Joy, Patience and Faithfulness

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. – (Romans 12:12)

 

True and lasting joy is not circumstantial, but rather is rooted in our eternal hope. Because we have hope in Him who holds our forever in the palm of His hand, we have reason for joy to rise, regardless of the rough road or ruin around us. Christ comes close and grants us patience and endurance in the midst of our suffering, even when we are desperate to see change. It is in such spaces, that we learn to lean into the Lord, and find our way to becoming more faithful in prayer. Why wouldn’t we want to be consistent in conversations with the King of all creation? He hand-crafted each of us, intentionally for relationship, and relationship only comes when communication continues. May we go forth this day with joy, knowing that our true hope is held in Him; with patience where afflictions are agonizing, and being ever faithful to present our prayers and petitions before our Heavenly Father.

 

Lord, grant us Your joy,

in Your hope alone;

there’s no greater gift,

that we’ve ever known.

Grant us Your patience,

despite pain that comes;

refined through our trials,

Your grace ’til it’s done.

Help us stay faithful,

to You, let us pray;

every answer,

found walking Your way.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our joy and our hope, and that You grant us patience in affliction and are the reason we need be faithful in prayer. Thank You that You are faithful, regardless of our faith. Forgive us for our lack of faith when struggles and afflictions come. Teach us to trust You more, so that we may rise up with joy, knowing where our hope is held, regardless of what lies before us. Lead us to love others well, just as You so wonderfully and individually love each of us. May many come into a saving relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we are joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. Amen.

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

Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, You who have done great things.  Who, O God, is like You? – Psalm 71:19

Lasting Joy

Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in grief. – (Proverbs 14:13)

 

Though I know not what Solomon was referring to in this particular verse, right now, it strikes a chord. There are seasons when there is heartache despite our laughter, and even the joy that we find in the little things, can come crashing down around us. Thankfully, this is not the end. While earthly moments of joy may end in grief, our eternal joy will end in jubilation. When we choose to invest our lives in Christ, our hope is secure, and our eternity assured. These seasons of heartache and grief are temporary, and the joy that is yet to come – that shall last FOREVER. Today, whether we find ourselves in a season of joy or one of heartache, let us lift our eyes and hearts to Him who is the holder of all hope, and the place where true lasting joy is found forever.

 

When your laughter hides,

deep desperate ache;

and joy’s elusive,

because of heartbreak –

Call on the Lord.

When moments are good,

and life’s going well;

give praise to the King,

of His glory tell –

Give thanks to God.

No matter the time,

nor season we’re in;

the Lord is present,

as we call on Him –

Spirit come near.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that no matter what season of life we are living in, You promise to be present and faithful. Thank You that even when we are laughing through heartache or what seemed to bring joy ends in grief, You are faithful and good. Thank You that our hope in You is certain, and the joy in You is not only for today, but for all of eternity. Forgive us for allowing our circumstances to steal the joy that You give, and help us to hold fast to the truth. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will allow Your hope to be what overwhelms our hearts. Lead us to love others well, be it in their times of joy or times of pain. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we love You with our life, regardless of whether life provides laughter or heartache, for You are our hope forever. Amen.

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

Listen… be wise, and keep your heart on the right path. – Proverbs 23:19

Withholding Wayward Words

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. – (Proverbs 12:18)

 

Our words matter. The thoughts that we choose give a voice have the capacity to cut or to heal those who are around us. Typically, because words are of such great worth in my world, I choose quite carefully. However, when pressed and pushed from every direction, I had a moment the other day, where discernment went out the window, and I went off. My words were not life-giving, but rather they were reactive and ugly, without looking at the potential for their lasting impact. Throughout the day, the Holy Spirit showed me where I went wrong, and how I might repent and bring reparation for what should not have been given “voice”. That evening, after the apology and appropriate words for the situation were extended, communication that had been strained, somehow became much more bearable. Words of repentance followed by kind words of encouragement, lifted the weight of ugliness that had been lurking between our exchanges. Since then, our conversations have been kinder and gentler, with more consideration for one another. Healing does happen when wisdom is used through our words. May we choose wisely each word we give voice today, so that what comes from our mouth and heart bring healing, rather than hurt.

 

Reckless words bring pain,

they cut like a sword;

wounding tender hearts,

when angst is outpoured.

The tongue of the wise,

brings healing and life;

it builds others up,

the ender of strife.

