Sing Over Me

image by Brenda Boen

There are few things as soothing as the sweet sound of singing.  In the middle of the tornado in Oklahoma, teachers told their students to join them in song to help distract them, and keep them calm.  A dear friend of mine, nearly every time I see her, prays that I might be aware of His singing over me, prior to our parting.  When I was quite young, and felt afraid because of what was going on around me, I would softly sing songs to Jesus that I had never heard before.  Yesterday, as I was reading one of the many wonderful blogs that I follow (charispsallo.wordpress.com), this verse jumped out at me and wrapped its way around my heart:

“The Lord your God is with you,

the Mighty Warrior who saves.

He will take great delight in you;

in His love He will no longer rebuke you,

but will rejoice over you with singing.”

- Zephaniah 3:17

My response:

The Lord God is with us,

Mighty Warrior who saves.

The Light in our darkness,

to the end of our days.

He will take great delight,

in His daughters and sons;

His love is forever,

for all His chosen ones.

No more need for anger,

rebuke, wrath nor disdain;

for He hears our calling,

through the wind and the rain.

Embraced and forgiven,

heaven’s bells are ringing;

as our loving Father,

is over us singing.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that not only are You the God who saves, who is with us, who delights in us and loves us, but what an overwhelmingly beautiful gift – to think that You, the Creator of all, would rejoice over us with singing!  Thank You for the soothing gift of songs; how the sweet sound can suddenly settle even the most unsettled of souls.  Forgive us for not offering proper praise, as a song unto You should be ever on our hearts, in response to who You are.  May our hearts and voices be open to sing praise to You, and may many be moved toward Your majesty through the truth that is sung through our life song.  Amen.

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

Real Righteousness

image by Charlie Wakefield

To be truly righteous,

it’s apart from the law;

covered by Christ Jesus,

who had no sin, nor flaw.

Righteousness is a gift,

granted to believers;

through faith in Christ alone;

silencing deceiver.

For each of us have sinned,

fallen short of glory;

yet He justifies us,

redemptive grace stories.

God gave His only Son,

lone worthy sacrifice;

He who had known no sin,

the One to justify.

We boast not of our acts,

nor of law adherence;

but boast of His great grace,

and His loving kindness.

(Responding to Romans 3:21-28)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that to be considered righteous before You, we don’t have to do “enough” or be “enough” to earn it, but rather if we place our trust in You, it is a gift that You grant to each of us as You view us through the veil of Your sinless Son.  Forgive us for allowing grace and the law to become muddied, and help us to walk faithfully in the fullness of the grace we have been given, so that we might live and love in a way that is pleasing to You.  May our acceptance of Your grace and our willingness to obey, allow Your light and love to reflect clearly through us to those who need to know You.  May many come to grasp Your great grace for themselves, as their hearts are filled with faith in You.  Amen.

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

Summoned to Stand

image by Muara Fatan

In the path of destruction,

and in the throes of such pain;

let us not forget our God,

who rules in spite of the rain.

Amidst the devastation,

where all seems rubble and dust;

these places where hope rises,

evidence of faithful trust.

For even in great sorrow,

promised joy again will rise;

as beauty from the ashes,

grants us hope to realize.

Where there is fear and darkness,

we are called to stand and pray.

May we offer what we can,

be His hands and heart today.

Rise up all His beloved,

for we all can do our part.

Today, what is He asking?

Answer.  That is where we start.

image from abcnews

“We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield.” – (Psalm 33:20)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that in the midst of devastation and destruction, You are still God.  Help us to not lose sight of Your strength to save and restore, even out of the spaces of seeming total wreckage and rubble.  We lift up all of the lives impacted by the recent collapse of the garment factory in Bangladesh, the earthquakes, the fighting, corruption, terrorism, and most recently, the terrible tornadoes in Oklahoma.  Lord Jesus, help all to see Your light in the darkness and devastation, and grant us wisdom to know what You would have us do in response.  Forgive us for being apathetic to that which does not directly impact us, and grow in us, a passion to pray and to pursue that which You would have us do, to be Your hands and heart to the hurting.  Lead us in Your love, so that many may come to know that lasting hope is held in You alone, and is not dependant on time, space, nor circumstance.  Thank You that You are forever faithful and worthy of all of our trust.  Amen.

