Fruit That Feeds The Soul

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. – (Galatians 5:22-23, NIV)

But the fruit that the Spirit produces in a person’s life is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these kinds of things. – (Galatians 5:22-23, ERV)

But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless. – (Galatians 5:22-23, TPT)

Despite what has transpired over this past weekend, my family feels surrounded and upheld by the outpouring from family and friends, both near and far. We have been showered with love, kindness and gentleness. Such fruit nourishes our souls, and we find there is peace in the midst of heartache, joy in the return of our fur babies, and self-control, despite the desire to do unto those what was done by their hands. God is good and He continues to plant and grow good fruit as we seek and trust in Him. May we ever pursue a heart that produces good fruit as we willingly allow the Master gardener to plant, prune and water the garden of our heart.

With love and support,

Settling in where they know they are safe and loved.

True joy overflows;

Not by circumstance,

But through whom we know.

A heart that’s gentle,

Purposefully kind;

Extends grace and love,

Keeps others in mind.

To choose self-control,

An act of the will;

Allowing the Lord,

To bring justice still.

A heart deep rooted,

In God’s loving grace;

Is shown how to move,

To follow His ways.

Make us a garden,

That ever bears fruit;

Plant, prune and nourish,

Lead us to love true.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are loving and kind and full of grace. Thank You that Your will for us is to bear good fruit. Forgive us for attitudes and actions that are not fruitful. Teach us to turn to You to provide what we need to nourish those around us with the Spirit’s good fruit. Show us how to love those around us in ways that blesses, encourages and nourishes hungry souls. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek to soften the soil of our hearts and grant You room to prepare us to produce fruit that honors You. Amen. 

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

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. – Proverbs 3:3

Blessed to Bear Fruit

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. – (Jeremiah 17:7-8, NIV)

But those who trust in the Lord will be blessed. They know that the Lord will do what He says. They will be strong like trees planted near a stream that send out roots to the water. They have nothing to fear when the days get hot. Their leaves are always green. They never worry, even in a year that has no rain. They always produce fruit. – (Jeremiah 17:7-8, ERV)

But blessed is the man who trusts me, God, the woman who sticks with God. They’re like trees replanted in Eden, putting down roots near the rivers – never a worry through the hottest of summers, never dropping a leaf, serene and calm through droughts, bearing fresh fruit every season. – (Jeremiah 17:7-8, MSG)

Our blessings come through trust in God. When we know that God will do what He says, there is a constant stream of hope to water our soul, no matter what surrounds us. This is especially encouraging, as the days that lie ahead hold much uncertainty, yet we can be assured that God will be with us through all things. More than that, as we trust and rely on God, we bear the fruit of His character to nourish those around us. May we ever trust in the Lord and rely on Him to provide all we need to stand strong, to grow deep roots, and to bear good fruit in every season.

Through the Lord alone,

We find streams of hope;

Nearby to nourish,

And soothe weary souls.

As we trust in Him,

Roots grow deep, secure;

Granting all we need,

To be blessed, endure.

In ev’ry season,

His blessings shall flow;

So we may bear fruit,

Making His love known.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You plant our hearts securely in You and grow our roots deep to water our souls. Thank You that You not only refresh us, but You raise us up to bear good fruit that lasts. Forgive us for the times that we allow the dry stretches to distract us from the promised faithfulness found in You. Teach us to remember our Source, for Your love never stops flowing. Show us how to love those around us in ways that bear good fruit that nourishes souls and point hearts to You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You to ever deepen our roots and water our weariness so that we bear the fruit of Your love. Amen.

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

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. – Galatians 5:22-23

Grow A Garden

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. – (Galatians 5:22-23, NIV)

But the fruit that the Spirit produces in a person’s life is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these kinds of things. – (Galatians 5:22-23, ERV)

But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless. – (Galatians 5:22-23, TPT)

When we know and love God and invite Him to dwell within us, His Spirit grows good fruit within that reaches outward. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are all indicators of His presence and the fruit that is produced through a life intent on loving God and loving people. These things are meant to be limitless, and against them, there is no law. Each of these attributes are admirable and appreciated in others. May we ever be a people who seek a heart after God, and allow Him to grow His good fruit within us.

