Love Can Be Found

Your love, God, fills the earth! Train me to live by Your counsel. – (Psalm 119:64, MSG)

Lord, Your faithful love fills the earth. Teach me Your laws. – (Psalm 119:64, ERV)

The earth is filled with Your love, Lord; teach me Your decrees. – (Psalm 119:64, NIV)

 

Everywhere the human eye can see, there is evidence of the Eternal’s love for us. The intentional, exquisite design of each individual we encounter, the beauty of nature, the intricacy of the countless systems set in place by His hands – I stand in awe when I give even a moment to think about the complexity of messages it requires to send information from my mind to my fingers to movement on the keyboard, yet the words that are typed on the screen occur so often with little thought or thanks for He who designed my body to function in this way. Just as it required training to learn to type without having to think about where each key is located, we need to be intentional to train our hearts and minds in the word of God, so that we don’t agonize to know what is right in His sight. May we take time to notice the love of the Lord that surrounds us, and be intentional to allow His word to train us in the ways we are meant to go.

 

The love of the Lord, 

Fills the earth, surrounds;

Wherever we look,

His love can be found.

May we ever seek,

To walk in His ways;

Do right by the Lord,

For all of our days.

Lord, train up our hearts,

To walk in Your will;

Do what pleases You,

Your counsel, instill.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your love is evident everywhere! Thank You that the earth is filled with Your love. Thank You that when we ask, You are faithful to answer and train us to live according to Your will. Forgive us for not seeking You and Your will as we walk out our days, and teach us to trust You for all of our days. Show us how to live according to Your counsel so that we love others in the way that You intended them to be loved. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we recognize Your love all around us, and listen to Your leading in all that we do. Amen.

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

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

Near to Those Who Call

The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. – (Psalm 145:18)

God promises to be present when we call on His Name. He is near, when we feel fear. As we pray and trust in He who made our hearts and hands, He is faithful to come close and make His presence known. Our job is to trust God, more than that which we are facing. As we do, we become acutely aware of how great God is, and how His presence can shrink the appearance of the obstacles before us. Far greater is He who is in us, than that which is in the world. May we choose to call on Christ in truth and in trust, and be still long enough to become aware of how close He comes in our every moment of need.

In truth we must call,

image by Avi Duckor-Jones

on the Name of God;

for He shall be near,

on each path we trod.

We must trust in Him,

and look to His face;

to become aware,

of His present place.

For each time we ask,

He makes Himself known;

helps us know He’s near,

as His love is shown.

Whatever we face,

shan’t even compare;

to the Lord’s goodness,

once we are aware.

Present in moments,

of fear and despair;

He’s strength and He’s hope,

when we’re unaware.

Let us each rise up,

and call on His Name;

for we can all trust,

promises proclaimed.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we call on You in truth, You are near. Thank You that Your presence is enough to strengthen, sustain, encourage, enlighten, and supply all that we need to navigate through any storm. Thank You that You first loved us, so that we may come to know You. Forgive us for failing to call on You in times of need and in times of thanksgiving. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would call on You in truth and in trust in all things and at all times. Lead us to love in such a way, that Your light and hope is clearly expressed to those who don’t yet know You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be exalted O God, as we call on You in truth and are aware of how very near You are. Amen.

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

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

Bold in Battle

Battles are a customary occurrence in our everyday lives, as we seek to faithfully follow Christ. At times, the Lord will call us to rise up and march into battle, and other times, the battle will seem to bombard us from every side. Regardless of how we find ourselves in the midst of the fight, the Lord is good and promises to be present. Just as He was with Joshua and the Israelites as He was leading them to move into the territory of those much larger and stronger than them, He assured them of His promises and His presence. Do not be afraid of them, the Lord your God Himself will fight for you. – (Deuteronomy 3:22)

 

Though these words were spoken to the Israelites, God still does the same for us as we walk into the places where He is calling us to go. When the battle before us become more than we can bear, our God is with us, fighting for us, so we need not fear. It is a struggle to remember this in the heat of the battle, but as we turn our eyes toward Christ, we recognize just how present and faithful He is, despite the action around us. May we place our hearts and hands in His, as we give God all of our fears and allow Him to fight on our behalf, in the battles before us.

 

Standing in battle,

He calls us to rise;

to seek and to trust,

place our faith in Christ.

No matter the fight,

the Lord is still good;

His presence promised,

and hope understood.

