Love and Loyalty

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

Don’t ever let love and loyalty leave you. Tie them around your neck, and write them on your heart. – (Proverbs 3:3, ERV)

Stay focused; do not lose sight of mercy and truth; engrave them on a pendant, and hang it around your neck; meditate on them so they are written upon your heart. – (Proverbs 3:3, VOICE)

King Solomon, the son of David, was asked by God what he wanted. Solomon could have asked for power, wealth, long life, etc., but he asked for a heart of wisdom to lead God’s people well. Because God was well-pleased with Solomon’s request, He gave him wisdom beyond what had ever been seen before or since. This Proverb is one of the many written by Solomon during his reign. Love and faithfulness need to be in the forefront of our mind and heart in all that we say and do. To place something around one’s neck is a constant reminder, as is writing something upon one’s heart. Can you imagine what the world would be like if everyone chose to allow love and faithfulness to be the motivation in all that was said and done? The more we follow after God with our whole heart, the more we are able to demonstrate what it is to faithfully and loyally love. May we ever pursue God and His heart for the world so that we may let love and faithfulness lead us in all that we say and do.

Let true loyalty,

If we all had the love and loyalty of dogs…❤

and love for the Lord;

be that which leads us,

for His grace affords.

He grants us wisdom,

goodness and His grace;

He leads and guides us,

as we seek His face.

So, keep seeking God,

and let His love reign;

His loving kindness,

will show us the way.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to love and loyalty as a way of life. Thank You for the faithful who have show us what it is to follow after You wholeheartedly. Forgive us for the times that we have not. Teach us to trust You more so that Your love and faithfulness will be imprinted upon our heart in such a way that we cannot help but mirror that which we have been given by You. Show us how to love all whom we encounter. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for loving us faithfully, even when we are faithless. Grow us, Lord Jesus, in Your goodness and grace. Amen.

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

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; love and faithfulness go before You. – Psalm 89:14

The Armor of God

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. – (Ephesians 6:10, NIV)

To end my letter I tell you, be strong in the Lord and in His great power. – (Ephesians 6:10, ERV)

Finally, brothers and sisters, draw your strength and might from God. – (Ephesians 6:10, VOICE)

Our armor, our strength from God, comes into our consciousness as we intentionally seek Him. God’s strength, protection, power, truth, and righteousness grant us a readiness to face whatever comes our way. For in all things, the Lord is present to help us, and He shows us the truth about what lies before us. Because He knows and has overcome all things, He is the One whom we should seek to help and equip us to navigate each new day. His armor is powerful protection from being defeated. At times our need for protection is physical, but just as often there is a mental and or spiritual war being waged. Self-doubt, injuries, illness, and more, are things we all face in our lives. God told us that we would not have a trouble-free life, but rather that He would be with us, always. Our armor is found as we run to the Lord and trust Him to lead us, be with us, and to strengthen us in His wisdom and power for all that lies before us. May we ever seek God to equip us with His armor, so that we might rise up in His wisdom and strength as we encounter every hill and valley that lies before us on the road we are called to take.

The armor of God,

protection indeed;

mind, body and spirit,

He knows what we need.

Wisdom is granted,

as Him we choose seek;

His strength is poured out,

when we’re feeling weak.

As things before us,

seem to be too much;

the Lord will be near,

to fill us all up.

Overflowing love,

as truth is made known;

righteousness revealed,

as His way is shown.

Father, please help us,

to ever seek You;

choose wear Your armor,

as You show the truth.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good, faithful, loving, and ever-present to help. Thank You that we can seek You to equip us for all that lies before us. Thank You that Your armor protects us: body, mind, and spirit. Forgive us for the times that we attempt to muscle our way through things instead of seek You and Your wisdom to know the path that we are meant to take. Show us more and more of who You are and how You love so that we might be better equipped to walk in Your way and do Your will. Lead us in Your love to walk alongside those around us well, so that they may see and know Your heart, care and protection for them. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to strengthen and equip us, for You are our armor and our defense in all things. Amen.

