Pleasing Meditation

May my meditation be pleasing to Him, as I rejoice in the Lord. – (Psalm 104:34)

 

The focus of our meditation is on whatever captures our continued extended thought, reflection, contemplation or introspection. If we choose to meditate, to fix our hearts and minds on the things of Christ, not only is our choice pleasing to the Lord, but we find reason to rejoice. It is impossible to truly set our sights on who Christ is, and all that He has done, and not feel a sense of gratitude rise up within us. Even in the most dismal of circumstances, in Christ, there is reason to rejoice. We rejoice not for our present circumstance, but rather for our eternal hope; for the forever that is yet to come. All that is in the here and now, is but the blink of an eye when compared to eternity with Christ. May we meditate on Christ and the things of Him, so that our focus is pleasing before Christ, as rejoicing rises up within us.

 

Let that which captures,

my heart and my mind;

be focused on Christ,

Who’s loving and kind.

He’s our place of hope,

but hope is a choice;

to lay hold of truth,

and learn to rejoice.

Rejoice in the Lord,

for all that He is;

not what we’re facing,

but how we shall live.

Not just for today,

but all tomorrows;

our future glory,

wipes away sorrows.

It won’t remove pain,

or trials that come;

but still we rejoice,

through hope in the Son.

For on that great day,

when we breathe our last;

we’ll enter glory,

forget all that’s passed.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we fix our eyes, hearts and minds on the things of You, we find reason to rejoice. Thank You that rejoicing is not circumstantial, but rather is always appropriate because of who You are, and what You have done for us. Thank You that our hope in You is far greater than anything that we face in the here and now. Forgive us for allowing our hearts and minds to fix on anything that distracts from the truth of the hope that we hold forever in You. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will rejoice in every season – be it in sorrow or celebration – knowing that You are our God and that we have You with us now, and will dwell in Your house forever. Lead us to love others in such a way, that they too come to know the hope that is found in You. May many come into a space where their meditation is pleasing unto You, as they too, rejoice in You alone. Be glorified O God, as we fix our hearts and minds on that which is pleasing to You, and in turn, rejoice in the truth of who You are. 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

Praise All of Our Days

I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify Your Name forever. For great is Your love toward me; You have delivered me from the depths of the grave. – (Psalm 86:12-13)

 

Fire has always frightened me to my core, ever since I was a little girl. In fact, when the fire department did a fire safety talk at my elementary school, I would not sleep at night until my parents installed smoke detectors in our home. Right now, we are experiencing an unusually hot and dry summer in Washington State. On the eastern side of the state, in Wenatchee where my Mom resides, their first big fires of the season just hit yesterday. Typically, they are far from where my mom lives, so all that is observed is the constant flying of helicopters to the river to fill giant containers that are then flown over the flames, and poured out to douse them with water. Unfortunately, yesterday evening the fires were crawling closer and closer to where my mother lives. Her neighborhood was on voluntary evacuation, but she and her neighbors decided to stay and be ready to go at a moment’s notice. Late into the evening, flames burst forth from the ravine on the far side of her vacant lot. Suddenly her home was surrounded by firefighters and her exit blocked by fire trucks. Even if she had wanted to leave, there was no way out, as the fire was burning too near the only road out. For hours, I watched, waited, and prayed. I imagine she did much of the same.

 

This morning’s Psalm really resonates as to how I feel on behalf of my Mom and the many in her housing development whom are dearly loved friends. His love has been great as He has delivered and protected them from what could have been catastrophic. My heart is overflowing with praise, for He is good and His love endures forever.

 

No matter what comes,

Image from my Mom’s driveway…

I will give You praise;

for You are my God,

help all of my days.

With all of my heart,

to You, glorify;

forever, always,

hope to testify.

You have delivered,

me from the great depths;

and spared me the grave,

of unrighteousness.

Though we walk through fire,

You lovingly keep;

us in Your safe hands,

as You tend Your sheep.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your love for us is so great, that You sent Your Son to deliver us from the depth of an eternal grave. Thank You that You are worthy of our praise, with all of our heart, for all of our days. Forgive us for losing sight of the truth when storms rage or fires burn. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will glorify You in every circumstance, as You are worthy of our praise forever. Lead us to love others in such a way, that they may see Your heart for them through us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we offer our praise until the end of our days. 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

Run for Your Life

Paul, as he was serving his final sentence in prison and awaiting his earthly demise, he knew with confidence that he had done all that he could do to love God and love people with his life. Because his hope was in Christ, he knew what was in store. Though his earthly end was drawing near, his eternity in glory, was about to begin. As He held fast to the truth, he was able to say with confidence: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. – (2 Timothy 4:7)

 

