Encourage Each Other

But encourage each other every day, while you still have something called “today.” Help each other so that none of you will be fooled by sin and become too hard to change. – (Hebrews 3:13, ERV)

 

To live life as God intended, we need to be in community. He created the body so that we could mutually encourage each other to walk in His ways and be whom He calls us to be. Also, when we are invested in one another, we are accountable for what we say and do, and tend to be better protected from the snares of sin. May we sow where we are planted, and choose to invest and encourage in those who are in the community in which we dwell. Let us hold one another up, so that none will become entangled by the snares of sin, nor lost to a life they’re not meant to lead.

 

We all have been called, 

to choose to invest;

in community,

to give and be blessed.

Part of a body,

to walk alongside;

each other in love,

to help do what’s right.

Also to protect,

from the snares of sin;

together there’s strength,

to stand, fight and win.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You created us for community. Thank You that when we invest in each other, You use the relationships that we are in to encourage and protect us from the snares of sin. Forgive us for being too “busy”, or not prioritizing time to be invested daily in the body. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would be willing to encourage and lift up those around us each day, and live according to all that You say. Show us how to love all those who are around us well. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek to encourage and walk beside those in which You have placed within our community. 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

Do the Good

Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins. – (James 4:17, NIV)

If you fail to do what you know is right, you are sinning. – (James 4:17, ERV)

 

Each one of us has an inner voice that directs us in the way in which we are meant to go. Some call this a conscience, others liken it to an internal compass; while those who place their trust in Christ, come to know that this is actually the very voice of God. His Spirit who dwells in us, whispers to our hearts – that which we are meant to do, and that which we are not. So often we think of sin as a long list of “Thou shall nots“, instead of the reality of truly listening and obeying the still small voice within. I imagine few of us have ever gone out and murdered anyone, (though we each have likely harbored unkind thoughts about another) yet how many of us have neglected a need of another that is near us?

 

Yesterday evening, my boys and I were at the gas station and I had just finished filling my car. An elderly gentleman caught my attention and politely asked if I had a few dollars I could spare, as he seemed to be in a bit of a panic, claiming that he must have dropped his card and needed to get a bit of gas to travel home. For some reason, I reached in my wallet, grabbed out the few dollars that I had folded in there, and handed it to him. He graciously and gratefully accepted my small offering. As we drove away, it sparked a great conversation with my boys. Usually, when approached for money in a parking lot, I am able to honestly answer that I do not carry cash. Yesterday, however, felt different. For some reason, I had just a few dollars, and I felt like I should give it to him. After explaining to the boys that sometimes, you just have to trust that you are doing the right thing. Out loud, in front of the boys, I simply prayed for the man to be able to purchase enough gas to take him safely home. May we choose well to do the right which we are called to do, as we listen carefully to the still small voice within.

 

Sin is not only,

when we choose do wrong;

but when we neglect,

live out our life’s song.

If we’re called to love,

and we opt love not;

then we’re choosing sin,

in selfish snares caught.

If we will listen,

for His still small voice;

and act on His call,

we’ll make the right choice.

When we act in love,

allow the Lord lead;

broken can be healed,

through Him, we meet needs.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You continually show us what we are meant to do; through Your word, through those who have gone before us, and through the still small voice of Your Holy Spirit who dwells within us. Thank You that if we are willing to listen, we will hear You. Forgive us for the times that we did not do the good that we should have done, and teach us to trust You more, so that we will be ready and willing to act in obedience the next time You present the opportunity for us to do good on Your behalf. Lead us to love others in practical and tangible ways. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we do the good that You are calling us to do. Amen.

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

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

What Gift Shall I Give?

On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. – (Matthew 2:11)

 

This verse is from Matthew’s account of when the Magi traveled to Bethlehem to see the child to whom the star had led them. Their journey had been long, yet they were overjoyed upon their arrival. Despite Jesus still being but a very small child, they bowed down before Him in worship. As wise men, it had been revealed to them, just how significant this toddler would become. Additionally, the treasures that were given, had symbolic significance that likely funded the family’s flight to Egypt and back. Gold was a gift for a king; incense, a gift for deity; and myrrh, a spice for a person who was going to die. – (NIV footnotes)

 

Though the Magi were men of great wisdom, they did not yet know the whole story. We have an advantage, as we have the greatest gift that has ever been given. That toddler, the baby Jesus whom the wise men worshiped and presented gifts to, grew into a man who paid the penalty for all of our sin. He lived a life that was without sin, yet clothed Himself with all the world’s sin and suffered on our behalf upon the cross, then rose again in power so that we too, could overcome the snares of sin. Because Jesus took our place, we have the hope of life everlasting with Him. When we come before Him, what gift can we give? Though He needs nothing from us, He longs for our hearts to seek after His. Our worship, our praise, our adoration, our days – these are the gifts that we can give… May we go forth this day as an offering unto Him, as He has already given us the greatest gift of all.

