Ongoing Work in Progress

Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. – (Philippians 1:6, NIV)

I am sure that the good work God began in you will continue until He completes it on the day when Jesus Christ comes again. – (Philippians 1:6, ERV)

There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears. – (Philippians 1:6, MSG)

This is such an encouragement to me, as I know that I am an ongoing work in progress. God does not give up on us when we fall short, but rather He keeps leading, guiding, loving, and refining us to reflect His love and light more clearly to the world. The stronger our bond becomes with Christ, the more evident His heart is made know through our words and deeds. It is in the things that we say and do that His light shines through to touch the hearts of those around us. May we ever follow after the Lord and listen to His leading so that we become more of who He has created us to be.

The Lord God of all,

Is working in us;

To make us complete,

Like His Son, Jesus.

A heart for the world,

With love that will grow;

Made to do good works,

So His love might show.

The work is not done,

Until He returns;

We’re all in progress,

To grow, love and learn.

Help us keep pressing,

Ever choose draw near;

As You refine us,

Making Your love clear.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that the work You began in us will continue until the day You return for us. Thank You that though we fall short, You do not give up on us. Forgive us for the times that we have strayed from Your will, plan or purpose for us. Teach us to ever trust in You to lead, guide, love, and refine us so that we can more clearly reflect Your goodness and grace. Show us how to love those around us as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we ever seek You anew each day and trust You to transform our heart to be a reflection of Your own. Amen.

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

As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart. – Proverbs 27:19

Teach Me Your Paths

Make Your ways known to me, Lord; teach me Your paths. – (Psalm 25:4, HCSB)

Lord, help me learn Your ways. Show me how You want me to live. – (Psalm 25:4, ERV)

Demonstrate Your ways, O Eternal One. Teach me to understand so I can follow. – (Psalm 25:4, VOICE)

God is faithful to show us the ways in which we are meant to go and how to navigate every step. It is up to us to listen and follow where and how He leads. He gave us His Spirit to dwell in us, and His still small voice, that check in our spirits, is Him leading and guiding us as we go. May we ever seek the Lord and His leading so that we might learn His ways and follow His paths that He has set before us.

Help us, Lord Jesus,

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To learn well Your ways;

Teach us Your wisdom,

As we wake each day.

Lead us and guide us,

Where we’re meant to go;

Give understanding,

To things we need know.

Show us each step, Lord,

In all that we do;

May each word and deed,

Reflect Your heart true.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You show us Your ways and how You want us to live when we earnestly seek You. Thank You that You are faithful to answer when we ask. Forgive us for the times that we have asked and ignored Your leading, and for the times that we have neglected to even seek You. Teach us to trust in You in all things and at all times. Grow us in Your wisdom and understanding so that we may follow the path that You set before us well. Show us how to love those around us as You intended. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead and guide us as You teach us more and more of who You are and how You love. Amen.

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

You are good, and You do what is good; teach me Your statutes. – Psalm 119:68

Where Hope is Held

Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. – (Hebrews 10:23, HCSB)

We must hold on to the hope we have, never hesitating to tell people about it. We can trust God to do what He promised. – (Hebrews 10:23, ERV)

Let us hold strong to the confession of our hope, never wavering, since the One who promised it to us is faithful. – (Hebrews 10:23, VOICE)

Hope is a funny thing, for we use the word to talk about what we want to happen or about something we desire; however, true hope is a confident space of waiting for that which has been promised by the One who is faithful forever. This is important for me to remember as our vacation is coming to a close. The day after tomorrow, I will return to work. I know not how spring break has gone for my students and colleagues, but I know Who holds us all in His hands. As much as I “hope” that all goes well, I need to remember that the One who is our hope will be with me, leading, guiding, protecting and providing. I don’t need to know what tomorrow holds to have hope in Him. He is our hope and the One who provides all of our tomorrows. May we hold fast to our hope in Him, for He is forever faithful and worthy of all of our trust.

O Lord of all hope,

To You I will cling;

No matter what comes,

You’re faithful to bring.

Bring goodness and grace,

Your presence and peace;

Trust for each new day,

As love is released.

