To Take Up Our Cross

To take up our cross,

doesn’t mean pursue pain;

willing to follow,

allowing Christ to reign.

Ready to lay down,

our will, freedom of choice;

to do all He asks,

and listen to His voice.

Fear not earthly loss,

for our heavenly gain;

shall by far surpass,

erase temporal pain.

Let’s be not ashamed,

of the great Son of Man;

for in Him is life,

the glorious I Am.

Nothing on the earth,

can compare to our gain;

when we walk with Christ,

live and love in His Name.

There will come a day,

each stands before His throne;

all who’ve lived for Him,

will make heaven their home.

(Responding to Mark 8:34-38)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that with life in You, the rewards far surpass the risks. Thank You that You are with us through trial and triumph, and You too, have know the height and depth of pleasure and pain. Thank You that You are not God “up there”, but You are here, present as each breath that we breathe and each beat of our own heart. Forgive us for fearing the press of pain that can accompany the cost of living life, and help us to trust that even the pain can be used for Your glory, when we are willing to walk surrendered to You. Teach us how to trust You more, so that we may go forth fearlessly, wherever You ask. May many be moved toward trust in You through the loving kindness presented, by we, Your people. Lead us to love like You, as we daily choose to take up our cross. Amen.

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

As I was getting ready to post, the song Surrender, by Lincoln Brewster started playing in my heart and mind. Click the title in green to have a listen. 🙂

A Touch of Faith

Faith reached out her hand,

she dared hope so much;

the hem of His cloak,

could heal with a touch.

Likewise, Jairus came,

asked Jesus lay hands;

on his dying girl,

restore health again.

Trust took more than hope,

action was required;

faith involves movement,

do as He inspires.

Desperate the need,

the hope for so much;

faith fueled the movement,

healing through His touch.

Power is present,

in faith to stand strong;

to move where He calls,

be healed and belong.

Just as to Jairus,

Jesus still would say,

“Do not be afraid,

just believe.” (today)

We’re not a bother,

He will always hear;

our sorrows and hopes,

and He’ll silence fear.

(Responding to Mark 5:21-43)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son to be Your hands and heart to the world. Thank You Jesus, that You showed us the way to make the living God tangible, through the touch of Your hand. Thank You that the very same power that lived in You, moving mightily through miracles that changed the hearts of many, lives in each of us who abide in You. Forgive us for not fully submitting ourselves to Your plans and purposes for our lives, and teach us how to be available so that we might be Your hands and heart to the hurting. May many come to know Your comfort and care through our willingness to be available. Let those who are looking, find a forever faith in You. Amen.

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

Misconception

Jesus, our Savior,

He quietly came;

He cured the diseased,

and He healed the lame.

The evil spirits,

before Him fell down;

they knew His power,

sans visible crown.

Each time they’d cry out,

“You’re the Son of God!”

He’d order silence,

not wanting applaud.

People’s perception,

was He who would come;

would rule all of Rome,

false misconception.

As the Messiah,

His kingdom won’t end;

salvation for those,

whom on Him depend.

The Leader who gave,

His own life away;

so we might have life,

in glory one day.

Their expectations,

were shattered and torn;

beautiful exchange,

grace to be reborn.

(Responding to Mark 3:11-12 & NIV footnotes)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your ways are higher than our ways, and Your thoughts are higher than our own. Thank You that Your plan far exceeded the expectations of the people of the time, for if a leader had risen up and ruled Rome, it would have been temporary – yet You sending Your Son to save souls – is eternal. Thank You that Your word is alive and active, and that Your Holy Spirit speaks to our hearts as we invest time in Your word. Thank You that You continue to show us new things in Your word, even after we have read a passage many times prior. Please forgive us for any misconceptions or faulty expectations we might have of You or of ourselves before You. Teach us what is truth and what is not, and grant us the ability to hear You clearly, and hearts that are willing to obey. Lead us to love as You love, and may many come to know Your power and sweet presence, personally. Amen.

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

Train to Thrive

We are created,

to grow and to thrive;

not to hold on tight,

just try to survive.

Thriving takes much work,

commitment to grow;

life obedient,

with seed that we sow.

