The Work of Wisdom

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. – (Psalm 90:12, NIV)

Teach us how short our lives are so that we can become wise. – (Psalm 90:12, ERV)

Teach us to number our days so that we may truly live and achieve wisdom. – (Psalm 90:12, VOICE)

The older I get, the more aware I become of just how short life truly is. Each day is a gift, and we either learn and grow as we go, or life passes us by. Wisdom is the work of God in us as we seek Him to teach us more of who He is and how He calls us to love. To gain a heart of wisdom, we must be intentional to seek the Lord in all things and to trust Him as He walks beside us and leads us in the directions we are meant to go. This does not transpire overnight, but rather is a lifelong process. God has gifted me with access to wise women who have a few years more life experience than me to bless, encourage, challenge and model what it is to ever grow in wisdom. Each are acutely aware that every single day is a gift to be treasured, and their faithfulness models what an ongoing pursuit of wisdom in Him looks like. My hope for the coming year is to ever seek the Lord to grow in His wisdom so that I may walk out my days according to His purpose.

Please teach me, O Lord,

To number my days;

To grow in wisdom,

And walk in Your ways.

I need Your guidance,

Each day that I wake;

To love as You love,

And learn from mistakes.

Thank You, Lord Jesus,

That all that life brings;

Can be used for good,

Because You’re the King.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we grow and trust You more, we gain wisdom and insight in You. Thank You that You are faithful to show us how You can work all things together for our good, even when our circumstances are not. Forgive us for being flippant with our time and for the times that we have delayed in seeking You. Show us how to turn to You first in all things, and to listen to Your leading. Help us to love those around us as You do, so that all might gain glimpses of Your goodness and love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we recognize the gift that each new day brings and choose to seek You with intention so that we may continue to grow in wisdom as we go. Amen.

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

Reverence for the Eternal is the first step toward wisdom. All those who worship Him have a good understanding. His praise will echo through eternity! – Psalm 111:10

Do Not Grow Tired of Doing Good

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. – (Galatians 6:9, NIV) 

We must not get tired of doing good. We will receive our harvest of eternal life at the right time. We must not give up. – (Galatians 6:9, ERV) 

And let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t get discouraged and give up. – (Galatians 6:9, TLB) 

 

There is a reason that we are charged to not become weary or grow tired of doing what is good and right – because at times, it is exhausting. Sometimes, it requires every ounce of resolve within us, to continue on and do what we know is right, especially when those around us are not. Often, it is a matter of one or two, sticking to what they know is right and true, in order for others to follow. Before long, there is a blessing in knowing the right choice has been made, and that perseverance has been empowered by God. May we ever seek the Lord to be our strength, so that we do not grow tired of doing what is right. 

As for mom, she is blessed in her persistence with therapies. Though weary by late afternoon when I call, mom is pleased with the new exercises and challenges that the therapists are presenting for her, as she knows that this is the way to positive progress forward. May she persist in the good work she is doing, and see the harvest of blessings in the season to come. 

 

O Lord, help us stay,

Persistent in good; 

Choosing to live well, 

And do as we should. 

The “should” not set forth, 

By mere human heart; 

But ordained by God, 

To set us apart. 

Apart for His hands, 

To love and to serve; 

To do good, be blessed, 

Such love undeserved. 

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to love like You. While we were yet sinners, You loved us to life. Thank You that You call us to do the same. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to do good. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will not grow weary in doing good. Show us how to love those around us in a way that blesses, encourages and builds up. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we love You and seek You to be our strength to persist so we may continue to do good according to You will. Amen. 

 

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

 

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. – Psalm 37:5-6

 

A Pleasing Path

There are no words, thoughts nor deeds that are not known by God. He hears, sees and knows all. As a child of God, my desire is to please Him with all that I am. In my own strength, such a daunting task is unobtainable. However, if I am in Christ, and begin my days seeking Him, allowing His love to lead and guide my thoughts, words and deeds, then I allow His Spirit to reign, and my pursuit of His path is pleasing unto Him. Christ’s love for us is not conditional. Because He loves, I long to seek Him and be pleasing before Him in how I live.

