The Fee for Freedom

So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. – (John 8:36, NLT)

So if the Son makes you free, you are really free. – (John 8:36, ERV)

So if the Son sets you free from sin, then become a true son and be unquestionably free! – (John 8:36, TPT)

 

Freedom is not without a price. For most of us, we are blissfully unaware of the extent of the cost of the precious freedom that we enjoy each day. We have the right to say and do whatever we desire to do (within the legal limits of the law), and we have the choice to worship and gather without fear. Many nations in the world today are not afforded such luxuries. The people live in fear and cannot gather without the threat of imprisonment or death, simply for seeking to enjoy the very freedoms we so often take for granted. Today, as we celebrate Independence Day, may we take time to reflect and give thanks for the freedoms we know in our nation, and even more importantly, the freedom we know in our hearts that has been granted by God in the gift of mercy and grace generously given through His Son.

 

This mighty freedom, 

We know and adore;

Has come at a price,

From ones who gave more.

National freedom,

From those who fought for;

Sweet independence,

From ways once abhorred.

Personal freedom,

The greatest of all;

Through Christ’s sacrifice,

Our forgiveness call.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible gift that we have been given through the sacrifice of Your Son. Thank You all who seek You, find forgiveness and grace – freedom from the weight of our past mistakes and failures. Thank You too for the gift of freedom that we know in our nation, as we know that not all countries know a freedom such as ours. Forgive us for taking either freedom for granted, and teach us to give You praise for all our days for the incredible gift we have come to know in each. Show us how to love others well, so they too, may know the freedom found in the goodness of Your grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we thank You for the freedom we know and the grace to grow. 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

His Promises Are Provided

For the Lord will not reject His people; He will never forsake His inheritance. – (Psalm 94:14, NIV)

The Lord will not leave His people. He will not leave them without help. – (Psalm 94:14, ERV)

The Lord will not reject His people; He will not abandon His very own possession. – (Psalm 94:14, CEB)

The Lord will never walk away from His cherished ones, nor would He forsake His chosen ones who belong to Him. – (Psalm 94:14, TPT)

 

When we give our heart to God, we are His. As His dearly loved children, we are part of the promise that reminds us He will never leave us nor forsake us. He will not reject His own, nor leave us without help. Though there are times that we cannot see what is being done, and may not be acutely aware of His presence, He is near and moving on our behalf. What God promises, He provides. May we hold fast to the promises provided as His dearly loved children and trust in the One who will never leave us without help.

 

He will not leave us,

No matter what comes; 

He will be our help,

’til each day is done.

He’ll not reject us,

For we’re called His own;

His inheritance,

Completely, we’re known.

Chosen and cherished,

That is how we’re seen;

So trust in His strength,

On the Lord, choose lean.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You will not leave nor reject Your people. Thank You that all who have made their heart Your home are among those whom You call Yours. Thank You that You are our help and our hope that shall not fail. Forgive us for doubting what we do not see. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would be confident in Your present help, no matter how things appear. Help us to love those around us in a way that extends help and hope and a sense of belonging when they need it most. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust in Your promised presence forever. 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

Faith to Listen

Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. – (John 8:47a, NLT)

God’s children listen to God’s words. – (John 8:47a, CEB)

If you really knew God, you would listen, receive, and respond with faith to His words. – (John 8:47a, TPT)

 

When we invite God to be the Lord of our lives, we belong to Him. However, really knowing Him is a lifelong process. Faith is something that grows over time, and in our human frailty, we at times, struggle to respond in trust, though He is worthy of all. Thankfully, He is patient and kind, and shows us His faithfulness again and again, helping our hearts to grasp the depth of how intensely we can truly trust Him. May we ever seek the Lord to grow our faith so that we would listen, receive and respond in trust to all that He asks of us.

 

When we choose the Lord, 

To belong to Him;

He develops faith,

Grows our strength within.

Teaches us to hear,

His every word;

Receive and respond,

With faith to what’s heard.

