Held in Heaviness

Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and joy are in His dwelling place. – (1 Chronicles 16:27, NIV)

He lives in the presence of glory and honor. His Temple is a place of power and joy. – (1 Chronicles 16:27, ERV)

Splendor and majesty flow out of Him, strength and joy fill His place. – (1 Chronicles 16:27, MSG)

Yesterday evening, after returning from a great weekend away, we discovered there had been a double homicide in our city, only a few miles away. As I scrolled on social media, I soon discovered who had been killed. Two young women murdered, with whom many friends and former students were connected. After a bit more looking, to my horror, I found that one had been a barista at the coffee shop near where I used to live years ago, and my kids and I knew and loved her, her sister, and her mom, as they all worked there together. The other woman was featured in photos with several people who attended the school where I have taught for 26 years. My heart is heavy for the families and friends of these women who were senselessly killed. What is the connection between the verse and the tragedy? I cannot think of death without thinking of the hope and glory that is held in heaven. In God’s presence, there is glory and honor, power, and joy. There is no more suffering, crying, or pain. The only thing that makes loss bearable is the hope that is held in the Everlasting. My hope this morning is that all who are impacted by the losses may be comforted in the hope that is yet to come. May we ever seek the Savior, who Himself, understood the weight of tragic loss and holds the hope of eternal glory in the hollow of His hands.

In times of great loss,

Awful tragedy;

The Lord’s ever near,

To grant us His peace.

Splendor and power,

Goodness that is seen;

A powerful peace,

For the in between.

Between loss and life,

In the hope we know;

May we look to Him,

So His love is shown.

Father, please help us,

In this broken place;

Flood us with Your love,

As we seek Your face.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us and for preparing a place for us to dwell with You forever. Lord, be our peace amid senseless loss and tragedy. Forgive us as we struggle to make sense of things that should not be. Teach us to lean into You in all things, as You are our Source of comfort and care, strength, and peace, in all things and always. Show us how to love those around us through such anguish. May many come to know and trust in You as You make Your love evident, even in the worst of situations and circumstances. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us and be our strength in seasons of loss. Amen.

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

Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. – 1 Chronicles 16:11

Splendor and Majesty

Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and beauty are in His sanctuary. – (Psalm 96:6, HCSB)

He lives in the presence of glory and honor. His Temple is a place of power and beauty. – (Psalm 96:6, ERV)

Honor and majesty precede Him; strength and beauty infuse His holy sanctuary. – (Psalm 96:6, VOICE)

When I think of the splendor and majesty of God, I cannot help but look to the beauty and strength found in His creation. Currently, my Viking and I are on a little anniversary getaway in Westport, Washington. It is a coastal town that is known for its great fishing, and we have settled into a wooded oasis in our travel trailer. The lush green around us, and the sound of foghorns on the water nearby, all point to the creativity and power of God. I am so grateful for the reminders all around us, for if there is this much beauty and power here on earth, how much more in heaven in His presence? Amazingly, His Temple is no longer a structure that we have to go to in order to be in God’s presence. We are His Temple in which He dwells. That means that the power and beauty that made all things resides in all who invite Him in. For me, this is a reminder that our prayers are powerful, and that we are gaining glimpses of Him through all that His hands have made that surround us. May we ever seek Him and praise Him for all that He has made, and give thanks for how present and available He is within us.

The Lord is so great,

Worthy of all praise;

His strength and beauty,

And His loving ways.

His hands created,

All that we can see;

He dwells within us,

Leads purposefully.

Open our eyes Lord,

Remind us anew;

Of all that You are,

And all that You do.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we are given glimpses of Your splendor and majesty, strength and beauty, through all that surrounds us. Thank You that we are the temple of Your Holy Spirit, so the same power that has created, cared, and covered us all can live within us. Forgive us for not recognizing the magnitude of Your majesty. Teach us to recognize the beauty and power in all that You have created, and show us how to appreciate and take in all that You have made. Show us how to love those around us in ways that honor You, for each of us has been created with a plan and a purpose. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we witness the glory of You in all that surrounds us and give You praise for who You are. Amen.

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

Lord, who is like You among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders? – Exodus 15:11

For His Glory and Honor

To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, He will give eternal life. – (Romans 2:7, NIV)

 

Some people live for God’s glory, for honor, and for life that cannot be destroyed. They live for those things by always continuing to do good. God will give eternal life to them. – (Romans 2:7, ERV)

 

When we live a life invested in Christ, we are compelled to do good. God grants us eternal life for our choosing to live for Him, and allowing Him to lead and guide us. It is not something we earn, but when we are continually seeking Him, we cannot help but respond according to His good and perfect will. May we persist in doing good, as all glory and honor belong to Him who grants us life eternal.

 

A life invested,

in the will of God,

shall illuminate,

which path we’re to trod.

Seek the Lord’s glory,

let honor be shown;

Christ the eternal,

who sits on the throne.

