Sharing Hope

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. – (1 Peter 3:15, NIV)

But keep the Lord Christ holy in your hearts. Always be ready everyone who asks you to explain about the hope you have. – (1 Peter 3:15, ERV)

But give reverent honor in your hearts to the Anointed One and treat Him as the holy Master of your lives. And if anyone asks about the hope living within you, always be read to explain your faith with gentleness and respect. – (1 Peter 3:15, TPT)

 

To revere is to view with respect and awe. How often do we truly look at Christ through the proper lens? God is love, hope, peace, patience, faithfulness, gentleness, kindness and self-control for all who call on His Name. The hope we hold is not due in part to anything that we have done, but rather as a result of the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. He died so that we might live. Few would willingly lay down their life for another, (and typically only for someone whom they dearly love) yet Christ died for us, while we were still sinners. Jesus loved us, even when we knew nothing of His love to return. It is the unconditional love of Christ that grants us hope, not only for today, but for all of eternity. Our story, our own experiences of discovering the hope that is found in Christ, is the most gentle and respectful way to share what we have found with those around us who ask. May we ever maintain a posture of reverence for the Lord, and be ready to tell of His faithfulness and the hope that is ever held in Him.

 

With honor and awe,

Let’s look to the Lord;

Our hope Provider,

The One we adore.

The hope that we hold,

Dwells deep from within;

As we’ve discovered,

Love time and again.

It is by God’s love,

We come to know grace;

That grants us all hope,

Eternal embrace.

Let’s ever recall,

How we came to know;

Hope that’s forever,

So His grace we show.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that all hope is found forever in You. Thank You that You ask us to partner with You to share what we know with those who are seeking. Forgive us for not maintaining a proper perspective of You, or for neglecting to share the hope we know with those around us. Be glorified O God, as we remember with awe and reverence, the hope that You placed within us. Amen.

 

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

 

Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long. – Psalm 25:5

Staving Off Soreness

Our bodies get sore when we either use muscles we have not used consistently in a while, or utilize them in a new and more challenging way. The resulting soreness reminds us that the muscles exist, and that we ought to perhaps pay more regular attention to the muscle groups that are groaning. Interestingly, our spiritual lives work much the same way. If we rarely exercise our faith, we may find ourselves fearful when setting foot into the new. In prayer, a loss for words is not uncommon, as the posture and position only becomes normal and natural as it is done regularly.

 

Late in the afternoon the twelve disciples came to Him and said, “Send the crowds away to the nearby villages and farms, so they can find food and lodging for the night. There is nothing to eat here in this remote place.”

But Jesus said, “You feed them.”

“But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Or are you expecting us to go and buy enough food for this whole crowd?” – (Luke 9:12-13, NLT)

 

I so appreciate this story of Jesus and the disciples, as He was training the faith muscles of the disciples for later days. Sometimes, the disciples would get it right and find faith in the things that they were being asked to do, yet other times, they would require specific instruction and modeling (true training) in their faith, to learn the lessons that they would need to go forth and do the great things that God was calling them to do down the road. Just as our bodies require consistent physical training to keep from becoming too sore, so too our spirits need ongoing faith-building to be ready to do whatever God asks us to do. The sort of training that we are given for our faith comes through time in the word, worship, fellowship, and prayer. May we be wise with our time and choose to invest well, so that we may be ready for whatever God calls us to do.

 

When muscles are sore,

And we’re out of shape;

We’re meant to persist,

That’s how strength grows great.

Whether in our faith,

Prayer or being;

It requires of us,

Often repeating.

There’s no easy way,

To instantly grow;

Make process habit,

And strength will soon show.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You use everyday experiences to show us the truth of Your word. Thank You that though physical training is good and important to keep our bodies strong and at the ready, our spiritual training is far more significant as it lasts into eternity. Forgive us for the places where we lack consistency, be it our prayer life, time in the word, or in our faith when facing obstacles that seem larger than life. Teach us to seek You daily for our spiritual training, so that we may be fit for all that You are calling us to do. Show us how to love well, all those whom You place on our path. Be glorified O God, as we seek to be fit to serve You well. Amen.

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

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

To List and Praise

Who can list the glorious miracles of the Lord? Who can ever praise Him enough? – (Psalm 106:2, NLT)

 

It is good to take pause and recognize the truth of the words of this verse. When I look at my life, even over the past year, I am in awe of all that the Lord has done. He has provided abundantly and exceedingly more than I could have asked for, He has cared well for my family, He has loved and encouraged me well, and provided community that has become extended family where it was needed most. That is just scratching the surface. To list everything from each day, would be impossible; not to mention the wonders I have had the privilege of witnessing in the lives of those around me. There is not enough time in the day nor breath in my lungs to give the Lord the praise He is due. May our lives be led in such a way that a posture of praise permeates from our presence as we travel the path on which we have been placed.

