Internal Investments Exceed External

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. – (Proverbs 31:30)

 

How we present ourselves, may or may not be the whole picture. We deceive even ourselves, if we do not look at our lives through the lens of Christ. The external, what is seen, grows weary and worn; yet in Christ, our minds and spirits may be refreshed and renewed, day by day. A woman who recognizes who the Lord is, and invites Him to be seated in His proper position in her life, operates as He is calling her to live. As we choose to allow Christ to reign in our lives, His gifts flow through us, and we bear fruit, as others too, may come to see and know who He is, and what He has done for us all. May we rise up in reverence for the Risen Lord, and invite Him to rule and reign in our every word and deed.

 

Be not deceived,

by beauty nor charm;

false illusions,

that unchecked, bring harm.

Beauty, it fades,

and charm is deceit;

fearing the Lord,

is wise, praiseworthy.

Christ is our rock,

on Whom we must stand;

all other things,

are just sinking sand.

Rise up in faith,

in our Holy Lord;

all unto Him,

our shield and our sword.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that though external things are fleeting, that which we invest in You, lasts forever. Thank You that as we grow in our understanding of who You are and how much You love us, You are pleased with our pursuit, and use us to turn and bless others. Forgive us for allowing the external voices to deceive our hearts into believing anything that would tie our value to what is seen on the outside, rather than what You are doing and have already done on the inside. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would make our priority the pursuit of You. Help us to love others well, just as You so completely love each of us. May many come into a saving relationship with You, Lord. Be exalted O God, as we see through deceit and beyond packaging, and grant us Your eyes to see and Your heart to love, as we walk in reverence of who You are and the splendor of all whom You have created. 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 Seduction of Smooth Talk

image by iStockphoto/wolv

The pure bride of Christ,

is how we are seen.

The moment we ask,

He calls us redeemed.

Be not led astray,

by smooth talk and flash,

for only in Christ,

will true freedom last.

With every message,

that’s spoken and heard,

make sure it lines up,

with God’s holy word.

If it’s a bit off,

it’s the tempter’s way,

to deceive our hearts,

and lead us astray.

So seek Jesus first,

let our hearts hear it;

what we are to do,

when led by His Spirit.

(Responding to 2 Corinthians 11:1-3)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have redeemed us and call us by name.  Thank You that You speak to us by Your Spirit, through Your word, and through people who passionately pursue You.  Forgive us for listening to any voice or influence that is not firmly established in You, and grant us the wisdom to  discern when it is You, and when it is not.  Teach our hearts to hear Yours more clearly each day, so that we can be better equipped to walk in Your way.  Let Your love lead us and guide us where You want us to go.  May many come to comprehend the liberating love that is found in You, as the truth in You is truly known.  Amen.

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