Priests to Serve

And they sang a new song: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because You were slain, and with Your blood You purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” – (Revelation 5:9-10)

 

As John was experiencing his revelation from God, I can only imagine the awe that unfolded as he watched Jesus receive the scroll, and recognize that He alone, was worthy to open it. More than that, what a treasured hope to behold the sight and sound of a choir filling the heavens, all praising God together, as all worshiped as one, from every tribe, language, people and nation. We, as believers, are being gathered unto Him, and being made priests to one day reign with Him. Our songs of praise have much to point out. He gave His life, bought ours with His, is calling us unto Him, is making us priests, and appointing us to reign on earth. May we live our lives from a posture of praise, and seek to honor Him, with all of our days.

 

He gave His life,

so that we might find;

hope to behold,

and share with mankind.

The Lamb of God,

He’s worthy alone;

to open scrolls,

and sit on the throne.

He purchased men,

from every land;

paid with His life,

hope to understand.

Heaven declares,

together as one;

Christ is our hope,

defeat is now done.

Sing a new song,

all praise to the Lamb;

Who set us free,

with salvation’s plan.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You alone are worthy of all honor and praise, and that You are the One who is able to open the seals on the scrolls. Thank You that there is nothing too difficult for You, so we need not ever fear, for You are always with us. Thank You that You willingly laid down Your life for ours, so that we could have Your Spirit with us now, and dwell with You forever. Forgive us for our fears and doubts, and for all that we say and do that does not bring praise unto You. Teach us to live with the sort of trust that radiates from our very being, so that all those around us cannot help but want to know what is different about us. May we be Your hands and heart to the world. Let those who are looking, be found in You. Be exalted O God, in our every word and deed. Amen.

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

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

An Undivided Heart

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)

 

Though the Israelites had been sent away and scattered, and had become divided from God and each other, the Lord was making a promise to His people. God gave word that He would restore them back to their land once again. Verses nineteen and twenty were further promises to His people that He is faithful.

 

The promises spoken for the Israelites, are still available for us today. When we seek Christ, He will give us an undivided heart and place His spirit within us. He takes our hardened, calloused heart, and exchanges it for one that is soft, tender and vulnerable. His Spirit directs our path as to what we should and should not do, and He calls us His own, and He is our God.

 

A heart undivided,

once as hard as stone;

transformed by Jesus Christ,

through whom love is shown.

He grants us His Spirit,

to dwell in our heart;

so each of us will know,

His path from the start.

He makes us His people,

and He is our God;

He transforms and grows us,

let the earth applaud.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You grant us an undivided heart and a new spirit within us. Thank You that when we seek to find You, You are ready and waiting for us. Thank You that You exchange our hard hearts for ones of flesh that are soft and open to all that You ask. Thank You that Your Spirit within us makes known the paths we’re meant to take, and helps lead us and guide us in the ways we are meant to go. Thank You that we are Your people and that You are our God. Forgive us for our words and deeds that do not reflect that relationship. Help us to be a rightful representation of You before the world, as we go forth in love, just as You love us. May many come to know You as their Savior and King, as they too, grant You full access to their hearts and lives. Be glorified, Lord God, in all that we say and do. 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

We Who Overcome

To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. – (Revelation 3:21, NIV)

 

I will let everyone who wins the victory sit with Me on My throne. It was the same with Me. I won the victory and sat down with My Father on His throne. – (Revelation 3:21, ERV)

 

To overcome does not mean to be without struggle, but rather it is to press in and persist in spite of the struggle until the battle is finally won. Often, overcoming is a long and arduous battle. Our struggles require an ongoing repeated reliance on our Redeemer. He is our strength to stand strong against temptation and opposition, and He is our Rock whom we can run to, when we require retreat. Victory, is determined in our obedience, not in our strength to stand on our own. We are able to be overcomers and join our Savior on His Heavenly throne, as we choose to allow Him to lead us into our battles, and rely on Him to be our Commander and King.  Each step, each breath, that we choose to allow Him to lead, we find His strength to meet our need.   May our hearts hold fast to Him alone, who leads us to salvation’s throne.

 

Battles will come,

of that we’re assured;

yet strength is found,

through Christ we’re secured.

Victory waits,

for all those who trust;

in the Lord God,

Who’s more than enough.

And on that day,

when we’ve overcome;

our battles fought,

and we see the Son –

“Come close, My child,

you’ve trusted alone;

come sit by Me,

on salvation’s throne.”

