Blessed are the Invited

As another year comes to a close, I again find myself at the end of Revelation. This morning, the verse that stood out to me is as follows: Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.” – (Revelation 19:9) Those of us who love the Lord and walk with Him, are blessed and invited to the ultimate celebration. At the end of days, all who stand firm in faith in our Heavenly Father, will be blessed beyond what we can fathom.

 

Jesus gave us glimpses of what is yet to come throughout His ministry on earth. My Father’s house has many rooms, if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. – (John 14:2-3) John further unpacks what awaits in Revelation 21:9 – 22:5. Though much unpleasantness, many trials and tribulations will come to pass between now and then, we have the promised assurance of our final outcome. Our time here is fleeting, yet our time with Christ is eternal. Let us hold fast to the promises of the truth of God’s word as we march forward into 2015.

 

Most blessed are those,
invited to come;
to the wedding feast,
to sup with the Son.
Those who love the Lord,
to the end of days;
steadfast in His truth,
and faithful always.
Not by our own strength,
but trusting in His;
loving as we’re loved,
doing as He says.
The Lord is so good,
and great His reward;
for all who trust Him,
and walk in accord.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that despite what we see around us, the outcome has already been determined and the battle, already won! Thank You that You receive us as we are when we come to You, and You claim us as Your own. Thank You that You are faithful and true, and that You grow us in understanding as we seek to know You more. Thank You that regardless of what this life holds, our eternity will be beyond blessed. Thank You that we have the blessing of Your presence in the here and now, as well as the promises of what is yet to come. Forgive us for losing sight of both. Teach us to trust You more, so that we live each day with an eternal perspective. Lead us to love as You so lavishly love each of us. May many come into a saving relationship with You in the coming year. Be glorified Lord God, as we go forth operating in the gifts that You have granted us, living with an eternal perspective. Amen.

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

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” – Revelation 21:5a

Hope for Eternity

Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. – (Revelation 7:16-17)

 

This promise is for all of God’s children upon our arrival into our eternal home. For those who place their trust in Him, all of eternity is secure. It will be a space without hunger nor thirst. No suffering, nor pain. No sorrow, nor sadness; and God Himself, will be our comfort. Though we may endure discomfort, distress, disease or even disaster here, our hope remains in that which is forever. May we hold fast to the hope we have in Christ, who is the One to lead us to living waters forever.

 

No more will there be,

suffering or pain;

all will be removed,

in heaven’s domain.

The great Lamb of God,

seated on His throne;

will lead us to life,

beyond what we’ve known.

Never to hunger,

no grieving nor loss;

He’ll wipe away tears,

all placed on the cross.

Imagine the sound,

as the voices raise;

all glory to God,

who deserves all praise.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we come to You and receive that which You freely offer, the promises for all eternity are ours to hold. Thank You that we have Your presence with us now and that we have forever ahead of us, with no suffering nor pain. Thank You that even when we endure unpleasantness here, it is temporary, and the hope that we hold, is eternal. Forgive us for losing perspective when things get difficult. Help us to hold fast to our hope in You, and to trust You more completely. Be our strength and our hope, even in the most challenging times. Lead us to love as You love us, and may many come to know the hope we hold in You. Be glorified O God, as we live our days displaying our hope for eternity. Amen.

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

He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. – Proverbs 11:25

This is Amazing Grace

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,

the world, and all who live in it;

for He founded it upon the seas

and established it upon the waters.

Who may ascend the hill of the Lord?

Who may stand in His holy place?

He who has clean hands and a pure heart,

who does not lift up his soul to an idol

or swear by what is false.

He will receive blessing from the Lord

and vindication from God his Savior.

Such is the generation of those who seek Him,

who seek Your face, O God of Jacob.

Lift up your heads, O you gates;

be lifted up, you ancient doors,

that the King of glory may come in.

Who is this King of glory?

The Lord is strong and mighty,

the Lord mighty in battle.

Lift up your heads, O you gates;

lift them up, you ancient doors,

that the King of glory may come in.

Who is He, this King of glory?

The Lord Almighty –

He is the King of glory.”

– (Psalm 24)

Some days, the process of selecting just one verse or a small passage of scripture, seems to come easily.  However, today, my heart seemed to hold onto the entire Psalm.  As I read and reread this passage, wondering what I was meant to take away for today, a song that we sing in church, kept going through my mind.  After a few minutes of a rather frustrating search on Youtube, I remembered enough of the lyrics to come up with the actual title and a link.  (This is Amazing Grace, by Phil Wickham)  The following are the lyrics to This Is Amazing Grace:

Who breaks the power of sin and darkness

Whose love is mighty and so much stronger

The King of Glory, the King above all kings

Who shakes the whole earth with holy thunder

Who leaves us breathless in awe and wonder

The King of Glory, the King above all kings

This is amazing grace

This is unfailing love

That You would take my place

That You would bear my cross

You would lay down Your life

That I would be set free

Jesus, I sing for

All that You’ve done for me

Who brings our chaos back into order

Who makes the orphan a son and daughter

The King of Glory, the King above all kings

Who rules the nations with truth and justice

Shines like the sun in all of its brilliance

The King of Glory, the King above all kings

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain

Worthy is the King who conquered the grave

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain

Worthy is the King who conquered the grave

Amazing grace,

unfailing love;

He took our place,

the Lord above.

No greater gift,

we’ll ever know;

our praise to lift,

each heart aglow.

