Clean

Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them. – (Mark 7:15, NIV)

There is nothing people can put in their mouth that will make them wrong. People are made wrong by what comes from inside them. – (Mark 7:15, ERV)

There is nothing outside someone that can corrupt him. Only the things that come out of a person can corrupt him. – (Mark 7:15, VOICE)

We are not made unclean or unholy by what we eat or drink, but rather by the actions that are motivated by our heart. Our words, attitudes, and actions determine whether we are following God’s own heart or not. If love is not the motivation behind what we say and do, then we are defiling ourselves and being sinful. In this, we all fall short. However, with God, we can seek Him to lead and guide us according to His good and perfect will. As we do, we begin to more closely resemble our Heavenly Father with our words, thoughts and deeds. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us so that what comes out of us gives honor to God.

It’s not what we eat,

Or choose to consume;

But rather, the heart,

Where sin tries to loom.

The source of our sin,

Comes straight from the heart;

Willful wrongdoing,

The defiling part.

As we seek the Lord,

He shows us the way;

To love as He loves,

Throughout each new day.

It is up to us,

To listen and learn;

For God’s ever near,

But we must choose turn.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we do not live under stringent regulations about what we can and cannot eat, or how we do everyday tasks in a space of fearing being made unclean. Thank You that our cleanliness before You has everything to do with the condition of our heart. Forgive us for the things we say, think, and do that do not bring honor to You. Teach us to keep short accounts before You, and to ever seek You to lead us in all that we do. Show us Your way to love those around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to wash us in Your word and immerse us in Your overwhelming love so that we might go forth and love likewise. Amen.

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

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. – Psalm 51:10

To Love All

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and unrighteous. – (Matthew 5:44-45, NIV)

But I tell you, love your enemies. Pray for those who treat you badly. If you do this, you will be children who are truly like your Father in heaven. He lets the sun rise for all people, whether they are good or bad. He sends rain to those who do right and to those who do wrong. – (Matthew 5:44-45, ERV)

But I tell you this: love your enemies. Pray for those who torment you and persecute you – in so doing, you become children of your Father in heaven. He, after all, loves each of us – good and evil, kind and cruel. He causes the sun to rise and shine on evil and good alike. He causes the rain to water the fields of the righteous and the fields of the sinner. – (Matthew 5:44-45, VOICE)

Though few of us have experienced persecution like the early church, we all have experienced unkindness, irritation, and attitudes that we do not appreciate. As a middle school teacher, I am reminded daily of the need to pray for my students. The unkindness they display to others is usually a response to unkindness that they have received. At that age, one typically gives what they get. If I can show kindness, goodness and grace, perhaps a seed of the same will be planted in them. It requires God’s grace to extend the same to those who are all over the place when they are meant to be engaged. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in His love, and depend on Him to show us how to love all those whom we encounter in the same way that He loves us all.

Show us, Lord Jesus,

How to choose love all;

Extend Your goodness,

Let love be installed.

Grant us Your patience,

And Your kindness too;

Despite what we get,

Let us reflect You.

Please grant us the grace,

To love as You do;

Be gracious and kind,

So good is shown true.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to love as You love. Thank You that there are no exceptions to whom we should give kindness and grace. Thank You that You love us all, no matter who we are, where we have been, or what we have done. Forgive us for our lack of patience and grace. Grant us wisdom as to how we are meant to love those around us. Lead us in Your love so that all feel valued and known. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your goodness and grace for us all and seek You to love likewise. Amen.

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

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. – John 13:34

A Heart At Peace

A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. – (Proverbs 14:30, NIV)

Peace of mind makes the body healthy, but jealousy is like a cancer. – (Proverbs 14:30, ERV)

A tender, tranquil heart will make you healthy, but jealousy can make you sick. – (Proverbs 14:30, TPT)

The heart is at peace when we recognize all of the reasons we have to be grateful. A grateful heart is healthy and happy, thus at peace, no matter the circumstances. However, when we start looking at what others have and make comparisons, jealousy has room to rise and rot our hearts and attitudes. Rather than envy, we ought to be happy for those around us who have what we desire. The heart becomes sick when seeped in wanting what we do not have, yet joy comes to us as we give thanks for all that we do have. God is good and gracious, and we need not allow comparison to steal our peace. We are loved, valued and provided for just as we are, and He grows in us and through us more of what He intended, as we depend on and trust in Him. May we ever seek peace from our Provider, for it is in Him that we find health, happiness and peace.