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

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. – Ephesians 6:14-16

To Pursue Life

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 goes hunting for what is right and kind finds life itself – glorious life! – (Proverbs 21:21, MSG)

Whoever pursues justice and treats others with kindness discovers true life marked by integrity and respect. – (Proverbs 21:21, VOICE)

We reap what we sow, so as we seek to do good and be faithful, we find life that is full of God’s goodness. This does not mean that all will be sunshine and roses, but it does mean that we will know and experience God’s unending faithfulness and His perfect peace, no matter what comes our way. May we ever pursue justice and treat others with kindness, for it is through a faithful life that we find goodness and integrity.

Lord, help us pursue,

What is good and right;

Lead us in kindness,

Through each day and night.

Help us treat others,

The way You designed;

With honor, respect,

To always be kind.

Lead us forever,

In Your faithfulness;

So all may experience,

Hope through graciousness.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to pursue righteousness and love, for it is through doing so that we discover the goodness of Your grace and faithfulness to us. Forgive us for the times that we have lacked love or kindness. Teach us to listen to Your leading so that we may love in all things and at all times. Show us how to extend what is right and kind to those around us and make Your love tangible to all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we pursue a life of righteousness and love. Amen.  

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

Surely Your 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

The Priority of Knowing and Loving Jesus

This is what the Lord says: “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have understanding to know Me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the Lord. – (Jeremiah 9:23-24, NIV)

This is what the Lord says: “The wise must not brag about their wisdom. The strong men must not brag about their strength. The rich must not brag about their money. But if someone wants to brag, then let them brag about this: Let them brag that they learned to know Me. Let them brag that they understand that I am the Lord, that I am kind and fair, and that I do good things on earth. I love this kind of bragging.” This message is from the Lord. – (Jeremiah 9:23-24, ERV)

God’s Message: “Don’t let the wise brag about their wisdom. Don’t let heroes brag of their exploits. Don’t let the rich brag of their riches. If you brag, brag of this and this only: That you understand and know Me. I’m God, and I act in loyal love. I do what’s right and set things right and fair, and delight in those who do the same things. These are My trademarks.” God’s Decree. – (Jeremiah 9:23-24, MSG)

This ought to be our priority – knowing and understanding who God is and how He loves. Everything good that we have in our lives is a gift from God. Every blessing, every help, and every hope – all come from Jesus. May we ever prioritize knowing and loving Jesus, for it is through this knowledge and love that we find understanding and recognize the abundant blessings that are ours in Him. Understanding who God is and how He loves shifts our perspective on everything. For example, when there is an illness or struggle, we can either think, “Woe is me,” or we can pause and praise Him for bringing us through it and showing Himself faithful again and again. Additionally, knowing God helps us recognize that every good and perfect gift has come from Him. In all things and at all times, may we seek to know and love Jesus more.

Lord, help us to see,

All that we’ve received;

The blessings You give,

Perfect loyalty.

Love in abundance,

Peace and eyes to see;

Plentiful blessings,

Granted lovingly.

In everything,

You bring forth Your good;

Your help, love and hope,

Your grace, understood.

Help us to make it,

Our priority;

To know and love You,

And ever seek Thee.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You know us and love us far beyond what we can fathom. Thank You that You sent Your Son to make the way for us to know and love You more. Forgive us for not making it a priority to know You more; for it is through knowing You that we love more deeply. Show us how to prioritize our time with You so that You can transform our hearts and minds to more clearly reflect Your goodness and love. Lead us in our pursuit of You and our interactions with those around us. Make Your love and understanding grow greater each day that we draw breath. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we prioritize knowing and loving Jesus. Amen.

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

Those who know Your Name trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You. – Psalm 9:10

Belief Makes Right and Confession Saves

One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation. – (Romans 10:10, HCSB)

Yes, we believe in Jesus deep in our hearts, and so we are made right with God. And we openly say that we believe in Him, and so we are saved. – (Romans 10:10, ERV)

Belief begins in the heart and leads to a life that’s right with God; confession departs from our lips and brings eternal salvation. – (Romans 10:10, VOICE)

I am so thankful that it is our belief and trust in God that makes us right with Him, and our expression of this belief that saves us, rather than some sort of performance rating that has to be earned. As we trust in the Lord, we desire to do what pleases Him. That being said, we all fall short. Thankfully, it is not about what we do or don’t do to earn His grace, but rather He freely gives, and because of it, we rise. May we ever seek to know God more so that we might trust Him more deeply and confess our faith more freely. 

