The Great Gift of Grace

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For the grace of God,

that brings us all hope;

our delivery,

the true lifeline rope.

It instructs each one,

how we are to live;

teaching to deny,

evil the world gives.

Strength and self-control,

so we may choose well;

wait for blessed hope,

redemption from hell.

The glorious day,

the Savior appears;

He will take us home,

and allay all fears.

Those who call on Him,

will not be denied;

by His blood, redeemed,

now called purified.

Because we are free,

and considered His;

be ever eager,

do good as He says.

(Responding to Titus 2:11-14)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that all hope is held in You, and all who hold Your hope are redeemed and empowered to live a life that is pleasing to You. Forgive us for our faltering – the times that we have succumbed to ungodliness and worldly passions – and grant us Your strength to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives. Give us ears to hear You, and hearts that are willing to obey. May many come to know Your covering as we choose to walk in Your truth. Let our lives shine bright before all. Amen.

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

Praise for His Promises

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Teach me Your way, O Lord,

in You, I will abide;

may I fear Your great Name,

a heart none can divide.

I will ever praise You,

O Lord with all my heart;

I’ll praise Your Name always,

the Granter of new starts.

Great is Your love for me,

delivered from the grave;

powerful, Your promise,

so plain the path You pave.

Though arrogant surround,

You are my gracious Lord;

slow to become angry,

lavish love You afford.

Turn to me, have mercy,

and grant to me Your strength;

demonstrate Your goodness,

keep me in Your arm’s length.

 

(Responding to Psalm 86:11-17)

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we abide in You, You instruct and strengthen, protect and provide grace.  Thank You that You are slow to anger and abound in love.  Forgive us for taking grace for granted, and help us to ever praise You.  Teach us Your ways, and make plain the path You have set before us.  Strengthen us so that we may have undivided hearts, and forever abide in You.  As we walk in faithful obedience, may many come to know of Your great love, so that they too, will abide in You.  Great are You, our gracious and loving God!  Amen.

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

Remaining Resolute in Our Redeemer

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Our Lord God sits on high,

seated upon the throne;

one day all will appear,

our every deed made known.

We all are called to share,

the truth found in His word;

correct and encourage,

’til every ear has heard.

Be prepared at all times,

convenient or if not;

be patient and careful,

’til every soul is sought.

For the time has now come,

all doctrine is not sound;

words have become twisted,

turning from truth they’d found.

In all situations,

endure and work for Him;

stay true to Christ the Lord,

choose not to sink, but swim.

Always fight the good fight,

keep faith to finish strong;

for heaven is waiting,

to all in Him belong.

(Responding to 2 Timothy 4:1-8)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that despite how things may appear, You are securely seated upon Your throne.  Thank You that You are above all things, and in You, all may be overcome.  Forgive us for the times that our faith waivers due to the seemingly impossible situations set before us, and grant us Your eyes to see and Your strength to endure until the end.  Teach us to trust You even more, and equip us to be ready to share what You place upon our hearts.  May many come to call You King, as a result of our faithful obedience to whatever You ask.  All glory and honor to You, God.  Amen.

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

His Word Shows the Way

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The Word of God,

is God-breathed truth;

useful to teach,

correct, rebuke.

Righteous training,

for followers;

equipping all,

to do His work.

Every deed,

done unto God;

to demonstrate,

His path to trod.

For He is good,

His Word is true,

as we obey,

He makes us new.

Study His truth,

be in the Word;

He grants wisdom,

for what we’ve heard.

In Him alone,

may we all trust;

obedience,

do as we must.

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

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word, for it is our set of instructions to live as You call us to live.  Thank You that as we are faithful to study Your Word, You are faithful to reveal more of Yourself unto us, by Your Holy Spirit dwelling in us.  Forgive us for not being more diligent in the study of Scripture, and lead us to study and obey what You ask.  Teach us, train us, correct and rebuke us, so that we might become thoroughly equipped to do all that You ask of us.  Lead us and guide us we pray, so that many may come to know You each day.  Amen.

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

To Him Be True

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In life and in death,
live unto the Lord;
endure all that comes,
stay in one accord.
If we are faithful,
with Him we will reign;
if we disown Him,
life will end in shame.
Though when we’re weary,
when faith has run out;
He remains faithful,
to self He’s devout.
May we do our best,
present selves approved,
no shame found in Him,
He shall not be moved.
God’s firm foundation,
will ever stay true;
He knows who are His,
shows us what to do.
Be cleansed from all sin,
confess to the Lord;
He forgives and loves,
His grace He’ll afford.

(Responding to 2 Timothy 2:11-21)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we give our lives to You, You come near and are faithful forever. Thank You that Your faithfulness is not dependant on whether or not we do “enough”, but You are true to Your Spirit who dwells within all who choose to trust in You. Forgive us for the times that our faith seems fickle, and grant us Your steadfastness, to forever remain in You. Equip and empower us to always do our best unto You, and may many see You in us, and desire Your light and love that dwells within. Lead the lost unto Yourself, and use us as Your instruments to pass on Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Amen.

