Two Unchangeable Things

So God has given both His promise and His oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to Him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. – (Hebrews 6:18, NLT)

These two things cannot change: God cannot lie when He says something, and He cannot lie when He makes an oath. So these two things are a great help to us who have come to God for safety. They encourage us to hold on to the hope that is ours. – (Hebrews 6:18, ERV)

 

People are fallible. It is human nature to err and let others down. Not one of us is without flaw, nor has kept from disappointing another. Though it is rarely our intent, we fall short. However, God does not. Whatever God says, He does. His word is true and it will not change. In Christ, our hope is secure and our future is certain. No, God does not typically give us a play-by-play plan of what is to come, but He does assure us that He will walk beside us, and never leave us, no matter what comes our way. Ultimately, we know that if our hearts trust in Him, we will spend all of eternity in the security of His presence and the light of His love. The challenge lies in our desire to have tangible comfort and security, when we cannot directly see God. So often, when we seek Him first, He will provide people around us to be His hands, heart, and voice to remind us what is true, and to offer comfort where our souls are unsteady. May we ever trust in God, who is our Refuge and where our hope comes from. Let us hold fast to the hope that is promised and will not change, both now and forevermore.

 

Our God has given,

Both promise and oath;

That He will not change,

Granting our hearts hope.

He is our refuge,

To whom we can run;

The One who is true,

When each day is done.

Let us be assured,

Of the hope we hold;

In God we’re secure,

Forever foretold.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have given us both Your promise and Your oath, and that these two things are unchangeable because You cannot lie. Thank You that we can run to You as our Refuge in confidence, as we have the assurance of the hope that we know is certain of our eternity with You. Forgive us for placing human parameters on You, and teach us to trust You and Your infinite power and wisdom with all that we are. Help us to run to You in all things, with assurance that You will keep Your promise to be our present help. Show us how to love those around us in a way that reflects Your heart best. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we run to You as our refuge, and hold onto the hope that is ours in 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

Promises Assured

He has given us both His promise and His oath, two things we can completely count on, for it is impossible for God to tell a lie. Now all those who flee to Him to save them can take new courage when they hear such assurances from God; now they can know without doubt that He will give them salvation He has promised them. – (Hebrews 6:18, TLB)

 

God’s word and His promises are totally trustworthy, for He is truth and does not lie. All who come before the Lord for salvation can take courage, for He saves all who earnestly seek Him. We need not fear nor doubt, for we are assured that when we submit ourselves to Christ, He comes and dwells in us forever. May we take courage in the Lord and His word, for what He says, He will do.

 

The Lord at His word,

we can always trust;

for what He does say,

shall happen, it must.

For God cannot lie,

only truth be told;

thus courage is ours,

as our hand He holds.

Salvation’s assured,

when we seek His face;

choose give Him our heart,

rest in His embrace.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You give us both Your promise and Your oath, and that we can completely count on all that comes from You. Thank You that when we seek You for salvation, we can take courage, as we have assurance that it is promised in You. Forgive us for not trusting You at Your word, or for not seeking You in the spaces where we need to most. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would trust that Your word is true in all things and at all times, and that we would seek You in all. Show us how to love others in a way that demonstrates Your trustworthiness. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust in Your promises and operate in courage, knowing that You will do all that You say that You will do. Amen.

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

When times are good, be happy. – Ecclesiastes 7:14

Hope in Unchangeable Things

So God has given both His promise and His oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore we who have fled to Him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. – (Hebrews 6:18, NLT)

 

What a remarkable blessing we hold in Christ. Whatever God has promised, He will do; for He does not lie. We can place all of our trust in Him to be our refuge and our source of strength. All confidence is ours in Christ, when we hold fast to the hope that lies before us in the promises present for both today and forever. Though people and circumstances change around us, the Lord is steadfast and remains the same yesterday, today and forever. There is such reassurance in knowing that the very same God who gave us life and breath and being, is He who will never leave us nor forsake us. His faithfulness knows no end. May we flee to our Redeemer to be our refuge, and rise up in confidence knowing that we can be certain of what is hoped for in Him.

 

God, He has given,

both promise and oath;

unchangeable things,

with all hope to hold.

The Lord cannot lie,

He remains the same;

our place of refuge,

in His holy Name.

With great confidence,

we have hope to hold;

for what lies ahead,

as each day unfolds.

Let the God of grace,

fill our hearts and minds;

with the good He gives,

let us love mankind.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have given us both Your promise and Your oath. Thank You that these are unchangeable things, because You do not change. Thank You that we can trust You to be our place of refuge and can hold fast to the hope that lies before us, because You alone are good. Forgive us for forgetting that You are not like man, and all that You say is worthy of all of our trust. Teach us to trust You and Your word with all that we are, so that we cling to the hope that we hold in You. Show us how to love others so that they too may find confidence in the hope to which we hold for all that lies ahead. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we run to You as our refuge, and hold tightly to the hope we have in You for all that lies ahead. Amen.