God, grow a garden,

Inside of our hearts;

Full of Your good fruit,

In love, You impart.

Joy, peace and patience,

Kindness and Your good;

Gentle, self-controlled,

Ways love’s understood.

Help us be faithful,

Despite what we see;

In hope, let us trust,

You care faithfully.

In that space of trust,

Lead us in Your love;

To live fruitful lives,

Like You, Lord, above.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that in You we can grow in love and all of the fruit that Your love produces. Forgive us for allowing the things of the world to plant weeds in our hearts or stunt the growth of what You intended. Teach us to trust and rely on You to lead and grow us. Show us how to love those around us as we spread joy, produce peace, extend patience and kindness, demonstrate faithfulness, journey gently and exhibit self-control. May many come into a lasting and fruitful relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we invest our hearts and lives in growing in the goodness of Your abundant love. 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 strength. – Deuteronomy 6:5

Flowers or Weeds?

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)

What we plant, we harvest. We can plant flowers or weeds; things that give life or those which choke it out. If we pursue goodness, justice, kindness and love in all that we do, these are exactly what we will find. It may take time, effort and endurance, but ultimately such good is what will be found. Though there are days that it is a battle, it is always worth the effort. May we ever pursue He who is righteousness and love, so that we may discover the full life that abounds in Him.

May we choose pursue,

God’s goodness and grace;

Seek justice and love,

Throughout all our days.

Let us be faithful,

Purposefully kind;

Let love guide all things,

With goodness in mind.

May integrity,

Be how we are known;

Honoring others,

As God’s good is shown.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good, just, loving, faithful and kind, and that You will show us how to live accordingly. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to live as You intended. Teach us to walk in Your ways and to love like You. Show us how to love those around us best, so that justice, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and integrity are what will be found. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You and Your heart so that we may love as You love. Amen.

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

Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on Your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your Name. – Psalm 86:11

The Value of Virtue

“It’s not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart.” – (Mark 7:15-16, NLT)

“Your souls aren’t harmed by what you eat, but by what you think and say!” – (Mark 7:15-16, TLB)

“What truly contaminates a person is not what he puts into his body, but what comes out. That’s what makes a person defiled.” – (Mark 7:15-16, TPT)

 

Our bodies are a temple and should be treated accordingly. Though we ought to be wise with what and how much we consume, it is not what makes the temple unclean, but rather the things that come from our heart. Our charge to love God and love people requires an investment in our relationship with Him. When we are intentional to seek time with the Lord and study His word, our hearts are cleansed and what we think and say more clearly reflects what He intends for us. In other words, the temple is made beautiful by the expressions of the heart, not by the appearance of the structure. May we ever seek our Savior to cleanse and empower us, so that we may go forth in love, according to His good and perfect plan.

 

The things from the heart,

Each word that’s spoken;

Has power to heal,

Or make things broken.

It is up to us,

To seek and choose well;

And trust in the Lord,

As in Him we dwell.

For He will grant strength,

Remove what’s unclean;

Plant in us, His light,

So His love is seen.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that what we consume is not what makes us unclean, but rather the state of our heart and what we think and say. Forgive us for allowing our hearts to stray from You, so that our thoughts or words no longer reflect Your goodness and grace. Teach us to trust You in all things and at all times to grant us Your grace to speak light and life and love. Show us how to love those around us in the same way that You so lavishly and unconditionally love each of us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You, as Your heart is made visible by our love. Be glorified O God, as we seek and trust in You to help us fix our thoughts on the things of You so that our words and deeds shine Your light wherever we go. Amen.

