Higher Ways

As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. – (Ecclesiastes 11:5, NIV)

You don’t know where the wind blows. And you don’t know how a baby grows in its mother’s womb. In the same way, you don’t know what God will do – and He makes everything happen. – (Ecclesiastes 11:5, ERV)

You can no more predict the path of the wind than you can explain how a child’s bones are formed in a mother’s womb. Even more, you will never understand the workings of the God who made all things. – (Ecclesiastes 11:5, VOICE)

These words of wisdom, recorded by King Solomon, remind us that we cannot know and understand all of the ways of God. However, we can know that all of His ways are good, and choose to trust in the One who made us. As we follow Him, though we know not where the path will lead, we can follow His direction, knowing that He will lead us where we are meant to go. So often, what we hoped for is not how things turn out, yet most often, it is far better than we could have imagined. His ways are higher than our ways, and He knows the outcome far beyond what we can see. May we ever seek the Lord and trust in Him, for He is good and His love lasts forever.

As we can’t predict,

the ways the wind blows;

nor are we able,

to know what God knows.

We know He is good,

so we can choose trust;

the One who made us,

and sent us Jesus.

His ways are higher,

than things on our own;

God’s grace and goodness,

ever He makes known.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are far greater than we can comprehend. Thank You that Your ways are higher than ours, and that You are for us, not against us. Forgive us for thinking we can tell You which way things ought to be, and for not trusting You as we should in all things. Grow us in our trust and understanding of Your faithfulness, even when we do not see or understand how things could work out on the path we are asked to follow. Show us how to love those around us, even when love does not make sense. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose to trust You, even when we cannot see nor fathom a resolution in what lies ahead. Amen.

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

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. – Hebrews 11:1

Gather Together

For where two or three gather in My Name, there am I with them. – (Matthew 18:20, NIV)

Yes, if two or three people are together believing in Me, I am there with them. – (Matthew18:20, ERV)

For when two or three gather together in My Name, I am there in the midst of them. – (Matthew 18:20, VOICE)

This passage is yet another reminder that we are called to be in community. There is power in being present with fellow believers. We can encourage and lift one another up, and Jesus tells us He will be with us when we join with one another in purpose. Yes, we can be aware of God’s nearness on our own, but there is something powerful that happens when we are united in prayer and intention with at least one or two others. Sometimes, all we need is simply to be present with one another to find comfort, peace and encouragement. Being together turns friends into family and family into friends as hearts are heard and held up through fellowship. Incredibly, the friendships that have been established over time become the ones that we can go to, no matter how much time has passed, and share life together as if we had never had time apart. May we ever be intentional to invest in community so that we gather together often with those whom we can encourage and lift up and know that the same will be done for us.

We’re called to gather,

be community;

and as we do so,

God’s there, faithfully.

He hears what we ask,

and receives our praise;

in love He upholds,

throughout all our days.

Ever let’s seek Him,

gather and be near;

love one another,

as we seek, He hears.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You promise to be present when two or three of us gather in Your Name. Thank You that You hear our prayers and receive our praise. Thank You that You provide Your comfort, care, peace and protection in tangible ways through those around us. Forgive us for the times that we have isolated ourselves when we needed one another. Show us how to reach out and be intentional to spend time with those whom You have placed in our lives. Lead us to love and encourage each other as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we gather together in Your Name and seek You to lead us to love well, each person who crosses our path. Amen.

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

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor; if either of them falls down, one can help the other up. – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10a

How Faith Grows

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. – (Hebrews 11:6, NIV)

Without faith no one can please God. Whoever comes to God must believe that He is real and that He rewards those who sincerely try to find Him. – (Hebrews 11:6, ERV)

It’s impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that He exists and that He cares enough to respond to those who seek Him. – (Hebrews 11:6, MSG)

Faith is like a muscle, when we use it regularly, it grows strong and steady, but if it is seldom used, it atrophies and becomes weak and small. Incredibly, if we have even the smallest bit of faith, it can increase into something incredibly powerful, as it leads to trust and hope and help. Without faith it’s impossible, yet with faith as small as a mustard seed, mountains can be moved. Our actions determine whether or not our faith grows. If we choose to continually seek God and trust in Him, our faith multiplies and we become more aware of His goodness and faithfulness. However, if we only seek God in our struggles, we miss out on witnessing and experiencing so much more of who He is and how He loves. May we ever seek the Lord and trust Him to grow our faith, for He hears our every petition, and loves us more than we can imagine.