So let us choose well,

the words we give voice;

in wisdom, speak love,

obedient choice.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are life-giving and that Your word brings healing and wisdom to all who seek to hear and know the truth. Thank You that when we trust in You, Your Holy Spirit will guide us in the words we speak, if we are willing to listen. Forgive us for our reckless words, and please bring healing and restoration to all whom our ill-spoken words have injured. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would choose to be silent before You and listen well, before we ever give voice to what may cause contention. Help us to speak the truth in love, so that others may receive what is said without being wounded, but rather by being encouraged to draw still nearer to You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You, Lord. Be glorified O God, as we silence the reckless words waiting to escape, and instead, give voice to the wise words that extend Your healing and Your hope. Amen.

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

I thank and praise You, O God of my fathers: You have given me wisdom and power. – Daniel 2:23

Understanding Unpacked through Awe

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. – (Proverbs 9:10)

 

As we come to know God, and stand in awe of Him as our relationship with Him grows, we gain insight and understanding of who He is, and He reveals more of Himself unto us. Wisdom is imparted through a relationship that’s started. Plenty of people know about God, but to know Him through a personal relationship with Him, this is how He instills wisdom within us, rather than us somehow becoming wise in our own pursuit of knowledge. When we seek the Lord with all that we are, we find Him. The insight that is discovered in the day to day interaction with He who has hand-crafted all that is seen and beyond, takes root, and our awe and reverence for the remarkable Redeemer that we serve, grows into a greater understanding of God and our purpose on this planet. May we in reverence, fear the Lord, so that wisdom within begins to grow, as we begin to grasp a glimpse of who He is and how great our God truly is as understanding and knowledge take root.

 

Come before the Lord,

in reverent awe;

for wisdom begins,

when near Christ we draw.

It’s not in doing,

or knowing enough;

but through true pursuit,

relational stuff.

When we place the Lord,

on His rightful throne;

He grows and imparts,

wisdom we’ve not known.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we fear You, stand in reverent awe of You, and view You through eyes that understand that You are for us and not against us, You begin to reveal wisdom and understanding to us that we did not have before. Thank You that You show us more and more of Yourself, as we choose to make ourselves available to hear and invest our heart and time in our relationship with You. Forgive us for not making You our priority, or for not listening to that which You are whispering to our heart. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will rise each day with praise on our lips, and ears ready to hear what You have to speak to our hearts. Lead us to love well as we walk in obedience to all that You ask of us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You, Lord. Be glorified O God, as we fear You and embrace the wisdom and understanding that You grant us. Amen.

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

You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence. – Acts 2:28

Messes Made Magnificent

Despite the mountains we may climb, the obstacles we must overcome, and the unforeseen circumstances that we find ourselves facing – God is still God, and He will use every trial to grow greater good within us.

 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. – (Romans 8:28)

 

God takes our mess and makes it something magnificent within us. He uses our most broken places to reach, help and heal others who are stuck in the very same sort of space. He is gentle and kind, and loves to lead those who call on His Name, to walk on the path that fulfills their purpose. May we hold fast to the truth that God is good, no matter what comes our way, and trust that He will use ALL things for ultimate good.

 

Let faith rise in us,

no matter what comes;

for we know our hope,

is held in the Son.

Despite obstacles,

and trials we face;

the Lord is still good,

and provides His grace.

More amazing still,

is how God will use;

our greatest disgrace,

to grow something new.

No trial for naught,

for God will surely show;

how He helped and loved,

strengthened us to grow.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that despite the pain and heartache associated with life’s trials, You promise to use ALL things for the good of those who love You. Thank You that You are good and that Your promises are eternal. Thank You that as trials come, we learn to lean on You. Forgive us for our fearfulness and lack of faith, and teach us to trust You more, so that we will remember that You are our true Source of strength in every storm. Lead us to love others in such a way, that we would be willing to share the encouragement of how You loved us well in the same sort of struggle that they are standing in. May many come to place their forever hope in You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You to work ALL things for the good of those who love You. Amen.

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

God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me. – Genesis 21:6

Discipline is Discipling

My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline and do not resent His rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those He loves as a father the son he delights in. – (Proverbs 3:11-12, NIV)

My son, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be angry when He corrects you.  The Lord corrects the one He loves, just as a father corrects a child he cares about. – (Proverbs 3:11-12, ERV)

The word discipline has always held a strange duality in my world.  On one hand, it held this connotation of being in trouble, and that is a very negative association for a people-pleaser; yet on the other hand, as an athlete, discipline  has simply meant adhering to the training and teaching prescribed by coaches who knew far more about my sports than I did.  In athletics, I never had a problem with a coach correcting me, as I knew it was for my benefit as an athlete, and would make me stronger, faster, or more efficient (depending on which sport they were coaching).

