Prioritize Peace

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. – (Romans 14:19, NIV)

So let’s try as hard as we can to do what will bring peace. Let’s do whatever will help each other grow stronger in faith. – (Romans 14:19, ERV)

So then, make it your top priority to live a life of peace with harmony in your relationships, eagerly seeking to strengthen and encourage one another. – (Romans 14:19, TPT)

 

In as much as we can, we ought to be in pursuit of peace with those around us. We are called to strengthen and encourage one another, prioritizing a life of harmony with those whom have been placed in our lives to love. This is not a “peace at any price” sort of scenario, but rather harmony through mutual encouragement and strengthening. Choosing to love in ways that make those around us stronger, rather than participating in that which can lead to dissension, is the sort of peaceful pursuit for which we are aiming. May we make every effort to do the things that lead to peace and mutual edification through His strength within us.

 

Wherever we can,

May we pursue peace;

Seek strengthen, build up,

Grace provides release.

Release from burdens,

Of judgment and scorn;

Instead, choose to love,

As Christ, the Adored.

Encourage others,

Do not choose tear down;

May peace direct us,

Let His love be found.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that through Your loving example, we are called to pursue peace. Thank You that You modeled how to strengthen and build up those around You. Forgive us for the times that we have brought others down. Teach us to trust You more, so that we may rely on You to lead us and show us how to build others up in love all around us in a way that brings peace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek to honor You through a life of pursued peace. Amen.

 

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

 

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. – Psalm 34:14

When We Need Wisdom

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. – (James 1:5, NLT)

Do any of you need wisdom? Ask God for it. He is generous and enjoys giving to everyone. So He will give you wisdom. – (James 1:5, ERV)

 

In this day and age, we can access information just about anywhere. However, there is a vast difference between information and wisdom. It requires wisdom, which is the knowledge of what is true and right, coupled with just judgment as to action (dictionary.com), to know what we are meant to do with the information we gather. True wisdom comes from God, as He is good and just and truth. When we seek Him, He is generous to grant us insight and discernment, so that we can do right by Him. As we find ourselves in spaces of needing to know what is right and true, or what exactly we are meant to do, may we seek the Lord and ask Him for wisdom each step of the way.

 

Our God is so good,

Generous and kind;

Whatever we need,

When we seek, we find.

Knowledge of the truth,

The way we should go;

What’s true and what’s right,

Things God’s wisdom shows.

We need only ask,

And our God supplies;

Without holding back,

Wisdom realized.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that if we need wisdom, we need only ask of You, and You generously give. Thank You that You will not make us feel less than for asking, but instead You lovingly give. Forgive us for attempting to act on our own insight, rather than seeking Your wisdom in all things. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would seek You and ask You for insight and discernment in all situations and circumstances, as Your wisdom is the way to light and life. Show us how to love those around us in a way that models what is true, right and just. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we ask You for the wisdom we need to navigate according to Your good and perfect will. Amen.

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

But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ. – Ephesians 2:4-5

 

Mercy Wins

Talk and act like a person expecting to be judged by the Rule that set us free. For if you refuse to act kindly, you can hardly expect to be treated kindly. Kind mercy wins over harsh judgment every time. – (James 2:12-13, MSG)

 

If our words and deeds do not reflect that which we profess, we are inviting judgment upon ourselves. God sent His Son to show us the way in which we are meant to live. Jesus modeled a life of mercy, love and grace to those around Him, and we are called to do likewise. This is not something that we are expected to do in our own wisdom nor strength, but it is by His goodness and grace that we are able to go forth and give the very things that we have been given. May we use our days to extend kindness and grace, so that the magnitude of God’s mercy can be made evident through our words and deeds.

 

Go forth in kindness,

As we have been called;

For mercy is seen,

When offered to all.

Help us treat others,

As You so love us;

So people might see,

The hope in Jesus.

Kindness always wins,

As judgment repels;

Let us move in grace,

And love like Christ well.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son to show us what it is to act kindly and to be merciful. Thank You that You equip and empower us to do the same when we seek You for strength. Forgive us for the times that we have not been kind or merciful to those who needed it most. Teach us to turn to You in those moments when kindness and grace are the furthest things from what we desire to give, so that we may act according to Your will, not our own. Show us how to love those around us in such a way, that our kindness and mercy move hearts to look to You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek Your strength and guidance to speak and act according to Your mercy and grace, so that we may move in kindness wherever we go. Amen.