Stay away from myths,

trust God’s holy word;

eyes on eternal,

discern what is heard.

May our godliness,

speak volumes to those;

who are still seeking,

or stuck in life’s throes.

Let’s pour out ourselves,

be fruitful and thrive;

though it will take work,

hearts will come alive.

Train well in the truth,

let our hope be clear;

speak always in love,

give grace, persevere.

Use each gift given,

to honor the King;

may His glory shine,

through our offering.

(Responding to I Timothy 4:6-16 presented by @fairlyspiritual yesterday morning)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have created each of us with a purpose. thank You that You have given us gifts that we are meant to share with the masses, so that they may be moved toward You. Thank You too, that You have created us to grow and thrive, not just survive. Forgive us for holding on to what we need to release, and for laying down that which we were meant to keep working on. Teach us to trust You more so that we will persevere when things are difficult and You are calling us to press on; and also that we will place every good gift in Your hands, trusting that all that we have is only ours on loan, to care for well, so that we might also share it with others. May we love as You love, and may many come to know You as Lord of their lives. Amen.

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

Security in the Storms

In the midst of the storm,

when wind and waves tossed;

the ship to and fro,

seemed all hope was lost.

Men stood in terror,

of each pounding wave;

exception of one,

faithful Paul, the brave.

Not in his own strength,

but through faith in God;

Who’d sent an angel,

told the path they’d trod.

He had assurance,

what God spoke was true;

Paul said, “Do not fear,

God will see us through.”

Do I rest assured,

when mighty storms rage?

Is my hope secure,

whenever wars wage?

He who can silence,

tumultuous sea;

is the still small voice,

dwelling inside me.

I need never fear,

for He is far more;

loves us through the storms,

rebuilds and restores.

(Responding to Acts 27:13-26)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You never leave us nor forsake us. Thank You that when we are in the eye of the storm, there You are, holding us in Your arms. Forgive us for forgetting how very near You are, regardless of what we feel, and help us to be acutely aware of Your presence, always. Teach us to trust in the throes of the storm and in the presence of peace. At all times, help us to be grateful for Your presence and Your power, which equip us to walk through whatever lies before us. May our trust in You lead us to love others like You, and may many in turn, come to know You as their Savior and safe space. Amen.

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

As I was writing, the song Praise You in this Storm, by Casting Crowns kept going through my head. Click the title to enjoy the song too. 🙂

Care Over Comfort

An orphanage in India during my YWAM days.<3

Far beyond comfort,

or care for his chains;

Paul’s one heart desire,

the truth to proclaim.

In face of trial,

he stood before kings;

always his message,

the freedom Christ brings.

May we stand in strength,

with courage, speak truth;

share of holy hope,

in all that we do.

Study well His word,

persistent in prayer;

let exaltation,

be raised up with care.

Let every heart,

that calls on His Name;

lay hold of His grace,

and boldly proclaim.

Love to the lost souls,

still searching for peace;

may we each love toward,

the lonely’s release.

(Responding to Acts 26:28-29)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have given us countless examples through Your word, Your only Son, and through faithful men and women throughout the ages, who have cared more about loving people and showing them Your heart for them, than they did about their own safety and security. Birth in us, that very same passion for people. Forgive us for the times we have been fearful and the times we have turned a deaf ear to Your still small voice because whatever You asked of us was not convenient. Grow us in Your grace, so that our concern is not about convenience, but rather about compassion for Your creation. Thank You that You strengthen and equip us for whatever You ask us to do. May our care and compassion for those who are hurting, lead each to Your loving and healing arms. Amen.

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

In One Accord

Though his friends pleaded,

begged him to not go;

Paul knew he was called,

no pain he’d forgo.

All knew what waited,

in Jerusalem;

they wept at the thought,

of losing their friend.

Paul answered, “Why weep?

You’re breaking my heart.

I’m ready for this,

I will do my part.”

When his friends did see,

he could not be swayed;

they at last gave up,

blessed him on his way.

Imagine knowing,

such trials await;

would we still go forth,

or would we debate?

His boldness a gift.

His spirit, assured;

for all of his trust,

and hope was secured.

All that was in him,

relied on the Lord;

so too his actions,

aligned in accord.