To understand peace,

Requires gratitude;

All thanks be to God,

Through love, we’re pursued.

Let not jealousy,

Rise up, find a place;

It kills thankfulness,

Dismisses God’s grace.

May we choose seek peace,

By seeking the Lord;

All thanks be to God,

Who loves and adores.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we can know true peace as we recognize that gratitude grows peace within us. Thank You that You show us how to protect our hearts and the peace You provide. Forgive us for the times that we have envied those around us. Show us how to celebrate the blessings granted to others and to give all thanks to You for the provision in our lives. Lead us to love those around us in ways that extend Your peace to all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your overwhelming peace that surpasses understanding, and depend on You to celebrate others rather than envy what others have. Amen.

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

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. – Psalm 118:1

May Good Overflow

 A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart. – (Luke 6:45, NLT)

Good people have good things saved in their hearts. That’s why they say good things. But those who are evil have hearts full of evil, and that’s why they say things that are evil. What people say with their mouths comes from what fills their hearts. – (Luke 6:45, ERV)

A person full of goodness in his heart produces good things; a person with an evil reservoir in his heart pours out evil things. The heart overflows in the words a person speaks; your words reveal what’s within your heart. – (Luke 6:45, VOICE)

 

God is entirely good. The more we know God and trust in Him, the more we are influenced and transformed to reflect His heart and His character. If we neglect God and the truth of His word, we are susceptible to evil, as it seeps into our hearts and impacts all that we do and say. Either way, what we say and do is directly influenced by where our heart resides. May we ever seek the Lord and His love to fill us, so that what flows from us is a direct reflection of the very heart of God.

 

Wherever our heart,

May choose to reside;

Directly affects,

What comes from inside.

Good comes from a heart,

Set secure on Christ;

When good’s taken in,

We choose sacrifice.

Sacrifice ego,

That causes unkind;

Preferring others,

With their good in mind.

For out of the heart,

Flows what’s held within;

May we clearly show,

Good rather than sin.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness and grace that comes in and transforms the hearts of all who seek You, to reflect Your heart to the world. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to seek You, or have allowed the world to influence our attitudes and actions instead of depending on You. Teach us to pursue Your heart in all things, so that good may be what flows from us. Show us how to love those around us in a way that allows Your good to be poured out upon all whom we meet. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek Your heart in all things and allow Your good to flow from us. Amen.

 

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

 

Surely Your 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

Provision of Peace and Strength

The Lord gives His people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace. – (Psalm 29:11, NLT)

May the Lord make His people strong. May the Lord bless His people with peace. – (Psalm 29:11, ERV)

We ask You, Eternal One, to give strength to Your people; Eternal One, bless them with the gift of peace. – (Psalm 29:11, VOICE)

 

Emotions are running high, and kids are on edge daily as the winter break whispers of its nearness. The uncertainty of what is coming when so many of our students desperately need routine, is enough to send them in a downward spiral that requires more strength and resolve than one might think is humanly possible to perpetuate for such a length of time. Strength and peace are needed now, more than ever – for students, teachers, and every staff member who interacts with these sweet souls in distress. It is my prayer that God would give strength to the weary, and bless every heart with His perfect peace. May we walk beside one another, shoulder-to-shoulder, encouraging and lifting up, as strength and peace are present wherever people come together with purpose.

 

The Lord is our Source, 

He makes our hearts strong;

When we’re feeling weak,

He helps lead us on.

Where chaos seems reign,

The Lord brings His peace;

He settles our hearts,

As grace is released.

Let’s rise up, dear ones,

Seek the Lord of all;

He knows all our need,

And won’t let us fall.

Look too for others,

To walk alongside;

Encourage, support,

Let peace and strength rise.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our Source of strength and peace, no matter what comes our way. Lord, be with all of those who struggle this time of year, as there is uncertainty or sorrow in the season. Give us grace to extend loving kindness, so that Your heart may be made known. Forgive us for our frustration with behaviors and attitudes that are the manifestation of people’s pain. Teach us to trust You more, so that we may see things through Your eyes. Show us how to bring peace to the chaos, and how to love in Your strength in a way that soothes unsettled souls. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we receive Your strength and peace, and go forth and give as we have been given. 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

The Power and Precision of the Word

For the word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. – (Hebrews 4:12, NIV)

