The Value of Friendship

There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother. – (Proverbs 18:24, NLT)

Some friends are fun to be with, but a true friend can be better than a brother. – (Proverbs 18:24, ERV)

Friends come and go, but a true friend sticks by you like family. – (Proverbs 18:24, MSG)

 

There is nothing quite like an escape together, to discover the depth of a friendship with the person you love. As a birthday surprise, I brought my guy to Nevada for a long weekend of sunshine and adventure. Yesterday, we braved the masses of the Las Vegas strip, to people watch, dine, and take in a great show. What I discovered in all of this, is how much I truly enjoyed spending time with my Viking. Despite the crowds, which I am not really a fan of, I felt safe, protected, and enjoyed walking mile after mile, hand-in-hand. We thoroughly enjoyed the company of one another, and had fun taking in the new. His presence feels familial, and I am at ease, knowing he is near. I am blessed to have friends who are like family, and family, who are friends. May we each recognize and value the gift of those who have been given unto us as family and friends, and invest the goodness God has given us to share.

 

Friends are a treasure, 

A gift from the Lord;

Blessings straight from Him,

Who could ask for more?

Thank You, Lord Jesus,

For those whom You give;

Family and friends,

Goodness as we live.

Help us invest well,

In those whom You bring;

All thanks unto You,

As we rise and sing.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of friends and family that You bless us with. Thank You for those whom You have given me. Thank You for the fullness and grace that I know because of Your heart that shines through the love I receive from these treasures. Forgive us for not investing our time and energy into the family and friends that You provide, and teach us how to manage our time well so that there is balance as You would call us to have. Show us how to love as we are loved by You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we celebrate the gift of friendships that You have given. Amen.

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

The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. – Psalm 145:8

 

Choose to Trust

For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. – (Luke 5:9, NLT)

 

Though I have both read and heard the account of the calling of the first disciples in Luke 5:1-11, countless times, my heart received it anew this morning. Despite the passage covering only eleven verses, there is much depth in both what is said and that which is implied. First, Jesus had come to Simon, James and John on familiar ground. He borrowed a boat to teach the crowds, and then, after having earned credibility and authority with the men through His teaching, Jesus then chose to challenge their thinking. When Jesus asked Simon to take his boat out into deeper water to let down his nets so he could catch some fish, Simon had a choice – he could recognize the authority of Jesus that he had observed as He spoke to the crowd, and submit to His request in trust, or he could legitimately argue that there was nothing to catch, as they had already been out there all night and caught nothing. Something in Simon recognized the authority of Jesus and he chose to trust Him and do as He asked, despite the experience he had already had with a fruitless night of fishing. Simon’s decision to do what seemed less than sane, resulted in a haul of fish so great, that their nets began to break. The men were left awestruck at what Jesus had done, as they knew when and where to fish, and this was not the when nor the where, yet here they stood with more fish than they could handle! May we follow the example set by these early followers of Christ, as they recognized who Jesus was, chose to trust and do what He said (even when it did not make sense) and then stood in awe at the wonder of the way that He worked.

 

Early disciples,

Showed us how to be;

We first must choose trust,

Christ’s authority.

When what the Lord asks,

Makes no sense at all;

We still need choose trust,

With purpose, He calls.

Remember look back,

Though fearful and flawed;

See where He’s brought us,

Let us stand in awe.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You make Yourself known in tangible ways, and meet us each where we are at. Thank You that though the things You ask don’t always make sense, they are always for our ultimate good. Forgive us for our fearfulness or lack of faith in that which we cannot see. Teach us to trust You more so that we would recognize Who You are and the power You have in all things and at all times, despite what we see. Show us how to love those around us well, so that they may come to know the wonder of Your mighty love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose to trust and obey whatever You ask, even when it does not make sense, for we know that You have our ultimate good in mind. Amen.

