Compelled to Love

But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us – not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy… – (Titus 3:4-5a, HCSB)

But then the kindness and love of God our Savior was made known. He saved us because of His mercy, not because of any good things we did. – (TItus 3:4-5a, ERV)

When the extraordinary compassion of God our Savior and His overpowering love suddenly appeared in person, as the brightness of a dawning day, He came to save us. Not because of any virtuous deed that we have done but only because of His extravagant mercy. – (Titus 3:4-5, TPT)

I am so thankful that the goodness of God is dependent on His goodness and love and not reliant on my ability to somehow earn it by doing enough good. It is His compassion and kindness that compel us to love one another, rather than something that we have done that earns our way into His good graces. His mercy is new every morning, and today I am again embracing the kindness and love He offers freely so that I might love as He loves. May we ever seek our Savior and His great love, for it is a gift He gives to all who earnestly seek Him.

The kindness of God,

Photo by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤

Is freely made known;

Not because of us,

We are called His own.

His love’s unending,

And His mercy shown;

Simply in seeking,

Our heart finds its home.

For in Him there’s peace,

Presence full of love;

Compassion and grace,

Goodness from above.

Thank You, Lord Jesus,

For mercy anew;

Love overwhelming,

That leads us in truth.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your loving kindness and mercy are given freely, not dependent on what we have or have not done. Thank You that it is Your love and Your grace that compel us to do what You call us to do. Forgive us for thinking we can somehow earn Your favor, or acting as if we have to do enough or be enough to receive all that You lovingly and freely give. Teach us to trust in the truth of Your abundant and unending love. Show us how to love those around us in the same way that we are loved by You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we receive what You freely offer and seek You to lead us in love. Amen.

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

We love because He first loved us. – 1 John 4:19

Tend Well the Temple

Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. – (2 Corinthians 7:1, NIV)

With promises like this to pull us on, dear friends, let’s make a clean break with everything that defiles or distracts us, both within and without. Let’s make our entire lives fit and holy temples for the worship of God. – (2 Corinthians 7:1, MSG)

Beloved ones, with promises like these, and because of our deepest respect and worship of God, we must remove everything that contaminates body and spirit, and continue to complete the development of holiness within us. – (2 Corinthians 7:1, TPT)

It is the love and faithfulness of God that ought to compel us to treat our minds and bodies and His temple. When we love God and invite Him into our lives, He is present with each thing that we take in, be it exposure, what we eat, and how we care for what we have been given. That reminder alone inspires me to care well for my body and to use caution with the things to which I choose to expose my heart and mind. God has made me a very visual creature, so I know that I cannot watch anything that I don’t want to live over and over again. Rather than a filter, my mind is more like a recorder that can get stuck on repeat when exposed to graphic violence and gore. Because of this, I will not and cannot watch violent shows, games, etc. Rather, I am intentional to begin each day with Him and focusing on His word, so that my heart and mind are equipped with His goodness and love. We are all a work in progress. It is an ongoing labor of love throughout our lives, not just a quick fix for the here and now. The healthier and stronger our bodies and minds are, the better equipped we are to walk out our purpose. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us to tend well the temples that we have been given.

Lord, help us to care,

For body and mind;

Tend well the temple,

For Your love is kind.

Inspire us to move,

Be healthy and strong;

Cautious exposure,

Throughout each day long.

Show us what is good,

To listen in love;

So we are ready,

To serve You above.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You dwell within us when we invite You. Thank You that You call us to tend our temples well, so that we are best equipped to honor, love and serve You. Forgive us for the times that we either neglect to care for our bodies, or expose our minds and hearts to things that do not glorify You. Teach us to ever seek to honor You through the care of our body and mind. Show us how to love those around us as You intended. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we learn to tend the temple we have been given in a way that honors You. Amen.

