Give as You Long to be Given

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. – (Matthew 7:12, NIV) 

Do for others what you would want them to do for you. This is the meaning of the Law of Moses and the teaching of the prophets. – (Matthew 7:12, ERV) 

Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them. Add up God’s Law and Prophets and this is what you get. – (Matthew 7:12, MSG) 

 

I love that the thing that the world considers “The Golden Rule”, is completely founded on Biblical principles. The challenging part is remembering to follow it in all things and at all times. The Word goes on to tell us further the specific attributes that support a life that does for others what we would have them do for us. To love as God loves us, leads us to extend love, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control to those around us. Most of the time, we get what we give. Of course, there are exceptions. However, I have found that the best way to diffuse anger or frustration is to extend kindness and gentleness. Often it stops the one struggling in their tracks, and causes them to pause and take a breath. When we know someone is for us and not against us, it makes all the difference in how we respond to them. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in extending the same kindness, gentleness, faithfulness and love that He has given us, to all whom we encounter.  

 

May we choose to live,

Photo by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤

By “The Golden Rule”; 

Doing for others, 

What shows God’s love true. 

Kindness and patience, 

Gentleness and love; 

Granted to others, 

Brings peace from above. 

Love diffuses fear, 

Frustration and gall; 

It shows faithfulness, 

As we hear God’s call. 

So, let us give love, 

To all whom we meet; 

What we’d like returned, 

For such love is sweet. 

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your Word instructs us in the way to live our best life. Thank You that You have shown us what such love looks like through the gift of Your Son. Forgive us for the times that we have not treated those around us in a way that we would want returned to us. Teach us to turn to You for the patience, kindness, gentleness and self-control that we need to love as You love us. Show us how to love all those around us according to Your definition of love, not our own. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose to love others as we are loved by You. Amen.

 

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

 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. – Galatians 5:22-23

The Progress of Planted Plans

May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. – (Psalm 20:4, NIV)

Let God grant what is in your heart and fulfill all your plans. – (Psalm 20:4, CEB)

May He grant the dreams of your heart and see your plans through to the end. – (Psalm 20:4, VOICE)

 

The dreams and desires that God plants in us, He will also bring forth to fruition as we are faithful to follow after Him. This does not mean that whatever we want, we will get; but rather it is God’s word that when our plans align with His, He will walk beside us and see things through to completion as long as we stay the course. God is faithful to honor the desires and dreams that He has grown within us. May we ever seek Him as we pursue the plans that are brought forth from the hopes held within our heart.

 

May God give to us,

Photo by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤

Desires instilled;

So as we go forth,

His plans are fulfilled.

If we are in tune,

And following Him;

Our plans should align,

Start, middle and end.

Help our each desire,

Be to honor You;

As we seek Your will,

To live a life true.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when our hearts are after You and our plans are Your plans, You grant us the desires of our heart and make our plans succeed. Forgive us for pursuing plans that do not align with Yours. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would seek You in all things to know what is from You and what is not. Show us which way we are meant to go so that our path is made plain before us. Help us to love those around us well in a way that encourages the dreams and desires that You have planted within their hearts. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your presence and help as we follow the path which You have placed before us. Amen.

 

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

 

For the Lord your God will bless you, …and your joy will be complete. – Deuteronomy 16:15

Choosing to Live in Love

Love means doing what God has commanded us, and He has commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning. – (2 John 1:6, NLT)

And loving means living the way He commanded us to live. And God’s command is this: that you live a life of love. You heard this command from the beginning. – (2 John 1:6, ERV)

If we love God, we will do whatever He tells us to. And He has told us from the very first to love each other. – (2 John 1:6, TLB)

 

It is easy to love those who love us well, yet it is quite another thing to actively choose love again and again, those who do not display behaviors that reflect anything that has to do with love.  I find myself in a very disenchanted space with one of my classes at school. There is an especially large group of students that act out in the most unloving of ways, that exhaust my patience and desire to persevere, daily. Each day is new, yet the same struggles and trials continue to present themselves over and over again. Love is patient and love is kind, and love keeps no record of wrongs. My patience and kindness have been extended day in and day out, granting a new start each day, however, we have come to a place where something has to give. I guess this is a space where I simply throw up my hands and say to the Lord, “Show me how to love in a way that makes a difference.” God is good and He is faithful to meet us in our space of need. May we ever seek Him with our requests, as He longs to help us love as we are called to love.

