Possible

Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” – (Luke 18:27, NIV)

Jesus answered, “God can do things that are not possible for people to do.” – (Luke 18:27, ERV)

Jesus: Remember, what is humanly impossible is possible with God. – (Luke 18:27, VOICE)

On our own, many things are not possible. However, with God, all things are possible. This does not mean that He works with a magic wand to grant wishes, but rather He moves in ways we could never imagine and does the impossible on our behalf. His power goes beyond human understanding, and His love, far greater than we can fathom. Each day I am reminded of this as I go to work to teach classes that I have never taught before, and encounter challenges that have not been present previously. On my own, I’d be sunk. With God, I have new strength every morning and new resolve to start again. Some days I look back and am in awe of how He carried me and other days I can see how He equipped me. Either way, He does far more than I could hope or imagine and has blessed me with new things that bring me joy. My new role as an assistant volleyball coach ends each day well, no matter how my last few classes unfolded. God knows our hearts and finds ways to remind us that all is possible with Him. May we ever look to the Lord to be our strength and to move in and through us as only He can do.

What’s impossible,

To humanity;

Is not for the Lord,

Our Savior unseen.

Ever He’s working,

Much more than we see;

His plans are for good,

To eternity.

So, trust in the Lord,

He moves far beyond;

Help when we’re weary,

His love makes us strong.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for moving far beyond what we can see or imagine. Thank You that what is impossible for us is not for You. Forgive us for limiting You with our human understanding. Teach us to trust You more as we recognize the impossibilities that You have made possible all around us. Show us how to love as You love, which on our own is truly impossible. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You in all things – great and small, and praise You for all that is possible in You. Amen.

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

“If you can?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” – Mark 9:23

Persistent Pursuit

“What do you want Me to do for you?” “Lord,” he said, “I want to see!” And Jesus said, “All right, receive your sight! Your faith has healed you.” – (Luke 18:41-42, NLT)

 

“What do you want Me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, I want to see again.” Jesus said to him, “You can see now. You are healed because you believed.” – (Luke 18:41-42, ERV)

 

Jesus: What do you want Me to do for you?

Blind Man: Lord, let me receive my sight.

Jesus: Receive your sight; your faith has made you well. – (Luke 18:41-42, VOICE)

 

I so appreciate this story about the blind beggar and his exchange with Jesus that led to his healing. The blind man could have sat in silence and kept to himself, yet, he had heard word of this man, Jesus, who had healed others. Somehow, in the depth of his heart, the blind man realized that he had nothing to lose and everything to gain. Hope gave him strength of heart and voice to keep calling out to Jesus from the side of the road, despite the disciples and passersby attempt to keep him quiet. When Jesus saw the persistence of the blind man, He stopped and gave him His undivided attention. In a brief, but intentional exchange, Jesus asked the man what he wanted, and healed him because he had believed. Imagine if we called out to Jesus in the same way… May we go to God without hesitation, trusting that He has the power to do insurmountably more than we could ever hope or imagine as we surrender ourselves and our need to Him.

 

When we go to God, 

And choose to believe;

He moves mightily,

As grace is received.

For if we ask not,

How can we receive?

It is by our faith,

We learn to believe.

All that is required,

Is but a small seed;

For hope to grow faith,

God grants what we need.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You hear our cries for Your help, and You are ready to meet our needs. Thank You that all that is required of us is faithful pursuit of You. Forgive us for allowing what we see or think we know about our circumstances or those around us to get in the way of our asking in faith. Teach us to trust You more, as You are far greater than anything that we face. Show us how to love those around us in a way that grants hope and strength, so that they too see the hope that is held in You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we persistently pursue You with unflappable faith. 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

How Impossible Becomes Possible

Remember, what is humanly impossible is possible with God. – (Luke 18:27, VOICE)

He replied, “What is impossible for people is possible with God.” – (Luke 18:27, NLT)

Jesus answered, “God can do things that are not possible for people to do.” – (Luke 18:27, ERV)

 

The mountains that lie before us, no matter how great or small, can be climbed or moved when we rely on Christ. In our own strength, there is much that is seemingly impossible that stands before us, beckoning to be accomplished. Through human insight and understanding, it seems we may as well stop before we even start. However, if God has called us to something, He will lead us through it. The seemingly impossible becomes possible, as we choose to be led by faith and not by sight. God’s grace, goodness, provision and strength, carry us further than we ever thought we might go. May we look to the Lord and be led by faith, rather than staying stuck on the seeming impossibilities that stand in front of us.

