All We Need is Love

In Chapter eight, of I Corinthians, Paul is addressing the concerns brought before him regarding whether or not people should eat certain things.  This particular passage is pointing to food that has been sacrificed to idols, yet it can be applied to numerous things within our Christian walk that may be permissible for some, yet a stumbling block for others.

Paul’s response was: “Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all possess knowledge.  Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.  The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know.  But the man who loves God is known by God.” – (I Corinthians 8:1-3) The Message words it this way: “The question keeps coming up regarding meat that has been offered up to an idol: Should you attend meals where such meat is served, or not?  We sometimes tend to think we know all we need to know to answer these kinds of questions – but sometimes our humble hearts can help us more than our proud minds.  We never really know enough until we recognize that God alone knows all.”

It appears that in these areas of gray, where God has not given specific instructions across the board for all people, it is not a matter of worldly wisdom, but rather of wisdom provided by God, as we seek Him for answers.  He will direct our steps and lead us in what is and is not permissible for us individually, and will heed warning if our freedom in an area may be a stumbling block around another believer.  Our job is to love God and love people.  If we are loving God with all that we are, we will listen to Him, and will seek to safeguard the hearts of those around us, even if it means not participating or partaking in something for a time, to encourage those whom it may hinder.

Knowledge puffs up,

pride leads to a fall;

yet love, builds up,

it overcomes all.

Those who seek God,

find wisdom and grace;

and learn to give,

the Lord proper place.

Answers will come,

if love is our goal;

to reflect Christ,

and actions extol.

Let not freedom,

be what matters most;

but rather, love,

to the Lord, draw close.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that true wisdom comes from You.  Thank You that though many things are permissible, not all things are beneficial.  Thank You that You provide guidance to help us know the difference, if we are willing to seek You.  Thank You that Your love made way for us to enter into a personal relationship with You.  Forgive us for our foolish pride, and help us to seek all wisdom from You.  Teach us to trust You more, so that we are ever aware of what Your Spirit is whispering to our heart.  May we love with all that we are, and may many lives be touched as a result.  Let hearts be transformed and families filled with faith in You.  Be glorified through all that we say and do.  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

Answers As We Ask

He hears our pleas,

each time we pray;

ever ready,

to show the way.

Whatever lacks,

we may possess;

pray to the Lord,

our righteousness.

To get answers,

we must first ask;

acknowledgement,

in Him, the task.

Though He does know,

all that we need;

with humble hearts,

strength to succeed.

For when we call,

He’ll answer us;

reveal new things,

in righteousness.

Unsearchable,

great things He’ll show;

obedience,

and grace to grow.

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” – (Jeremiah 33:3)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You hear our prayers. Thank You that when we call on You, You answer. Thank You that You reveal more of Yourself to us as we ask, and You lead us and guide us in the ways we are meant to go. Forgive us Father, for our impatience in waiting for answers, and for thinking that we know best how things ought to go. Teach us to trust You and Your answers – for You possess all wisdom and know what is best, even when we do not understand. Thank You that You have a plan and a purpose for all of us, and can use ALL things for our ultimate good. Grow our faith God, and may we be quick to call on You. May we walk in obedience to all that You ask, even when the road is rough. May many come to know Your great love, as we choose to faithfully follow You. Amen.

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

Found By Faith

“For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law.” – Romans 3:28

For proof of His presence is EVERYWHERE!
image by Yoga on the Beach

Our forgiveness, salvation and justification from and before the Father are found only by faith; by trusting whole-heartedly that Jesus’ death on the cross was enough for us to become right with God.  We are not saved by works.  Only by FAITH.

“Why does God save us by faith alone?

(1) Faith eliminates the pride of human effort, because faith is not a deed that we do.

(2) Faith exalts what God has done, not what people do.

(3) Faith admits that we can’t keep the law or measure up to God’s standards – we need help.

(4) Faith is based on our relationship with God, not our performance for God.” – (NIV Study Bible footnotes)

If faith eliminates our personal pride for what we practice, then as we come before Him with humble hearts, He can do immeasurably more than we could ever hope or imagine.  As we exalt what God has done, we point to the path for people to find faith in the Father.

As our faith grows, we come to know just how short we fall from keeping the law in our own strength.  When we come to know our own need, we seek Him for the strength necessary to sustain us and keep our path straight.

Finally, faith is found through relationship with our Redeemer, not through our personal performance.  If our hearts and minds are busy looking to see how we are measuring up, we have moved our focus off of the Father and are missing the point.  However, when we press in and keep our focus on the Founder of our faith, spending time with Him, accepting His limitless love, mercy and grace, our faith finds secure footing and we learn to stand strong on  solid ground.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that through Your Son, You have provided the way for our salvation.  Thank You that it is not through our performance, nor through our ability to follow the letter of the law (for we ALL fall short – Romans 3:23) that we are saved, but instead, it is through accepting the immeasurable investment that You have made available to every heart that believes.  Jesus’ life paid our price, so that we might receive eternal residence in Your holy presence.  Forgive us for forgetting our faith and trying to work to please You.  May we find rest in the very best that You grant us all, by faith and forgiveness through the sacrifice of Your Son.  Lead us to live lives faithfully in and for You, so that many may come to find faith too.  Amen.

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

Build Up, Not Puff Up

“We know that we all possess knowledge.  Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.  The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know.  But the man who loves God is known by God.” – I Corinthians 8:1b-2

“We sometimes tend to think we know all we need to know to answer these kinds of questions – but sometimes our humble hearts can help us more than our proud minds.  We never really know enough until we recognize that God alone knows it all.” – (The Message)

Though this particular passage was written with regard to whether or not, and when, it was acceptable to eat food that had been sacrificed to idols, I find that it is a wonderful reminder that all wisdom is His, and seeking Him for answers in the grey areas is far wiser than attempting to speak out based on our own intellect or prior experience.

Another verse that comes to mind is “Everything is permissible for me – but not everything is beneficial.  Everything is permissible for me – but I will not be mastered by anything.” – I Corinthians 6:12  Each of us are required to rely on our Redeemer for our own answers, regardless of what is acceptable for another.  When we climb on a soapbox and deem something “unclean” for all when it has only been determined a “no” for us personally, we tend to tear down rather than build up in love.

Yes, there are biblical absolutes.  What I am speaking of are those things that are not specifically addressed, and are actually determined right or wrong by God for us individually.  What might be acceptable for another, may not be okay for me, and vice versa.  This is yet another reminder of how desperately we need guidance by God, so that we might walk wisely in Him.

If we love God and seek to know Him, we are known by Him, and granted wisdom and understanding by His Spirit.  A humble heart hears and receives that which the Spirit is speaking.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You alone are the source of all wisdom, knowledge and understanding.  Please forgive us for the times that we try to take Your place, and somehow think that we know what ought to be done in and by others, rather than relying on You to retain the reigns.  Teach us to seek You, so that we may listen and learn.  May our own walks in obedience lead others to be built up in love and guided to Your goodness and grace.  Amen.

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