He Stills the Storms

Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. – (Psalm 107:28-29)

 

Jesus still calms the storms when we cry out to Him. Sometimes, He silences the storm raging within us, as the chaos around us continues; yet other times, in but a moment, He speaks, and what was so seemingly out of control, is brought to calm. Regardless of how He chooses to answer our cries, He is faithful to be present in all of life’s storms. He will never leave us nor forsake us; and far greater is He who is in us, than any storm that surrounds us. The very imagery of a storm being stilled to a whisper, and waves being hushed, create an instant snapshot of serenity in my soul. May we each go forth this day, knowing that He alone can still any storm – both within us, and without.

 

Lord we cry out,

when troubles come;

in stormy seas,

when faith’s undone.

You speak a word,

waves become still;

the storm silenced,

obeys Your will.

In our distress,

we need not fear;

You are greater,

than troubles here.

We reach to You,

Stiller of storms;

trusting the truth,

in love, transforms.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we cry out to You in our times of trouble, You are present. Thank You that You still our storms. Thank You that You know what is best, and You bring Your peace, be it in our hearts or in our surroundings. Thank You that regardless of what rages around us, You are in control, and You are far greater. Forgive us for our fearfulness and shortsightedness in the throes of the storms, and help us to hold fast to You, as You alone are our Safe Harbor and our Shelter in every storm. Teach us to lean into You when the wind and waves are whipping through, and may our dependence on You be an example for those who do not yet know You. Let those who are searching, come to know You as their Savior and Safe Harbor too. Be exalted in all that we say and do in both the stillness and the storms. Amen.

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

Answer me, O Lord, out of the goodness of Your love; in Your great mercy turn to me. – Psalm 69:16

A New Name

Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter). – (John 1:40-42)

 

There are several remarkable occurrences in this short passage of scripture. First, Andrew, after only hearing what John the Baptist had said, and then meeting Jesus, he immediately believed and felt compelled to act on his belief. He wanted to not only follow Christ, but he wanted to be sure to share the good news with his brother as well. Second, Simon trusted his brother enough to listen to what he had to say, and chose to follow him to where Jesus was staying. When Simon met Jesus face-to-face, Jesus saw Simon not only for who he was, but for who he would become. The name Peter, in Greek, means “a rock“.

 

When we encounter Jesus, He sees us the same way. Christ knows who we are today, but He also knows what we will become. Each one of us has a new name from the moment we are saved. He calls us confident, joyful, overcoming ones, faithful, friends of God, and ones who seek His face. He counts us as His children, and we are adopted into His holy family forever.

 

No matter our name,

or state when we come;

Lord Jesus, He hears,

and all are welcome.

He loves us right now,

wherever we are;

and knows what’s ahead,

our bright Morning Star.

He takes what’s been crushed,

and grants us His strength;

joy for our sorrow,

He’ll go to great lengths.

He calls us His friends,

despite what we’ve done;

He forgives, makes new,

the battles, He’s won.

Let go of the things,

that will hold us back;

surrender it all,

and nothing we’ll lack.

For in Him, all things,

we have all we need;

an eternal hope,

from our past, we’re freed.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You love and accept us as we are, yet You see where we are going and all that we can become. Thank You that You give us a new name in You. Thank You that You bring beauty from our ashes, and hope from our despair. Thank You that You utilize the things that we once thought were the most ugly or broken, to help others for Your glory. Forgive us for allowing the old names to have a voice, and help us to silence the lies and allow Your voice to be heard. May our hearts hold fast to what You call us – confident, overcoming ones – Your children. Let us live and love as such, and may many be led unto You as a result. Be glorified as we walk boldly in the new names that You call us. Amen.

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

As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. – James 5:11

To watch a lovely visual to an old favorite, I Will Change Your Name, click the highlighted song title in green.

He Deserves Our Praise

Praise the Lord, O my soul. (v.1a) The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. (v.8) For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him. (v.11) Praise the Lord, O my soul. (v.22b) – (Psalm 103)

 

There is no other response that we can give unto God, as He alone deserves all of our praise. Christ demonstrated His love for us when He willingly laid His life down for ours, so that we could have life abundant in Him. His grace and compassion extend to every heart that calls on His Name, and He forgives and loves in such a way, that we cannot fully comprehend the depth and breadth of His love for all of His created. We are called to walk in reverence – holy fear – a deep respect, admiration, awe; an understanding that He alone is God, and we are not. The more we know Him, the more our soul cannot help but praise Him. May we each gain a greater glimpse of just how large the love of our Lord truly is.