Can we with confidence, also claim that we are fighting the good fight, running the race to which we are called, and all the while, keeping the faith? It is a weighty question, and one that can only be answered with a “yes“, if we walk out our days dependent on Christ. Some days it is easier to fight the good fight than others. Just as some days are beyond difficult to get out of the house and run, so too is our faith in action. Yesterday, between the heat and the having to run solo, it nearly kept me from walking out my front door. Deep within me, I knew that if I did not get out and go, I would regret it. It was hot and hilly, and quite frankly, a bit miserable. However, when I was finished, I was so grateful to have gone. Likewise, the weariness and the worries of the world can wear us down and keep us from walking out our front door, or from reaching out where we know we are called to go. That being said, we have a Savior who calls and equips us to run and fight in faith. All that is needed He will provide. May we stand firm in our faith as we run the race to which we are called; and in His power, fight the good fight until our final breath is drawn.

 

Let our lives be led,

by the Lord’s great love;

as He fuels our faith,

seek His ways above.

For we have been called,

to run our own race;

to fight the good fight,

stand firm in our faith.

Let our race be run,

in a mighty way;

so that “Well done’s” heard,

on our final day.

Let’s fight the good fight,

and run our race strong;

propelled by the faith,

that pulls us along.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to fight the good fight and run the race that You have set before us, through the faith that You impart to every heart who seeks You. Thank You that the reward that awaits a life lived for You, far outweighs any darkness or suffering that we endure in the here and now. Forgive us for taking our eyes off of eternity, and allowing the here and now to define us. Teach us to fix our eyes on You and what lasts forever, not on that which will one day fade. Lead us to love others intentionally and generously, just as You so love each of us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we fight the good fight and run our own race through a relentless faith in 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

Listen, Learn and Love

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. – (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

 

Our purpose for studying God’s word ought not be to simply gain knowledge, but rather to understand God and His will, so that we can go forth and do that which He is asking. His word equips us with the tools we need to choose wisely as we go. As we grow in our understanding of who God is and what is good and pleasing before Him, our faith is strengthened to step out and do the good that He is calling us to do. May we invest wisely, our time in His word, and receive the instruction, correction and direction that the Lord is extending as we study and listen to Him. Let us go forth equipped for every good work which He is calling us to do.

 

God’s word is God-breathed,

and granted for all;

to lead and to guide,

to help us not fall.

The Lord raises us,

in His righteousness;

equipped and inspired,

to be a witness.

Not just with our mouth,

but with hands to serve;

as we do good work,

the Lord’s heart is heard.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your word. Thank You that You teach, rebuke, correct and train us in righteousness as we invest in the study of Your word. Thank You that what is gained is not meant to be an idle space of new knowledge, but rather it is an equipping for us to go forth and do good works, according to Your perfect plan. Forgive us for failing to invest our time into the study of Your word, or for standing idly by, when we know what we are meant to do for the good of those around us. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will invest in the equipping of our hearts and minds in the truth of Your word, and then take what You teach us and go forth to do good works in the community around us. Lead us to love others as You so generously love each of us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we listen, learn and love as You have designed each of us to do. 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

No Need to Argue

Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. – (2 Timothy 2:23)

 

Rather than engage in trivial arguments or debates, we are called to be kind and gentle, patient and courteous, and speak the truth always. This requires us to listen before we speak, and to use wisely the words we choose allow to escape our lips. Let truth be told, but through the lens of love that draws others in so that they may want to hear what we have to say. Not engaging in arguments is just one example of how we can align our living with what we profess to be true. Respectful and honest discussion is good and beneficial, but anything that produces fuel to fight, is not the sort of conversation that we are called to carry out. May we choose our words wisely, ever speaking the truth in love in a way that others may see Christ in us, and desire to pursue that which we already have.

 

Allow not our words,

be foolish, unkind;

for arguments are,

engaged with the blind.

Rather let our words,

be gentle and kind;

as we listen well,

may lost seek to find.

Let the words we speak,

offer love and life;

peace to the hearer,

an ending to strife.

As the truth is told,

through life we’re living;

what we have professed,

removes misgivings.

May we choose be light,

as we extend love;

without arguing,

through Christ’s call above.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to steer clear of foolish and stupid arguments, as they produce nothing productive for Your kingdom. Thank You that You instead call us to be gentle and kind, patient and courteous, as we share the truth through mutual respect and care for one another. Forgive us for engaging in quarrels or foolish arguments, and help us to trust You more, so that we would seek to listen first, before we ever choose to open our mouths to speak. Lead us to love others with words and actions that bring light and life, just as You illuminate our darkness and grant us eternal hope. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified Lord God, as we choose to not engage in foolish arguments, but rather invest in conversations that create opportunities for the truth to be made known. Amen.

