Jesus is Our Present and Future Hope

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you. – (1 Peter 1:3-4, NIV)

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God has great mercy, and because of His mercy He gave us a new life. This new life brings us a living hope through Jesus Christ’s resurrection from death. Now we wait to receive the blessings God has for His children. These blessings are kept for you in heaven. They cannot be ruined or be destroyed or lose their beauty. – (1 Peter 1:3-4, ERV)

Blessed is God, the Father of our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One! Because He has raised Jesus the Anointed from death, through His great mercy we have been reborn into a living hope – reborn for an eternal inheritance, held in reserve in heaven, that will never fade or fail. – (1 Peter 1:3-4, VOICE)

Hope is waiting in anticipation for something good to happen, however, hope in Jesus is so much more. The hope we have in Christ is both now and for all eternity. In Him, we do not have to wait for “someday” to be filled with all the good that God provides. His peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, self-control, and overwhelming love are available now and into forever. With Jesus, we are filled to overflowing with His goodness and love, and have the promise of perfection with Him in heaven. Our ultimate blessings, our inheritance, are held for us in heaven, where Jesus has gone before us and prepared a place. For me, I have seen some of the most incredibly beautiful places on earth. The very same God who made the heavens and the earth, is preparing a place for us to dwell with Him forever. I cannot even fathom the beauty, goodness, warmth, and love that will constantly fill our hearts and beings as we enter His presence in heaven one day. Our anticipation of eternity is the living hope to which we can cling. May we ever seek the Lord to grow our hope in Him, both now and forevermore. For He is faithful to meet us and show us more and more of who He is and how He loves as we spend time with Him.

Hope is in waiting,

For something that’s good;

But hope in the Lord,

Through time has withstood.

Hope in Christ is now,

And forevermore;

His presence and peace,

Love opens the door.

The good that happens,

Forgiveness of sin;

In love, we’re made clean,

As we let Him in.

He fills us with hope,

Both now and always;

Peace granted right now,

Good throughout our days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our hope now and the living hope that lasts forever. Thank You that in You, we are promised presence with You forever. Thank You that You are with us now by Your Holy Spirit, and that You are preparing a place for us to remain with You forever in heaven. Forgive us for our lack of hope when hard things happen. Teach us to cling to the truth of who You are and how You love, and to the promised future forever with You. Lead us to love like You, so that many may come into a lasting relationship with You as peace is made tangible and love is evident. Be glorified O God, as we live out our days with the hope that we have in the here and now, and with the hope we hold in the promise of dwelling with You forever. Amen.

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

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. – Hebrews 10:23

Make Room

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. – (Luke 2:6-7, NIV)

While Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem, the time came for her to have the baby. She gave birth to her first son. She wrapped Him up well and laid Him in a box where cattle fed. She put Him there because the guest room was full. – (Luke 2:6-7, ERV)

While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped Him in a blanket and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel. – (Luke 2:6-7, MSG)

Though we cannot go back in time and create space for Jesus to be born in a comfortable setting, we can make room for His arrival in our hearts. Back then, Mary and Joseph were an unwed couple in a time and space where such things were disgraceful and shunned. I imagine that if their circumstances had been different, a family member would have created room. However, that is not how the event unfolded. Today, in our fast-paced, instant-gratification needing world, we must be intentional to make time to remember Christ’s arrival, or we too, are sending the Savior to a stable. The incredible thing is that Jesus did not remain a baby. He grew and lived and loved and helped and healed, and ultimately gave His life for us so that we might know Him. Jesus conquered the grave and ascended into heaven, where He is seated at the right hand of the Father, contending for us. One day, He will return. Though no one knows when He will return, if we are eagerly anticipating His arrival, our hearts are in the right space to not only remember the Savior’s birth, but to welcome back the Overcoming King. May we be intentional this Christmas to make room for Christ’s arrival and recognize both the redemption we have been given and the hope that is ours as we make room for Christ to be the Lord of our lives.