Without having faith,

it’s impossible;

to please the Lord God,

Who is over all.

Faith is required,

to keep seeking Him;

in all things, always,

even when hope’s dim.

He’s present to help,

no matter what comes;

but we must choose trust,

that His will be done.

He is always good,

even when life’s not;

He shows His nearness,

and love that we’ve got.

So, trust in the Lord,

and watch your faith grow;

for faithfulness reaps,

where trust has been sown.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we trust that You are who You say You are, our faith grows and we come to know more and more of You. Thank You that as we seek You in trust, You hear us and are pleased to help. Forgive us for our lack of faith when storms come our way. Teach us to trust You to be our anchor in the storms and the peace that surpasses our understanding in all things and at all times. Lead us to love those around us in ways that point to You and expand the faith in others. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we faithfully seek and trust in You, for You hear us and bless us with Your nearness and eternal hope. Amen.

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

He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” – Matthew 17:20

Unshakable Hope

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us hold on to grace. By it, we may serve God acceptable, with reverence and awe. – (Hebrews 12:28, HCSB)

So we should be thankful because we have a kingdom that cannot be shaken. And because we are thankful, we should worship God in a way that will please Him. We should do this with respect and fear. – (Hebrews 12:28, ERV)

Therefore, let us all be thankful that we are a part of an unshakable Kingdom and offer to God worship that pleases Him and reflects the awe and reverence we have toward Him. – (Hebrews 12:28, VOICE)

What is yet to come is far better than what has been. Even the best, most amazing moments of our life pale in comparison to what heaven holds for all of eternity. His kingdom cannot be shaken, despite the ups and downs we experience here and now. God’s grace is what carries us, and His strength is supplied as it is needed. Our charge is to seek and serve Him with reverence and awe, for that is acceptable and pleasing to Him. He is God and we are not. Life unfolds in ways that we do not and cannot completely understand, yet His presence and peace remain as we depend on Him. May we ever worship God for His goodness and grace, and seek Him with awe and reverence for who He is and how He loves. Let us ever remember where our unshakable hope is found.

Love impossible,

hope unstoppable;

grace infallible,

peace that’s palpable.

For such love is found,

in Jesus alone;

our help and our hope,

His goodness made known.

As we cling to Him,

the hope in us grows;

for His present peace,

beyond what we’ve known.

Let us choose hold fast,

to our hope in Him;

with reverent awe,

Love never grows dim.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we have an unshakable hope in You. Thank You that as we seek You, we find Your goodness, grace, and perfect peace, no matter what surrounds us. Forgive us for the times that we find our hope is lacking, for in such spaces, we have lost sight of You. Teach us to trust in You in all things and at all times, for You are hope unshakable. Lead us to love as You love, so that Your goodness and grace are made known and the unshakable hope we have in You is shown. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we place our hope in You with awe and reverence, for You cannot be shaken. Amen.

