One Day

There will come a day,

when we all shall hear,

each creature singing,

of the Lord, who’s near.

All those in heaven,

and all too, on earth;

sing of His praises,

and His matchless worth.

Seated on the throne,

God’s own holy Lamb;

all offered to Him,

glorious I Am.

All praise and honor,

power and glory;

may we forever,

speak of His story.

Imagine the day,

when we see His face;

joy unimagined,

held in His embrace.

Oh Lord, let our lives,

be sweet offering;

let our days be spent,

honoring You, King.

“Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing; ‘To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb, be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” – (Revelation 5:13)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that because You sent Your Son, the Lamb who was slain in our place, we have the opportunity to be in Your glorious presence forever. Forgive us for not always living with an eternal perspective – for what is on earth is merely temporary, yet that which is of You, is forever. Teach us to fix our eyes on You, so that we too, may gain Your perspective on people and the path we are called to take. Let us love others in the same light that You love us. May many be moved to embrace Your majesty as Savior and King. Amen.

Anne update: No new news is good news. Today I will go visit and spend time with this sweet sister and warrior for Christ. Please pray that God would use me as an encouragement and comfort to His dear daughter. Please pray also for His continued healing in her body, heart and mind. May the miraculous be her story that moves many unto Christ. Amen.

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

Softening Stone

As we come to God,

He will give to us;

heart undivided,

unity in trust.

He will take hard hearts,

made of solid stone;

replace them with flesh,

to receive truth known.

We will then follow,

all He has decreed;

careful to obey,

His laws we shall heed.

God’s people we’ll be,

as we give Him throne;

and He’ll be our God,

making His ways known.

Lord, please take the stone,

away from our heart;

show us how to trust,

with whole self, not part.

“I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God.” – (Ezekiel 11:19-20)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You accept us when our hearts are hard, yet love us so much that You do not allow us to stay that way. Thank You that You woo us unto Yourself, and You soften the soil of our hearts to plant truth, so that we may flourish and grow in You. Father, forgive us for withholding hardened places in our hearts, and help us to allow You to touch those spaces so that they too, may be ready to receive all that You offer. Teach us to faithfully follow You, and use our obedience to lead those who are looking, to the foot of Your throne. May we love others well, so that You are made known. Amen.

Anne update: Anne is very grateful to be back home, and God is so faithful as He is orchestrating all that Anne needs. Please join me in giving God all glory and thanks for the wonderful ways that He is moving in hearts and making way for Anne. May we continue to contend for the miraculous, despite the doctor’s diagnosis. Thank You God that You are ALWAYS good!

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

Transformed by Tenderness

The grace of the Lord,

a refiner’s fire;

disciplines in love,

removing the mire.

Choose to be earnest,

hold fast and repent;

for He’s at the door,

His grace won’t relent.

Faithfully listen,

for His loving knock;

the door of our hearts,

open to His talk.

When we let Him in,

He will dwell in us;

dining together,

in His righteousness.

To overcomers,

He’ll share holy throne;

seated beside Him,

joy beyond what’s known.

(Responding to Revelation 3:19-21)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You welcome us as we are, yet You love us too much to allow us to stay this way. thank You that You correct and refine us so that we may more clearly reflect Your loving kindness to all. Forgive us for closing doors that we fear lead to things that will withdraw Your love, and help us to sweetly surrender all to You. Thank You that there is nothing that You will not forgive, nor that repels You from us, when we earnestly seek You and repent. Teach us to be wholly devoted to You, allowing You access to every area of our lives. Grant us strength to trust You, and a willingness to heed Your correction and direction, as we passionately pursue You. Let Your love be evident in each of us, and may many come to know You as a result of how we follow You. Amen.

My favorite hiking friend.

Anne update: Anne was released from the hospital yesterday evening and has returned home. She is far stronger than when she went into the hospital on Sunday, but still has a long way to go. Please continue to join me in praying for her healing and for quality care from those He appoints in the meantime. Thank you so much, treasured friends.

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

He Shows the Way

He’s given instructions,

not a great mystery;

He leads us and guides us,

by His Spirit, holy.

His word shows us the way,

unto Him, we’re restored;

lights doors we should walk through,

and sin meant to abhor.

Stay true to His teachings,

for it is the way true;

if we listen closely,

we’ll know what we’re to do.

Led by Spirit, we’ll rise;

and we shall see His face;

the faithful are welcomed,

in His heavenly place.

Unto overcomers,

those who’re true to the end;

authority granted,

to the nations, He’ll send.

