Nothing Can Separate His Love

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. – (Romans 8:35 & 37, NIV)

Can anything separate us from Christ’s love? Can trouble or problems or persecution separate us from His love? If we have no food or clothes or face danger or even death, will that separate us from His love? But in all these troubles we have complete victory through God, who has shown His love for us. – (Romans 8:35 & 37, ERV)

So who can separate us? What can come between us and the love of God’s Anointed? Can troubles, hardships, persecution, hunger, poverty, danger, or even death? The answer is, absolutely nothing. But no matter what comes, we will always taste victory through Him who loved us. – (Romans 8:35 & 37, VOICE)

No matter what comes our way, God is with us, and His love knows no end. Though most of us cannot fathom persecution, hunger, poverty, danger, or death, we all have experienced troubles or hardships that can make us question where God is in the midst of it. What I have discovered again and again as trials come, is that God’s love is constant, and He provides the grace and strength we need to navigate each challenge, and His peace and presence are near when we slow down and seek Him. The victory comes as God leads us out of or through the trials, and shows us how He is near as He provides what we need to press on. Additionally, in His great love, God often uses our trials and challenges to help others who are walking through something similar. I heard something on the radio yesterday that was quite profound and aligns with the sentiment of this passage. When we are willing to share our struggles, our stories becomes a guide book of sorts for those who follow and find themselves in similar situations. God is always good. He wants us to know victory in Him, and He is faithful to walk with us, every step of the way, each moment of every day.

No trial too great,

That God walks away;

His presence promised,

Ever near He’ll stay.

He supplies the strength,

And all that we need;

To keep pressing on,

However He leads.

Always He’s for us,

His power exceeds;

All that’s against us,

Love provides our needs.

God’s faithful presence,

And how He provides;

Our story of love,

Found as we abide.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that in You there is NOTHING that can separate us from Your love. Thank You that Your love is not circumstantial nor dependent on what we say or do. Thank You that You show us how Your love is true. Forgive us for our fears and doubts as troubles come our way. Teach us to stand firm in the promises You provide, for You are faithful forever to remain with us and lead us in all things. Show us how to love and encourage those around us in ways that supply strength and hope. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we depend on You to lead us in and through all things, for in You, we have all that we need. Amen.

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

In Your unfailing love You will lead the people You have redeemed. In Your strength You will guide them to Your holy dwelling. – Exodus 15:13

Provider of Peace

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. – (John 14:27, NIV)

I leave you peace. It is My own peace I give you. I give you peace in a different way than the world does. So don’t be troubled. Don’t be afraid. – (John 14:27, ERV)

My peace is the legacy I leave to you. I don’t give gifts like those of this world. Do not let your heart be troubled or fearful. – (John 14:27, VOICE)

In our broken humanity, we become troubled and fearful and anxious. However, when we bring all to Jesus, He exchanges His peace for our fears. He soothes the spaces that are anxious, walks beside us through every trial that comes our way, and shows us that in Him, there is no reason to fear, for He has overcome all. As we approach a new year, after a year of many trials, challenges, and obstacles to overcome, we can look forward with peace in Jesus. No matter what comes our way, we have the assurance that God will be with us, will walk beside us, and will never leave us to navigate alone. It is up to us to turn to Him and place our trust in Him, and trust that He hears and is faithful to answer as we ask. May we anticipate the coming year with the peace of Jesus in our hearts, for He will continue to be faithful forever.

The peace of Jesus,

Cannot be compared;

No matter what comes,

His grace will be there.

Each time we seek Him,

He’s faithful to hear;

Christ floods us with peace,

As He’s ever near.

The peace of Jesus,

Goes far beyond calm;

It surrounds our hearts,

His sweet healing balm.

