Time to Notice

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. – (Romans 1:20, NIV)

There are things about God that people cannot see – His eternal power and all that makes Him God. But since the beginning of the world, those things have been easy for people to understand. They are made clear in what God has made. So people have no excuse for the evil they do. – (Romans 1:20, ERV)

Opposition to truth cannot be excused on the basis of ignorance, because from the creation of the world, the invisible qualities of God’s nature have been made visible, such as His eternal power and transcendence. He has made His wonderful attributes easily perceived, for seeing the visible makes us understand the invisible. So then, this leaves everyone without excuse. – (Romans 1:20, TPT)

In today’s fast-paced society, I think it is far too easy for people to lose sight of the blessings and beauty that are all around us. When our eyes divert to “things” or agendas, we become blind to that which truly matters. However, when we set our hearts and minds on loving well and being grateful, there is suddenly no denying the goodness of God. This morning, as I write, our two dogs remind me of the intentional love God placed in creation. In the still and silent morning, sweet snuggles remind my heart of just how good God is. He loves us so much that He created creatures that love without hesitation, and desire nothing more than to be in our presence. Soon, the two doggos and I will get outside and walk, and the scenery that we will witness again points to His glory. May we ever seek to love and give thanks, so that our eyes and hearts will be open to the tangible evidence of God all around us.

Though all is not seen,

The heart truly knows;

The goodness of God,

As creation shows.

Beautiful landscapes,

And those whom we love;

Sweet, loving creatures,

The gifts from above.

Take time to notice,

In wonder and awe;

The goodness of God,

Blessings He foresaw.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that there is evidence of Your existence all around us. Thank You for the beauty and blessing that You placed in creation for all of us to enjoy. Forgive us for losing sight of the intention of all that Your hands have made. Teach us to appreciate and care for all of creation well. Show us how to love all those around us and to be good stewards of all that You have created. May many come into a lasting relationship with You, as they recognize Your goodness and love through all that You’ve created and through the love You have deposited in us to give away. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for all that Your hands have made and seek You to show us how to love best. Amen.

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

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

Give Thanks for the Good

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever. – (1 Chronicles 16:31, NLT)

 

I find myself in a space where my heart is full to overflowing with gratitude to God for His goodness and faithfulness in my life. It is remarkable how long the list becomes, if we only take a moment to begin counting our blessings. As I returned from a morning walk with one of my best friends and her pups, a laundry list of thanks began to rise up in my heart as I transferred the laundry from washer to dryer. The fact that I have my health to walk and move whenever and wherever I choose, is something for which I give thanks. For the clothing to wash and the means to wash them, again, I am grateful. To have a loving family and treasured friends; to love and be loved – more clear evidence of His faithful love to me.  The list is of evidence of His enduring love is endless, yet the one to keep in plain sight, is to know that in Him, there is life everlasting and His love will never end. May we ever give God thanks for His goodness, and recognize the reminders that His faithful love lasts forever.

 

All thanks to the Lord,

For He is so good;

His love is endless,

Through all times withstood.

We need not look far,

To find evidence;

Of His faithful love,

Our found blessedness.

For all that we are,

And all that we need;

Granted by God’s love,

As we seek, He’ll lead.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are so good. Thank You that Your faithful love lasts forever. Thank You that when we seek You and place our trust in You, we are Yours and have the promised assurance of Your presence for all time. Forgive us for neglecting to recognize all of the blessings that You bestow upon us, even in the hardest seasons. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would seek You and keep our eyes and hearts open to hear Your voice and see Your hand as You move on our behalf. Show us how to love well, all those whom You place on our path. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we give You thanks for Your goodness and Your faithful love forever. 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

Strength for Serving

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. – (1 Corinthians 15:58, NLT)

So, my dear brothers and sisters, stand strong. Don’t let anything change you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord. You know that your work in the Lord is never wasted. – (1 Corinthians 15:58, ERV)

My dear brothers and sisters, stay firmly planted – be unshakable – do many good works in the name of God, and know that all your labor is not for nothing when it is for God. – (1 Corinthians 15:58, VOICE)

 

We are called to be firmly planted in Christ. When we allow His strength to be ours, we are unshakable. He calls us unto Himself, as He refines and renews us in Him. As long as we keep our eyes and hearts fixed securely on Christ, we find strength in Him to stand firm. The more we know Him and give ourselves fully to the Lord, the more we desire to serve Him. Nothing that we do unto the Lord is ever wasted. He uses every act of love done in His Name, for good. May we rise up in His strength to stand firm in who He calls us to be, and to serve God and those around us – trusting that He will use everything we do for His glory.

 

Be firmly planted,

as people of Christ;

rooted in His strength,

always shall suffice.

For when we’re in Him,

we shall not be moved;

our hearts remain true,

and hope is renewed.

Choose to serve the Lord,

work as we are called;

our labor useful,

to tear down sin’s walls.

With joy, let us serve,

as He calls us to;

Allowing nothing,

to divert from truth.

Sisters and brothers,

we shall not be moved;

for we are the Lord’s,

in Him, we’re approved.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that in You, we can be strong and firmly planted; unshakable in the truth. Thank You that when we work enthusiastically for You, our work is never wasted. Thank You that You use our every offering that is brought to You with a heart that seeks to serve You. Forgive us for taking our eyes off of You and allowing the task to become more of our focus than You, who gives us the ability to complete it. Teach us to trust in You for all things at all times, so that all that we do is of use to You. Show us how to love and serve those around us in such a way, that they may see Your heart through who we are and what we do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we stay firmly planted in You, doing good works in Your Name. Amen.

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

Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, You who have done great things. Who, O God, is like You? – Psalm 71:19

Willing Presence

A man with leprosy came to Him and begged Him on his knees, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured. – (Mark 1:40-42)

So much is spoken in such a short passage. Anyone with an illness was considered unclean and untouchable, particularly those with leprosy. Jesus gave a man who had been outcast from society, value, by being willing to hear his request and touch him when all others considered him completely untouchable. Jesus healed the man’s physical condition, but more importantly, He healed his heart. Jesus had told the man to keep the story to himself and only go and show the priests, but the man could not help but go forth and spread the great news – for he had been healed!

The very same God who met the leper in his space of need, is available to touch us in ours. “The Lord gives you the experience of enjoying His presence. He touches you, and His touch is so delightful that, more than ever, you are drawn inwardly to Him.” – (Madame Jeanne Guyon) When we are touched by God, personally, we cannot help but want even more of Him. Once we have encountered a glimpse of who He is, we desire to see and know more. May we go forth this day with our eyes and hearts wide open, ready to observe our Savior in action. For He is alive and active, ready to move in our hearts and lives, always.

The touch of the Lord,

to none can compare;

a life ever changed,

once we are aware.

To draw near to Him,

and know that He’s near;

grows in us great strength,

and removes our fears.

There is no delight,

as nearly as sweet;

as coming before,

the Lord’s righteous seat.

He invites us near,

to come closer still;

to taste and to see,

feel His gracious fill.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You give us the gift of Your presence. Thank You that You touch us individually, and through Your touch, we are drawn closer still to You. Forgive us for not bringing both our needs and our praises before You, and teach us to trust You more, so that our every response leads us to You. Show us how to love others in such a way, that they may see You through us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we enjoy the experience of Your presence and are drawn ever closer unto You. 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