Full of Joy and Thanks

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV)

Always be full of joy. Never stop praying. Whatever happens, always be thankful. This is how God wants you to live in Christ Jesus. – (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ERV)

Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. – (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, MSG)

Always be full of joy is the version that is most easily grasped. This does not mean we must always be happy, but rather it means that we carry the joy of the Lord within us wherever we go, no matter what is going on around us or in us. His joy is not dependent on circumstances. To never stop praying is our reminder to be in constant communication with Christ. God knows us better than we know ourselves, and when we communicate with Him, He reveals more of Himself and who He has created us to be. Gratitude is a practice that most of us could use more of in our lives. To be grateful does not mean that we are necessarily thanking God for our circumstances, but rather that we are thanking Him for being with us, walking beside us, and leading us in the ways that we are meant to go. His heart is for us to belong completely to Him. As we do, we understand who we are in Him, and how He is calling us to live. May we ever seek the Lord to grow us more and more in His joy as we continually pray to Him and give Him all of our gratitude.

Hold closely to joy,

Planted deep within;

All hope in the Lord,

Is what shines light in.

As we keep praying,

Love and thanks do grow;

For His heart’s for us,

He’s where good’s made known.

In faith, keep praying,

Keep trusting in Him;

His love overwhelms,

As we let Him in.

May we give God thanks,

In each circumstance;

For His sweet presence,

And the strength to stand.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are always good and in Whom we find joy and peace, strength and hope, no matter what our circumstances include. Thank You that You are available to be with us whenever we call on Your Name. Forgive us for the times that we have allowed what surrounds us to impact our joy and gratitude in You. Teach us to remember that our joy is found in You, and that as we are in ongoing communication with You, our joy grows more and more. Show us how to love those around us with peace, patience, goodness and kindness that point hearts to You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we hold the joy You deposit in our hearts, pray to You as if it is the air that we breathe, and give You all of our gratitude each day. Amen.

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

I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am in. – Philippians 4:11

The Giver of Good Gifts

Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with Him there is no variation or shadow cast by turning. – (James 1:17, HCSB)

Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from Him. These good gifts come down from the Father who made all the lights in the sky. But God never changes like the shadows from those lights. He is always the same. – (James 1:17, ERV)

Every good gift bestowed, every perfect gift received comes to us from above, courtesy of the Father of lights. He is consistent. He won’t change His mind or play tricks in the shadows. – (James 1:17, VOICE)

God is ALWAYS good. Everything good comes from Him. Though life and circumstances are not always what we might hope for, God is who and what remains good. He does not change and we can trust in His unending faithfulness. I love that James is referring to God as the Father of lights. He is our light in the darkness, and He illuminates good in spaces where it is seemingly absent. May we turn to God, the Father of lights, to see all of the good and perfect gifts that He has for all who trust in Him. 

The Lord is so good,

Photo by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤

The Father of lights;

Our Light in darkness,

In whom we delight.

Each good gift given,

That we have received;

From God, our Father,

Who knows all our needs.

Help us Lord Jesus,

Ever be aware;

Of Your sweet presence,

And how much You care.

In our dark spaces,

You bring us Your light;

Love, grace and laughter,

Our hope and delight.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the Father of lights, and that in You, there are no shadows. Thank You that every good gift comes from You. Forgive us for the times that we are blind to Your light or unable to recognize the good gifts that You are providing. Teach us to trust in You and be ever aware of Your nearness and love. Show us how to love one another and share the good gifts that You provide to us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You, the Father of lights, and the giver of every good gift. Amen.

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

So if you, who are sinful, know how to give your children good gifts, how much more so does your Father in heaven, who is perfect, know how to give great gifts to His children! – Matthew 7:11

Sing in the Strength He Supplies

But I will sing of Your strength, in the morning I will sing of Your love; for You are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. – (Psalm 59:16, NIV)

But I will sing about Your strength. I will rejoice in Your love every morning. You have been my place of safety, the place I can run to when troubles come. – (Psalm 59:16, ERV)

But me? I will sing of Your strength. I will awake with the sun to sing of Your loving mercy because in my most troubled hour, You defended me. You were my shelter. – (Psalm 59:16, VOICE)

There are days when this resonates a little more clearly than others. Each morning as I rise before the sun, I am intentional to seek and spend time with our Savior. Small things can distract my attention, and I have to choose to focus on Him and time in His word. As I do, He is faithful to show me His loving kindness anew, and there is not a day that I seek Him that I do not find Him. I cannot even begin to count the numerous times that He has been my place of safety and my defender when troubles have come. In all things, He remains faithful to be present and pour out His goodness and love. It does not mean that all is easy and without obstacles, rather in those obstacles I have a guide to lead me through. For this, and so many other things, I have reason to hold songs of praise in my heart, celebrating His strength when I had none, and His presence when I felt alone. May we ever remember who is our source of strength and mercy and goodness, as we call on Christ to be our place of safety in every storm.