O God, we rise up,

And trust in Your love;

For we’re in Your hands,

Our Father above.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that our hope resides in You. Thank You that You hold us and all of our tomorrows in Your loving hands. Thank You that we need not worry about what lies ahead, for You are with us, always. Forgive us for our concerns about things that are yet to come. Teach us to trust in You in all things and at all times. Show us how to live and love like You, knowing that You are our hope and help, and that You love lavishly and call us to the same. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we place all of our hope in You, for You are faithful forever. Amen.

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

We have this hope as an anchor for our lives, safe and secure… – Hebrews 6:19a

Called to Task

And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for Him, to give His people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins. – (Luke 1:76-77, NIV) 

Now you, little boy, will be called a prophet of the Most High God. You will go first before the Lord to prepare the way for Him. You will make His people understand that they will be saved by having their sins forgiven. – (Luke 1:76-77, ERV) 

 

As Zechariah’s song of praise continued, he proclaimed words of truth, as God revealed the role that his son, John, would play in preparing the hearts of people for all that Christ had to offer. John was a faithful proclaimer of truth, and he spent his life, even unto his own death, speaking of the way to salvation through the forgiveness of sins. As the parents of John, Zechariah and Elizabeth knew their son was called to a task that was beyond their own human understanding. Both, likely spent John’s formative years, educating and raising him close to God, guiding him in the direction that he was meant to go. I imagine it took tremendous faith and dependence on God, to lead a child who was called to such specific work for the Lord. Parenting is not for the faint of heart. Raising children who have been set apart from infancy, or even earlier, would be a task that takes trust beyond measure. In my own experience, simply being responsible for two tiny humans at the same time, took formidable faith, as premature twins in the care of a first-time parent was slightly terrifying. God’s grace, mercy and strength made the unknown and unyielding, manageable and marvelous. May we seek the Lord and His strength, as we recognize that He is our help and our hope in raising up the next generation of faithful followers of Him. 

 

O Lord, let our faith,

Be rooted in You; 

Our strength and our hope, 

For Your love is true. 

However You call, 

Whatever our way; 

Your help, grace and hope, 

Will lead us each day. 

Faithful forever, 

O Lord God, You reign; 

Please show us each day, 

The path we’re to take. 

  

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness, grace and faithfulness forever. Thank You that You never call us to anything that You are not also willing to equip us to do. Forgive us for our fearfulness when the call seems far beyond our ability to navigate. Teach us to trust You more, for You are greater than any seeming impossibility that lies before us. Show us how to faithfully navigate the roles to which we are called. Lead us to love those around us in ways that make Your goodness and grace tangible. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You in all things at all times, and faithfully walk wherever You lead. Amen.

 

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

 

When I called to You for help, You answered me and gave me strength. – Psalm 138:3

No Fear in His Hands

Don’t worry – I am with you. Don’t be afraid – I am your God. I will make you strong and help you. I will support you with my right hand that brings victory. – (Isaiah 41:10, ERV)

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. – (Isaiah 41:10, NLT)

 

This is a great reminder for us all. I find it to be extra timely today, as both of my boys will be going on their first drive with the instructor for driver’s education. They have been practicing with me, but have a healthy respect, and sometimes fear, as they sit in the driver’s seat. I know they are both a bit nervous, but this is not something they need to fear, as God will go before them, remain with them, and be guiding their hands. Any time that we go forth into an unknown, there is opportunity for fear to rise. However, if we keep in mind Who is our strength and remains ever present with us, there is no reason for us to be afraid. May we ever leave worry and fear behind and trust in the Lord who is our strength and help, and brings victory as He holds us in His hands.

 

Let not worry rise,

Do not be afraid;

For God is our strength,

His path has been laid.

Instead, look to God,

For He makes us strong;

We’re held in His hands,

Through all our days long.

Victory is found,

As we trust His grace;

He’ll give what we need,

To run well our race.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are with us so we do not need to be afraid. Thank You that You make us strong as You help us and support us with Your hands. Forgive us for attempting to walk alone, rather than seeking You. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would come to the place where true strength is found. Show us how to love all whom we encounter in a way that encourages and strengthens each one. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we rely on Your presence and Your strength as You hold us up with Your hands. Amen.