 

Show me how to love, 

As Your word commands;

Lead me in this life,

To follow Your plans.

Despite what I get,

Help me choose to give;

Love that is like Yours,

By grace, help me live.

Help me to extend,

Your love to others;

So Your light is seen,

One to another.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good and loving and kind, and that You command us to love because You first loved us. Forgive us for growing weary in extending love to those who are less loveable. Teach us to trust and rely on You more, as You are our Source of strength and light and life, and You refresh, renew and refill us again and again as we actively call on Your Name. Show us how to love those around us well, especially those who are difficult to love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we do what You have commanded us by choosing to live in love. 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

 

 

Love’s Great Return

Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps His covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes His unfailing love on those who love Him and obey His commands. – (Deuteronomy 7:9, NLT)

So remember that the Lord your God is the only God, and you can trust Him! He keeps His agreement. He shows His love and kindness to all people who love Him and obey His commands. He continues to show His love and kindness through a thousand generations. – (Deuteronomy 7:9, ERV)

I want you to know that the Eternal your God is the only true God. He’s the faithful God who keeps His covenants and shows loyal love for a thousand generations to those who in return love Him and keep His commands. – (Deuteronomy 7:9, VOICE)

 

As we seek the Lord and come into a lasting relationship with Him, He meets us with His faithfulness that endures forever. We are called to love and obey His commands, and in turn, He shows His kindness and love to us for all time. He is trustworthy, for what He says is what He will do. May we ever love the Lord and the people He places in our path; for in return, we will know His love and faithfulness now and forevermore.

 

“You get what you give,” 

The saying is true;

For as you choose love,

It comes back to you.

The Lord is faithful,

And His word is true;

His love shall endure,

As we choose love too.

All of the commands,

Are simply summed up;

Love God and others,

Our act of worship.

He’s faithful always,

With unfailing love;

Now and forever,

The Lord God above.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are God and we are not. Thank You that as we love You and obey Your command to love others too, You are faithful to show Your love and kindness to us forever. Thank You that what You say is true, and that You keep Your word forever. Forgive us for the times that we fail to follow Your commands and choose to act in a way that is less than loving or kind. Teach us to trust You more, so that all that we say and do is driven by Your loving kindness and grace. Show us how to love as You love, so that others may come to know the enduring faithfulness of Your love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we love and obey all You ask of us, and trust in Your faithfulness forever. Amen.

 

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

 

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad. – 1 Chronicles 16:31

Keep Confident Trust

So don’t lose the courage that you had in the past. Your courage will be rewarded richly. You must be patient. After you have done what God wants, you will get what He promised you. – (Hebrews 10:35-36, ERV)

So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that He has promised. – (Hebrews 10:35-36, NLT)

 

We cannot allow our faith to be shaken by what we see before us. The very same God who brought us through our previous trials and troubles, is present and faithful today. Our part, is to press in and patiently endure the difficulty, as often there are struggles along the way to grow our faith and strengthen our resolve. What God has promised, He will be faithful to fulfill. The challenge for us is to do our part to receive the promise. In my experience, and that which I observe in those around me, I find that there are steps of faith required on our part to get to where God wants us to be to receive that which He has spoken. As we do what we are designed and equipped to do by faith, He meets us and does that which only He can to complete the fulfillment in incredible ways. May we ever keep the courage that we have known in Christ, and continue to have patience in the time between the promise spoken, and when it is fulfilled. Let us be ready and willing to move in faith wherever He calls us to go, so that we may witness the wonder of His mighty work as He brings fulfillment to that which He has promised.

 

Do not lose courage, 

Or confident trust;

For God is faithful,

Loving, and He’s just.

As we are patient,

With hope, we endure;

God builds up our faith,

His promise secure.

