept as an injunction to moral conduct. As we invest in learning and understanding the word of God, we discover directions given that show us how to live the way that God intended. Not only that, but His word reminds us that we are forgiven and set free, so that we may live a new life in Him. The greatest commands that He has given us, tells us to love God and love one another. If we do both of these, we fulfill the law as He intended. Love must direct our every word, thought, and action. God is faithful to guide and direct us in the way that is best, if we are willing to seek Him and follow His leading. May we ever be intentional to seek the Lord and His will for all things, for it is by His love that we have new life in Him. 

The word of the Lord, 

Is advice to seek; 

To live our lives well, 

And of His love, speak. 

The more we invest, 

The better we know; 

How to choose love well, 

As His precepts show. 

So, let us rise up, 

Be rooted in love; 

May our lives display, 

Our Father above. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You give us direct access to how we are meant to live, through Your word, prayer and worship. Forgive us for the times that we either neglected to heed Your direction, or simply chose to go our own way. Teach us to trust You to lead and guide us in the love You created us to give. Show us how to love those around us best. May many come into a lasting relationship with You, as they discover the beautiful new life that is found in You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You, trust You, and follow Your leading for every day of our lives. Amen. 

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

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these. – Mark 12:30-31 

A Plan and a Purpose

“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” – (Luke 11:9, NIV) 

“So I tell you, continue to ask, and God will give to you. Continue to search, and you will find. Continue to knock, and the door will open for you.” – (Luke 11:9, ERV) 

“So listen: Keep on asking, and you will receive. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened for you.” – (Luke 11:9, VOICE) 

On this day, the day that the last fifteen years of schooling have prepared my children for, this seems an appropriate reminder of what matters, as they prepare for the next leg of their journey. Luke reminds us where our priorities ought to lie in our pursuit of next steps, and how important perseverance truly is. Keep seeking, asking, searching and knocking, even when the road is rough and it seems as there is no way to keep moving forward. He is present and able to help, and He hears, sees, knows and honors every move we make in pursuit of His best for what lies ahead.  

For my own son, Lucas, whose name is derived from Luke, my reminder to you who has fought and overcome the challenges associated with dyslexia to become a bright and talented writer, a critical thinker, and a young man who is ready to pursue his dreams as you graduate with honors, it seems only fitting to remind you of the words that Jesus said. Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” – (Luke 18:27) You have been a living example of the power of God working to make impossibilities possible. Keep trusting, seeking, asking and knocking, for He has great things in store for you. 

Micah, my youngest son, (by one minute), you too, are biblically named. Despite obstacles, heartache, frustration and fears, you have risen up and become a man of integrity, who loves deeply, acts justly and is humble and kind. For you, always remember who you are, and stay true to the man you have been called to be. He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. – (Micah 6:8) As you seek the Lord for each next step, He will indeed show you what is good and what He requires of you to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him.  

On this special day, 

Please never forget; 

The hope that is found, 

Purposeful mindset. 

Ever keep seeking, 

Pursuing God’s best; 

Asking and knocking, 

He’ll show you the rest. 

A plan and purpose, 

The Lord has for you; 

A future that’s good, 

So, listen, pursue. 

Keep asking of Him, 

What He has for you; 

Then step out in faith, 

As your dreams come true. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You remind us to seek, ask, and keep knocking, as You have created each of us to faithfully persevere in pursuit of all that You have for us. Thank You that Your promises are good, and You are faithful forever. Forgive us for our frustrations and fears when things seem impossible. Teach us to remember that all things are possible in You. Show us how to encourage, trust, seek, pursue and lift up those around us in Your love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we celebrate the accomplishments of all of our graduates, and support and encourage each in the next chapter of their stories. Amen. 

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

You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. – Jeremiah 29:13

Forget Not the Blessings

Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy Name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits. – (Psalm 103:1-2, NIV)

My soul, praise the Lord! Every part of me, praise His holy Name! My soul, praise the Lord and never forget and kind He is! – (Psalm 103:1-2, ERV)

O my soul, bless God. From head to toe, I’ll bless His holy Name! O my soul, bless God, don’t forget a single blessing! – (Psalm 103:1-2, MSG)

 

David so often has exactly the right words to express my heart in each season. This morning, I find my heart fixed on praise, as I prepare to spend six days and five nights with my Mom in Oregon. His kindness has afforded me the exact job to allow for the time off in just the right season, so that I am able to go and be with her. Additionally, He directed the steps between my sister and myself, so that we could coordinate timing best, minimizing time missed coaching, and maximizing quality vacation time for she and her family. Another blessing included in this time, is that my husband and boys will come for the weekend to celebrate Christmas together with Mom. Our tradition of family Christmas all together is being sustained, despite the different locale. God is so kind, and from head to toe I cannot help but praise Him. He loves with kindness and grace, and repeatedly shows us His goodness and love. May we ever remember the kindness of God and bless His holy Name.