 

The greatest of gifts,

we’ve ever received;

was granted to us,

the day we believed.

For as we embraced,

the truth of Your grace;

You freed us from sin,

and removed disgrace.

How can we repay,

such a blessed gift?

There’s nothing You need,

all praises we lift.

Honor and glory,

and hearts that are true;

may we bring You praise,

in all that we do.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son to come and make the way for us to be set free from sin and restored to right relationship with You. Thank You Jesus, for bearing all of our sin and shame upon the cross, and demonstrating Your power and glory so that we might receive the gift of Your grace and Your presence as we choose to believe. Forgive us for taking the greatest gift that we have ever been given for granted, and help us to seek to give You the gift of ourselves in return – our hearts, our hopes, our time, our worship – all unto You. Lead us to love people as You so lavishly love each of us. May many come to embrace the grace that You so lovingly and generously pour out upon all who are willing to receive. Be glorified, Lord God, as we give all of ourselves unto You. 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

Bad Company Corrupts Good Character

Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” – (1 Corinthians 15:33)

 

If the constant company that we keep is corrupt, then the corners of our character begin to corrode. That is not to say that we cannot spend time with unbelievers, (for how else would they hear) but in order to keep from compromising our character, we must be balanced in the company we keep. Time spent with fellow believers that encourage, challenge and help hold us accountable, is both beneficial and necessary to remain upright before Christ. The Holy Spirit within grants us wisdom as to where and with whom we should walk. We must be sensitive to His leading, and listen to His still small voice. May our hearts be protected from being misled, and our character remain upright before Him.

 

Do not be misled,

for our hearts should know;

whatever we reap,

we will also sow.

If all of our time,

is with the corrupt;

our good character,

will surely slip up.

For we cannot help,

but somehow be swayed;

if all of our time,

is walking away.

We have been crafted,

created with care;

for relationships,

that keep us aware.

The Holy Spirit,

and good, Godly friends;

help keep us upright,

stay true to the end.

So let not our lives,

be yoked with corrupt;

may the faithful near,

lift each other up.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You give us instructions in Your word to protect us and keep us from falling into the snares that would try to entangle us. Thank You that You show us what we are to do, and what we are not meant to do. Thank You that Your Holy Spirit is available within us to grant us wisdom in the areas where we are uncertain. Forgive us for being misled and thinking that somehow we are immune to the sway of sin. Protect us from the pull that seeks to suck us in, and help us keep accountable before You and with fellow followers of You. Teach us to trust and rely on You more, so that we are more firm in our convictions. Help us to live and love as You love us, and may our choices be an encouragement to those who are searching for You. May many come to know You as their Savior and King. Be glorified, O God, as we depend on You to steer clear of sin’s snares. Amen.

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

You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence. – Acts 2:28

Judge Not

image by Georgy

There are some matters,

not in black and white;

but must come from God,

to know what is right.

Some eat whatever,

their cravings desire;

while others, believe,

those will lead to fire.

We are not to judge,

sisters and brothers;

instead, let us not,

be snares for others.

For we will appear,

before God one day;

on our bended knees,

to hear what He’ll say.

Judge not and be not,

a stumbling block;

love each other well,

and cling to the Rock.

For when we serve God,

let Him be the judge,

peace and joy we’ll find,

heed His gentle nudge.

(Responding to Romans 14:10-18)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You know us so intimately that You are willing to tell us, individually, what is the very best for us, in all circumstances that are not clearly established in Your word.  Thank You that we are not all the same; that You have created us with different strengths, weaknesses, gifts, and obstacles to overcome, so that we may sharpen and grow one another in You.  Forgive us for passing judgment on others, and help us to place that role in Your hands alone.  Teach us to hear from You clearly, and to walk in forgiveness and grace, as we have been forgiven and extended Your ongoing grace so generously.  Lead us to love lavishly, as You so love us.  May the very way we live, lead many unto You and Your amazing grace.  Amen.

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

Closer Still

image by Mary Beth Volpini

Still closer, Jesus,

I need You to come;

post guard on my heart,

set lock on my tongue.

Let no evil thoughts,

my mind entertain,

keep me from wicked,

and all You disdain.

Surround me with wise,

who’ll come alongside;

correct me in love,

as You lead and guide.

Let evil doers,

reap what they sow;

for justice is Yours,

to have and to hold.

My eyes fixed on You,

You are my refuge;

keep me from the snares,

so I’m safe in You.

(Responding to Psalm 141)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we seek, we find; and as we ask, we are given.  Jesus, please come closer still, and guard our hearts and minds from the wicked ways that have become so widely accepted by much of society.  Keep us from speaking sinfully, and help our words to bring light and life to all who hear them.  Forgive us for allowing our minds to entertain anything that is evil or unpleasing to You, and please be quick to correct us in love, so that we are led away from all that is unwise, and toward that which builds up the body.  As our eyes are fixed on You, may our actions advocate just how amazing You are to those who are seeking.  May many come to know You as their Father and Friend.  Amen.

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