Prepare, Guide and Direct

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

Guide me, as You promised. Don’t let evil rule over me. – (Psalm 119:133, ERV) 

Prepare before me a path filled with Your promises, and don’t allow even one sin to have dominion over me. – (Psalm 119:133, TPT) 

Prepare, direct and guide are all necessary components to walk in God’s will and live according to His word. The thing that prevents us from fully walking in His way and following His path, is sin. When we allow ourselves to get caught up in the moment or movement, and do not look to the Lord for His leading, sin can creep in and find a foothold in our heart. Our culture, today, makes this blaringly evident. Rather than having civilized discussions when differing or opposing opinions present themselves, many are choosing to engage in arguing, name-calling, or worse, rather than listening in love. Sin creeps in when we allow our thoughts to determine what is best, instead of seeking the Lord and asking Him. Angry arguing and belittling commentary are not ways to share the love that the Lord intended us to give. The ugliness is not what He is asking. Absolutely we are to speak up when wrongs are being done, but it ought to be about the sin and what God actually wants, not the person who is walking the wrong way. “…God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance.” (Romans 2:4) Kind, civilized, and loving words and modeling go much farther to show the way, than demeaning and destructive verbiage. Our intentions matter not if our words and deeds are tainted by sin. May we ever seek the Lord to prepare us, guide us and direct our steps, so that no sin finds a foothold in our hearts. 

O Lord, prepare me, 

Please show me Your heart; 

Cleanse me and lead me, 

And Your grace impart.  

Direct ev’ry step, 

Keep sin far away; 

So Your love is shown, 

And I love Your way. 

Guide me on Your path, 

Make each next step clear; 

Let each word and deed, 

Show love perseveres. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your word prepares, guides and directs us so that sin may not find a foothold in our hearts. Forgive us for the times that we allow our own will to overrule Yours, and end up thinking, speaking or doing things contrary to Your ways. Teach us to seek and follow You, allowing You room to transform our hearts and make us acutely aware of what is Your good and perfect will. Show us how to love those around us as You would. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to direct our every step and keep us free from being trapped into the ugliness of sin. Amen. 

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

Or do you show contempt for the riches of His kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? – Romans 2:4

The Hand of Blessing

You go before me and follow me. You place Your hand of blessing on my head. – (Psalm 139:5, NLT)

You have surrounded me on every side, behind me and before me, and You have placed Your hand gently on my shoulder. – (Psalm 139:5, VOICE)

You’ve gone into my future to prepare the way, and in kindness You follow behind me to spare me from the harm of my past. With Your hand of love upon my life, You impart a blessing to me. – (Psalm 139:5, TPT)

 

Though there are disappointments and struggles (as it is a part of human existence), I am acutely aware of God’s bountiful hand of blessing in my life. Through the most trying seasons, He has gone before me and been behind me, and His hand was gently upon me. Never, even on the worst of days, did I feel as if I were on my own. Yesterday, marked one more step towards the fulfillment of this beautiful forward momentum that He has set into place in my life. My fiancé and I received the keys to our new home and were able to go and get started on a bit of yard work, despite having each worked full days, with responsibilities to attend to in the evening. We have been given the gift of time, as we have just the right amount for he and his son to move into our new home after his son’s graduation, time for my boys and me to gradually move things over as we can, and the flexibility in my rental agreement to not move in completely until the day we all depart for Wenatchee for the wedding. May we ever remember Who surrounds us and prepares the way, as He imparts blessings upon us by His love.

 

Before me You go, 

In love, make a way;

You follow behind,

Ever near You stay.

Your great hand of love,

It rests upon me;

As You grant blessings,

So abundantly.

Though trials will come,

I need never fear;

For Your love’s greater,

And Your presence clear.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You go before us and behind us and You place Your hand of blessing upon us. Thank You that You prepare the way ahead and protect us from the harm of what has past. Forgive us for not recognizing Your presence and Your blessings in our lives. Teach us to have open eyes and open hearts so that we would be ever aware of Your presence and Your hand in our lives. Show us how to love those around us in a way that imparts abundant blessings. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your presence and thank You for Your hand of blessing in our lives. Amen.

