The Prize of Perseverance

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him. – (James 1:12, NIV)

Great blessings belong to those who are tempted and remain faithful! After they have proved their faith, God will give them the reward of eternal life. God promised this to all people who love Him. – (James 1:12, ERV)

Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life. – (James 1:12, MSG)

When we go through life’s challenges and cling to Christ, trusting Him, we receive the promise of eternal life, for it is the gift given to all who love and rely on Him. The space of trials seems to be the “make-it-or-break-it” season for people in their relationship with God. They either turn to Him in trust, no matter what they see, or they turn from God, angry and bitter that He allowed the trial into their lives. Sadly, the word promises us that there will be troubles, yet in Christ, we have the One who has overcome all. In Him, we have the blessed assurance that no matter the outcome, our ultimate outcome is eternity in paradise with Him. All trials eventually lead to something better, be it here on earth or when we reach the pearly gates. For me, I have seen and experienced His goodness and faithfulness over and over again. His presence has been my peace in times where peace seems impossible, and His strength has carried me when I could walk no further. The Lord’s provision is powerful and makes a way where there seems to be no way. May we ever seek the Lord to be our strength, help, hope, and peace no matter what comes our way, for the outcome of trust is far better than the difficulty of the challenges that we face.

The Lord is faithful,

no matter what comes;

when we cling to Him,

where our help comes from.

For He is our hope,

the One that is true;

in all that we face,

He will see us through.

More than here and now,

this hope’s forever;

His presence always,

holds us together.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good through every season, trial and triumph that we traverse in this life. Thank You that as we seek You, You never leave or forsake us. Your promises are faithful forever. Forgive us for the times that we wonder where You are or why You allow the challenges to come our way. Teach us to trust You far beyond what we can see or understand, for Your ways are higher and the ultimate outcome is so much more than what we could ever hope or imagine. Lead us to love those around us as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You as they recognize Your faithfulness and the strength that You provide to persevere. Be glorified O God, as we trust You in all things and at all times, for we know the prize of perseverance is far greater than anything we have yet known. Amen.

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

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. – Deuteronomy 31:6

Love Fulfills

Love does no wrong to a neighbor. Love, therefore, is the fulfillment of the law. – (Romans 13:10, HCSB)

Love doesn’t hurt others. So loving is the same as obeying all the law. – (Romans 13:10, ERV)

Does love hurt anyone? Absolutely not. In fact, love achieves everything the law requires. – (Romans 13:10, VOICE)

To truly love is the fulfillment of the law, for when we love as God designed us to love, we hurt no one and do no wrong to anyone. The challenge is this is how we are meant to live, in word, thought, and deed. The most difficult part in this is to choose love in how we think about others, especially those who are unkind, rude, or intentionally awful to others. I can usually tame my tongue, but my thoughts toward such individuals are frequently less than loving. My prayer often needs to be, “Jesus, please help me to see them through Your eyes.” Incredibly, God is love. His love is perfect and He is ready and willing to show us how we are meant to love in every situation and circumstance. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in His love, so that all might come to know His goodness and grace.

True love does no harm,

it cares for others;

it protects, provides,

sisters and brothers.

Love looks to the heart,

and sees through God’s eyes;

it helps and it hopes,

all grace realized.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You loved us first. Thank You that Your love is overwhelming, never-ending, and invites all to receive. Forgive us for the times that we do not do the same. Teach us to see others through Your eyes, and lead us in Your love to love as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us in Your love, for it harms no one and fulfills the good that You ask of us all. Amen.

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

O Eternal, drench us with Your endless love, even now as we wait for You. – Psalm 33:22

So Loved

For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. – (John 3:16, HCSB)

Yes, God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him would not be lost but have eternal life. – (John 3:16, ERV)

For God expressed His love for the world in this way: He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not face everlasting destruction, but will have everlasting life. – (John 3:16, VOICE)

Nothing compares to the overwhelming, all-encompassing, sacrificial love of God. His love knows no bounds, and our understanding of such is but a glimpse of His true goodness. The best way for us to begin to comprehend the incomparable love is to look to Jesus and how He laid down His life to save ours. Even more, this incredible love grants us a free will and a choice as to whether or not we receive all that He has to offer. For those who choose to believe and receive, He is preparing a place for us for all eternity. I don’t know about you, but the very thought of a place prepared for us by the God who created such beauty throughout the heavens and the earth, is both overwhelming and exciting. We are so loved. Incredibly, His love is not limited to those who believe. He loves all and longs for each to turn to Him in trust. May we ever seek the Lord to grow our understanding of how we are loved, and in turn, how we were created to love in the same way.