As for Mom, she is continuing with her out-patient therapies. I am eager to be the one to take her to her appointments and see the progress she is making, and witness the work that they have her do to further regain strength and mobility. She is looking forward to our visit, as we have not had so many days in a row together since summer. I know she is eager to see her grandsons too. It will be a wonderful time of togetherness, and we are all praising God for the opportunity to gather.

 

My soul, praise the Lord,

Christmas together 2018, looking forward to 2019 memories this weekend. ❤

With all my being;

I thank You, O God,

For countless blessings.

In space of despair,

Always God, You hear;

You comfort and bless,

As You choose draw near.

Your grace overwhelms,

Your goodness exceeds;

You bless us beyond,

What we merely need.

Your kindness unmatched,

As well as Your grace;

May we ever choose,

Lift to You all praise.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the way that You love us so well. Thank You that You meet us where we are, and love us with kindness and grace, blessings and benefits beyond what we could ever imagine. Thank You that You are a good, good Father. Forgive us for not always giving You the praise that is due. Teach us to recognize the blessings that You bestow upon us, and flood our entire beings with praise for You, as You are the giver of light and life, hope and love. Show us how to love those around us well, so that we may extend the same sort of blessings to others that You so lavishly pour out upon us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we lift all thanks and praise unto You, and remember the incredible kindness and blessings that You bestow upon us all. Amen.

 

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

 

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him. – Psalm 34:8

To Wait and See

Simeon took Him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You may now dismiss Your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.” – (Luke 2:28-32, NIV)

Simeon took the baby in his arms and thanked God: “Now, Lord, You can let me, Your servant, die in peace as You said. I have seen with my own eyes how You will save Your people. Now all people can see Your plan. He is a light to show Your way to the other nations. And He will bring honor to Your people Israel.” – (Luke 2:28-32, ERV)

Simeon took Jesus into his arms and blessed God. Simeon: Now, Lord and King, You can let me, Your humble servant, die in peace. You promised me that I would see with my own eyes what I’m seeing now: Your freedom, raised up in the presence of all peoples. He is the light who reveals Your message to the other nations, and He is the shining glory of Your covenant people, Israel. – (Luke 2:28-32, VOICE)

 

After closely reading this passage several times in the various translations, I am quite curious to know more of Simeon’s story. Imagine receiving a promise from God that You would see, with your own eyes, the Savior of the world?! Additionally, based on the phrasing, I would venture to infer that Simeon had been holding fast to God’s promise for many years. My mind’s eye pictures a man of many years, as his words indicate that he is in the latter season of his life. One of the most incredible pieces to this story is that Simeon knew who Jesus was as he took Him into his arms to give God thanks. Did God give him divine insight, a word, a dream? Had the Lord foretold Simeon how Jesus’ coming would transpire, so that he would know the child as He was brought to the temple? Whatever the case may have been, Simeon knew, and he spoke it out before Mary and Joseph, granting them further insight into exactly who they would be raising as their son. As parents, there already is awe and wonder at the new life placed in our care. Imagine the whirlwind that likely filled their hearts as Mary and Joseph brought their baby boy to the temple and heard such incredible things about their son. A faith-filled blessing and an elated elderly man were likely the two things that the new parents would never forget about that time in the temple. That baby did grow and become the Light of the world and the way to salvation for all who choose believe. May we have a heart like Simeon as we recognize the powerful presence that came into the world that blessed holy night, so that we may all have life everlasting in Him.

 

Let’s look in wonder,

Reflect back in awe;

What God had promised,

Dear Simeon saw.

A heart that trusted,

What God had foretold;

Gifted the faithful,

In his arms to hold.

The Light of the world,

Promised Prince of Peace;

Messiah, Savior,

Salvation’s release.

What God promises,

Is truth that He keeps;

May we choose to trust,

Each word that He speaks.