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we are overcomers in You. Thank You that in Your strength, we are able to do that which You call us to, and hold fast to the promise of being with You forever in Heaven. Thank You that our hope is not just for the future, but it is for right now as well, as You grant us Your Spirit to dwell in us so that we can be more than conquerors in Your Name. Forgive us for our fear and failures, and help us to recognize how it is You who pick us back up, dust us off, and place us on our feet again. Teach us to persevere, even when the battle before us seems impossible; for nothing is impossible for You. May we live and love as You call us to, and may many lives be led into a relationship where they too, become overcomers in You. Be glorified, O God, as we overcome all that opposes us in Your strength. Amen.

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

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

Abide

Abide. What a beautiful, yet at times, elusive word. To remain, continue, stay, or even await, in the context of Christ, is the place my heart hides best. A dear friend has found herself in a space where her only instruction from the Lord is to simply, ABIDE. Since first hearing, I often think about how I am meant to abide as well. My discovery, is that to abide is a daily decision to walk with Him – in His grace, His love and His peace. It does not necessarily come naturally, but rather is rooted in choice after choice after choice.

 

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vines, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. – (John 15:4, NKJV)

 

For anything good to come out of us, we must be firmly rooted and established in Christ. May our lives be so intertwined with His, that we cannot help but bear good fruit that lasts. All glory and honor to Him, now and forevermore.

 

Come all you weary,

for He’ll grant us rest;

come all you broken,

He’ll repair our mess.

As we choose to come,

be still and abide;

allow Him access,

to darkness we hide.

For His light’s greater,

than our dark despair;

healing and wholeness,

He grants us, right there.

Throw out what hinders,

with hearts open wide;

He’s faithful always,

as we choose abide.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we abide in You, You abide in us too. Thank You that You are faithful always, and that Your mercies are new every morning. Thank You that as we abide in You, You grow us and strengthen us, so that we may be utilized to touch lives on Your behalf. Thank You that You take us as we are, and turn our past struggles into stories of Your faithfulness to share. Forgive us for our fears and frustrations as we face the fire, and grant us Your eyes to see and Your strength to endure. May we live and love in Your strength as we opt to abide in You, and may many lives be changed as they come to know the truth. Be glorified, O God, as we abide. 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

Let the Morning Bring Word

Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul. – (Psalm 143:8)

 

Each new day, we have a choice to trust anew. What I have found, is that as I am intentional with my time each morning with the Lord, He is faithful to show me His unfailing love, and guide me in the ways in which I am meant to go. My mere offering of self, is met by our loving Lord, who is faithful to answer, and worthy of all of our trust. May this new morning bring word unto you of His unfailing, unrelenting love for you too.

 

Early each morning,

as I choose to rise;

my Savior meets me,

with His loving eyes.

He shows me His love,

as I read His word;

He speaks to my heart,

true tenderness heard.

As I choose to trust,

He shows me the way;

that I’m meant to go,

in His will, I’ll stay.

He lifts up my soul,

when life brings me down;

and calls me His child,

for in Him, I’m found.

Such a tiny gift,

whatever we bring;

yet He welcomes us,

as true offerings.

And in His great love,

He grants us much more;

He cleanses, renews,

His Spirit – outpours.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that the morning does bring word of Your unfailing love, and that Your mercies are new every morning. Thank You that we can place our trust in You, and You are faithful to show us the way we should go. Thank You that as we lift our hearts to You, You meet us where we are, and grow us to so much more in You. Forgive us for our fears and doubts, and help us to trust You in all things and at all times. Teach us to hear You clearly, and to then walk in obedience to the words You whisper to our hearts. May many come to know You as we love You and love others, as You have called us to do. Be exalted, O God, as we trust You anew this morning. Amen.

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

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

What Power is This?

He made the earth by His power; He founded the world by His wisdom and stretched out the heavens by His understanding. – (Jeremiah 51:15)

 

In the midst of sharing the message of destruction that the Lord had for the Babylonians, Jeremiah perfectly placed this poignant passage that recognizes the remarkable, in the Lord alone. Though the Babylonians were a powerful force, they would not stand under the opposition of He who made the earth. No people’s power can come close to His. A wisdom and understanding that stretched out the heavens, cannot be compared to the mere minds of men. When all seems chaotic and on a downward spiral around us, we can hold fast to He who is greater than all. Our hope is present in Christ, and our future forever secured in Him. May we go forth in His grace, trusting in His power, wisdom and understanding that are far greater than all else.