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

Now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You. – Psalm 39:7

Confess to Be Cleansed

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. – (1 John 1:9, NIV)

But if we confess our sins, God will forgive us. We can trust God to do this. He always does what is right. He will make us clean from the wrong things we have done. – (1 John 1:9, ERV)

But if we own up to our sins, God shows that He is faithful by forgiving us of our sins and purifying us from the pollution of all the bad things we have done. – (1 John 1:9, VOICE)

We all fall short and sin, be it in word, thought or deed. Our human nature is sinful, but God with us is pure and holy. When we talk to God and let Him know where we have fallen short or have said or done things that we know do not bring Him glory and ask for His forgiveness, He forgives and wipes the slate clean. In Psalm 103 we are reminded that “as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” God forgives us and looks at us through the lens of Jesus, the One who has no sin. No more does He hold what we have thought, said, or done against us, but rather He looks upon us with love, fresh and new. Unlike humans, He separates the sinner from the sin and chooses to pour out upon us His love and forgiveness as we ask. We, as humans, have a harder time forgiving and letting go. For us, we often have to ask Him to help us forgive others on more than one occasion for the same offense. He is our example of how to forgive and let go. The more we realize how we are forgiven each time we ask, the easier time we have forgiving those around us. May we ever seek the Lord and ask Him to forgive where we have erred, and to help us forgive those around us who have done the same.

The goodness of God,

far greater than sin;

He wipes our slate clean,

again and again.

Each time we fall short,

and ask He forgive;

He cleanses our heart,

mercy and grace gives.

Much in the same way,

we’re called to the same;

forgive each other,

so His good’s proclaimed.

Christ’s our example,

for He took on all;

He bore on the cross,

our sin, great and small.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that each time we ask, You forgive us and make us new. Thank You that there is no sin that we have done that has been hidden from You, yet still You love and pursue us and call us Your own. Forgive us for every word, thought, and deed that did not glorify You. Teach us to listen and learn so that we would follow Your lead in all things and at all times. Show us how to love and forgive as You do so that those around us would gain glimpses of Your goodness and grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You anew each day and ask that You cleanse us from our unrighteousness and move in and through us so that Your love is made known. Amen.

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

But with You forgiveness exists; that’s why true respect of You might flow. – Psalm 130:4

Good Works Lead to Love and Loyalty

Don’t those who plan evil go astray? But those who plan good find loyalty and faithfulness. – (Proverbs 14:22, HCSB)

Whoever works to do good will find love and loyalty. It is a mistake to work at doing evil. – (Proverbs 14:22, ERV)

Isn’t it obvious that conspirators lose out, while the thoughtful win love and trust? – (Proverbs 14:22, MSG)

When we choose to do good, good things come our way. If we choose to do that which is not right, we start down a slippery slope. Loyalty, faithfulness, love and trust are what grow from good works. A plan to do good is a plan to choose love again and again. As I consider those to whom I feel loyal to and trust, I realize it is the people in my life who continually choose to do good. Their words and actions align with love, and they continually demonstrate that they deserve trust. No one is perfect and we all fall short, but it is the heart of people that seek to do good that discover love and loyalty, trust and faithfulness. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us to do good, and give Him thanks for the goodness that He provides.

To choose to do good,

is how we should be;

for as we do so,

we find the Lord’s peace.

Trust and faithfulness,

love and loyalty;

are what is returned,

as good’s done freely.

Lord, lead and guide us,

to walk in Your way;

so we choose do good,

throughout each new day.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good and You deserve all of our love, loyalty, trust and faithfulness. Thank You that You designed us to do the same. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to do the good You intended. Teach us to choose to live and love like You, so that good is what we offer to the world. Show us how to love those around us well, in word and in deed, so that Your heart is made evident to all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to show us how to do good at all times. 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

Praying for One Another

With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of His calling, and that by His power He may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. – (2 Thessalonians 1:11, NIV)

That is why we always pray for you. We ask our God to help you live the good way He wanted when He chose you. The goodness you have makes you want to do good. And the faith you have makes you work. We pray that with His power God will help you do these things more and more. – (2 Thessalonians 1:11, ERV)

All this is why we are constantly praying for you, so God will make you worthy of the great calling you have received from Him and will give you the power to accomplish every good intention and work of faith. – (2 Thessalonians 1:11, VOICE)

