Teach Us to Love

Love does no wrong to a neighbor. Love, therefore, is the fulfillment of the law. – (Romans 13:10, HCSB)

Love doesn’t hurt others. So loving is the same as obeying all the law. – (Romans 13:10, ERV)

Love makes it impossible to harm another, so love fulfills all that the law requires. – (Romans 13:10, TPT)

If our focus and priority is to love, then we cannot help but fulfill what the law requires. Where there is love, there is no room for hurting others. As we choose to love those around us, God transforms our hearts and minds to see people as He sees them. Each person is God’s creation, His poema, His perfect work of art. Unfortunately, we are battling our own broken humanity. Our perception becomes clouded by unmet expectations. It is only when we let go of expectations and simply choose to love, that we begin to see others through God’s lens. Incredibly, the more we love, the more others rise up and seek to do the same. It is like the whole pass it on movement, yet it is fueled, equipped and empowered by God rather than ourselves. Acts of kindness matter and are ways to show His love, yet it is through consistently choosing to love in word, thought and deed that we are actually doing as God asks of us and therefore fulfilling His commands. May we ever seek the Lord to show us and grow us in His great love for all.

When we choose to love,

As we’re asked to do;

The law is fulfilled,

As goodness shines through.

For only by love,

Can God’s heart be shown;

Kindness extended,

Makes God’s goodness known.

O Lord, help us love,

Purely as You do;

Seeing each other,

With hearts that love true.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to love one another like You. Thank You that as we do, we are upholding and fulfilling the law. Thank You that You intentionally created all of us with a plan and a purpose. Thank You that You place us in one another’s lives to challenge, encourage and grow in Your love. Forgive us for neglecting to love as You intended for us to love. Teach us to pursue Your heart and loving kindness for all so that we might love like You. Show us how to love all those around us, especially those that are difficult to love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us to love completely and without reservation. Amen.

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

“I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must love one another.” – John 13:34

Capacity to Carry

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. – (Philippians 2:13, NLT)

Yes, it is God who is working in you. He helps you want to do what pleases Him, and He gives you the power to do it. – (Philippians 2:13, ERV)

 

Our capacity to carry out God’s will for our lives on our own, is futile at best. Without the power of God at work in us, we wander off course, and end up seeking to please ourselves. However, when we seek the Lord, and invite Him to work within us, He grants us both the desire and the power, to do what is pleasing before Him. That is not to say that we will always get it right, or that we will never stumble and fall, yet when we are in sync with His heart, we get back up and keep moving in the direction to which we are called. May we seek the Lord and His ways, so that God will work in us, granting us the desire and power to do what pleases Him.

 

The God of all grace,

Is at work in you;

As we seek His face,

He makes our hearts new.

He grants us desire,

To walk in His way;

And His own power,

To rise and obey.

As we choose listen,

We make His heart glad;

What a joy to please,

Our Heavenly Dad.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we seek You and invest our hearts in relationship with You, You work in us and grant us the desire and power to do what pleases You. Forgive us for not seeking or neglecting the direction to which You have called us. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would listen and obey every word You say, as Your way is always best, despite our perception. Show us how to love those around us in a way that is pleasing to You, so that they sense Your heart through our words and deeds. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You to work in us, so that we may gain the desire and power to do Your will. 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

Glimpses of God’s Glory

Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” – (John 11:40, NLT)

 

Jesus spoke these words to Martha at the entrance to Lazarus’ tomb, just prior to raising him from the dead. Martha was more concerned with what the tomb might smell like than what the Savior was about to do. She was temporarily trapped in trusting the perceived truth that she could see, rather than the reality held in the power of her precious Savior.

It did not take long for her heart to be set right and her world to be flipped upside down. With but three words spoken, “Lazarus, come out!” Martha’s brother was returned to her as Jesus raised him from the dead, restoring him to life once again.

Though we seldom see Jesus work in the same way as He did in Lazarus, His awesome power is at work all around us. He restores the broken-hearted, heals the sick, provides for those in need, and places the lonely in families. The power of God is not limited to our perception of God. He can do exceedingly more than we could ever hope or imagine. We only get to see God’s glory when we choose to believe that He is who He says He is. May we lay hold of the faith that He imparts unto us, and believe big for the things that He has placed in our hearts. Let His glory be seen to the ends of the earth as we listen, love and get out of the way.