God’s word is alive and working. It is sharper than the sharpest sword and cuts all the way into us. It cuts deep to the place where the soul and spirit are joined. God’s word cuts to the center of our joints and bones, it judges the thoughts and feelings in our hearts. – (Hebrews 4:12, ERV)

The word of God, you see, is alive and moving; sharper than a double-edged sword; piercing the divide between soul and spirit, joint and marrow; able to judge the thoughts and will of the heart. – (Hebrews 4:12, VOICE)

 

God’s word is compared to the sharpest of tools because when we are invested in studying it, He will use His word with great precision to help correct and direct our lives. As we allow His word to penetrate the hidden spaces of our soul, He will show us what should stay, and that which needs to be cut away. Often there are thoughts and attitudes that creep in and need His care, so that we can continue to love according to His calling. May we ever invest our time in God’s word, so that He may move mightily both in and through our lives.

 

Alive and active,

Correct and lead well;

The word of the Lord,

Has purpose to tell.

With great precision,

The word separates;

Attitudes of heart,

Not good, and the great.

He shows us His heart,

The good we’re to do;

Then grants us the strength,

To follow what’s true.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your word. Thank You that it is alive and active and that it words with precision in our hearts and lives to show us what is good and what needs to go. Forgive us for not pursuing You and all that You have for us, or for neglecting to listen to Your leading. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would allow You access to all. Separate what is good from that which needs to go, so that we may better walk in the light of Your love. Show us how to love those around us in a way that leads them to pursue Your heart for the hope that they see in us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we invest our time and hearts in Your word and allow You access to every part of our hearts and lives so that we may ever be refined to better reflect 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

Search for the Why

Today’s reading was found in Numbers 22:21-33. This passage tells the story of Balaam and his donkey as they are on their way to a Moabite town with Moabite officials. Balaam’s journey was not pleasing to the Lord. Three times, an angel of the Lord stood in the path of Balaam on his donkey, and blocked the way. Though Balaam could not see him, the donkey certainly could. In fear, the donkey turned away, held back and finally laid down, refusing to go forward each time the angel appeared. Unfortunately, Balaam could not see the angel, and chose to beat the donkey each time it refused to move forward. Finally, after the third time, God opened the mouth of the donkey and gave it the ability to speak. The donkey asked what it had done to deserve the beatings, and Balaam was concerned only that the donkey had made him appear a fool. What really stood out to me this morning, was the donkey’s reply to Balaam’s rant about being made appear a fool.

 

“But I am the same donkey you have ridden all your life, have I ever done anything like this before?” – (Numbers 22:30)

 

When those around us do things that are out of character, it is better to ask why, than to get angry or upset at the abrupt change. Most of the time, when people operate outside of their norm, there is a reason. It is almost always in response to something. If it is to hurt, how can we help? If it is to fear, how can we reassure or heed the warning? May we be sensitive to those around us, taking note of attitudes, actions or words that wander from their normal mode of operation. Lord, lead us to be sensitive to Your voice as we listen to those around us, so that we may identify the why when something is awry.

 

When words are like weapons,

Where never before;

It’s our job to find out,

Discover the sore.

For panic or wounding,

Great heartache or fear;

Each one can be reason,

To ask and draw near.

Let Balaam’s example,

Be warning to us;

Sometimes the uncommon,

Is help from Jesus.

Lord, make our hearts tender,

Ready to give ear;

Help us see through Your eyes,

So all becomes clear.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we seek You, You show us things through Your eyes, and give us Your heart for those around us. Forgive us for getting angry or upset when those around us operate outside of their normal mode of operation. Teach us to trust You more, so that we might patiently and lovingly pursue answers as to why someone is “off” rather than be bothered by it. Help us to love others well, just as You so patiently and extravagantly love each of us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek to understand when things are awry, rather than respond as the recipients of offense. Amen.

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

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

Showing Real Love

My children, our love should not be only words and talk.  No, our love must be real.  We must show our love by the things we do. – (1 John 3:18, ERV)

If what we say and what we do are not in alignment, our love is not real.  Love is made evident through our ongoing actions and attitudes toward others.  We can talk the talk, but unless we walk the walk also, it is meaningless chatter, and we are not truly children of the King.  God calls us to a higher standard.  His expectation is that we love as He loved.  This is not something He expects of us in our own strength – for we would surely fail if that were so.  However, Christ in us, equips and empowers us to demonstrate the very love that Christ has poured so generously into us, by doing the same for others.  It is not merely something for us to talk about, but rather to go and do.  Love is a verb that requires forward momentum.  Sometimes love sits silently beside the hurting.  At other times, love reaches out to those stuck in their own space and says, “You are seen.”  Love sees a need and acts.  It is not a matter of whether or not we are called to do this or that, but rather if we see it, we ought to do what we can.  If what we have to do is offer a silent prayer, then do so in love.  May we go forth this day showing our love through the things that we do.

