The Commission of Jesus

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – (Matthew 28:16-20, NIV)

The eleven followers went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus told them to go. On the mountain the followers saw Jesus. They worshiped Him. But some of the followers did not believe that it was really Jesus. So He came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth is given to Me. So go and make followers of all people in the world. Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach them to obey everything that I have told you to do. You can be sure that I will be with you always. I will continue with you until the end of time.” – (Matthew 28:16-20, ERV)

The same commission that Jesus gave to the early disciples is what He gives to us all. Our roles may not all look the same, but we are each called to love God and love people in such a way that they too, may come to know who God is and how He loves. It is by His love that we can be saved. Our salvation means that we have hope and help, peace and love, in the here and now, and also the promise to be in His presence forever. I want everyone I know and love to understand the same. If they do, together is forever, not just temporary. There is peace and comfort in knowing that there here and now is not the end. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in His great commission.

O Lord, please lead us,

And chase away doubt;

For Your love is all,

This life is about.

Love that brings comfort,

Ever extends care;

Peace through Your presence,

Nearness known through prayer.

Lord, show us the way,

Lead us in Your love;

So all come to know,

You, Father above.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call and equip us to love as You love and to share the hope that is held forever in You. Forgive us for missed opportunities to share the goodness of Your love with those around us. Teach us to be Your ambassadors to all whom we encounter, so that all have the opportunity to come to know You. Show us how to love like You, so that Your heart is made known. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to show us how to fulfill all that You ask of us. Amen.

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

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. – Acts 1:8

Plans that Stand

But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; His intentions can never be shaken. – (Psalm 33:11, NLT)

But the Lord’s decisions are good forever. His plans are good for generation after generation. – (Psalm 33:11, ERV)

God’s plan for the world stands up, all His designs are made to last. – (Psalm 33:11, MSG)

The Eternal’s purposes will last to the end of time, the thoughts of His heart will awaken and stir all generations. – (Psalm 33:11, VOICE)

 

There is great reassurance in these words, as so often we hear a promise, and wonder how it could ever possibly come to pass. What God says, He will do, for His word endures forever. Though disruptions and detours often come along the way, we learn and grow as we discover how to find our footing back on the path where the Lord is leading. Additionally, God’s timing is not our own. His plans stand firm and cannot be shaken, and they are good throughout all generations. Most of us want to see the fulfillment of a promise spoken within the hour, day, week or at least month in which it was heard. Things that last take time, and the Lord does not operate on our time table. His ways are higher than ours, so we have to trust that His timing is far better than our own, despite our desire to see the fulfillment unfold right now. May we ever trust the Lord and His plans, for His decisions are good and His plans cannot be shaken over time.

 

The Lord’s plans shall stand,

Firm forevermore;

They can’t be shaken,

Always, they’ll endure.

For His plans are good,

They are made to last;

Awakening hearts,

To do as we’re asked.

As we choose to go,

Wherever He calls;

We see faithfulness,

As hope He installs.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your plans stand firm forever. Thank You that Your intentions cannot be shaken, despite our lack of faith or patience in the process. Thank You that You are loving and kind, and that You are patient with us as You lead us in the ways that we are meant to go. Forgive us for where we lack, and attempt to go our own way. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would stay the course to which we have been called by You. Show us how to love those around us in a way that stirs hearts and minds to seek You, as they see Your faithfulness in action. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust in Your plans that stand firm forever, and Your intentions that cannot be shaken. Amen.

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

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him. – Psalm 34:8

Lead for Life

For that is what God is like. He is our God forever and ever, and He will guide us until we die. – (Psalm 48:14, NLT)

This God is our God forever and ever. He will lead us from now to the end of time! – (Psalm 48:14, ERV)

 

One of the attributes of God that I appreciate most is His faithfulness. Because He is faithful, He will never leave us nor forsake us, and His promises remain true for all time. When we make the choice to invite God to be the Lord of our lives, He comes close and dwells within us. As we seek Him for answers, He shows us the ways in which we are meant to go. His leading lasts forever, if we are only willing to listen. May we ever look to the Lord and His faithfulness, trusting Him to lead us from now until our days are done.

 

Faithfulness of God,

It knows not an end;

For He’s forever,

Our hope, guide and friend.

He’s promised to lead,

To the end of time;

Always He’s present,

With our best in mind.

So trust in the Lord,

Seek always, His face;

To find direction,

Love, mercy and grace.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our God forever and ever. Thank You that You will lead us from now until the end of time. Thank You that we can trust in Your faithfulness, for it endures forever. Forgive us for our lack of faith and trust when trials come. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would seek and heed Your guidance all of our days, as Your ways are higher than ours. Show us how to love those around us in tangible and observable ways. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we listen to Your leading all of our lives long. Amen.

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

Because of the tender mercy of our God, …the rising sun will come to us from heaven. – Luke 1:78

His Plans Are Firm Forever

But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; His intentions can never be shaken. – (Psalm 33:11, NLT)

The Eternal’s purposes will last to the end of time; the thoughts of His heart will awaken and stir all generations. – (Psalm 33:11, VOICE)

 

The plans and purposes of God cannot be altered nor changed by human persuasion. Just because we think we know what may be best, God’s ways are always higher than our ways, and His plans higher than ours. God wants the very best for us, His created, so He will not allow our short-sightedness to shake His plans for our ultimate good. Instead, He stirs in us, a desire to seek Him and His will. As we follow after Him, He draws us unto Himself, and points us to the path that leads us on to life everlasting. May we choose to give ear to His leading, so that we might walk in the light of His love where He is calling. Let every heart seek the Lord, and answer that which He is asking.

 

The plans of the Lord,

Stand firm for all time;

They can’t be shaken,

Holy and divine.

What He is asking,

Draws us to His side;

Where hearts awaken,

Cross faithful divide.

Let us choose to seek,

Pursue the Lord’s will;

Fulfill what He asks,

By faith, pray, be still.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your plans stand firm forever, no matter what goes on in the world around us. Thank You that Your intentions can never be shaken. Forgive us for the lack of security in our stance at times, as we are easily shaken when things around us fall apart or go sideways. Teach us to trust You more, so that no matter what goes on in or around us, we know that Your ultimate plan remains. Show us how to love others in such a way, that they might see You through what we say and do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek to follow the plan that You place before us, and to trust in the way You call us to walk. 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