 

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. – (Psalm 19:14)

 

As our Rock, Christ is the foundation that shall not be moved. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. His faithfulness never ends. We are able to come before Him, because the Lord is our Redeemer; the one who paid the price for all of our sin and shame, so that we are free to live a life that is pleasing in His sight. May the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be pleasing before the Lord.

 

Let each word spoken,

be pleasing to You;

seasoned by Your love,

that builds up, renews.

May our hidden thoughts,

convey light and life;

let too our actions,

dispel thoughts of strife.

For You are our Rock,

the foundation stone;

unshakable truth,

greatest love, made known.

Faithful Redeemer,

You paid such a price;

so we could be free,

holy sacrifice.

O Lord, let us live,

lives pleasing to You;

extending Your love,

and sharing the truth.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You made the way for us to come before You through the sacrifice of Your Son. Thank You Jesus, for taking our place, so that we may enter into a right relationship with You. Forgive us for the words, thoughts and deeds that we have spoken, thought or done, that have not been reflective of our relationship with You. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will stand firm in our faith, and choose Your words, Your thoughts and Your ways, no matter what comes before us. Lead us to lay our own agenda before You each day, so that we may be led by Your love instead. Help us to love others as You so lavishly love each of us. May many come into a saving relationship with You. Be exalted O God, as we rely on You to choose words wisely and fix our hearts on You, so that we may be pleasing before You. 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

Direct My Footsteps

Direct my footsteps according to Your word; let no sin rule over me. – (Psalm 119:133)

 

As I look forward to the coming new year, I anticipate what is yet to be. God, in His grace and wisdom, always has something new for us, if we are only willing to listen and learn. In order to hear Him, we must be listening. To obey, we must be willing to go where He asks. Both our hearing and obeying are hindered, if we are steeped in sin. May these words be both our prayer and our declaration, as we prepare to enter a brand new year. Direct our steps, O Lord, according to Your word; and let no sin rule over us.

 

We come to You, Lord,

with our hearts prepared;

eager to listen,

to what You will share.

Direct our footsteps,

by Thy Holy Word;

let no sin ensnare,

so Your voice is heard.

May we more than hear,

too, also obey;

seeking You in prayer,

so we know Your way.

Lead us on Your path,

of love and what’s right;

may we honor You,

bring You joy; delight.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we seek You, You speak to us and guide us in the ways that we are meant to go. Direct our steps, O Lord, according to Your word. Keep us from being sucked into sin, and help us to ever depend on You. Forgive us for neglecting to listen to Your leading, or for continuing to give in to sin that You give us strength to withstand. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will listen and obey in all things and at all times. Lead us to love according to Your word, and may many come to know You as their Lord and Savior. Be glorified, O God, as we allow You to direct our steps and keep us from becoming stuck in sin. 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

Praise Through Our Purpose

The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; Your love, O Lord, endures forever – do not abandon the works of Your hands. – (Psalm 138:8)

 

God is faithful to fulfill His promises, and His presence remains, forever. The Lord loves with an everlasting love, as we are the work of His hands. It is imperative that we listen and learn, allowing His heart to shape ours, so that as we go forth pursuing the passions placed within us, they align with His will for our lives. As we navigate our days, it is good and necessary to follow David’s example, and include thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness for answered prayer. May we continue to seek the Lord and His purpose for our lives, as we embrace His everlasting love that He so generously pours out upon us, the wondrous works or His hands.

 

Faithful forever,

is our loving God;

with plans and purpose,

we grant Him all laud.

He won’t abandon,

the works of His hands;

each one He has formed,

made us with a plan.

We must choose listen,

allow Him be heard;

so that our passions,

be led by His word.

All thanks be to God,

Who’s faithful and just;

He loves with His life,

let’s give Him our trust.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have plans and purposes for each of us, the works of Your hands. Thank You that Your love endures forever, and that Your promises persist for all time. Forgive us for not giving our whole heart or undivided attention to You and Your will for our lives, and help us to fully submit ourselves unto You. Teach us to trust You completely, as You are completely worthy of our trust. May we live and love as You have planned and designed us to do, and may many come to know You as a result. Be exalted Lord God, as we praise You through walking out our purpose. 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

Cling to Hope

No one whose hope is in You

will ever be put to shame,

but they will be put to shame

who are treacherous without excuse.