For we will not fight,

nor stand on our own;

our God is for us,

He’ll make His strength known.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are for us and not against us. Thank You that You are with us and that You fight for us, so we need not fear. Thank You that no matter what lies before us, You are far greater. Forgive us for our fearfulness when we see the battle before us, and grant us eyes to see You in the midst of whatever lies ahead. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will run to You, our strength and our shield. Lead us to love others in such a way, that they too, may come to know the presence and help that is found in You alone. May many choose to follow You, Lord. Be exalted O God, as we become bold in the battles because we trust in 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

Life Lived in Love

Inheritance found,

for Christ is the way;

to love well, people,

through strength in Him stay.

Only by His grace,

can we love so well;

with heart, voice and hands,

our story to tell.

Love too, our neighbors,

all people we meet;

provide hope and help,

to all those in need.

Ask for His wisdom,

pray too, for His grace;

spiritual filling,

equipped for this race.

In order to win,

we must find the start;

that teaches to love,

with all of our heart.

As we rest in Him,

He’ll show us the way;

to love and to serve,

and order our day.

Let us do what’s asked,

may all people know;

that through Christ alone,

is where hope does grow.

“He answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’, and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” – (Luke 10:27)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we are no longer bound by the burden of the old laws, which required rituals and sacrifice to come close to You. Thank You that through the sending of Your Son, You have come close to us, and both ask and equip us to love You and love one another with our whole heart, when we place our trust in You. Forgive us for not loving completely, as we often over look the needs of our neighbors and get caught up in the chaos of life. Lead us and guide us, so that we might know how we are to help and make You our priority. Teach us to trust and to listen well, so we may honor You in all that we say and do. Let our motivation for movement be empowered and equipped by You, and our every word and deed, be done in love. May many come to know You through our hearts and hands, as we move in obedience and operate in Your love. Amen.

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

Dispelling Discouragement

“Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you or forsake you.  The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” – Deuteronomy 31:6, 8

*courage – the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, or pain

*strong – of great power or courage

*forsake – abandon, deny, reject or renounce

Never, not ever,

image by Tom Norvell

will our Father go.

What He has spoken,

is what will be so.

He says be not scared,

in fear; terrified.

His presence remains,

we won’t be denied.

He goes before us.

He makes plain our path.

He’ll stay beside us,

shield us from hell’s wrath.

Be not discouraged,

may His strength rise up.

Extend heart and hands,

and He’ll fill our cup.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that in You we do not need to fear, for You are our Source of strength and courage.  Thank You that no matter what we do, You never leave nor forsake Your children.  Forgive us for being fearful and not relying on Your strength, and lead us to learn how to lean completely upon You.  Teach us to rise up and extend our hearts and hands to You, trusting that You will supply all that is needed to navigate each new obstacle.  May the strength and courage that we display in You, lead many in love to know what a faithful Father You are.  Amen.

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

The Next Right Thing

image by Ray Cordova Ministries

“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for Me.” – Matthew 25:40

Jesus was explaining to His followers that whatever we do for another, it is as if we are doing it unto Him.  How we love and care for one another, matters to God.  In fact, He takes it personally.  He sees, hears and knows all that we do out of our love for Him, and He counts it as if it has been done unto Him.

Though we are saved by grace alone, it is because He loves us and cares for us individually, that we ought to do the same for one another.  As we come to receive His love, we are compelled to convey that same love to one another.  He equips and encourages us to do just that, to love as we are loved.  We have not limitless resources nor time, yet we are refreshed and supplied by the Savior who does.  No, we cannot do or be all things to all people, yet we can choose to do the next right thing.  If we see someone who is hungry, we can give them something to eat.  If we see someone who is cold, we can give something to offer warmth.  If another is lonely, we can offer our company.  If one is hurting, we can lend a helping hand.  The needs around us are far too numerous to count.  All together, they present a daunting, monumental and impossible task; however, if we look at one thing at a time and do what we can, we are choosing to have open eyes, hearts and hands.  Through us, His love will flow, when we are willing to extend our hearts and hands to another.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son to live as our example, die for our sins, and rise to be seated beside You as our Intercessor so that Your Holy Spirit, who dwells in us, might lead and guide us in the way we are meant to go.  Please forgive us for our paralysis when we are overwhelmed and know not what to do to help with the numerous needs around us.  Teach us to trust You and to listen to Your leading so that we may simply do the next right thing, and then repeat, again and again and again.  Lead us to live lives of love, just as You love us.  May our love be lived out loud, so that many may come to know of Your care and concern for each of us individually.  Amen.

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

Perseverance Produces Purity

image by Connecting to Impact

“But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” – Job 23:10

Job knew and understood that God was aware of his every word, thought and deed.  Though he knew he was being tested, Job understood that what would remain of him, that which had come through the refining fire of his faith, would be a walk that was pure and valued by God.  He pressed on with endurance to receive the prize.