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

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad. – 1 Chronicles 16:31

Standing Forgiven

If You, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with You there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve You. – (Psalm 130:3-4, NIV)

Lord, if You punished people for all their sins, no one would be left alive. But You forgive people, so they fear and respect You. – (Psalm 130:3-4, ERV)

 

The reality is that not one of us could withstand the judgment of God in our own righteousness. We all have sinned and fallen short of His glory. Because God is merciful, He sent His Son to make the way for all of our sin to be forgiven. In that space of recognizing the enormity of His grace, we cannot help but be compelled to revere and long to serve the Lord. He who has given us life and love and hope and help, is the very One whom we ought to honor in all that we say and do. May we walk out each day with the understanding of how much we have been forgiven, so that we too, shall go and do likewise.

 

No record of wrongs,

is held over us;

when we trust the Lord,

give all to Jesus.

We are forgiven,

from our sin and shame;

how can we but help,

revere the Lord’s Name?

When we know the truth,

the size of His grace;

our hearts long to serve,

for all of our days.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we come to You and give our hearts to You, You forgive us and keep no record of our wrongs. Thank You that by Your grace, we are able to stand before You, clean and made righteous in You. Thank You that You alone are worthy of our reverence and desire to serve. Forgive us for seeking to serve ourselves or for not giving proper respect and reverence unto You. Teach us to see You in light of who You are and all that You have done, so that we may properly serve and honor You. Show us how to love others in such a way, that they too would come to understand the magnitude of the grace that You extend to all who come unto You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You with all that we are and seek to serve You in all that we do. Amen.

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

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. – Psalm 23:6

Belief in the Battle

In the story of David and Goliath, David was still but a boy, going obediently to his brothers on the battle lines, to deliver food rations. Upon his arrival, he became aware of the sinister situation with the giant called Goliath. David was infuriated when he heard Goliath making a mockery of the Israelites, and inquired as to why nothing had been done. Because David had stood against various giants before as a shepherd in the fields, (a lion and a bear) and God had given him the strength to overcome each, he knew that God would be with him in the same way against this Philistine who was defying the living God. David was so confident in the Lord, that his own words as he faced Goliath included “All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.” – (1 Samuel 17:47)

 

David’s unwavering faith resulted in an end to a forty-day stand-off. God granted victory to the Israelites because David was willing to faithfully take a stand. God hears our call for His help, and is present for all who seek Him. Those who know Your Name will trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You. – (Psalm 9:10)

 

Though we may not always see results right away, as David did, when we trust in the Lord, He will not forsake us. He is present, and He is worthy of all of our trust, despite the way things appear. May we rise up with faith like David’s, even when face our own Goliath. God is with us, and the battle belongs to Him.

 

Real obedience,

is faith on the move;

going where He calls,

trusting His word’s true.

When in the battle,

let us trust the fight;

not to our own strength,

but to the Lord’s might.

For He won’t forsake,

those who call on Him;

so let us each trust,

the Lord enter in.

He saves us from death,

and certain defeat;

judgment and justice,

the Lord’s to complete.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that though we may face giants before us, every battle belongs to You. Thank You that we can trust in You, just as David did, knowing that it is You in us that will strengthen and equip us to face what lies in front of us. Forgive us for our fearfulness that keeps us stuck, rather than moving in obedience. Teach us to trust You more, so that we may move as You ask, and allow You to fight for us, through us, and in us, so that we may come to know the victory that You have in store for each of our lives. Lead us to love others with the same relentless love that You give to us, and may many come into a saving relationship with You as a result. Be magnified O God, as we walk fearlessly in obedience in the battles, and allow You room to fight on our behalf. Amen.

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

As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. – James 5:11

Trust – No Matter What

The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him. – (Nahum 1:7)

This verse of promised hope is found in the midst of Nahum’s pronouncement of God’s judgment on Assyria. Despite His despair over the sinfulness of the people who only a century prior, had repented (see story of Jonah), the Lord still assured those who chose Him, that He would be their refuge and care for them. He is indeed good. May we be among those who choose to trust in Him; knowing His goodness and grace, as we receive His care and count on Him to be our refuge when trouble comes.

