Free in the Truth

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” – (John 8:34-36)

 

We are all sinners who need a Savior. Each one of us was once stuck as a slave to our sinful nature. If we choose to trust in Christ, He is our freedom from a life enslaved to sin. More than that, He adopts us as sons and daughters into the Lord’s family, granting us an eternal inheritance with Him. Christ’s presence is available now, and will remain with us forever. God’s perfect truth frees us to become all that He has created us to be. May we embrace the grace the God freely gives, and receive our redemptive place as sons and daughters of the Holy King, whose reign will never end.

 

Do not allow sins,

that once reigned the past;

to have a foothold,

nor dark shadows cast.

For in Christ the Lord,

the chains are no more;

we’ve been adopted,

empowered to soar.

Considered the kids,

of God our Great King;

forgiven and free,

let’s bring offering.

Offer our whole heart,

our strength and our will;

to be who we’re called,

and His purpose fill.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we seek You and give our lives to You, You forgive us and adopt us into Your family. Thank You that You call us sons and daughters forever. Thank You that as members of Your family, we are set free from the chains to sin that once had us bound. Forgive us for trying to return to our old chains, or for revisiting again and again, that which You have forgiven and forgotten. Teach us to trust and rely on You to do that which You are calling us to do. Keep our hearts aligned with Yours, and help us to love all whom we encounter in the same way that You so lavishly love each of us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we walk out our days as Your sons and daughters, displaying the freedom that we have found in Your truth. 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

Do Not Dismay

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. – (Isaiah 41:10, NIV)

 

Don’t worry – I am with you. Don’t be afraid – I am your God. I will make you strong and help you. I will support you with My right hand that brings victory. – (Isaiah 41:10, ERV)

 

God’s word assures us again and again that we need not fear, for He is near. Regardless of our circumstance or what comes against us, our hope is assured when we trust in the Lord. He is our Source of strength, so we needn’t worry whether or not we have what it takes to endure. On our own, we certainly do not; yet in Him, we can do all things through Him who gives us strength. Christ carries us, when we are no longer able to walk on our own. Often, He supplies tangible support to help us along the way. His hand is evident all around us, even in the midst of our greatest struggles, if we simply pause and ponder all that He is doing. Even when we cannot see the end in sight, we know the ultimate victory is found in Him. Our future is secured, and our crowning conclusion is all of eternity with Christ. Fear is no longer necessary when we have the certainty of eternity with our Creator. “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” – (I Corinthians 15:55)

 

We need not fear,

nor be dismayed;

for Christ the Lord,

will be our aid.

He’ll be our strength,

when we are weak;

He’ll hold us up,

to our hearts speak.

His strong right hand,

righteous and true;

is God for us,

seeing us through.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we need not fear, as You are with us. Thank You that You are our God, and we are Your children. Thank You that You strengthen and help us in our time of need, and that You hold us up with Your mighty right hand. Forgive us for our fearfulness in the midst of the fight, and help us to be ever aware of Your ongoing presence. May we feel Your strength and help as You are holding us up, and may we give You all the glory. Let our lives be lived as an ongoing act of worship before You, celebrating Your goodness and faithfulness to us as Your children. May many come to know You as their Savior and Lord, as we seek to serve You with our whole lives. Let Your love be evident in everything that we say and do. All honor and glory to You, O God, our Father. Amen.

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

When times are good, be happy. – Ecclesiastes 7:14

Joy

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.” – (Luke 2:8-11)

The great joy the angel was declaring, was both the first and greatest joy ever known.  The gift of God, sending His Son to earth to take on the sins of all, is the provision of joy found in the promise of hope, that is secure in our Savior.  “Joy is a sense of well-being and delight that comes from knowing and serving God.” (Pastor Jon MacIntosh) 

Joy was further defined by Pastor Jon as follows:

1) Joy is not an emotion.  Joy is not dependent on our circumstances.

2) Joy is sourced in God Himself.  This is why our joy cannot be shaken.

3) Joy is both a present reality and a future hope.  Though we know joy now, it is only in part of what will one day be fully known.

We can know joy despite our circumstances, when we are deeply invested in Christ.  Joy is rooted in love, tied to obedience, and is a gift of God that is found in the person of God.  We may know His joy more fully, as we walk in His will.  We discover a deeper joy when our focus extends beyond ourselves, and we pursue the purpose that He has placed before us.  (see Psalm 16:11, 19:8, and John 15:9-13)

Go forth in His light,

declaring great joy;

found in a stable,

born an infant boy.

Announced by angels,

proclaimed by a star;

followed by strangers,

who’d come from afar.

The infant, He grew,

into God, the man;

taught of salvation,

lived redemptive plan.

His death on the cross,

our sinfulness bore;

so we might be found,

come, let us adore.

The grave could not keep,

Jesus in the ground;

God’s power at work,

our joy in Him found.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our Source of joy.  Thank You that joy in You is not dependent on how we feel, nor on that which is going on around us.  Thank You that You are our Joy, and in You, we find joy as we come to know and serve You, our Savior.  Forgive us for allowing our eyes to fix too closely on the troubles of this world, rather than on You, whom all troubles are subject to.  Teach us to trust You more, so that we may know more completely, the joy that is found in You alone.  Help us to love and serve as You are asking, and may many see Your joy in us.  May those who do not yet know You, come to know the joy that is found in You alone.  Joy to the world, the Savior has come!  Amen.

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

Through Wayward Turn

Though traps were laid,

none did prevail;

for Christ the Lord,

will never fail.

Wisdom is His,

grace He’ll afford;

help us to stand,

strong in the Lord.

Be not afraid,

for He’s our strength;

He’ll fight for us,

at any length.

Let trust in Him,

be our true source;

as He will guide,

and light our course.

When wayward turn,

we sometimes make;

He will forgive,

our each mistake.

So place all trust,

in God’s own Son;

He is alive,

the battle’s won.

(Responding to Luke 20)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we can always trust in You. Thank You that You sent Your Son to show Your heart for each of us. Forgive us for our doubts and fears, and help us hold fast to all we have in You. May our hearts be open and supple, and may we sustain the changes You make in our character. Let Your love be what is made evident to all through us, and may many come to call You Lord of their lives. Be magnified in all we say and do. Amen.

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

Remaining Resolute in Our Redeemer

image by bibleabc.net

Our Lord God sits on high,

seated upon the throne;

one day all will appear,

our every deed made known.

We all are called to share,

the truth found in His word;

correct and encourage,

’til every ear has heard.

Be prepared at all times,

convenient or if not;

be patient and careful,

’til every soul is sought.

For the time has now come,

all doctrine is not sound;

words have become twisted,

turning from truth they’d found.

In all situations,

endure and work for Him;

stay true to Christ the Lord,

choose not to sink, but swim.

Always fight the good fight,

keep faith to finish strong;

for heaven is waiting,

to all in Him belong.

(Responding to 2 Timothy 4:1-8)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that despite how things may appear, You are securely seated upon Your throne.  Thank You that You are above all things, and in You, all may be overcome.  Forgive us for the times that our faith waivers due to the seemingly impossible situations set before us, and grant us Your eyes to see and Your strength to endure until the end.  Teach us to trust You even more, and equip us to be ready to share what You place upon our hearts.  May many come to call You King, as a result of our faithful obedience to whatever You ask.  All glory and honor to You, God.  Amen.

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