 

Mountains before us, 

That seem far too high;

Passable in Christ,

When on Him, we rely.

No height that’s too great,

Nor valley too low;

All that’s before us,

With us, God will go.

So trust in the Lord,

And see what He’ll do;

Mountains will be moved,

As we’re carried through.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that what is impossible for us, is possible with You. Thank You that in You, all things are possible. Thank You that You do not call us to anything that You are not also willing to strengthen, equip and carry us through. Forgive us for our fear and lack of faith when we see the seemingly impossible standing in front of us. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would see the seeming impossibilities as opportunities for Your power to be demonstrated in incredible new ways. Show us how to love others in ways that help them to see the possibilities before them rather than the obstacles. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You to do the impossible in our lives, as only You can. Amen.

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

Answer me, O Lord, out of the goodness of Your love; in Your great mercy turn to me. – Psalm 69:16

When We Are Real

For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. – (Luke 18:14b, NLT)

People who make themselves important will be made humble. But those who make themselves humble will be made important. – (Luke 18:14b, ERV)

If you walk around with your nose in the air, you’re going to fall flat on your face, but if you’re content to simply be yourself, you will become more than yourself. – (Luke 18:14b, MSG)

 

After having had my first day with some of my sixth graders yesterday, this verse is an excellent affirmation of my approach. I have never taught sixth grade before, as my previous twenty years of teaching have been spent with seventh, eighth and even ninth graders. Rather than pretending to know what I am doing with this age group and that I have it all together, I began by being real with my students, and let them know that I did not know exactly what to expect from sixth grade students, and that I would need their help to figure it out. By establishing my need for their help as we work together towards success this year, and discover together what it will take for each to accomplish their goals, there was a sense of comfort and communication that began to take root. May we be real with one another, wherever we are at, and look for ways to encourage and lift each other up.

 

Let’s come as we are, 

Wherever we’re at;

For when we are real,

Character’s intact.

People will respect,

The truth that we speak;

Our need for their help,

Is not seen as weak.

We were created,

For community;

To work together,

To rise and meet needs.

So let us gather,

Join in and give grace;

Provide our support,

For all in this space.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we choose to be real and come humbly into whatever we are called, You meet us and provide the help we need to accomplish what is asked of us. Thank You that we are not meant to do everything all on our own, as You place us in community and provide help and hope as we are willing to admit our need. Forgive us for the times that we do not humble ourselves and admit our own need for help or for thinking that we somehow have it all together. Teach us to trust You more, as there is ALWAYS more to learn and room to grow in this process of being refined and becoming who You are calling us to be. Show us how to love those around us with humility and grace, so that they may feel safe and valued as You intended. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose to be honest wherever we are at, and trust You to make up for where we lack. 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

Be Consistent and Don’t Quit

Jesus told them a story showing that it is necessary for them to pray consistently and never quit. – (Luke 18:1, MSG)

Then Jesus taught the followers that they should always pray and never lose hope… – (Luke 18:1, ERV)

 

The story that Jesus used to demonstrate this truth to His followers, was the story of a persistent widow and an unjust judge. Though the judge lacked compassion, he ultimately granted the widow what she was requesting, because of her unwavering persistence. She refused to give up, and eventually received the justice that she was seeking. If an unjust judge will grant justice to someone who is relentless in their pursuit of what is right, how much more will a loving God hear the requests of those who earnestly seek Him? God sees, hears and knows what we need, and is at the ready to be our help and our hope. Our charge is to present our requests before Him. When what we are asking is in alignment with the will of God, He is faithful to provide what we need to continue on the path that we are meant to pursue. Answers rarely come in ways that we would anticipate, yet He is always faithful to meet us as we choose to persist in our asking. May we continue in our pursuit of God with persistence, as He is faithful and present forever.

 

Do not grow weary, 

Of faithful pursuit;

For sometimes answers,

Come along our route.

Keep pressing forward,

Ask and ask again;

For God is faithful,

We must trust His “when”.

Sometimes repeating,

Our prayerful requests;

Remind us that God,

Alone, knows what’s best.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You do not grow weary of our requests for Your help in our lives, and in fact You tell us to keep asking and pursuing You and that which we need. Forgive us for our lack of persistence when we do not see answers right away, and teach us to trust in Your perfect timing. Show us how to love well, those all around us, so that they may be encouraged and strengthened in their own spaces of waiting. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we persistently pursue You in all things and at all times; for we know that You are faithful to answer. Amen.