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

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

A Powerful and Purposeful Life

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. – (2 Timothy 1:7)

 

The gifts God gives are abundant and beneficial. That which He deposits within us, by His Holy Spirit, provide all that we need to live a powerful and purposeful life in Christ. Some of the above mentioned gifts are a bit easier to embrace than others. As one who has grown up as an athlete, the self-discipline portion makes sense and translates well to my spiritual life. Creating time each day to spend in God’s word is as natural as knowing the need to run regularly prior to a big race. Life is an ongoing race, so the daily training is essential to successfully navigate each new twist and turn as it comes.

 

Love too, seems to flow freely, as it has been poured abundantly into me. Having a godly and gracious grandmother and mother, who model what it means to love with all that they are, has set the standard for how I am meant to love my own children, and all those whom I encounter. Additionally, I am blessed with a circle of church family and friends that demonstrate the love of Christ, tangibly, to one another and to the community in which we reside.

 

To set aside timidity is to stretch the borders in which this introvert dwells. It is only by His power, that anything of worth can be accomplished, and I have to constantly remind myself that “greater is He who is in me, than he who is in the world.” It is only through self-discipline and love, that I am able to receive His power and say “yes“, when He asks anything of me that requires me to be bold. Ironically, this occurs daily, as the mere act of pressing the publish button is one of obedience, rather than of a desire to display my devotional life. By His Spirit, we can do abundantly more than we would ever imagine possible. May we go forth in His power, setting aside our fears and embracing His love, as we seek to submit to the Lord and live a disciplined life according to His good and perfect will.

 

For God does not give,

a spirit of fear;

but one of power,

as we choose draw near.

His Spirit is love,

and self-discipline;

to show us the way,

and keep us from sin.

Each time we choose love,

and set aside fear;

we show those in need,

how the Lord is near.

Lord, make us each bold,

strong in Your great might;

so we may run well,

and fight the good fight.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You did not give us a spirit of timidity, but rather You give us a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. Thank You that as we embrace Your Spirit within us, You accomplish amazing things both in us and through us. Thank You that we have the privilege of joining with You on our journey, and that it is Your joy to help us grow. Forgive us for our fearfulness and lack of love or self-discipline. Teach us to trust You more, so that we may be bold in Your power, and consistent in our faithful investment in You and Your created. Lead us to love others as You intend us to love. May many come into a saving relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we let go of our fears and embrace Your power and love through consistent time spent with You. 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

Seeking to Gain

But godliness with contentment is great gain. – (1 Timothy 6:6)

 

The wholehearted pursuit of Christ, leads to a contentment that cannot be found anywhere else. No earthly treasures can compare to the peace that passes all understanding in our hearts and minds, when we allow the Lord to reign. Godliness, our state of ongoing spiritual growth and fulfillment through Him whom we give all honor and praise, grants us the greatest gain of all, as we discover all that God is doing in and through our lives. As we take our eyes off of earthly acquisitions, and focus rather on the things of God, contentment comes flooding in. May we seek the Lord with all that we are, and know the contentment that comes from a life gained through His grace.

 

Contentment is gained,

as we pursue Christ;

lay down earthly things,

see His sacrifice.

For the life we gain,

following the Lord;

a heart that is pure,

and grace to afford.

Nothing on the earth,

compares to His love;

let us pursue Christ,

and seek God above.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that to seek You and know You is our greatest gain. Thank You that nothing in the world compares to You. Forgive us for taking our eyes off of You, and allowing our hearts to be distracted by things that do not honor You. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will be content in all things and at all times, knowing that You are with us and in us; and that is so much more than enough. Lead us to love others well, so that they too may come to know contentment in a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek to know You and honor You in all that we do, and are content in all circumstances. 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

Hope Brings Renewal

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. – (Isaiah 40:31)

 

Those who look to the Lord with trust and belief that He is who He says He is, will be renewed, as He is our Source of strength when we grow weary. This is a promise that I can hold onto; for just as I think that I cannot possibly complete that to which I am called, the Lord provides the strength that is needed, and I am able to do immeasurably more than I ever thought possible.

 

To soar on wings like eagles is such beautiful and vivid imagery. It is not to fly like a small sparrow or tiny hummingbird, where continual wing flapping is necessary to fly, but rather, Christ’s love allows us to do some hard work, then to soar and take in the beauty of what He has done. He grants us moments, days, and even seasons of rest, in spite of what is required. We may have to flap, but when we get to soar…

 

To run and not grow weary is the best feeling ever! As a runner, when a distance that once left me winded and weary is now easily run, I am in awe of how the human body is designed. Our life is often compared to a race in scripture, and God does not intend for us to sprint ahead and burn out, but rather to run at a reasonable pace so that we might continue for the entirety of the race to which we are called.