 

What power is this,

that created earth?

Who founded the world,

and ordained our birth.

The God of heaven,

Creator of Earth;

granter of new life,

breathed life at our birth.

In His great wisdom,

He stretched out the skies;

hand-crafted all things,

where true beauty lies.

The very same God,

Who spoke life in all;

will come dwell in us,

and answer our call.

Trust in His wisdom,

rely on His grace;

He is our true hope,

our peace in this place.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You made the earth by Your power, and You founded the world with Your wisdom. Thank You that You stretched out the heavens with Your understanding. Thank You that You who can do such mighty things, care for each of us, individually. Thank You that You know us intimately, and still love us with Your life. Forgive us for forgetting just how big and powerful You are in the midst of our messes, and help us to hold fast to You – the only One who is our hope, our comfort, and our peace – regardless of what is happening. Help us to trust You more, so that we move mightily on Your behalf. Let us love others as You love us, and may lives be changed and hearts turned toward You. Be glorified, Lord God, as we stand in awe of who You are and all that You have done. 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

To Walk in Obedience

And this is love: that we walk in obedience to His commands. As you have heard from the beginning, His command is that you walk in love. – (2 John 1:6, NIV)

 

And loving means living the way He commanded us to live. And God’s command is this: that you live a life of love. You heard this command from the beginning. – (2 John 1:6, ERV)

 

To truly love, is to live in the love that the Lord gives unto us. He commands us to love Him and love each other. Though seemingly simple, it is not always the easiest task, as we live in a world full of broken people that do not always seek the good in one another. However, while we were still steeped in our own sin, Jesus chose to love us with His very life. The love He gave, made way for us to come to Him and be made new. It is in this space of new, that we are then able to extend His love to others, despite whether or not they are deserving. When we are in Christ, He equips and empowers us to extend love in spaces where love has never been. May we go forth this day, walking securely in His love.

 

Obedience,

to all Christ commands;

is truly love,

and life in His hands.

To walk in love,

even when opposed;

extending grace,

that hearts long to know.

For just as Christ,

loved with His last breath;

how great that love,

that defeated death.

The same power,

that raised Christ again;

dwells in our hearts,

to overcome sin.

May we go forth,

and love as He will;

pointing people,

to seek and be still.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are Love. Thank You that You sent Your Son to demonstrate what it means to love with one’s entire being. Jesus, thank You for laying down Your life so that I can truly live. Thank You that the very same love that lives in You, dwells in the hearts of all whom believe. Forgive us for not loving You or loving people as You call us to. Teach us to continually walk in love, even when people are difficult to love. Grant us wisdom to know what our responsibilities are, and what are not. Give us ears to hear You clearly and Your eyes to see as we walk in faith. Let Your love be evident in us, and may many come to know You as we walk faithfully in love. Be glorified, O God, by our obedient walking in love. Amen.

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

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

Favored, Not Forgotten

Have you ever felt rejected or forgotten by God? Psalm 74 is a great reminder of what we ought to do when we find ourselves in such a space. Our God is big enough to hear our concerns, yet as we pause and reflect on who He is, we will begin to remember just how great He truly is. The first line of Psalm 74 begins with: Why have You rejected us forever, O God? A mere eleven verses later, the Psalmist writes: But You, O God, are my king from of old; You bring salvation upon the earth. As the writer continues to unpack the memories of God’s power and faithfulness, faith seems to rise up, and requests are made with confidence.

 

What can we do when we find ourselves in a similar space – a place where we feel as if we are out of the favor of our Heavenly Father? If we follow the example set before us in Psalm 74, first, we need to be honest with God and let Him know how we are feeling. He is a loving Father, and will not be crushed by our honest admission of frustration or doubt. Next, we ought to spend some time remembering times of His favor and faithfulness. As we speak of the great things He has done, faith rises up, and strength for the stretch ahead, seems to return. Finally, we are meant to ask the Lord for His help. If we are afraid, we need to pray for His courage to rise up within us. If we are weary and worn, we need ask for His strength to sustain. He is, where we are not. May we seek the Lord honestly, and remember all that He has done.

 

Seasons of silence,

quiet and alone;

feeling forgotten,

wanting to be shown.

Stop and remember,

the Lord’s faithfulness;

His grace and mercy,

in times of distress.