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

And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of His Spirit who lives in you. – Romans 8:11

All Glory to God

For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen. – (Romans 11:36, NIV)

Yes, God made all things. And everything continues through Him and for Him. To God be the glory forever! Amen. – (Romans 11:36, ERV)

For all that exists originates in Him, comes through Him, and is moving toward Him; so give Him the glory forever. Amen. – (Romans 11:36, VOICE)

 

All that is and was and ever will be is because of God. Our existence is through the loving hands of the Lord. His love grants us light and life and love. Goodness and grace lead us to understand how great God is, and compel us to give Him the glory He so justly deserves. May we look to the Lord with thankful hearts and praise Him for the countless ways that He demonstrates His love for us all.

 

All thanks be to God, 

The Maker of all;

Who loves us to life,

Answers when we call.

For all that exists,

Is through His great love;

Light and life and hope,

Gifts sent from above.

All glory to Him,

As we trust His Name;

He’s faithful to do,

All that His word claims.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the Maker of all. Thank You that every good and perfect gift comes from You. Thank You that You love us with an everlasting love. Forgive us for not giving You the glory that is due, and help us to ever give our praise unto You. Show us how to love those whom You have placed on our path in a way that points their hearts heavenward. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we give You glory for all that You are and how You love. Amen.

 

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

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. – James 1:17

Listen, Serve, Obey

Serve only the Lord your God and fear Him alone. Obey His commands, listen to His voice, and cling to Him. – (Deuteronomy 13:4, NLT)

 

The charge given in this verse seems simple enough, yet if we truly examine our lives, it is a bit more complex. To serve only the Lord our God, is to lay down our own selfish desires, and instead do that which He is calling us to do, rather than what feels good in the moment. Serving God is not self-serving, it is sacrificial. There is an element of giving up our own desires, and trusting that the Lord’s ways are best. With fear, if we are overwhelmed with fear by situations and circumstances before us, then our fear is misappropriated. God is far greater than anything that could come against us, so rather than fear people or circumstances, we ought to stand in awe of the One who can alter the outcome of all. As we choose to listen to His voice, we will hear what He is asking. When we hear, we are called too, to obey. Often the very things that He is asking are seemingly impossible. It is the impossibilities that ought to compel us to cling to Christ, as He is our help and our hope. May we rise up with fresh resolve, and choose to listen, obey, serve, and cling to Christ as we stand in awe of who He is and all that He is able to do.

 

Help me to follow,

Your ways evermore;

To honor and serve,

As Your love restores.

May I stand in awe,

Fear You Lord alone;

For Your strength is more,

Than anything known.

Teach me to obey,

Each command You give;

Help me hear Your voice,

So truth in me lives.

No matter what comes,

May I ever cling;

To You, Lord Jesus,

True hope offering.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You speak to us and strengthen us to do that which You call us to do. Forgive us for serving ourselves, rather than You alone, and for fearing things before us, rather than recognizing the remarkable power in Your mighty hands. Teach us to cling to You, so that we will listen to Your voice and obey Your commands. Show us how to love those around us in such a way, that they will see Your heart through how we serve. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we learn to listen and obey, serving You alone, as we stand in awe of 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

 

Pure and Holy Lives

Dear friends, we have these promises from God. So we should make ourselves pure – free from anything that makes our body or our soul unclean. Our respect for God should make us try to be completely holy in the way we live. – (2 Corinthians 7:1, ERV)

God is good. His promises are true and His love endures forever. These truths ought to compel us to flee from anything that would make our bodies or souls unclean. Our honor, admiration and awe for who God is and all that He does, leads our hearts to be dedicated and devoted to serving Him with our words, thoughts and deeds. The more we know Him, the more drawn we are to be the people that He is calling us to be. May we keep ourselves pure from that which would make our bodies and souls unclean, and out of respect for God, be holy in the ways in which we live.

That which God promised,

is faithful and good;

truth endures always,

it’s hope understood.

Because we have hope,

let us be made pure;

both body and soul,

so His way is clear.

