Impossible Provision

John just beheaded,

image by Tony Felich

the loss of great friend.

Men seeking comfort

and rest at days end.

As they gathered round,

reported to Him,

people kept coming;

energy grew dim.

Jesus said, “Let’s go.”

So, off they all went.

Seeking solitude,

refreshing time spent.

The crowd, however,

did not get the news,

and ran on ahead,

as the eager do.

When Jesus landed

and saw the large crowd,

He said, “feed my sheep,

let go of your doubt.”

We have not the funds

to feed so many,

five loaves and two fish –

few would get any.

He had them sit down

in groups on the ground.

He raised what they had,

abundance abounds.

All who were present,

ate ’til satisfied.

With much left over,

God’s grace did provide.

(Responding to Mark 6:30-44)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that nothing is impossible for You.  Thank You that though we look and see our lack, You see the possibilities.  Teach us to see through Your eyes, so that we too, might be ever seeing that which is possible in You.  Forgive us for our doubt, and help us to trust You alone as our Source, our Strength and our Supply.  Thank You that nothing is too difficult for You.  May the words of our mouth and the meditations of our heart, be an ongoing testimony of our trust in You and Your faithfulness.  May many come to know You through all that we say and do.  Be glorified through our words, actions and attitudes today.  Amen.

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

Legion Lost

They called me wild.

image by Elle Alice

Had me bound in chains.

Isolation.

Made deeper my pains.

Among the tombs,

the voices, the noise.

Broken, bleeding –

seemingly no choice.

My screams not heard;

exhausting torment.

Made way to move,

despite their intent.

Then on that day,

when everything changed,

before me – Hope,

removal of stains.

Voice deep within,

called Jesus by name.

Who was this man?

What would be His claim?

Oh my dear friends,

you must hear the news.

He took my chains,

and clothed me in truth.

All the spirits

that had tortured me,

commanded out,

in pigs, then in sea.

My thoughts now clear,

my mind is at peace.

A life restored,

a captive set free.

I begged follow,

but He said to stay.

“Go tell others,

what I’ve done today.”

So now I speak.

I shall never cease.

I once was bound,

now cling to true peace.

(Responding to Mark 5:1-20)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You do not leave us in our bound up and broken state, but that it is Your joy to set the captives free.  Thank You that You sent Your Son, Jesus, to do just that.  Thank You that my every sin, stain, fear and failure is finished, as it was nailed to that cross, as He died in my place.  Please forgive us for trying to take back, that which has already been forgiven and forgotten, and help us to do the same.  Teach us to trust You completely, and to walk in ongoing obedience to all that You are asking.  May each of us find the freedom that You have for us, so that we might move mightily in Your Name.  May many come to know You as we move where You ask.  Lead us in love today.  Amen.

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

Barren Branches Heavenward

On afternoon drive home,

image by Barbolian Fields

my weary eyes did see,

bright sunlight through branches

of giant barren tree.

Though it was stripped naked,

no bright leaves to adorn.

Every branch reaching up,

true beauty in its form.

It needed not color,

nor covering of snow;

but by reaching upward,

it held promise to grow.

That beautiful image,

my reminder from Him.

There’s power and purpose,

in each season we’re in.

When our leaves fall away,

and before Him we’re bare,

we at last grant access

for Him to offer care.

He’ll bind up the broken,

and trim away what’s dead.

Renew and restore us,

provide our daily bread.

As we raise our hands high,

and too, bask in the Son.

He’ll finish what’s been started,

all battles will be won.

So raise up your branches,

allow the Son to shine.

Receive what He offers,

as He’s calling you “Mine.”

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

Ecclesiastes 3:1 – “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.”

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that there is beauty in every season of our lives – that without the darkness, we would recognize not, nor truly appreciate the power and warmth of Your light.  Thank You that despite what we see or feel, You remain present.  Thank You that it is often through the times that we are stripped bare, that we become the most beautiful in Your eyes, as our arms have no choice but to extend heavenward.  Forgive us for not always recognizing the remarkable in the regular, and help us to see Your purpose for our every time of trial and testing that we walk through.  May we trust in You completely and be bold, knowing that You will be ever beside us as we go where You ask.  Lead us Lord, and may we follow well.  May many come to know You as we walk where You call.  Amen.

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

When Answers Come

When so long a dream

image by mi9.com

and hope seem deferred,

a glimmer of grace,

I question what’s heard.

Years of prayers lifted,

ever-fading hope.