 

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

 

May God Almighty grant You mercy. – Genesis 43:14

Be Our Strength

It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. – (Psalm 18:32, NIV)

God is the One who gives me strength. He clears the path I need to take. – (Psalm 18:32, ERV)

He fills me with strength and protects me wherever I go. – (Psalm 18:32, TLB)

 

There are days that I wonder how I am to navigate my way, as I feel depleted before I begin, leaving me uncertain about much of what lies before me. However, what I discover each day, much like today, is that as I turn to the Lord and rely on Him, He sustains me and strengthens me, and by the end of the day, I am able to look back and see His faithfulness that carried me throughout the duration of my day, as He was as near as each breath breathed. May we ever seek the Lord who fills us with strength and clears our path, as He is faithful to meet us each time we draw near.

 

When we are weary,

Photo by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤

And our strength is gone;

The Lord shall supply,

Help us carry on.

He prepares the path,

We are meant to take;

Protects as He leads,

As we seek His face.

The Lord is faithful,

In love, freely gives;

All that is needed,

To trust, follow Him.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the One who gives us strength and clears the path we need to take. Thank You that You are faithful to answer as we ask. Forgive us for attempting to power through in our own strength, rather than trust and rely on You. Teach us to trust You more, as You are the ultimate Source of strength and You show us the ways we are meant to go. Help us to love those around us in a way that strengthens and points people to the path You have prepared for them too. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You for strength and direction, and listen to Your leading. 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.

 

 

Extend the Good

You go before me and follow me. You place Your hand of blessing on my head. – (Psalm 139:5, NLT)

You are all around me – in front of me and behind me. I feel Your hand on my shoulder. – (Psalm 139:5, ERV)

You’ve gone into my future to prepare the way, and in kindness You follow behind me to spare me from the harm of my past. With Your hand of love upon my life, You impart a blessing to me. – (Psalm 139:5, TPT)

 

The kindness of God never ceases to amaze me. So often, He uses the people He has placed in my life to show me His love in remarkable ways. Yesterday, as the start of the school day was drawing near, I walked into the library and crossed paths with a colleague and friend. She happened to be wearing my shirt for the Seattle Majestics (the semi-pro, full-tackle, women’s football team I made about a month ago), and I smiled and complimented her on her shirt. Her response was very sweet and supportive, and I walked away blessed and encouraged. Not twenty yards out the library door, I encountered another dear co-working friend, wearing the same shirt and a sweet smile. I did a double-take in disbelief, and again was built up with blessing. One of my dearest friends made a cameo in my class, also donning said shirt, as she informed my students of my latest endeavor. Though I was likely several shades of red, it was entertaining to see my kids respond to the idea of their teacher playing football. At the end of the day, we had a staff meeting and there were a total of four fabulous ladies sporting the shirts in support of this new adventure. For me, it was a reminder that I am valued and known, even if I am quiet and often fly under the radar. He sees and He knows, and His hand of blessing is upon me. May we ever remember Who goes before us and stands behind, as the Lord loves to impart blessings upon us.

 

The Lord goes before, 

And He stands behind;

He extends blessings,

With our hearts in mind.

He knows and He sees,

The need of each heart;

The hand of His love,

His blessing imparts.

Protects from the past,

And prepares the way;

Strength for tomorrow,

And love all our days.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You go before us and stand behind. Thank You that You walk beside us and bless us as we go. Thank You that You place us in communities. Thank You for the incredible gift of the people whom You have placed in mine. Forgive us for not recognizing Your hand of blessing in the good that goes on around us each day. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would fix our eyes on the blessings that You bestow upon us, rather than the struggles that we face. Thank You that You are with us through it all. Show us how to support, encourage, walk beside and love those around us in the day-to-day, as that is the community to which we are called. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your presence and Your blessings, and extend the good that we have been given to those around us. Amen.

 

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

 

Father, I thank You that You have heard me. – John 11:41

He Makes a Way

With God’s help we will do mighty things, for He will trample down our foes. – (Psalm 108:13, NLT)

Only God can make us strong. Only God can defeat our enemies! – (Psalm 108:13, ERV)

 

Sometimes, our enemies are those who oppose that which we know needs to be done. However, so often, our greatest enemy in accomplishing the very things that God has called us to do, is ourselves. Fear, doubt, time constraints, lack – every conceivable reason why we should not be able to do the very thing that He is calling us to do, rises within our hearts and minds and challenges us, telling us it is impossible. On our own, it usually is. That being said, with God’s help, we can do whatever it is that He is calling us to do. He provides the strength, courage, time and resources needed, just as they are needed, so that each next step will be met, if we only dare brave to keep moving forward. May we rise up in faith, trusting that God will provide all that we need to do whatever He is asking, and that all of the seeming impossibilities will fade as we choose to keep moving forward. God makes a way where there seems to be no way.