 

May my soul praise,

the Lord on high;

for all my days,

on Him rely.

Compassionate,

and full of grace;

for us He waits,

to seek His face.

His love abounds,

beyond the sky;

true peace is found,

He hears each cry.

So, praise the Lord,

O weary soul;

in one accord,

He’ll make us whole.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in love. Thank You that Your love is greater than we can grasp, and that the appropriate response from us is simply to praise You for who You are. Thank You that as we grow in understanding of Your love and grace, You strengthen and equip us to go forth as You call us to do. Thank You that even when times are tough, we have reason to praise You, as You remain present; always. Forgive us for our sinfulness and lack of faith, and help us to fully rely on You in all things and at all times. Teach us to walk in Your ways and stand firm in Your truth. May we live and love as You call us to do, and may many come to know You as their Savior and Lord. Let the lost be found forever in You. Be glorified in our praise today. Amen.

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

But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ. – Ephesians 2:4-5

Go Forth in Joy

You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. – (Isaiah 55:12)

 

As we grow in our relationship with our Redeemer, we cannot help but praise Him for who He is. He fills our hearts with joy, and covers our countenance with peace, even in the midst of life’s storms. All of creation has been made to praise Him; nothing is excluded. In fact, Jesus spoke these words in Luke 19:40, “I tell you,” He replied, “if they (the people who were wanting to praise Him) keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” Let everything that has breath, praise Him!

 

As we go forth,

our hearts filled with joy;

may songs of praise,

be what we employ.

Let His peace lead,

as we choose invest;

our time, our heart,

into His sweet rest.

All around us,

creation shall sing;

of Christ’s great love,

the freedom He brings.

If we speak not,

truth will still be known;

the trees will clap,

cries will come from stone.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that there is evidence of Your majesty, everywhere. Thank You that we have the privilege of partnering with You in sharing of the great things that You have done, and letting others know Who You are in our lives. Thank You that You are forever faithful and worthy of all of our praise. Thank You that You grant us joy and peace, even in times of trouble, and that You lead us in the ways in which we are meant to go. Forgive us for staying silent when we were meant to speak, and grant us the courage to be bold on Your behalf. Make us brave for Your glory. Let our love for You be evident in all that we say and do, and may many be led unto You through our active faith. Be glorified, Lord Jesus, as we seek to praise You on the path You have placed before us. Amen.

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

Is anyone happy?  Let him sing songs of praise. – James 5:13

Beautiful Feet

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” – (Isaiah 52:7)

 

God calls the feet of those who bring His good news to others, beautiful. Daily, we have opportunities to proclaim peace on His behalf. As we bear good tidings before others, doors open for us to share the hope of salvation with those who do not yet know their own need for Christ. The Lord reigns, whether individuals recognize Him for who He is or not. It is our charge, as His children, to be the hearts and hands that reach out to those who do not yet know Him. May we each find footing on the path that delivers good news, and come to know His pleasure in our pursuit of proclaiming truth.

 

How beautiful,

upon mountain tops;

are feet of those,

who choose not to stop.

Ever moving,

proclaiming His peace;

sharing His good,

pointing to release.

Good tidings brought,

through our God who reigns;

freedom is found,

as truth is proclaimed.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we have the privilege to be instruments of Your peace as we go forth as Your representatives into the world. Thank You that You do not expect us all to be great orators or preachers, as You utilize us as You have created us. Thank You that You consider it a thing of beauty, any time that we step out in faith to share our faith in love. Forgive us for our fearfulness, and grant us a boldness before all whom we encounter. Teach us to trust You for the words and the opportunities, and help us to live and love in such a way, that people cannot help but wonder why we do what we do. May many who do not yet know You, come to know You as their Savior and King. Be glorified as we go forth proclaiming peace and share the good news of who You are. Amen.

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

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. – 2 Corinthians 1:3

Strength in Suffering

And the God of all grace, Who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. – (1 Peter 5:10, NIV)

 

Yes, you will suffer for a short time. But after that, God will make everything right. He will make you strong. He will support you and keep you from falling. He is the God who gives all grace. He chose you to share in His glory in Christ. That glory will continue forever. – (1 Peter 5:10, ERV)

 

Struggling and suffering are inevitable parts of dwelling in a broken world. Hurting people hurt people, and often bad things do happen to good people. This does not mean that we have somehow fallen from Christ’s favor, nor does it mean that we are receiving our punishment due; there are times when a struggle is allowed for a season so that we may grow to truly understand His strength and His grace in our lives. Every single time that I have gone through a trial of sorts, Christ has been present. His grace gave me the strength to keep moving forward, even when I wanted to retreat, and His love summoned me to cling to Him – He who is firm and steadfast, always. As I relied less on me and more on Jesus, my footing became more firm, and my resolve, ready and steadfast in He who does not change. His strength and hope restored what I’d feared might be lost, and His grace abounded all the more. He who has promised is faithful to fulfill His every word.

