Give Thanks to the Lord

Give thanks to the Lord,

for He is so good;

His love will always

remain as it should.

A love unfailing,

great deeds for His own;

He satisfies thirst,

feeds hunger that’s known.

For those in darkness,

who call out to Him;

He breaks away chains,

brings light to what’s grim.

Give thanks to the Lord,

for His gracious deeds;

for the freedom brought

to captives in need.

Those in rebellion,

who’re suffering so;

cry out to the Lord,

afflictions will go.

Give thanks to the Lord,

for His healing hand;

with songs of great joy,

praise Him for His plans.

For those in the storm,

where peril surrounds;

cry out to the Lord,

so lost may be found.

Give thanks to the Lord,

for He calms the storms;

with a single word,

new hope shall be born.

The afflicted are healed,

the needy are saved;

the upright see God,

and give Him all praise.

(Responding to Psalm 107)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your love for us is unfailing and unfathomable. While we were Your enemies in darkness, You chose to love us and send Your only Son to be our light, our hope, and our salvation. Thank You that though we deserve it not, You lavish us with Your love. Forgive us Father, for our rebellious hearts, and please help us to firmly fix our eyes on You. Let us live out our days in the light of Your love, and may many be led unto You as a result of our obedience. All praise and thanks to You, Lord. Amen.

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

Live in Light

Our God is the light,

the Light of the world;

no darkness in Him,

all sin shall be hurled.

If we claim the Lord,

yet live not in light;

our life is a lie,

our ways are not right.

If we are in light,

the shadows will fall;

together we’ll live,

His blood cleansing all.

If we don’t admit,

our failures, our sin;

we deceive ourselves,

granting hell the win.

Yet when we confess,

He’s faithful and just;

forgiving us all,

purifying us.

If we claim no sin,

we call Him liar;

His word not in us,

refining fire.

(Responding to 1 John 1:5-9)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are light, and that there is no darkness in You. Forgive us for flirting with darkness – be it in word, thought or deed. Help us to remember our desperate need to confess our unrighteousness, so that the barrier of sin between us, will be removed. Teach us to walk upright before You, fully immersed in Your loving light. Let Your light shine through us, so many may come to know the forgiveness and faithfulness that is forever found in Your love. May we live in Your light, and allow You to shine on our shadows. Amen.

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

Praise the Lord, O My Soul

Praise the Lord, O my soul,

all my inmost being;

yes, praise His holy Name,

He who makes blind seeing.

Praise the Lord, O my soul,

never forget His love;

He forgives and He heals,

gains strength to rise above.

Praise the Lord, O my soul,

who redeems sinful lives;

He crowns us with His love,

our purpose He will drive.

Praise the Lord, O my soul,

He alone satisfies;

granting our desires,

like eagle’s wings, we rise.

Praise the Lord, O my soul,

who works all righteousness;

grants justice where there’s need,

freedom for the oppressed.

God is compassionate,

by His grace, makes us whole;

for He abounds in love,

praise the Lord, O my soul.

(Responding to Psalm 103:1-9)

Dear Heavenly Father, may my whole soul ever praise You. Thank You that You accept our offering, though we deserve it not. Thank You that Your love forgives, heals, and redeems us. Forgive us for attempting to satisfy our souls with anything other than You. Teach us to praise You with all that we are, and may many come to know who You are and how great Your love is for each of us, individually. May many come to know You amazing love. Amen.

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

His Ways

My thoughts are not your thoughts,

nor are your ways My ways;

the Lord’s declaration,

to hear all of our days.

For just as the heavens,

are higher than the earth;

so are the ways of God,

in Whom we find new birth.

As His thoughts aren’t our thoughts,

like the fast falling rain;

His words offer new life,

remove blemish and stain.

No word goes out empty,

all accomplish His plans;

for this purpose He spoke,

and proclaimed His commands.

If we go out in joy,

He will lead us in peace;

all creation will sing,

and worship at His feet.

An everlasting sign,

is the Lord’s great renown;

it will not be destroyed,

in Him, our hearts are found.

(Responding to Isaiah 55:8-13)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your thoughts are far greater than our thoughts, and Your ways are much higher than our ways. Thank You that our salvation is not dependent on our abilities, but rather is secured through Your faithfulness. Forgive us for doubting what has been declared, and for dismissing Your deity. Please help us to remember that You hold all in the palm of Your hand, and nothing is too difficult for You. Grow our faith God, and help us to passionately pursue You with all of our days. May many come to know Your joy and peace that surpasses all understanding, as we walk in faithful obedience unto You. Amen.

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

Review the Basics

Let us remember,

the basics of truth;

the foundation of

all we are to do.

Just as good athletes,

review basic skills;

so also in faith,

to go deeper still.

Do not grow weary,

or bored of what’s true;

for all is built on,

what God has shown you.

As long as we have,

our days, may they count;

let His light burn bright,

so lost become found.

Each time we reread,

the truth of His word;

He shines brand new light,

on all that is heard.

The deeper truth’s known,

the stronger we stand;

discerning what’s true,

live life as He’s planned.

(Responding to 2 Peter 1:12-15)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are unchanging and faithful to what You have promised. Thank You that as we choose to spend time with You – in Your word, in worship, in prayer – You continue to reveal more of Yourself unto us. Forgive us for allowing the weights of the world to make us weary, and help us to hand all our burdens to You, so that we may stand strong in Your truth. May our lives lived in constant pursuit of You, lead those who are looking, to the light of Your truth. Thank You that there is always more to learn, and that You love to further illuminate our understanding of who You are and how deeply You love each of us. All praise to You, our Purpose and Provision. Amen.