 

May we rise in faith,

In trust, hold what’s true;

For the Lord is near,

His wonders anew.

God’s glory prepared,

For our eyes to see;

His grace and power,

As we are set free.

Choose to walk in faith,

To trust and believe;

Let every heart,

Invest and receive.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we believe and trust in You, we have the privilege of seeing how You move mightily on our behalf. Thank You that You give us glimpses of Your glory in our everyday walks of faith. Forgive us for our lack of faith or our fearfulness when all around us seems to be falling apart. Teach us to trust You in all things and at all times, despite how things appear, as You so often move the most miraculously when things seem to be at their worst. Show us how to love others well, and how to model a belief that points people unto You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we believe in who You are and how You love. Amen.

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

Listen… be wise, and keep your heart on the right path. – Proverbs 23:19

 

 

 

Seek in Trust

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. – (Matthew 6:33, NLT)

What you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what He want you to do. Then He will give you all these other things you need. – (Matthew 6:33, ERV)

 

When our focus is on God and living for Him, the places where we lack, seem to take care of themselves. Often our perceived need is recognized as a mere want, and our needs that we had not even yet identified are fulfilled through our Great Provider. God gives us all that we need for today, so that we need not worry about tomorrow. Though through human eyes and understanding it may not make sense, all we can do is our part, and trust Him to do what we cannot. No, we cannot sit idly by and wait for the skies to part and manna to fall from heaven, but we can trust Him to meet us where we are lacking, despite our best effort in moving the direction in which we are called. The very same God who fed five thousand with a few fish and loaves of bread, can multiply our little to do so much more. May we seek God in all things and live for Him, trusting that He will provide that which is needed where we are lacking.

 

Go unto the Lord,

first and above all;

Artwork by Sylvia Carlton

live right before Him,

and answer His call.

Trust God in all things,

for He is our Source;

our Great Provider,

who will map our course.

He will not call us,

and then let us fall;

we‘re meant to trust Him,

in great things and small.

All that we may need,

our God is enough;

to meet and provide,

who makes smooth the rough.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we seek You above all else, and choose to live for You, You provide all that we need. Thank You that despite our own perception, we lack NOTHING in You. Thank You that You meet our physical, spiritual, and emotional needs – regardless of how great or small. Thank You that You care about every detail, and that You know us intimately and individually. Forgive us for our fear and doubt when there appears to be no possible way forward, despite Your call in that direction. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would keep taking the steps of faith that You call us to take, in spite of what we see. Show us how to love others in a way that helps provide where they are lacking, and points their hearts to You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek Your kingdom above all else, living as You call us to live; and may we model lives that trust in Your provision, as You provide all that is needed and more. Amen.

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

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

Make More Room

Make more room.  On Sunday, we had a guest speaker at church who spoke about how God can take our Plan A, with all of its fears, failures, and foolishness, and turn it into His perfect Plan B; but only when we willingly give both our permission and our participation.  God is gentle and kind, and does not force His will upon us.  Rather, He stands at the door and knocks. (Revelation 3:20)   We either open our hearts and our lives completely unto Him, or we miss out on the very best that He has for us.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            That being said, surrender is not a simple thing.  Surrender involves sacrifice.  We must give up our perception of how things ought to be, and allow God to shape and show us what we are to do, and where we are to go.  Often, His directions make little sense, and lead us into the middle of a mess.  What may appear to be a mistake, may very well be the exact place that He has called us, in order to give others glimpses of His grace and point people to His majesty.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                As I stand at the end of 2013, awaiting the arrival of 2014, am I willing to allow God to inconvenience me?  Will I be able to recognize that I perhaps am meant to be in the midst of the messes I find myself in, to shine the light of His glory?  Will I get out of the way, and make room for the miraculous?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             God is not looking for our ability, He is looking for our availability. I do not have to have certain qualifications to serve and honor Him, for He has called me from the moment that I invited Him into my life.  We are chosen to communicate His hope, when we give Him full access, and are willing to participate.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Let this be the year,

where room shall be made;

space to help others,

salvation prayers prayed.

May we be ready,

to lend hand and voice;

to do what You ask,

make You our first choice.

Let us freely move,

wherever You ask;

even in the mess,

accomplish Your task.

For sharing Your light,

You ask for more room;

so hope may shine forth,

dispelling the gloom.