Let on this day,

declared for love;

our life point way,

to God above.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your love for us is unfailing, and Your grace – amazing.  Thank You that You created such beauty in the world around us, and provided the way for all who come to You, to dwell with You forever.  Forgive us for not giving proper praise where all praise unto You, is due.  Help us to recognize the magnitude of Your glory, so that we might live accordingly.  Teach us to trust You completely, and to love as we are loved by You.  May we reach out and care for the lost and the lonely, as You so tenderly care for us.  May many come to know You as their Savior and King, as we walk in obedience unto You.  Let all that we say and do, bring glory and honor unto You.  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

To Hold Hope

Revelation 15-18, today’s portion of scripture in my personal reading plan, continues to cover the calamities yet to come at the end of days.  For those who are in Christ, our hope and future are secure; yet those who know Him not, or have turned away from Him – devastation awaits.  His grace is greater than all of our sin and failures, and He waits with open arms, for all who choose to call on His Name.

As this particular passage unfolds, it foretells of horrific happenings yet to come.  However, in the midst of the devastation and destruction, we are reminded again, of Who will win, and that all who identify with Christ, will also be secure.  “They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings – and with Him will be His called, chosen and faithful followers.” – (Revelation 17:14)  

No one ever promised that this life would be an easy one.  In fact, Christ assured us that trouble would come.  “I have told you these things so you may have peace in Me.  In the world you will have much trouble.  But take hope!  I have power over the world!” – (John 16:33 NLV)  Despite the challenges and heartache, in Him, we have hope and security, knowing with total assurance that He is always with us, and that our future is certain and our space secured in our eternal home with Him.  Enduring all things with Him, is well worth our eternal reward.  For the day will come, when there is no more suffering, nor pain, nor tears – only light, life, peace, joy, and glorious Presence.

Times of trouble,

shall certainly come;

do not dismay,

if you love the Son.

For though wars wage,

His peace shall be ours;

if we’re in Him,

He’ll be where we are.

Fear not the day,

when peace is no more;

if found in Him,

our future’s secure.

Take hope, dear friends,

for the Light is here;

ever present,

let us all draw near.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have overcome all that we are facing, and defeated death, so that we might live eternally with You.  Forgive us for our fearfulness, and help us to grow in confidence in Your faithfulness to all who trust in You.  Help us to hold fast to our hope in You, and may Your peace be present in us, even when chaos surrounds us.  May we love others as You love us, and may many come into a saving relationship with You as we prepare to press into a brand new year.  Let Your light shine through us in all that we say and do.  May Your majesty be made evident through our every action.  Amen.

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

Patient Endurance

Any time there is repetition in scripture, I tend to take notice.  This morning, is no exception.  In reading Revelation 10-14, in between the intensity of angels and trumpets, dragon and beast, witnesses and warriors, a woman and child, the Lamb and the ensuing end, to name just a hint at the happenings – one sentence repeats both in Revelation 13:10b, and again, in Revelation 14:12.

“This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God’s people.” – (13:10b)

“This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep His commands and remain faithful to Jesus.” – (14:12)

Patient endurance is the God-given ability to suffer without yielding.  This comes as an impartation granted to the people of God – those who choose to faithfully follow Him.  It does not mean that only the “holier than thou” will endure to the end, but rather those who embrace the grace that He gives, and are intentional to earnestly seek Him.  He is faithful and just, and honors the hearts that call on His Name.

When trials come,

and temptations play;

call on His Name,

and steadfast you’ll stay.

For He will grant,

all that we shall need;

to in Him endure,

evil’s frenzied feed.

We are each called,

to be faithful, true;

He will remain,

when trials ensue.

Don’t trust in sight,

but instead, in Him;

the world may fade,

His light never dims.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son to model patient endurance and faithfulness.  Despite persecution, trouble, trials, and ultimately death on the cross, He patiently endured, never yielding to the temptation to claim His rightful power and authority, for He came to fulfill the purpose You had placed before Him, and He was faithful to endure to the end.  Thank You Jesus, for not only showing us the way, but for sending Your Holy Spirit, so that we are never on our own when we need Your wisdom and strength.  Forgive us for taking lightly the magnitude of the sacrifice that You made on our behalf, so that we might approach Your throne of grace, and enter into an eternal relationship with You.  Help us to live in such a way, that we honor You and all that You have done.  May many come to know Your saving grace as we live our lives in love, just as You have loved us.  We lift up all those who are currently patiently enduring suffering for the sake of Your Name.  Please strengthen and encourage each one, and grant them favor with their captors.  Grant them freedom soon, I pray.  All glory and honor to You.  Amen.

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

Passover

God gave His warning

image by Marilyn Barbone

told how all would be done.

Commanded they tell,

how this battle’d be won.

Tell every household

to go slaughter a lamb.

Dip hyssop in blood,

and paint ’round the door jam.

This will be the sign

the destroyer will know,

to pass by your homes,

he shall turn and just go.

The lamb you offered,

atoning sacrifice.

The death of the clean,

paid in full, debtors price.

From that day forward,

all the Jews understood,

need for atonement,

and that God was so good.

(Responding to Exodus 12)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we no longer have to slaughter animals to make atonement for our sins, but rather You sent Your Son, who was without sin, to die in our place.  Thank You that His sacrifice paid the price for all people for all time who call on Your Name and receive what You have freely offered.  Forgive us for thinking that it is somehow not enough, and please remind us again of just how far away and forgotten are all things that have been forgiven.  Thank You for Your grace.  May Your forgiveness and grace propel us to be people who love and serve in Your Name, and may many come to know You through our faithful obedience.  Amen.

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