Protection and Peace

But whoever listens to Me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm. – (Proverbs 1:33, NIV) 

But those who listen to Me will live in safety and comfort. They will have nothing to fear. – (Proverbs 1:33, ERV) 

But those who listen to Me now will live under divine protection; they can rest knowing they are out of harm’s way. – (Proverbs 1:33, VOICE) 

 

God calls us to be in constant communion with Him. As we pray and seek the Lord for direction in all things – great and small, He answers and guides us in the ways that we are meant to go. When we listen, He keeps us safe and we need not fear. Years ago, when I was flying home from Hong Kong, one of the engines on our plane caught fire. The flames were visible to passengers through the windows, and many on our aircraft were terrified. I had just spent six months traveling all over Asia, serving in schools, churches and communities in response to His leading, and I had to believe that He was not finished with me yet. Silently, I prayed for peace and protection, and somehow, by His divine grace, was not afraid. Our plane emergency landed safely and smoothly in Taiwan, and my biggest concern was continuing my journey home. After several hours of waiting, I was able to catch another flight for the remainder of my trip. He was faithful to keep me safe, and I listened as He led me securely home. Though I am not forever fearless when I find myself in potentially harrowing situations, I am frequently reminded of His faithfulness in countless scenarios prior, and discover that if I slow down and listen, God quiets my heart and brings me His peace. May we ever seek the Lord and His leading, for He is the One to lead us and guide us and keep us safe. 

 

The God of all peace,

Is forever near; 

Ready to lead us, 

He’s faithful to hear. 

The more we know Him, 

Trust is realized; 

Loving and gracious, 

God will be our guide. 

Let us ever seek, 

We will surely find; 

The Lord’s protection, 

All fear set aside. 

For there is no room, 

For fear in our heart; 

When we pursue God, 

His peace He’ll impart. 

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are faithful to provide Your peace and protection as we seek You and listen to You. Forgive us for the times that we allow our circumstances to lead us, rather than our trust in You. Teach us to trust You more, as we recall Your previous provision that kept us safe in Your goodness and grace. Show us how to love those around us in a way that offers peace and assurance in spaces of fear. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You in all things and at all times, knowing that You are faithful to protect us and keep us safe. Amen.

 

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

 

The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? – Psalm 118:6

Empowered to Love

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. – (2 Timothy 1:7, NIV)

The Spirit of God does not make us afraid. His Spirit is a source of power and love and self-control. – (2 Timothy 1:7, ERV)

For the Holy Spirit, God’s gift, does not want you to be afraid of people, but to be wise and strong, and to love them and enjoy being with them. – (2 Timothy 1:7, TLB)

 

This morning, though earlier than my summer schedule, I woke feeling rested and refreshed. Normally, the night before the first day of school is a bit restless, and I struggle to sleep through the night. Perhaps sweet sleep came as a result of long hours invested in preparing my classroom over the last several weeks, with the final push to finish yesterday. Though I do not yet have chairs (hopefully stools) in my classroom, I walked away from school yesterday afternoon, feeling ready to pour into the lives of the kids who come into my class, just as I had poured into preparing the room. Additionally, I feel supported more than I ever have before. Not only do I still have an incredible community – through colleagues, friends, family and church, but I have a husband who is willing to jump in and do the difficult work and provide whatever support I may need. God loves me well, and makes His love tangible through my community. As I am loved, so I am empowered to do the same. May this be a year where each of us are empowered to love and enjoy those whom we are given to teach, fearlessly.

 

We’ve not been given,

My classroom and favorite painting partner. ❤

A spirit of fear;

For God, in His strength,

Loves as He stays near.

He provides power,

Strength, wisdom and love;

Discipline, passion,

All grace from above.

Lead us in power,

Fearless to love well;

May joy be present,

As doubts He’ll dispel.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You equip us for all that You call us to do. Thank You that You empower us with strength, love and self-discipline to walk in Your way. Forgive us for our fearfulness and doubts, as You are our Source and our Supply. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would love fearlessly and listen carefully as You lead. Show us how to love those who seem less loveable, as we know You are especially fond of the hard and the hurting. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we love and enjoy each one whom You bring into our care. Amen.