As I unpack the word this morning, discipline in this portion of Proverbs has the same connotation as my second example.  Discipline here, actually means to teach and to train.  God wants to teach us and train us in His ways, and He loves us enough to correct and redirect us when we go astray from the path on which He has placed us.  His Holy Spirit will whisper to our heart when we have said or done something that we ought not have done.  That unsettling feeling of regret or remorse is actually our invitation to repentance.  The Lord is so kind and gentle.  He patiently and lovingly waits for us to turn our eyes back to Him, and set our sights on that which matters most – who He is, and who He is calling us to become.  May we embrace the Lord’s discipline as His sons and daughters, understanding that it is because He delights in us, that He disciples us in love.

The Lord loves to teach,

and train those He loves;

He shows us the way,

to change, overcome.

Just as a parent,

shows a child the way;

to live life upright,

for all of their days.

Embrace the correction,

for He teaches those;

beloved children,

whom He calls His own.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your discipline is part of discipling, and You are teaching and training us in the ways in which we are meant to go.  Thank You that love alone is Your motivation.  Forgive us for rejecting correction, or for being slow to respond.  Help us to quickly recognize Your voice, correction and direction in our lives, so that we can walk ever closer with You.  Teach us to trust You more, so that we may embrace all of Your discipling, even when it involves rebuke or redirecting from where we thought we were meant to go.  Lead us to love others with the same generosity that You pour out upon us.  May many come into a lasting relationship with You.  Be glorified O God, as we embrace the teaching and training that You extend to each of us, individually.  Amen.

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

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; …write them on the tablet of your heart. – Proverbs 3:3

Mastered by Grace

If we live our lives focused on rules and regulations, rather than on He who formed us and set our very lives in motion, we become trapped in the trying to do enough in accordance to all that is written by man’s own hand. However, if we invest our heart, mind, soul and strength into seeking God and receiving the grace that He freely offers, we cannot help but pursue doing good. It is in that space of God’s grace, that we find freedom to become who He has called us to be, and we are set free from the chains that once held us captive to sin.

 

For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace. – (Romans 6:14)

 

Christ came as the perfect sacrifice so that we would no longer have to make sacrifices for our every sin. Instead, He was the ultimate offering for all that we have ever done, and shall ever do. Because of His amazing grace, we no longer are mastered by sin, but rather may allow our Maker to be our Master, as His reign is done in grace, and His goodness and love lead hearts to repent and return to Him. May we let go of the law that binds us to sin, and embrace His grace as we invite the Lord to be the Master of our lives.

 

Allow not your sin,

to master your life;

for living that way,

will just lead to strife.

In Christ we are not,

stuck under the law;

but rather by grace,

to live life we’re called.

Because it’s a gift,

that Christ freely gave;

we’re drawn to repent,

so we can be saved.

Receive what He gives,

as we are set free;

so others may know,

Whom they see in me.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we no longer need to be slaves to sin because You sent Your Son to pay the penalty for ALL. Thank You that when we give our hearts and lives to You, we are ruled by Your goodness and grace, and are compelled to do good, rather than required to do enough or be enough to earn Your favor. Forgive us for trying to do enough or be enough, rather than investing all that we are in our relationship with You. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will listen to Your leading and walk obediently wherever You are asking. Lead us to love without limits, and help many to come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek to serve You as You ask us to, as we receive the gift of Your grace that You freely give. Amen.

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

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad. – 1 Chronicles 16:31

Overcoming Leads to Becoming

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us. – (Romans 5:3-5)

 

There is a process of overcoming prior to our becoming all that God intends for us to be. Just as plants need pruning to remove the weight of what is dead to grow to their full height and fruitfulness, so too, do we. Part of our pruning process often involves trials that require perseverance. As we press on and into God, He refines and roots our character firmly in Him. Through the growth process, hope rises, and we become certain of in Whom our hope lies, because God is faithful throughout the process, and His Holy Spirit remains present in us, no matter what comes our way. May we rejoice in the process of overcoming, knowing that through it, we are becoming, all that God intends for us to be. Let hope rise, for His love has been placed in our hearts by the Holy Spirit Himself.

 

Praise through the pruning,

for when it is done;

remaining is stronger,

so battles are won.

As we persevere,

character refined;

hope is given rise,

God’s glory defined.