“To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations.” – (Revelation 2:26)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have provided all that we need to walk in surrendered obedience to You. Thank You for Your word that is alive and active – ever changing and refining us – as we allow the truth to set us free. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit, who reveals to us, things that we would not otherwise know. Thank You that as we live submitted to You, You remind us of our heavenly hope that You are preparing for all who believe. Forgive us for the times that we either ignore or run from Your still small voice, and help us to hear and heed Your every word. Lead us and guide us so that we may be overcomers in You, and may many come to call You King, as they see You through Your light and love that dwells within us. Be our strength and our song, no matter what comes our way. Thank You that You are always good. Amen.

Anne update: I spoke with the on-duty doctor yesterday evening, and he said that Anne should be stable enough to release today. His concern is for her well-being, as she needs more help that she has. Please pray with me that God would strengthen and heal her, and in the meantime, He will raise up a network of friends to provide care. Thank You Jesus, for the wonderful work You are doing in and for Anne. Amen.

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

Lead Us Back to Life

When darkness surrounds us,

and we fear we may break;

let the new morning’s light,

show Your love for our sake.

Your love is unfailing,

we place our trust in You;

show us the way to go,

so our soul be made new.

Please rescue us, O Lord,

for we’re hidden in You;

teach us what is Your will,

so we’ll know what to do.

Father, You are our God,

let Your good Spirit lead;

take us to level ground,

for You’re all that we need.

O dear Lord, who am I,

that You would care for me?

Our life is but a breath,

fleeting shadow indeed.

Yet You still sent Your Son,

for You know our great need;

You made way to Yourself,

we come on bended knee.

(Responding to Psalm 143:8-10 & 144:3-4)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that even when that which surrounds us seems dark and heavy, You remain with us, holding our hands and heart, and remind us that all hope is held in You. Forgive us for giving fear a foothold when life feels way too overwhelming, and remind us again of Your unfailing love for us. Again, daily, we place our trust in You. Please lead us and guide us, granting us words to speak and Your path to pursue. Thank You that we are safe in the security of Your loving arms. Thank You that despite our brokenness and ugliness, You came so that we would find the way to You. Teach us to trust completely, to love deeply, and to willingly walk in Your way. May our pursuit of You lead many who are looking, to the place where they too, may be found in You. Amen.

Anne update: She has been vomiting and passing blood. Please pray with me that the internal bleeding would stop, and that total health would be restored, as she is surrounded by His presence and His peace. Lord Jesus, be Anne’s comfort and companion in this place, and be her Healer, and let this become an amazing testimony of Your faithfulness and power. Amen.

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

Summoned to Serve

We are called and admonished,

to do continual good;

for those who do as Jesus,

the word of God, understood.

Those who choose to do evil,

have not seen the heart of God;

rather, imitate Jesus,

the trustworthy path to trod.

Be kind to those who teach us,

show much hospitality;

for the sake of the Father,

side by side in unity.

Encourage those who’ve given,

their lives to serve our great Lord;

may He bless them and keep them,

support them in one accord.

To be church, be family,

care for sisters and brothers;

meet the needs that can be seen,

live, love and serve each other.

How we care well for our own,

our very testimony;

living life as a servant,

humble and faithful to Thee.

“Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.” – (3 John 11)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to show us how to seek and serve You. He did not come and place Himself on a pedestal, but rather He loved and served others, even unto His death in our place. Thank You that after You rose and ascended into heaven, You sent Your Holy Spirit to lead and guide us in the way we are to go. Thank You too, for Your word that illuminates our path. We have been prepared to pursue You. Forgive us for ignoring known needs that You prompt us to meet, and grant us Your eyes to see others. Teach us to trust You more so that we are quick to care for others, and help us to show hospitality to Your servants. Show us how we are each called to serve. May many come to see You clearly as we walk in obedience to all that You ask. Father, please show us how to pray, love and obey. Amen.

Anne

Dear friends, please also join me in praying for my dear friend, Anne. She was showing signs of kidney failure in the wee hours of the morning, and has been taken to the ER. Father, please be her Comforter, her Healer, and her Peace. Thank You that You know her need and You hear our prayers. Amen.

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

Directions for Discernment

Walk in obedience,

to the Lord’s commands;

that’s love one another,

serve Him with heart and hands.

As from the beginning,

and still now it is heard;

love well one another,

to be true to His word.

His heart is for people,

and so ours should be too;

let us love with our lives,

may our hearts become new.

