Let It Be Yes

Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying – I don’t know the man!” And immediately the rooster crowed. – (Matthew 26:74, NLT)

 

Peter, who had been one of the three who was closest to Jesus, ultimately betrayed Him in His darkest hour. This must have been particularly painful, as Peter was the only disciple who was mentioned as having followed where Jesus was taken after His arrest in the garden of Gethsemane. Rather than extending support or testifying on His behalf, Peter stood outside at a distance – watching and waiting to see what would happen. In his wait, he was asked three times if he was associated with Jesus. Three times, he denied even knowing Him. After Peter’s third denial, the weight of his words overwhelmed him, and he ran off weeping bitterly at his own weakness in the face of adversity. However, the beauty of Peter’s story is that he does not live the remainder of his life as a broken and remorseful man, but rather Jesus forgives and redeems him, and he goes on to become the rock on which the church is built. Peter’s failure later became the way in which he was restored, as Jesus asked him three times, “Peter, do you love me?” Each time Peter responded with a resounding “Yes“, and Jesus followed his “yes” with the call to go out into all the earth and share the good news. Peter went from mess to minister, through the power presented in the forgiveness Jesus provided. May we each seek the redeeming power that Jesus provides as we are willing to say “yes” to Him as He forgives our every sin and shortcoming.

 

Oh Lord as we come,

Broken in our sin;

I stand in such awe,

As we’re forgiven.

Your grace overwhelms,

Restores and renews;

Gives rise and purpose,

To all who come choose.

Lord take all our sin,

And wash it away;

Show us how to rise,

To walk well, Your way.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the God who forgives, heals and restores us and raises us up so that we can do mighty things for You. Thank You that our past does not determine our future. Thank You that You can bring beauty from ashes, and testimonies from trials. Forgive us for wallowing in our own failures, rather than seeking Your forgiveness and redemption. Teach us to trust You more, as Your hand is what moves us in mighty ways. Show us how to love as You love us, so that many may come to know and understand the power of Your forgiveness and grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You for forgiveness, and rely on You to be our strength and guide wherever we are meant to go. Amen.

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

As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. – James 5:11

Right by Faith

We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. – (Romans 3:22, NLT)

God makes people right through their faith in Jesus Christ. He does this for all who believe in Christ. Everyone is the same. – (Romans 3:22, ERV)

 

God made the way for people to be right with Him again when He sent His Son. Jesus came to restore what had been fractured in the garden. As He took all of our sin and shame upon Himself, He covered each of us who chooses to believe by faith, and opened eternity’s door. By faith, we are seen as righteous before God – not for what we have or have not done, but rather because we are His, and we choose to embrace the grace He gives. This glorious grace is not limited to those who have lived a certain way, or abide by a set of predetermined standards to “qualify“. God gives to ALL who seek Him by faith and trust that what He says is true. There is no sinner vs. Saint, but rather, each of us who choose to receive what He offers, have been redeemed by His mercy and grace, and are called His own. May we place our faith in Jesus, and trust in Him; for He is merciful and full of grace, ready to restore what is fractured within us.

 

For God made the way,

the way to restore;

all that was broken,

through Him we adore.

When He sent His Son,

He opened the way;

for mercy and grace,

to enter each day.

We need not perform,

nor rise and excel;

He wants us to trust,

that He fends off hell.

It is through our faith,

that we are made right;

our past is the past,

we’re now His delight.

His love runs so deep,

that He chose to give;

His very own Son,

so we all might live.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we are made right before You by placing our faith in Christ. Thank You that this is true for everyone everywhere. Thank You that there are no qualifications of being “good enough” or “doing enough” to somehow earn Your favor. Thank You that it is a matter of trusting You. Forgive us for our lack of faith at times, and help us to completely trust in You. Teach us to place all that we are in Your hands, for You alone are worthy of all of our trust. Show us how to love others with a love that leads them to You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we place all of our faith in You, because You are good and loving, and You restore all that is broken within us and make us whole. Amen.

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

The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. – Psalm 145:8

Seek and Surround

During times of great stress, temptation rears its ugly head. Our busyness beckons us to take shortcuts or to skip that which matters most, in order to get things done. Despite a willing spirit, we have weaknesses that require the strength of our Savior to successfully stand in the ways in which we are called. That may seem all well and good, but how are we to do this practically? Jesus gave specific directions to the disciples whom He had called to join Him in the garden at Gethsemane. Jesus said to them: “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” – (Mark 14:38)

 

The example that Jesus gave to us in Gethsemane, is one that is still applicable today. For us to successfully resist temptation, we need to: (1) pray to God, (2) seek the support of friends and loved ones, and (3) focus on the purpose God has given us. – (paraphrased from NIV footnotes) Our go to first and foremost, must be to call on the Lord. He is our help and our hope in all things and at all times. Thankfully, God created us to be in community and does not expect us to tackle trials alone. Surrounding ourselves with those whom we can trust and rely on, is something that even Jesus did. Often we need the tangible and audible to be present in order to help us to clearly focus on the very purpose that God has placed before us. Both prayer and people He places in our lives, can point us back to our purpose and keep us on the path that He has planned for us. May we seek Him and surround ourselves with those who do likewise, so that when stress and struggles come, we may not be steered off course.