This is a great reminder that we ought to continually be praying for one another; asking God to equip, strengthen and empower one another to do the things that He has created us to do. We all have strengths and gifts that He has given to us to use for His glory. At times, we are uncertain as to how we might do so, and other times we simply feel too weary to do more. That being said, as we step forward in the direction to which we have been called, we discover that He will provide what we need to get through each new day. There have been many times in my life that I knew it was through the faithful prayers of my mom and grandma that I was equipped to do what I never thought was possible. My hope is that I become one who is faithfully praying for others. This must be a purposeful practice, for it is only through repetition that something becomes a habit, and ultimately turns into something that is a part of who we are. I know this is true with my daily devotions that led to this blog. For nearly a decade and a half, I have begun every morning this way. It sets my heart for the day, and equips me to do the things that are before me. May we ever seek the Lord to build in us a habit of praying for one another.

O Lord, help us pray,

in love, for others;

with consistency,

for sisters, brothers.

Father, guide our hearts,

show us how to pray;

to lift each other,

throughout each new day.

All grace and all peace,

God lovingly gives;

our help and our hope,

each day that we live.

Lead us, Lord Jesus,

as we go the way;

that You’re calling us,

equip us, I pray.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to and create us for community. Thank You that You established countless examples of what it looks like to cover one another in prayer. Thank You that You quicken to our minds and hearts the things we ought to bring before You. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to slow down and listen. Teach us to be intentional to pray for those around us. Lead us to love, encourage, and build up one another. May many come into a lasting relationship with You as an answer to our prayers. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to make prayer for each other a lifestyle. Amen.

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

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. – Romans 12:12

Grateful for the Faithful

I thank my God every time I remember you. – (Philippians 1:3, NIV)

Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. – (Philippians 1:3, MSG)

Whenever you cross my mind, I thank my God for you and for the gift of knowing you. – (Philippians 1:3, VOICE)

One of the greatest gifts that we have, aside from salvation, is the treasure found in faithful friends and family. These are the people in our circle that no matter what, they are for us and would do anything they could if a need arises. Such people in our lives are our tangible reminder of the goodness and faithfulness of God. Even now, as I ponder such individuals in my life, I smile and give God thanks, for I am rich in family and friends. Friends and family that fall into this category, are the ones that no matter how much time has passed between conversations, we are able to pick up where we left off without hesitation or discomfort. Joy is always present when time is spent together. May we ever give thanks to God for the people whom He has placed in our lives in different seasons, and praise Him for the treasure we know in each one.

Forever grateful,

is how my heart feels;

when I remember,

loved ones that are real.

For each is a gift,

So many more that are not pictured here… ❤

that my heart treasures;

kindness, grace and love,

found beyond measure.

This love that is known,

all we can compare;

to the love of God,

such goodness He shares.

All that we have found,

is only a part;

of eternal love,

that dwells in our heart.

His love is beyond,

all that we have known;

His goodness and peace,

through loved ones is shown.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You gift us with family and friends that provide us with glimpses of the goodness and faithfulness we have in You. Thank You for the treasures we have in those whom You have purposefully placed in our lives. Forgive us for the times that we neglect to give You praise, for You are the Provider throughout all our days. Teach us to recognize the glorious gifts that You have given, and to praise You with thanksgiving for each treasure we have known. Lead us to love one another as You love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as I give You thanks each time a loved one comes to mind. Amen.

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

God is the source of our blessings; may every corner of the earth respect and revere Him. – Psalm 67:7

Purposeful Pages

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. – (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV)

All Scripture is given by God. And all Scripture is useful for teaching and showing people what is wrong in their lives. It is useful for correcting faults and teaching the right way to live. Using the Scriptures, those who serve God will be prepared and will have everything they need to do every good work. – (2 Timothy 3:16-17, ERV)

All of Scripture is God-breathed; in its inspired voice, we hear useful teaching, rebuke, correction, instruction, and training for a life that is right so that God’s people may be up to the tsk ahead and have all they need to accomplish every good work. – (2 Timothy 3:16-17, VOICE)