For His ways are good,

we’ll not be destroyed;

when we live His way,

all hope is employed.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that a life of persistence in doing good for Your honor and glory will not be destroyed. Thank You that we are assured of life everlasting in You. Thank You that our eternity was set in place from the moment we first received Your grace, rather than through our doing a set amount of good. Thank You that doing good is our response to Your goodness and grace. Forgive us for allowing our perspective to become askew, and give us clear vision as to how we can honor You with our life, as You have given unto us. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will answer Your every leading. Help us to love and do good to others, even when they are not good to us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You, Lord. Be glorified O God, as we persist in doing good to bring glory and honor to Your Name. Amen.

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

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

Glory to God

You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they were created and have their being. – (Revelation 4:11, NIV)

 

Our Lord and God! You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power. You made all things. Everything existed and was made because You wanted it. – (Revelation 4:11, ERV)

 

Worthy is defined as having great merit, character or value; and our Lord God, sets the standard for each. All power is His, and He alone, deserves all glory and honor from us, His created. Additionally, all that was created and brought into existence, was done purposefully; because God wanted it to be so. We are His workmanship, how can we help but praise Him?

 

The Lord created,

He spoke and breathed life;

all things that exist,

Love’s true sacrifice.

Though He knew our hearts,

and choices we’d make;

He called us to be,

we’re not a mistake.

At just the right time,

He set forth His plan;

to again restore,

relations with man.

Jesus came for us,

so that we might know;

the depth of His love,

sacrificial show.

Death could not defeat,

the power of God;

He rose and gave life,

let our lives applaud.

May we all rise up,

and offer all praise;

give glory to God,

with all of our days.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our Lord and God, worthy of all glory and honor and praise! Thank You that all power is Yours, as You created all things intentionally. Thank You that though You knew that we would sin and sever right relationship with You, You breathed life into us anyway. Thank You that You made the way for us to be restored unto You through Your Son, Jesus. Thank You Jesus, for bearing the weight of all of our sin and shame, so that we could enter into a right relationship with You. Forgive us for taking Your grace for granted, or for not giving proper praise unto You, who deserves ALL of our praise. Teach us to trust You more, so that our entire life would be a reflection of our gratitude for Your goodness. Lead us to love others as You so lavishly love each of us. May many come into a saving relationship with You, as they come to understand who You are, and what You have done for each of us, individually. Be exalted Lord God, as we glorify You with all of our days. Amen.

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

The joy of the Lord is your strength. – Nehemiah 8:10

To Honor the Dream

Today, many of us are the recipients of an extra day off.  This day is in honor of the birth and life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Were it not for him, and the myriad of others who joined in the fearless fight against the injustices taking place in these United States, the face of our nation would not be nearly so beautiful, as it is today.  My classroom, which is a melting pot of countries and cultures, seated together, learning from each other, would not be possible.  What a travesty indeed it would be, to miss out of the blessing of living out the dream, of Dr. King.

Our charge, as humans – God’s created, is to love one another.  If we truly love, then the dream that Dr. King and so many others fought for, is alive and going strong.  It is when we choose to allow individuals to taint the face of an entire people group, that barriers are built up, and all that was fought for, is for naught.

“I can’t help but wonder why You care about mortals – sons and daughters of men – specks of dust floating about the cosmos.  But You placed the son of man just beneath God and honored him like royalty, crowning him with glory and honor.  You ordained him to govern the works of Your hands, to nurture the offspring of Your divine imagination; You placed everything on earth beneath his feet.” – (Psalm 8:4-6 – The Voice)

May we learn and grow in how to nurture and govern well, in a manner that is pleasing unto God.  Let us choose love, even in the face of adversity or fear.  Our strength to live and love, comes from Christ alone.

To honor the dream,

of a faithful man;

to live out our lives,

in line with God’s plan.

He calls us to love,

to choose to embrace;

regardless of creed,

religion or race.

May we truly show,

what love really is;

so many may come,

and long to be His.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for men and women of faith who have gone before us and modeled love, and fought peacefully to end injustice.  Thank You for the progress that has been made in this nation, so that all people have opportunity to learn and grow, dream and achieve.  Forgive us for any personal barriers we may be bearing, and please break them down with the wonderful weight of Your love.  Lead us and guide us, so that we may love and embrace all who come near, regardless of whether or not their values and beliefs align with ours.  You dined with outcasts, and spoke freely with sinners – trusting the Father, never concerning Yourself with social norms, nor societal expectations.  May we have the very same trust, and continue to grow the dream.  May many come to know You as their Savior, as a result of our loving kindness.  Be glorified in all that we say and do.  Amen.

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

Only You

Salvation is found,

through Jesus alone;

who lived, died and rose,

now sits on the throne.

The power to heal,

the great grace to save;

the hope that breathed life,

from an empty grave.

Able to equip,

the ordinary;

to move in His Name,

extraordinary.

No one can silence,

the truth of His word;

for if we speak not,

from rocks it’ll be heard.

All of creation,

boldly testifies;

intricate beauty,

His heart to our eyes.

