Making Our Days Matter

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. – (Psalm 90:12, NIV)

Teach us how short our lives are so that we can become wise. – (Psalm 90:12, ERV)

Help us to remember that our days are numbered, and help us to interpret our lives correctly. Set Your wisdom deeply in our hearts so that we may accept Your correction. – (Psalm 90:12, TPT)

A common thread among us is that I think we are all far more aware that our days are numbered. There is nothing quite like a pandemic to remind us that none of us are immune to the reaches of the affects, as I know few folks who do not at least know someone impacted by COVID19. We have the opportunity to respond to the realization that none of us are guaranteed a long life on earth, so how we spend our days matters. In order to use the time we are given well, we need God’s wisdom. He is faithful to grow us and show us more and more of His love and grace, as we choose to follow after Him. The Lord is faithful to direct and correct, if we are willing to pursue Him and respond to His promptings. I desire to live each day with intention, and am acutely aware of my need for God’s intervention to do so. May we ever recognize that we are not promised tomorrow, so that we might live each day with wisdom and grace, according to God’s good and perfect plan.

O Lord, I thank You,

For each day thus far;

As Your love and grace,

Meet us where we are.

Grant us Your wisdom,

Help us to live well;

Let each brand new day,

Be love’s show and tell.

May each day we rise,

Be seen as a gift;

Each moment a chance,

For spirits to lift.

Lord, show me Your heart,

In each circumstance;

Make me wise with love,

To live out Your plans.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have good plans for each of us. Thank You that You meet us as we seek You, and You grant us wisdom to navigate our days well. Forgive us for the times that we take our days for granted. Teach us how to live with intention, each new day that we draw breath. Show us how to live and love with wisdom and grace, so that all might seek Your welcome embrace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for each new day, and seek You to live it out with wisdom, love and grace. Amen.

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

How many are Your works, Lord! In wisdom You made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures. – Psalm 104:24

Nothing Can Separate

So who can separate us? What can come between us and the love of God’s Anointed? Can troubles, hardships, persecution, hunger, poverty, danger, or even death? The answer is, absolutely nothing. But no matter what comes, we will always taste victory through Him who loves us. – (Romans 8:35, VOICE)

 

Inevitably, there will be times that life grows difficult. Trials come, and none of us are immune. However, when we walk with Christ, the struggles we face are met by His grace, as He loves us through it all. Nothing that comes against us can take away the love that Christ has for us, and in Him, we can rest assured that the ultimate victory is ours. Our hope lies not in the here and now, but rather in our eternity with Him. Yes, He can do immeasurably more than we could ever hope or imagine in our lives today, but more than that, He holds all of our tomorrows in His hands. He is good, and He is for us. Despite the ugliness and brokenness that we must endure on earth, we have the hope of what is yet to come, where there will be no more suffering, pain nor sorrow. May we cling to Christ, who will never leave us nor forsake us, and trust in His love that will lead us home.

 

There’s nothing on earth,

that can separate;

us from God’s great love,

no height, depth, nor weight.

Trouble nor danger,

angst nor poverty;

no, there is nothing,

that God does not see.

For those who love God,

there‘s hope yet to see;

no matter what comes,

Christ brings victory.

So rest safe assured,

even in trials;

His grace is enough,

for the longest miles.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the reassurance that there is NOTHING that can separate us from Your love. Thank You that though we go through difficulties and trials, You are with us, and You are for us. Thank You that though we know not how long the season will last, we have the assurance that the ultimate victory is ours in You. Forgive us for our fearfulness and lack of fight in the throes of the struggle. Teach us to trust You more so that we would rise up and endure with Your strength, rather than our own. Show us how to love and support those around us who are in the midst of their own difficulties. May many come to a place of depending on You. Be exalted O God, as we trust in Your unfailing love, no matter what comes our way. Amen.

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

Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, You who have done great things. Who, O God, is like You? – Psalm 71:19

Bad Company Corrupts Good Character

Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” – (1 Corinthians 15:33)

 

If the constant company that we keep is corrupt, then the corners of our character begin to corrode. That is not to say that we cannot spend time with unbelievers, (for how else would they hear) but in order to keep from compromising our character, we must be balanced in the company we keep. Time spent with fellow believers that encourage, challenge and help hold us accountable, is both beneficial and necessary to remain upright before Christ. The Holy Spirit within grants us wisdom as to where and with whom we should walk. We must be sensitive to His leading, and listen to His still small voice. May our hearts be protected from being misled, and our character remain upright before Him.

 

Do not be misled,

for our hearts should know;

whatever we reap,

we will also sow.

If all of our time,

is with the corrupt;

our good character,

will surely slip up.

For we cannot help,

but somehow be swayed;

if all of our time,

is walking away.

We have been crafted,

created with care;

for relationships,

that keep us aware.

The Holy Spirit,

and good, Godly friends;

help keep us upright,

stay true to the end.

So let not our lives,

be yoked with corrupt;

may the faithful near,

lift each other up.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You give us instructions in Your word to protect us and keep us from falling into the snares that would try to entangle us. Thank You that You show us what we are to do, and what we are not meant to do. Thank You that Your Holy Spirit is available within us to grant us wisdom in the areas where we are uncertain. Forgive us for being misled and thinking that somehow we are immune to the sway of sin. Protect us from the pull that seeks to suck us in, and help us keep accountable before You and with fellow followers of You. Teach us to trust and rely on You more, so that we are more firm in our convictions. Help us to live and love as You love us, and may our choices be an encouragement to those who are searching for You. May many come to know You as their Savior and King. Be glorified, O God, as we depend on You to steer clear of sin’s snares. Amen.

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

You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence. – Acts 2:28