(Responding to Acts 21:10-14)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit, Whom You sent to dwell in us as our Counselor and Friend. Thank You that Your words for us are whispered within, through Your Spirit, and are always available for us to hear if we are willing to slow down and silence ourselves before You. Forgive us for the times that we have not acted on what we have heard, and help us to overcome the fears that create the barriers preventing us from becoming all that You are calling us to be. Strengthen our hearts and minds, while keeping us truly tender towards others. Let us love as You love – giving generously of ourselves – our time, talents, and resources, shared in love, just as You so lavishly have poured into each of us. May many come to know You, personally, as a result of our outpouring. Amen.

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

Bonds Not Broken

Sorrow in parting,

when likely the last;

invested friendships,

through much time has passed.

Weathering seasons,

united in grace;

when one friend falls down,

next helps back in place.

When trials are faced,

together to stand;

prayerful covering,

place all in God’s hand.

In joy and triumph,

we too celebrate;

rejoicing in Christ,

our Father and fate.

May we too build up,

each other in love;

offer compassion,

kindness from above.

Where people are knit,

as a three-strand chord;

Christ in the center,

our strength and our sword.

Invest first in Christ,

grow with each other;

may we rise in strength,

sisters and brothers.

(Responding to Acts 20:25-35)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the men and women who have gone before us and modeled what it means to be a church body that is surrendered to You. Thank You that You loved us first, and You draw us unto Yourself. Thank You that You provide people to make Yourself more tangible to us. Forgive us for not fully investing where we are called, and help us to surrender all to You. Teach us how to trust You more so that we follow Your promptings as to where and with whom we are meant to invest more of ourselves. Show us how to pour out what You have given freely, and create among us, strong bonds that will withstand life’s storms. Let our love that is poured out, draw people unto You, and may many come to know You as their Father and Friend. Amen.

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

Our Sovereign Savior

God, our Creator,

dwells in hearts of man;

not in a building,

made by human hand.

He made land and sea,

from one man, made all;

determined the place,

each border would fall.

God gave with a choice,

yet that choice is plain;

if we look around,

creation proclaims.

It summons we seek,

and reach out for Him;

when we truly look,

He will enter in.

The Lord’s always near,

close as our next breath;

our life is in Him,

and hope after death.

For in Him we live,

and have our being;

empowered to move,

vision for seeing.

 

(Responding to Acts 17:24-28)
 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are sovereign over all, yet at the same time, You are close and personal.  Thank You that You love us so much, that You allow us to choose.  Thank You that You have always chosen us; that Your love for us is unending.  Thank You that there is evidence of You, all around us.  Forgive us for the times that we were silent when we should have spoken, and please birth in us, a new boldness for You.  Lead us in Your love, and let Your light be evident in all that we say and do.  May many come to know the sweet space of knowing You as their Savior.  Help us to have a heightened awareness of Your nearness today.  Amen.

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

Imprisoned for a Purpose

Beaten, imprisoned,

feet shackled up tight;

disciples still sang,

’til late in the night.

All of a sudden,

the prison did shake;

cell doors flew open,

guard’s life near to take.

Disciples called out,

“Do yourself no harm,

we are all still here,

in reach of your arm.”

When lights came ablaze,

and the jailer saw;

men true to their word,

he fell down in awe.

“Sirs, what must I do,

to truly be saved?”

“Believe in the Lord,

your life will be changed.”

At that very hour,

to his home he brought,

he cared for their wounds,

believed what they taught.

The whole family,

was baptized, believed;

the very next day,

disciples released.

(Responding to Acts 16:22-36)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that though You do not cause harm to come our way, You at times, allow it, as You use it for the greater good of those who love You, and often use our strength in the struggle as a way to touch the hearts and minds of those who know You not. Forgive us for assuming we have done something wrong when bad things happen, and help us to recognize that even in the struggle and heartache, there is opportunity to allow Your strength to shine and our heart to be refined. Thank You that You receive and love us, just as we are, but love us too much to allow us to stay this way. Continue to refine and shape us to more clearly reflect Your character in all that we say and do. May many come to know who You really are, by our love. Praise to You for Your powerful and unfailing love. Amen.

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