Goodness Found in Faith

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. – (Hebrews 11:6, NIV)

Without faith no one can please God. Whoever comes to God must believe that He is real and that He rewards those who sincerely try to find Him. – (Hebrews 11:6, ERV)

And without faith living within us it would be impossible to please God. For we come to God in faith knowing that He is real and that He rewards the faith of those who give all their passion and strength into seeking Him. – (Hebrews 11:6, TPT)

 

Faith is like a muscle, we all are inherently born with the propensity to have it, yet unless it is exercised, it atrophies and becomes weak. However, as we exercise our faith, it grows stronger. What may begin as a faint fleck of faith, has the capacity to develop and be transformed into something monumental that moves mountains and paves paths where there previously seemed to be no way. God is faithful to meet us where we are as we seek Him, our part is to look to Him, as He is already looking to us. The Lord is not pushy, He is patient and loving and kind. He will only enter in if invited, so our portion is to seek, ask and believe. May we ever pursue a life of opportunities to grow our faith further in Him, for God is faithful and will make His goodness known as we seek and trust in Him.

 

Let us trust the Lord,

Photo by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤

For that’s how faith grows;

And it is by faith,

That God’s goodness shows.

He’s faithful to hear,

Each word that we pray;

By His loving grace,

He’ll show us the way.

The way to new life,

Where faith overcomes;

No mountain too high,

To block God’s outcome.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we choose to exercise our faith in You, You grow and strengthen that which is in us to move past all that lies before us. Forgive us for the times that we have lacked the faith to seek You. Teach us to trust You more, as You are mightier than all that stands before us. Show us how to love those around us in a way that blesses hearts and renews hope. May many find faith in You forever. Be glorified O God, as we seek You and ever move forward in faith, trusting that You will grow that which is within us to move all that is before us. Amen.

 

 

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

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. – Hebrews 11:1

Grateful for the Grace to Exercise Self-Control

This morning, I am thankful for the freedom to utilize my voice and the act of wise choice.

A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls. – (Proverbs 25:28, NLT)

Yesterday, this was a guiding principle throughout my day. Due to a serious lack of sleep from the night prior, I knew that I would have to choose my words and conversations carefully, as I was too tired to maintain my typical filter that upholds the self-control afforded to me by Christ. When words escape without warning and no control is exercised, boundaries that are built for good, can be broken, and irreparable harm can happen. Most whom I encountered throughout my day, were gracious and kind, and I managed to navigate the school day unscathed. Unfortunately, later in the afternoon, assumptions expressed through electronic communication toward me, made my temper flare. I knew that to engage in such banter would only lead to harm. Rather than opting to engage, I went to my kettlebell class and worked out my rage. By the time I arrived back home, I only had the energy to love and check in with my cherubs about their homework, and then call it a day. We have the choice to exercise self-control and uphold the safety and security within ourselves, or we can give our power away, by losing control and allowing another’s words or actions to have influence over us. May we choose to submit to Christ alone, who grants us self-control, and is our fortress and strong tower at all times.

God grants self-control,

to walk in His grace;

to shore up safe walls,

keep us in right space.

He gives us wisdom,

so we are aware;

of when to engage,

or get out of there.

He provides escape,

outlets for our fear;

strength where we are weak,

He always is near.

We thank You, O God,

for wisdom and choice;

self-control granted,

as we use our voice.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You give us the strength and wisdom to know when to speak and when to stay silent; when to engage, and when to walk away. Thank You that You provide the self-control that we need to keep from destroying the boundaries and barriers that are necessary to keep us safe. Forgive us for not depending on You for strength and for not exercising self-control. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would be wise and people that show self-control through Your strength, not our own. Lead us to love others in a way that helps them to see Your kindness and grace. May many choose to enter into a relationship as they seek Your face. Be glorified O God, as we seek to operate in the self-control that You grant us, and give You thanks for the freedom to do so. Amen.

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

May God Almighty grant you mercy. – Genesis 43:14