 

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

 

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. – Colossians 3:14

 

Peace Planted Grows Goodness

And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. – (James 3:18, NLT)

People who work for peace in a peaceful way get the blessings that come from right living. – (James 3:18, ERV)

And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness. – (James 3:18, TLB)

 

The pursuit of peace can often seem like a daunting dream, especially when one is surrounded by a vast array of needs and personalities that are vying for attention. Each seed planted is not spread in vain, as the unexpected moments of goodness that crop up when least expected, are reminders that choosing to sow seeds of peace is worthwhile. May we ever pursue the path of peacemakers, for His goodness granted is worth the time and effort spent in sowing seeds of peace.

 

Be not discouraged, 

All seekers of peace;

For each those who sow,

Will find sweet relief.

For God is faithful,

To honor with good;

All those who’ve planted,

Peace seeds as He would.

We’re not meant to live,

In turmoil, dissent;

We’re crafted for peace,

His love knows no end.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have created us to be peacemakers who sow seeds of peace in places of turmoil. Thank You that as we continue to extend Your peace in places of unrest, we begin to see Your goodness rise up. Forgive us for the times that we succumb to the unrest or walk away from the spaces that we are meant to stay. Teach us to trust You more so that we would bring peace to the places that are unsettled and in desperate need of You. Show us how to love others well, so that our words and deeds plant seeds of Your peace in their hearts. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we go forth as peacemakers, sowing seeds of peace. Amen.

 

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

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. – Matthew 5:9

 

 

Born to Stick Together

A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. – (Proverbs 17:17, NLT)

A friend loves you all the time, but a brother was born to help in times of trouble. – (Proverbs 17:17, ERV)

Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble. – (Proverbs 17:17, MSG)

 

I am overwhelmingly blessed with loyal and loving friends and family, and have the privilege of watching the beautiful bond of brothers as my boys stick together in the face of adversity. This verse is demonstrated to me in a tangible way through my boys. Each time one of them is sick, the other always asks to remain nearby to help care for the other. It has been this way since they were very small. No matter how much they argue or fight, (they are brothers after all) at the end of the day, they are there for each other and love fiercely. God uses those around us who love us well to give us glimpses of how He loves. What we see through others, even those who love us best, is but a minute fraction of the greatness and vastness of His love for each one of us, individually. May we ever seek the Lord and His love, so that we can be the loyal, loving friends and family to those whom God has given unto us, just as He asks.

 

Our God has called us,

To be a true friend;

One who is loyal,

Who loves to the end.

We’re also chosen,

To be family;

To help through all things,

In chaos and peace.

May we learn to love,

As we’re called to do;

Through all things, always,

Together in truth.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible gift that You give us of family and friends. Thank You that through their loyal love and help, we gain deeper insight to who You are and how You love. Forgive us for not being as loving or loyal as we ought to be, or for not remaining present in times of trouble when we are needed most. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would go where You call and remain where You plant us. Show us how to love in all things and at all times, just as You love us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we thank You and praise You for the friends and family that You have given us, and trust You to teach and empower us to love as we are loved. Amen.

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

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. – Psalm 23:6

Let Our Hearts Listen

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all wisdom He gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. – (Colossians 3:16, NLT)

 

We are called to pursue the Lord and all that He has to offer. The truth of His word fills our hearts and lives if we give room to allow it in. Even more, Christ calls us to share what we learn with those around us. As we choose to allow the richness of life rooted in our Redeemer to take hold, we learn and grow, plant and sow, with wisdom that comes from the Lord. In growth, comes gratitude. May we pursue the Lord and all He brings to our lives, and respond to His goodness and grace with songs of gratitude that flow from a thankful heart.

 

May God’s holy word,

Fill our hearts and lives;

So we can offer,

The hope that He gives.

As we are filled up,

May we do the same;

Share of God’s goodness,

With truth we proclaim.