With hearts we believe,

That God is what’s true;

Faithful confession,

Salvation ensues.

It is by His grace,

That we are made right;

And because of this,

In Him we delight.

The more we pursue,

The more we can see;

The Lord’s faithfulness,

Hope eternally.

To choose to have faith,

Trust what we can’t see;

Leads to evidence,

He shows tangibly.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we trust in You and profess that You are Lord, we receive Your grace and gain the hope of eternity. Thank You that though we cannot see You, it is not blind faith. Thank You that there is evidence of who You are and how You love all around us, if only we open our eyes to see. Forgive us for our fears and doubts. Thank You that You are not offended by our questions. Show us more and more of who You are and how You love, so that we may represent Your love well to those around us. Teach us how to love everyone whom we encounter as You would. Give us Your goodness and grace to share. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You with all that we are and confess aloud our love and trust in You, our hope forever. 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

Hearts to Love and Endure

May the Lord direct your hearts to God’s love and Christ’s endurance. – (2 Thessalonians 3:5, HCSB)

We pray that the Lord will cause you to feel God’s love and remember Christ’s patient endurance. – (2 Thessalonians 3:5, ERV)

May the Master take you by the hand and lead you along the path of God’s love and Christ’s endurance. – (2 Thessalonians 3:5, MSG)

In such tumultuous times, my prayer is that God’s love and Christ’s endurance would be made evident to all. The challenge for many of us is that we love people deeply who are on both sides of the political divide that seems to be growing in our nation. If we are truly loving God and loving people, we can disagree on issues and still care deeply for one another. God gave us each a brain, a heart and His Spirit to listen and learn for ourselves to what is right. Life circumstances and upbringing are often deciding factors in how we determine what is good and right. That being said, Jesus was friends with those whom many determined were not worthy of His time or attention. His choice to love is the model that we are meant to live by. May we ever be intentional to seek the Lord to lead us in love, and may our hearts be open to all, no matter what their beliefs. May we have endurance to continue to love, even when dissension around us makes us want to hide away. Lord, lead us in Your love, always.

O Lord, be the light,

That leads us in love;

For one another,

Like You, God, above.

Without conditions,

Choose love anyway;

People are people,

May love lead our way.

Let God’s kindness reign,

In all that we do;

Compassion and grace,

Are what show love’s true.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You love us without limits or conditions. Thank You that in our brokenness and sinfulness, You love. Forgive us for every word and deed that does not display Your love. Grant us Your love and endurance to care for those around us well. Show us how to love one another, even when we do not see eye to eye on what is going on around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to give us endurance to love as You call us to love. Amen.

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

He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the Lord’s unfailing love. – Psalm 33:5

The Fruit of True Light

For the fruit of the light results in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. – (Ephesians 5:9, HCSB)

This light produces every kind of goodness, right living, and truth. – (Ephesians 5:9, ERV)

For the fruit of the light is all that is good, right, and true. – (Ephesians 5:9, VOICE)

The light to which this verse is referring is the light of Christ. When we are saturated in His light, goodness, righteousness and truth follow. He leads us and guides us to shine His light before all others, as evidenced by every kind of goodness, right living and truth. It is not something we can merely muster, but rather we must seek the Lord to lead and guide us in all of His ways. Some days, it feels as if He is directing each step, yet other days, our own ugly humanity gets in the way. We need Jesus to be light in our homes and communities. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in His light, so that the fruit of His heart within us shines brightly.

To shine with purpose,

Photo by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤

We must seek the Lord;

For He is the light,

That can’t be ignored.

All of His goodness,

Righteousness and truth;

Shine when we trust Him,

To lead us in truth.

Ever He’s faithful,

When we choose seek Him;

His love overflows,

Brings light where it’s dim.

So, invest in God,

Choose call on His Name;

For as we do this,

His love is proclaimed.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You call us to seek You so that You can produce good fruit in us. Thank You that Your fruit made evident in our lives displays goodness, righteousness and truth. Forgive us for the times that we have relied on ourselves instead of You. Teach us to ever trust in You and Your leading, so that we may be beacons of Your pure light. Lead us to love those around us with every goodness, right decision and truth that You show us to do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us in Your light and love. Amen.