May we surrender,

our whole lives to You;

may mountains be moved,

as we walk in truth.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You take our Plan A in all of its messiness, and turn it into Your perfect Plan B, when we willingly surrender all that we are unto You, and are choose to step out in faith, participating in the plan that You have prepared for us.  Thank You that You have a plan for us (Jeremiah 29:11), and that when we trust You, and move forward faithfully in You, You meet us where we are and guide us where we are meant to go.  Forgive us for attempting to hold fast to our own plans, or for submitting ourselves without movement.  Teach us to trust You fully, so that we shall surrender, sacrifice, and MOVE.  Give us faith to trust You, even if the place You call us to is in the middle of a mess.  Be our strength and our song.  May we love others as You love us, and may many come into a lasting relationship with You in the coming year.  May we make room for all that You have planned for us in 2014.  Amen.

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

The Warrior Way

There are a few things that I have read recently, that have really stood out as powerful reminders. Each one pointed to who God is, and how He sees me. I did not realize that my sense of self had likely become skewed, but based on the response of my heart to each of them, I am guessing the weight of the past week had taken its toll.

“For the Lord takes delight in His people; He crowns the humble with salvation.” – (Psalm 149:4) The very idea that He delights in me, is both beautiful, and beyond me. Additionally, imagining Christ giving me an actual crown to cover my head with the sweet safety of His salvation, is astounding. Though I was not a child that cared about dress up and tiaras, in fact, I much preferred neighborhood football games and climbing trees, there is something growing in me that absolutely adores the image of not only being His delightful daughter, but also being adorned in some sort of fanciful family attire.

Warrior princess. I love the image. On a fellow blogging friend’s post this past week (forgive me, for I cannot recall which one), she called us warrior princesses. As one who has always felt like I had to be tough, the pairing of tough with one who is precious and vulnerable, is a bit of a mind shift, yet seriously stunning. God does see us this way. We are His daughters (and sons), in whom He delights, yet He empowers each of us with His Holy Spirit, so that we are equipped to be warriors to walk in His way. Divine duality orchestrated by our amazing Daddy God.

Finally, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men (people) of courage, be strong. Do everything in love.” – (I Corinthians 16:13-14) This verse is our charge, warrior princes and princesses. We are to be ever aware, stand firm in our faith; have courage and strength in Him. And above all, do everything in love.

We each bear a crown,

adorned in His Name;

worth more than fortune,

far more than all fame.

In it is glory,

our eternity;

our place and our purpose,

given dignity.

Here, strength is granted,

to His humble child;

each seen as precious,

such beauty beguiled.

Rise up warriors,

He calls us His own;

may we all go forth,

let His love be known.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are master artist, able to craft us into warrior princes and princesses. You created us to be strong in You, yet see us as precious and part of Your own royal family. Thank You for loving us beyond what we can even begin to comprehend, and help us to gain new glimpses of insight each day. Forgive us for allowing the weight of the world to skew our perception of who You have created us to be, and help us to see ourselves through Your eyes. May we be courageous and firm in our faith, yet ever vigilant, being on guard, so we will be aware of anything that would come against us. More than that, help us to allow Your love to flavor everything that we say and do. When we speak, may it be in love. As we serve, may love be our motivation. Let Your love be what others see in each of us. May many come into a saving knowledge of You, so they too may be robed in Your righteousness and receive the crown of salvation. Be glorified through our love. Amen.

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

In You

I praise You, O Lord,

with all of my heart;

for Your faithfulness,

promised from the start.

To You, I bow down,

for Your love is great;

exalted above,

before You I wait.

Your Name and Your word,

far beyond all things;

in You, boldness found,

where true freedom rings.

May You be now praised,

as Your words are heard;

let all hearts declare,

this hope undeterred.

Honor for humble,

low place for the proud;

in trouble, You save,

hide us in Thy shroud.

All purpose fulfilled,

through Your love for me;

stay close forever,

in Your arms, I see.

(Responding to Psalm 138)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You alone are worthy of all our praise. Thank You that You are faithful and Your word is true. Forgive us for allowing fear or discouragement to cloud our perception of Your perfection, and help us to humbly come before You and trust in Your unfailing love. May our mouths be full of praise, and our hearts hold fast to Your glorious ways. Help both our word and deed honor You, and may Your perfect love be that which shines through us. May every troubled heart both hear and hold fast to the hope that is found in You. Lead us Lord, so that we may love like You. Let our every hope be held in You. Amen.

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