Let us sing out songs,

To God, give our praise;

May gratitude flow,

To Christ all our days.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your word fills our lives and gives us the capacity to share of Your goodness and wisdom with those around us. Forgive us for not allowing the truth of Your word to sink in and take root. Teach us to slow down and listen to all that You have to say, so that we might be filled with all that You have to offer. Show us how to love those around us in such a way, that they may recognize Your redemption through our actions. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we are intentional to seek You and allow Your word to fill us to overflowing. Amen.

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

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. – Galatians 5:22-23

Sowers of Peace

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. – (James 3:17-18, NLT)

But the wisdom that comes from God is like this: First, it is pure. It is also peaceful, gentle, and easy to please. This wisdom is always ready to help people who have trouble and do good for others. This wisdom is always fair and honest. People who work for peace in a peaceful way get the blessing that comes from right living. – (James 3:17-18, ERV)

Heavenly wisdom centers on purity, peace, gentleness, deference, mercy, and other good fruits untainted by hypocrisy. The seed that flowers into righteousness will always be planted in peace by those who embrace peace. – (James 3:17-18, VOICE)

 

As a peacemaker, it is easy to defer to peace. However, gentleness and willingness to yield to others are not always the motivation, nor is the peace that is sought sincere. At times, it is instead a way to keep things calm, rather than deal with conflict, with wisdom and the intent to help being absent. Our motivation matters. Is our pursuit of peace to please God, or ourselves? We need the Lord’s wisdom and guidance to gain His grace to sincerely seek His peace, which reaps a harvest of righteousness. May we be a people who passionately pursue God’s peace with all others, through His wisdom and grace. Let us be merciful and sincere, as His gentleness leads us to love as He so graciously loves each of us.

 

Let us seek wisdom,

That is true and pure;

For that from the Lord,

Is steadfast, secure.

For from God alone,

Is how peace is found;

His mercy and grace,

To seekers, abound.

May we choose to plant,

Wherever we go;

Seeds of the Lord’s peace,

So His grace shall show.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that wisdom from You is pure, peaceful, gentle and pleasing. Thank You that when we seek Your wisdom and peace, we are prepared and equipped to help those around us. Thank You that when we seek Your peace, peace and righteousness are what we find. Forgive us for wanting peace at any price, rather than seeking You and Your wisdom as to how we can be peacemakers in the midst of whatever we are facing. Teach us to trust You more, as You alone can bring calm in our chaos and peace in our storms. Show us how to love others in such a way, that we too may be peacemakers in You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we go forth in Your peace and wisdom, sharing the goodness and grace that You alone provide for us to give. Amen.

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

You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence. – Acts 2:28

Softening Stone

As we come to God,

He will give to us;

heart undivided,

unity in trust.

He will take hard hearts,

made of solid stone;

replace them with flesh,

to receive truth known.

We will then follow,

all He has decreed;

careful to obey,

His laws we shall heed.

God’s people we’ll be,

as we give Him throne;

and He’ll be our God,

making His ways known.

Lord, please take the stone,

away from our heart;

show us how to trust,

with whole self, not part.

“I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God.” – (Ezekiel 11:19-20)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You accept us when our hearts are hard, yet love us so much that You do not allow us to stay that way. Thank You that You woo us unto Yourself, and You soften the soil of our hearts to plant truth, so that we may flourish and grow in You. Father, forgive us for withholding hardened places in our hearts, and help us to allow You to touch those spaces so that they too, may be ready to receive all that You offer. Teach us to faithfully follow You, and use our obedience to lead those who are looking, to the foot of Your throne. May we love others well, so that You are made known. Amen.

Anne update: Anne is very grateful to be back home, and God is so faithful as He is orchestrating all that Anne needs. Please join me in giving God all glory and thanks for the wonderful ways that He is moving in hearts and making way for Anne. May we continue to contend for the miraculous, despite the doctor’s diagnosis. Thank You God that You are ALWAYS good!

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