Peace to Pursue His Path

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you!  As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” – (John 20:21)

First, Jesus reminded the disciples by whose authority He had been sent, and in turn, would equip and send all whom choose to trust in Him.  Whatever God asks us to do, we have the authority through Christ, to do that to which we have been called.  Jesus came and modeled how we are to live a life invested in our Source of peace and power, so that we may pursue all that the Father is calling us to do.  Though in our own strength we cannot begin to fathom the things to which we have been called, in Him, we are more than conquerors, and can complete every task that He has asked.  May we invest and be encouraged, trusting that He who sends us, also equips us, and places His peace within us.

                                                                                                                                                                Before He said go,

image by violscraper

He said, “I give peace.”

Not just settled hearts,

but in Him, release.

Set free to be sent,

where we’re called to go;

to do as He asks,

so others may know.

We’ve nothing to fear,

we’re never alone;

He went before us,

and reigns on the throne.

No power on earth,

is greater than He;

we must choose to walk,

and trust we are free.

Free to go in faith,

to answer His call;

in obedience,

tear down prison walls.

All that would hinder,

our hearts from pursuit;

of Christ our Savior,

fulfiller of truth.

 

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You first give us Your peace that surpasses all understanding in our hearts and minds, so that we can focus our attention on You and the truth – no matter what lies before us.  Thank You that You sent Your Holy Spirit to equip and empower us to do surpassingly more than we could ever imagine, by Your strength, when we choose to listen and obey.  Forgive us for our fearfulness of what we see with our human eyes, rather than our heart invested in You.  Teach us to trust You more, so that we would fix our eyes on You, the Author and Finisher of our faith, and the One who enables us to do all that to which we have been called.  Lead us to love well, each heart You call us to care for.  May many come into a personal relationship with You.  Be exalted O God, as we receive the peace that You place in our hearts, and go forth in obedience to all that You ask.  Amen.

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

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy. – Hebrews 4:16

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.

 

Finding the quiet,

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.

 

Our very first breath,

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