 

Though life becomes hard,

there’s suffering, pain;

we have hope in Christ,

His presence remains.

He will restore us,

make us strong, steadfast;

firm, as He’s faithful,

eternally lasts.

We have been chosen,

to share Christ’s glory;

let us stand in strength,

and tell His story.

Receive His great grace,

to us it abounds;

all who were once lost,

but now have been found.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the God of all grace. Thank You that even in our suffering, You remain present. Thank You that You are our strength and our firm foundation, and we may remain steadfast in the hope not only for today, but of our eternal glory that awaits in Christ. Forgive us for our lack of awareness of Your presence in the struggle, or for doubting Your faithfulness when suffering seems long. Teach us to trust You in all things and at all times, knowing that our struggles and suffering are only a short time, when compared to all of eternity in Your Holy presence. Let us live with an eternal perspective. May we live and love as if each day could be our last, and may our every word and deed point people straight to You. Let those who are looking be found in You. Be glorified as we trust You in both the blessings and the suffering. Amen.

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

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. – Job 8:21

Don’t Dwell on the Past

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. – (Isaiah 43:18-19, NIV)

So don’t remember what happened in earlier times. Don’t think about what happened a long time ago, because I am doing something new! Now you will grow like a new plant. Surely you know this is true. I will even make a road in the desert, and rivers will flow through that dry land. – (Isaiah 43:18-19, ERV)

 

I am so thankful that God does not leave us stagnant and stuck in whatever situation we are in. Our walk with the Lord is a journey. As we traverse this often rocky road, we are not meant to keep our eyes fixed on the rearview mirror, but rather we are to set our sights on what lies before us, assured of Who is with us as we go. Though we may not be able to see what lies just around the bend or over the crest of the mountainous miles ahead, God knows, and His plans for us are good. He makes a way where there seems to be no way, and stretches and strengthens us beyond what we ever thought possible. New in Him, though unknown and unseen, is secure in the sense that He will always remain present, and His provision is promised along our path of obedience. A glimpse of the past to recognize and remember His faithfulness is good, but we must be present to lay hold of the new He has for us today. May we perceive the path You have prepared for us, O Lord; and may we move forward with unwavering faith in You.

 

Let go of the past,

image from lessonslearnedinlife.com

the trials gone by;

instead look ahead,

He hears our heart’s cry.

A new thing to come,

it is springing up;

can you perceive it?

He’s filling your cup.

He’s making a way,

where all seemed but dead;

He’s bringing new life,

to both heart and head.

His streams shall soon flow,

where all things were dry;

hope, life and love grow,

on Christ, let’s rely.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that in You, we can release the former things, and anticipate the new in You. Thank You that You are continually leading us into the new in You. Thank You that You make a way where there seems to be no way, and that You provide all that we need. Thank You that You make the impossible possible by Your strength. Forgive us for focusing on the obstacles, or on the former things that have hurt us or held us back, and help us to look to You in all things and at all times, knowing that we can do all things through You who give us strength. May we move forward faithfully in trust, as we love as You love us. Let those who are looking find a forever faith in You. Be glorified as we trust You in each step of the new You are calling us to. Amen.

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

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy. – Hebrews 4:16

Do Not Dismay

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 right hand. – (Isaiah 41:10, NIV)

 

Don’t worry – I am with you. Don’t be afraid – I am your God. I will make you strong and help you. I will support you with My right hand that brings victory. – (Isaiah 41:10, ERV)

 

God’s word assures us again and again that we need not fear, for He is near. Regardless of our circumstance or what comes against us, our hope is assured when we trust in the Lord. He is our Source of strength, so we needn’t worry whether or not we have what it takes to endure. On our own, we certainly do not; yet in Him, we can do all things through Him who gives us strength. Christ carries us, when we are no longer able to walk on our own. Often, He supplies tangible support to help us along the way. His hand is evident all around us, even in the midst of our greatest struggles, if we simply pause and ponder all that He is doing. Even when we cannot see the end in sight, we know the ultimate victory is found in Him. Our future is secured, and our crowning conclusion is all of eternity with Christ. Fear is no longer necessary when we have the certainty of eternity with our Creator. “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” – (I Corinthians 15:55)

 

We need not fear,

nor be dismayed;

for Christ the Lord,

will be our aid.