Show me Your ways, O Lord,

teach me Your paths;

guide me in Your truth and teach me,

for You are God my Savior,

and my hope is in You all day long.

– (Psalm 25:3-5)

 

After a trying week, I knew as I woke, that the Lord was reminding me anew of my need to cling to Him, in hope. To hope in Him, is to look forward believing, trusting with complete confidence, that He will work all things together for the ultimate good of those who love Him, regardless of how things appear in the moment. He hold us in the palm of His hands, and leads us on the path He has prepared for us. There are no guarantees that the road with be smooth and simple, in fact we are assured that there will be times of trial; yet our hope, (the assurance that all will turn out for the best), remains, when we place our trust in Christ.

 

When every wall,

begins closing in;

what we thought sturdy,

we find paper thin –

let hope, rise up again.

When what was certain,

has become unclear;

when waves are crashing,

and we cannot steer –

allow hope, to draw near.

When pain overwhelms,

and it’s hard to breathe;

when what was assured,

has taken a leave –

to hope, let our hearts cleave.

Lord, show me Your ways,

teach me what to do;

for You are my God,

You lead me in truth –

all hope, made new in You.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that our hope comes from You. Thank You that when we trust in You, we need not fear, for You hold us in the palm of Your hands. Thank You that as we seek You, You show us the way that we are meant to go, and You grant us all that is needed to do whatever You ask of us. Forgive us for our fearfulness, as it is so difficult to trust when we get weighed down by the weight of the world. Free us from that which binds us, and grant us Your peace. May we walk in the freedom of Your hope, and share the assurance our hearts hold with all whom we encounter. May many come to know salvation in You, as we love people, as You love us. Be glorified in all that we say and do. Amen.

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

You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence.

– Acts 2:28

Show Me Your Ways

“Show me Your ways, O Lord,

teach me Your paths;

guide me in Your truth and teach me,

for You are God my Savior,

and my hope is in You all day long.”

– (Psalm 25:4-5)

These words, penned by David as part of a prayer for defense, guidance and pardon, demonstrate the complete necessity to turn to God for guidance in all things and at all times.  Despite some desperately shaky seasons in David’s life, he knew that the solution to each challenge, was to call on the Lord, and trust in Him to provide wisdom and guidance in the way in which he was meant to go.

When we ask the Lord to show us His ways, what are we meant to do?  He has provided a primary guidance system for us through His Word, and when we spend time reading it and asking Him to show us new things, He answers – unlocking new understanding and insight that we did not have before.  The more we know Him, the more deeply we trust and place our hope in Him.  As we become aware of the magnitude of His majesty, we cannot help but turn to trust.  Hope begins to hold fast to our hearts as we hear His beat for us, individually.

Show me Your ways,

as I seek to know;

all of my days,

O Lord, help me grow.

Let wisdom come,

understanding too;

from rising sun,

’til the day is through.

May my heart seek,

earnestly each day;

Strength when we’re weak,

our purpose to pray.

You are my hope,

God, Savior of all;

courage to cope,

as You hear each call.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are willing to show us Your ways, and teach us Your truth.  Thank You that You have provided Your Word and the way to be in constant communion with You, through the gift of Your Holy Spirit, granted through the mercy and grace given as Jesus sacrificed Himself on our behalf.  Thank You that our hope is held in You alone, and that You will guide us and teach us if we choose to trust You.  Forgive us for our lack of faith, or for our failure to fully invest ourselves into our relationship with You.  Thank You that You withheld nothing from us.  Please help us to do the same.  Teach us to trust You in such a way, that we are willing to allow You into every area of our lives, granting You the reigns.  May we walk in truth, and love as we are loved by You.  May many come to know the heavenly hope that is found in You alone, as we allow You to lead.  Let our lives speak volumes of Your mercy and grace, to those who do not yet know You.  Be glorified, Lord God.  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