To Run Our Race Well

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. – (Hebrews 12:1, NIV)

We have all these great people around us as examples. Their lives tell us what faith means. So we, too, should run the race hat is before us and never quit. We should remove from our lives anything that would slow us down and the sin that so often makes us fall. – (Hebrews 12:1, ERV)

As for us, we have all these great witnesses who encircle us like clouds. So we must let go of every wound that has pierced us and the sin we so easily fall into. Then we will be able to run life’s marathon race with passion and determination, for the path has been already marked out before us. – (Hebrews 12:1, TPT)

 

Life is not a sprint; it is a marathon. In order to run well, a runner needs to be rid of all of the “extras” that would weigh them down. Just as a runner does not run a marathon with a backpack, nor with extra weight, we too need to rid ourselves of the burden of holding hurts and the sin that trips us up. The things that help most, both in running and in life, are those things we carry in our heart. Perseverance is possible when we know the end goal. In a marathon, though 26.2 miles may sound like forever, there is an end point. Likewise, in life, our time on this rock that spins around the sun, is not the end, but rather the time granted to learn and grow, share and know, the blessed hope that is held in our heavenly eternity. It is far easier to “run” with passion when one is well-trained. Ongoing training teaches our hearts to persevere. May we look to the examples of those who have gone before us and run life’s race well, so that we too, may be encouraged to rid ourselves of anything that hinders us from moving forward in Christ with passion and determination, so that we may run our own race well.

 

Release the burdens,

That weigh the heart down;

Past hurts, temptation,

The trip-ups we’ve found.

Look to examples,

Of those who’ve run well;

Trust the Lord’s leading,

In Him, we’ll excel.

Our race isn’t won,

At a turbo pace;

Instead, with purpose,

We run our own race.

For Christ shall strengthen,

All those who choose seek;

Grant perseverance,

When we’re feeling weak.

In hope, keep running,

Our God, He provides;

All that is needed,

To eternal prize.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that life is not a sprint, but rather a marathon. Thank You that You provide all that we need to run our own race well. Thank You that You provide our ultimate race plan, so that we may run well. Forgive us for holding that which weighs us down, or for allowing sin to entangle us. Teach us to walk away from that which trips us up, and to lay down the weight we are not meant to carry. Show us how to love and encourage those around us to run with perseverance, the race to which they have been called. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to show us what weight needs be let go, and how to avoid that which entangles so that we may run with perseverance all of our days. Amen.

 

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

 

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not grow faint. – Isaiah 40:31

 

 

Blessings for Patient Endurance

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. – (James 1:12, NLT)

Great blessings belong to those who are tempted and remain faithful! After they have proved their faith, God will give them the reward of eternal life. God promised this to all people who love Him. – (James 1:12, ERV)

 

One thing is certain – we all will go through times of testing and temptation. It is part of the package that comes with being residents of a fallen world. We are called to patiently endure all that we face before us, so that we may receive that which ultimately awaits. The enduring that is asked of us is not something that we are meant to do on our own, but rather through the strength of He who dwells within us. God is faithful to be present in our every need, and will walk beside us and give us the strength that we need to endure all things. May we rise up in faith and trust He who is more than able to see us through every trial and test that lies before us, so that we can patiently endure to the end and receive the crown of life that God has promised to all who choose to love Him.

 

With patience, may we,

endure all that comes;

not in our own strength,

but through Christ, the Son.

For when we choose trust,

dependence on Him;

He’s present to help,

see us to the end.

His promise is clear,

as we set pride down;

trust His grace and love,

eternal life’s crown.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You bless those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Thank You that we have the hope of eternal life to hold, as it is promised to all who love You. Forgive us for our lack of faith and fearfulness in the throes of trials and temptations. Help us to trust You more, so that we would seek You and place ourselves in Your hands in all things and at all times. Show us how to love others so that Your hope may be made plain through us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we patiently endure all that comes our way, trusting You to be our strength and our hope each new day. Amen.

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

For the Lord your God will bless you, …and your joy will be complete. – Deuteronomy 16:15

Believe to Be Victorious

Who is it that overcomes the world?  Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. – (1 John 5:5, NIV)

It is our faith that has won the victory against the world.  So who wins against the world?  Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God. – (1 John 5:5, ERV)

The “world” is anything and everything that would tempt us to live in a way that is contrary to the life that Christ is calling us to live.  We have an adversary who seeks to lead us away from the path which we are called to pursue.  It is only when we believe with our hearts and lives that Jesus is the Son of God, and live our lives accordingly, that we are able to overcome that which attempts to steer us off course.  Temptations that seek to suck us in, can be withstood, when we are armed with the truth and invested in a relationship with the Savior of our soul.  May we believe with all that we are, that Jesus is the Son of God, and live out our lives accordingly, so that we may walk victoriously, as we overcome the world.