There is such a love,

that knows of no bounds;

It searches for lost,

until they are found.

Love laid down His life,

so I might know mine;

forever with Him,

throughout all of time.

Love everlasting,

beyond all we know;

treasures in heaven,

and here down below.

As we choose to trust,

we soon understand;

how we are so loved,

was always God’s plan.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You so loved us that You gave Your one and only Son so that we might come to know life forever in You. Thank You for the people You have placed in our lives that show us glimpses of the goodness of Your perfect love. Forgive us for the times that we have either rejected the love You have for us, or have withheld love where we were meant to give. Teach us to trust You and follow Your leading, for You love in all things and at all times. Show us how to love others so that they understand how they are so loved. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You in awe and wonder and give You thanks that we are so very loved. Amen.

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

This is My command: Love one another as I have loved you. – John 15:12

The Eyes of Our Heart

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people. – (Ephesians 1:18, NIV)

I pray that God will open your minds to see His truth. Then you will know the hope that He has chosen us to have. You will know that the blessings God has promised His holy people are rich and glorious. – (Ephesians 1:18, ERV)

Open the eyes of their hearts, and let the light of Your truth flood in. Shine Your light on the hope You are calling them to embrace. Reveal to them the glorious riches You are preparing as their inheritance. – (Ephesians 1:18, VOICE)

Paul’s prayer for the church of Ephesus is one that still applies for all of us today. As we seek Him, God opens our hearts and minds to see the truth. He grants us hope and shows us the blessings and inheritance that are ours in Him. Not only do we have the blessed hope of eternal life with Him, but we have His presence and His help in the here and now. The light of Christ illuminates in our hearts and minds so that we can see more clearly who He is and how He loves. May we ever seek the Lord with open hearts, for His light shines bright as His goodness and grace are highlighted through His overwhelming love and the hope He deposits in our hearts.

Lord, open our eyes,

so we truly see;

Your goodness and grace,

hope eternally.

Please soften our hearts,

so we may receive;

all You have promised,

for those who believe.

Teach us to trust You,

in all things, always;

let Your glory shine,

throughout all our days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are faithful to hear our prayers and reveal more and more of Yourself to us as we seek You. Thank You that Your promises are good and Your faithfulness knows no end. Thank You that in You, we have hope forever. Forgive us for the times that we neglect to make time with You a priority. Teach us to begin our days seeking You as it is through our seeking that You reveal more and more of who You are and how You love. Show us how to love in such a way that Your light is made evident to all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You with open hearts and trust You to lead us as You fill us with You help and hope. Amen.

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

This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. – 1 John 4:9

What is Good

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, NIV)

Human, the Lord has told you what goodness is. This is what He wants from you: Be fair to other people. Love kindness and loyalty, and humbly obey your God. – (Micah 6:8, ERV)

But He’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don’t take yourself too seriously – take God seriously. – (Micah 6:8, MSG)

I so appreciate the Message translation, as it communicates what is being said in an easily understood manner. What God asked of people in the Old Testament times remained the same throughout Jesus’ life and beyond. To take God seriously means that we seek Him, obey what He is asking, and ever pursue what He wants us to do. Our neighbors are all those with whom we interact, and to be fair and just, compassionate and loyal, are clear explanations of how to love well. All of these boil down to loving God and loving people. Yesterday, I was blessed to spend the afternoon with one of my friends whom I have known the longest. We grew up together, back and forth across the street between one another’s homes, and shared life together until we graduated from high school and moved on. Our lives have been woven together since we were babies, and despite the twists and turns that life has taken, and when we get together, the sweet familial familiarity is ever-present and we can communicate about anything without fear of scorn or judgment, for we know one another’s heart. This sort of interaction is how God intended that we relate to one another. Not all interactions or relationships are so easy, but the intent ought to be the same – for if we truly love, we are humble and kind, fair and just, and choose compassion and loyalty as we relate to one another. May we ever seek the Lord to show us what is good and how to love Him and those around us well.