 

Trust in the Lord,
no matter what comes;
He’ll care for us,
’til our days are done.
For He is good,
refuge in the storms;
He’ll remain close,
protection from harm.
Even when hurts,
come and enter in;
He’ll heal our wounds,
restore us again.
Lord, all our trust,
we give unto You;
may we follow,
all You ask us to.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good. Thank You that You are our refuge in times of trouble, and that You care for those who place their trust in You. Thank You that when we seek You, we find You, and our faith and trust is grown by Your grace. Forgive us for our lack of trust when trouble comes, and help us hold fast to You, who will never leave us nor forsake us. May we love others with the same unrelenting goodness and grace that You grant unto us, and may many come to know You as a result. Be glorified as we go forth trusting You in all that we say and do. Amen.

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

Shout aloud and sing for joy. – Isaiah 12:6

Where Wisdom Begins

Wisdom, the knowledge of what is true and right, coupled with just judgment as to action, discernment and insight, is a gift from God that He gives as we earnestly seek Him. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. – (Proverbs 9:10 NIV) Wisdom begins with fear and respect for the Lord. Knowledge of the Holy One leads to understanding. (ERV)

 

With all of the chaos and turmoil present in the world, Godly wisdom is an attribute from which I would most certainly benefit. I need to know what is true and right in His eyes, not man’s nor my own, and I must be able to act justly, utilize discernment, and offer insight to those who ask. Daily, I must earnestly seek Him, for He alone is the Source of all wisdom and knowledge to know what is true and right before Him.

 

Each morning I rise,

to seek and to pray;

to ask You to lead,

to show me Your way.

Lord, grant me wisdom,

knowledge of what’s true;

also sound judgment,

and Your insight too.

Help me understand,

things that are unclear;

draw me closer still,

and show me You’re near.

God I stand in awe,

may my life bring praise;

all glory to You,

for all of my days.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we grow in understanding of You, and put You in the proper place in our lives, You reveal more of Yourself to us, and grant us wisdom and understanding that we did not have before. Thank You that every good and perfect gift comes from You. Thank You that there is nothing that we can do to earn Your love nor Your grace, for You willingly give all that You are to us, simply because we are Your created. Forgive us for not seeking You, as You are ready to reveal so much more to us than we understand. Teach us to trust You more, and help us to place You first in our hearts and lives. May we live and love in the wisdom and understanding that You provide, so that people are drawn to hearts where You reside. Let those who are looking, find a forever faith in You. Be exalted, O God. Amen.

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

May God Almighty grant you mercy. – Genesis 43:14

 

 

Our Righteous Judge

Scornful looks, unkind words – judgments passed, despite the deliberate instructions that we have been given to not judge one another. You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. – (Romans 2:1) Often the very thing that we want to judge in another, is something we dislike in ourselves.

 

Additionally, we will be judged as we judge, and forgiven as we forgive. “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” – (Matthew 7:1-2) We must separate the sin from the sinner, and recognize our own propensity for the very same. If we are meant to approach the individual as one who comes along side them to help them escape, it must be done in humility, kindness, and love, extending forgiveness and grace, just as we too, have been granted forgiveness and grace from our Heavenly Father.

 

When an offense,

does happen to you;

how will you respond?

What will you do?

Will you speak out,

with angry retort;

or trust in the Lord,

seek His support?

Though each offense,

hurts our very soul;

we have to trust God,

to make us whole.

When we lash out,

more damage is done;

we get in the way,

of true freedom.

Trust in the Lord,

no matter what comes;

He shall grant wisdom,

His will be done.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our Righteous Judge, and that we do not need to fill that role. Thank You that though we are hurt and offended by people, we need not lash out nor pronounce judgment upon them. Thank You that Your grace is far greater than our own, and the very thing that offends us in others, is often that which bothers us most in ourselves. Forgive us for passing judgment on others, and help us to greet everyone with grace and Your love. May each of us come to a place of repentance as You show us the error in our ways, and grant us the grace we need to grow closer in our walk with You. Let those who are looking find a forever faith in You. Teach us to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with You all of our days. Amen.