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

He Has Given

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God does not give us

a spirit of fear;

He fans into flames,

the truth that we hear.

His Spirit’s power,

to boldly proclaim,

the truth of His word,

without any shame.

With sincerest faith,

share of His great love,

for He gave His life,

His thoughts high above.

Be self-disciplined,

and follow His ways;

walk boldly in truth,

for all of our days.

As we have been saved,

willing may we give;

share of His great hope,

so others may live.

Grace be upon us,

as we follow Christ;

keep us from trouble,

let not sin entice.

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” – (2 Timothy 1:7)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we choose to follow You, You equip us with Your Spirit, so that we may be bold as we grow in You. Teach us to walk in Your power, love and self-discipline, so that Your word is heard by all who long to hear. Forgive us for our fearfulness, and help us to grow in confidence in You. Thank You that You are always faithful, regardless of our faithfulness. Empower us to walk in truth all of our days, and may many come to know You and be saved. May we firmly hold the hope we have in You. Amen.

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

Flee from Foolishness

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All who are of God,

flee temptation’s snare;

let not foolish greed,

catch us unaware.

We are called to be,

content with His grace;

we brought nothing in,

take nothing from this place.

Godliness is great,

contentment brings gain;

flee from wickedness,

allow God to reign.

Faith and love endure,

gentleness will last;

fight the fight of faith,

release ugly past.

Take hold of the hope,

in eternal life;

to which we are called,

precious in His sight.

 

(Responding to I Timothy 6:6-12)

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our Provider.  Forgive us for our foolish greed, and grant us a godly perspective when it comes to wealth.  Teach us to be generous and kind, and keep us from getting caught up in the wickedness of amassing wealth for selfish gain.  Help us to be content with what we have, and keep our focus on faith in You, as it is the only treasure that lasts forever.  May our faith, hope and gentleness lead lives to You, and may many come to hold their hope in You alone.  All glory and honor unto You.  Amen.

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

 

Honor Unto Him

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Treat one another,
with love and respect;
honor and care for,
homes that have been wrecked.
Rebuke not old men,
grant them due honor;
as if they were each,
our earthly fathers.
Young men as brothers,
ladies as sisters;
each with purity,
be sin resistors.
Treat older women,
as if our own mom;
grant help to widows,
be His healing balm.
Care for family,
generous and wise;
place hope in our God,
resist pleasure’s lies.
When proper honor,
is given to these;
we honor our God,
serve as He would please.

(Responding to I Timothy 5:1-8)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You don’t just tell us to love one another, and leave it at that, but You give us specific instructions to guide all that we say and do. Forgive us for the times that we have not honored each other as You have asked, and help us to treat older men and women as fathers and mothers, and younger men and women as brothers and sisters – all with absolute purity – as each are Your created, whom You dearly love. Teach us to live and love like You, and may our kindness and generosity lead many to look to You alone. Amen.

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

Live in Love

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God grants us each,
some spiritual gifts;

they are most useful,

when to Him we lift.

Be firmly rooted,

immersed in His word;

follow Christ’s teachings,

so His heart is heard.

Steer clear of the myths,

mind not old wives’ tales;

train well in His ways,

for they never fail.

Spiritual fitness,

reaps heaven’s reward;

faith to move mountains,

with future secured.

Let our lives be full,

faithful purity;

may all see His love,

and captives set free.

May we watch our lives,

ever diligent;

persevere in faith,

lead lost to repent.

(Responding to I Timothy 4:7-15)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You grant each of us good gifts, given to be used for Your glory.  Help us to embrace and operate in these gifts, faithfully and wholly dependent on You.  Train us in the ways You want us to go, and grant us ears to hear, hearts to understand, and feet that are willing to walk wherever You call.  Forgive us for not investing all that we ought to in our spiritual training.  Please teach us to trust You more, so that we may rise up and reveal more of You as we live lives of love, unto You.  May many come to know You as we are intentional to seek and serve however we are called.  Amen.

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

Faith in the Fight

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He fights our battles,

may we sing His praise;

all honor to Him,

the Keeper of days.

We take position,

stand firm in our faith;

do not be afraid,

when foes we must face.

Our deliverance,

lies in God alone;

be not discouraged,

the outcome is known.

“You will not have to fight this battle.  Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.  Go out and face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.” – (2 Chronicles 20:17)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that our battles belong to You, and that we are only called to what You ask us to do.  Grant us ears to hear You, and hearts to understand, so that we may stand firm in our faith and forever trust in You.  Forgive us for our fear and discouragement, and please grant us reminders of Your strength and Your presence in the midst of our messes.  Thank You that when we abide in You, we never stand alone.  Grant us courage for every foe we may face.  Please strengthen those in the throes of the fight, and may all know that victory is found in You.  Help us to encourage and strengthen each other in You, so that many may come to know the help that comes from Your mighty hands.  All praise to You, God.  Amen.

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