 

For who can give count,

Of all God has done?

The great miracles,

New life in His Son.

There is not enough,

Time or enough space;

To give to the Lord,

Ample proper praise.

So let us rejoice,

Choose lift up our lives;

May all that we do,

Let His love light shine.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the glorious miracles that You do in our lives day in and day out. Thank You that You love us exceedingly more than we could hope or imagine. Forgive us for not recognizing all that You are and all that You do, and for not giving proper praise unto You. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would seek You and acknowledge You in all things and at all times, giving thanks for Your goodness and grace. Show us how to love others well, so that they may see the mighty miracles of You all around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek to give You praise for all that You are and all that You do. Amen.

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

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. – Psalm 23:6

 

 

Avoiding Unnecessary Fights

Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only a fool insists on quarreling. – (Proverbs 20:3, NLT)

It’s a mark of good character to avert quarrels, but fools love to pick fights. – (Proverbs 20:3, MSG)

 

The mark of my closest relationships have always shared a common thread. Rather than assuming ill intent of one another and jumping into fight or flight mode, there has been a posture of seeking to understand. When we choose to approach a situation with the hope of gaining understanding, fights are averted and peace is maintained. Though we may not always see eye-to-eye with the person before us, if we approach conversation and communication with the intent to learn and grow, wisdom is gained and peace remains. May we go forth this day with the intent to listen and learn, seeking to understand those around us, so that quarrels are avoided and honor is upheld.

 

The best character,

Will choose not to fight;

But rather listen,

To seek what is right.

To avoid quarrels,

With intent to learn;

Is good character,

How respect is earned.

Only the foolish,

Choose keep quarreling;

Honor comes to those,

Who have peace to bring.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son to show us the mark of good character. Thank You that He modeled what it was like to be a peacemaker in tumultuous spaces, simply by loving the unlovable. Thank You too, that You grant us wisdom to know when to stand up and fight, rather than walk away. Forgive us for stepping into unnecessary quarrels that could be easily avoided by seeking to understand one another. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would depend on You for wisdom and strength to do what You call us to do in each situation. Show us how to love others well, even when they attempt to pick fights. Let Your love in us diffuse even the most hostile of situations. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek to avoid unnecessary fights, and represent You well to the world. Amen.

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

God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.  – Genesis 21:6

Wait Quietly in Hope

We are at an interesting place of pause between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. For my boys and me, our break seems to have been passing us by on fast forward. It was intentional that we traveled over the snow-covered pass to spend a few days with my mom. Here, in this wondrous winter wonderland, there is quiet, calm, and rest. The option of constant motion is available, yet it somehow ends up being a space of resting, game-playing, moving watching and the like. For a few days, we slow down, and it is good.

 

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him. – (Psalm 62:5, NLT)

 

For me, my natural rhythm and routine of rising early to spend time in the quiet solitude with Christ, remains. However, I find that there is something about the surrounding silence, that causes me to quiet my heart more often, and have a sort of lean in and listen posture in this space where I am surrounded by such majesty. I cannot help but be in awe at every turn, and remember that my hope is found in He who created all of this. If God can create such beauty out of nothing, He can bring order where there is chaos, hope to despair, freedom where things are bound, and peace to places of unrest. There is nothing that we have to do to earn His favor or convince Him that we need His help. Our charge is to ask, trust, and then wait quietly before Him. If He has a part for us to play in His provision, He will make it clear. May we wait quietly before Him with all that we are, and place all of our hope in God.

 

In sweet silence lies,

God’s grace and presence;

all hope we can trust,

despite circumstance.

The very same God,

Who created all;

loved us with His life,

so we would not fall.

He calls us to come,

to quietly be;

in the sweetest space,

where we find we’re free.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we allow all that we are to wait quietly before You, we find all hope is found in You. Thank You that You are our rest and our refuge, our safety and our strength. Thank You that You love us to life, and grant us hope for all that is yet to come. Forgive us for not slowing down and quieting our hearts before You, as we lose sight of hope in our constant motion. Teach us to trust You more so that we would be intentional in our quieting of our hearts and minds before You, giving You all that we are in uninterrupted spaces. Show us how to embrace the hope that You grant us, so that we may share it with others in how we love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we let all that we are be quiet before You, and place all of our hope in You. Amen.

