Today I Trust

This morning as I woke, thirteen minutes prior to my alarm, my first thought was, “Today is the day!” At first, a laundry list of last minute details started filing through my mind, but was shortly squashed by the tender reminder: 

 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your path.” – (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV) 

 

Trust. Such a simple concept, yet often so difficult to truly do. Today, I will choose trust, as it is in His hands. My bag has been packed for a few days, my boys’ bags are packed and ready for camp, I have their camp mail ready to go out so that they know my thoughts are with them, and I have done all that I know to do to prepare here, so now it is a matter of getting there. At times, our trust gets tried in the details, whereas other times there is something major lying before us and we have no choice but to trust. I imagine there will be plenty of opportunity to trust and trust again, as I go where I’ve never been to do things I’ve never done. I have to trust the Lord to be my strength and to lead me in the way I am meant to go. As a non-medical person going on a medical outreach, my role is all about trusting His leading. So far, He has taken something I enjoy, and turned it into part of my purpose and role for the health fair portion of our outreaches. My part will be to share about fitness, and help people recognize how simple it is for them to get out and get moving. God uses whatever we are willing to give, and I never cease to be amazed and how He does just that. May we choose this day to trust in the Lord with our whole heart, and lean not on our own understanding. May we acknowledge Him in all of our ways, and look to Him to direct our path.  

 

Lord, I choose to trust, 

With all of my heart; 

For Your ways are best, 

From finish to start. 

Help me not to lean, 

On what I now know; 

But rather to trust, 

So my faith can grow. 

For Your ways are best, 

Not early or late; 

When I choose You, Lord, 

You make my path straight. 

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for being trustworthy. Thank You that we can trust in You with all of our heart, rather than our own understanding, and as we do, You show us the way to go. Forgive us for worrying when we need to trust. Teach us how to acknowledge You in all things, so that we would recognize how easily You can handle all that seems impossible to us. Show us how to love all those whom You place in our path. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You with all of our heart and acknowledge You in all of our ways. Amen.

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

The joy of the Lord is your strength. – Nehemiah 8:10

Lifelong Learner

Wise men and women are always learning, always listening for fresh insight. – (Proverbs 18:15, MSG)

Clever people go after knowledge to obtain it, and wise people attune their ears to hear it. – (Proverbs 18:15, VOICE)

An understanding mind gains knowledge; the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. – (Proverbs 18:15, CEB)

 

Wisdom is something gained by those who actively seek to know and understand. No one ever “arrives“, rather it is a lifelong process in the pursuit of learning, as there is always more to know and understand. God honors the asking, and continues to reveal more and more of who He is and how He loves as we are willing to draw near and pursue more of Him. Though I know nearly nothing, I understand far more now, than when I first began. The wisest women I have ever known, spent a lifetime learning and growing with God. My grandmother was ever listening for fresh insight, and did not discount what anyone had to say. She would listen through her filter of faith, and have wise and insightful things to reply. People were a priority, and she had a passion for travel, as I believe it created even more opportunity for her to discover deeper understanding of who God is, and all that He has made. As I continue to prepare for my departure for Belize on Saturday evening, my heart holds fast to this truth – to gain wisdom, I must be listening for fresh insight, ever attuning my ears to hear what the Lord has for me to learn. May we each go forth with a heart to grow in understanding and insight, so that we may walk in His wisdom and the light of His truth.

 

Wise are the learned, 

For they seek to grow;

Ever they listen,

For what they’re to know.

God’s ever faithful,

To reveal His heart;

He grants new insight,

Wisdom He imparts.

Seekers of knowledge,

Are those who shall gain;

True understanding,

As His path’s made plain.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that wisdom comes from seeking understanding from You. Thank You that as we continue to learn and grow, ever listening for new insight, You increase what we can comprehend. Forgive us for not seeking fresh insight, or not listening for Your voice when we most need to hear You. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would always be looking to listen and learn, so that we live a growth-minded lifestyle. Show us how to love those around us in a way that helps them feel heard and understood. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we are ever pursuing new knowledge and insight, with open ears and hearts to all that You have for us to learn. Amen.