Not for some reward,

but out of our awe;

let us be holy,

from His strength we draw.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we have Your promises that remain the same forever. Thank You that when we seek You, You will help keep us from that which would make our bodies or souls unclean. Forgive us for not giving You the respect and reverence You deserve, and teach us to trust You more, so that we will seek to live as Your holy people – people dedicated and devoted to serving You. Lead us to love others in such a way, that they will see Your loving kindness through us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we make ourselves pure and live holy lives. Amen.

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

Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. – 2 Corinthians 3:5

Fortitude for Fear

Fear in all its fury, can be a catalyst for change. When we take pause and really look at the source, Christ will lead us to a place of understanding whether it is a healthy fear that is from Him, placed in us to compel us to action, or if it is some sort of terror that is tormenting our hearts, straight from the pit of hell. In order to know the difference, we must be willing to be transparent about the fear that we are facing. There are times when it is an obvious nudge from our Heavenly Father, yet there are other times where we may need to actually unpack that which has us frozen or ready to take flight, with others who are faithfully following Christ.

 

O Lord, You have searched me and You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue You know it completely, O Lord. – (Psalm 139:1-4)

 

We are known and loved so completely, that we need not remain frozen in fear. He sees, knows and hears all that we face, feel and endure. God even is aware of our response to all that comes our way, before we ever respond. To be known and loved so completely, leaves no room remaining for fear to have a foothold. May we rise up in faith, giving our every fear to our Heavenly Father, and allow Him to grant us the fortitude to face all that comes our way.

 

In fear’s ugly grip,

let us not remain;

for Christ is our strength,

and His freedom reigns.

O Lord, You have searched,

and know me so well;

You know every thought,

the words I will tell.

Thank You in that space,

of being well known;

You strengthen our hearts,

as Your grace is shown.

Let Your strength arise,

and give our heart wings;

so that we may soar,

and of Your truth sing.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have searched us and You know us, and yet You love. Thank You that in You, we need not fear. Thank You that despite the unknowns and awful that come at us, You are present and You are greater. Forgive us for freezing up in our fear, and teach us to trust You more. Help us to bring our every fear before You, and to speak out to others, when we are meant to share the burden that is too heavy for us to carry alone. Lead us to love others in such a way, that we too, will help others bear burdens that they are unable to withstand alone. Show us how to support, love and pray for one another as You would have us do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we face every fear in Your strength, confident of Your love and faithfulness. Amen.

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

Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, You who have done great things.  Who, O God, is like You? – Psalm 71:19

Everything As He Asks

The story of Noah is remarkable one. When Noah was well seasoned in years and living in a location nowhere near water, God told him to construct an ark. Noah did not question God, nor did he ask God how on earth he was to accomplish such a monumental task. Instead, he listened to the Lord, heard His every outlandish instruction, and got to work. Noah did everything just as God commanded him. – (Genesis 6:22)

 

It is easy to get caught up in the particulars, when really, we simply need to obey whatever it is that God is asking. We know that God is good, and His ways are not our ways. That alone ought to compel us to do whatever He asks, regardless of how outrageous it seems at the time. God is given room to move miraculously, if we simply step out in obedience to what He asks. May we set aside our incessant need to know the how or the why, and choose to move in faith.

 

Whatever God asks,

may we simply do;

choose to wholly trust,

in faith, follow through.

Miracles happen,

when we step aside;

true obedience,

removal of pride.

May our stories too,

be of lives lived well;

that share of His grace,

of His goodness tell.

All glory to God,

Holy faithful King;

may our moves of faith,

be sweet offerings.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that though humanity rebelled and became evil and wicked, thank You that You saw and saved Noah and his family, who were faithful. Thank You that after the flood, You promised to never destroy everything on earth again until the final day when Christ returns. Thank You that You sent Your Son, Jesus, so that we could be saved from our own sinful natures and given new life in You. Forgive us for questioning the things You ask of us, or wanting to know the details when all we need to do is obey. Teach us to trust You more, so that we do as Noah did, and simply get to work. Whatever the task, help us to move without delay. Lead us to love others as You so wonderfully love each of us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we faithfully follow through on all You ask us to do. Amen.