The Lord has shown us,

what is truly good;

to love as He loves,

His heart understood.

Kindness, compassion,

loyalty and love;

humbly extended,

like the Lord above.

Freely He’s given,

for all to receive;

grace and His goodness,

as we choose believe.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have shown us what is good and what You ask of us. Thank You that the bottom line is that we are called to love You and love those around us. Thank You that You first loved us. Forgive us for the times that we do not extend the love that You intended us to give to those with whom we interact. Teach us to trust and rely on You to lead us to love as You love. Show us how to love those around us with words and actions in ways that make Your goodness known. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we thank You for the unending, overwhelming, goodness and love that You pour out to us so that we can go and do likewise. 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

The Path of Patient Perseverance

So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. – (Hebrews 10:35-36, NIV)

So don’t lose the courage that you had in the past. Your courage will be rewarded richly. You must be patient. After you have done what God wants, you will get what He promised you. – (Hebrews 10:35-36, ERV)

Remember this, and do not abandon your confidence, which will lead to rich rewards. Simply endure, for when you have done as God requires of you, you will receive the promise. – (Hebrews 10:35-36, VOICE)

Our courage and confidence ought not be found in our own strength, but rather in our faith and trust in God. He provides what we need to navigate each step He asks us and He carries us when we cannot go further on our own. Patience and perseverance are required as God directs our steps. His sequence and timing is not ours, yet He is faithful and will carry us through to what has been promised, if only we endure and stand firm in the process. Sometimes, the wait is short between what He has shown us and when it comes to fruition. Yet others times, He has given us a promise that takes many years to fulfill. His timing is not ours, and His ways are higher than our own. Whatever the promise, the path is worth persevering, for He is good and His promises lead us to more than we could hope or imagine. May we ever seek the Lord and His faithfulness, for He will bring us from where we are to where He is calling us to be, if only we are willing to be patient and persevere in trust.

Do not abandon,

true trust in the Lord;

for He is faithful,

all grace He affords.

Real perseverance,

trusts more than what’s seen;

presses on with hope,

through times in between.

From what’s been promised,

to when it’s made real;

requires true trust,

despite what we feel.

Feelings are fleeting,

faith is forever;

the Lord’s always good,

through life’s endeavors.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are faithful to Your promises and Your goodness and grace know no end. Thank You that we can trust Your word and Your promises, for Your love never fails. Forgive us for our impatience when Your timing does not align with our understanding. Teach us to trust in You in all things, for You never leave us nor forsake us, and You are worthy of all of our trust. Show us how to persevere faithfully in the things to which You have called us. Lead us to love those around us in ways that encourage faithful perseverance and share of how good You are. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You to continue leading us in the direction You have called us to go, and rely on You for patience and perseverance to press on. Amen.

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

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6

More Than the Grains of Sand

How precious to me are Your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand – when I awake, I am still with You. – (Psalm 139:17-18, NIV)

Your thoughts are beyond my understanding. They cannot be measured! If I could count them, they would be more than all the grains of sand. But when I finished, I would have just begun. – (Psalm 139:17-18, ERV)

Your thoughts – how rare, how beautiful! God, I’ll never comprehend them! I couldn’t even begin to count them – any more than I could count the sand of the sea. – (Psalm 139:17-18, MSG)