If only they’d known,

The child she would bear;

Space would have been made,

They would have prepared.

No one can go back,

Instead, look ahead;

To welcome the King,

Let all praise be said.

For great is the Lord,

Who came down to earth;

Humble beginning,

So lowly His birth.

A baby no more,

Now Conquering King;

Defeater of death,

All hope He does bring.

So, lift up all praise,

Our best offering;

All glory to God,

The Almighty King.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son in a way that showed us that not only are You powerful, but You are also approachable. You can relate to all of us, no matter where we come from, where we are, or what we have been through. Thank You that You made the way for all to come into the hope that is found forever in You. Forgive us for the times that we have not made room for Your arrival. Teach us to fix our eyes and hearts on the meaning of this most sacred season. Show us how to love those around us in ways that extend Your peace, hope and love to all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You and make room to remember the glory of not only Your arrival in a stable, but to anticipate Your return as the Conquering King. Amen.

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

“Anyone who welcomes you welcomes Me, and anyone who welcomes Me welcomes the One who sent Me.” – Matthew 10:40

Demonstrate Grace

Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love. – (2 John 1:3, NIV)

Grace, mercy and peace will be with us from God the Father and from His Son, Jesus Christ, as we live in truth and love. – (2 John 1:3, ERV)

May grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Jesus the Anointed, the Father’s own Son, surround you and be with you always in truth and love. – (2 John 1:3, VOICE)

God’s grace is what floods us with His mercy and permeates peace as we recognize the truth of His love that knows no end. The very notion that God, the Creator of all would send His own Son to show us the overwhelming truth of His love, and to demonstrate His grace, mercy and peace that is present and available when we welcome the Son, ought to compel us to love and give as He has. There is something wonderful that happens during this time of year, though some struggle, there are many who are determined to be intentional about showing extra kindness. As kindness is shown God’s goodness is made known, and His truth and love demonstrate grace, mercy and peace. May we embrace the goodness that God gives and go forth and do likewise each day that we live.

All grace and mercy,

Come from God above;

Who grants us His peace,

And floods us with love.

The things that are true,

Love that our hearts hold;

Bring new peace each day,

As His grace unfolds.

For grace is the good,

We do not deserve;

And His peace surrounds,

In hearing His words.

For God’s words are truth,

Hope, peace and great love;

Blessings abundant,

All good from above.

Ever we thank Him,

Let’s give God our praise;

Light, life and true hope,

The Ancient of Days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that grace, mercy, peace, truth and love all come from You. Thank You that You sent Your Son to show us what love truly means. Forgive us for every time that our words and actions have not been aligned in Your love. Teach us to trust You more so that we may love like You. Show us how to give grace, extend mercy, and be bearers of peace to those around us each day. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we receive all that You freely give and go forth and love likewise. 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

To Locate Lasting Peace

Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. – (Romans 5:1, HCSB)

We have been made right with God because of our faith. So we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. – (Romans 5:1, ERV)

Since we have been acquitted and made right through faith, we are able to experience true and lasting peace with God through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, the Liberating King. – (Romans 5:1, VOICE)

When we place our faith in Jesus, we are forgiven and set free from the guilt and shame of our poor decisions and granted true and lasting peace in Him. The more we know Him, the deeper our understanding becomes of love, forgiveness and peace. Knowing that we have been declared right before God through our trust in Him provides lasting peace, as we come to know that anything that we struggle through now will not last, but our future is secure. May we ever seek the Lord and trust in Him, for lasting peace is found in Christ alone.

The true peace that lasts,

Is through God alone;

In Him, forgiveness,

Is graciously shown.

We are deemed righteous,

Not through what we’ve done;

But rather through faith,

True trust in the Son.

So, ever seek Christ,

The One who is true;

Savior, Redeemer,

For me and for you.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your forgiveness and grace that cleanses us and makes us right before You. Thank You for Your perfect peace that is found as we come before You. Forgive us for our frustrations and fears when the world feels like it has flipped upside down. Teach us to trust in You and Your faithfulness, for Your love knows no end. Show us how to love those around us with Your grace and kindness. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your provision of peace as You make Your presence known to those who seek You. Amen.