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

Evidence of the Eternal

image by Eric J. Christopher

Since the very day,

creation began,

plain is our God’s touch;

clear work of His hands.

Qualities unseen,

visible to man;

looking to the sky,

beholding the land.

Vast oceans of blue,

mighty mountaintops;

abundant valleys,

bright colors that pop.

The joy of new life,

delight of a child;

various creatures,

living in the wild.

Who could not see Him,

looking all around?

God’s majestic hand,

is so clearly found.

Hear Him, created,

He is calling out;

for all to know Him,

and live life devout.

“Since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.  For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” – (Romans 1:19-20)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You surround us with clear evidence of You.  Thank You that each breath, every heartbeat, is a reminder of Your love and attention for each of us.  Thank You that Your power is made plain when we open our eyes to the world around us.  Forgive us for taking any of it for granted, and help us to appreciate the divine detail in Your design.  May we stand in awe as we take in the beauty that surrounds us, and may we clearly convey our gratitude to You, God.  Let us live out loud, a life of love for You, that leads many to move toward You and Your great grace.  May lives be changed and hearts be healed, as we worship You for the wonder that You are.  Amen.

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

Strength in the Struggle

image by Philosophers Stone

The battle continues.

The war is raging on.

Invisible struggle,

fight between right and wrong.

We have a Defender,

ever ready to fight;

our Strength in the battle;

He who makes all things right.

To survive the attacks,

we must call on His Name,

trust in His strength alone,

know He’s true to His claim.

Pray for His strengthening,

know the truth of His word;

spend time with truth-speakers,

so faithfulness is heard.

Do as He is asking,

allow the Lord to lead;

persevere with great faith;

He’ll provide all we need.

(Responding to 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unending faithfulness.  Thank You that You are always willing to provide what is needed to navigate the narrow road.  Forgive us for our fears and for forgetting the forces that are fighting against us that we cannot see.  Teach us how to pray and equip ourselves to fight the good fight, so that we may stand strong in You, regardless of what comes our way.  Thank You that You are our strength when our own strength is gone, and that it is in that very space of seeming weakness, that You are able to use us the most.  Help us to be open and available to You in all things and at all times.  May our willingness to listen and obey, allow Your love and light to shine brightly before all who need to know You.  May many come to call You Lord and King as a result.  Amen.

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

Encouraging Words

image by beliefnet.com

In weariness, worn;

a frustrated rant.

No harsh words spoken;

only grace to grant.

Child-like complaining,

met with tenderness.

Encouraging words,

brought peace in my mess.

God’s kind heart to mine,

on the face of friends;

He restores all hope,

as His love extends.

Reminders of truth,

when it’s hard to see;

His grace is greater,

than what comes at me.

As strength is renewed,

and faith rises up,

I am encouraged;

for He is enough.

“May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” – (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness and grace. Thank You that You are our loving Father who patiently waits out our frustrations and complaining, and You tenderly take our hand and heart, and remind us that You are holding us in Your strong hands. Thank You that You are far greater than anything that can ever come against us. Forgive us for our tirades in trying times, and help our immediate response be to turn to trust in You. Thank You for Your love, grace and kindness that You make tangible through others, so that we might gain a greater glimpse of You. May we be strengthened and encouraged as we seek You alone, and may others clearly see You in us, as we respond to Your great and generous love. Lead us and guide us I pray, and bring many to know Your way. Amen.

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

Welcomed to Worship

image by Ann Voskamp

Come let us sing for joy;

unto the Lord, all praise.

Shout aloud to the Rock;

Salvation of our days.

Let us bring Him our thanks,

honor with joyful song.

He is our mighty God,

due worship all day long.

All that is formed is His.

He holds all in His hands;

the mountains and valleys,

waters, life; every man.

Let’s bow down in worship,

and kneel before our King;

for we are His people,

all praise to Him we bring.

When we do hear His voice,

let not our hearts grow cold;

learning from forefathers,

break the cycles of old.

Instead, may we rise up,

with hearts set right to hear;

as we listen, obey -

may many be drawn near.