By grace He will grow,

Our faith within us;

So we listen well,

And live like Jesus.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we seek You and place our trust in You, You grow our faith and help us listen, receive and respond in faith. Forgive us for the times that we don’t listen, refuse to receive, or fear to respond to that which You ask of us. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would gladly move forward in faith in response to all that You are asking. Show us how to love those around us well, so that they too may recognize Your faithfulness and love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we listen to Your words and respond in the faith that You are growing within us. 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

Forgiveness Fosters Love

Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends. – (Proverbs 17:9, NLT) 

Forgive someone, and you will strengthen your friendship. Keep reminding them, and you will destroy it. – (Proverbs 17:9, ERV) 

Those who forgive faults foster love, but those who repeatedly recall them ruin relationships. – (Proverbs 17:9, VOICE) 

 

Our world desperately is in need of the forgiveness of faults to move forward in the freedom that is found in love. Far too often fingers are pointed without taking an honest look in the mirror. We all fall short and make missteps, and at times our errors end up hurting someone near us. If we are walking in love as God calls us to love, we must choose to forgive and move forward. The more we give grace, the greater our friendships grow. Freedom to be human is a tremendous burden lifted, and as we are able to be transparent with those near to us, we are strengthened in our faith and better bonded as dear friends. May we ever choose to be the ones who forgive faults and foster love, just as Jesus has done for us. 

 

As we choose forgive, 

The love we have grows; 

Friendships are strengthened, 

As grace is made known. 

Those who dwell on faults, 

End up in great loss; 

Friendships are ruined, 

Far too great the cost. 

So let us choose love, 

Forgive and give grace; 

Build our bonds closer, 

Throughout all our days. 

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You care about our every interaction and relationship so much, that You give us guidance as to how to navigate best. Thank You that as we forgive, just as You have forgiven us, You bless us with stronger bonds in the relationships You have granted. Forgive us for dwelling on faults rather than forgiving. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would forgive as we have been forgiven by You. Show us how to love and give grace to those around us, ever strengthening the bonds of friendship that You are building among us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose to love and forgive as we are loved and forgiven by You. 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

Cut Complaints to Give Glimpses of Good

Do everything without complaining or arguing so that you will be blameless and pure, children of God without any fault. – (Philippians 2:14-15a, ERV)

Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God. – (Philippians 2:14-15a, NLT)

Do everything readily and cheerfully – no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. – (Philippians 2:14-15, MSG)

 

In a world where it is commonplace for people to complain and argue, we have the opportunity to be different. When we choose to love and extend kindness, rather than argue, we offer a glimpse of God’s goodness. Likewise, when things are challenging or overwhelming, if we opt to seek answers or assistance rather than complain, a clear anomaly is observed. God calls us to be love and light to the world, and one of the ways in which we are asked to do so, is to be a breath of fresh air in places where perhaps the normal mode of operation is less than kind and often full of conflict. May we choose to do everything without arguing or complaining, recognizing that our Redeemer calls us to be love and light to grant glimpses of Him in spaces where He otherwise might not be seen.

 

 

Lord, help us to choose,

Do everything;

Without complaining,

And trust grace You bring.

Try not to argue,

Be ready with cheer;

For our attitude,

Can show God is near.

Let Your love light shine,

A breath of fresh air;

As we choose live right,

And show that we care.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son to show us what it is to live a blameless life without complaining or arguing. Thank You that when we choose to do things readily and cheerfully without bickering or second-guessing, we give glimpses of Your goodness to the world. Forgive us for the times that we have chosen otherwise. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would present our concerns to You, and trust You to show us how to navigate, rather than complain or argue. Show us how to love those around us so that they would gain glimpses of Your heart for them, individually. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to do everything readily and cheerfully, according to Your good and perfect will. 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

Hands of Grace

May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ. – (2 Thessalonians 3:5, NLT)

We pray that the Lord will cause you to feel God’s love and remember Christ’s patient endurance. – (2 Thessalonians 3:5, ERV)

May the Lord guide your hearts into God’s pure love and keep you headed straight into the strong sure grip of the Anointed One. – (2 Thessalonians 3:5, VOICE)

 

This is a week where love, patience and endurance are needed desperately. Between excitement and uncertainty, students are struggling to stay focused in classes, and remember regular rules and routines. Additionally, two seventeen-year-olds were shot yesterday morning, not far from my school, so the odds that they once attended the school where I teach, are quite high. Regardless of the circumstances that led to the incident, the very thought of two mother’s babies fighting to live, is devastating. Love, patience and endurance are needed by all to finish this week well. The better we understand and receive God’s love for us, the more we are able to extend the same to those around us. May we ever seek the Source of every good gift, so that we may go forth full of patience and endurance, to finish strong as we love as we are loved by God.