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

Unto Him

Humble ourselves,

under the Lord’s hand;

He’ll lift us up,

at the time He’s planned.

Cast all our cares,

anxiousness to Him;

His care covers,

when all seems grim.

Be self-controlled,

forever alert;

foe of our soul,

wants us to get hurt.

Resist his lies,

stand firm in the faith;

we’re not alone,

in needing His grace.

Our Father, God,

who is full of grace;

calls us to Him,

and fuels our faith.

Though there is pain,

it’s just for a while;

we’ll be restored,

embraced as His child.

(Responding to I Peter 5:6-11)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that though there is pain and suffering in this life, it is but a moment when compared to the eternal glory that is yet to come. Thank You that You strengthen and equip us to weather life’s storms, and You grant us the grace to keep seeking Your face. Forgive us for allowing the cares of this world to overwhelm us, and please help us to pass all of our burdens to You. May we walk in the weight of Your grace, and may our lives extend the very same goodness and grace we are given, to all whom we encounter. May many come to know You, as we convey the covering You have provided through Christ. Amen.

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

He Will

Now the word of the Lord,

who created us all;

He who formed each of us,

and asks us to stand tall.

In Him, we shall not fear,

for we have been redeemed;

He has summoned us each,

we are His, He has deemed.

As we pass through turmoil,

when the waters, they rage;

He will not let us sink,

He has numbered our days.

When we walk through the fire,

He’ll not let us be burned;

as we trust in His word,

hold hope in what we’ve learned.

For He is the Lord God,

the Ruler of all things;

He’ll be with us always,

He is why freedom rings.

To Him we are precious,

and honored in His sight;

He loves us and keeps us,

for His children, He’ll fight.

(Responding to Isaiah 43:1-4)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we choose You, You fight for us. Thank You that though we will walk through trials and difficulties, You promise to be with us. Thank You that You are our strength, when our strength is gone; and You are our hope, even when things seem hopeless. Forgive us for our fears – the places where we struggle to trust You – and teach us how to truly trust in You. Thank You that You are always faithful, and that You love us and treasure us as Your precious children. May we walk boldly in Your love, so that many may come to know the freedom that is found in You alone. Amen.

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

Choose to Do Good

Fear not the slander,

nor malicious talk;

ready to answer,

when asked of our walk.

In our hearts, may Christ,

be proclaimed the Lord;

may hope be our hold,

the truth we afford.

With gentle respect,

and conscience that’s clear;

share the Source of hope,

so askers may hear.

He holds our right hand,

protects innocent;

shows those who slander,

His magnificence.

So choose to do good,

even when opposed;

for the final word,

is God’s to betroth.

The Lord is our help,

so be not dismayed;

provider of strength,

when we feel afraid.

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” – (I Peter 3:15-16)

“So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous hand.” – (Isaiah 41:10)

“For I am the Lord, your God,
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you.” – (Isaiah 41:13)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are faithful and worthy of all of our trust. Thank You that You strengthen us and hold us in Your hand when we feel afraid. Forgive us for staying silent when we were meant to speak, and teach us to trust You so that we may tell of Your faithfulness forever. Lead us and guide us in how we are meant to share of Your goodness in love, and let those who are looking, come to know and trust You. Thank You for Your presence and Your promises. Amen.

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

Chosen People

Those who know Christ,

His chosen ones;

called His daughters,

known as His sons.

Direct access,

we are His own;

royal priesthood,

through His love, shown.

Called to declare,

praises to God;

who rescued us,

from darkened sod.

Once on our own,

now treasured, His;

called God’s people,

with grace to live.

Mercy now found,

generous gift;

granting us hope,

all praise we lift.

Wonder of Light,

Savior of all;

I give my heart,

to heed Your call.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” – (I Peter 2:9-10)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we turn to You and give You our heart, You consider us among Your chosen people – a royal priesthood; a people belonging to You; called sons and daughters – whom You now allow into Your wonderful light. Thank You for rescuing us from our dark and sinful state, and granting us access to the true treasures found in You alone. Forgive us for the times that our gaze and heart have wandered, and help us fix all of our attention on who You are. May we live lives that sing of Your hope, so that many may come to be found in You. All glory and honor to You, God. Amen.

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

Be Holy

Therefore, dear ones,

prepare your minds;

for action, love,

His way, divine.

Be self-controlled,

all hope in Him;

only able,

by grace given.

Children obey,

do not conform;

to evil ways,

in darkness born.

As He’s holy,

be holy too;

by trusting Him,

in all we do.

For it’s written:

to be holy,

because He is –

to God, glory.

“Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.” – (1 Peter 1:13-16)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You never ask anything of us that You are not also willing to equip us to do. Thank You that all things that come our way, can be used to strengthen and refine us so that we may more clearly reflect Your glory. Forgive us for our disobedience and lack of self-control, and help us to be obedient and patiently perseverant. Keep evil far from us, and help us to place all of our trust in You. Teach us to be holy, as You are holy, and use our lives to lead the lost home to You. May hearts be opened and lives forever changed, as the lost are found in You. All glory unto You. Amen.

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