Success in Our Savior

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. – (1 Corinthians 15:57, NIV)

But we thank God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! – (1 Corinthians 15:57, ERV)

But we thank God for giving us the victory as conquerors through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One. – (1 Corinthians 15:57, TPT)

There are times when we are moving forward, ever seeking to do what we are meant to do, and still obstacles come our way. It does not mean we are off course; often it is an indication that there is more that God wants to show or teach us as we press on. He does not cause frustrating things to stand in our way, but He does allow mountains and valleys before us to show His strength that equips us to overcome as we seek Him. One of my goals before my “big” birthday this summer is to run a marathon. About six weeks ago, I fractured all three bones in my little toe. This created a month-long hiatus from running, and some serious frustration. Over the last week or so, I had finally been able to get back to running and was working to rebuild endurance. On my first run back at it, we ended up running our usual pace (prior to the fracture) and I was encouraged and grateful for God’s grace and faithfulness. Fast forward to Friday evening, and out of nowhere I felt feverish and had a sore throat. I was supposed to get a long run in over the weekend, and at long last, return to teaching on campus. Sadly, neither took place, and I am again deterred by a setback. Thankfully, this race we are running is not a sprint, but is an ultra marathon. It requires ongoing forward momentum, even if our steps seem miniscule. God is faithful and grants us victory in Christ. This season may look nothing like I had hoped or imagined, but I know that He is good and will lead me forward according to His plan. He knows the desires of my heart and will not leave me or forsake me. I know not what victory in Him will look like in this season, but I know that God is good. Each new day, I will trust Him to lead me forward, and be my strength to keep moving in the right direction. May we ever thank the Lord for His goodness and faithfulness, for we have the ultimate victory in Him.

All thanks be to God,

Our true victory;

For He is our strength,

The One that we need.

No matter the course,

Our race seems to take;

God will be faithful,

With goodness and grace.

Setbacks and detours,

And bumps in the road;

He grants us His strength,

Helps carry the load.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that no matter what comes our way, You are faithful to be present and see us through. Thank You that even when obstacles lie before us, the road You have set us on remains the same. Forgive us for our frustration with setbacks and obstacles that come our way. Teach us to trust You to remain faithful as You lead us forward, despite how things appear. Show us how to love, encourage and support those around us as they run the race that You have set before them. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You to successfully lead us along the path You have placed before us; for victory is already ours in Christ. Amen.

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

Indeed our shield belongs to the Lord, our King to the Holy One of Israel. – Psalm 89:18

Peace to Pursue His Path

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you!  As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” – (John 20:21)

First, Jesus reminded the disciples by whose authority He had been sent, and in turn, would equip and send all whom choose to trust in Him.  Whatever God asks us to do, we have the authority through Christ, to do that to which we have been called.  Jesus came and modeled how we are to live a life invested in our Source of peace and power, so that we may pursue all that the Father is calling us to do.  Though in our own strength we cannot begin to fathom the things to which we have been called, in Him, we are more than conquerors, and can complete every task that He has asked.  May we invest and be encouraged, trusting that He who sends us, also equips us, and places His peace within us.

                                                                                                                                                                Before He said go,

image by violscraper

He said, “I give peace.”

Not just settled hearts,

but in Him, release.

Set free to be sent,

where we’re called to go;

to do as He asks,

so others may know.

We’ve nothing to fear,

we’re never alone;

He went before us,

and reigns on the throne.

No power on earth,

is greater than He;

we must choose to walk,

and trust we are free.

Free to go in faith,

to answer His call;

in obedience,

tear down prison walls.

All that would hinder,

our hearts from pursuit;

of Christ our Savior,

fulfiller of truth.

 

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You first give us Your peace that surpasses all understanding in our hearts and minds, so that we can focus our attention on You and the truth – no matter what lies before us.  Thank You that You sent Your Holy Spirit to equip and empower us to do surpassingly more than we could ever imagine, by Your strength, when we choose to listen and obey.  Forgive us for our fearfulness of what we see with our human eyes, rather than our heart invested in You.  Teach us to trust You more, so that we would fix our eyes on You, the Author and Finisher of our faith, and the One who enables us to do all that to which we have been called.  Lead us to love well, each heart You call us to care for.  May many come into a personal relationship with You.  Be exalted O God, as we receive the peace that You place in our hearts, and go forth in obedience to all that You ask.  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

To Be Undaunted

Yesterday evening was day one of a book study that I am a part of with some wonderful women from my church. The book we will be studying is Undaunted, by Christine Caine. One of the stand out points of our time together last night, was the reality of what happens in a single moment of potentially life changing news. Though everything in our life externally may change, our fundamental identity remains the same. Our salvation, strength, security, purpose, character, worth and value in Christ, cannot be shaken if we are rooted and established in Him.

 

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angel nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. – (Romans 8:37-39)

 

When life finds a way,

of spinning around;

what once seemed secure,

no more steady ground –

where will peace be found?

When rooted in Christ,

identity sure;

no storm can undo,

the hope that’s secure –

and Christ’s presence near.

Who He has made us,

shall remain unchanged;

though battered and scarred,

His peace shall sustain –

and purpose remain.

The love of the Lord,

steadfast and secure;

there’s no height nor depth,

nor trying detour –

Christ’s love is assured.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that though our circumstances may change, You never change. Thank You that in You, we have security, strength, assurance, purpose, worth, salvation, hope, and so much more. Thank You that the foundation we have in You cannot be shaken by our circumstances. Forgive us for wasting time and energy on worry, and help us to trust You in all things and at all times. Lead us to love others in such a way, that they would see You through us. May many come into a saving relationship with You. Be exalted O God, as we stand secure in You, no matter what comes our way. Amen.