Courage in chaos,

Strength throughout each storm;

Blessed Redeemer,

Where hope is transformed.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that in You, there is perfect peace. Thank You that even in the midst of challenge, trial, chaos or crisis, You hear and are near, providing Your peace. Forgive us for the times that we have allowed our circumstances to drown out the truth. Teach us to trust You more, so that our first response to all is to seek You. Show us how to rely on You in all things, so that we may know and understand Your perfect peace in all things. Lead us to love those around us in ways that perpetuate Your perfect peace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your ongoing provision of peace throughout all of our days. 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

Light Through Love

Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. – (1 John 2:10, NIV)

Those who love their brothers and sisters live in the light, and there is nothing in them that will make them do wrong. – (1 John 2:10, ERV)

It is the person who loves brother and sister who dwells in God’s light and doesn’t block the light from others. – (1 John 2:10, MSG)

When we choose to love as God loves us, light and life pour out of us. Where there is light, there is a clear path. In the same way that God shines His light upon us and shows us how to love, we become reflections of His light to others so that they too, see what is good. To love our sisters and brothers is a choice, and one that only transpires well when we rely on God to lead us. May we seek the Lord to lead us to love those around us as He loves, and depend on Him to shine His light through us to the world.

When we choose to love,

God’s light truly shines;

The darkness must flee,

For goodness defines.

It defines what’s good,

What’s lovely and pure;

How light is let in,

And hope is assured.

Lead us in Your love,

For one another;

Flood Your light within,

To shine on others.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we choose to love our sisters and brothers as You intended, Your light leads the way to what is good. Forgive us for the times that we have not chosen love and allowed darkness in. Teach us to depend on You to lead us in the light of Your love. Show us how to be Your light and love to those around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we love one another as You love, and rely on You to shine Your light on and through us. Amen.

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

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. – Psalm 119:105

The Best Teacher

This is what the Lord says – your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.” – (Isaiah 48:17, NIV)

The Lord, the Savior, the Holy One of Israel, says, “I am the Lord your God. I teach you for your own good. I lead you in the way you should go.” – (Isaiah 48:17, ERV)

The Eternal One, who rescued you, the Holy One of Israel declares, “I am the Eternal One your God. I have given you My instruction for living well and right, leading you in how you should be and do.” – (Isaiah 48:17, VOICE)

I am so thankful that God is the same: yesterday, today and forever! The same God who loved and led the Israelites so long ago, has lovingly led us and will continue to do so until He returns. When we seek Him and truly listen, He shows us what is best and leads us in the ways that we are meant to go. Though the Israelites had God made tangible to them through a cloud and with fire, we have the tremendous blessing of knowing how Jesus lived and loved as God intended for all of us. He sent His Spirit after Jesus ascended, and we now have God made tangible, dwelling in the hearts of all who believe. Because of this, we see glimpses of God everywhere. His reassurance is real as we press into time with Him and come to understand that He will never leave us or forsake us. May we ever seek the living God who teaches us what is good and leads us in the ways that we are meant to go in all things.

The Lord is faithful,

To lovingly lead;

Throughout all our days,

As we trust, believe.

He shows us the ways,

That we’re meant to go;

When we’re to harvest,

And when we’re to sow.

His presence is clear,

As we look around;

His good abundant,

And hope in Him, sound.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we seek You, You teach us what is best for us and where we are meant to go. Thank You that You lovingly lead and guide us throughout all our days. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to listen. Teach us to trust You in all things and at all times, for You know the outcome before we begin and there is purpose in the places You call us to. Show us how to love those around us like You, with purpose and goodness and grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You to lead us in all things. Amen.

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

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12

What Love is Meant to Be

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)

When we love those around us, we are walking in obedience to all that God commands. It is love that leads us along the path that the Lord has placed before us and shows us the way to navigate well. The more that we seek the Lord and receive all that He has to offer, the better equipped we are to love each person we meet. Choosing to extend kindness, is love. Believing the best in others is love. Forgiving and not holding a grudge, is love. Caring well for those around us is love. There are countless ways that we can extend love to those around us, and make God’s love tangible in places that it has been hidden. May we ever depend on the Lord to lead us in love, so that we may walk in obedience to the greatest command and show those around us what love is all about.

Love is meant to be,

Evidence of God;

Not jaded, hurtful,

Some Hallmark facade.

True love is goodness,

Kind and faithful too;

Always forgiving,

Each day it’s made new.

Patient, generous,

Full of hope each day;

In Christ, there’s enough,

To love the Lord’s way.

For as we choose love,

We do as we should;

We love others well,

And show God is good.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call and command us to love. Thank You that as we love You and love those around us well, we are walking in obedience to all that You command. Forgive us for each time that we have fallen short and not loved as You call us to do. Teach us how to lead with love in all that we say and do. Show us how to express Your love best to those around us, so that they might recognize Your heart in our every word and deed. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to love our neighbors as You intended. Amen.

