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

Bound in Balance

image by Ashish Dodgaa

Do not be yoked

with unbelievers.

It opens way,

for the deceiver.

Why would we pair,

deep darkness with light?

One way is truth,

the other, lost sight.

Trust and deceit,

can they be aligned?

One – righteousness,

the other, a lie.

We, His temple,

are to tend it well.

Ban all idols,

give no hand to hell.

He is with us,

and we are with Him;

where our hearts lie,

help us sink or swim.

(Responding to 2 Corinthians 6:14-16)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You give us instructions and warnings in Your word for our benefit.  Forgive us for any relationships that we have formed in which we are yoked together with unbelievers in such a way, that our faith is being compromised.  Grant us wisdom and strength to bring balance to the relationships in our lives so that we are mutually encouraged to walk and grow with You.  May we be a help and not a hindrance to all whom are in our lives, and may many come to call You King as they recognize the greatness of Your grace and how everlasting is Your love.  May You be glorified in all that we do and say today.  Amen.

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

Splendor and Strength are His Sanctuary

“For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; He is to be feared above all gods.  For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord has made the heavens.  Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and glory are His sanctuary.” – Psalm 96:4-6

God’s Sanctuary by Sam Coleman

God is great and worthy of all of our praise.  He is far greater than all other gods, and should be respected as such.  Anything other than God that is receiving our time, energy and adoration, is an idol.  God, who made the heavens and spread out the stars in the sky, is surrounded by splendor and majesty, and His sanctuary is built by His strength and glory.

The first phrase is the most straight-forward, as we can easily recognize that our Redeemer alone, is most worthy of all of our praise.  All that surrounds us, including our very existence, comes from Him.  It is impossible to see the setting sun or the stars in the sky and not marvel at the majesty of His creation.

To fear God, means to honor and respect our Heavenly Father with reverence, as He is God, and we are not.  In all things and at all times, we ought to offer our gratitude and ask if the moves we intend to make are in the middle of His good and perfect plan for our lives.  This is much easier in theory than in practice when the craziness of life comes our way.  My default tends to be suck it up, stay strong, and keep pressing forward, even if it is not mine to take on.

Anything and everything that takes our attention away from God, has become a god, an idol, in our world.  Work, wealth, fashion, furnishings, vehicles, homes, having more…  All can become idols if they take our attention away from God’s intention for our lives.

He has made the heavens.  Yep, another easy one, as the big bang theory can’t touch the creative and awesome power of our amazing and loving Lord.

The image of splendor and majesty being before Him, reminds me that the glory of heaven is far beyond what I can even begin to imagine.  All I know, is that I want to be there, belting it out in the heavenlies, singing of His goodness and His glory at the foot of His throne.  I want to be invited into the glory of His sanctuary, climb up onto the lap of Daddy God, and soak in the strength and sweetness of His splendor.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are so much more than we can begin to put into words.  Teach us to place You above all else and help us keep our focus on You, our Father in heaven.  May our lives be lived as a song of praise, sung before You with each breath that we take here on earth.  Lead us so that our love brings all honor and glory to You, now and forever.  Amen.

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