 

(Responding to Psalm 95)

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You alone are worthy of all our worship and praise.  Thank You that You are our Source and Supply, and our very reason to sing.  Forgive us for turning a deaf ear to what You are speaking, or for not honoring You as You deserve with our worship.  Train our hearts to hear Your still small voice clearly, and raise up in our hearts, the ability to release praise that honors You.  Help us to learn from the mistakes of our ancestors, and lead us to live and love with total trust in You.  May Your light and love in us, shine brightly before others, so that they too, may come to know You as their Savior and King.  May we honor You with our worship today.  Amen.

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

Lifting Up Our Leaders

image by Amy Do-Yeon

Respect the hardworking,

who choose to build you up;

their servanthood lifestyle,

is not an easy cup.

Regard leaders with love,

hold them in high esteem;

for they’re heeding the call,

far beyond what is seen.

Peace to one another,

we are called to be kind;

warn those who are idle,

help renew tired minds.

Encourage the timid,

lend a hand to the weak;

be patient at all times,

so the Father they’ll seek.

Pay back not wrong for wrong,

instead choose to forgive;

pray continually,

let joy be how we live.

With a heart full of thanks,

and lips that ever praise;

we fulfill what He wants,

to bless Him with our days.

(Responding to I Thessalonians 5:12-18)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we are not just asked to do these things and fend for ourselves, but You sent Your Son to show us how it is done, and Your Spirit to give us the strength.  Thank You for the godly men and women that You have placed in leadership roles in our lives.  Thank You for their obedience and faithfulness to You.  Help us to respect and regard our leaders highly, in a way that honors You.  Forgive us for not being more diligent to pray and care for those You have placed in these positions.  Quicken our hearts and minds to remember to pray for our leaders, and to perpetuate peace wherever possible, as we follow the path You have laid for each of us.  May those You have called to lead be encouraged today, and may many come to know You through the love that is extended beyond our building walls.  Amen.

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

Give Without Getting

image by Jesus is Lord

In quiet and truth,

as we lead life well;

others will notice,

our actions will tell.

Minding our business,

working with our hands;

we’ll earn the respect,

following His plans.

Depend on no one,

for a free handout.

Work as unto Him,

and not one shall doubt.

For where there is trust,

open hearts are too;

that is our purpose,

to love as You do.

Give without getting.

Expect nothing back.

Selfless is His love;

in Him, there’s no lack.

(Responding to I Thessalonians 4:11-12)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your love for us is a selfless and sacrificial love.  You gave up Your heavenly throne to come to earth and model a life of love, and then freely gave that life away in our place, though we deserved it not.  Forgive us for our foolish expectations for some sort of return from anyone at anytime.  Help us instead to fix our eyes and hearts on You, and that which we have already received by Your Spirit.  Thank You that all that we need has already been provided; for great is Your faithfulness indeed!  Teach us to work hard and live well, so that our lives are not a distraction, but rather are an attraction, to Your great love and light.  May many come to know You and Your love, according to what You are asking.  Amen.

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

May It Be So

image from Platinum Papers

May the Lord be with you,

throughout all of your days.

May He grant you success,

in all, unto His ways.

May He lead you and guide,

wherever you may go;

your mighty Strong Tower;

the true Peace you will know.

As He puts you in charge,

may you lead others well;

granting Him true command,

so that people can tell.

Do not be discouraged,

allow no place for fear;

may God’s voice be loudest;

truth whispered in your ear.

Be strong and take courage,

and know Who is in charge;

no battle is too great,

nor a problem too large.

Have faith in the Father,

with all you’re meant to be;

in Him, you will find wings,

unto eternity.

(Responding to David’s encouragement to Solomon in I Chronicles 22)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You never lead us to a place where You are not also willing to equip and empower us.  Thank You that so often we are brought to the seemingly impossible to teach us to trust, and to grow our faith.  Forgive us for our fears and doubts, and help us to remember that You, the Creator of the Universe, can handle anything that comes our way.  Thank You that we are not meant to do things in our own strength, but You have given us Your Spirit, and a community of believers to encourage one another and to lean on each other.  Teach us the balance in seeking and trusting You first, and to know when to then go to another for help.  Grant us wisdom, courage and strength, I pray.  May we live and love well in the balance, and may many come to know the safety and security found in You, as a result.  Amen.

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