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

I thank and praise You, O God of my fathers: You have given me wisdom and power. – Daniel 2:23

What’s In a Name?

What’s in a name? Each of us bears a name that has been bestowed upon us by those who have raised us. For many, the name selected either has familial significance, or was chosen based on the actual meaning of the name. There are others, however, whose parents simply selected a name that they were fond of, and went with it.

 

For me, my parents wanted to celebrate our Irish ancestry and selected my first name from a map of Ireland. Interestingly, Shannon means Godly wisdom. Though I am not wise in my own strength, He has given me wisdom and insight at pivotal points in my life, as it has been needed. My middle name, Elizabeth, is after my grandmother, whom I admire most in my family. As we share this middle name, it too, has significant meaning. Elizabeth means, “my God is an oath.” He is a promise that is held in my life, and He provides wisdom as it is needed. Both are beautiful blessings. However, before I was ever born, He knew me and called me His own. The name that matters far more than any other, is the one in which He refers to us as “MINE.” We are His – kept, valued, loved, and planned with a purpose.

 

Listen to me, you islands; hear this you distant nations: Before I was born the Lord called me; from my mother’s womb He has spoken my name. – (Isaiah 49:1)

 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – (Jeremiah 29:11)

 

What is in a name,

bestowed unto us?

For before our birth,

were plans of Jesus.

He called us by name,

with purpose in mind;

hand-crafted in love,

carefully designed.

Each one created,

uniquely we’re made;

with significance,

meant to be displayed.

Gifts that He’s given,

intended to share;

so others may know,

His kindness and care.

Rise up in courage,

share all He has done;

for as we go forth,

the battle is won.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have chosen and called us by name, even before we were born. Thank You that You have a plan and a purpose for our lives, and that Your plans are good. Thank You that no matter what our earthly name means, the most significant name that we carry is the one that deems us Your children. Forgive us for questioning our value or purpose, or the value or purpose of others. Teach us to trust You more, so that we may recognize Your workmanship in ourselves and others, and celebrate the strengths that You have placed in all of us for Your glory. Lead us to love others well, so that we might walk out our purpose as You intended. May many come into a saving relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we come to know and embrace the name by which You call us all – MINE. Amen.

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

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

The Unchanging Nature of God

Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, He confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. – (Hebrews 6:17-18, NIV)

 

God wanted to prove that His promise was true. He wanted to prove this to those who would get what He promised. He wanted them to understand clearly that His purposes never change. So God said something would happen, and He proved what He said by adding an oath. These two things cannot change: God cannot lie when He says something, and He cannot lie when He makes an oath. So these two things are a great help to us who have come to God for safety. They encourage us to hold on to the hope that is ours. – (Hebrews 6:17-18, ERV)

 

If God says it, He does it. Who He is, will not change. We can trust God to be true to both His nature and His word. Our hope is secure forever in Him. May we grasp the truth that we are sons and daughters – heirs of God – called His children, promised both His presence now and a permanent place dwelling with Him forever, in Heaven. Because He does not change, neither should our hold on hope.

 

True to His word,

His promises true;

He will not change,

nor lie unto you.

He is safe space,

to Whom we can run;

our hope to hold,

’til our day is done.

Heaven awaits,

for the faithful ones;

those who choose trust,

as daughters and sons.

Rise up in hope,

children of the King;

may our lives be,

pleasing offerings.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You do not change and that You keep Your promises forever. Thank You that You are a space of safety whom we can run to, and are faithful and worthy of all of our trust. Thank You that not only do You forgive and redeem us, but You adopt us as sons and daughters; heirs of Your holy inheritance. Thank You that when we choose to place our trust in You, our hope is secured in Heaven forever. Forgive us for our faltering faith, and for our lack of trust. Teach us to see things through Your lens, so that we might have an eternal perspective, recognizing that You will have the final say in all things. Help us to live our lives in love as You so lavishly love us. May many come to know the peace of Your promises as we pursue Your path for our lives. Be glorified in all that we say and do, and may our lives be a pleasing offering unto You. Amen.

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

You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence. – Acts 2:28

To Season the Earth

Throughout history, salt has bore much significance.  Salt was exchanged as a symbol of preserving the promise when two people, tribes or nations reached an agreement.  The exchange was a reminder of their oath to keep up their end of the bargain.  To season food, was another purpose for the abundantly available salt.  Lastly, salt was a powerful preserving agent for food.  Prior to refrigeration, salt kept food from decay far longer than if left alone without it.

Jesus spoke these words to His disciples: “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again?  Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other.” – (Mark 9:50)

We are called to be salt and light to the world.  If we are as salt, we will remember God’s faithfulness to us, and live accordingly, preserving the promises of God, by presenting His light through how we live.  To be salt, we should flavor the world with His goodness and grace.  Bitterness ought to be far from us, as such tastes repel people from Him.  As salt, we are to preserve peace.  Our lives ought to counteract the moral decay that surrounds us, as we “salt” the earth with His love.  If we lose our passion to persevere, we lose our “saltiness”, and become useless to the One who created us with purpose and passion.

