The Illuminated Path

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. – (Psalm 119:105, NIV)

Your word is like a lamp that guides my steps, a light that shows the path I should take. – (Psalm 119:105, ERV)

By Your words I can see where I’m going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path. – (Psalm 119:105, MSG)

 

Sitting at mom’s kitchen table before sunrise, I take in the familiar view I love. Something that has always struck me as significant, is how even in the dark of night, the few streetlights that are strategically placed on the highway near the turnoff to drive to mom’s house, seem to illuminate the darkness, with a sort of light that glows far greater than ordinary streetlights. It is almost as if at night, the moon shines upon the spot to point the way as well. I included a photo, but it hardly does the actual scene before me justice, as the camera allowed in far too much surrounding light. It was actually far darker outside, and the light at the turnoff, is more pronounced.  God shows us the way that we are meant to go. Sometimes it is subtle and we have to listen for the whisper or be ever alert to see the signs along the route; however, there are times that He illuminates the turnoff with such intensity, that there is no denying that it is the direction we must go. As we prepare for the next steps for mom, we desire the illuminated path to be made plain before us.

Yesterday, mom had a great and exhausting day of work that left her weary by the day’s end. She continued to work on upper body mobility and strengthening in occupational therapy, lower body movement and strengthening in physical therapy, and vocal strengthening and word recall in speech therapy. One of the many exciting things that took place yesterday, occurred during PT. Mom was trying to lift her right leg from fully extended (while lying down) up to the bent position. She pulled and struggled, worked and strained. With a small bit of assist, she did several, until her leg was fatigued and she needed to rest that leg. While her leg was extended straight, we all were chatting about something or another, and mom spontaneously pulled her leg right up to bent to adjust her pants, because she didn’t like the way that they were bunched up. Stephanie and I just stared at her. We exchanged looks of awe, looked at her, and then giggled in amazement, as she too, realized what she had just done, without thinking about it. Clearly it had made an impact on mom, as she was pleased to retell the story to my sister when we spoke on the phone later last evening.

May we continue to trust in the One who makes plain the path before us, as He lights the way that we are meant to go.

 

Lord, Your holy word,

I’ll keep in my heart;

For it is a lamp,

To lead, set apart.

For You have great plans,

For us, one and all;

If we choose listen,

And answer Your call.

God, help us hear You,

Show us the right way;

Lead us and guide us,

Near You, help us stay.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are a light unto our path and a lamp unto our feet. Thank You that You not only show us the way, but You guide each step. Forgive us for our fear and doubts when we know the route but cannot yet see the steps to reach the destination. Teach us to trust You more. Show us how to love those around us in a way that spreads Your light and life and hope in all whom we encounter. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You and Your word to lead us and guide us, all the days of our lives. Amen.

 

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

 

Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I entrust my life. – Psalm 143:8

Found by the Sound

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. – (Luke 19:10, NIV)

The Son of Man came to find lost people and save them. – (Luke 19:10, ERV)

For the Son of Man came to find and restore the lost. – (Luke 19:10, MSG)

 

Years ago, I was hiking in the early spring. We came upon an area that was covered in snow, and kept walking. Soon, we lost the trail, and were uncertain of which direction we were meant to go. In life, it is just as easy to slip away from the right path, once we start stepping beyond the security of the one that has been prepared for us. Thankfully, we stopped wandering and paused to listen. Water flows down, and we heard a stream nearby. We followed the sound, and soon discovered the path we had lost sight of in the snow. Jesus is the same way. If we listen for His voice, He will lead us in the way that we are meant to go. He pulls us out of our darkness and restores us into a right relationship with Him. His life, death, resurrection and ascension all took place so that we could be rescued from our wandering in the wilderness. Jesus will lead us back to the path He intends for us to walk, if we slow down and seek His voice. May we ever be intentional to listen, so that we know the path prepared for us; for this is the way to live eternally with Him.

 

We all are in need,

God’s grace leads us on;

His love that forgives,

Empowers, makes strong.

Strong for the journey,

To follow the way;

The path He provides,

For all of our days.