 

 

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

Never tire of loyalty and kindness. Hold these virtues tightly. Write them deep within your heart. – Proverbs 3:3

Being Brave

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. – (Joshua 1:9, NIV)

Remember, I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. – (Joshua 1:9, ERV)

Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take. – (Joshua 1:9, MSG)

 

This is the reminder that my heart needed to hear this morning, as I am not one to step down nor tap out from anything. Finding myself in a position where I really have no choice, it takes His strength to stand down, step back and rest. Discouragement is probably my greatest foe, as I am unable to do the very things I desire to do the most. Courage and strength are not always running into the battle to fight on the front lines, as at times, the most courageous move we have to make is to remain behind to rest and recover. I know that He is with me every step I take, and that has to be from where I draw my strength. May we ever seek the Lord to be our strength and courage, trusting that He will be present with us wherever we are asked to go.

 

We are commanded, 

Have courage, be strong;

Choose not be afraid,

Of what might go wrong.

For the Lord our God,

Is mighty to save;

He will be with us,

To make our hearts brave.

Don’t be discouraged,

In the Lord, take heart;

He will be present,

His courage impart.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You command us to be strong and courageous in You. Thank You that we need not fear nor be discouraged, as You will be with us, always. Forgive us for allowing discouragement or fear to enter in based on what we see and teach us to trust You with our hearts and not with our eyes. Grow Your strength within us so that we may be fearless in You. Show us how to love those around us in a way that encourages, strengthens and dispels fear. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose to be strong and courageous in Your strength, knowing that You are with us every step that we take.

 

 

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

 

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; …write them on the tablet of your heart. – Proverbs 3:3

Faithful the Shepherds

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” – (Luke 2:8-10, NIV)

 

For many of us, this is a very familiar passage in scripture. Every Christmas, for as far back as I can remember, I have heard this passage in Luke, and imagined the angel appearing to the shepherds at night, and then the shepherds making their way to see the newborn Jesus after standing in the splendor of the choir of heavenly hosts. However, I had never really wondered why the shepherd? Yesterday, my pastor unpacked the history of this passage in a way that made me ponder the message long beyond the time seated in service. Why would God make such an important announcement to those whom society considered the lowly and unclean? Additionally, how intriguing that the space where our Savior lay, was familiar and comfortable to the shepherds, rather than some palace or huge house that they would be too intimidated to approach… God does not call the equipped, but rather He equips the called. The shepherds were faithful and fearless to do the job in their fields at night, so why not use those very same traits for more? There is so much more to the story, and I am barely scratching the surface. (Click here for the link to the podcast) My greatest take-away was the gift of more – a glimpse at more of the story, more insight, more understanding, and even more to be grateful for as we celebrate this most holy season. May the God of all peace reveal more of Himself to us all this blessed Christmas season.

 

Faithful the shepherds, 

Watching flocks by night;

When an angel showed,

Gave them a good fright.

The first words spoken,

“Do not be afraid,

For good news I bring;

Of where Jesus lay.”

The babe long promised,

Had at last arrived;

Hope for all people,

Salvation alive.

Faithful the shepherds,

Who went on their way;

To see this baby,

In a manger lay.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You do not call the equipped, but rather You equip the called. Thank You that You use the most unlikely of us to do incredible things, simply because we are willing. Thank You for Your goodness and grace. Forgive us for our fearfulness and stubbornness when things before us seem impossible. Teach us to trust You more, as You are God and we are not. Show us how to love those around us in a way that shines Your goodness and grace in a way that makes love tangible. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You and thank You for the greatest gift ever given. Amen.

 

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

 

Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. – 2 Corinthians 3:5

Freedom from Fear

I prayed to the Lord, and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears. – (Psalm 34:4, NLT)

 

Typically, I don’t think that people who know me would consider me to be fearful. In fact, often my sense of adventure leads people to believe that fear is seldom on my radar. Unfortunately, fear has a way of creeping into unexpected cracks, and wreaking havoc where we least expect it. Strength, courage and boldness come more easily in areas that the Lord has shown His faithfulness before. However, there are spaces where prior experience sends up all sorts of red flags, and fear fights to prevent forward momentum where we are called to move. This, this is the place where persistence in prayer is the only way past our past. As we pray, He is faithful to meet us, take us by the hand, and lead us forward into the freedom that He intended for us all along. When we find ourselves face-to-face with fear, may we pray to the Lord for His help; for He is faithful to meet us in our need and lead us to the freedom He designed for us for all our days.

 

No one is fearless,

For fear finds a way;

To rise and threaten,

Where peace ought to reign.

We’re not to be stuck,

Nor crippled by fear;

For God will answer,

Each prayer, He hears.

He grants us courage,

To face the unknown;

Provides new freedom,

Where our faith is grown.

