Remember the Wonders

Remember the amazing things He has done. Remember His miracles and His fair decisions. – (1 Chronicles 16:12, ERV)

Remember the wonders He has done, His miracles, and the judgments He pronounced. – (1 Chronicles 16:12, NIV)

Remember the wondrous works He has done, all His marvelous works, and the justice He declared. – (1 Chronicles 16:12, CEB)

 

It is so good to pause and reflect on the wondrous works that God has done. In a few short years, God has brought me from a space of brokenness and despair to one that is healed and whole and loved more than I ever thought possible. When I was in need, He provided. At times when things seemed unjust, He brought justice. Throughout each new day God has been present and faithful and loving. This morning, I look forward, for in two short days our boys, my Viking and I, will travel to Wenatchee to prepare for our wedding on Saturday. Down to the last detail, God has provided all. From a home that will accommodate two adults and three teenage boys, to the sale of my Viking’s old home, to just the right timing and grace to move our belongings out of our old home and into the new space. Two days remain to finish moving and cleaning our former home and have things moved in so that we are set to be home when we return from the wedding. Though a bit daunting, I know all will be done as I look back and recognize the grace and strength, help and hope that He has given all along. May we ever remember the wonders our God has done, His miracles, and the righteous way He rules.

 

The Lord, He is good, 

Throughout all our days;

His wondrous works,

Of kindness and grace.

He’s seen all our needs,

In love, provided;

Restored peacefulness,

Where angst divided.

With all that I am,

For all of my days;

I can’t thank enough,

Nor give enough praise.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the wondrous works and miracles You have done in my life. Thank You that You are just and fair in all of Your ways. Thank You for the incredible ways that You bring beauty from ashes and hope from despair. Forgive us for the times that we have doubts or fail to see all that You have done. Teach us to trust You more, so that faith would rise up every time a challenge comes our way. Show us how to love those around us in a way that offers hope and demonstrates the goodness of Your grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we offer all of our praise for the incredible gift of Your loving ways. Amen.

 

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

 

I will give thanks to You, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonderful deeds. – Psalm 9:1

 

 

Thankful for New Beginnings

As my pastor finished up a series about miracles yesterday, the final subtopic was The Miracle of New Beginnings. Much of the teaching tied into baptism and how as we choose to surrender our life to God, the submerging in the water is the representation of a dying to oneself, and then as we come up, there is an ushering in of a new beginning. This takes place beyond baptism. When we choose to surrender whatever it is that is creating a barrier between us and God, we are willingly allowing the former to die so that new life may burst forth in Him.

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then He said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” – (Revelation 21:5, NIV)

I am so thankful for His promise to make everything new. It is easy to get caught up in the struggle of where we are stuck, and forget that God is for us, and that He never stops moving on our behalf. As we choose to surrender each space of struggle unto Him, we create room for Him to come in and move miraculously on our behalf. Sometimes His movement is a slow and steady stream of small steps in a direction that is barely detectable until we stop and look back at our journey thus far. Other times, He comes in like a flood and flips our world upside down, in the most unexpected and beautiful of ways. Either way, He is trustworthy and true, and for who He is, let us give thanks. May we listen intently to all that He asks, so that we surrender all that is in the way of our walking with Him. Thanks be to God, who makes everything new!

Don’t stay in the stuck,

of where we once were;

for God is our help,

our safety assured.

When we surrender,

our stuff and our lives;

God makes all things new,

our hope He revives.

No matter what’s seen,

He’s moving for us;

choose death of the old,

and new in Jesus.

He cleanses our hearts,

He renews our minds;

He grants us all hope,

His glory divine.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the God of new beginnings. Thank You that You have made the way for us to surrender all unto You, and watch what You will do to make all things new. Thank You that You move miraculously on our behalf, even when we are unaware. Forgive us for our unwillingness to surrender our struggles or parts of ourselves to You. Teach us to trust You more, so that each time the need arises, we will willingly surrender all before You, trusting that You will bring life where there is none. Lead us to love others with Your loving kindness. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we give You thanks for the mighty miracles You do as You make everything new. 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