 

Temptations shall come,

in times of great stress;

for we are weakest,

in the midst of mess.

We need our Savior,

our strength to stand strong;

to resist tempting,

in truth, carry on.

To stand strong in Christ,

first we’re meant to pray;

and seek the support,

of friends on the way.

Our focus must be,

on God and His plan;

so we aren’t deterred,

and by faith, we’ll stand.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that though we are vulnerable to temptation, especially in times of stress and busyness, we can overcome in You. Thank You that when we pray to You and seek the support that You provide, we are able to stand firm and focus on the purpose that You have planned for us. Forgive us for allowing the stresses of life to steer us off course or to turn our eyes away from You. Teach us to trust You more, so that our immediate response in times of turmoil will be to pray and seek support that will fix our eyes back on You and the purposes that You have placed before us. Lead us to love others as You so lavishly love each of us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You, Lord. Be exalted O God, as we do as Jesus did to resist temptations and pursue the purposes that You have planned for each of us. Amen.

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

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

A Heart that is Willing

When one of the teachers of the law came and asked Jesus which of the commandments was most important, His response is what clearly guided His every day on earth, and likewise should do the same for us. “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no command greater than these.” – (Mark 12:29-31)

 

Jesus not only modeled His commitment to love God and love people with His days, for He did also, unto His death. When praying in the garden, prior to His path to the cross, Jesus prayed the following: “Abba, Father,” He said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what You will.” – (Mark 14:36)

 

Jesus was willing to walk the hard and painful road unto the cross, to bear the brunt of all of our sin and shame. In Christ’s most difficult hours, He demonstrated His love and devotion to God and to all of us, despite His knowing the suffering He’d have to endure. His entire heart, soul, mind and strength were pelted with the pain of people who were steeped in the ugliness of sin. Jesus willingly took it all upon Himself so that we could have new life in Him. May we receive all that He has granted, and go forth loving God and loving people, with all that we are.

 

His heart was willing,

to walk the hard road;

to endure all things,

that had been foretold.

For Jesus, He knew,

the price He would pay;

yet because He loved,

He chose anyway.

Christ showed us what love,

really ought to be;

our heart, soul and mind,

committed, set free.

For when we love God,

and our neighbors too;

Christ’s love is made known,

as His hope shines through.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son. Jesus, thank You that You came to show us how to live life loving God and loving people. Thank You that You modeled the ultimate life of obedience unto the Lord. Thank You that we need only look to Your word to understand how we are meant to follow after Your own heart. Forgive us for not loving God or loving people as You intended for us to love. Teach us to trust You more, so that we might love with abandon – unhindered by fear. Lead us to pour into the lives of those around us, as You so generously pour into ours. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we too are willing to love You and love people, with all that You have created us to be. Amen.

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

Shout aloud and sing for joy. – Isaiah 12:6

Where Are You?

But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” – (Genesis 3:9)

 

After Adam and Eve had sinned and eaten of the fruit in the garden, they recognized their nakedness and hid in their shame. God, despite His knowledge of their wrongdoing, still desired to have fellowship with them. Their sin broke the close relationship He had created them to have, but Jesus came and created the way for our fellowship to be restored to what it once was. God so loved, that He sent His Son. His sacrifice supplies us with His unconditional love. Though our natural inclination, like Adam and Eve’s, is fear, (as not one of us can live up to His standards), we needn’t be afraid as we are loved and received regardless of our faults, because we are covered and claimed by the blood of Christ’s sacrifice. Let us rise up in confidence to answer His call, and go forth in all He has prepared for us to accomplish in His Name.

 

It’s hard to believe,

the great Lord of all;

wants time with just us,

to answer His call.

He opened the way,

to mend and restore;

to heal the broken,

through Christ, we adore.

He makes way for us,

to come close, be near;

as we seek His face,

His Spirit is here.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You created us to be in relationship with You. Thank You that even though it is in our very nature to blow it, You made the way to restore us unto Yourself. Thank You Jesus, for making the way for us to enter into a close relationship with You, despite our brokenness and our faults. Thank You that You love us as we are, and You make us more like You as we invest our lives in pursuing You. Forgive us for thinking that we have to somehow measure up, or for taking Your grace for granted. Teach us to keep our eyes and hearts securely fixed on You, so that we have a proper perspective at all times. Lead us to love others as You so lavishly love each of us. May many come into a saving relationship with You. Be glorified Lord God, as we give and receive Your love. Amen.