 

O Lord, hear my prayer, 

May hearts come to You;

So Your love is known,

Illuminate truth.

Patient endurance,

Granted by God’s love;

Will keep us always,

Help us rise above.

Rise above trials,

Whatever we face;

For we can do all,

In His hands of grace.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we seek You, You meet us and provide the love, patience and endurance that we need to navigate our days. Thank You that You keep us in Your secure grip of grace. Forgive us for attempting to power through the trials that come our way, rather than seeking You for the strength that we need to navigate well. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would allow You to lead us according to Your great love. Show us how to love those around us with patience and endurance, so that they may feel Your love and know their worth. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we lean on You to lead our hearts into a full understanding of how to express Your love, patience and endurance all of our days. 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

Rejoice in Our Refuge

But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread Your protection over them, that all who love Your Name may be filled with joy. – (Psalm 5:11, NLT)

But let those who trust in You be happy forever. Protect and strengthen those who love Your Name. – (Psalm 5:11, ERV)

But let those who run to You for safety be glad they did; let them break out in joyful song. May You keep them safe – their love for You resounding in their hearts. – (Psalm 5:11, VOICE)

 

David reminds us that when we chose to trust in God, He is our source of safety, strength and joy. As we recognize the Lord’s protection, His love for us becomes increasingly evident. When we know we are loved, we cannot help but be filled with joy. Just as there is great joy and security in knowing we are loved by another person, how much more does this hold true when the love and protection come from the Creator of all that is and was and ever will be? May we take refuge and rejoice in our Redeemer, as He alone is worthy of our praise as our Protector and Provider of joy.

 

Let us run to God, 

For safety and joy;

It is by His love,

His strength is employed.

He is our refuge,

Protection and peace;

He loves forever,

In Him, joy’s complete.

So trust in the Lord,

Rejoice in His Name;

He’s faithful always,

In Him, there’s great gain.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that all who take refuge in You have reason to rejoice, as You are our strength and protection. Thank You that Your love fills us with joy. Forgive us for not running to You when we are fearful or uncertain of what stands before us. Teach us to trust You in all things at all times, as You are our refuge and reason for joy. Show us how to love others in a way that strengthens, encourages and shares the joy that we’ve come to know in You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we take refuge in You and rejoice in Your faithfulness forever. 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

Hope in Discouragement

Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again – my Savior and my God! – (Psalm 42:5, NLT)

Why am I so sad? Why am I so upset? I tell myself, “Wait for God’s help! You will again praise Him, your God, the One who will save you.” – (Psalm 42:5, ERV)

Why are you so down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God – soon I’ll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He’s my God. – (Psalm 42:5, MSG)

 

It is difficult to take in the recent events in our nation, and not feel sad and discouraged. Yet, even in the darkness of such ugliness, good has been burning bright in incredible ways. When the need for blood donations was presented to the people of Las Vegas and the surrounding areas, generous hearts lined up in droves. Help is being provided in a place where it is typically lacking, as it is needed most. Additionally, there have been numerous stories of individuals placing themselves in harm’s way to help those in need in the midst of this tragic event. When I see the good that rose up in people who helped because they knew that they could not just standby and do nothing – I am encouraged and remember that God is our hope and our reason to praise. He moves hearts to act with love and compassion, and despite the darkness that is in the world, God is always good. May we ever place our hope in the Lord, as He is the One who saves and is worthy of all of our praise.

 

When I’m discouraged, 

And my heart is sad;

Help me hope again,

Lord, make my heart glad.

Glad for Your goodness,

For Your light and grace;

Praise for salvation,

Our hope in this place.