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

Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. – James 5:13

To Be On Our Guard

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love. – (1 Corinthians 16:13)

 

These are weighty and wise words by which we are meant to live. To be on our guard, means that we are aware of what is around us – the things that are influencing us and affecting us, and taking a posture of readiness. Standing firm in the faith requires us to know what we believe. In order for that to happen, we must invest time in the Word and in prayer. The more we invest in knowing God, the more secure we can stand when storms come our way. Courage and strength are gifts that God supplies as we need them most. Even when we don’t necessarily feel courageous nor strong, when we choose to do the next right thing, or take the next obedient step, we are actually operating in His courage and strength. Finally, to do everything in love, is to allow the Lord to flavor all that we do. Let nothing be out of selfish ambition nor with malicious intent, but rather to love as Christ first loved us. When we have to take a stand or step back from spaces that are toxic, even then, there is room to do so in love. If we are listening to the Lord and allowing Him to direct our steps, we can trust that He will work all things out for good. May we each be on our guard; standing firm in our faith; as men and women of courage and strength, as we do all things in His love.

 

To be on our guard,

means we are aware;

of what we take in,

and what is out there.

We must choose stand firm,

in faith to what’s true;

as we seek the Lord,

for He makes us new.

Both courage and strength,

are gifts from the Lord;

granted as needed,

blessings He affords.

So may we each do,

all we do in love;

so hearts may be turned,

to the Lord above.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You give us direction in Your Word as to how we are meant to live life as You intended. Thank You that in all that You ask, You provide what is needed to do as You call us to do. Thank You that You equip us to be on guard and stand firm in our faith, as You give us courage and strength to do all things in love. Forgive us for being unaware of that which surrounds us, or for being deaf to that which You are speaking to our hearts. Teach us to trust You more, so that we may hear You well, and embrace the courage and strength that You supply so that we go forth doing everything You ask in love. Lead us to love as You love us, and may many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we are on our guard, standing firm in the faith with Your courage and strength to do all things in love. Amen.

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

For the Lord your God will bless you, …and your joy will be complete. – Deuteronomy 16:15

Steady in the Storms

The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace. – (Psalm 29:11)

 

I don’t know about you, but for me, this time of transition between winter and spring, happens to be my busiest season of the year. It is the start of a new semester at school, the time of gearing up for state test preparations, gymnastics season, and all the while I attempt to continue to maintain my usual responsibilities at home, church and within the community. Additionally, I have signed on to take a year-long intensive Bible study course. All of these things are commitments that I am passionate about, yet in my own strength, there is no way that I can complete all that is required and still find time to rest. That being said, God gives me the strength to do that which He calls me to do, and shows me what I can let go for a season, and what I am meant to maintain. All the while, despite the seeming chaos, His peace is present.

 

There are times when God’s strength and peace are provided through other people whom He sends along side me to offer help. Often it is with a simple task, yet typically, it is with the one more thing that has become overwhelming in the moment. We serve a good and loving God, who wants the very best for His children. He desires for us to be strong in Him, and to know His peace as we pursue the path He has placed before us. We will find the Lord and know His strength and peace, when we seek Him with all of our heart.

 

May we seek the Lord,

for all of our days;

Source of strength and peace,

for now and always.

Be not overwhelmed,

but rather, seek Him;

His blessings ready,

to pour out again.

For the Lord is good,

His love never ends;

He’s our place of peace,

our Father and Friend.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You give strength to You people, and that You bless us with Your peace. Thank You that Your strength and peace are not dependant on our circumstances, but rather on our posture toward You. Thank You that when we seek You, we find You. Forgive us for choosing to panic and run when chaos and storms come our way. Help us to anchor our souls to the safety of You, so that we may find the security of our safe harbor, no matter what the storms blow in. Teach us to trust You more, so that our response is always to run to You. Lead us to love others with the same sort of love that You lavish upon each of us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You, Lord. Be exalted O God, as we seek You in the storms and receive Your strength and peace. Amen.

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

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him. – Psalm 34:8

Sufficient Grace

When trials come, it is easy to default to the “O Lord get me out of this mess,” sort of posture. It is an automatic response to want difficulty to go away. However, God does not see the struggles the same way that we do. Rather than a chance of us being pulled under, He sees struggles as an opportunity for His strength to be shown. Paul, who had some sort of ongoing affliction, asked the Lord to take it away. Three times He asked God to take it away, and alas, God did not. “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” – (2 Corinthians 12:9)

 

Though Paul’s initial request was for the Lord to take the affliction, the very struggle that hindered him away; when the Lord answered him, Paul’s perspective shifted. What he had viewed as a hindrance, he began to see as an opportunity to show the Lord’s strength. Once he recognized that it was only by God’s grace that he could do anything that the Lord was asking, he was empowered to embrace his weaknesses as opportunities for Christ’s strength to shine.

 

The challenge is how are we to do this practically? I have seen brilliant examples, as faithful warriors press on and pursue all that God has for them, despite the obstacles that life throws their way. Their resolve is deep-rooted in a firmly established relationship with the Father. Each of them fix their eyes and hearts securely on Him, and trust in His unwavering faithfulness. We are called to press in and persevere, regardless of what comes our way. As our roots run deep, His strength becomes more evident, even when we are weak.