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

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in You. – Isaiah 26:3

Extend Love

Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. – (Philippians 2:3-4, HCSB)

In whatever you do, don’t let selfishness or pride be your guide. Be humble, and honor others more than yourselves. Don’t be interested only in your own life, but care about the lives of others too. – (Philippians 2:3-4, ERV)

Don’t let selfishness and prideful agendas take over. Embrace true humility, and lift your heads to extend love to others. Get beyond yourselves and protecting your own interests; be sincere, and secure your neighbors’ interests first. – (Philippians 2:3-4, VOICE)

Life cannot just be about ourselves. When we are inwardly focused, we become miserable, and end up spreading our misery to others. However, when we take our eyes off of the mirror and begin looking out the window, we see those around us and recognize ways that we have been designed to reach out and to love. This is true in our household, neighborhood, communities, and beyond. When we care about the lives of those around us, our love seems to multiply and joy is discovered in the little things. A simple example of this being applied at home is the way that time yesterday was spent. If I had my way (my own selfish agenda), the day would have been spent taking off and exploring and being outdoors. That being said, my husband had just returned from being out of town all week, and there were things around the house that desperately needed to be done. His military background creates a need in him to have order. My artist brain does not mind a bit of clutter, as long as things are cleanish. The decision to spend several hours cleaning and organizing and purging, was an act of love that spoke clearly to my husband’s “acts of service” love tank. Incredibly, as I saw the appreciation on his face and the peace that settled in his countenance, I was blessed as well. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us to look for ways to love and care for those around us. 

When we take the time,

To pause, look around;

Places to reach out,

Are easily found.

An arm to extend,

Encouraging words;

Help we can offer,

Make the Lord’s love heard.

Instead of just self,

Look out for others;

Find God’s way to love,

And bless each other.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to be “otherly”. Thank You that You showed us what it is to look like through Jesus. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to do the good that we were designed to do because we were too busy worrying about ourselves. Teach us to look around and to love one another as You intended. Show us how to love in practical and tangible ways, for it is in the simple and everyday acts of love that we can clearly see Your heart. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us in Your love to be extended to those around us in the same way that You so lavishly give unto us. Amen.

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

And let us be concerned about one another in order to promote love and good works. – Hebrews 10:24

Respond Gently

A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath. – (Proverbs 15:1, HCSB)

A gentle answer makes anger disappear, but a rough answer makes it grow. – (Proverbs 15:1, ERV)

A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire. – (Proverbs 15:1, MSG)

This is a game-changer in every area of our lives if we abide by it. When someone who is enraged is responded to gently, it seems to flip a switch and bring them back to reality. We tend to match the way that others are speaking to us, so if we are yelling or speaking out in anger and then have someone answer us gently, it is as if the steam that had been built up, is suddenly released, and the press of the fury has fled. I know this to be true in both my home and in my classroom. The challenge is to remember to keep calm and speak with kindness, even when chaos seems inevitable. This is not something we can just do, but rather as we seek God to equip us, He floods us with His peace, and grants us gentle words, even when we desire to do otherwise. We are all a work in progress, and not one of us has this entirely mastered, yet the more we practice, the more natural it becomes. May we ever seek the Lord to grow us in grace so that we may always have a gentle response to bring calm to the chaos around us.

A gentle response,

Makes wrath disappear;

It calms the chaos,

And soothes away fear.

For God is our peace,

Ever He is near;

He grants us the words,

To make His love clear.

Help us keep seeking,

To respond like You;

Make grace abundant,

So Your love shines through.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to love as You love. Thank You that Jesus showed us over and over again how to respond gently and to love deeply. Forgive us for the times that we have answered anger with anger instead of responding with gentleness and kindness. Teach us to trust You to provide the sort of peaceful response that brings calm and promotes peace for all. Show us how to love others with how we respond in all situations and circumstances. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us to respond gently when someone around us is riled up. Amen.