May we each go forth,

lay hold of His grace;

share well the wonders,

and hope to embrace.

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” – (Acts 4:12)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the example set before us by Your early church. When I read of the faith and courage found in Peter and John before the Sanhedrin, I am inspired to trust You more, especially when my fear of speaking lies before an audience of friends. Forgive us for our fears and hesitation, and birth in us a new boldness for You. Teach us how to share of Your love and grace in a way that is natural to how we have been designed, so that those who hear it, might be ready to receive. May many come to know You personally, as a result of the loving kindness we extend. Use our willing hearts to touch lives and transform communities. All glory and honor to You. Amen.

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

Fellowship Fuels the Faithful

Though mine eyes have seen Him not,

I know His word to be true.

His heart for us shines through it,

and shows us what we’re to do.

For fellowship is needed,

with the Father and the Son;

we’re equipped by His Spirit,

to come together as one.

Each one is of the body,

together we are complete;

to honor and serve the Lord,

share His love with all in need.

As we obey and go forth,

take His truth to all the world;

our joy shall become complete,

for menacing grip’s unfurled.

All of heaven does rejoice,

when hearts commit to the Lord;

may the body grow as one,

united in one accord.

“We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.” – (1 John 1:3-4)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that though we have seen You not, we clearly see evidence of You all around us. Thank You that You sent Your Son, Jesus, so that we might come to know You through His life, death and resurrection. Thank You Jesus, for coming to make the way for us to find fellowship with You and our Father. Thank You that You sent Your Spirit so that we may be fueled to be in fellowship with You and with fellow followers. Forgive us Father, for not fully investing in our relationships – both with You and with members of the body. Show us how we are meant to function in our own roles in the body, so that many may come to know You, and our joy may be complete. Grow our faith God. Lead us and equip us to follow well, so that we are ever ready to love others with Your love, and may we lead looking hearts to You. All glory and honor unto You. Amen.

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

Christ’s Covenant

The covenant made,

declared by the Lord;

His laws in our minds,

our spiritual sword.

Written on our hearts,

the hope that is true;

we are His people,

He’s making us new.

All will know the Lord,

from unknown to great;

forgiven our sins,

and wicked mistakes.

Our stains will vanish,

remembered no more;

His freedom granted,

heaven’s access door.

(Responding to Hebrews 8:10-12)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we come to You and give You our whole heart, You receive us and remove our ugliness. Thank You that You give us Your Holy Spirit to lead and guide us to walk in Your way and do Your will. Forgive us again, for any area that we are afraid to allow You access. Thank You that You already know, we need only hand it to You. Grow our faith, so that all may be given to You, God. As our hearts are made new, may we follow in truth, and may many come to know You as Lord and Savior in their lives. Go before us this day to prepare the way, for us to walk in spirit and truth. All glory and honor to You forever. Amen.

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

Let His Voice be Heard

image by John White

A hardness of heart,

will come if we stray;

our greatest defense,

stay true to His way.

If left on our own,

we may get sucked in;

for a great resource,

each other, from sin.

Encourage others,

be true to His way;

keep heart so open,

hear His voice today.

Hold firm till the end,

lift each other up;

trust in the Father,

He’ll fill empty cups.

Let His voice be heard,

so hearts won’t rebel;

help one another,

fend off force of hell.

“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” – (Hebrews 3:13)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we were created to be in relationship with You and with one another.  Thank You that You encourage and strengthen us, as we encourage and strengthen each other.  Forgive us for attempting to forge forward on our own, and help us to allow others to come along side and encourage us as we pursue You in all that we say and do.  Keep our hearts soft and sensitive to Your voice.  May our open obedience, as we live life in Your love, lead many to seek and find You.  Teach us to be united in purpose as we encourage one another in You.  All glory and honor to You, God.  Amen.

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

Remaining Resolute in Our Redeemer

image by bibleabc.net

Our Lord God sits on high,

seated upon the throne;

one day all will appear,

our every deed made known.

We all are called to share,

the truth found in His word;

correct and encourage,

’til every ear has heard.

Be prepared at all times,

convenient or if not;

be patient and careful,

’til every soul is sought.

For the time has now come,

all doctrine is not sound;

words have become twisted,

turning from truth they’d found.

In all situations,

endure and work for Him;

stay true to Christ the Lord,

choose not to sink, but swim.

Always fight the good fight,

keep faith to finish strong;

for heaven is waiting,

to all in Him belong.

(Responding to 2 Timothy 4:1-8)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that despite how things may appear, You are securely seated upon Your throne.  Thank You that You are above all things, and in You, all may be overcome.  Forgive us for the times that our faith waivers due to the seemingly impossible situations set before us, and grant us Your eyes to see and Your strength to endure until the end.  Teach us to trust You even more, and equip us to be ready to share what You place upon our hearts.  May many come to call You King, as a result of our faithful obedience to whatever You ask.  All glory and honor to You, God.  Amen.

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