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

I thank and praise You, O God of my fathers: You have given me wisdom and power. – Daniel 2:23

Fathering Well

Fathers, don’t exasperate your children by coming down hard on them. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master. – (Ephesians 6:4, MSG)

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord. – (Ephesians 6:4, NLT)

 

I know that this is a tough topic for so many. Fathers are placed in our lives to fill such a significant role, yet without the grace and help of God, there is little chance of them measuring up to the expectation presented in the title alone. That being said, some of the best fathers that I know, did not have the most stellar examples in their own lives. God’s grace covered them as they grew, and He provided men of integrity to walk beside them and show them what it is to love well as a dad. There is no one who always gets it right, except our Heavenly Father, but the men who seek to lead their kids by the hand and show them by example, correcting and redirecting with love, are setting the standard for our future generations of fathers. May we celebrate the fathers we know, and encourage them as they help their kids grow.

 

Thank You, dear Father,

Despite what we’ve had;

You shall always be,

Our Heavenly Dad.

Thanks too for the men,

Who take by the hand;

Each child to love,

And shows them Your plan.

Not by being harsh,

Instead, they choose lead;

Lovingly guiding,

Direct to succeed.

Instruct with wisdom,

Discipline with grace;

Do all things in love,

So they seek Your face.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our ultimate Father. Thank You for the fathers that You have placed in our lives to teach us, grow us, and bless us. Forgive us for not recognizing and encouraging the fathers that are all around us, seeking to do things according to Your will. Teach us to have Your eyes to see and Your heart to bless and encourage our brothers who are seeking after You. Show us how to love well, all the people whom You place in our path. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we thank You for being the best Father of all, and praise You for the gift of fantastic fathers that You place in our lives and the lives of our children. 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

Because He is Good

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever. – (Psalm 118:1 & 29, NLT)

 

In Psalm 118, the chapter both begins and ends with the very same words. I find that each time I come across repetition in the Word, God is highlighting something for me, and I need to make note of what is written. Yes, I know He is good and that His love is faithful and everlasting, providing reason for me to give praise; however, as I read this in conjunction with the other passage that was a part of today’s reading, it is a reminder that His goodness and faithfulness are not dependent on our circumstances. In Jeremiah 29-30, God’s people were exiled in a foreign land. Despite their situation, God had promised to return them to Jerusalem after an established length of time. The exiles were called to remain faithful to God, and He would stay true to His word. All thanks and praise were due to the Lord, as He blessed and upheld His people, despite their distance from the home they had known. God does this for us today. He is good and faithful, and His love endures always. Because of who He is, He deserves all of our thanks and praise. May we rise up in gratitude for the goodness of our God, and give Him the proper praise He is due.

 

Give thanks to the Lord,

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For He’s always good;

His love shall endure,

As always has stood.

No matter what comes,

The Lord shall remain;

Present as our help,

He makes our path plain.

Despite circumstance,

His love light shines through;

Leading and guiding,

So faithful and true.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good, faithful and that Your love endures forever. Thank You that we always have reason to give You thanks and praise. Forgive us for making our gratitude circumstantial, rather than dependent on the truth of who You are. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would give all glory unto You, no matter what comes our way. Show us how to love all those around us in such a way, that You are given the thanks and adoration for every word and deed that is well-received. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust in Your goodness and faithful love that lasts forever. 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

Seeking Strength and Peace

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, O Lord, will keep me safe. – (Psalm 4:8, NLT)

The Lord gives His people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace. – (Psalm 29:11, NLT)

But all who listen to Me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm. – (Proverbs 1:33, NLT)

 

There have been four shootings in the last forty-eight hours in my city – three of which were fatalities. What once was a sleepy little town, is growing and changing, and the bounty of broken and hurting people has blown up. I see it in the schools, where kids come and try to navigate the new, with a very different set of standards guiding them as they go. Many are in crisis, and are simply in survival mode. How do we best meet needs and love all who come, just as Jesus calls us to love? We are not called to be afraid, nor hide away in fear, yet neither are we asked to be foolish. The Lord grants wisdom to all who seek Him, and gives strength where we have none. His peace surrounds us and keeps us safe, despite the seeming destruction of what we formerly knew to be true. There is no easy answer nor simple solution when the safety of one’s city has been stolen by violence. However, change begins with one. One act of kindness. One extension of encouraging words. One person providing peace in the midst of scattered storms… If we seeks the Lord and listen to Him, He will grant us strength and wisdom, removing the fear that has fought to find footing around the brutal acts of broken people. May we let Love be what leads us; not fear.