So keep with His will,

Trust that you’ll receive;

All He has promised,

Be patient, believe.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that what You promise, You are faithful to fulfill when we continue to walk in the direction to which we are called. Thank You that You develop patient endurance within us in the time between when a promise is spoken and when it is fulfilled. Forgive us for our lack of patience or our wandering our own way in attempt to pursue that which You have spoken. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would only go the direction to which we are called, and that we would stay the course, regardless of what we do or do not see. Show us how to love and encourage those around us, so that they may recognize Your faithfulness through our consistent living in the light of Your love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we hold fast to our confident trust in You as we patiently navigate the time between promises spoken and when they are fulfilled. 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

Good That Overcomes

Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good. – (Romans 12:21, MSG)

Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. – (Romans 12:21, NLT)

Don’t let evil defeat you, but defeat evil by doing good. – (Romans 12:21, ERV)

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. – (Romans 12:21, NIV)

 

Though a seemingly simple concept, it is often difficult to carry out. Humans have a natural inclination to seek justice when we have been “wronged“. When someone intends us harm, the last thing we want to do, is extend kindness or grace. Jesus was the ultimate example of not allowing evil to overcome Him; for even as He hung on the cross He cried out for the forgiveness of those who placed Him there, rather than for their destruction. Most of us struggle to not use ugly words when we are cut off in traffic. I had a friend growing up that used to yell, “Bless you, in Jesus Name!“, each time someone cut him off or did something stupid on the highway that could have potentially caused harm while driving. When I asked him about it, he replied that it was a way to begin to train his heart to do good, even when he wanted otherwise. He intentionally chose words that were for good, rather than for harm, even if the tone did not yet match. Granted, I know that traffic violations are hardly comparable to gross acts of evil, but if we are able to do good with the small things, perhaps our hearts will be tender and receptive as God asks us to choose to overcome evil with good in the larger things later on. May we ever seek the Lord and His wisdom and strength, so that evil may not get the best of us and we can rise up and do the good He asks of us.

 

Do not let evil,

Get the best of you;

For it’s overcome,

By good that we choose.

God provides the strength,

To rise and do well;

As we move in grace,

We overcome hell.

Evil cannot stand,

Where grace and love flow;

Let’s keep doing good,

So all may come know.

 

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that evil can be defeated when we choose to do good in Your Name. Thank You that this is not something that we have to attempt to do in our own strength, but rather You equip and empower us to do that which You call us to do, so that we may overcome the darkness that would attempt to destroy us. Forgive us for thinking that we have to fight alone, or for allowing the darkness around us to overwhelm us, rather than looking to the light within. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would rely on You in all things and at all times, as You alone can overcome anything that would try to get the best of us. Show us how to love those around us, so that we would be light in dark places and do the good that overcomes that which attempts to destroy. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we conquer evil by doing the good that You call us to do. Amen.

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

They will celebrate Your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of Your righteousness. – Psalm 145:7

Learn to Live a Life of Love

Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with Him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of Himself to us. Love like that. – (Ephesians 5:1-2, MSG)

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. – (Ephesians 5:1-2, NIV)

 

As God’s children, we are called to go forth and love others as we are loved. The love that we are shown is patient, kind, protective, trusting, hopeful, perseverant and will never fail. Though we are human, and our capacity to carry this out perfectly will fall flat, in Christ, we are equipped and empowered to love like He loves us. We become like the company we keep, so if we are keeping company with Christ, our capacity to love as He loves grows greater. Our hearts become aligned with His, and we more readily recognize His will and how to walk in the light of His love. May we aspire to imitate God our Father, and live our lives filled with love in a way that is pleasing before Him.

 

To learn to love well,

We need only seek;

Our Lord God above,

Love is how He speaks.

As His dear children,

He shows us the way;

To love with our lives,

For all of our days.

As we look to Christ,

Who made love so clear;

May we do likewise,

So all know He’s near.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to do as You have done for us, so that others too, may come to know the power of Your great love. Thank You that as we seek You and spend time with You, You show us how to follow the example that Christ set before us, and You equip us to go and do likewise. Forgive us for not living a life of love as You have called us to do. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would imitate You and Your love in EVERYTHING that we do, because we are Your children. Let our lives speak volumes without our lips having to speak a single word. Show us how to love those around us in a way that pleases You and draws them unto Yourself. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we imitate You in all that we do, through living a life filled with love. Amen.

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

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. – Psalm 23:6

Good Wherever You Go

Do good wherever you go. After a while, the good you do will come back to you. – (Ecclesiastes 11:1, ERV)

 

We don’t give to get, for doing so would result in bitter disappointment. However, what I have discovered is that when I go forth in kindness, most often, kindness is returned. This is not because I expect to be treated kindly, but I think that people cannot help but to respond gently when they are treated in the manner in which they hope to be treated. So often a kind word or a smile disarms even the hardest of hearts. In light of recent events that have gone on in our nation, it is evident that we need to do more good wherever we go. No matter how we are viewed, we must offer kindness and do whatever good we have the capacity to offer. For communities that are typically neglected, outcast, or disregarded, good needs to be extended all the more. May we rise up at the ready, and go forth doing good wherever we go.