To rise, overcome,

it takes great belief;

in Jesus the Son,

our hope and relief.

No battle is won,

unless we choose cling;

to Christ our Savior,

Overcoming King.

No foe can withstand,

the power of God;

in Him we will win,

as heaven applauds.

So rise up, dear ones,

and trust in the King;

for we’ll overcome,

that’s what the truth brings.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that if we choose to believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and place our trust in You, we are able to overcome all that would come against us.  Thank You that every victory is ours through Christ.  Forgive us for making our adversary too big, or making You too small, as You are far greater than anything that would come against us.  Teach us to trust You more, so that we would be confident in Your mercy, grace, strength and power that You provide in every situation.  Lead us  to love others as You call us to love.  May many come into a lasting relationship with You, Lord.  Be glorified O God, as we rise up and overcome the world in Your strength as You call us to keep pressing forward.  Amen.

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

Answer me, O Lord, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me. – Psalm 69:16

The Race Marked Out for Us

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. – (Hebrews 12:1)

 

Each and every one of us has our own race that we are called to run. Our race is not a sprint, but rather it is a lifelong marathon. We are called to run a race full of obstacles and challenges that we must take on with trust in Him, in order to keep moving according to the course He has set before us. The great cloud of witnesses that surround us, are those who have gone before us and successfully run their own race. They too had to keep running, regardless of weather, terrain, or how they felt. The things that hinder us, are those burdens that weigh us down and make moving unbearable. God wants us to travel light. His intent is not for us to run our race weighted with an extra-heavy load, but rather for one that is custom crafted and appropriate and proportionate for us. Additionally, as we run, there are many temptations that attempt to steer us off course. Our charge is to stay the course, and not allow such sin to entangle, as they easily trip us up and steal the security of our footing. May we rise up ready each day and keep running with perseverance, the race marked out before us, throwing off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.

 

This wearying road,

has been run before;

despite obstacles,

from mountain to shore.

The very same God,

from the days of old;

will walk alongside,

give strength to uphold.

Let not the burdens,

keep us from our race;

His hands are outstretched,

He died in our place.

Beware of the sin,

that attempts ensnare;

diverting our eyes,

from Him, over there.

Instead, let us keep,

our hearts ever near;

dependent on Christ,

let us persevere.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that there are so many examples of those who have run their race with perseverance before us, and successfully finished fighting the good fight of faith. Thank You that You invite us to throw off everything that hinders us, warn us of those things that would attempt to entangle us, and strengthen us to persevere all the while. Forgive us for allowing our baggage to weigh us down, the things around us to divert our attention away from You, or our trust to simply sag, where it needs to rise up and run strong. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will seek You first in all things, and that we will be well-equipped to run our race with perseverance, daily. Lead us to love others consistently and generously, just as You love us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Amen.

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

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy. – Hebrews 4:16

Our Source in the Struggles

Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted. – (Hebrews 2:18)

 

Christ suffered pain and faced temptations and trials. He knows our struggles, as He too, faced them when He walked the earth. Because He knows what we endure, He also knows what we need to overcome that which stands before us. When hardships and temptations come, Christ is the one who is able to provide the strength and endurance necessary to navigate, as He understands and is able to help. May we run to Jesus, our strength and our supply, whenever struggles come our way; for He is our help and our hope.

 

Through trials on earth,

He was tempted, scorned;

yet He overcame,

His righteousness worn.

Because He has faced,

all kinds of trials;

He’s our source of help,

through life’s many miles.

So run to Jesus,

our strength and supply;

our help and our hope,

He’ll never deny.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You willingly sent Your Son to suffer and die on our behalf, so that we would not only be able to endure temptations and trials, but have life eternal in You. Jesus, thank You for enduring all things so that You would know how to be our strength and supply, loving us as You laid down Your life for ours. Forgive us for attempting to stand strong on our own, or for forgetting all that You endured so that You would truly know and understand what we are facing. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will run to You in all things and at all times. Lead us to lean on You. May we love others as You love us, and let those who are looking, come into a lasting relationship with You as a result. Be glorified O God, as we seek Your help in every circumstance that we endure. Amen.

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

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

To Live a Holy Life

For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. – (1 Thessalonians 4:7)

 

Impure is a state of not abiding by how we know the Lord is calling us to live. God invites us to walk with Him, and as we do, He shows us what it means to abide by His standards, rather than those set forth by society. As we choose to answer the Lord’s call and obey what He asks of us, we are empowered by His Spirit to live a holy life in Him. This does not mean that we have somehow arrived; but rather we are on the road that is marked by redemption, and we continue to travel in His forgiveness and grace, ever seeking to stay submitted to His standards, rather than our own. May we each rise up and heed His call to live pure and holy lives, according to His good and perfect plan for each of us.

 

For God has not called,

us to be impure;

He’s taken our sin,

and made our way clear.

His great forgiveness,

has granted the way;

to live life holy,

and in His will, stay.