 

The dreams He’s planted,

the promises made;

are for our pursuit,

as God makes a way.

Regardless of size,

and our perceived lack;

our God is greater,

and He has our back.

He goes before us,

and prepares the way;

we‘re meant to press on,

seek His will each day.

Where we are headed,

may be a slow climb;

but each day take steps,

all His will, not mine.

Lord, renew our strength,

flood us with Your grace;

take opposition,

grant us strength to race.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that with Your help, we can do mighty things. Thank You that You trample our foes, and silence the voices that try to tell us that the things You call us to do are impossible. Thank You that You can make us strong to trust You to provide all that we need to do what You are asking. Forgive us for allowing anyone or anything to have a voice that speaks louder than Yours. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would hold fast to that which You have spoken, no matter how things appear. Show us how to love others in a way that blesses and encourages them to run their own race with the strength and endurance that You alone provide. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You and Your help to do mighty things in Your strength. Amen.

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

May God Almighty grant you mercy. – Genesis 43:14

Equipped for Desert Seasons

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the desert. – (Luke 4:1)

Jesus was not tempted and put through trials in the desert until after He had been equipped with the filling of the Holy Spirit. God is loving and kind, and prepares protection for His children. Just as He placed His Spirit in Jesus at the Jordan so that He’d be able to obey all that was asked of Him despite the distractions and temptations, God does the same for us. He doesn’t allow us into “desert seasons” without first equipping us to stand strong, regardless of how things appear. God fills us and leads us, so that we may be ready to withstand whatever comes our way. May we seek His strength in our desert spaces, and trust that He has equipped and empowered us for such a time as this.

In every heart,

http://www.f-lohmueller.de

that calls on His Name;

the Spirit comes dwell,

for all of our days.

He’ll lead and He’ll guide,

and strength He will give;

so we can stand strong,

in His power, live.

No matter what comes,

a trial or storm;

when we trust in Him,

our heart shall transform.

Where defeat once stood,

our faith shall give rise;

for by God’s great grace,

hope opens our eyes.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You don’t allow us to walk through desert seasons without first equipping us to withstand whatever lies ahead. Thank You that You are faithful to never leave us nor forsake us, and that we can always trust in You. Forgive us for our lack of faith and perseverance, and teach us to trust You more. Help us to rise up and recognize that far greater are You who is in us, than anything that comes against us. Lead us to love others through their desert places, and help us point to You – the only water that refreshes our souls. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust Your Spirit in us when we are in the desert or being tempted in ways that seem too difficult to withstand. Amen.

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

The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. – Psalm 145:8

When My Soul Waits

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope. – (Psalm 130:5, NIV)

I am waiting for the Lord to help me. My soul waits for Him. I trust what He says. – (Psalm 130:5, ERV)

Often, it seems that there is a season of waiting between active steps of obedience. It is in this in-between time that we are in what feels like a holding pattern, yet it is in this very space that we are called to wait and to trust in Him. Hope rises as we actively engage in time spent with Him. As we wait, He stretches, refines, restores, grows and prepares us for the next steps we are meant to take. Though waiting seasons are a struggle, the result of such seasons is something stronger and far more than we had imagined before. May we wait on the Lord in trust, and place our hope in His word.

O Lord the waiting,

is so hard to do;

seasons of stillness,

of trusting what’s true.

Lord help me in faith,

to Your hope, hold tight;

Your timing’s perfect,

and Your plans are right.

I trust who You are,

and Your word is true;

prepare this old heart,

for what I’m to do.

Let Your hope arise,

where doubt has crept in;

restore strength and faith,

fan the flames within.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we wait for You, we can put our hope in You and Your word. Thank You that You are truth and light and life. Forgive us for our lack of patience and endurance in the seasons of waiting, and teach us to trust in You, so that we will see these seasons as opportunities to be stretched, strengthened and transformed into more of who You have created us to become. Lead us to love others in such a way, that they see You through all that we do and say. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we wait in trust with hope, as You direct our every step. 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

Possible is About Perspective

For nothing is impossible with God. – (Luke 1:37)

The very same God who answered the longing of a barren mother who was advanced in age, also brought about the birth of the Savior by miraculous means. What seems impossible in our own eyes, is possible in Christ. Health, wholeness, righteousness, restoration, love and new life, are all possible in Him. God gives good by His grace, despite what we deserve. As we seek Him and invest our hearts and lives in the Lord, He opens our eyes and hearts to the possibilities that He can provide through His power, not our own. May we seek our Savior and gain insight as to what He is preparing to make possible, as we walk by faith and not by sight.