Last night, our flight was delayed and we arrived to our destination about an hour after schedule. Each time I fly, I ask for God’s protection before we go, and thank Him for our safe arrival. That being said, my thoughts of Him and toward Him in that span of time can be counted, however, His thoughts for me, cannot. He knows my coming and going, my moving and resting, each breath and each heartbeat. The comparison to grains of sand is overwhelming, as there seem to be infinite grains of sand in a mere handful, let alone on every beach and in every ocean and sea on the planet… To count or attempt to calculate the number would take a lifetime, and even then, it would only be the beginning of how numerous the thoughts of God are for us. That sort of love is beyond comprehension. What I do know is that He is overwhelmingly loving, faithful, kind, and present, no matter what goes on around or in us. He is good, and His love endures forever. Any time that we feel unloved or unlovable, perhaps we need to pick up a handful of sand and remember that God’s love is unfathomably more than the grains we hold, see, or even imagine. May we ever seek the Lord and give Him thanks for His goodness and love, for His care for us is infinite.

The thoughts of the Lord,

for everyone;

far more numerous,

than miles to the sun.

More than grains of sand,

throughout all the earth;

are God’s thoughts for us,

such infinite worth.

Despite what we see,

His love goes beyond;

love unimagined,

how shall we respond?

A heart full of thanks,

with all of my praise;

still does not compare,

to His loving ways.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You love and care for us so much more than we could begin to fathom. Thank You that Your thoughts for us are more than there are grains of sand throughout all the earth. Forgive us for not recognizing how vast Your love truly is for us all. Teach us to receive all that You have to give so that we too, may love one another in the same way. Show us how to love one another in ways that make Your goodness and grace tangible. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we thank You and praise You for the endless ways that You think of us and move on our behalf so that we may become more of who You have created us to be. Amen.

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

The earth is filled with Your love, Lord; teach me Your decrees. – Psalm 119:64

Love Completely

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. – (Ephesians 5:1-2, NIV)

You are God’s dear children, so try to be like Him. Live a life of love. Love others just as Christ loved us. He gave Himself for us – a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice to God. – (Ephesians 5:1-2, ERV)

Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with Him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He did not love in order to get something from us but to give everything of Himself to us. Love like that. – (Ephesians 5:1-2, MSG)

Yesterday’s message at church was grounded in the story of Jesus’ first miracle, when He turned water into wine at a wedding. There were many outstanding points, but what continues to resonate with me is how the servants did what Jesus asked and filled the water jars. Not only did they fill them, but they filled them to the brim (which was no easy task back then). That act of trust turned into the first miracle of Jesus’ ministry and reminds us of how completely we ought to follow what He asks of us. His greatest command is to love God and love people. If we chose to do so “to the brim”, we will be walking in the way of love, just a Christ did for us. Love sees, love sacrifices, and love gives completely with no expectation in return. This is an ongoing, lifelong process, to live and learn how to love like Christ. Every day is new, and we have a new opportunity to live the life of love that God intended. May we ever seek the Lord, study His word, and spend time with Him, so that we may learn and grow to reflect His love and light more clearly to the world.

Lord help us to love,

As Christ has loved us;

Sacrificially,

The way of Jesus.

Teach us to trust You,

To walk in Your ways;

Love without limits,

Throughout all our days.

Each blessing given,

Show us how to share;

Generously give,

Love and truly care.

Lead us each day, Lord,

To love as You do;

Fill us each morning,

So that we love true.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son to show us what real, complete, and sacrificial love really is. Thank You for the beauty and blessing we receive as You claim us as Your own. Forgive us for the times that we have not loved like You. Teach us to trust Your more so that our every word and action would be a reflection of Your goodness, grace, and overwhelming love. Show us how to love each person we encounter so that Your heart is made tangible through us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You and trust You to lead us to love as You intended. Amen.