 

We’re all in a boat,

somewhere off the shore;

some simply adrift,

while others want more.

Some paddle, pursue,

a course set afar;

and some are content,

to float where they are.

Both will endure waves,

and boats will be rocked;

one self-sufficient,

and one faith unlocked.

Both will come to know,

their own sense of need;

one calls on the Lord,

allowing Him lead.

For in our weakness,

His strength clearly shows;

may we boast in Christ,

as we daily grow.

May His power rest,

so powerfully;

that all who draw near,

will see Christ in me.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your grace is all that we need to get through our greatest challenges. Thank You that Your power is made perfect in our weakness. Thank You that You utilize every challenge as an opportunity to grow us in Your grace, and make Your presence and power known. Forgive us for somehow thinking that You are not enough to carry us when we are unable to stand. Give us wisdom to know when to ask for You to remove something and when to have Your strength come and carry us. Teach us to trust You completely, so that we are completely aware of Your will in all things and at all times. May we love as You love us, and may many come to know the power and presence that is available through the gift of Your grace. Be glorified as we go forth today, and be the strength of our lives. Amen.

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

Because of the tender mercy of our God, …the rising sun will come to us from heaven. – Luke 1:78

Stand Firm

“By standing firm you will gain life.” – (Luke 21:19)  When I hear the words “stand firm“, I picture one setting their feet in ready position, knees bent, eyes forward, and their entire demeanor ready and at attention – set to take on anything that would come their way.  In the same way, we are meant to set ourselves securely in Christ, by faith, believing He is who He says He is, and taking on a posture that demonstrates we are convinced that it is the truth.  As we ready ourselves for whatever He asks, we “stand firm” in faith, and ultimately, gain eternal life with Christ.

“Stand firm” is a phrase that is repeated again and again throughout His word.  Some examples that further solidified my mental picture of what it is to “stand firm“, are as follow:  STAND FIRM

Exodus 14:13, 2 Chronicles 20:17 – to see deliverance

Psalm 20:8 – to rise up

Proverbs 10:25 – to weather the storm

Proverbs 12:7 – to withstand judgment

Isaiah 7:9 – to remain

Ezekiel 13:5 – in the battle

Matthew 10:22, 24:13, and Mark 13:13 – to be saved

So how are we to do this?  Seek.  Ask.  Listen.  Do.  However, in the meantime, there are scriptures that give us instruction.  These are a few:

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm.  Let nothing move you.  Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” – (I Corinthians 15:58)

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” – (I Corinthians 16:13)

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.  Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” – (Galatians 5:1)

“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place…” – (Ephesians 6:14)

Stand firm in the faith,

let life not dismay;

for in Him, is strength,

He’ll show us the way.

Let’s be on our guard,

so we can stand firm;

courageous and strong,

in His truth we’ve learned.

Work unto the Lord,

don’t give into sin;

in storms, be not moved,

God’s greater within.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You do not just tell us to stand firm, but You instruct us, equip us, and walk beside us – holding us up when we are unable to stand steady.  Thank You that the reward for standing firm, far outweighs the cost.  Forgive us for attempting to stand in our own strength, or for stepping back because it all seems too difficult.  Teach us how to trust You more, and help us live out our days standing firm in our faith.  May many be moved to trust in You, as they see Your love and light in us.  Be glorified in all that we say and do.  Amen.

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

Praise Anyway

No matter our lot,

in this life we find;

our hope is in Christ,

Savior to mankind.

Naked we all come,

so too we depart;

what matters to God,

is inside our heart.

Is praise on our lips?

Are our minds made new?

Do we extend grace?

Trust His word is true?

When strong storms do come,

as they surely will;

can we call on Christ,

before Him, be still?

Sin’s not in sorrow,

for wounded need mourn;

trusting from ashes,

new beauty is born.

Praise Him in plenty,

praise Him through the loss;

praise Him for His love,

freely bore our cross.

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the Name of the Lord be praised.” – (Job 1:21)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that regardless of what is going on around us or what condition we are in, we have a reason to praise. Thank You that our hope is not determined by what we can see or even feel, but our hope is found in You. Thank You for Your promises and Your presence. Thank You that when things are difficult, we can praise You because You are with us, holding us up. When things are going well, we can praise You for the blessings we are aware of beside You. Forgive us for not always praising You as You deserve. Teach us how to keep our eyes securely fixed on You, so that even in our sorrow and our storms, we will be ever aware of our reason to praise You. May our posture of praise present the powerful truth of who You are to those who do not yet know You. Let our example lead people to a place of pursuing You. All praise to You! Amen.

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