Comfort, Encouragement and Hope

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. – (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, NIV)

We pray that the Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father will comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say. God loved us and gave us through His grace a wonderful hope and comfort that has no end. – (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, ERV)

Now may the Lord Jesus Christ and our Father God, who loved us and in His wonderful grace gave us eternal comfort and a beautiful hope that cannot fail, encourage your hearts and inspire you with strength to always do and speak what is good and beautiful in His eyes. – (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, TPT)

Because of the Lord’s great love, we are strengthened and encouraged to do and say what is good in God’s eyes. His eternal hope and encouragement are the very things that strengthen and inspire us to do and say that which honors God. As we do, His love is made evident and encouragement becomes known, for our words and deeds speak volumes. If we seek Him and pursue a life that reflects His love, the wonderful hope and comfort that we come to understand is passed on to those around us. May we ever seek the Lord to comfort and strengthen us in every word and deed, so that His love, hope and comfort may be shared with all whom we encounter.

May the God of hope,

Meet us each in love;

To strengthen, build up,

Inspire from above.

Such love brings comfort,

Sets hope in our heart;

Equips us to love,

Reach out, do our part.

We need only look,

And God’s love is found;

Ever He is near,

His goodness surrounds.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You love us, comfort us, encourage us and give us eternal hope. Forgive us for not always recognizing Your presence that grants us lasting hope and help. Teach us to turn to You in all things and at all times. Show us how to love like You, so that we may encourage, strengthen, comfort and build up all those around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust all in Your strong and capable hands. Amen.

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

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Let It Shine

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. – (Matthew 5:16, NIV)

In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven. – (Matthew 5:16, ERV)

You are like that illuminating light. Let your light shine everywhere you go, that you may illumine creation, so men and women everywhere may see your good actions, may see creation at its fullest, may see your devotion to Me, and may turn and praise your Father in heaven because of it. – (Matthew 5:16, VOICE)

 

What we do and how we live speak volumes about God. Our choices either point to Him in a positive light, or one that is less than edifying. For some, our light, life, and approach in what we do, is the only exposure to Christ that exists in their lives. How we choose to live, matters. As we invest in our relationship with Christ, our lives are transformed to more clearly reflect His light through how we choose to live. May we ever invest in the Light of the World, for He grows the good within us that fans the flame of our light to shine ever brighter before those around us.

As for Mom, she is happily back in the routine of life with my sister and her family. It is a joy to receive texts and sneak in quick phone calls, as we lovingly laugh about the fun we had shopping with the driving carts and checking in with one another. She continues to build confidence with using her cane, as there has been no looking back. Yesterday marked one whole week of only using a cane as a walking aid! We are celebrating and praising God, as this is remarkable progress in this healing process Mom is walking through. Please continue to pray for strength to return to her right arm and pathways to be made. She is able to move her right arm when it is unweighted in a hydraulic contraption at physical therapy, but she does not yet have the strength to move the weight of her arm on its own. Again, the capacity to move is there, she now needs the strength to be built up and returned to make it all work together. Mom’s positivity and perseverance shine brightly wherever she goes.

 

We are all equipped,

To rise up and shine;

Embrace all God gives,

Love as we’re designed.

For how we choose live,

Determines the light;

That shines to others,

Through both day and night.

As we choose give good,

God’s love light’s made known;

Darkness fades away,

As kindness is shown.

Let us choose to love,

To live in God’s light;

Extend love and grace,

And do what is right.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to be light wherever we go. Thank You that it is not something that we do on our own, but rather it is Your light within us that shines through us, as we trust and follow after You. Forgive us for neglecting to listen to Your leading and doing what serves us best, rather than seeking the good of others. Show us how to be Your light wherever we go. Teach us to love all those around us as Your do. Help us to do the practical and tangible good that blesses hearts and soothes minds. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we pursue the path that You make plain before us so that we may shine Your light before those around us through doing good. Amen.