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

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy. – Hebrews 4:16

Conferred by Christ

You are those who have stood by Me in My trials. And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on Me, so that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. – (Luke 22:28-30, NIV)

 

You men have stayed with Me through many struggles. So I give you authority to rule with Me in the kingdom the Father has given Me. You will eat and drink at My table in that kingdom. You will sit on thrones and judge the twelve tribes of Israel. – (Luke 22:28-30, ERV)

 

Jesus offered these words to His disciples at the last supper on the night He was betrayed. Though they had just been arguing about who among them was the greatest, Jesus pointed them to the proper perspective on personal position, and then proceeded to acknowledge all of them as His faithful friends who would be seated at His table in Heaven. Our charge is to serve, rather than concern ourselves with attaining a place of power. Whatever our position, we are called to serve and honor Christ. If we seek to serve, rather than be served, our heavenly rewards far outweigh any earthly acquisitions we might hope for. To know that we will be in Christ’s presence forever, is reason enough to seek Him all the more. May we be faithful to stand firm, and rest assured in the reward that is yet to come in Christ.

 

When we seek the Lord,

His power resides;

He dwells within us,

so near, He abides.

Christ’s great faithfulness,

and goodness alone;

ought to compel us,

make our heart His home.

With hearts set to serve,

may we go in peace;

to honor our King,

His glory, release.

When our days are done,

and we stand alone;

may we hear, “Well done,

come child, you are home.”

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we seek You, we find You, and You love us to life. Thank You that You sent Your Son to show us the way to love and serve, as You want us to do. Forgive us for being more concerned about our position or acquisitions than about people. Teach us to prioritize as You do. Let Your love lead us to serve others, so that they too, might come to know the truth. May many find their way to a lasting relationship with You. Be exalted O God, as we seek to serve as You call and equip us to do. Amen.

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

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. – Galatians 5:22-23

Compassion Leads to Action

When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. – (John 11:33)

Jesus wept. – (John 11:35)

When He had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” – (John 11:43)

 

These three verses are pivotal points in the story of Lazarus. Though Jesus knew that He would raise Lazarus from the dead prior to His arrival, His compassion for people was made evident through how He came alongside those who were mourning and wept as they wept. However, Christ continues beyond compassion. Jesus, after demonstrating His love for both Lazarus and those who loved him, chose to do more. He opted to make His mighty power known, as He had the gang of grieving lead Him to the tomb where Lazarus had laid for four days. Jesus stepped up, and in a strong voice, spoke the words that were more than His friends could have hoped for. Their lost loved one was being brought back to life!

 

As we are moved by compassion to act, it is necessary that we too, listen for His still small voice. Though we may not be raising people from four days dead, our acts of obedience can create hope where there has only been despair. We never know the impact our actions might have, unless we opt to actually step out in faith. He is faithful to use us as His vessels, if only we are willing to make ourselves available. May we go forth, allowing His compassion to propel our hearts to action.

 

Compassion compels,

our hearts to reach out;

to act in His love,

to fill those without.

Just as His kindness,

came near in our need;

so we’re called likewise,

to give and to feed.

Out of our plenty,

and even our lack;

He calls us to love,

He’s loving us back.

May those who don’t know,

come to know His grace;

for once it is known,

there’s no greater place.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son to show us what love in action should look like. Jesus, thank You for loving us without limits and for equipping us to love as You love us. Thank You for placing people in our lives to be Your hands and heart made tangible. Thank You that we too, can be the same for others, if only we are available to listen to Your leading. Forgive us for neglecting to act on that which You are asking, and help us to be willing to go and do whatever You ask of us. Give us Your eyes to see, and Your heart of compassion for all whom we encounter. May the compassion You grant us, compel us to action. Lead us in the way You want us to go, and may many come to know You as their Savior and King as a result. Be glorified as we act with compassion today. 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