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

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without favoritism and hypocrisy. – James 3:17

Goodness and Peace Greet Us

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

God’s love will come together with His faithful people. Goodness and peace will greet them with a kiss. – (Psalm 85:10, ERV)

Unfailing love and truth have met on their way; righteousness and peace have kissed one another. – (Psalm 85:10, VOICE)

Where God’s faithful love is present, so is the truth. In spaces where hearts are right with God, there is peace. When God’s love leads, truth, goodness and peace are found present. The thing about this is that we must be immersed and surrounded in God’s faithful love for truth to be made evident and peace to be present. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in His love, so that His truth may be made known, and His goodness and peace be present in places it is not expected. 

The goodness of God,

Is filled with His peace;

Found with love and truth,

For both bring release.

The truth sets us free,

From chains held by lies;

His love leads us on,

Goodness realized.

Keep trusting the Lord,

Rely on His love;

For there we find peace,

And goodness above.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that in You, love and truth are joined together, and goodness and peace are made clear. Forgive us for not turning to You to provide these things. Teach us to trust in You and invest time with You so that we come to know Your love, truth, peace and goodness for ourselves. Show us how to love those around us in ways that make Your heart clearly known. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust in Your unfailing love and hold fast to Your truth, ever aware of Your goodness and peace that is found in Your presence. Amen.

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

The Lord gives His people strength; the Lord blesses His people with peace. – Psalm 29:11

Goodness and Peace Gather

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

God’s love will come together with His faithful people. Goodness and peace will greet them with a kiss. – (Psalm 85:10, ERV)

Unfailing love and truth have met on their way; righteousness and peace have kissed one another. – (Psalm 85:10, VOICE)

Where love and truth are found, righteousness and peace are present too. When we love and live in truth, we are living right and His peace is present within us. God is faithful to fill us with His goodness and love as we earnestly seek Him and pursue a life with Him leading. May we ever seek the Lord at the start of each new day, and trust Him to lead us in His love that fills us with truth, propels us along the right path, and surrounds us with His perfect peace, no matter what is going on around us.

Choose to seek the Lord,

He’s where love is found;

Faithful forever,

In Him, grace abounds.

He leads us in truth,

Shows us the right way;

Let us choose follow,

Throughout each new day.

It is in pursuit,

That we find His peace;

That settles our hearts,

God’s gracious release.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we seek You and Your ways, You fill us with love and truth, and lead us to walk in Your way as You fill us with Your peace. Forgive us for the times that we do not seek or we simply do not follow what we are supposed to do. Teach us to turn to You in trust and to listen to Your leading. Show us how to love those around us faithfully and with abundant grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek to follow after You and praise You for Your perfect peace that fills us. Amen.

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

Turn away from evil and do what is good; seek peace and pursue it. – Psalm 34:14

Faithful Pursuit

The one who pursues righteousness and faithful love will find life, righteousness and honor. – (Proverbs 21:21, HCSB)

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)

When we seek to live a life of love, marked by living right, doing good, and being faithful to love God and love people, we become people who are associated with integrity and respect. The challenge in this is there are and will always be, those who cannot see past themselves, have no regard for the positive pursuit of love that we seek to give, and can become a source of discouragement if we do not rely on God to lead and guide us. God is faithful, and He will give us His eyes to see those around us so that we can love as He intended. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in love so that we might live right, pursue justice, and treat all others with kindness.

In everything,

Let us seek the Lord;

To live out His love,

As faith is restored.

For as we choose love,

And true faithfulness;

Justice is pursued,

Lives of graciousness.

True love and life found,

Through faithful pursuit;

God shall be our strength,

In Him we’re made new.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us and empowering us to love like You. Thank You that as we seek You, we find You, and You lovingly lead us to walk in Your ways. Forgive us for the times that we have tried to do so on our own, for without You, we fail miserably. Lead us in Your ways so that we pursue justice, extend faithfulness, kindness and love to all. Show us how to love everyone as You intended. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us to love well. Amen. 

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

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His faithful love endures forever. – 1 Chronicles 16:34