Love is not merely,

a mixture of words;

for though they’re spoken,

only action’s heard.

For just talk alone,

does nothing to touch;

those hurting, in need,

yet actions do much.

Love chooses to reach,

when we want to run;

for that’s what God did,

when He sent His Son.

Lord, help us to love,

in word and in deed;

be Your hands and heart,

to all those in need.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that love is more than words or talk.  Thank You that real love is shown in what we do.  Thank You that You have shown us the greatest love ever known, when You sent Your only Son to die in our place, so that we could have eternal life with You.  Thank You Jesus, that the grave could not keep You, and that You returned to the Father to send Your Spirit to indwell us so that we could do as You did.  Forgive us for not loving with our actions.  Teach us to trust You more so that our words and actions align with all that You are calling us to do to love others well.  Lead us to love each person that You place on our path, just as You call us to do.  May many come into a lasting relationship with You as a result.  Be glorified O God, as we demonstrate Your love through not only our words, but our actions too.  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

To Each What is Due

The soul who sins is the one who will die. The son will not share the guilt of the father, nor will the father share the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous man will be credited to him, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against him. – (Ezekiel 18:20)

 

Without Jesus, the first line would leave us with no hope. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. – (Romans 3:23) However, in Him, all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. – (Romans 3:24) That does not mean we are given a free ticket to sin, but rather we are forgiven for our past sins, and equipped to stand strong against temptation, so that we won’t do what we ought not do.

 

Though we may suffer the consequence of the choices made by generations that have gone before us, just as our elders and offspring may also suffer from the choices we make; neither will be held responsible for the sins of another. We are each only held accountable for our own attitudes and actions. Each of us will receive what is due on our final day – be it eternity with Christ, or condemned to eternal separation. May we seek first, His Kingdom, and share the hope found in Christ alone, with all who know Him not.

 

It has been made known,

that the consequence;

for all who choose sin,

will result in death.

We bear not the guilt,

of those gone before;

nor will our offspring,

our sins need pay for.

All who choose live right,

in Christ they abide;

counted as righteous,

will not be denied.

Yet they who deny,

the Lord’s righteousness;

shall be cast away,

for their wickedness.

Let us seek the Lord,

for all of our days;

and abide in Him,

both now and always.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that though the punishment for sin is death, You created a way for us to be forgiven and granted new life. Thank You Jesus, for bearing the weight of all of our sin and shame on the cross so that we may have new life in You. Thank You that You do not hold us responsible for the sins of our parents and ancestors before them, and likewise, that You do not hold our children accountable for our sin. Thank You that You see us each individually, and judge us according to how we have chosen to live – either in You, or without You. Forgive us for all that we say and do that does not bring glory to You, and help us to raise up our children in such a way, that they desire to seek You with their whole being. Teach us to trust You more, and help us to live and love in such a way, that You are proclaimed, even when words are not spoken. May many come to know You as their Savior and King. Let hearts be healed and lives be made new. Be glorified as we depend on You to walk in righteousness. Amen.

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

Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths; …my hope is in You all day long. – Psalm 25:4-5

 

 

Submit to the Savior

Powerfully pray,

whole-heartedly seek;

and with right motives,

allow ourselves weak.

As we humbly come,

our prayers will be heard;

be bathed in His love,

let our hearts be stirred.

Grieve our shortcomings,

mourn all our mistakes;

for He hears the prayers,

those seeking His face.

Come near to God,

and He’ll come near you;

as we humbly come,

He’ll show what to do.

For He will lift up,

all who humbly seek;

calling us righteous,

to our hearts He’ll speak.

Be not full of pride,

and know that we’re low;

for those who’re humble,

in grace He will grow.

(Responding to James 4:1-10)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Spirit who dwells within us, and teaches us how to pray. Help us to humbly seek You with right motives in our hearts. Forgive us for our selfishness and our pride, and teach us how to make Your priorities, ours. Help us to be gracious and humble in heart, so that many may see Your love through our attitude and actions. Let the lost be found in You, and may Your glory be made known before the masses. Thank You for Your goodness and grace. Amen.

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