Time and time again,

His hand, evident;

He rescued and loved,

His peace swiftly sent.

Cry out to the Lord,

for He will give ear;

to all that we ask,

His presence is clear.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that even when we feel like we are alone and abandoned, You are present and moving on our behalf. Thank You that our feelings are not indicators of Your working. Thank You that we can come to You and speak to You honestly and openly, wherever we are at, and You still love us the same. Thank You for Your faithfulness throughout the ages, so that we can look back and see and remember how faithful You truly are. Forgive us for doubting Your presence or Your willingness to intervene on our behalf because Your timeline is different from our own. Teach us to trust You and Your timing, and grant us Your peace in the waiting. May we persevere with confidence, trusting in You alone. Let us love others as You so lavishly love us, and may many come to know You as their Savior and King as a result. Be glorified, O God, as we seek to trust You even when we are unaware of Your presence. 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

If We Love

No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us. – (1 John 4:12)

 

When we are in relationship with Christ, His Spirit lives in us. Our love that comes from the Father, extended to all whom we encounter, is a glimpse of God Himself, to those who know Him not. This is both a great privilege and a tremendous responsibility. Imagine with joy, knowing that we get to represent His hands and His heart to the world. However, in doing so, it is essential that we love others as He loves us. Christ’s love is patient and kind, not envious nor boastful, nor rude. It does not seek recognition nor return. It is not easily angered and does not keep score. Christ’s love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. His love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Jesus’ love never fails. In order for us to love as He loves us, we must fully rely on Him. On our own, we will fall miserably short. In Him, we are equipped to love beyond what we would have thought possible. May we go forth in His love, so that many may gain a glimpse of just how glorious our God truly is.

 

Though no eye has seen,
the face of the Lord;
we have seen in part,
through love He affords.
His Spirit within,
faithful human hearts;
grants us all glimpses,
His glory, in part.
Christ’s love is selfless,
it’s given away;
no expectations,
to somehow repay.
It always speaks truth,
it never keeps score;
it always protects,
leaves us wanting more.
God’s love always hopes,
ever perseveres;
it will never fail,
it wipes away tears.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that though we have never seen You face-to-face, we have been given glimpses of Your glory through the hearts of those whom love and serve You. Thank You that when You dwell in us, Your love is made complete in us. Thank You that we have the privilege of being extensions of Your hands and heart to the world. Forgive us for falling short – for not loving as You would love. Please grant us Your eyes to see others, and break our hearts for what breaks Yours. May we be moved by the things that stir Your heart, and then act upon those things in love. Lead us and guide us in Your goodness and grace. Let the lost be found as they are given glimpses of who You are through the love of those faithfully following You. Be glorified, O God, through our love. 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

The Plans of the Lord

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.” – (Jeremiah 29:11-14a)

 

Jesus has a plan for each of our lives. His plans are good. Ultimately, His plans are to pull us up out of the muck, and place our feet on solid ground. As we are moved, He grants us hope for today and promise for our forever. Seeing Christ’s faithfulness compels us to call on Him and commune with Him. In doing so, He hears our prayers. With hope rising in our hearts, we come to a place of knowing our own need for Him. He assures us that as we seek Him with our whole heart, we will find Him. More than that, He will bring us back from the places where we have previously been stuck. Captivity is not always a physical imprisonment; as we are so often captive to our own sin and selfishness. Jesus alone sets us free from all that hinders us from moving forward with Him. May we seek You and find You as we seek You with all that we are.

 

The plans of the Lord,

are hopeful and good;

no intent to harm,

His love understood.

As we call on Him,

He listens and hears;

each of our heart’s cries,

He sees all our tears.

A future He holds,

for all those who seek;

Him with their whole heart,

His blessings released.

Freed from our prisons,

that keep us from Him;

hope in Christ the key,

ushers new life in.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have plans to prosper us and not to harm us. thank You that Your plans grant hope and a future with You. Thank You that as we call on You and pray to You, You hear our prayers. Thank You that when we seek You with our whole heart, we find You. Thank You that You set us free from that which keeps us captive. Forgive us for not seeking with our whole heart, or for not calling on You in all things and at all times. Teach us to trust You completely, so that our first response is to seek You alone. Lead us to live and love in the hope You have provided, and help many come to know the very same hope found in You alone, for themselves. Be exalted, O God, as we seek You and Your plans for our lives. Amen.

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

He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. – Proverbs 11:25