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

For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. – 1 Peter 2:19

 

To Be Equipped

May He equip you with all you need for doing His will. May He produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to Him. All glory to Him forever and ever. Amen. – (Hebrews 13:21, NLT) 

 

As our team continues to prepare for Saturday’s departure for Belize, it is my prayer that the words of Hebrews 13:21 would be felt tangibly for each of us. Just as it requires careful and thoughtful preparation and organization to fit all that we need for our time in Belize into one hiking backpack, so too does it require intentional time with our Heavenly Father to prepare our hearts for all that He intends to do in us and through us while we are there. May we each be equipped to do His will as we seek Him with our whole heart. For every good thing that is pleasing to Him, comes from the power of His Spirit at work within us.  

 

Prepare our hearts, Lord, 

Equip us anew; 

To rise up in faith, 

Where You call us to. 

It’s by Your power, 

That we can do good; 

All that is pleasing, 

Your grace understood. 

Shape us and mold us, 

By Your mighty hands; 

To serve with our hearts, 

And fulfill Your plans. 

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You equip us with all we need to do Your will, if we come to You and depend on You. Thank You that through Your power in us, You produce good things that are pleasing unto You. Forgive us for trying to go our own way, or attempting to do things in our own strength. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would allow Your power to produce in us, that which is pleasing to You. Show us how to walk out this journey in a way that demonstrates Your amazing love to the people of Belize and to each other. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. All glory to You, God, forever and ever. Amen. 

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

May God Almighty grant you mercy. – Genesis 43:14

Follow Where You Lead

Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your gracious Spirit lead me forward on firm footing. – (Psalm 143:10, NLT)

Teach me how to live to please You, because You’re my God. Lead me by Your blessed Spirit into cleared and level pastureland. – (Psalm 143:10, MSG)

Show me what You want me to do. You are my God. Let Your good Spirit lead me over level ground. – (Psalm 143:10, ERV)

 

God will teach us and show us how to live according to His will, if only we are willing to ask Him. He patiently waits for us, yet so often we attempt to go our own way in our own strength. The Lord is gracious and kind, and He listens when we come to Him for help. If we ask for Him to lead us, His Spirit guides us in the ways that we are meant to go, and He grants us firm footing to follow after Him. May we ever trust the Lord and His leading, so that we would seek Him and His will for our lives. His ways lead us on the path that He has prepared for us, and His strength shall sustain us as we go.

 

When we seek the Lord,

He’s faithful to show;

The path we should take,

And where we’re to go.

As we follow Him,

The way is made clear;

For He is faithful,

And His Spirit, near.

Show us Your ways, Lord,

Keep our footing sure;

May we ever trust,

As our hope’s secure.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are faithful to show us what You want us to do, and that You will teach us, lead us and guide us, if only we will ask. Forgive us for not seeking or asking You what You have for us. Teach us to trust You more, as Your ways are higher than our ways, and Your path leads to life everlasting. Show us how to love those around us in a way that instills hope and direction, so that they too, may see the grace and goodness found in You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we follow where You lead, and seek You for direction. Amen.

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

They will celebrate Your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of Your righteousness. – Psalm 145:7

Stand in Awe

Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your wonders. From where the sun rises to where it sets, You inspire shouts of joy. – (Psalm 65:8, NLT)

Far and wide they’ll come to a stop, they’ll stare in awe, in wonder. Dawn and dusk take turns calling, “Come and worship.” – (Psalm 65:8, MSG)

 

These words ring ever true, as I find myself caught off guard in awe at the beauty that surrounds me so often. Yesterday was a crazy, busy day, that had some unexpected twists and turns that made parts of the day difficult. The evening ended well, and as I drove home, though I have taken in the view countless times, I found myself nearly in tears with gratitude for the good in my life and the beautiful region that I am blessed to call home. I love the mountains and the ocean, and here, I am a short drive away from both. More than that, each morning as I walk with my best friend and her pups, we take in a spectacular view of both the majestic mountains and the Puget Sound, as the sun rises and reflects on the water and reveals the splendor created by His hands. Wherever I go, I seem to stand in awe of the wonder that unfolds before me. I anticipate nothing less, as I prepare to leave for Belize this coming Saturday. May our hearts look and listen to all that He shows us, as His goodness inspires joy and reason to worship for all of our days.

 

To ends of the earth,

May in awe we stand;

Of all Your wonders,

On sea and on land.

From the sun rises,

To each new sunset;

Let’s look to the One,

Who paid all our debt.