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

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. – Job 8:21

The Purpose of Perseverance

Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. But after the disciples gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. – (Acts 14:19-20a)

 

Perseverance is steady persistence in a course of action or purpose, especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles or discouragement. It is also the continuance in a state of grace to the end, leading to eternal salvation. – (www.dictionary.com)

 

Paul’s unwavering commitment to deliver the message he had been commissioned to preach, is the epitome of perseverance. He endured every possible obstacle, difficulty and discouragement, yet he continued in the grace that God gave. The very same power that resided in him, dwells in the heart of all who believe. We too, have the capacity to persevere in difficulty, and are able to overcome obstacles to accomplish all that He calls us to do, if we choose to rely on His grace as we go. Paul never delineated from the purpose of his calling, and stayed the course of sharing Christ with all whom he encountered. How has God called us to persevere? Where are we meant to persist and stay the course, in spite of difficulties, obstacles or discouragement? May we take heart in He who is faithful, for in Him, we are more than conquerors.

 

Let not opposition,

steer our hearts off course;

for our faithful Father,

has for us, much more.

If we will persevere,

when trials come near;

the truth shall be made known,

dispelling all fear.

To overcome challenge,

rely on His grace;

and seek the Lord always,

for all of our days.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that in You, we find the strength and grace that is needed to persevere. Thank You that no difficulty, obstacle or discouragement is too great for Your grace. Thank You that You are more than enough. Forgive us for fixing our eyes on the problem, rather than on You, our solution. Teach us to trust You more, so that we may fully embrace the grace that You are granting. Lead us to love and encourage all whom we encounter, just as You so love and encourage each of us. May many come to know You as their Savior and King, as our hearts respond to the grace You bring. Be glorified, O God, as we persevere in Your glorious grace. Amen.

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

They will celebrate Your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of Your righteousness. – Psalm 145:7

Love Him More than Life

They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. – (Revelation 12:11)

 

The “they” in this passage is referring to all whom believe. “Him” who they overcame, is Satan. The blood of the Lamb, is the power of Christ that set us free from sin, as He sacrificed Himself in our place on the cross at Calvary, and declared that it is done. Our testimony is a powerful thing. No one can refute the truth of what we have experienced first hand. As we share what Christ has done for us, with those who do not yet know Him, the devil is defeated, as he cannot contest the truth. Both early and some present day believers have been placed in a position of life and death decision, as a result of their faith. Our charge is to stand strong, regardless of what we face, for our future is assured for all eternity with Christ. It is far better to lose our life on earth with heaven’s gain, than to waiver with the security of our souls. May we stand strong in Christ, placing Him first, above all else.

 

Our soul’s enemy,

has been overcome;

the blood of the Lamb,

the battle’s been won.

We need not love life,

more than we love Him;

our future’s assured,

all else appears dim.

Fear not death on earth,

but spiritual loss;

invest in the truth,

we’re saved by the cross.

May we each stand strong,

placing the Lord first;

sharing the good news,

with those who still thirst.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that in You, we have all that we need to overcome the enemy of our soul. By Your blood that covers us, Your Spirit who dwells within us, Your Word that is in our heart, and our testimony that is the collection of experiences of You alive and active in our lives, we are more than conquerors in You. Thank You that You grant us Your strength and courage to face and overcome whatever lies before us. Forgive us for our fearfulness or for forgetting the powerful weapons that we have to wield in You, against the enemy. Teach us to be bold on Your behalf, and may many come to know the truth. Let the lost be found in Your love, and may we love others as we are so lavishly loved by You. Be glorified, O God, as we stand strong in You. 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

To Be Called Conquerors

Despite the name of this blog, the book of Revelation, has always intimidated me.  Every year, as  this time rolls around, I find myself back in the book of Revelation, as I follow a yearly reading plan.  I eagerly anticipate His return, however, it is the time of trial and tribulation that I get hung up on.  This morning, I was extra intentional to ask that He grant me new insight, that would perhaps make this book a bit more approachable over the next several days.  The following is what I found, as I chose to first read Revelation 1-4 in The Message translation:

“Look at Me.  I stand at the door.  I knock.  If you hear Me call and open the door, I’ll come in and sit down to supper with you.  Conquerors will sit alongside Me at the head table, just as I, having conquered, to the place of honor at the side of my Father.  That is My gift to the conquerors!” – (Revelation 3:20-21)

My heart began to soar, as I recognized that I am a conqueror, not because I am strong enough or good enough, but rather because I have opened the door of my heart and invited Him in.  It is not what I can do, but what He can do through me, if only I choose to be willing.  Oh Lord, You know I am willing!  “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” – (Romans 8:37)

You called to me,

I opened my heart;

You welcomed me,

and granted fresh start.

You sit with me,

and call me Your own;

You strengthen me,

beyond what I’ve known.

Fear need not be,

present in trials;

times of testing,

shall be a short while.

And through it all,

one thing shall remain;

Your love, present,

the hope we can claim.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that in You, we are more than conquerors!  Thank You that with You, we have nothing to fear.  Though struggle and trials shall come in this life, our hope is assured for all of eternity in You.  Forgive us for our fearfulness of the unknown, and help us to recognize that we are more than conquerors in You.  Give us strength and endurance to remain steadfast in that which You have called us, and teach us to trust You even more.  May we love like You, so that many others too, may come to know the overwhelming gift of grace that You freely give.  May many come to know the overcoming power that is present in a lifelong relationship with You.  All praise to You, our Overcoming One!  Amen.

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