Luke 21 – Offering and Warning

Luke 21 begins with Jesus in the temple. He witnesses many of the wealthy placing their offering in the temple treasury. When He witnesses a poor widow place two tiny copper coins in, He noted to His companions how she had given far more than the others, for they gave out of their excess whereas she gave all that she had. The remainder of the chapter is dedicated to Jesus sharing with the disciples what the end times would be like. He let them know there would be many warning signs to recognize, and the faithful will be persecuted and betrayed. After all the signs and warnings, people will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud. Jesus told them that they would know what is happening when they see the signs. He warned them to watch and pray and be ready so that they could stand before Him when He returns. “Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening He went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives, and all the people came early in the morning to hear Him at the temple.” (Luke 21:37-38)

Lowly poor widow,

gave all that she had;

a heart full of trust,

that made Jesus glad.

For most who gave gifts,

did not feel a loss;

the faithful widow,

paid ultimate cost.

It makes me wonder,

what her life became;

to receive mention,

the Lord knew her name.

I choose imagine,

that God intervened;

and cared for her needs,

for she had been seen.

Each act of worship,

that we choose to give;

is known by the Lord,

and transformative.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son to show us how to live, love, and give. Thank You that You remind us to remain faithful and aware, and provide what we need to keep following after You. Forgive us for the times that we have lacked generosity. Teach us to trust You to show us what to do and to provide what we need. Lead us in Your love to love those around us well. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for being our Provider, and for preparing our hearts for Your return. Amen.

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

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. – 2 Corinthians 9:6

Our Map and Our Guide

For this God is our God for ever and ever; He will be our guide even to the end. – (Psalm 48:14)

 

There is such reassurance in these words, as the companion chapter in my reading plan today included Revelation 13. In Revelation 13, we are told of the captivity and persecution that will happen in the end times for all who faithfully follow Christ. I find that to be a bit unnerving, yet there is such reassurance in this particular verse in Psalm 13. God will be our God and our guide unto the end. He will be our map and our Companion, leading, guiding, directing, strengthening and remaining present, no matter where we are called; regardless of what we may face. Our charge is to continue to pursue Him through the study of His word (our map), seeking Him in prayer, and to allow our hearts to be tender toward Him, so that we may hear His direction and guidance. All glory, honor and praise unto You, our God and our guide for all of our days.

 

For God is our God,

both now and always;

He will lead and guide,

for all of our days.

When the trials come,

He stays by our side;

our heart in His hands,

for our souls, He died.

Whatever we face,

His strength is enough;

His peace and presence,

the most hopeful stuff.

So, fear not my friends,

the evil around;

for in Christ we’re saved,

our hope has been found.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our God forever, and that You will be our guide until the very end. Thank You that no matter what comes, nor what trials we face, You remain present, holding our hearts and our hands. Thank You that though harm may befall our bodies, our spirit is safe forever in You. Forgive us for our fears when we see all that is going on in the world that points to potential discomfort, and grant us Your strength and courage to trust in You and Your plans and purposes for us. May we love without limits, as You love us, and may those who know You not, come to know the hope found forever in You. Be glorified, O God, as we trust You to lead us and guide us all of our days. Amen.

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

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad. – 1 Chronicles 16:31

The Splendor of Salvation

It is easy to get a bit freaked out by the whole idea of end times. Lawlessness and chaos are anything but appealing. However, there are several promises that we have to hold, despite the state of society’s moral decay. One such promise packs incredible power as I read it again this morning. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of His mouth and destroy by the splendor of His coming. – (2 Thessalonians 2:8)

 

Imagine a lawless one who has created chaos throughout the earth, overthrown, with a single breath from the mouth of the Lord. Not only that, but the very existence of the lawless one will be destroyed by the splendor, the imposing magnificence, the indescribable brilliance, that will accompany Christ’s coming. There is great comfort when our hearts are securely grounded in Christ. Our peace is not dependant on the circumstances that surround us, nor on the state of order nor lack there of; but rather our security is found in our Savior, who dwells in the hearts of those who choose Him.

 

As lawlessness grows,

and morals decay;

we needn’t feel fear,

despite the display.

Far greater is He,

Who’s dwelling within;

than lawless chaos,

permissible sin.

For a day will come,

when chaos will end;

with a single breath,

what’s broken, He’ll mend.

The splendor of Him,

His magnificence;

shall destroy deceit,

restore innocence.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that though not one of us can know the when, we all have access to know how it will end. Thank You that You are all-powerful, and that we can place all of our hope in You. Thank You that You made the way for us to come to You, and enter into an eternal relationship with You, so that we may be assured of our hope both now and forever. Forgive us for fearing the unknown and the unsettled, and help us to hold fast to You – our Rock, who is steadfast and secure. Teach us to trust You in all things and at all times. May we live and love without fear, as You hold us in the palm of Your hands. May many come to know the splendor of Your salvation, and hold fast to eternal hope in You. Be exalted in everything that we say and do. 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

 

Hope Happens in Him

Revelation 13 speaks of a time that I pray I will never see with my own eyes.  However, despite the destruction and deplorable times that are yet to come, there is great hope and encouragement for all who believe in Him.

In Revelation 13:10, there is reference back to the exhortation given in Hebrews 6:12 – “We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.”

Though the things of this world can be dark and dismal, we must remember that this is not our home.  Our time here is finite, whereas our ultimate destination is eternal.  What we do with this life matters, as it determines our location for the next.  We must be intentional and diligent in our walk with Him, as He alone provides the patience and faith necessary to navigate a life lived in the grip of His grace.

There are days that I would prefer to sleep or run off rather than press on, yet I have found that He is always faithful to His promise to be present when I press past all that hinders me, and seek only Him.  I need His sustenance to be my strength.

Our eternal inheritance is well worth the temporary discomforts dispensed by the sinful state of humanity in our fallen world.

He forgives, forgets, and grants a fresh start to all who ask.  His mercies are made new every morning!

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that in You, we have nothing to fear, despite the destruction all around us.  Please grant us the grace and tenacity to move mightily in purpose and in truth.  Teach us to trust You always.  May Your love be lavished on others as we are obedient to do all that You are asking.  Amen.

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