 

Imagine the miles that Jesus and the disciples covered as they went from village to village to share the good news. They walked everywhere, yet scripture never speaks of them growing faint. Because God had called them, He also equipped them to carry out that which He was asking them to do. The same still holds true for us. He will never ask us to do anything He will not also equip us to do. He provides what we need to accomplish that which He is asking. May we hope in the Lord who renews our strength, soaring on the wings He has provided, as we run without growing weary, and walk without growing faint.

 

May we hold all hope,

in the Lord who will;

renew all our strength,

by His Spirit fill.

He’ll teach us to soar,

where struggles once stood;

like eagles we’ll fly,

because God is good.

We’ll not grow weary,

as we run in Him;

nor will we grow faint,

when fueled from within.

So trust in the Lord,

the granter of dreams;

and seek after Him,

our God who redeems.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we hope in You, You renew our strength. Thank You that You grant us not only the strength to stand, but the strength to soar. Thank You that in You, we will run the race to which we have been called without growing weary, and walk where You call us to go, without growing faint. Thank You that though we may tire, You sustain us. Forgive us for our lack of faith when we feel worn or struggle to see the hope in the situation before us. Teach us to trust You more, as You are our hope and strength; and all that we need comes from You alone. Lead us to love others in such a way, that they too may come to know that You are the Source of all hope and strength that gives and sustains life. Be glorified O God, as we hope in You all of our days. 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

Train to be Godly

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. – (1 Timothy 4:7)

 

People tell stories that do not agree with God’s truth that seem to have some sort of moral or lesson that is meant to be followed. If it is not in line with what God says in His word, it is not what we are called to follow. Our charge is to devote ourselves to God and spend time in His word. The more we invest in knowing Him and His word, the better we know and understand the truth, and how He is calling us to live. May we invest our hearts and minds into godly training, rather than allowing the tides to carry us to and fro. The Lord has a plan and a purpose for each of us; it is our job to seek Him and obey what He asks, in order to walk it out.

 

The things of the Lord,

are wrapped up in love;

for we have been called,

to seek Christ above.

Any words spoken,

that do not align;

with the word of God,

are not His design.

Do words promote love,

for God and for man?

If so, they’re from Him,

and are meant to stand.

We are called to know,

the Lord and His word;

so we can discern,

each thing that is heard.

O Lord, raise us up,

so that we will know;

Your truth at all times,

as we seek to grow.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You do not call us to internalize everything we hear, but rather You call us to train ourselves to walk in Your way and know Your truth. Thank You that as we seek You, You show us what is of You, and what is not – granting us discernment so that we will not be tossed to and fro by every new story we hear. Forgive us for getting caught up in anything that is not of You, and teach us to trust You more, so that we will clearly hear Your leading and follow after what You would ask of us. Show us how to love others as You so wonderfully love each of us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we train ourselves to walk in Your ways and invest in Your truth. Amen.

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

Shout aloud and sing for joy. – Isaiah 12:6

The Love of a Father

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. – (Psalm 91:1)

 

For many, this is an excellent promise to remember, as today can be a day of mixed emotions. Though most of us have had the good fortune to have been blessed with either a father, grandfather, uncle, spouse or some male that has held a positive and encouraging role in our lives, not all have had such a gift. The beauty of this day, Father’s Day, is that we all have a Father in Heaven who is perfect in how He loves. His love never fails, and He will always be ready when we run to Him. When we choose to dwell in Him, we find rest, regardless of what is going on in us, or around us. He provides what we need, despite what we seem to desperately be lacking. May we honor Him who is the greatest Father of all, and encourage the men who are seeking after God’s own heart to do likewise. Let us raise up the next generation of young men to do the same, as we show them how to dwell in the shelter of the Most High, and know for themselves, what it is to find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

 

The love of a father,

for what can compare?

All seek such approval,

without it, despair.

No matter the father,

you’re granted on earth;

our Heavenly Father,

claims infinite worth.

He sees us and knows us,

and still chooses love;

no matter our failures,

in Him, rise above.

For all is forgiven,

as we hide in Him;

and rest in His shadow,

made strong from within.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we choose to dwell in You, we find rest in You. Thank You for the men that You have raised up to lead and father well, and thank You for those whom You are refining and restoring so that they may move mountains on Your behalf. Thank You that whether we have had wonderful fathers or not, You have always been our perfect Father; ever present and always available to us. Forgive us for allowing earthly errors to skew our view of You, and teach us to trust and hold fast to the truth of who You are, and how You love. Lead us to love others well, and to aid in the raising up of the next generation of young men who will father according to Your will. May many come into a lasting relationship with You, in which their heart is set on serving You. Be glorified O God, as we dwell in Your protective shelter, and rest in the shadow of Your loving kindness. Amen.

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

The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. – Psalm 145:8