 

In a world where hate,

Too often abounds;

May we offer good,

Let kindness resound.

For hate begets hate,

But love, it disarms;

Kind and gentle words,

Bring an end to harm.

Let us each choose love,

It’s where hope resides;

Each act of kindness,

A positive stride.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good, and that Your Son set the example of doing good wherever He went. He loved the “unlovable“, approached the “unapproachable“, and did good everywhere He went. Forgive us for our apathy when we have the capacity to do good. Teach us to trust You more, so that we rise up and do good wherever we go. Show us where we can act on Your behalf as agents of Your goodness and grace to someone in need. Help us to love as we are loved by You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we do good wherever we go, just as You have done so much good for us and in us. 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

In Humility, Love

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. – (Philippians 2:3, NIV)

In whatever you do, don’t let selfishness or pride be your guide. Be humble, honor others more than yourselves. – (Philippians 2:3, ERV)

Don’t let selfishness and prideful agendas take over. Embrace true humility, and lift your heads to extend love to others. – (Philippians 2:3, VOICE)

 

If our actions are motivated by what we can get, there is no love in what we do. Christ calls us to be humble and seek to lift others up, rather than elevate ourselves. When we are motivated by a desire to love as we are loved, people are valued and Christ’s love is made known. May we choose to do as He has shown us, to do that which is good – to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God. (Micah 6:8)

 

In all that we do,

May humility;

Be motivation,

To love tenderly.

For there is no gain,

In selfish nor pride;

But rather in truth,

Let Christ be our guide.

If we are humble,

Value others first;

Then we are loving,

As Christ has endorsed.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son, Jesus, to show us what it truly means to do nothing out of selfish ambition, and to embrace humility and extend love to others. Thank You Jesus, for showing us again and again in Your word, how You would set aside even Your own needs to reach out and love those in need of Your touch, encouragement, peace, hope and help. Forgive us for allowing our own selfishness to get in the way of loving others. Teach us how to set aside our pride and walk in humility, so that we may love others as You love us. Show us who and how we are to love, and how we can honor those around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be exalted O God, as we embrace humility, seeking to love as You love. Amen.

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

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy. – Hebrews 4:16

 

Considerate Peace Keeping

Don’t tear down another person with your words. Instead, keep the peace, and be considerate. Be truly humble toward everyone. – (Titus 3:2, VOICE)

 

Despite how others speak to us, we are called to be humble and kind. It is not our place to tear others down, but rather we are called to build one another up in love. This can be the most challenging when others are attempting to tear us down with their words. Typically, the words selected are those that hit directly in the heart where it hurts the most, so we instinctually want to lash back out. In Christ, we are covered and called to do differently. Though we are not meant to be doormats, we are not intended to retaliate fire where we have been fired upon. Kindness extended where cruelty has come our way, is the water to squelch the fire. There is something diabolically disarming about kind words coming our way when we are angry and about to blow a fuse. The heat that was fueling our rage, suddenly no longer burns as hot, and we are able to regain our right mind and walk the way in which we are called to walk. May we seek the Lord in all things and at all times, and trust in Him to lead us in how we interact with others – even when they are unkind. Let His love lead us so that we may keep the peace, be considerate, and truly humble toward all.

 

Let’s not let our words,

tear another down;

for offering peace,

is how love is found.

Let’s choose to think first,

be considerate;

be humble to all,

one who’s different.

For as we love well,

give kindness to all;

barriers break down,

and need to harm falls.

Despite what we get,

let our choice be love;

for we have been called,

be gentle as doves.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You do not just ask us to not tear others down with our words, but You sent Your Son to show us how it is done. Thank You that You call us to be keepers of the peace, and You give us direction to be considerate and humble to lead us there. Thank You too, that this is not something that we are expected to do in our own strength, but rather You equip and empower us by Your Holy Spirit who dwells within us. Forgive us for any of our words, thoughts or deeds that tear others down, rather than build them up. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would seek You in all things – even the smallest reaction or response to others, so that we would keep the peace as we are called to do. Show us how to love others in a way that encourages and builds them up, bringing peace wherever we may go. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we build others up and keep the peace, as we walk humbly before You and everyone we meet. Amen.

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

He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. – Proverbs 11:25