Reconciled Through Christ

For, there is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity – the man Christ Jesus. He gave His life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave the world at just the right time. – (1 Timothy 2:5-6, NLT)

 

Without Christ, there would be no reconciliation to a right relationship with God. The former ways of rituals and sacrifices, merely made man aware of our sin, rather than providing a permanent road to redemption. When Jesus came, everything changed. He who knew no sin, bore the weight of all that fractured the freedom between humanity and heaven, and opened the way for all to be restored unto righteousness once more.
Because Christ came and poured Himself out as an offering on our behalf, we have the freedom to live life rooted and established in Him. Help and hope are ours, both now and forevermore. May we receive the freedom that Christ has freely given, and by faith, walk out our days loving God and loving people according to His good and perfect plan.

 

Purchased for a price,

this freedom we know;

through Christ’s sacrifice,

we take root and grow.

The old former ways,

needed sacrifice;

to just pacify,

but never suffice.

At just the right time,

God opened the way;

for people restored,

to openly pray.

Removed was the veil,

that kept us apart;

now we can come close,

have Christ in our heart.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son, and the significance of what Jesus did through His life, death and resurrection for all who choose to believe. Thank You that Jesus removed the barrier between us, and that we can now come close and speak to You directly and know Your nearness for ourselves. Forgive us for not embracing the freedom that You have given in You. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would draw ever nearer to You, seeking Your help and hope in all things and at all times. Show us how to love others in a way that points their hearts to You. Be glorified O God, as we walk in the freedom of knowing Your nearness because of the love and sacrifice of Christ. Amen.

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

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

Breaking Free from Barriers

For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; He entered Heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence. – (Hebrews 9:24, NIV)

 

Christ went into the Most Holy Place. But it was not the man-made one, which is only a copy of the real one. He went into Heaven, and He is there now before God to help us. – (Hebrews 9:24, ERV)

 

Before Christ came and sacrificed Himself on the cross, the high priest was only allowed to enter the Most Holy Place once a year to make atonement for the sins of the people with a blood offering. When Jesus came and suffered on our behalf, He broke down the barriers that limited our access to the presence of our great High Priest. When Christ sacrificed Himself, the price was paid – once and for all. No longer do we have need for an earthly mediator to communicate with God. Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father, continually contending for us. We are seen through the veil of His righteousness, and received as coheirs with Christ. Let us boldly approach the throne of mercy and grace, as we seek to serve Him all of our days.

 

No barrier,

exists between;

a longing heart,

and Christ unseen.

Each honest cry,

by Heaven’s heard;

our great High Priest,

values each word.

Look to the Lord,

in suffering;

let gratitude,

from our lips, sing.

Direct access,

to His mercy;

let love and grace,

set our hearts free.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your one and only Son to make the way for us to have direct access to You. Thank You Jesus, for enduring our sin and shame on the cross. Thank You for conquering the grave and returning to the right hand of the Father, so that You can advocate for us. Forgive us for our foolishness that thinks that we have to do or be enough to somehow earn what You freely give. Teach us to embrace Your mercy and grace, and to go forth in gratitude to serve. May we extend Your love and light to all those whom we encounter, and may many come to know You, personally, as a result. Be magnified as we move past every barrier that might hinder us. Amen.

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

Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, You who have done great things.  Who, O God, is like You? – Psalm 71:19

 

The Power of Prayer

image by Lynn Roey

We are urged, first of all,

to pray without ceasing;

intercession for all,

faith ever increasing.

Pray for every leader,

and person placed in charge,

despite how they’re leading,

our God’s answers are large.

It is only through Him,

that a heart may be changed;

peace from the warriors,

sanity from deranged.

Pray that all may find peace,

lives in His holiness,

as the Savior is sought,

make known His godliness.

There is only one God,

and one Mediator;

between God and all men,

in Jesus, our Savior.

For He was a ransom,

given in proper time;

provider of purpose,

with salvation in mind.

(Responding to I Timothy 2:1-7)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder of the power provided through our prayers. Forgive us for complaining or for finding faults, rather than lifting our leaders up in prayer. Thank You that You have the power to change even the most seemingly wayward heart. Teach us to trust You, and allow Your Spirit to lead us in how we ought to pray for those placed in authority over us. Thank You that above all, You are our ultimate Authority, to whom we all must one day answer. May our every answer unto You, be yes and amen. Use our obedience to lead those who are looking, into Your loving embrace. Amen.

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