Spending time in the pages of God’s word is purposeful for all. If we merely relied of Sunday mornings, we would only be gaining a weekly snapshot of what God wants us to know, rather than the motion picture that is ever-rolling when we are invested in His word. The more we are intentional to spend time in God’s word, the better we know Him and what He wants for us. It teaches, corrects, instructs, and shows us the ways in which we are meant to go. Because the word of God is alive and active, each time I read I either find something new or discover a fresh reminder of what I should and should not do, and all that He has for me. With instant access at our fingertips, there is no reason to not spend time in His word. My Bible app is accessible anywhere, anytime. Even when I do not have the traditional time to sit and soak in His presence, I can make room to at least read the verse of the day and the passage that surrounds it, and prayer is an ongoing conversation with God that can be audible or silent from the hollows of my heart. God is faithful to show us more of who He is and how we are to live as we choose to seek Him. We are all a work in progress, yet without instruction, our progress is thwarted. May we ever seek the Lord and spend time in the purposeful pages of His word so that we might more clearly reflect His goodness and love to the world around us.

God is our anchor,

the Word is the chain;

tethered together,

how truth shall remain.

For God is faithful,

to show us the way;

His Word, our beacon,

that makes the path plain.

Purposeful pages,

to help us all grow;

more in His likeness,

so His love’s made known.

Each day help us seek,

the Lord and His ways;

for following Him,

is the best, always.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your Word is alive and active, ready to direct, correct, lead and teach us the ways in which we are meant to go. Thank You that You are faithful to meet us each time we seek You. Forgive us for the times that we neglect to spend time in Your word, for we have no excuse with instant access. Teach us to make time with You and in Your word a priority each day to set our hearts right. Lead us to not only read and listen, but to live out what Your purposeful pages instruct us to do. Show us how to love people as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You and listen to Your leading, correcting and directing so that we can more clearly reflect Your love to those around us. Amen.

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

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12

Exceedingly More

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. – (Ephesians 3:20-21, NIV)

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. – (Ephesians 3:20-21, NKJV)

With God’s power working in us, He can do much, much more than anything we can ask or think of. To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time, forever and ever. Amen. – (Ephesians 3:20-21, ERV)

As humans, our limited minds attempt to set limits on what we think God can do. Incredibly, He can do far more than we could hope or imagine. Just this morning, I was dwelling on a situation that I am dreading dealing with, for in my own understanding I am uncertain of what to do, yet God, in His infinite wisdom, can do exceedingly more than I could envision. My task is to trust Him and do what He shows me to do. He is good, and His ways lead to good as well. As we follow His leading, we are giving Him glory, both individually and corporately as the church. However, when we attempt to do things in our own understanding and strength, we are not trusting Him for His way, which is always greater. For me, even in the span of the short time it has taken to read and ponder today’s passage, my heart is strengthened and encouraged, and resolve is rising up to trust as I move forward in what needs to be done. God is good, and He has a plan and a purpose in all things. His heart is for us and He shows us and grows us so that we can love well and glorify Him in all that we say and do. May we ever seek Him and trust in His goodness to do exceedingly more than we could hope or imagine.

All glory to God,

Who sits on the throne;

Who loves us much more,

than our hearts have known.

Ever He’s working,

within and around;

His grace and goodness,

are easily found.

For as we choose seek,

we soon come to know;

in Him there’s much more,

as we learn and grow.

To Him, be glory,

now and ever more;

Father, we praise You,

the One to adore.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You can do exceedingly more in and through us than we could ever hope or imagine. Thank You that You are greater than all of our situations, struggles and circumstances. Thank You that You are the solution, and You will always show us the way. Forgive us for our lack of faith and our foolishness that leads us to attempt things on our own instead of seeking You. Teach us to trust You more, in all things, always. Show us the ways that we are meant to go so that we may love as You first loved us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You and trust You to do exceedingly more in our hearts, circumstances, and lives, so that we may more clearly reflect Your goodness and grace to all. Amen.

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

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things and at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. – 2 Corinthians 9:8