So often in the middle of struggle, challenge, or trial, I first wonder when it will all be done.  Eventually, in the midst of the messes, I think of Job and how even after he lost everything and everyone whom he loved most in life, he chose to praise Him.  By comparison, my trials are trivial.  Not to say that my pain is not painful, nor my struggles not sincere, but our God – the very same God who ultimately restored to Job that which had been lost and more – is with us and has promised to never leave us.  Whether our restoration is received here or in heaven, it is soon, when viewed through an eternal lens.

We have an advantage that Job did not yet have.  Jesus died in our place, rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, and sent His Spirit to dwell in us, to be our Counselor and Comforter for the here and now.  Our hearts and hands are held by Him, and He is faithful to whisper His loving words in our weakness.  He supplies strength and faith and friends to walk beside us, to make His hands and heart tangible in our trials.

May our times of testing produce perseverance as we press on to the promise before us.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that times of trial are not for the sake of suffering, but instead, are opportunities for You to refine in us a heart that is pure in our pursuit of You.  Forgive us for faltering in the fire, and forge in each of us, an unwavering faith in You.  Firmly establish our footing in You, Father, so that we will stand strong in You as the storms rage.  Teach us to be ever aware of both our need for You, and Your nearness – be it in blessing or in battle.  May our trust in You turn hearts and heads to hear of Your goodness and grace.  Amen.

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

Given for Glorious Growth

photo by Avalon Revisited

“The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to God.” – Acts 11:21

The powerful presence of our Provider will make His heart heard through willing vessels.  As they hear, they will not be able to help but believe, and will turn hearts and hands to Him.

God will take our tiny offering extended in faith, and will bless all brethren with the capacity to believe; and many hearts will come to call Him King.

Our acts of obedience, our words of exhortation and encouragement, will not go out void when we are listening to the leading of the Lord.  Some will reap, some with sow, and still others will help in the harvest.  Each of us has a part to play in furthering His kingdom.  Would His will be done without us?  Of course!  However, we are blessed with the privilege and trusted with the honor to be His heart, hands and voice to the hurting.  We need not to all be scholars or speakers, rather each of us has been given both gifts and the grace to share them for the glory of God.

If it is through song, sing out loud.

If through prayer, pray without ceasing.

If through teaching, teach as He has entrusted.

If through preaching, share of all that He has done and who He is.

If. Then. Go!

Boundless blessings have been granted so that His grace might be given through a resource that resonates with each individual.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your hand is upon us, and that all You ask is that we offer all that we are, to be used to express Your loving kindness to a world in need.  Thank You that this is not something done in our own strength, rather it is a strength that You supply, as we step out, listening and allowing Your Spirit to lead us.  Take our willing hearts and teach us to trust You more as we receive Your tender mercies and extend the same to all whom we encounter.  May our every breath extend the sweet scent of salvation to each individual in our own sphere of influence.  All glory and honor to You, our good and faithful Father.  Amen.

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

Saved and Supplied to Bless

“So will I save you, and you will be a blessing.  Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong.” – Zechariah 8:13b

photo by Aysha Schurman

Though this verse is part of a passage that speaks of promised blessings to Jerusalem, it leapt off the page and reminded me that He who calls us, will keep us and use us to be a blessing, when we are willing.  We do not need to fear, and He will be our strength.

Today, this is my hope and my prayer as I go forth in obedience to the new and totally terrifying.  On Thursday afternoon, I received a call from my pastor, asking if I would be willing to be one of three, whom he would interview as a part of today’s sermon about “Sharing Our Stories”.  As my heart sank to my stomach and settled there, I told him that I was terrified, but willing.  Normally, my immediate response would have been an emphatic “NO!”  However, He has been whispering to my heart that a time is coming that He will be asking me to use my voice, and not just my pen…

So, after time with trusted friends yesterday, and the covering of all who care to pray, I am up and ready to trust Him to use my story to bless those who need to hear.  I am nervous, but I know He is bigger than my crippling fears, and that He will be with me, holding my hand and heart in His, supplying the words He has for me to speak.  I am so glad that He is not finished with me yet…

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You save us from ourselves, and that You use us, despite our brokenness, to bless others and draw Your

photo by Bryn Blankinship

created unto Yourself.  Father, please keep fear far from us, and supply our hearts and hands with Your strength.  May our stories speak volumes of Your goodness and grace, and may we be used to turn hearts toward You.  Amen.

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