Clinging to lifeline,

the end of the rope.

Then out of nowhere,

words of hope are heard,

is this the answer?

It seems so absurd.

Great joy rising up,

with guardian wall.

I long to shout out,

yet fear I may fall.

It is in His hands,

where it’s always been.

Help me to trust You.

Keep me far from sin.

For You have great things,

in store, just for me.

With no strings attached,

Your great gifts are free.

Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Matthew 7:8 – “For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

Dear Heavenly Father, I stand in awe of the wonderful ways that You work.  Your ways are so much higher and greater than I could even begin to imagine!  Lord Jesus, I know that the waiting will have been worth all the while; help me to trust You as it all unfolds.  Grant me Your patience, not mine, and allow me to see through Your eyes so that I will not grow weary nor discouraged.  Forgive me for my frustration, fear and hesitation to trust that it could be true.  Thank You that You are so much more than my mind can conceive.  Father, have Your way.  May we be ever-listening and obedient, so that Your love can be clearly conveyed to those who need to know it most.  Amen.

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

Forgiveness Fuels Freedom

Stuck in this body,

image by hoyasmeg @ flickr

trapped in my shame.

Were my sinful ways,

alone to blame?

These four faithful friends,

now carry me.

Hope to see Jesus,

maybe set free?

The place is a zoo,

there’s no way in.

That stopped not my friends,

they always win.

They climbed on the roof,

and cut out a hole.

Brought me way up high,

to reach the goal.

I was lowered down,

before His feet;

so vulnerable,

this way to meet.

Nerves frayed, I dared look –

into His eyes.

“You are forgiven,”

was His reply.

In that one moment,

just Him and me,

I knew His power,

I was now free!

People in the crowd,

questioning hearts,

Jesus addressed them,

to tell God’s part.

He said unto me,

“Get up and walk.”

So, I did just that.

Amazed was the talk.

(Responding to Mark 2:1-12)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that in You, there is freedom.  Thank You that You forgive us from all that paralyzes our hearts and minds, and prevents us from embracing the truth.  Forgive us for holding onto that which keeps us bound, and lead us to further freedom in You.  Teach us to trust You with our whole heart, so that we might live and love well.  Please grant healing to the hearts, minds and bodies of all who are in need of Your healing touch, and may each one be ever aware that the healing has come from You.  Use us Lord, to encourage and bless those around us, and may many come to call You King.  Amen.

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

Transforming Touch

Seeping the sores

image by Heather LaPierre

that cover my skin.

Far deeper the scars,

aching within.

Despised by all,

rejected in fear.

No human touch,

none will dare come near.

News of a man,

in village nearby,

who heals the sick.

Could He hear my cry?

He is coming,

to my town, and soon.

What shall I ask?

What am I to do?

That must be Him,

who’s walking this way.

I have to now,

I must seize the day!

I ran to Him,

and fell at His feet.

“If You’re willing,

You can make me clean.”

With tender touch,

compassionate face,

He said, “Be clean!”

Right there, in that place.

My despised heart,

now tenderly heard,

with but a touch,

and promising word.

(Responding to Mark 1:40-42)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are not repulsed nor repelled by our brokenness, but rather You willingly and lovingly come close and touch that which the world deems untouchable.  Thank You that You love us in the places where we feel most broken and unlovable.  Forgive us for being slow to ask, and help us to remember to run to You, as You are always waiting with arms open wide.  May we receive all that You have for us, so that we in turn, may be quick to extend our hands and hearts to those who feel unlovable or untouchable by the world’s standards.  Use us to lead the lost to Your loving arms of grace.  Amen.

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

Sense in Storms

Sensory showing,

image by Jean Guichard

need not be what’s true.

For often what’s seen,

is obstructed view.

Hidden by our fears,

blurred by raging storm;

clarity eludes,

when nowhere feels warm.

Fortunately faith,

is not sense nor sight.

It’s a choice to trust,

when nothing seems right.

Despite the chaos,

and all that surrounds,

if God’s our anchor,

He’ll not let us drown.

Storm or in stillness,

He will bring true peace.

He may calm the storm,

or heart that’s ill at ease.

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

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that our faith in You is not dependant on our senses.  Thank You that our relationship with You is built by faith that comes through trusting that which we know is true, regardless of what we see.  Forgive us for becoming fearful or losing focus when we are caught in the midst of raging storms.  Teach us to trust in all things and at all times, as You are our Strong Tower that will not be shaken, nor ever change.  Thank You that nothing is impossible for You.  May our words and our deeds be a witness of Your unfailing love and faithfulness to all those whom we meet.  May many come to call You the Savior of their souls.  Amen.