O Lord each new day,

May I rise and sing;

Of goodness and strength,

The hope that You bring.

Teach me to see You,

With each rising sun;

Give thanks unto You,

Our strong Holy One.

Thank You for safety,

That is held in You;

For Your sweet presence,

That carries us through.

Help songs to rise up,

Flood my mind and heart;

With praise unto You,

Gratitude impart.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our reason to sing, as You are our source of strength and our space of safety. Forgive us for not giving praise where praise is due, and for forgetting how powerful Your presence is to strengthen and uphold us. Teach us to trust in You through every season. Show us how to love those around us in ways that supply strength and hope and resolve. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we find shelter in the safety of Your love and sing praise to You for each new day we are granted. Amen.

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

Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts. – 1 Chronicles 16:9

Encourage with His Sweet Songs

Encourage each other with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord. – (Ephesians 5:19, ERV)

Music is a miraculous gift that breaks down even the bulkiest of barriers. Though there is always music in my day while I travel from place to place in my car, it has been largely absent in my regular routine. About a week ago, on my way into Fred Meyer to buy groceries, something made me take pause at the small display outside of the electronics section. There before me, were small blue tooth speakers that were affordably priced. As I pondered the prices and products, the sales associate wandered my direction. He had helpful suggestions, and I decided to go ahead and make a reasonable purchase, as I had no other source to play music out loud in my home for myself, other than my phone.

Since that day, I have utilized this fantastic little speaker to blare worship music while I prepare for my day. It is remarkable how much better equipped I feel when I have been singing along with reckless abandon, and soaking in the sweet sound that floods my space as I ready myself for what lies ahead.

Interestingly enough, the first portion of the verse has also come to fruition over this week as well. A friend and I have been sending one another links back and forth for our favorite or most encouraging worship songs. It has been such a sweet exchange to be reminded of lyrics long forgotten, that speak truth that my heart needed to hear. My hope is that the same has held true for her. May we find ways to encourage one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs as we go about our day, and may we allow our hearts to sing and make music unto the Lord.

Encourage with songs,

Kari Jobe – Click to listen to I Am Not Alone.

as the tunes give rise;

for spirits shall soar,

with truth, come alive.

Sing and make music,

from our hearts to His;

may we choose make known,

how worthy He is.

Share of psalms and hymns,

that speak what is true;

so hurting hearts hear,

Who will make them new.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You give us the gifts of Your word, music, and the ability to combine the two. Thank You for Your sweet presence that is made tangible when we choose to worship. Forgive us for neglecting the need within us to sing and make music in our hearts unto You, and the call to encourage others with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Thank You for showing me a new way that this can be done, practically. TeachJust Be Held us to trust You more, so that we would set aside the stuff that weighs us down and choose to allow our hearts to soar in song before You. Lead us to love and encourage others with Your words that meet them where they are and speak to their heart in a way that only You can do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we encourage each other with songs that reflect Your truth, and as we sing and make music in our hearts unto You. Amen.

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

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

A few more favorites:

Casting Crowns – Just Be Held

Amanda Cook & Bethel Music – You Make Me Brave

Mighty to Save

The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save.  He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over You with singing. – (Zephaniah 3:17)

There are days when we just need to be reminded of how God is present, how much He loves us, and that He delights in us and saves us, as He sings over us.  That is some seriously loaded imagery.  First, remembering that God is with me, even when I am unaware. His presence is powerful, and He is able to do abundantly more than I could ever hope or imagine.  He is mighty to save, and He saves us from ourselves, our circumstances, and that which keeps our hearts from holding the truth of who He is and what He has done for each of us.  Just as a parent delights in their precious progeny, so too does the Lord delight in each of us.  His love can calm the most chaotic of hearts and minds, and bring peace to the weariest of souls.  Because we are His, He rejoices over us with singing.  We cannot do enough, nor be enough, but rather it is the Lord’s great love for His created, that propels His perfect love that He passes on to His people.  May we look to Him who is with us, delighting in us, quieting us with His love, and rejoicing over us with singing as He saves us with His might.

                                                                                                                                                                The Lord is with us,

He’s mighty to save;

He takes great delight,

in making us brave.

He quiets our hearts,

in His love, there’s peace;

as He sings to us,

we find sweet release.

May our hearts hold hope,

as we trust in Him;

for the Lord, He saves,

and starts from within.

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                         Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are with us, that You save us, and that You delight in us.  Thank You that You quiet us with Your love and rejoice over us with Your singing.  Thank You that You alone can settle our storm-ridden souls.  Forgive us for forgetting how very near You are, and not slowing down and simply sitting and soaking in Your sweet presence.  Teach us to trust You more, so that we will run to You, be it in times of blessing or chaos; for in You, there is always comfort and calm.  Lead us to love others so that they too may come to know the goodness and grace that is found in You alone.  May many choose to trust in You.  Be glorified O God, as we look to You in all things and at all times; for You are our mighty God who saves.  Amen.