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

For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. – 1 Peter 2:19

Persistently Pursue in Praise

A blind beggar on the side of the road was calling out to Jesus. People tried to silence him, but he shouted all the louder. His persistence captured the attention of Jesus, and the following exchange took place:

Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”

“Lord, I want to see,” he replied.

Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God. – (Luke 18:40-42)

When we know what we need from the Lord, and we persist in our pursuit of Him, He moves mightily and miracles take place. The challenge is that we not give up when our circumstances or surroundings tell us to be silent. Faith requires us to keep calling out, even when all seems impossible in our own eyes. As we are willing to keep pressing in, we make room for God to move. The moment we are aware of His touch, or His acting on our behalf, we ought to respond with thanks and praise. When we do, others too, have the opportunity to become aware of His faithfulness, and express their gratitude as well. May we have a persistent faith that refuses to be silenced, even when the world around us would tell us there is no hope; for in Christ, our hope brings healing and health and wholeness.

When we are but blind,

and needing to see;

our charge is to call,

on Christ to be free.

For only through Him,

will we truly find;

freedom for body,

heart, spirit and mind.

We must choose press in,

no matter what’s said;

let faith fill our hearts,

chase doubt from our heads.

With all that we are,

let us offer praise;

so others may know,

the Ancient of Days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You meet us with Your love as we call on You in faith. Thank You that when we seek You, we find You. Thank You that You are merciful and kind, and that You love us back to life, despite how we come before You. Forgive us for our lack of faith or persistence, and teach us to trust You more, so that we would have the faith of the blind beggar that is relentless, regardless of what those around us might say. Lead us to love others generously and faithfully, so that they might see You in us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we persist in our pursuit of You, and give You all of our praise. Amen.

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

God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me. – Genesis 21:6

Weighty Words

He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”

“Lord, I want to see,” he replied.

Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” – (Luke 18:38-42)

 

Though a seemingly simple exchange, the weight of the words are extremely significant. Religious leaders who had studied scriptures and seen Jesus speak and do the miraculous before their own eyes, did not recognize Him as the Messiah. A blind man, who begged by the side of the road and likely only heard stories of what Jesus had done, believed and called out to Christ by Name. He knew that the One passing before him on the road, was Him alone who could restore his sight. Though desperate and destitute, the blind man had enough faith to cry out to Christ. Even when he was hushed, he called out all the louder, in hope of being heard. His act of faith resulted in his being seen, heard and healed. May we too, recognize the power present in our Messiah, and call on Him in faith in all things and at all times. May our response also be to follow, praising God for all that He is.

 

Merciful Savior,

He hears when we call:

He gives us His time,

and loves us through all.

Christ beckons us near,

draws us closer still;

hears each faithful cry,

with His peace, He’ll fill.

We need to persist,

choose trust and believe;

the Lord is faithful,

by grace, we receive.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have given us such clear evidence of who You are. Thank You for Your Word and for sending Your Son to show us the way unto You. Forgive us for our lack of faith or our unbelief, and grant us the same sort of sight that the blind beggar had, so that we may clearly see that You alone are our only hope. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will seek You in all things and at all times. Lead us to love others as Jesus loved all whom He encountered. May many come to find their hope in You alone, as we faithfully follow You. Be exalted O God, as we praise You for all that You are in our lives. Amen.

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

God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me. – Genesis 21:6

The Sight of A Blind Man

image by Brian K. Rice

As Jesus approached Jericho,
a blind man asked who was going by.
When they told him, Jesus of Nazareth,
“Jesus, Son of David,” he did cry.
“Have mercy on me,” the beggar yelled,
the crowd replied with firm rebuke.
So louder he called out to Christ,
as this story tells us in Luke.
Jesus, full of compassion,
stopped and ordered him brought near.
He asked him what he wanted.
“My sight,” he said without fear.
Jesus said, “Receive your sight,
for your faith has healed you.”
The sight of that blind beggar
seems to have been the clearest view.
For when we look by faith,
instead of what is seen,
our view becomes the clearest,
to learn what true faith means.
(Response to Luke 18:35-42)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that true sight is not dependant on what our eyes can see, but rather on what You reveal to our hearts. Teach us to trust You and Your character, rather than how things around us appear. Forgive us for relying on our own vision, as we are all a bit blind to what You have in store for each of us. Help our hearts hold the hope of our heavenly home, and may we live out our days with our eyes on that prize, rather than on that which is temporary. Lead us in love, so that we may walk by faith and not by sight. As we walk, use our willing obedience to touch hearts and transform communities, so that all eyes may truly see You. Amen.

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