He came to save us,

All who were once lost;

To set our feet right,

His love paid the cost.

Listen to His voice,

He’ll make the way clear;

Ever He will lead,

As we seek, draw near.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You came to seek and save us. Thank You that You bring us out of our wandering in the wilderness, and set our feet secure on the path that You have prepared for us. Forgive us for wandering. Teach us to trust You more, as You already know where every road leads, and have prepared the way for us with purpose. Show us how to love and support those around us as they discover the route that You have prepared for them to best navigate their own journey. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we faithfully follow every step You call us to take, for You path provides an eternal promise. Amen.

 

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

 

May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in You. – Psalm 33:22

Plan With Purpose

You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. – (Proverbs 19:21, NLT)

People might make many plans, but what the Lord says is what will happen. – (Proverbs 19:21, ERV)

We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God’s purpose prevails. – (Proverbs 19:21, MSG)

 

This is an interesting paradox, as God gives us intellect and free will, yet a heart to seek and serve Him. There are things that are abundantly clear as to what we are meant to do, and others, where it seems that we must brainstorm, make plans, and move forward using our best judgement. It is in these spaces that I think it is good to remember that if our heart is for Him, we need not worry, as His purpose will prevail. Even when we begin in a seemingly misguided direction, twists and turns, hills and valleys become a part of the journey, and our route ends up at an incredible destination. Perhaps God’s ultimate plan and purpose is for the learning and growth that takes place along the way, as we end up on a seeming round-about adventure. May we seek the Lord in all that we do, and ever move forward in the direction to which feel we are called.

 

God grants us a mind, 

To know and make plans;

Let us seek His will,

With purpose, we stand.

Despite all our plans,

God’s will shall prevail;

For what the Lord says,

Will not ever fail.

Let us choose rise up,

In awe, seek His ways;

Trust the Lord to lead,

For all of our days.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your purpose ultimately prevails. Thank You that though we make plans and seek to do the right thing, You always know best, and lead us to the place where You intend for us to go. Forgive us for planning without seeking You. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would ask You and listen for Your leading, rather than attempt to plan out the entire path of our lives. Show us how to love those around us in a way that demonstrates faith and gratitude for the grace that You so generously give. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust Your plans and purposes for our life, both now and forevermore. 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

 

Not Defined by a Day

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago. – (Ephesians 2:10, NLT)

For we are the product of His hand, heaven’s poetry etched on lives, created in the Anointed, Jesus, to accomplish the good works God arranged long ago. – (Ephesians 2:10, VOICE)

 

This is a very timely reminder for me. Yesterday, I felt nothing like a masterpiece nor product of heaven’s poetry, as something I had planned, prepared, and was invested in, fell flat when I needed it to go well. It is extra frustrating when the very thing that we have invested our time, energy and heart into, is well-received in some spaces, then not in another. What I have to remember is that one day does not define who He has called me to be, nor what He has called me to do. As the daughter of the King, I need to pick up my crown, dust it off, and stand tall, trusting that each new day is an opportunity to accomplish the good works that He has prepared for me. We are the product of His hands. He anoints us to accomplish good things. God gifts each of us to carry out the call that He has placed on our lives. Yes, there will be days that are not so poetic, but God is still seated on the throne. He makes us new, and equips us to do each and every next thing. May we rise up and remember to whom we belong, and trust Christ to help us learn from the less-than-fabulous days, and to forge forward in faith for all that lies ahead.

 

We are created,

God’s own masterpiece;

Made to do good things,

His love shall not cease.

We’re made new in Christ,

So we can go out;

Embrace what He gives,

And follow His route.

Even on bad days,

Christ shall remain near;

He picks us back up,

And makes His love clear.

Rise up dearly loved,

Remember your name;

You’re called masterpiece,

Our great God proclaims.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we are Your masterpiece, even when we feel like nothing of the sort. Thank You that in Christ, we are made new, and have been created to do good things. Thank You that Your poetry is etched on our lives, even when we cannot see it. Forgive us for our fears and frustrations when things do not go according to our hopes or plans. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would embrace the opportunity to learn lessons from the lows, and celebrate that which You accomplish through us. Show us how to love those around us in a way that helps each individual we encounter feel valued and known. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we embrace the new creation that You have made us to be, and go forth to do the good that You call us to do. Amen.