For when we are in Him,

we recognize what’s true;

He shows us what is false,

lest we’d be deceived too.

Keep eyes on Christ Jesus,

invest time in His word;

for He bestows wisdom,

to know what should be heard.

Steer clear of false teachers,

do not welcome them in;

such ugly deception,

will lead many to sin.

(Responding to 2 John 6-11)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your word that teaches us how we are to live and more of who You are. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit, who clarifies and solidifies what is truth from You. Forgive us for not always being tuned in to what Your Spirit is saying, and teach us how to hear You well. May our time spent with You – in Your word, in worship and in prayer – provide wisdom and propel passion for truth. Help us to hear Your still small voice, so that we can be quick to decipher what is from You, and what is not. Protect our hearts from pride and ignorance, and deepen our wisdom in Your word and Your ways. May many turn to You as we are faithful to walk in truth. Amen.

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

Answers As We Ask

He hears our pleas,

each time we pray;

ever ready,

to show the way.

Whatever lacks,

we may possess;

pray to the Lord,

our righteousness.

To get answers,

we must first ask;

acknowledgement,

in Him, the task.

Though He does know,

all that we need;

with humble hearts,

strength to succeed.

For when we call,

He’ll answer us;

reveal new things,

in righteousness.

Unsearchable,

great things He’ll show;

obedience,

and grace to grow.

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” – (Jeremiah 33:3)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You hear our prayers. Thank You that when we call on You, You answer. Thank You that You reveal more of Yourself to us as we ask, and You lead us and guide us in the ways we are meant to go. Forgive us Father, for our impatience in waiting for answers, and for thinking that we know best how things ought to go. Teach us to trust You and Your answers – for You possess all wisdom and know what is best, even when we do not understand. Thank You that You have a plan and a purpose for all of us, and can use ALL things for our ultimate good. Grow our faith God, and may we be quick to call on You. May we walk in obedience to all that You ask, even when the road is rough. May many come to know Your great love, as we choose to faithfully follow You. Amen.

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

Perfect Love

Let us love one another,

for all love comes from the Lord;

it unites us together,

moves us all in one accord.

Each person who truly loves,

has been born of and knows God;

yet those who do not show love,

shall hear not heaven’s applaud.

It’s not that we have loved God,

but that He loved with His life;

His sacrifice for our sins,

He paid the ultimate price.

Since our God has so loved us,

so we too are meant to love;

though we’ve not seen the Father,

He lives in and completes us.

Those who acknowledge Jesus,

have Father God in their heart;

His love made complete in us,

so we know He’ll not depart.

There is no fear in God’s love,

for perfect love drives out fear;

even in scary spaces,

we know our Savior is near.

(Responding to 1 John 4:7-18)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your love is perfect, and as we grow to know You more, You are perfecting Your love in us. Thank You that true love is sacrificial, and is chosen regardless of return. Thank You that You love us with Your everlasting love, even when our ways are not aligned with Yours. Forgive us for not fully following You, and for looking to man to model what You meant for love to be. Thank You Jesus, that You showed us what love looks like, even unto death. May Your lasting love be the lens through which we view the world, and help us to shine brightly before men so that we may be beacons of light that lead those who are looking, unto You. Help us to embrace all that You are, so fear will flee, and boldness shall come. Amen.

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

Love that is True

How shall we know,

what is true love?

We look to Christ,

His life, thereof.

He gave it all,

so we could live;

to honor Him,

do as He did.

Our very lives,

for others lay;

see people’s needs,

give self away.

Love not with words,

but love in deed;

may our actions,

to Father, heed.

To truth belong,

set hearts at rest;

as His heart’s known,

we shall be blessed.

When heart condemns,

yet our faith, true;

know God’s greater,

His love is too.

Be confident,

in prayer, rise;

those who obey,

He hears our cries.

(Responding to 1 John 3:16-22)

Give It Away by Michael W. Smith (song that began to go through my mind as I read this passage in 1 John 3.)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son to show us the way we should live. Thank You Jesus, for taking our sin upon Yourself and for sending Your Spirit to be our Counselor. Forgive us for the times that we feebly attempt to love in our own strength and spew out empty words that are not backed up by actions that reflect Your love. Teach us to love as You love. May we willingly give ourselves away so that many may come to know what true love really is. Remove from us, all that is untrue, and grant us great faith – unwavering confidence in You. Let the lost be led to Your love, and may they come into a real relationship with You, the Lover of our souls. Amen.

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