Glory to the Lord,

From whom blessings flow;

All thanks unto Him,

As His love light shows.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the blessed gift of Your Son. Thank You Jesus, that You were willing to step down from Your heavenly throne and come into the world as an infant, so that You would know and understand intimately, the struggles we face; yet do so without sin so that You could offer salvation. Thank You for giving Your life so that we can have life everlasting with You. Forgive us for not making time to dig into Your word or ponder the truth that You speak to our hearts. Teach us to be intentional with our time. Show us how to live and love in a way that extends Your goodness and grace to all those around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we listen to You and lean into Your word, giving You thanks for Your faithfulness forever. Amen.

 

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

 

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him. – Psalm 34:8

Great Hope

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)

“I say this because I know the plans I have for you.” This message is from the Lord. “I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future.” – (Jeremiah 29:11, ERV)

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Eternal, “plans for peace, not evil, to give you a future and a hope – never forget that.” – (Jeremiah 29:11, VOICE)

 

God is so kind. As I tiptoed into the kitchen at mom’s house this morning, practically holding my breath, as I took in the view and attempted to hold all the memories that accompany me in this space and sat down, I could not help but grieve that I am at mom’s house while she is not. When I opened my Bible app, as I always do, the verse that greeted me was Jeremiah 29:11. This morning, it felt like God’s reminder to me that His word is true for mom too. He knows her need and where she is currently in her recovery, and He has good plans for her. God’s intent is to continue to give her a future and a hope. Being in this space, I needed the reminder. I know how much mom longs for her “normal” life. My sister and her family are doing an incredible job of loving and supporting mom well. The challenge, I imagine, is mom missing her own home, community, and way of life when she was completely independent. The Lord knows the desires of her heart, and I see Him honoring her heart and hard work as she continues to trust in Him. Our greatest challenge comes in the waiting. May we ever remember that God knows the plans that He has for us all, and they include a future and a hope.

 

When the road seems long,

Backyard views at mom’s. ❤

And the path unclear;

Try never forget,

That still, God is near.

He has a good plan,

A future in mind;

Filled with His great hope,

For the Lord is kind.

Try not to dismay,

When the way’s unknown;

In God’s perfect time,

His best will be shown.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are gracious and kind and that You have a hope and a future that is good for each of us. Thank You that You remind us of Your love and care for us when we need it the most. Forgive us for our frustration, sorrow and discouragement in the waiting. Teach us to trust You more, even in the longest seasons. Show us how to love those around us in a way that extends Your hope and peace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust Your hope and future for all of us as we journey through this gift of life that we have been given. Amen.

 

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

 

I will remember the kind things the Lord has done, and I will remember to praise Him. – Isaiah 63:7a

 

 

His Plans are Good

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)

“I say this because I know the plans that I have for you.” This message is from the Lord. “I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future.” – (Jeremiah 29:11, ERV)

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Eternal, “plans for peace, not evil, to give you a future and hope – never forget that.” – (Jeremiah 29:11, VOICE)

 

No matter how our circumstances feel, God has good plans for each of us. Though we walk through seasons of heartache or hardship, what comes from it is ultimately good, and often leads to a place of hope and blessing that far exceeds what we could have anticipated or imagined. In my own life, dreams were dashed for a time, and could not imagine how the turn life had taken could lead to the sort of future I had hoped for. Incredibly, God provided and loved me through it and grew and prepared me for the new season I was about to enter. Today, I can look back and see His heart for me through it all. His strength and resolve were deposited in my heart in fresh new ways, and I now know His love far better than I ever had before. Though none of us know for certain what lies ahead, I have hope and trust that it is good. May we ever seek our Savior and trust in Him, as He has good plans for us that include hope and a good future.

 

Despite what we see,

Photo by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤

Hope ever remains;

For God’s plans are good,

As we let Him reign.

Reign within our heart,

And show us the way;

To trust the future,

Your love Lord, we pray.

May all know Your hope,

That fills hearts with love;

Grants courage and trust,

As we seek You above.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your plans for us are good. Thank You that in You, we have hope and a future. Forgive us for doubting Your hand in what lies ahead when things grow difficult for a season. Teach us to trust You through all things and at all times, as You are our strength and supply for our every need. Show us how to love those around us in ways that offer hope for the future and strength for right now. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust the hope and future that You hold in Your hands for each of us. Amen.

 

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

 

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. – 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17