He’s Present to Help

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” – (Psalm 91:2, NIV)

I say to the Lord, “You are my place of safety, my fortress. My God, I trust in You.” – (Psalm 91:2, ERV)

He’s the hope that holds me and the Stronghold to shelter me, the only God for me, and my great confidence. – (Psalm 91:2, TPT)

 

It is such a strange space to be in a place when the world has to slow down and essentially be present at home. Yesterday, as our governor issued a “Stay at Home” decree, for most, I think there was an unanticipated sigh of relief. On one hand, it requires all “non-essential” employees to stay home, while on the other, still allows those that perform duties that keep the skeletal system of our nation running, to report to their positions. For both categories, we need God to be our refuge and our fortress; the One in whom we trust. Our home is one divided, as my husband and bonus son are both considered essential employees, and are called to continue working, while my boys and I remain at home, trusting that they will be kept safe and that others will be mindful of social distancing and necessary protective measures to keep them from being exposed and further spreading illness. God is good, even when circumstances are not. He is our hope and our refuge, and in Him we can trust and fear not. May we hold fast to our hope in Jesus, who is our space of safety and fortress; for in Him we can place our trust as we walk this unknown road with wisdom and strength.

 

God is our refuge,

Our safe space indeed;

He’s present to help,

Protect and meet needs.

We need not choose fear,

For in God, there’s strength;

To do as we’re asked,

No matter what lengths.

He already knows,

What we need to do;

He’s present to help,

Protect, follow through.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our strength and our safe space as we navigate so many unknowns trusting You. Thank You that You are always with us, and You protect and provide as we abide in You. Forgive us for our fears and doubts as we attempt to make sense of what we cannot yet see. Teach us to trust You, rather than our own understanding. Show us how to love those around us well, as we seek You to be our strength and shelter, and support and encourage those around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust all in Your mighty hands. Amen.

 

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

 

You are my hiding place; You will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. – Psalm 32:7

Love’s Great Return

Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps His covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes His unfailing love on those who love Him and obey His commands. – (Deuteronomy 7:9, NLT)

So remember that the Lord your God is the only God, and you can trust Him! He keeps His agreement. He shows His love and kindness to all people who love Him and obey His commands. He continues to show His love and kindness through a thousand generations. – (Deuteronomy 7:9, ERV)

I want you to know that the Eternal your God is the only true God. He’s the faithful God who keeps His covenants and shows loyal love for a thousand generations to those who in return love Him and keep His commands. – (Deuteronomy 7:9, VOICE)

 

As we seek the Lord and come into a lasting relationship with Him, He meets us with His faithfulness that endures forever. We are called to love and obey His commands, and in turn, He shows His kindness and love to us for all time. He is trustworthy, for what He says is what He will do. May we ever love the Lord and the people He places in our path; for in return, we will know His love and faithfulness now and forevermore.

 

“You get what you give,” 

The saying is true;

For as you choose love,

It comes back to you.

The Lord is faithful,

And His word is true;

His love shall endure,

As we choose love too.

All of the commands,

Are simply summed up;

Love God and others,

Our act of worship.

He’s faithful always,

With unfailing love;

Now and forever,

The Lord God above.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are God and we are not. Thank You that as we love You and obey Your command to love others too, You are faithful to show Your love and kindness to us forever. Thank You that what You say is true, and that You keep Your word forever. Forgive us for the times that we fail to follow Your commands and choose to act in a way that is less than loving or kind. Teach us to trust You more, so that all that we say and do is driven by Your loving kindness and grace. Show us how to love as You love, so that others may come to know the enduring faithfulness of Your love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we love and obey all You ask of us, and trust in Your faithfulness forever. Amen.

 

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

 

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad. – 1 Chronicles 16:31

Acknowledge and Take to Heart

Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the Lord is God in heaven above and on earth below. There is no other. – (Deuteronomy 4:39, NIV)

So today you must remember and accept that the Lord is God. He is God in heaven above and on earth below. There is no other god! – (Deuteronomy 4:39, ERV)

Know this well, then. Take it to heart right now. God is in Heaven above; God is on Earth below. He’s the only God there is. – (Deuteronomy 4:39, MSG)

 

God is everywhere. He is ever-present, and always available when we seek Him. However, God is not meant to be a good luck charm nor a star to wish upon; He is the Creator of all and the One on whom we can always depend. To truly acknowledge the Lord, we need to both praise Him for His provision and seek Him in our lack. We are meant to go to Him in all things and at all times, as the Lord is always good, even when our circumstances are not. May we ever take to heart who God is and how He loves, so that we will seek and depend on the Lord and give Him praise for all of our days.

 

In all of our ways, 

Let us take to heart;

That God is the Lord,

Of all, not just part.

In heaven above,

And on earth below;

There is none like Him,

He sees and He knows.

It is by His love,

He gives help and grace;

To help us walk well,

As we seek His face.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the God in heaven and on earth below. Thank You that there is none like You. Thank You that as we seek You we find You and are granted help and hope and life. Forgive us for turning to anything or anyone other than You, as You are the only God there is. Teach us to trust You in all things and at all times, as You alone have the power to bring help and hope and healing where it is needed most. Show us how to love those around us, so that we may extend Your goodness and grace in a way that points people to You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we acknowledge who You are and trust You in all things. Amen.

 

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

 

Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths; …my hope is in You all day long. – Psalm 25:4-5

Presenting Our Praise

image by Christian Music and Lyrics

“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever.  Amen.” – I Timothy 1:17

As I began to study each word written in Paul’s exhortation to Timothy in verse seventeen, I am overjoyed to see that King, in an ordinary online dictionary source, recognizes and defines King as God or Christ!

Eternal, is without beginning or end; lasting forever.  This is clearly intentionally and perfectly paired with King.

Immortal is defined as: not subject to death.  God’s immortality was so clearly demonstrated when He sent His Son, Jesus, who despite being crucified on a cross, rose again to live and reign forever at the right hand of God.  Death cannot and will not destroy the deity of our mighty Deliverer.

Invisible is explained as: not perceptible by the eye; hidden.  Though He is not seen by our eyes, He is held, as we house His Holy Spirit in our hearts.

The only God, the one Supreme Being, the Creator and Ruler of the universe, speaks for itself.

Be honor, is to give credit or distinction; to give the highest respect and reverence unto Him.

Glory, is to give adoring praise or worshipful thanks; which is altogether an appropriate attitude and posture to hold toward our awesome and glorious God.

Forever and ever – is without ever ending; eternally.  That is our hope in Him, that we will one day dwell in His presence for all eternity.

Amen means: it is so.  (definitions provided by dictionary.com)

This is a most wonderful time of the year to indeed give all credit and worship to our Creator and King, who is without beginning or end, is beyond being subject to death, is known in our hearts rather than seen with our eyes; who is all things forever; IT IS SO!!!

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are.  You are so much more than mere words might mention.  Forgive us for not giving proper praise and honor to You – both our Creator and our King.  Teach us to trust You with all that we are, as You alone are so much more than we can imagine.  May we spend our days living and loving to give You praise.  Let our delight this season be sought in You, and may our joy be evident to others as we live in the light of Your love.  Lead the lost to Your love, and use us as extensions of Your hands.  Amen.  May it be so!

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