O how He loves us,

This wonder employ;

Stand in awe of God,

And worship with joy.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You bless us with such goodness and beauty all around us. Thank You for tangible reminders of Your power and majesty. Thank You that You draw us unto Yourself through the people and places that surround us. Forgive us for not slowing down to look and listen to all that You have for us. Teach us to take notice of all of the wonders that You have made. Show us how to love and appreciate the people and places that You have given to us to care for well. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we stand in awe of Your wonders, and worship You with joy. Amen.

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

For the Lord your God will bless you, …and your joy will be complete. – Deuteronomy 16:15

Light in the Dark

Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are compassionate and righteous. – (Psalm 112:4, NIV)

Light will shine in the dark for a decent person. He is merciful, compassionate, and fair. – (Psalm 112:4, GW)

A light shines in the dark for those who are good, for those who are merciful, kind, and fair. – (Psalm 112:4, ERV)

 

Not one of us is good, decent or upright on our own, however, in Christ, we are covered and seen as clean. Because the Lord is merciful, compassionate and fair, we learn to be likewise as we walk with Him. His light leads us, and His grace greets us, even when we find ourselves in the darkest and lowest points we’ve ever known. May we seek the Lord and the light of His love, as He shines help and hope even on the darkest of days. Let us be merciful, compassionate and fair, just as He is unto us.

 

May mercy and grace,

For God is our hope,

As we trust His ways.

He is compassion,

Righteous and He’s fair;

And instructs our hearts,

To show the same care.

May we choose rise up,

As we’re called to be;

Allow His light in,

And extend mercy.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that even in darkness, Your light shines on those who trust in You. Thank You that though we cannot be who we are called to become without You, with You, we are far more than we could ever hope to be in Your sight. Forgive us for getting in the way of what You intend to do in us and through us. Show us how to trust and depend on You more, so that we would receive what You give, and extend mercy, compassion and kindness to others. Show us how to love well, just as we are loved by You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we allow Your light in, and go forth to let Your light shine through us. Amen.

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

Father, I thank You that You have heard me. – John 11:41

Plans that Stand

But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; His intentions can never be shaken. – (Psalm 33:11, NLT)

But the Lord’s decisions are good forever. His plans are good for generation after generation. – (Psalm 33:11, ERV)

God’s plan for the world stands up, all His designs are made to last. – (Psalm 33:11, MSG)

The Eternal’s purposes will last to the end of time, the thoughts of His heart will awaken and stir all generations. – (Psalm 33:11, VOICE)

 

There is great reassurance in these words, as so often we hear a promise, and wonder how it could ever possibly come to pass. What God says, He will do, for His word endures forever. Though disruptions and detours often come along the way, we learn and grow as we discover how to find our footing back on the path where the Lord is leading. Additionally, God’s timing is not our own. His plans stand firm and cannot be shaken, and they are good throughout all generations. Most of us want to see the fulfillment of a promise spoken within the hour, day, week or at least month in which it was heard. Things that last take time, and the Lord does not operate on our time table. His ways are higher than ours, so we have to trust that His timing is far better than our own, despite our desire to see the fulfillment unfold right now. May we ever trust the Lord and His plans, for His decisions are good and His plans cannot be shaken over time.

 

The Lord’s plans shall stand,

Firm forevermore;

They can’t be shaken,

Always, they’ll endure.

For His plans are good,

They are made to last;

Awakening hearts,

To do as we’re asked.

As we choose to go,

Wherever He calls;

We see faithfulness,

As hope He installs.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your plans stand firm forever. Thank You that Your intentions cannot be shaken, despite our lack of faith or patience in the process. Thank You that You are loving and kind, and that You are patient with us as You lead us in the ways that we are meant to go. Forgive us for where we lack, and attempt to go our own way. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would stay the course to which we have been called by You. Show us how to love those around us in a way that stirs hearts and minds to seek You, as they see Your faithfulness in action. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust in Your plans that stand firm forever, and Your intentions that cannot be shaken. Amen.