 

As the day closes,

And fear tries rush in;

I lean on the Lord,

Where comfort begins.

The Source of all strength,

In chaos, our peace;

Protector, Savior,

Where grace is released.

He loves the hurting,

The scorned and broken;

He’s asking of us,

To be truth spoken.

Not just with our words,

But in love, choose serve;

Meet needs before us,

His peace to preserve.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our Source of peace and strength, no matter what surrounds us. Thank You that in You, we need not fear – for You keep us safe from harm. Father, I lift my city before You, and ask that You would move mightily in the hearts of all who love You, so that we may seek You and obey whatever You ask of us to bring peace into this place. Forgive us for our fearfulness when we see so much violence in such a short span of time. Teach us to turn to You in trust, so that we would hear what You would have us do, and then we would go forth and obey. Show us how to love all who are hurting around us, so that they might come to know Your perfect peace for themselves. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You for strength and peace. 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

 

 

Praise to the Burden Bearer

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. – (Psalm 68:19)

 

Though we all must face barriers and burdens before us, not one of us was ever meant to bear them alone. God created us with relationship in mind. Even when the original intent for the relationship was fractured with the fall of man, Christ came to create the way for nearness to be restored, and for mankind’s mistakes to be made right before our Maker.

 

We each have a choice. If we choose Christ, and opt to allow Him to be the center of our lives, He comes along side us, forgives and restores us to righteous standing before Him, and is our help and our hope, bearing our burdens and guiding us through that which we were never meant to walk through alone. Because He is God who saves, He alone deserves our praise. May we give Christ all of our praise, and allow Him to bear the burdens that we cannot carry.

 

May praise be present,

to the Lord our King;

Who bears our burdens,

His grace offering.

Let not life’s challenge,

lead our hearts astray;

for only in Christ,

will we find the way.

The Lord’s way is love,

to save and restore;

to walk alongside,

give strength to endure.

All praise unto You,

our Savior and King;

for in You alone,

we find what strength means.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our God and Savior who daily bears our burdens when we seek You and willingly place them in Your hands. Thank You that no matter what comes, Your strength is sufficient to carry us through. Forgive us for attempting to bear our burdens alone, or for questioning Your ability to carry that which is weighing us down. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will come before You and ask You to bear what we are not meant to carry. Help our hearts remain in a perpetual place of praise unto You, for You deserve all of our adoration and honor for who You are. Lead us to love others with a love like Yours, and may many come to know You personally as a result. Be exalted O God, as we praise You, the beautiful bearer of our burdens. 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

Season Our Surroundings

Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear. – (Luke 14:34-35)

 

Jesus was making a comparison between Christians and salt. Just as salt flavors and preserves food, those who believe and follow Him, are called to flavor and preserve His goodness and grace unto the world. Salt has a distinct flavor and is easily identifiable unless it has lost its saltiness. We too are called to be distinctly different from the world. Our commitment to following Christ should flavor all that we say and do, and therefore be evident to all whom we encounter. May our lives season our surroundings with the grace and goodness of Christ.

 

Let each of my words,

be seasoned with grace;

and every deed,

point unto Your face.

Make my very life,

Your salt and Your light;

guiding the seeking,

to Your ways, upright.

May goodness be seen,

Your heart clear through mine;

help me be salty,

O Glory Divine.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to flavor and preserve Your good in the world. Thank You that You do not ask nor expect us to do this on our own, but rather You give us Your Holy Spirit to guide, direct, equip and empower us to do all that You are asking. Forgive us for the times that we have blended in with the world, rather than stood up for You as we should have. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will be strong and courageous, trusting You in every circumstance to direct our steps to take the position to which we are called. Lead us to love others as You unfailingly love each of us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You, as they recognize the magnitude of Your sacrifice. Be exalted O God, as we seek to season our surroundings with Your goodness and grace. 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