 

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

 

Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it is dark, it will be just as full of light as when a lamp shines its light on you. – Luke 11:36

The Pattern of Wisdom

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. – (James 3:13, NIV)

Are there any among you who are really wise and understanding? Then you should show your wisdom by living right. You should do what is good with humility. A wise person does not boast. – (James 3:13, ERV)

Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here’s what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It’s the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. – (James 3:13, MSG)

 

Wisdom and understanding come from living right and setting a pattern for choosing to do the next right thing. Our reputations are built on that which we choose to do, and the things that we forego. Both done in humility, speak volumes beyond anything we say with words. May we build a reputation for wisdom through living wisely and humbly, according to God’s perfect will. Let wisdom be shown through how we live.

Yesterday, we spent the first half of our day enjoying the company of Mark’s aunt and cousin, did a bit of running around, returned to his aunt’s house, and then began our journey home. Unfortunately, with all the travel, I did not have the opportunity to check in with mom. However, I do know that today is an important day, with the assessment for in-home therapies taking place before day’s end. Please pray for mom’s needs to be met, and for the perfect, hand-picked people to be placed on her path to work with her toward her ongoing recovery and restoration. Mom is ready to get to work, and I am hopeful for a great fit in personalities and expertise to accelerate mom’s progress.

 

Live well and wisely,

In humility;

With grace and kindness,

Let your actions lead.

Wisdom is not words,

Spoken on their own;

But rather our deeds,

Over time, we’ve shown.

For talk by itself,

Cannot truly show;

How powerfully,

Acts of His love grow.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness and grace that calls us to action, rather than mere talk. Thank You that wisdom comes as we walk in humility, grace and obedience to You. Forgive us for the times that we have not chosen well, or have not followed through where Your loving kindness was needed most. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would seek You to live well, pursing the path that You have placed before us in wisdom and grace. Show us how to love those around us well, as we seek to show Your heart through our actions, rather than mere talk. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek Your heart to guide our every action. Amen.

 

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

 

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12

The Fruit of Righteousness

The fruit of righteousness is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives. – (Proverbs 11:30, NIV)

What good people produce is like a life-giving tree. Those who are wise give new life to others. – (Proverbs 11:30, ERV)

 

When we live according the God’s will, we give light, life and hope to all those who are around us. Our words and deeds speak volumes on the Lord’s behalf, as we earnestly seek to walk in His ways. Not one of us is perfect nor has it all figured out, but the Lord looks at our hearts and uses what we offer when we sincerely seek to serve Him. He grants wisdom and the words we need as they are needed, so that others too, may come to know His goodness and grace. May we continually seek the Lord and all of His ways, as we look to honor Him all of our days.

 

May God’s righteousness,

Be what people see;

As life invested,

Should bring God glory.

Wisdom from the Lord,

A life-giving tree;

Bearing fruit for all,

Who come near to see.

May His light and life,

Be so evident;

That the good in me,

They’ll know the Lord sent.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we whole-heartedly pursue You, You grant us wisdom and make us right before You. Thank You that You can use us to give new life to those around us. Forgive us for not seeking nor investing as You call us to do. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would seek You in all things and at all times, knowing that You alone are the one who give life to those looking for truth. Show us how to love those around us in such a way, that we might clearly reflect Your goodness and grace before all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You in all that we do, so that You might shine through us. Amen.

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

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

Reflecting His Radiance

You are God’s dear children, so try to be like Him. – (Ephesians 5:1, ERV)

Though few words, this verse speaks volumes. We are God’s children – dear to His heart. As His kids, we ought to do our best to follow and obey Him, so that we may reflect clearly, His likeness through who we are and all that we opt to do and say. May our decisions delight His heart and place His love on display.

Lord, what an honor,

photo by Joan Davis

to be called Your child;

to know and be loved,

whether tame or wild.

You count us as dear,

not for what we do;

but because we are,

created by You.

Because we’re Your kids,

help us ever try;

to do as You do,

loving with our lives.