Lord, help us to see,

Where to fix our eyes;

As we look to You,

All hope’s realized.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that despite the darkness that befalls us and our nation, You are always good. Thank You that You demonstrate Your goodness and faithfulness through the grace and love of people. Father, please be with the first responders, the officers, the medical teams and all those impacted by what took place in Las Vegas. Your healing hands are needed more than ever. Forgive us for turning a blind eye to that which overwhelms us. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would ask of You what we are meant to do – be it to give, pray, or go do more. Show us how to love those around us in a way that provides comfort and care. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, especially in the places where Your light seems to be lacking. 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

Forget the Wrongs and Love Right

Forget about the wrong things people do to you. Don’t try to get even. Love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord. – (Leviticus 19:18, ERV)

Don’t seek revenge or carry a grudge against any of your people. Love your neighbor as yourself. I am God. – (Leviticus 19:18, MSG)

 

It is amazing how applicable the Bible remains. This verse, this command that God gave to Moses to teach to the Israelites so that they might live holy lives, is still completely relevant and applicable today. Human nature wants to hold a grudge or retaliate when we are harmed, yet God instructs us to do otherwise. Our charge is to forgive and love, being mindful that He is God and we are not. Small grievances are fairly simple to forgive and forget, yet the more hurtful and lasting harm is much more difficult give to God and move forward. Forgiving and loving does not always mean running back to the one who did harm, but it does mean that we do not hold the hurt that caused harm, nor stay stuck in the space of sore. We must give God our hurt and frustrations, and seek His direction as to how to forgive and move forward in love. May we ever seek the Lord and His help when we are wronged, and allow Him to show us how to forgive and love, despite our own desire to get even. Just as we have been forgiven, may we too forgive.

 

Do not seek revenge,

When people cause hurt;

Instead, seek to love,

Let God show your worth.

For as we forgive,

God creates the space;

For people to see,

The light of His grace.

May we choose let go,

Of wrong people do;

And love as we’re loved,

So hope is made new.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we do wrong, You do not seek revenge nor hold a grudge against us. Thank You that You forgive us and love us back to life. Thank You that You are God and we are not. Forgive us for seeking revenge or holding grudges when we are wronged, and teach us to trust You more so that we would forgive as we have been forgiven. Show us how to love others as we love ourselves – not neglecting basic needs and seeking to demonstrate the same love that has been shown so lavishly upon us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we forgive and let go of the wrongs done against us, and choose to love as we are loved by You. 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

Evidence Eliminates Excuse

From the beginning, creation in its magnificence enlightens us to His nature. Creation itself makes His undying power and divine identity clear, even though they are invisible; and it voids the excuses and ignorant claims of these people. – (Romans 1:20, VOICE)

For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see His invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. – (Romans 1:20, NLT)

 

The evidence of God’s existence is everywhere. We need not look far to stand in awe and wonder at the power of His mighty hands, as our eyes take in the display set before us by the Divine. No great cosmic accident could cause the mountains to rise and the seas to know just how far to come ashore. Though there may be commonalities in genetic coding, there is no one on the planet that can convince me that my children evolved from apes. Only a loving, powerful and creative God would give such attention to all things. Though I have only seen but a small portion of the planet, the parts that I have seen continue to leave me awestruck at the glory of God as He gave. Beyond that, when I look in the eyes of those whom He has placed in my life to love, His power is proven again and again, both by how He moves, and through the grace and goodness He grants to us and through us. May we never stop being aware of everything that He has made, and stand in awe at the mighty works of His hands.

 

Since the world began,

God’s hand has been clear;

His fingerprints seen,

Through sky and earth near.

In all things He’s made,

We see the unseen;

Eternal power,

What His divine means.

No one has excuse,

For not knowing God;

All around us He’s seen,

Let us stand in awe.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the evidence of You that is all around us. Thank You for all that You have created for us. Forgive us for not slowing down to recognize the work of Your hands in all things. Teach us how to see the world through Your eyes, so that we would have Your heart for people and treat well, the gift of our surroundings that You have made. Show us how to love those around us so that we can be further evidence of Your hand and heart in the world. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we stand in awe of all that You have made, and seek to see it all through Your eyes. 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