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

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

Seeking Solitary Spaces

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed. – (Mark 1:35)

Despite the crowds and the chaos that seemed to find and follow Him wherever He would go, Jesus found a way to make time to pray. He established time to connect and communicate with His Father. If Jesus was intentional to create time to connect with God, how much more so should we do the same? In today’s fast-paced world, it is not easy to find a solitary place to pray. We too, must be intentional with our time to make a place in our day for prayer. What I have discovered is that when I consistently make room, I find it is far easier to rise early and be focused than it ought to be, considering the chaos and lack of sleep that occurs some weeks. He is faithful to meet me each morning, as I make the decision to dedicate this solitary time to commune with Him and study His word. I have friends who are faithful to end each day in the same way. Where I would struggle to remain awake, they find themselves energized and encouraged. May we each embrace our own opportunities to seek solitary places to pray. For He is faithful to meet us each time we earnestly seek Him.

To seek a safe space,

where we are alone;

to come before God,

as He’s on His throne.

For in solitude,

our hearts shall be shown;

how great is His grace,

and the depth we’re known.

For as we choose pray,

seeds of faith are sown;

God’s Spirit waters,

and hope will have grown.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we can seek You in solitary places to pray, where distractions are far from us, and You meet us, and speak to our hearts. Thank You that You are faithful and loving, and that You encourage, instruct, redirect, and empower us as we pursue You in prayer. Forgive us for not being intentional to establish time with You. Teach us to trust You more with our time and space, so that we would be willing to do whatever it is You ask to create a time to be with just You. Thank You that You desire to spend time with us. Lead us to love others with a love that embraces hurting hearts and points people unto You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be exalted O God, as we seek solitary spaces with You to pray, so that we may be equipped to love as You love each day. Amen.

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

Answer me, O Lord, out of the goodness of Your love; in Your great mercy turn to me. – Psalm 69:16

Our Provider

We are currently in the midst of a series at church, where my pastor is unpacking the roles of Jesus. Yesterday, the topic of study was Jesus is Our Provider. Among the many names known for the Lord, Jehovah Jirah means, our provider.

 

During Jesus’ time on earth, He proved to be a provider to many. Just after Jesus had learned that His cousin, John, had been beheaded by Herod and was setting out by boat to a solitary place, the crowds followed Him on foot, and in their zeal to see Him, arrived before Him. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them and healed their sick. – (Matthew 14:14) More than that, it was on that same occasion that Jesus fed the multitude from five small loaves and two fish. Again, the Lord saw the need of the people, and He provided.

 

God wants us to trust Him with our time, talent and treasure. In return, He gives us enough to sustain us and to give away. Even when it feels like we don’t have what we will need, the Lord wants us to ask Him to provide for each day, and He is faithful to meet us accordingly. When Jesus taught us how to pray, He said to say: “Give us today our daily bread.” – (Matthew 6:11) We are to ask for what is needed today, and let tomorrow worry about itself. For as our day is, so too shall our strength be.

 

And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. – (Philippians 4:19)

 

May we ask of the Lord what is needed for this day, and go forth in faith, trusting that He will provide all that we need, according to His glorious riches.

 

Jehovah Jirah,

our great Provider;

full of compassion,

true hope decider.

For He has taught us,

to choose ask each day;

for what is needed,

come to Him and pray.

Our needs shall be met,

one day at a time;

enough to sustain,

His power divine.

Let’s bring to the Lord,

time, talent, treasure;

and He will pour out,

with lavish measure.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our Provider. Thank You that as we pour out, You provide. Thank You as we trust You with our time, talent and treasure, You meet us where we are at, and grant us the strength and supply as each day comes. Thank You that You even taught us how to pray – to ask You each day for that which is needed, one day at a time. Forgive us for worrying about things too far down the road, or for spaces where we are short supplied. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will seek You first, and ask for that which is needed for this day, as we go forth and sow generously with our time, talent and treasure. Lead us to love well all those whom we encounter, just as You so wonderfully love each of us. May many come into a saving relationship with You. Be exalted O God, as we trust all of our time, talent and treasure in Your hands, and seek You for what is needed each day. 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

Prioritizing People

There are times, when prioritizing people, is a pain.  When exhaustion has set in, and I am spent from a crazy day, solitude and silence would be the most welcome retreat in my world; however, as a mom, that is seldom an option.