He pours out His love,

into seeking hearts;

Holy Spirit’s home,

wherever we are.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that though not one of us enjoys suffering, we can rejoice in how You use our trials to produce perseverance, character and hope within us. Thank You that though we may not see the purpose in the tragedies and trials that we face, we can trust that You will use all things for the good of those who love You. Forgive us for our frustrations and fears when we are in the midst of trials, and help us to trust You enough to cling to You, knowing that You will lead us through the overcoming so that we may become more of who You have created us to be. Lead us to love others with the love that You have freely given unto us. May many come into a saving relationship with You, Lord. Be exalted O God, as we persevere in the overcoming, and trust You in our becoming, more of who You have created us to be. Let hope rise, as we are acutely aware of the love poured into our hearts by Your Spirit as we go. Amen.

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

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. – Galatians 5:22-23

Blessed are the Forgiven

“Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him.” – (Romans 4:7-8)

 

This freedom of being fully forgiven comes only through faith in Christ. It is not something that we can earn nor somehow convince ourselves is true. As we admit our guilt to God and ask for His forgiveness, He comes close and helps our hearts hold fast to the truth that the guilt is gone because Christ has already paid the price. Often our side of the equation takes much repetition, despite our sins being erased the first time we came before the Lord with repentant hearts. The guilt may cause us to repeat the process of returning again and again to our knees in prayer, asking God to assure us of the truth. Thankfully, the Lord is patient and kind, and He loves us so much that He is willing to remind us each time we come before Him, that we are covered and clean, and that His love for us endures forever. For those who have come before Christ and confessed their transgressions with a repentant heart, He has forgiven. Blessed is what we can be called – for our future is secure, as we know where our hope is held both now and forevermore. May we rise up and remember that our guilt is gone and we are considered blessed as we go forth this day.

 

For those who confess,

their sins to the Lord;

are considered blessed,

by God, we’re adored.

Forgiven and free,

no longer with shame;

for our sins are gone,

through hope in His Name.

All that once caused guilt,

has been wiped away;

the Lord won’t look back,

life starts new each day.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we come to You and confess our sins with repentant hearts, You forgive us and never count our sins against us. Thank You that we are considered blessed, because we are forgiven and renewed in You. Forgive us for returning again and again to that which You have already forgiven, or for not confessing things that are weighing on our hearts. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will bring all before You as it comes. Lead us to love with goodness and grace, just as You so graciously love each of us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You, Lord. Be exalted O God, as we walk confidently in the freedom that You have granted us through Your forgiveness and grace, so that we may share the blessing with all who need to see Your face. Amen.

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

Because of the tender mercy of our God, …the rising sun will come to us from heaven. – Luke 1:78

Grace and Redemption to Go

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ. – (Romans 3:23-24)

 

The size of our sin does not determine our outcome. No matter where we have been, we can still come to Christ and be covered by the cleansing of the cross. The grace of God is far greater than the weight of our former ways. When we come to Christ and receive all that He has to offer by inviting Him to be Lord of our lives, He enters in and washes away the shame and stains of what we once were, so that we may become who He is calling us to be. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross redeems all who choose to believe. In Him, we are set free from all that formerly enslaved us to the ways of the world, so that we may walk in the freedom of His love and grace. May we remember the enormity of God’s grace and redemption that was granted to us when we first believed, so that we too, may offer more grace than we think we ought to, to all those around us.

 

Everyone has sinned,

broken, fallen short;

not done as we should,

unrighteous consort.

Yet Christ entered in,

by His grace He came;

to redeem sinners,

set free in His Name.

O Wonderful One,

we come seek Your face;

lead us in Your ways,

as we run our race.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that though all of us have sinned and fallen short of Your glory, that You justify us freely by Your grace and redeem us through Christ, when we choose to place our trust in You. Thank You for this overwhelming gift of love that is so much more than we can even begin to fathom. Forgive us for taking Your grace for granted, or for forgetting all that You have forgiven. Teach us to trust You more, so that we may be fully aware of both the magnitude of the grace and redemption that we have been granted, and Your power and strength that You offer now so that we may walk in the light of Your truth. Lead us to love others as You so graciously love each of us. May many come into a saving relationship with You, as they come to understand not only their need for a Savior, but the security that is found forever in You. Be glorified O God, as we operate fully aware of the grace and redemption that we have been granted, and move forward in Your power and strength to do all that You call us to do. Amen.

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

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make His face shine upon us. – Psalm 67:1