Built Up in Peace

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. – (Romans 14:19, NIV)

So, let’s strive for the things that bring peace and the things that build each other up. – (Romans 14:19, CEB)

So then, make it your top priority to live a life of peace with harmony in your relationships, eagerly seeking to strengthen and encourage one another. – (Romans 14:19, TPT)

 

As myself and many of my colleagues have returned to school to begin to prepare for the upcoming school year, I love that the climate among my coworkers is such as this. Each time I have run into a colleague, we have taken the time to catch up and listen to one another, as well as delight in each other’s summer adventures. Always, I walk away feeling encouraged and built up, knowing that I am in a place where we support one another both as professionals and as people. While I was painting walls and allowing the lyrics to which I was listening to sink in, it was my prayer that my classroom would be a place of peace where students would build each other up. Perhaps if they witness the continual positive and peaceful exchanges between colleagues, they too, will be encouraged to do likewise. It certainly is my goal to create a place of peace and encouragement within my classroom, and my hope that it goes far beyond my four walls. May we seek the Lord daily, who is the Prince of Peace, to fill us up and equip us to bring encouragement and peace to all of the places that He has planned.

 

Let us choose seek peace, 

One to another;

May kindness take lead,

Sisters and brothers.

May we choose build up,

With encouragement;

Pick words that bring life,

Sweet hope’s fulfillment.

For as we bring peace,

It reaches beyond;

Those our choices touch,

From there they respond.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to bring peace and encouragement to the places we gather. Thank You that these are not things that we must somehow muster the feelings to pass on, but rather they are a way birthed within us as we seek You for help. Forgive us for trying to do this on our own, or for ignoring the very notion of peace in places that seem so unsettled. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would seek You and depend on You to bring peace to the places we land, and provide encouraging words to share with those around us. Show us how to love others with Your perfect peace and encouragement. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to be our peace and encouragement so that we may share Your peace and offer encouragement wherever we go. Amen.

 

 

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

 

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.  – Isaiah 26:3

 

 

Power Visible Through Action

As a gymnastics coach and teacher, I continually am reminding kids to let their actions do the talking. Rather than tell me that they are going to work harder or do better, I remind them to show me – for their actions speak volumes more clearly than their words. Those who continue to pursue excellence end up excelling, yet those who simply talk about it and never follow through, end up falling short of their true potential. The same is true for us in our walk with God. No, it is not about doing enough nor being enough, yet our charge is to put our faith into action. His power is made visible through us, yet the opportunity for others to see becomes clear only when we choose to step out of our own four walls and do whatever it is that He is asking.

 

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. – (1 Corinthians 4:20)

 

Our faith is meaningless if it is merely talk that is never taken to task. God’s power is made evident through our actions – by how we walk out our life each day. If we talk the talk but do not walk the walk, our words are worthless. Consistent care and concern for others with the heart of Christ over time, is a viable witness to His word. Yes, there is a time to speak, and that too can be an opportunity for Christ’s power to be made evident, yet most often, there is movement required and ongoing steps of faith before words are ever utilized. May we allow our actions to demonstrate Christ’s power, as we rise up and walk out our faith each day.

 

The kingdom of God,

is not about talk;

but of God’s power,

as we walk the walk.

Our words are empty,

if deeds don’t align;

His power is seen,

through faith over time.

May we each rise up,

and walk out each day;

faithful to His call,

let’s trust and obey.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your kingdom is not a matter of talk, but rather it is one of power and promise for all who place their trust in You. Thank You that as we trust You, You lead us to live out our lives in the power that You provide. Forgive us for the times when we have known the right answers, but merely discussed them rather than walked them out. Teach us to trust You more, so that we may move in faith the moment we hear Your call. Lead us to love others in the power that You provide, so that they may see You in us. May many come into a saving relationship with You, Lord. Be exalted O God, as we walk out our faith with action. Amen.

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

Because of the tender mercy of our God, …the rising sun will come to us from heaven. – Luke 1:78