Help our hearts to hear,

what You call us to;

and let each day start,

with mercies anew.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us Your children. Thank You that as we seek You, we find You, and You delight in us because we are Yours. Thank You that the better we know You, the more clearly we begin to reflect who You are to those around us. Forgive us for not seeking to know You more, or for allowing our hearts to stray from staying the course set before us by You. Teach us to trust You more as Your dearly loved children, so that we in turn, might reflect more clearly, who You are to those who know You not. Lead us to love others well, so that they too, may come to know the glory of being known as Your children. May many choose to follow You forever. Be glorified O God, as we seek You and try to live out our lives in such a way, that others may see You through us. 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

Power Visible Through Action

As a gymnastics coach and teacher, I continually am reminding kids to let their actions do the talking. Rather than tell me that they are going to work harder or do better, I remind them to show me – for their actions speak volumes more clearly than their words. Those who continue to pursue excellence end up excelling, yet those who simply talk about it and never follow through, end up falling short of their true potential. The same is true for us in our walk with God. No, it is not about doing enough nor being enough, yet our charge is to put our faith into action. His power is made visible through us, yet the opportunity for others to see becomes clear only when we choose to step out of our own four walls and do whatever it is that He is asking.

 

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. – (1 Corinthians 4:20)

 

Our faith is meaningless if it is merely talk that is never taken to task. God’s power is made evident through our actions – by how we walk out our life each day. If we talk the talk but do not walk the walk, our words are worthless. Consistent care and concern for others with the heart of Christ over time, is a viable witness to His word. Yes, there is a time to speak, and that too can be an opportunity for Christ’s power to be made evident, yet most often, there is movement required and ongoing steps of faith before words are ever utilized. May we allow our actions to demonstrate Christ’s power, as we rise up and walk out our faith each day.

 

The kingdom of God,

is not about talk;

but of God’s power,

as we walk the walk.

Our words are empty,

if deeds don’t align;

His power is seen,

through faith over time.

May we each rise up,

and walk out each day;

faithful to His call,

let’s trust and obey.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your kingdom is not a matter of talk, but rather it is one of power and promise for all who place their trust in You. Thank You that as we trust You, You lead us to live out our lives in the power that You provide. Forgive us for the times when we have known the right answers, but merely discussed them rather than walked them out. Teach us to trust You more, so that we may move in faith the moment we hear Your call. Lead us to love others in the power that You provide, so that they may see You in us. May many come into a saving relationship with You, Lord. Be exalted O God, as we walk out our faith with action. 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

Prepare the Way

Preparations in advance make the way anywhere more easy to navigate. John the Baptist fulfilled his calling, as he faithfully went out into the Desert of Judea and preached repentance to prepare the hearts and minds of all who would hear him for the message that Jesus would soon deliver. “This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: ‘A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.” – (Matthew 3:3)

 

John helped prepare the way for Jesus. With Easter mere days away, how can we “prepare the way for the Lord” and “make straight paths for Him“? Our charge as followers of Christ is to do just that. Our lives ought to speak volumes, without a single word. Do people see a difference in how we live? If our conduct demonstrates kindness and grace, opportunities are opened to share what He has done for us, personally, and “paths may be made straight” as we can correct misconceptions that people may be holding in their hearts about their own capacity to come to Christ. May His good news be made known as grace is lovingly shown.

 

Prepare the way,

for our loving Lord;

make His heart known,

live in one accord.

Make straight the paths,

that lead unto Him;

offer His hope,

so His light shines in.

Give others grace,

as we have received;

Love drew us in,

when we first believed.

May that same love,

given lavishly;

draw others in,

so they too believe.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son to make the way for us to come to know You. Thank You that He prepared the way and made the path straight for our minds and hearts to hold all hope in You. Thank You that we too, can be a part of preparing the way for others to come to know You. Forgive us for neglecting to do what You call us to, and for doing that which You ask us to not do. Thank You for Your forgiveness and grace, and may it compel us to depend on You more in all times and in each place. Help us to love and extend grace as You do unto us, and may many come to understand the eternal significance of Your death and resurrection this Easter. Let those who are looking, find a forever faith in You. Be glorified, Lord God. 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