Priests to Serve

And they sang a new song: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because You were slain, and with Your blood You purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” – (Revelation 5:9-10)

 

As John was experiencing his revelation from God, I can only imagine the awe that unfolded as he watched Jesus receive the scroll, and recognize that He alone, was worthy to open it. More than that, what a treasured hope to behold the sight and sound of a choir filling the heavens, all praising God together, as all worshiped as one, from every tribe, language, people and nation. We, as believers, are being gathered unto Him, and being made priests to one day reign with Him. Our songs of praise have much to point out. He gave His life, bought ours with His, is calling us unto Him, is making us priests, and appointing us to reign on earth. May we live our lives from a posture of praise, and seek to honor Him, with all of our days.

 

He gave His life,

so that we might find;

hope to behold,

and share with mankind.

The Lamb of God,

He’s worthy alone;

to open scrolls,

and sit on the throne.

He purchased men,

from every land;

paid with His life,

hope to understand.

Heaven declares,

together as one;

Christ is our hope,

defeat is now done.

Sing a new song,

all praise to the Lamb;

Who set us free,

with salvation’s plan.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You alone are worthy of all honor and praise, and that You are the One who is able to open the seals on the scrolls. Thank You that there is nothing too difficult for You, so we need not ever fear, for You are always with us. Thank You that You willingly laid down Your life for ours, so that we could have Your Spirit with us now, and dwell with You forever. Forgive us for our fears and doubts, and for all that we say and do that does not bring praise unto You. Teach us to live with the sort of trust that radiates from our very being, so that all those around us cannot help but want to know what is different about us. May we be Your hands and heart to the world. Let those who are looking, be found in You. Be exalted O God, in our every word and deed. Amen.

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

As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. – James 5:11

One Day

There will come a day,

when we all shall hear,

each creature singing,

of the Lord, who’s near.

All those in heaven,

and all too, on earth;

sing of His praises,

and His matchless worth.

Seated on the throne,

God’s own holy Lamb;

all offered to Him,

glorious I Am.

All praise and honor,

power and glory;

may we forever,

speak of His story.

Imagine the day,

when we see His face;

joy unimagined,

held in His embrace.

Oh Lord, let our lives,

be sweet offering;

let our days be spent,

honoring You, King.

“Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing; ‘To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb, be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” – (Revelation 5:13)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that because You sent Your Son, the Lamb who was slain in our place, we have the opportunity to be in Your glorious presence forever. Forgive us for not always living with an eternal perspective – for what is on earth is merely temporary, yet that which is of You, is forever. Teach us to fix our eyes on You, so that we too, may gain Your perspective on people and the path we are called to take. Let us love others in the same light that You love us. May many be moved to embrace Your majesty as Savior and King. Amen.

Anne update: No new news is good news. Today I will go visit and spend time with this sweet sister and warrior for Christ. Please pray that God would use me as an encouragement and comfort to His dear daughter. Please pray also for His continued healing in her body, heart and mind. May the miraculous be her story that moves many unto Christ. Amen.

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

Worthy of Worship

photo by Free Republic

“In a loud voice they sang: ‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” – Revelation 5:12

All of heaven rejoices in recognition of the remarkable redemption that has been given to all who believe, through the sacrifice of our Savior on the hill called “the Skull”.  The Son was slain in our place, and then presented with all power, wealth, wisdom, honor, glory, praise and strength, supplied by God alone.

Just as is done in heaven, we ought to “sing out” strong our powerful praise for He who grants us great grace and gives the undeserved gift of eternity with Him.  Our song ought to be audible not only by our words, but by how we live our lives in love.

Does my life sing praise?

Is His light lifted high by my behavior?

Some days, it seems that my song is merely a minute hum, rather than a song that soars as it is sung in strength.  There are other days, however, where I feel as though I cannot stay silent and must allow the hope in my heart to be heard.  Thankfully, He is not dependant on our fickle feelings, and fuels the faithful to forge forward as we grow in trust in Him.  Each new day with Him, allows the song to be sung a little louder.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You alone are our reason to sing.  Thank You that our acts of worship and songs of praise are always audible to Your ever-hearing heart.  Forgive us for not always allowing Your heart to be heard through our actions or attitudes.  Teach us to sing songs of praise to You, through everything that we say and do.  May our life song supply others with the strength to seek You, our loving Savior.  Amen.

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