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

You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to You. – Psalm 86:5

Teach Us to Love

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)

Love makes it impossible to harm another, so love fulfills all that the law requires. – (Romans 13:10, TPT)

If our focus and priority is to love, then we cannot help but fulfill what the law requires. Where there is love, there is no room for hurting others. As we choose to love those around us, God transforms our hearts and minds to see people as He sees them. Each person is God’s creation, His poema, His perfect work of art. Unfortunately, we are battling our own broken humanity. Our perception becomes clouded by unmet expectations. It is only when we let go of expectations and simply choose to love, that we begin to see others through God’s lens. Incredibly, the more we love, the more others rise up and seek to do the same. It is like the whole pass it on movement, yet it is fueled, equipped and empowered by God rather than ourselves. Acts of kindness matter and are ways to show His love, yet it is through consistently choosing to love in word, thought and deed that we are actually doing as God asks of us and therefore fulfilling His commands. May we ever seek the Lord to show us and grow us in His great love for all.

When we choose to love,

As we’re asked to do;

The law is fulfilled,

As goodness shines through.

For only by love,

Can God’s heart be shown;

Kindness extended,

Makes God’s goodness known.

O Lord, help us love,

Purely as You do;

Seeing each other,

With hearts that love true.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to love one another like You. Thank You that as we do, we are upholding and fulfilling the law. Thank You that You intentionally created all of us with a plan and a purpose. Thank You that You place us in one another’s lives to challenge, encourage and grow in Your love. Forgive us for neglecting to love as You intended for us to love. Teach us to pursue Your heart and loving kindness for all so that we might love like You. Show us how to love all those around us, especially those that are difficult to love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us to love completely and without reservation. Amen.

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

“I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must love one another.” – John 13:34

Comfort and Joy

When I am filled with cares, Your comfort brings me joy. – (Psalm 94:19, HCSB)

I was very worried and upset, but You comforted me and made me happy. – (Psalm 94:19, ERV)

When I was upset and beside myself, You calmed me down and cheered me up. – (Psalm 94:19, MSG)

Whenever my busy thoughts were out of control, the soothing comfort of Your presence calmed me down and overwhelmed me with delight. – (Psalm 94:19, TPT)

I am constantly amazed by the Lord and how He brings balance back into our lives. When we are overwhelmed with what surrounds us, He brings us peace, comfort and compassion that bring us joy. He calls us into community so that His love can be made tangible. God is good, and He brings us the peace of His presence that shows us again what is good.

When life overwhelms,

And all seems a mess;

Choose turn to the Lord,

For He knows what’s best.

He soothes weary hearts,

Brings comfort and peace;

Reason to delight,

As love is released.

So, turn to the Lord,

Allow His love in;

His joy and His peace,

Restore hope again.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we are weary and overwhelmed, we can come to You to find comfort and peace. Thank You that You show us again what is good, and bring delight, even in the seeming darkness. Forgive us for our frustrations and fears when all seems too much to bear. Show us again, that You are with us and for us, and remind our hearts of our reasons to rejoice. Lead us to love one another well, so that all whom we encounter are encouraged and built up. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we bring our cares before You and You exchange the weight for the joy found in You. Amen.

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

He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God. – 2 Corinthians 1:4

Done to Others is Done Unto You

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me.’” – (Matthew 25:40, NIV)

“Then the King will answer, ‘The truth is, anything you did for my people here, you also did for Me.’” – (Matthew 25:40, ERV)

“And the King will answer them, ‘Don’t you know? When you cared for one of the least important of these, My little ones, My true brothers and sisters, you demonstrated love for Me.’” – (Matthew 25:40, TPT)

This ought to be our motivation. Whenever we love others, we are also demonstrating our love for God. Every single time we love, help, encourage, lift up, show kindness, give grace – God sees it as if we were doing these very things unto Him. What this shows us is how deeply God loves all of His creation. Our closest comparison is how we feel when others extend kindness, grace, generosity, encouragement, and more to one whom we love deeply. I know for me, when someone does these things for one of my children, I am blessed as well. My heart swells with gratitude, simply knowing that another sees and values my child like I do. Imagine the depth of what God feels in comparison. God who loved so deeply that He sent His Son to reestablish a right relationship with us, recognizes every act of kindness and extension of love as words and deeds given directly to Him. For me, that both defines and dictates how I ought to treat everyone I meet. Do I have it down to a science? Of course not. I fall short and fail daily, yet can always seek to do and be better. God, in His loving kindness, hears our petitions presented before Him, and honors our desire to love well. May we ever seek the Lord to lead and equip us to love as He loves us.