Rise up warriors,

Pray, for He is near;

The Lord will answer,

And free us from fear.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we can pray to You, and You answer us. Thank You that You are the One who will take us by the hand and walk us through the places that we are held captive by fear. Forgive us for not calling on You for help and staying stuck in the spaces where fear holds us prisoner. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would bring each fear before You as it is identified, and trust You to lead us forward, despite what we see or have experienced in the past. Show us how to walk beside people in the strength of Your love, so that they too may find freedom from the fears that keep them captive. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we give our fears to You, and trust You to set us free. Amen.

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

Listen… be wise, and keep your heart on the right path. – Proverbs 23:19

 

Our Great Shepherd

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. – (Psalm 23:1-3a)

 

A shepherd leads, loves, cares for and protects his sheep, and knows them each by name. How much more does our Heavenly Father do this for us, as He is our Great Shepherd? As we trust in the Lord to lead us, His path and provision are more than enough to supply all that we need.

 

Green pastures and still waters invoke soothing spaces, as I imagine places that are plentiful in His peace. It is these very spaces that He calls our hearts to come, so that He may restore in us the very peace He intended for our hearts, minds and souls. Regardless of the chaos around us, in Him, there is peace. May we allow the Lord to lead us to lie down in green pastures and sit beside quiet waters, as He restores our souls.

 

Despite the chaos,

He calls us to come;

rest in His pastures,

as tension is unstrung.

Beside still waters,

He restores each soul;

healing what’s broken,

He refreshes, makes whole.

He’s the Good Shepherd,

who knows all our needs;

the Lord will provide,

so that we shall succeed.

Succeed in His ways,

as we trust in Him;

fearless, undaunted,

through the Spirit within.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the Great Shepherd who leads us, loves us, guides and protects us, as You take us to places of peace when the world around us is in turmoil, and You restore our souls. Thank You that You are always present, even when we are unaware. Forgive us for not relying on You right away when trials come, or for seeking rest and refreshment anywhere other than where You lead. Teach us to trust You more, so that we may know the fullness of Your rest and restoration, as we then go forth and give back to a world in need. Lead us to love others well, just as You so perfectly love each of us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be exalted O God, as we fearlessly follow the path You place before us, and rest and recharge when You ask. Amen.

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

You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence. – Acts 2:28

Trust in the Asking

God often calls us to step out in areas where we feel the most ill-equipped. Moses was a man who claimed to be slow in speech, yet God called him to go and speak to Pharaoh to bring the Israelites out of Egypt. He was being asked to speak not only before the powerful ruler of a nation, but to gather and speak before those whom he was called to lead as well.

 

But Moses said to God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”

And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on the mountain.” – (Exodus 3:11-12)

 

Moses felt inadequate and afraid for the task to which he had been called. God understood his fears, and assured Moses that He would be with him and that there would be clear evidence of His presence when all was said and done. God still does the same for us today. Though He calls us to that which we often feel the most ill-equipped, His presence is promised and His help, assured. It is far better to be in a scary space of total dependence on God, than a fearless space that we try to traverse on our own. May we rise up and respond in faith to that which Christ calls us to do, trusting that Him who calls us will also provide all that we need to navigate in the new.

 

God calls us to go,

where we think we can’t;

and asks us to do,

what we think we shan’t.

Inadequacies,

our personal fears;

the true barriers,

that make paths unclear.

Lord help us to hear,

Your promises true;

that You will be near,

to see us each through.

May we each rise up,

take heart and obey;

Lord, grant us the strength,

to walk in Your way.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that if You call us to do something, You will provide what is needed to see us through. Thank You that Your calling us to the difficult teaches us to trust and rely on You. Forgive us for focusing on our own inadequacies rather than on how great You are, and help us to reset our focus. Teach us to trust You more, so that no matter what You ask, we are willing to say “YES” and trust You to provide what is needed to accomplish what You are asking. Help us to love others as You so willingly and wonderfully love each of us. May many come into a saving relationship with You, Jesus, as we move in obedience, even when we feel ill-equipped. Be glorified O God, as we trust You in all that You ask of us. 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

I Will Go

When God shows Himself faithful, how do we respond?