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

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

Watch and Pray

In His final hours with the disciples, prior to being taken into custody, Jesus was still teaching life lessons to the disciples. Their time in the garden was no exception. Jesus demonstrated the need to spend time seeking the Father in prayer, particularly when trying times lie before us. Additionally, when we are weary and worn, it is all the more critical that we keep watch and pray. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” – (Matthew 26:41) Jesus knew what was yet to come, and He was calling on His disciples to prepare their hearts for the battle ahead.

 

Though the disciples all seemed to be defeated during Christ’s trial, crucifixion and burial, everything changed when He rose again. Jesus’ resurrection restored hope where it had been lost, and the power of His grace reinstated each of the followers to their former place. Even more, when Jesus ascended into heaven and then sent His Spirit to dwell in the hearts of mankind, the game changed. What we were unable to previously do, we are now equipped to do, by the power of His Spirit living in us. As we watch and pray, the still small voice within us, can help us navigate all that we are meant to do to resist that which we ought not do, and the strength to step forward in faith to do all that He is calling us into.

 

Power is found,

as we watch and pray;

look to the Lord,

in both work and play.

He’ll grant wisdom,

where we are in need;

trust in His plans,

for His shall succeed.

When we’re weary,

seek Him all the more;

in stormy seas,

He’ll take us to shore.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that though we are weak to temptation in our own strength, by Your Spirit, we can overcome whatever comes our way. Thank You that You do not just tell us to watch and pray, but You are ready – listening and available to us in all things and at all times. Forgive us for trying to resist temptations in our own strength, and help us to rely completely on You. May we model a life of faithful dependence on You, and may many come to know the power and peace that comes from a personal relationship with You. Let us love as You love us. May we reflect You in all that we say and do. Be glorified, O God. 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

The Power of His Name

When the time had come,

and prayers were all said,

a band of soldiers,

by Judas were led.

Into the garden,

priests and Pharisees,

with torches and swords,

to find Nazarene.

Because He did know,

that for Him they came;

He met them and spoke,

let them know His Name.

As the group asked Him,

to confirm they’d found;

with power He spoke,

they fell to the ground!

Such grace-filled courage,

Jesus did display;

what was coming, known,

He chose to obey.

‘Twas His great love,

He willingly went;

the path had been set,

His life to be spent.

Because He answered,

He heeded the call;

we now have the key,

forgiveness for all.

(Responding to John 18:1-6)

Dear Jesus, I cannot even begin to fathom the depth of Your great love for us, as You stood before the soldiers, who were there to take You to Your death. I am in awe of not only Your power, but their response to it. Though I have read this passage many times, this is the first time that I could actually see, in my mind’s eye, the group who had come to arrest You, falling to the ground as You spoke Your Name! Thank You for willingly walking the long and painful road to Calvary, and for taking our sin and shame upon Yourself, so that we may be released from the blame. Thank You for defeating death, so that we might have life. Though we deserve it not, thank You. Please forgive us for the moments when our words and deeds deem that we do not know You. Teach us to live and love as we are called to do, and may we be vessels from which Your goodness and grace are poured out upon those who know you not yet, Your embrace. Heavenly Father, may many come to know just how great Your love is, and may they forever choose to follow You. Amen.

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

Righteous Ruler

“We give thanks to You, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign.” – Revelation 11:17

image by Birru Sadhu

John heard the twenty-four elders speaking these words as they fell to their faces in worship of God in heaven, as the seventh trumpet was sounded to announce the coming judgments on the earth.

Though God has always ultimately reigned, He has restrained Himself until His chosen time, when the end times will come to pass, so that all people will have the opportunity to hear of the hope held in Him, and choose whether or not to make the decision to follow Him forever.  I can only imagine the anticipation in heaven.  Those who are in His eternal presence have been waiting, and are likely eager for the promised passing of all evil on the earth, and the return of His perfection to come once again to all.  Imagine restoration everywhere – not just in heaven.  To return to the glory where walking beside God in the garden was commonplace, and within that space, there is only good – gone are suffering, sin and pain.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the One who is, who was, and who will always be.  Thank You that regardless of what is happening or what will happen, You are God, and You are good.  Forgive me Father, for the fear that creeps in when I read about the events that will unfold in the end times.  Help us to remember that You will strengthen and sustain us through any and every trial that we will encounter, or we might be so lucky as to be among those who are raptured…  More than that, please help us to keep our eyes securely fixed on You.  Open our understanding so that we might more clearly see You and comprehend Your ways.  Teach us to trust You and Your perfect plan.  Lead us in love so that we may love others as we are loved.  Be evident in all that we say and do today, and place people in the path of those we hold dear to tell them of Your great love.  In Your Holy Name, Amen.

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