To season the earth,

as His salt and light;

preserving the truth,

faithfully unite.

Season what’s spoken,

let God grant each word;

may peace be preserved,

as the truth is heard.

Pour out His goodness,

season well with grace;

be light in darkness,

with passion, embrace.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the light of the world, and in You, there are no shifting shadows.  Thank You that You call us to be salt and light.  Thank You that You only call us to do that which You will also equip us.  Forgive us for our moments where we were anything but salt or light to those around us, and grant us the grace to rise up and be a people who flavor the world around us with Your goodness and grace, so that many may come to desire to seek Your face.  Let our priority be set in You, and our lives be lived out in loving well, as Your salt and light unto the world.  May we walk out our purpose with passion today and always.  Amen.

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

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. – 2 Corinthians 1:3

Who May Dwell?

“Lord, who may dwell in Your sanctuary?  Who may live on Your holy hill?  He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellow man, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the Lord, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.  He who does these things will never be shaken.” – (Psalm 15)

My initial reaction is, “I am hosed.”  Then I remember that I am not expected to be blameless in my own strength.  My source and supply, my hope and my help, are all firmly established in the Lord.  On my own, I would never measure up.  However, in Christ, He sees me as blameless before Him, as I earnestly seek Him, and do my best to walk upright before Him.  By faith, I become a bit more equipped each day, to do as He calls me to do.

To do what is righteous, is to do the right thing, even when no one is looking.  God sees, and He honors the heart that longs to do His will.

Speaking the truth from the heart is not always easy, but it is what we are called to do.  It does not mean speaking unkindly, nor casting judgment upon others, but it is a call to speak the truth in love, always.

Slander is the poison that pricks the hearts of both the speaker and the hearer.  Unkind words about another passed on, perpetuate problems rather than solve them.

If the greatest command is to love God and love others, then how could we do wrong to our neighbors or slur our fellow man?

To despise a vile man and honor those who fear the Lord, seems to mean honor those worthy of recognition in God’s eyes, not in the sight of what’s popular.  Certainly a paradigm shift from what is popular in much of the media today.

Keeping an oath even when it hurts, is keeping our promises, no matter what.  If we give our word, we must be men and women of integrity in order to represent well, our Redeemer.

Lending money without usury, is a matter of choosing to be generous with our resources.  If we have the means to lend money, we should do so with open hands, without looking for an exorbitant return.  The purpose of lending is to assist, not devastate our fellow man.

Accepting a bribe against the innocent, seems to explain itself.  Bribes are bad.  The innocent are meant to be protected.  End of story.

Lord, who may dwell,

in Your holy house?

Those unto You,

the faithful, devout.

Speakers of truth,

who speak not the lies;

wrong not others,

vile men, despise.

Those who honor,

the ones who fear You;

who keep their word,

forever, stay true.

Those who will lend,

to others in need;

without taking,

for those who’ve been freed.

All who will choose,

to live unto You;

won’t be shaken,

for You make us new.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that in You, we are able to live upright before You.  Thank You that our righteousness is not dependent on our ability or strength, but rather on our trust in Yours.  Forgive us for failing to trust You completely in the times where we have failed and fallen short, and help us to be quick to repent and return to You.  Thank You that You receive us each time that we call on Your Name, and that You are patient and loving as You instruct us in the ways we are meant to go.  Teach us to trust You more, so that we might more clearly reflect Your character in all that we say and do.  May many come to know You as their Savior and Redeemer, as we live in the light of Your love.  Be glorified, our loving and gracious Father.  Amen.

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

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

Our Perfect Priest

What formerly was,

can be no longer;

let go of the law,

there is One stronger.

Though former priests died,

only One remains;

He who is righteous,

Remover of stains.

Because He sinned not,

He is our High Priest;

our Portion always,

Love will never cease.

He saves completely,

those who come to God;

holy and blameless,

Thy staff and Thy rod.

No longer by law,

but by perfect oath;

He sinned not and saves,

our eternal hope.

We’re far from perfect,

but Jesus, He is;

intercedes for us,

so we now may live.

(Responding to Hebrews 7:18-28)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son to be the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all. Thank You that not only was the sacrifice enough to call those who come to You clean, but He is now seated beside You, interceding on our behalf. Thank You that the oath appointing Jesus as our high priest, will forever remain. Forgive us for acting as if anything other than total surrender to You, will save. Teach us to trust You completely – in all things and at all times. Thank You that Your ways are higher than our ways, (Isaiah 55:9) and that You are aware and attentive to all. Help us to live accordingly. May our surrender and trust show many the way to salvation in You. Let Your light shine brightly through us. Amen.

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