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

Beside Still Waters

Lord, You are my Shepherd,

image by Trisha Wilkerson

never shall I fear.

Nor shall I be in want,

as I know You’re near.

By the hand You guide me,

beside waters, still.

When my cup is empty,

You lovingly fill.

You guide me the right way,

the path in Your Name.

The place full of promise,

for all who proclaim.

Despite shadow walking,

through valleys of death,

no evil shall I fear –

for You will protect.

Oh Your rod and Your staff,

bring comfort to me,

for they guide and protect,

keep me close to Thee.

You prepare me a place,

despite ill intent.

You anoint me with oil,

abundance is sent.

Your goodness and Your love,

always by my side.

My hope is eternal,

in me You reside.

(Responding to Psalm 23)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that like David, we can cry out to You in complete honesty, and You will hear our cry.  Thank You that in You, the fear will fade away, as we find Your presence is our ever-present protection and place of peace.  Forgive us for allowing fear a foothold, and grant us courage and strength to completely depend on You.  Thank You that You lead us beside still waters, those sweet spaces of rest, even in the midst of the storms.  Teach us to cling to You, our Comforter and Conqueror, and help us to allow You to do the leading.  May we listen well to Your lead, and may many come to know You as a result of our obedience.  Amen.

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

Bearing Burdens

At times I discover

image by Gisle

the world’s too heavy for me.

The burdens I’m bearing,

making me too blind to see.

The things that I carry,

not meant to be mine at all.

He asks me to give back,

that which will cause me to fall.

For His yoke is easy,

and godly burden is light,

as He wants to carry,

to stand in, cover, and fight.

He wants only my heart,

ready and listening.

And He’ll give back to me,

His light, ever glistening.

My role is quite simple.

He asks me to walk beside,

those for which I’m burdened,

and allow His heart to guide.

Lean not on my own ways,

in Him, place my every trust;

acknowledge only Him,

to take the straight path, I must.

“For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:30

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You do not ask us to bear the burdens of this world.  Thank You that You already have.  Forgive us for trying to carry that which You willingly bore, and help us to recognize and remember that You are so much stronger and better at bearing these things.  Teach us to trust You completely, and help us to hand You each thing that we try to take up again.  Keep our load light before You, so that our burden is light and our bounty might be plentiful for Your kingdom.  May we walk in obedience so that we can be used as You have purposed for each of us.  Help us to love freely, without fear, as You so lavishly love us.  May many come to know You, by our love.  Amen.

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

Pressed for a Purpose

We pick up again

with imprisoned Paul.

Festus’ arrival –

Jews press for trial.

Oh transfer him please,

they asked him in power.

New plot to ambush,

destroy righteous tower.

Plot that was evil,

was quickly denied.

God-given wisdom,

was Paul’s steady guide.

He knew Jewish law,

and his Roman rights.

To Caesar appealed,

in his freedom fight.

Festus and council,

all stood and agreed.

If Caesar you want,

to Caesar indeed!

A few days later,

the king and his queen,

arrived in that place,

agreed to be seen.

For Festus had shared

the woes of the man,

brought by this Roman,

left too, in his hands.

Elders and chief priests

all stood and accused.

Not the expected,

image by RTI

but of their faith views.

Jerusalem asked,

and swiftly denied.

“To Caesar, please, Sir.”

It was in his right.

The king was intrigued,

and wanted to meet,

this man who stood strong,

wouldn’t accept defeat.

King and queen entered,

with much pomp and show.

Paul shared of the truth,

so they too might know.

(Responding to Acts 25)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your ongoing examples of people who press on, despite tremendous pressure.  Thank You that though there was the threat of losing his life, Paul’s concern was with sharing Your truth before those who knew You not.  Oh to have our priorities aligned accordingly all the time…  Father, thank You that Your Son, Jesus, showed us the ultimate example of selflessness and continued to present Your truth, even as He was hanging on the cross and being mocked by a criminal hanging beside Him.  He found the strength to share His hope with the one who was ready to hear.  Lord, I was to love like that, all the time, unhindered by circumstances – with all that I am.  Forgive us for fixing our eyes on anything other than You.  Empower and equip us to stand strong, even in the storm, so that we may share our hope with those who are starting to sink.  Use us as Your lifelines of truth, so many may come to trust You.  Amen.

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