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

With all humility and gentleness, with patience, accepting one another in love, diligently keeping the unity of the Spirit with the peace that binds us. – Ephesians 4:2-3

To Be Community

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! – (Psalm 133:1, NIV)

Oh, how wonderful, how pleasing it is when God’s people come together as one! – (Psalm 133:1, ERV)

How good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters live together in peace! – (Psalm 133:1, VOICE)

There are few things as wonderful as being in a community that works together and maintains peace among themselves. As an educator, I am in a unique situation, as many of my colleagues and I have worked together at our school for many years. Though different personalities and passions outside of school, we are united in purpose. Even when our circumstances have been less than ideal (think entire Covid lockdown and then navigating return) we have supported and encouraged each other. Because I have been the utility teacher that has been shuffled from subject to subject and grade to grade, I have had the opportunity to work closely with many of my colleagues over the years. It has been a blessing to get to know and work closely with each. It really does feel familial and is the reason I have spent my entire career at one school. My hope and prayer is that the students too, will feel the sense of family and learn to function together in peace. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us to live together in peace with those whom He has placed in our lives.

United purpose,

Helps us each to see;

To work together,

In sweet harmony.

For peace shall be found,

As we look to see;

The needs of others,

Intentionally.

Oh it is so good,

And pleasant to be;

In supportive space,

True community.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to be in community. Thank You that it is good and pleasing to You when we work together for the common good and allow Your peace to reign. Thank You that as we live and work together, it feels familial. Forgive us for the times that we have done anything to upset the peace that You intended to be present. Teach us to seek You to lead us in Your love so that we may live as brothers and sisters that pursue the good You have set before us. Show us how to love as You love each of us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we look to You to lead us to live as brothers and sisters to extend Your goodness and peace to all. Amen.

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

Faithful love and truth will join together; righteousness and peace will embrace. – Psalm 85:10

Hope As We Wait

I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His word I put my hope. – (Psalm 130:5, NIV)

I am waiting for the Lord to help me. My soul waits for Him. I trust what He says. – (Psalm 130:5, ERV)

So I wait for the Eternal – my soul awaits rescue – and I put my hope in His transforming word. – (Psalm 130:5, VOICE)

I am not necessarily in need of rescue, but I certainly need the Lord’s help to navigate each new day. Right now, we are in the throes of back-to-school training and meetings, and I feel like it is a scramble to get all that needs to be done, completed. This morning, I am again reminded to trust in Him, for He is my help and my hope. It does not mean that I sit idly by and wait for Him to magically impart all that is needed upon me, but rather I keep moving forward and trust in Him to fill and equip me for all that lies ahead. The wait is to settle my own heart so that I am aware of His presence and perfect peace. When I slow down and settle into the seeking as I start my day, I know that I can trust Him for all that lies ahead of me. May we ever wait on the Lord to be our help and our hope, and trust in Him, for His word is true and endures forever.

O Lord, help us wait,

For Your perfect peace;

That comes from trusting,

You’ll meet all our needs.

Strength when we’re weary,

Hope in the unknowns;

Grace on the journey,

‘Til heaven’s our home.

Show us, Lord Jesus,

Your help, hope and peace;

Equip us for where,

Your loving path leads.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our help and our hope as we wait on You to lead us forward. Thank You that we become aware of the presence of Your perfect peace as we slow down and spend time waiting on You. Forgive us for our frustrations and fears as we walk into new seasons. Show us Your goodness and grace, for Your word is faithful and Your peace is available, always. Teach us to trust You more. Lead us to love all those around us as You do, so that all might know the hope that is found in You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we wait on Your leading, and trust You to be our ever-present help and hope through every season. Amen.

