Only Love Makes Love Known

Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. – (1 John 4:7, NLT) 

Dear friends, we should love each other, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has become God’s child. And so everyone who loves knows God. – (1 John 4:7, ERV) 

Those who are loved by God, let His love continually pour from you to one another, because God is love. Everyone who loves is fathered by God and experiences an intimate knowledge of Him. – (1 John 4:7, TPT) 

 

We are called to love each other. If we know and love God, we are equipped and empowered to love those around us. In fact, how we love people, is an outward sign of the inward condition of our heart and an indication of the love we understand from the Father. Our capacity to love well grows exponentially when we know that we are loved unconditionally. How much more does this hold true when we begin to grasp the kindness and grace that we are granted through our loving Heavenly Father? May we love one another well as we receive the love that God continually pours into all who seek Him. 

 

Let us each choose love,

Photo by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤

One to another; 

It’s God’s intention, 

Sisters and brothers. 

For the love He gives, 

In us, ought to grow; 

To love others well, 

So everyone knows. 

Knows of His goodness, 

Understands His grace; 

Receives and gives love, 

Throughout all our days. 

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You love us so well. Help us to love one another the way that You intended. Forgive us for the times that we have not chosen love. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would love others as we are loved by You. Show us how to love in practical ways that make Your love tangible to those who need it most. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we thank You and praise You for Your unending love, and seek You to show us how to love others best. Amen.

 

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

 

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. – 1 Corinthians 13:13

Treasures to Hold

Just over three months ago, a very dear friend of mine breathed her last breath.  She had fought long and hard, a battle that would have caused many to quit, yet never in the nine years of the invasion of that devastating disease, did Anne even once, allow cancer to define her.  She knew with all certainty that she was above all, a child of God.  Her faith in our Heavenly Father did not waiver, regardless of what the doctors had told her.

Her perseverance and unwavering faith, are two of the things that I most admired about Anne.  So often, she would extend encouragement to those who were providing her medical care.  Laughter and light-hearted banter were common during many of her appointments.  The verse that brought her great comfort in her final days was 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” For she had indeed fought and finished in firm faith.

A dear friend asked me how I might remember Anne this Christmas.  I was a bit taken aback, as avoidance has been my coping mechanism of choice.  However, it is nearly impossible to navigate this season without reminders of my dear friend, as we have had many outings in this most blessed of seasons gone by.  As we spoke, I realized that perhaps part of me had avoided actual shopping in stores for gifts this year, as that is something that Anne and I have done together many times over the past few years.

I do not yet know if I am meant to do anything in particular to remember Anne, but I do know that I am to embrace her memory – the gift of friendship that I was given in her – and to be grateful for the example she set in perseverance and faith, and for the assurance that I have, knowing that she fought the good fight and is home, where I will one day see her again.

My heart will now hold,

memories so dear;

treasures of friendship,

hope that is secure.

The faithful fighter,

no more needs to fight;

now in heaven’s hold,

our Savior’s delight.

I will remember,

the blessings I’ve known;

modeled endurance,

such steadfast faith shown.

Thank You, Lord Jesus,

for Your gifts of grace;

may we be steadfast,

secure in our faith.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gifts that You give us in friends.  Thank You for the blessings that they bring, be it for a season or for a lifetime.  Thank You for the lessons that we learn from one another, when we are securely rooted in You.  Forgive us for not facing painful or sorrowful things, and help us to embrace each of the experiences that You bring, trusting that You have a purpose and a plan to use each experience for our ultimate good.  Teach us to persevere when things are difficult, and to have a faith that is unwavering, even when all seems to be shaking around us.  May our confidence and security in You, be a living testimony to all who are around us.  May many come to call You King this Christmas.  Be our hope and our help, Lord God.  Amen.

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

Planned With Purpose

Before we were formed,

by God, we were known;

planned with a purpose,

set apart, His own.

Though we’re ill-equipped,

oft feel like a child;

God claims us as His,

prepared and inspired.

Whatever He asks,

where He commands, “GO”,

He will be with us,

our strength, it is so.

Though the storms will come,

we need never fear;

He will be with us,

His presence, so clear.

All that is needed,

the Lord will provide;

to answer His call,

His grace realized.

For He is so good,

and loves us so much;

He lets us partake,

in sharing His touch.

(Responding to Jeremiah 1:5-10)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that long before we were born, You knew us, and had a purpose planned for us. Thank You that You do not call the qualified, but instead, You qualify the called. Without You, we are ill-equipped to walk in the way You have prepared for us, yet with You, we can do all things, as You grant us strength, and supply all that we need. Forgive us for focusing on the obstacles, rather than on You, our Overcoming One. Teach us to trust You more, and to answer whatever You ask. Use us as Your instruments to share Your love and light with those who have no hope. May many come to know Your voice, as we are faithful to answer Your call for our lives. Be glorified in all that we say and do. Amen.

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

Revealing Reconciliation

image by St. Mark’s Church

If there is any

good that’s done through me.

It’s because of Christ,

who has set me free.

By His willing death,

the old’s all but gone.

A new creation,

to pass His love on.

The outside, fleeting,

yet insides will last.

In Christ, a new heart,

true freedom from past.

Each of us is called,

to do all we can,

to share of His love,

with our fellow man.

All were created

to be reconciled,

but all must hear it,

to know we’re His child.

(Responding to 2 Corinthians 5:14-20)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that because You came and bore all of our ugliness, we, by Your Spirit, can be used for good.  Thank You that from the moment we come into relationship with You, we are a new creation, with a new capacity to love like You.  Forgive us for attempting anything in our own strength, and help us to be completely dependant on You.  Use us mightily Lord, to touch hurting hearts with Your lasting love that heals and grants eternal hope, so that many may enter into an everlasting relationship with You, our Redeemer.  Amen.

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