 

In the story of Isaac and Rebekah, when Abraham sent his servant to the land of his father’s family to find a bride for his son, God clearly answered the faithful prayers of those who called on His Name, and made the path clear. Abraham’s servant prayed for a specific scenario upon his arrival, so that he might know whom God had chosen. When the servant stood beside the spring of water with his camels, Rebekah did just as he had prayed that God’s chosen one would do, as she offered water to both he and his camels. From there, the servant returned with she and her brother to her household, where he shared with the family his purpose for being in town, and asked to take Rebekah back to Isaac to be his bride. The mother wanted to delay, but Abraham’s servant let them know that he really must return to his master quickly. So they called Rebekah and asked her, “Will you go with this man?” “I will go,” she said. – (Genesis 24:58)

 

I find Rebekah’s faith remarkable. She was barely more than a girl, yet her faith was certain, as she was willing to leave all that she knew to travel to a far away land and become the bride of a man that she did not know. Rebekah understood all that the Lord had done to orchestrate her being chosen to be the one to bring water to a stranger and his camels at just the right time, in response to one man’s faithfully prayed prayers for direction. All around us, God orchestrates encounters. We are presented opportunities to share His goodness with those who may not yet know Him. At times, He calls us to go into places unknown. When He calls us, how will we respond?

 

Journey of promise,

into the unknown;

faithful the prayers,

of one servant sown.

Certain to answer,

the Lord, He made clear;

the one He’d chosen,

as she had drawn near.

The scene unfolded,

just as he had prayed;

and she responded,

without a delay.

May we learn to do,

as Rebekah did;

and say, “I will go,”

for that’s where God is.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the countless examples of both Your faithfulness, and those who were obedient to what You asked of them. Thank You that You still speak today. Thank You that we have the benefit of Your Holy Spirit, dwelling within us to lead and guide us, every step of the way. Forgive us for our fears and hesitation to go where You call. Teach us to trust You more, so that we might be fearless in Your strength. Lead us to love and serve as Jesus modeled for us. May many come to know the eternal hope that is held in You alone. Be glorified Lord God, as we choose to say, “I will go.” Amen.

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

Answer me, O Lord, out of the goodness of Your love; in Your great mercy turn to me. – Psalm 69:16

Change

Change. We resist it. Often despise it. Yet, it is an inevitable part of our existence.

One of the changes that I embrace with open arms, is the change in nature that occurs each fall. The splendid display found among the phenomenal foliage is a breathtaking reminder of just how remarkable our Redeemer really is. Flaming reds, brilliant yellows, and outrageous oranges seem to escape through the soft and subtle greens. I am awestruck at the process that something that starts out so simple and small, transforms and becomes something so brilliant, bold and beautiful.

Like the leaves that go from bud in need of nourishment, to something that sprouts, flowers, bears fruit, changes color, falls to fly free, dances fearlessly while allowing its radiance to be seen, then returns to the earth, ready to now nourish the next year’s new growth – we too, are transformed and go through seasons. There are times when we are all but hidden in the shadow of His wings, while He is growing in us, something new. However, there comes a time when He calls us to let His radiance be known – to sing, to dance, to speak, to live out loud in such a way, that the beauty that He has birthed in us, is fully seen. We are meant to proudly pirouette as His wind carries us, and not to fear the fall. Wherever we land, our experience will be used to help nourish new growth.

Brilliant the colors

dancing in the breeze;

showing their splendor,

the leaves on the trees.

As wind grants them flight,

proud they pirouette;

fearing not landing,

in flight, they’re content.

When at last they land,

their purpose not done;

they will now nourish,

the new life begun.

(Responding to I Peter 1:3-9 and the beauty of His hand in the Northwest)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the Author and Perfector of change. Thank You that in You, we need not fear the new. Thank You that You are constantly bringing about change in us, so that we may more clearly reflect Your radiance to the world around us. Teach us to know when we are to stay hidden, and when we are meant to step out boldly in the new that You are calling us into. Forgive us for fearing the fall, and help us to embrace the winds of Your change, so that we may simply hold on and allow You to carry us wherever You are calling. May we move when You say move, and may many come to know Your glory through our willingness to love as You have loved us. Amen.

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

The Reason for Reliance

image by AquaSonus

In my times of distress,

I will call on the Lord.

Be it morning or night,

His help always outpoured.

He ransoms me safely,

through wages of war.

He hears my distress cry,

and brings peace to my core.

God’s forever enthroned,

all justice, His to serve.

The fearless and sinful,

will get what is deserved.

Cast your cares on the Lord,

for He always sustains,

He won’t let righteous fall,

His truth always remains.

Regardless of chaos,

or evil that surrounds,

I will trust in You, Lord;

in You, safely I’m found.

(Responding to Psalm 55:16-23)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our hiding place – our space of safety and security, regardless of what surrounds.  Thank You that You hear our every cry for Your help, and that You are answering, even when we don’t see the evidence.  Forgive us for wanting to play judge and jury for those who hurt us, and help us to remember that You alone are the Judge.  May we pray for those who persecute us, and bless those who curse us.  Teach us to live and love like You.  May our loving ways lead many to bring You praise, as they come to call You King.  Amen.

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