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

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

The Way to Hope

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

 

This morning began at O’dark hundred. For the first time since Tuesday, I woke to an alarm. (And before 4am, mind you…) However, today’s early rising was not required, but rather it was by choice. My dear friend and running buddy had to work today, and if we wanted to get a run in together, it had to be prior to her shift at the hospital.

 

Driving over before the sun had fully risen, in the chill of the early morning air, my heart was filled with gratitude for the gift I’ve been given to have a healthy body that can run. The sound of our steps striking in unison mimicked the rhythmic beat of the hearts that Christ has created within us. Our route, though many times traveled, is one surrounded by lush green growth, and does not become boring to view as we go. Whether in silence or immersed in conversation, His presence is known in the comfort of one another’s company, and so often hope is encouraged where it was lacking, and restored where it may have been lost.  God grants us glorious opportunities to seek Him, and clearly view the path He has placed before us, if only we are willing to open our eyes and hearts to Him.

 

May we go forth this day seeking His ways, allowing Him to teach us His path. Let us hope in Christ all day long.

 

From the light of day,

to the setting sun;

show us Your ways Lord,

let Your will be done.

For upon the path,

You’ve laid out for me;

are freedom and hope,

the best yet to be.

Lead us on, Lord God,

where we’re called to go;

may we shine Your light,

so Your truth is known.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we seek You, You show us Your paths, and that we find hope in You, always. Thank You for the gifts and the strengths that You give to each of us, and please help us to use them for Your glory. Forgive us for squandering the blessings that You bestow unto us for our benefit and the benefit of those around us. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will rise up and utilize all that You have given, and stand strong in who You are calling us to become. Lead us to love others in a way that points them unto Your path. May many come to hold their hope in You forever. Be glorified O God, as we seek Your ways, and allow You to show us Your path. Help us to hope in You all of our days. Amen.

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

Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him. – Psalm 62:5

Discovery in Delays

So often we want instant results, or at least answers that will give an inkling of an idea as to when resolution will come, healing will happen, or breakthrough will be brought forth. Faith, however, does not work that way. God’s timing is not our timing, and His ways are not our ways. Just as God led Moses and the Israelites on a longer route around the Philistines to protect them from unseen obstacles, so too may His purpose be in the delay or different direction than we had hoped for. When the disciples gathered and were anxiously awaiting the restoration of the kingdom of Israel, Jesus responded to them. He said to them; “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – (Acts 1:7-8)

 

Jesus has plans for us all, even as we wait. We are called to share of His goodness and grace, here in this place. When we choose Christ, He equips and empowers us to do that to which we have been called. Often it is in the delays, the distractions and redirections that we discover the depth of His provision and power, granted to us for a time such as this. May we rise up in His strength, and go forth in His grace, even as we wait for that which is yet to come.

 

May our hearts prepare,

for this is the time;

to rise up in faith,

to seek the Divine.

Though there is waiting,

there’s much to be done;

our pause has purpose,

to point to the Son.

Empowered by Christ,

His Spirit indwells;

the grace to go forth,

His presence propels.

Let nothing deter,

from God’s loving plan;

listen and follow,

He’ll lead us to stand.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your timing is not our timing, and though we don’t necessarily understand why there are delays and detours, we know that You are good and can trust that Your way is for our benefit. Thank You that You have our very best in mind. Thank You that You give us the gift of Your Holy Spirit as we wait, and entrust us to go forth and share of all that You have done. Forgive us for not trusting Your timing or for staying stuck when You are calling us to move. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will make the most of the wait, and discover all that You will do in the detours and delays. Lead us to love others as You so thoroughly love each of us. May many come into a saving relationship with You. Be glorified Lord God, as we allow Your power to prevail in our pauses. Amen.

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

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