“When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done.  Then He took them with Him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida, but the crowds learned about it and followed Him.  He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing.” – (Luke 9:10-11)

Jesus always made people His priority.  Regardless of exhaustion, sorrow, weather, lack, or any other circumstance that might be a reasonable deterrent for most, Jesus chose to love – to meet people wherever they were at, and meet their needs.  He not only attended to spiritual needs, but He cared about their physical and emotional needs as well.   He healed, He touched, He fed, and He forgave, and as a result, many chose to follow.

I want to embrace everyone as they come, even when it is inconvenient.  When I am weary, I want to lean on Him for His strength.  If I am in the midst of my own grief, I want to trust His grace to guide me and utilize what He has given, so that His love and light is what people see in me.  Some days are more successful than others.  Fortunately, each day is a fresh start to begin anew, embracing all of the opportunities that He offers to be His hands, heart and voice to those who are hurting or are in need.

How might we love,

when we’re weary, worn?

How can we trust,

with a heart that’s torn?

Not by our strength,

but rather, by His;

all things through Him,

where we’re meant to give.

His grace is great,

larger than our lack;

He is enough,

so we can give back.

Let all draw near,

regardless of ease;

give as He gave,

our Father, we’ll please.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son to show us how to love, in all things and at all times.  Thank You, Jesus, that though You would withdraw to quiet places, You always received people as they came, never considering it a disruption in Your day – even when You were ready to retreat.  Thank You that You always love.  Forgive us for our frustration with “disruptions” from our “down time”, and help us to recognize them as opportunities that You are presenting on our path.  Help us to choose to love, regardless of the timing or ease or access.  Thank You that You are our Source and Supply, so we need not worry whether or not we are able to do what You ask.  Lead us in love, Lord.  May many come to know You as we extend our hands, hearts and resources in love.  Be exalted, God.  Amen.

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

Place to Pray

No effort is required to discover the multitude of things that are vying for our attention on a daily basis.  Chaos, noise and duty seem to never be silenced in the daily doing of life.  WIth all of life’s demands, how are we meant to find a quiet place to withdraw and pray?  It is a serious dilemma, as our strength comes from God, and we are strengthened in Him, by spending time in His very presence.

“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” – (Luke 5:16)

Jesus, who was sought after everywhere He went, was followed by crowds of  sick and sinful, who were each aware of their need to be near Him.  In order for Jesus to love, touch and teach all who would come, He had to withdraw and spend time on His own with His Heavenly Father.  If the Son of God needed to pause from loving and serving, how much more is it necessary for us?  He does not call us to run ourselves ragged, but rather He simply calls us to come.  As we invest our heart in Him, we are strengthened and equipped to love and serve others well.  His help and His heart for people is present, when we look to Him as we go forth.

May my heart be still,

before You, my Lord;

I want to hear You,

my whole life is Yours.

Let me draw away,

from all of the noise;

so in the silence,

I shall hear Your voice.

Help quiet the storm,

that rages around;

may my eyes see You,

and my heart be found.

Teach me how to pray,

in Spirit and truth;

strengthen my resolve,

and make me brand new.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son to show us the way to You.  Thank You Jesus, for making the way for us to come and pray without having to offer sacrifices again and again.  Thank You that You were the ultimate sacrifice, once and for all.  May we never forget, nor take the greatness of Your gift for granted.  Forgive us for allowing the busyness of life to distract us from withdrawing to quiet places to pray.  Please show us how we can prioritize, so that prayer is present in our daily lives.  Thank You that prayer is for our benefit – an opportunity to come and commune with You, the Creator of ALL.   May we embrace the encounters we have with You each day, and be strengthened to love others well, as You have loved us.  May many come to know the great gift of salvation that is available to all who call on Your Name and believe that what You say is true.  Be glorified, Lord God.  Amen.

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