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

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. – John 13:34

Praying in Jesus’ Name

Until now you have not asked for anything in My Name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. – (John 16:24, NIV)

You have never asked for anything in this way before. But ask in My Name, and you will receive. And you will have the fullest joy possible. – (John 16:24, ERV)

Ask the Father for whatever is in keeping with the things I’ve revealed to you. Ask in My Name, according to My will, and He’ll most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks! – (John 16:24, MSG)

We are called to pray in Jesus’ Name, by faith, asking for what we need. As we abide, He provides. In Him, we discover faithful provision and abundant joy in knowing God and His faithfulness. This does not mean that we come to Jesus with a laundry list of wants, but rather we seek Him for what we need to love Him and love those around us. Jesus hears our every cry and makes a way where there seems to be no way. His answers are rarely what we imagine, but ultimately, they are best for us and for those around us. Sometimes, we have to go through things in order to experience His goodness and faithfulness in the fire. Jesus did not promise us an easy life, but rather one in which He would be with us always, no matter what comes our way. Through every trial and triumph, He has been with me. Though I may not understand why things have happened the way that they have, I can look back and see His faithfulness, His provision, and how He carried me through the difficult and brought me into more than I had hoped or imagined. Additionally, many of the most arduous circumstances led me to a place of far better, or to a space where He used my experience to help others who were navigating similar struggles. He promises us to work all things together for good for those who love Him, and I know this to be true as we pray in His Name. We might not understand or witness the good or the answer right away, but His presence is always made known and His peace, abundantly shown, despite what is seen. May we ever pray in Jesus’ Name, trusting that He is true to His word and will forever remain faithful to His promises.

In Jesus’ great name,

As we choose to pray;

His will shall be done,

His love makes a way.

Whatever we ask,

Our God, He does hear;

Each need He will meet,

And make the path clear.

Where there is no way,

That we can see through;

Jesus is present,

His promises true.

So, pray in His Name,

Trust that He is good;

Ever He’s faithful,

Each promise has stood.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we pray and trust in Your Name, You meet us and supply all that we need. Thank You that You are faithful to hear and that You are ever moving on our behalf. Thank You that Your ways are not our ways, and Your thoughts are so much higher than our own. Forgive us for our fears and doubts when we cannot see or understand the good that could come from what we face. Teach us to trust You more, for You are always good. Show us how to love those around us through trials and triumphs, as Your heart is made known as great love is shown. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we pray in Jesus’ Name, trusting in Your faithfulness forever. Amen.

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

You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you might go and bear fruit – fruit that will last – and so that whatever you ask in My Name the Father will give you. – John 15:16

The Baptizer with the Holy Spirit

Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on Him. And I myself did not know Him, but the One who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.” – (John 1:32-33, NIV)

Then John said for everyone to hear: “I also did not know who the Messiah was. But the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘You will see the Spirit come down from heaven like a dove and rest on this man. He is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.” – (John 1:32-33, ERV)

John clinched his witness with this: “I watched the Spirit, like a dove flying down out of the sky, making himself at home in him. I repeat, I know nothing about him except this: ‘The One on whom you see the Spirit come down and stay, this One will baptize with the Holy Spirit.” – (John 1:32-33, MSG)

Though John was the cousin of Jesus, he did not fully realize who Jesus was until the Spirit of God descended upon Him when John was baptizing Jesus with water. God had shown him that the Messiah would be the One to whom the Spirit comes down and rests upon. Imagine the awe and wonder that John must have experienced as he witnessed the Spirit of God resting on Jesus… Incredibly, when Jesus ascended into heaven, He promised that He would send His Spirit upon all who believed. As we read in Acts, that is exactly what He did. The same Spirit that came and filled the room on the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem, is the same Spirit that comes and dwells in us as we choose to believe and receive all that God has for us. Furthermore, His power is poured out as we ask Him to move in and through us. May we ever seek the Lord for a fresh anointing of His Spirit so that we may encourage and build up all those around us.

Heavenly Father,

Before You, we come;

Breathe in Your Spirit,

So Your will be done.

Fill us with power,

To love others true;

And move as You move,

So we reflect You.

Release the great gifts,

That Your Spirit brings;

Ever grow our faith,

As we see these things.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You send us Your Spirit so that we may live and love in Your wisdom and power. Thank You that You move among us and through us as we invite You in. Forgive us for not asking or not utilizing what You have already given. Teach us to listen to Your leading as we live out our days and show us how to move as You move so that all might see Your goodness and grace. Lead us to love all whom we encounter in a way that makes Your heart evident. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we invite You anew to come and move in and among us. Amen.

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

John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful that I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. – Luke 3:16