He’ll be our strength,

when we are weak;

He’ll hold us up,

to our hearts speak.

His strong right hand,

righteous and true;

is God for us,

seeing us through.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we need not fear, as You are with us. Thank You that You are our God, and we are Your children. Thank You that You strengthen and help us in our time of need, and that You hold us up with Your mighty right hand. Forgive us for our fearfulness in the midst of the fight, and help us to be ever aware of Your ongoing presence. May we feel Your strength and help as You are holding us up, and may we give You all the glory. Let our lives be lived as an ongoing act of worship before You, celebrating Your goodness and faithfulness to us as Your children. May many come to know You as their Savior and Lord, as we seek to serve You with our whole lives. Let Your love be evident in everything that we say and do. All honor and glory to You, O God, our Father. Amen.

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

When times are good, be happy. – Ecclesiastes 7:14

Doing Good Mutes Malicious Talk

For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. – (1 Peter 2:15, NIV)

 

When you do good, you stop ignorant people from saying foolish things about you. This is what God wants. – (1 Peter 2:15, ERV)

 

So often, actions speak louder than words. Many people are only ready and willing to hear what we have to say, after they have witnessed consistently faithful behavior over time. As God is made evident through our ongoing outpouring of self, it is then that people become curious and want to know why. Questions are asked and answers are discovered. Opportunities are created where they had never been before. Additionally, when we are consistent in our faithful walk with the Lord, and our actions are an ongoing reflection of such, people know that if a slanderous statement is made – they see it for what it is – a lie. His truth reigns and we are beyond reproach when we commit our lives to serving Him.

 

Choose to do God’s will,

our actions be true;

abiding in Christ,

as He makes us new.

Doing what is good,

hushes foolish men;

as the Lord desires,

truth shines forth again.

We pour out our hearts,

generously give;

He lets His light shine,

so more loved ones live.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us and protecting us and our reputation. Thank You that as we do Your will, You allow our actions to speak on our behalf, silencing those who might speak untruth against us. Thank You too, that You utilize our obedience to open opportunities to share with those who do not yet know You. Forgive us for our inactivity when You have called us to action, and help us to step out faithfully – trusting You to be our strength every step of the way. May we make the most of every opportunity You present us with to share of Your goodness and faithfulness, and may many come to know You as their Savior and King. Be glorified as we do all things in Your love. Amen.

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

Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. – 2 Corinthians 3:5

 

Imperishable Truth

For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. – (1 Peter 1:23, NIV)

 

You have been born again. This new life did not come from something that dies. It came from something that cannot die. You were born again through God’s life-giving message that lasts forever. – (1 Peter 1:23, ERV)

 

When we commit our lives to Christ, it is not a fleeting action, nor based on something that may someday fade away. God remains the same yesterday, today and forever, so our hope is assured and His promises secured, for now and forever more. God with us, is His Holy Spirit that comes to dwell in us when we invite Him in, and remains until we are united with the Lord face-to-face on our final day of drawing breath. As we enter His presence in Heaven, we are assured that our space is secured forever. Imagine an eternity of dwelling in the lavish light of His love, with no more worldly woes…

 

The very moment,

a heart invites You in;

You grant us new life,

set free from all our sin.

This life we’re given,

lasts for eternity;

for You cannot die,

and You have set us free.

Your word is alive,

it forever endures;

shows us what is truth,

and our future secures.

Help us to hold fast,

to Your truth that remains;

may we spend our days,

glorifying Your Name.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we have new life in You. Thank You that our new life is based on Your word and Your truth, which endure forever. Thank You that our salvation is not only for now, but for all of eternity. Forgive us for not viewing life through an eternal lens, and for allowing the troubles of this life to overwhelm us. Thank You that You are our help and our hope, and that Your presence and Your promises remain forever. Thank You that You never leave us nor forsake us, even when we are unaware of Your presence or of how You are moving in the midst of our mess. May we walk forward in faith, trusting You are who You say You are. Let us love others as You so lavishly love us, and may many come to know new life in You for themselves. Be exalted O God, in all that we say and do. Amen.

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

And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you.” – Exodus 33:19