Though our eyes may see,

what never could be;

God sees the options,

and moves mightily.

For there is nothing,

that our God can’t do;

by His grace all things,

are made right, renewed.

He can bring wholeness,

where brokenness reigns;

love us back to life,

so we dream again.

May we seek the One,

who prepares the way;

as we walk by faith,

let doubts fall away.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that nothing is impossible with You. Thank You that You who handcrafted each of us and all of creation, are more than capable of coming along side us, to lead and guide us, in our time of need. Forgive us for forgetting what a big God You are, and help us to hold fast to the truth. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will seek You and trust You in all things and at all times; for You are good. Lead us to love others well, so that they might see the possible in You. May many come into a personal relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You when we face the seemingly impossible, knowing that nothing is impossible for You. Amen.

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

Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. – 2 Corinthians 3:5

Sanctified As We Seek Truth

Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth. – (John 17:17, NIV)

Make them ready for Your service through Your truth. Your teaching is truth. – (John 17:17, ERV)

To sanctify is to be set apart for sacred use, cleansed and made holy. In terms of following Christ, that is the very thing that He does, when we choose to trust and invest in God and His word. The Lord prepares our hearts and minds to do the good that He has called us to do, and equips our hearts and minds with truth. As we trust in Him, we are made ready to reach out and love God and love others, as we have been loved by Him. May we invest our hearts wisely to walk in His truth, as we equip our hearts and minds with His word.

We must seek the truth,

that’s found in His word;

and not just alone,

depend on what’s heard.

For wisdom does come,

to hearts that invest;

in knowing what’s true,

in all that’s professed.

We are set apart,

made holy and cleansed;

by God’s righteous word,

His calls us His friends.

It is by His truth,

we’re ready, prepared;

to go forth in love,

and willingly share.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we are set apart, cleansed and made holy by Your truth. Thank You that Your word is truth. Thank You that we so readily have access to Your word, and that we are without excuse to discover more and more of You. Forgive us for not seeking the truth that is available right in front of us. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would reach for You in all things at all times, seeking You in prayer and looking to Your word for answers to our questions. Show us how to love others in the way that You are calling us to love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we are sanctified by You as we continue to seek truth in Your word. Amen.

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

And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you.” – Exodus 33:19

What I Give

When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” – (Acts 2:3-6)

A man crippled from birth, was begging at the temple gates, just as he did every other day. However, this day, was to be like no other day before. Pious people had given him enough in the past to get by, yet on this day, he was to receive so much more! Though he was asking for money, he was given something far better – the use of his legs. So often, it is the same for us. We seek God, asking for something that we think will be a solution to our situation, yet His provision comes as something far greater – a need met that we may not have even perceived, nor had the courage or faith to ask. God’s plan for us is to provide a whole new life, not just a quick fix to a temporary situation. He wants to grant freedom where we are held captive, joy where there is despair, and peace where anxiety reigns. Christ’s answers far exceed the expectations of what we ask. May we earnestly seek Him as we faithfully pursue His plans for our lives. For His faithfulness, let us also give praise and rejoice.

 

Faithfully seeking,
we timidly ask;
what we think we need,
to complete a task.
The Lord sees our hearts,
and the road ahead;
He knows what we need,
and gives that instead.
We simply must trust,
and ask of the Lord;
for His grace and help,
all things, He’ll afford.
Whatever He asks,
He’ll prepare us too;
He’s more than enough,
as He makes us new.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are so good. Thank You that You love us so much that You do not always give us the things that we want or that which we think we need, but rather You supply what we really need. Thank You that Your grace is greater than our ignorance. Forgive us for our shortsightedness and lack of faith when things do not appear to be anywhere near being answered, and help us to trust You, knowing that You are always at work, and that Your solution is for our greater good. Lead us to love others as You so faithfully love each of us, and may many come to know just how great You are, as a result. Be glorified, O God, as we live and love, completely trusting Your faithfulness in all things. 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