Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” – (John 20:21)
John 20
Hearing His Voice
When Mary had gone to the tomb to see the body of her crucified Christ, she was grieved to tears when she found it empty. In fact, she was so distraught that she did not even recognize Jesus standing before her, until Jesus said to her, “Mary.” – (John 20:16) It was only when Mary at last heard His voice, that she realized that the risen Lord was right in front of her in the flesh.
As we spend time in prayer, in worship, and in His word, we learn to recognize His voice as well. Knowing which voice belongs to Christ is critical in walking well with Him. When we hear His heart, we listen and obey all that He is asking, rather than wandering off, following our own every whim. May we learn to listen well with our hearts in love, to the Lord’s ever-present leading.
in life’s busyness;
ready to listen,
to Christ, faithfulness.
Grant us ears to hear,
as You call our name;
may we know it’s You,
all truth be proclaimed.
Teach us to follow,
everything You ask;
equip us in strength,
to fulfill each task.
May we recognize,
Your presence, always;
and share the good news,
for all of our days.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You love us so much that You sent Your Son to die in our place so that we could be made right before You. Thank You that through the restored relationship in Christ, You sent Your Holy Spirit to dwell in the hearts of all who believe. Thank You that You speak to us, and call us by name. Thank You that when we spend time with You, we grow to recognize Your voice. Forgive us for neglecting to invest in our relationship with You, or for tuning into the noise that distracts us from hearing You clearly. Teach us to trust You more, so that we might listen well, and obey all that You say. May many come into a saving relationship with You this sacred season, as we go forth in obedience to all that You ask. Help us to love others as we are loved by You. Be glorified O God, as we listen for Your voice. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.
They will celebrate Your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of Your righteousness. – Psalm 145:7
The Breath of God
And with that He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” – (John 20:22)
All life and truth is God-breathed. At creation’s beginning, there was no life until God breathed into people, the very breath of life. Here in John, is a foretaste of the breath of Jesus and the power presented when He breathed on mankind. The context of this verse is when the disciples were in the upper room and Jesus appeared before them after He had risen. At this point, His breath was an impartation of His power to do God’s will on earth. Breathing is our reminder of just how near our Savior is to each of us. With each breath, He is present, and His power is available to all who have invited Him to be Lord of their lives. May we go forth this day, breathing deeply, knowing His nearness and operating in the power He has already presented.
was His gift of life;
hand-crafted, unique,
and bought with great price.
We’re given a choice,
to receive His breath;
the Spirit-filled one,
that saves us from death.
With His sweet Spirit,
too, comes His power;
to rise and obey,
our great Strong Tower.
Allow Him to breathe,
His life into you;
the power and grace,
to live a life true.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You give us life and breath and our very being. Thank You that when we choose to follow You, You grant us the presence of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You that Your Spirit dwells in us, and is available with each breath that we take. Forgive us for forgetting that the very same power that raised You from the grave, is alive and dwelling within us who believe. Teach us to trust You more, so that we may rise up and move in faith as You are asking. Lead us and guide us in Your love. May we love others in such a way, that they clearly come to see who You are. Let the lost be found in You. Be glorified as we go forth today, with every breath we take. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.
They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. – Psalm 145:7