The Gift of Growth

And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. – (Luke 2:52)

This verse in Luke speaks of the early life of Jesus, prior to His launch into ministry. He, from a young age, pursued understanding and insight, as He spent time in the temple courts among the teachers, listening and asking questions. Jesus, God made man, chose humility as He allowed God to prepare Him for what was yet to come.

Every day we live is a priceless gift of God, loaded with possibilities to learn something new, to gain fresh insight. – (Dale Evans Rogers)

God gives us the gift of time; be it days, months, years or decades. Each morning we wake, we ought to count as a gift from God, asking Him how we might learn and grow in Him. He provides new insight as we pursue Him, and new possibilities as we are willing to walk in His way. May we make the most of each new day, and rise, ready to walk in pursuit of Him.

It is through seeking,

that we learn and grow;

by pursuing God,

we shall come to know.

He shows us His heart,

and makes plain the way;

grants us new insight,

to follow, obey.

For life is a gift,

that God grants to us;

so help us love well,

like Your Son, Jesus.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the priceless gift of each new day that we have in You. Thank You for the possibilities and the promises that You provide. Thank You that as we pursue You, we gain fresh wisdom and insight so that we can more clearly navigate the road on which You lead us. Forgive us for failing to seek You for wisdom and insight when that is the very thing that we need most. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will seek You first in all things and at all times. Grow us in wisdom and favor with You and with men, so that we may access those who need Your love most, and love as You love us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be exalted O God, as we praise You for our present day of possibilities, and pursue new learning and insight in You as we go. Amen.

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

When times are good, be happy. – Ecclesiastes 7:14

Possible is About Perspective

For nothing is impossible with God. – (Luke 1:37)

The very same God who answered the longing of a barren mother who was advanced in age, also brought about the birth of the Savior by miraculous means. What seems impossible in our own eyes, is possible in Christ. Health, wholeness, righteousness, restoration, love and new life, are all possible in Him. God gives good by His grace, despite what we deserve. As we seek Him and invest our hearts and lives in the Lord, He opens our eyes and hearts to the possibilities that He can provide through His power, not our own. May we seek our Savior and gain insight as to what He is preparing to make possible, as we walk by faith and not by sight.

Though our eyes may see,

what never could be;

God sees the options,

and moves mightily.

For there is nothing,

that our God can’t do;

by His grace all things,

are made right, renewed.

He can bring wholeness,

where brokenness reigns;

love us back to life,

so we dream again.

May we seek the One,

who prepares the way;

as we walk by faith,

let doubts fall away.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that nothing is impossible with You. Thank You that You who handcrafted each of us and all of creation, are more than capable of coming along side us, to lead and guide us, in our time of need. Forgive us for forgetting what a big God You are, and help us to hold fast to the truth. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will seek You and trust You in all things and at all times; for You are good. Lead us to love others well, so that they might see the possible in You. May many come into a personal relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You when we face the seemingly impossible, knowing that nothing is impossible for You. 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

Pray and Praise Always

Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. – (James 5:13)

 

No matter our circumstances, our response should be to run to the Lord. If trouble, seek His help. If joy, give Him thanks and praise. In all things and at all times, God is near and He is still good. He is available and present to help and hear our every offering of gratitude. Every circumstance offers us the opportunity to grow in His grace, if we choose to rely on Him. Through perseverance, we gain insight to the Lord’s power and might, despite our own lack. When we sing songs of praise, we gain a glimpse of the glory that is yet to come, when we will one day join in the chorus of heavenly hosts that worship together before the very throne of God. May we turn to trust in He who deserves all of our trust and praise, in all things and at all times.

 

When troubles do come,

Artwork by Sylvia Carlton

let us turn and pray;

for the Lord will help,

He’s promised to stay.

When great joy abounds,

let’s sing songs of praise;

to the Lord above,

let our voices raise.

No matter what comes,

let’s run to the Lord;

for He is our help,

all grace He affords.

May we offer up,

everything we are;

to honor and serve,

our great Morning Star.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we can come to You in times of trouble and times of joy. Thank You that You are available and ready to hear our prayers and praise, no matter what our circumstance. Thank You that You are merciful and full of compassion. Forgive us for not seeking You in times of trouble, or not offering You praise when we are full of joy. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will come before You in all things and at all times, offering You the first of whatever is going on in our lives. Lead us to love others well, so that they may see You in us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You, Lord. Be exalted O God, as we pray and praise You throughout all of our days. Amen.

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

But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ. – Ephesians 2:4-5

Understanding Unpacked through Awe

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. – (Proverbs 9:10)

 

As we come to know God, and stand in awe of Him as our relationship with Him grows, we gain insight and understanding of who He is, and He reveals more of Himself unto us. Wisdom is imparted through a relationship that’s started. Plenty of people know about God, but to know Him through a personal relationship with Him, this is how He instills wisdom within us, rather than us somehow becoming wise in our own pursuit of knowledge. When we seek the Lord with all that we are, we find Him. The insight that is discovered in the day to day interaction with He who has hand-crafted all that is seen and beyond, takes root, and our awe and reverence for the remarkable Redeemer that we serve, grows into a greater understanding of God and our purpose on this planet. May we in reverence, fear the Lord, so that wisdom within begins to grow, as we begin to grasp a glimpse of who He is and how great our God truly is as understanding and knowledge take root.

 

Come before the Lord,

in reverent awe;

for wisdom begins,

when near Christ we draw.

It’s not in doing,

or knowing enough;

but through true pursuit,

relational stuff.

When we place the Lord,

on His rightful throne;

He grows and imparts,

wisdom we’ve not known.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we fear You, stand in reverent awe of You, and view You through eyes that understand that You are for us and not against us, You begin to reveal wisdom and understanding to us that we did not have before. Thank You that You show us more and more of Yourself, as we choose to make ourselves available to hear and invest our heart and time in our relationship with You. Forgive us for not making You our priority, or for not listening to that which You are whispering to our heart. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will rise each day with praise on our lips, and ears ready to hear what You have to speak to our hearts. Lead us to love well as we walk in obedience to all that You ask of us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You, Lord. Be glorified O God, as we fear You and embrace the wisdom and understanding that You grant us. 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

Listen and Learn

Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge. – (Proverbs 23:12)

 

We are most apt to gain insight and understanding if we are willing to listen. Allowing others to have a voice, creates opportunity to hear words of wisdom that they are meant to share. Learning and growth happen, as we give ear to the wise words that surround us, if only we choose to slow down enough to truly listen. May we open our hearts and minds to hear His voice of truth, as He provides people to speak wisdom and insight into our lives.

 

Seek understanding,

give ear to wise words;

He’ll grant us insight,

through that which is heard.

A heart that’s ready,

and willing to learn;

equipped for battle,

from dangers shall turn.

Let voice of the wise,

speak out and be heard;

may our knowledge grow,

as we read Your word.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we seek to understand more of You, You are faithful to meet us. Thank You that You provide Your word and wise and faithful people around us, who can speak truth into our lives. Forgive us for not having ears to hear the truth that is being spoken, or for not applying the instruction that You have given unto us. Teach us to trust You enough to apply immediately, all that You would ask; knowing that You would not ask anything that You will not also equip and empower us to do. Thank You that Your grace is greater than our shortcomings, and that Your love opens our ears and hearts anew. Help us to hear Your voice of truth clearly, and apply all that You ask, immediately. May we live and love as You ask of us, and may many come to know Your voice of truth, personally. Be glorified, God, as we listen and learn. 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