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

He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. – Proverbs 11:25

 

 

 

Storm Be Still

When sorrow rages,

much like a great storm;

and waves keep crashing,

heart heavy and torn.

Weariness has come,

as ache keeps raging;

the weight of the woes,

relentless, waging.

The flood keeps flowing,

desperate the need;

soul at last cries out,

“I’m done, Father lead.”

In but a moment,

all raging shall cease;

as tender His hands,

hold up and grant peace.

The storm shall subside,

and sweet calm will come;

reach out hands and heart,

to Comforting One.

For just as the sea,

couldn’t help but obey;

so too our sorrows,

each tear wiped away.

Wait in His presence,

in storm and in peace;

allow His great love,

wash over, increase.

(Responding to Luke 8:24)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our Comfort and safe space, when the weather of the world wages war on our soul. Thank You that even in the moments of mourning, You are present, our place of peace. Thank You that when we cry out to You, You hear us and hold our heart and our hands. Forgive us for fearing we might feel too much, and help us to be aware of Your nearness when the weight seems unbearable. Thank You that You come and calm the storm in us, and allow us to be still in Your sweet presence. Teach us to trust You more, so that we are quick to surrender our sorrows to You. May our willingness to be transparent, allow many to see and come to know the holy hope that is held in You. Let many be moved into a lasting relationship with You, the Lover of our soul. Amen.

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

The Sovereign Shepherd

image from http://www.fministry.com

For when we are sheep,

Great Shepherd is ours;

defending our hearts,

from that which devours.

We are His people,

the work of His hands;

given safe pasture,

in dangerous lands.

Our God is sovereign,

He reigns over us;

meeting our great needs,

holy and righteous.

For none can compare,

to the great I Am;

Who forgives our sin,

grants us grace again.

May we place all hope,

in His mighty hands;

let our hearts rise up,

follow His commands.

For none can compare,

to our loving Lord;

Who heals the broken,

and makes lives restored.

“You My sheep, the sheep of My pasture, are people, and i am your God, declares the Sovereign Lord.” – (Ezekiel 34:31)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You do not leave us lost and looking for light; rather, You come close and draw us unto Yourself. Thank You that when we come to You and give You our trust, You shepherd us in the safe pasture of Your sweet presence. Thank You that no predator can penetrate Your protection when we allow You to guard our hearts and minds. Forgive us for allowing our hearts and minds to wander outside of Your safe space, and lead us back to the safety of Your embrace. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will follow wherever You lead and shine Your light in the dark spaces. Let the light of Your love in us, be a beacon for those ready to believe. May many come unto You, our great Shepherd. Amen.

Sassy Miss at the car show. 🙂

Anne update: I am at a loss right now. Anne was exhausted after her long appointment and traffic-filled return trip home yesterday, so she needed to simply rest. My heart is torn, as I desperately wanted to see her, yet am thankful she was meant to rest, as I’m not sure how to hold seeing her far weaker still. Please pray for rest and refreshment for both Anne and those who are providing such loving care. May His peace and His presence be powerfully felt, and may her pain pass quickly. Thank you, wonderful warriors. Allowing His Light to shine in this darkness, Shannon

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

Majesty Moved from the Cradle to the Cross

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” – Hebrews 11:6

image by Diana Lovegrove

Faith is the foundation upon which the greatest gift exchange to ever occur, is built.  As we seek Him with faith, we are giving our heart, mind and soul to our Maker.  When we do, He rewards us with the incomparable gift of salvation and the permanent presence of His Holy Spirit.

This treasure who was entrusted to us, first as a baby, then as a mighty man (simultaneously being both spirit and flesh), who served and sacrificed for the sake of the seekers; went on to carry the cross to Calvary, and died our death, so that we might live.  As He ascended into heaven and took His place on the throne, He sent His Spirit to be our Counselor, our Conscience and our Comforter.  This holy exchange occurred so that we could one day dwell with Him forever.

Faith is found in the seeking, and the great exchange ensues as we surrender all to Him.  What a treasure too, that we, as broken and sinful souls, might come to please God, the Creator of the universe, as we are called clean through our believing and receiving of Him!  Our gift from Him, is far greater than anything we could ever give, yet He accepts what we offer, and is pleased.

May we each sit and soak in His sweet presence as we prepare our hearts for the remembrance of His most holy arrival.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we seek You, You grow our faith and grant us the greatest gift ever given – Yourself; the promise of Your presence now, and the hope held in heaven forever with You.  Forgive us for our busyness that bypasses the building of our faith.  Teach us to sit in sweet surrender unto You, as each day in You, is a glorious gift.  May our assurance in You, present peace to a world pressed by panic and pain.  Let our hearts lead the lost in love to a relationship with You that lasts forever.  Amen.

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