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

Listen… be wise, and keep your heart on the right path. – Proverbs 23:19

 

 

Acts of Obedience

We are in the middle of a series called “Surprised by Hope“ at the church I call home. Yesterday’s message was centered around “The Death of Jesus”, as we remember what went on during this sacred week so many years ago. The consequence of sin is death, and we are powerless to escape the hold of sin, unless God breaks in and rescues us from ourselves. In order for Him to do so, He requires a faith response on our part.

 

Jesus made His entry during the Passover celebration. This celebration is ultimately a remembrance of God’s faithfulness to the people’s obedience. God told the people that He would bring judgment on every household, unless a lamb was sacrificed and the blood marked on the doorposts. Though it likely made little sense, the people chose obedience to protect their precious families. As a result of their obedience, the angel of death passed over their homes, and they were all safe, while those who had not obeyed, were in the midst of great mourning. God delivered them because He loved them.

 

Christ’s sacrifice was an act of obedience. Because Jesus knew no sin, He could take on our sin and bear all of our burdens so that we could come to know redemption. Jesus knew what He would have to endure on our behalf, yet He was willing anyway.

 

What God asks of us does not always make sense, but He wants our heart, our will, our faith to trust Him, even if what He asks is not what we would expect. “…To obey is better than sacrifice…” (I Samuel 15:22b)

 

The consequence,

of sin is death;

without the Lord,

we’re powerless.

As we seek Him,

surrender all;

He’ll hear our heart,

and heed our call.

Prepare to do,

all that He asks;

regardless of,

the bizarre tasks.

For what He wants,

is our whole heart;

obedient,

each precious part.

So seek the Lord,

follow His ways;

redemption ours,

now and always.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son and making the way for us to be considered righteous before You. Thank You Jesus, for enduring the weight and suffering that should have been mine to bear. Thank You for redeeming us from our former ways, and granting us new life in You. Forgive us for thinking that we have to sacrifice enough or do enough to earn Your favor, and help us to receive that which You freely give. May we embrace the grace that You grant us, and respond in faith to whatever You ask. Lead us to live confidently as Your redeemed children. Let us love others as You love us, and may many come to know the blessed deliverance that comes from You alone. Be glorified, Lord God. Amen.

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

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad. – I Chronicles 16:31

 

 

 

No Condemnation in Christ

Condemnation is to judge and deem one guilty. To feel condemned, whether guilty or not, is a bit unbearable. Once, when I was likely in late elementary school, my mom, sister and I, had stopped at a grocery store in a not-so-nice neighborhood. I was carrying a small purse, and for some reason, my sister and I had wandered to a separate aisle from my mom. Gum and lip gloss were the only elements to grace my petite purse, and Megan asked me for some gum. Without regard for our location, I opened my purse and pulled out a stick of gum for her. Before I could zip my little bag closed again, a store worker came up to me with a very angry look on his face, and accused me of stealing from his store. Either my look of sheer horror at his suggestion, or my offer for him to search my immediately outstretched belongings, either way, suddenly his judgment was repealed and he turned and walked away; leaving two girls who had not even entertained such a thought, shaking in their shoes.

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” – (Romans 8:1)

Though I was not guilty then, and was accused, every day of my existence I fall short and am deserving of His judgment. However, because Christ lives in me, I am seen through His covering, and called clean; not guilty, and set free from the death that I deserve. I cannot even begin to fathom what it would be like to face our final day on our own. Without Christ, the penalty is death. In Christ, we have eternal hope, and the promise of His presence, always.

In Christ we’ll stand,

for we are free;

He paid the price,

we’ve been redeemed.

No more condemned,

the verdict’s clear;

death is no more,

in Christ a fear.

For He is ours,

and we are His;

covered children,

His righteousness.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that in You, we are deemed NOT GUILTY, as You took all of our guilt upon Yourself and already paid the price. Thank You that in You, we are freed from sin and death, and have the power of Your Holy Spirit dwelling in us. Forgive us for submitting to sin, and help us to be more than conquerors in You. Teach us how to trust in Your power living in us, to help us overcome any temptation that comes our way. Help us to live out lives of love that give grace that guides many unto You. Let those who are looking, find eternal hope in You. Amen.

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