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

We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. – Psalm 33:20

The Lord’s Great Works

Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them. – (Psalm 111:2, NIV)

The Lord’s works are great, studied by all who delight in them. – (Psalm 111:2, HCSB)

The Lord does wonderful things, more than anyone could ask for. – (Psalm 111:2, ERV)

The works of the Eternal are many and wondrous! They are examined by all who delight in them. – (Psalm 111:2, VOICE)

The works of God are always something to delight in as we ponder all that He has done. It takes but a moment to create a long list of how the Lord has moved in my life and the lives of those around me. He is good, and He does wonderful things for all who seek Him. All things, great and small, He uses to bless and encourage us to trust in Him. Even something so simple as peace in our household, God cares and can make it happen. 

We were among the many that adopted puppies during Covid. First, we were able to get a sweet male yellow lab. He came to us at seven weeks, and has been an energetic spaz ever since. Four months after bringing Thor home, a friend of mine was fostering my husband’s dream dog in Arizona. After much discussion and deliberating, we were able to bring home a sweet and feisty blue nose little girl. At this point, Thor was nearly nine months, and Tali was a bit over four months. In the beginning, the two were fast friends. However, several months later, we began having issues with them brawling. Not just wrestling, but fighting that drew blood. It was an agonizing six months or so of having to alternate every hour, which dog was upstairs and which was downstairs in their own crate. Slowly, we began reintroducing time together, and it was solidified best when they were walked together on a splitter leash. 

Now, all these months later, the two still like to wrestle and play, but we have learned what to do if one is a bit amped up to calm them down, and to get them to give each other space. They truly love each other, and Tali wants her big brother to play every waking moment of every day. This is a small example of God’s faithfulness and wondrous works, as at one point, we were not sure we would be able to keep them both. God cares about even the small things. May we ever seek the Lord for wisdom and strength, and watch and wait as He moves in wonderful ways.

The Lord is so good,

His love wonderful;

His heart is for us,

He cares about all.

He loves beyond words,

All created things;

He blesses with peace,

His goodness He brings.

When we look around,

And see how He’s moved;

Our hearts overflow,

By how love is proved.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your wonderful works in our lives. Thank You that You love us and care about all aspects of our lives. Thank You that You see and know, and You give us Your strength and endurance to keep moving forward to the good that You have in store for us all. Forgive us for our frustration and lack of fortitude when things are challenging. Teach us to trust and rely on You to be our strength and peace as we patiently  wait. Show us how to love those around us as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we reflect on the wondrous things that You have done and place our trust in You for all that lies ahead. Amen.

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

For Your faithful love is before my eyes, and I live by Your truth. – Psalm 26:3

Pause and Praise

We give thanks to You, God; we give thanks to You, for Your name is near. People tell about Your wonderful works. – (Psalm 75:1, HCSB)

We praise You, God! We praise You because You are near to us. We tell about the amazing things You have done. – (Psalm 75:1, ERV)

We thank You, O True God. Our souls are overflowing with thanks! Your name is near; Your people remember and tell of Your marvelous works and wonders. – (Psalm 75:1, VOICE)

There are always reasons to give thanks to God. As we wake and draw breath to begin another day, we have reason to give thanks. For the roof over our heads, the comfort of our own beds, friends and family near and far – so many reasons to praise the One who provides it all. God is as close as our next breath, as present as each beat of our heart, and the wonder of His works does not end. He gives us life, love, joy, peace, strength and more. All the beauty that surrounds us is the work of His loving hands. May we take time to give God thanks for His presence and all that He has done as we begin each brand new day. 

God, we give You thanks,

For all that You do;

How love provides all,

All goodness from You.

Each time we’ve conquered,

In You, overcome;

The strength You’ve given,

The battles You’ve won.

All by Your strong hands,

Full of love and grace;

Hope made tangible,

Let us praise Your Name.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for who You are and how You love. Thank You that You are ever near, and that You move on our behalf. Thank You for the countless blessings You have given us. Forgive us for not making the time to simply give You thanks. Teach us to always have a long list of gratitude for You. Show us how to love those around us well, so that they too may recognize Your goodness and grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we intentionally pause and praise You for who You are and all that You have done. 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