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

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him. – Psalm 34:8

Born to Stick Together

A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. – (Proverbs 17:17, NLT)

A friend loves you all the time, but a brother was born to help in times of trouble. – (Proverbs 17:17, ERV)

Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble. – (Proverbs 17:17, MSG)

 

I am overwhelmingly blessed with loyal and loving friends and family, and have the privilege of watching the beautiful bond of brothers as my boys stick together in the face of adversity. This verse is demonstrated to me in a tangible way through my boys. Each time one of them is sick, the other always asks to remain nearby to help care for the other. It has been this way since they were very small. No matter how much they argue or fight, (they are brothers after all) at the end of the day, they are there for each other and love fiercely. God uses those around us who love us well to give us glimpses of how He loves. What we see through others, even those who love us best, is but a minute fraction of the greatness and vastness of His love for each one of us, individually. May we ever seek the Lord and His love, so that we can be the loyal, loving friends and family to those whom God has given unto us, just as He asks.

 

Our God has called us,

To be a true friend;

One who is loyal,

Who loves to the end.

We’re also chosen,

To be family;

To help through all things,

In chaos and peace.

May we learn to love,

As we’re called to do;

Through all things, always,

Together in truth.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible gift that You give us of family and friends. Thank You that through their loyal love and help, we gain deeper insight to who You are and how You love. Forgive us for not being as loving or loyal as we ought to be, or for not remaining present in times of trouble when we are needed most. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would go where You call and remain where You plant us. Show us how to love in all things and at all times, just as You love us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we thank You and praise You for the friends and family that You have given us, and trust You to teach and empower us to love as we are loved. Amen.

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

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. – Psalm 23:6

It is Well

Satisfy us each morning with Your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives. – (Psalm 90:14, NLT)

 

It is well with my soul. These are the words that resonated in my heart and mind this morning as I walked beside my dear friend and her coworker at Chamber’s Bay. Overlooking the Puget Sound as the sun finished rising, with the water glasslike and reflecting the puffs of  pristine white clouds, I was awestruck at the wonder of the world around us. When things are good, we are reminded of the blessings that He pours upon us; when they are difficult, He shows us His faithfulness as He remains near and makes His presence known. His unfailing love is constant, so we may find joy throughout our entire journey, regardless of our circumstances. May we ever seek the Lord and draw near each new morning, so that we may know His unfailing love for all of our days.

 

May we look to You,

Maker of the earth;

Your love unfailing,

Grants us matchless worth.

For as we come know,

How You love us all;

We rise new with joy,

With strength and resolve.

And when the day’s done,

All praise we’ll extol;

Glory to You God,

It’s well with my soul.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You refresh us with Your unfailing love anew every morning, and because of You, we have joy for all of our days. Forgive us for not seeking You or for not recognizing the joy and grace that You impart in us all of our days. Teach us to slow down and take in the view, as You have given us what we need for it to be well with our soul. Show us how to love well, all those around us, especially those in the midst of trials or difficulty and needing help and hope. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for the unending love that You give. Amen.

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

I have chosen to be loyal to You. I respect Your laws. – Psalm 119:30

Complete in Love

May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. – (Ephesians 3:19, NLT)

Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with everything God has for you. – (Ephesians 3:19, ERV)

 

Just as this was Paul’s exhortation and prayer for the church of Ephesus, I pray the same for each of us today. God amazes me with the community that He has placed me in, as I gain glimpses of His love through how I am loved by those around me. Additionally, I find hints of insight into the depth of His love through the love I feel for my children, my family and my beloved circle by whom I am surrounded. The more we know His love, the more we are able to give it away. We do not have to have it all together to be loved by God, He loves us just as we are. When we are willing to receive what He gives, life and power and strength grows within us so that we can go and do likewise. May we ever be open to receive the love that God lavishes upon us, and freely give as we have been given.

 

May we truly know,

The great love of Christ;

In it we are made,

Through His sacrifice.

There’s fullness to know,

Of life and power;

That comes from the Lord,

Our great, strong tower.

No matter what comes,

To Him we can run;

By love we’re made whole,

Praise You, Holy One.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that though Your love is too great to fully understand, we are made complete in the fullness and life and power that comes from You as we trust and depend on You. Thank You that You make Your love known to us in tangible ways through the people that You place in our lives. Forgive us for not recognizing the incredible gifts of Your goodness and grace in the hands and hearts of those around us. Teach us to receive the love that You give so lavishly, so that we would in turn, love others as You love us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we are filled with all that You have for us and we go forth wherever You lead. 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