Whatever we do,

In word, thought or deed;

We do unto God,

Let’s follow His lead.

The God of all grace,

Does all things in love;

May we love like Him,

Give good from above.

For each time we choose,

To help each other;

We live with purpose,

Sisters and brothers.

The times that we fail,

Neglect or ignore;

It too is to God,

Things that He abhors.

Lord, help us rise up,

Love well, each other;

Choose extend Your love,

One to another.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to love one another as You love us. Thank You that as we do, You recognize our love extended to those around us as love for You. Forgive us for the times that we have been unloving or callous or have neglected to reach out where we knew You called us to love. Teach us to trust and follow Your lead as we aspire to love like You. Show us how to love those around us in ways that exhibit the width, depth and breadth of Your everlasting love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we reach out to love like You. Amen.

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

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. – Matthew 7:12

Wisdom, Strength and Self-Discipline to Love

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. – (2 Timothy 1:7, NLT)

The Spirit God gave us does not make us afraid. His Spirit is a source of power and love and self-control. – (2 Timothy 1:7, ERV)

For the Holy Spirit, God’s gift, does not want you to be afraid of people, but to be wise and strong, and to love them and enjoy being with them. – (2 Timothy 1:7, TLB)

 

As usual, this morning’s passage is appropriate and timely. We are not called to be fearful, but rather to be wise and strong. With so much mixed information running rampant right now, it is as if the media is attempting to isolate and instill fear in folks. Yes, there is reason to be cautious and use wisdom. Those who have compromised immune systems or are among the high-risk groups ought to be extra-vigilant and follow whatever guidelines they feel safest following; and those of us who are not, must respect and honor their need to use caution and care, yet the fear that drives massive hoarding, rather than loving others, is not a space that we are meant to live. Self-discipline is the space within us that expects the best, prepares for the worst, and extends a hand to those around us in need.

This morning, I am grateful for time over the weekend to love and enjoy being with people. Incredibly, my Viking, our best friends and I went to watch the Sea Wolves (our Seattle Rugby team) play on Saturday night. It is a somewhat small venue, yet the stands were packed. After the game, we went to go have dinner together, and the first place we attempted to go had a 30 to 40-minute wait, so we ended up going to another spot not far from there, that was far less crowded. It amazed me to see people out seeming to operate in life as usual on Saturday, and then on Sunday, to see the clear evidence of the concern in my own community. Church was much lighter than usual, (yet I know there are those who must stay home per their doctor’s recommendation, and still others who stayed home as they are fighting colds and the like), followed by a trip to the grocery store where we discovered a completely sold out toilet paper isle. May we ever seek the Lord and His Spirit, for in Him we need not fear. He grants us power, wisdom and self-discipline, and shows us how to love people best, even in the worst of times.

 

We’ve not been given,

A spirit of fear;

For God is with us,

He is always near.

In the Lord, there’s peace,

Strength, wisdom and love;

Power the Lord gives,

His grace from above.

All of these great things,

We’re given indeed;

To love people well,

Give as we’ve received.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You do not give us a Spirit of fear, but rather one of power, wisdom and self-discipline. Thank You that You give each person what they need to make the best decisions for themselves and their families to stay safe and well. Forgive us for our fears and doubts, as the unknown can be a scary space. Teach us to trust You more, and to listen to Your leading as You guide us through uncharted waters. Show us how to love those around us well, as each of us have different needs in different circumstances. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust in You for wisdom, strength and self-discipline to love as You love us all. Amen.

 

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

 

May the God of all hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. – Romans 15:13

Forget Not the Blessings

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

My soul, praise the Lord,

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

With all my being;

I thank You, O God,

For countless blessings.

In space of despair,

Always God, You hear;

You comfort and bless,

As You choose draw near.

Your grace overwhelms,

Your goodness exceeds;

You bless us beyond,

What we merely need.

Your kindness unmatched,

As well as Your grace;

May we ever choose,

Lift to You all praise.

 

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

 

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

 

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