Not by our own strength,

but rather by love;

He helps and leads us,

to choose rise above.

Lord, help us to live,

pure and holy lives;

extending Your grace,

so others too, thrive.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You not only have a higher standard for us to live by, but You empower and equip us to do so. Thank You that in You, we can live pure and holy lives. Forgive us for the times that we abide by society’s standards rather than Yours, and help us to easily differentiate what You are asking of us. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will stand firm in the truth that You have planted within us, and not allow any of the pressures or temptations of the world sway us from the truth. Lead us to love others with Your pure and perfect love, so that they too, may come to know the fullness of Your goodness and grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we live pure and holy lives by the power of Your Spirit within us. Amen.

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

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

Persevere to the Promise

God has great plans in store for those who love Him. However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.” – (1 Corinthians 2:9) We cannot even begin to fathom all that the Lord has in store for us, both now and for all of eternity. The more we know God and invest time in His word, the greater the glimpses we gain of what is yet to come.

 

Even through hardships, trials and temptations, when we are in Christ, we have His Spirit with us to comfort and guide us as we press on and persevere. In fact, God uses the hard stuff to stretch and grow us into who He is calling us to be. For that reason alone, we can embrace the trials, trusting that He is using them to make us more like Him. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. – (Romans 5:3-5) May we hold fast to the promises of God, trusting that all that we go through is for a purpose. More than that, what awaits us for all of eternity, is beyond anything we may ever endure on earth.

 

Times of great trial,

and tempting shall come;

yet not on our own,

but in Christ, are won.

As we persevere,

our character grows;

as hope rises up,

the Lord’s glory shows.

May we each embrace,

all that comes our way;

the Lord can use all,

as hopeful display.

Let glimpses be gained,

of the hope to come;

as we love the Lord,

may battles be won.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that though we have not seen, heard, nor conceived all that You have prepared for us who love You, we can trust that it is very, very good. Thank You that when we choose to place our trust in You, our hope is secure forever. Forgive us for our fearfulness in the throes of the trials, and please grant us Your strength to persevere. Thank You that as we rely on You, You grow in us character, and through character; hope. Lead us to love others well, just as You so perfectly and completely love each of us. May many come into a saving relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we persevere in the push, and hold fast to our hope of heaven with You, forever. Amen.

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

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

Temptation and Trials

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, where for forty days He was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them He was hungry. – (Luke 4:1)

 

Jesus, who was full of the Holy Spirit, was led by the Holy Spirit into a long and difficult space of temptation. He had done no wrong, but was led into this trial in the desert so that He would know and understand what we go through in our broken humanity. The very same Spirit that dwelled in Jesus and gave Him strength to overcome the temptations presented before Him in the desert, dwells within us, granting us the strength to stand against that which we know we are not meant to do. Just as Jesus was led into a time of trial by the Spirit, we too, may be led into seasons of testing to further strengthen our reliance on Christ. The better we know and obey God and His word, the more effective our fight against temptation will be. May we stand firm in His promises, and listen well to the word of the Lord in all things and at all times.

 

Tempting and trials,

most surely shall come;

let the Spirit lead,

righteous Holy One.

Though we may be led,

to seasons of test;

relying on Christ,

will serve us the best.

For just as Jesus,

overcame all sin;

when we look to Christ,

our battles, we’ll win.

Stand firm in His word,

His promises keep;

obey in all things,

His strength we shall reap.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son to show us the way to withstand trials and temptations of every kind. Thank You Jesus, for dying for our sins and sending Your Spirit, so that we too, can withstand every temptation and trial that comes our way in Your strength. Thank You that Your Spirit leads us and guides us if we are willing to listen. Forgive us for attempting to overcome temptations and trials in our own strength, and help us to completely depend on You. Teach us to trust You and Your timing, as we utilize the gifts and strengths You have granted to face every trial and temptation that comes our way. Show us every sinful way in us, so that we may confess and allow Your correction for that which does not bring glory unto You. Lead us to love others as You love each of us. May many come into a saving relationship with You in this brand new year. Be glorified O God, as we listen to Your leading when trials or temptations are placed before us. Amen.

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

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. – Job 8:21

Approach With Confidence

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. – (Hebrews 4:16)

 

Christ came and endured all temptations and trials known to man, yet was without sin. He knows what we face. He knows when we fall. We are His and we are loved. Our path to approach the throne of grace is through prayer, and we may do so confidently, yet reverently, because He is both our loving Heavenly Father and Christ the King. Jesus is available as our Counselor and our Friend, and is our ever present help in our time of need. His mercy is made available to all who call on His Name. May we approach His throne with confidence, being supplied all that we need, as God is loving and merciful to those who call on Him.

 

Look to the throne,

of God’s mercy seat;

where grace is shown,

a gift to receive.

With confidence,

go boldly before;

our help in need,

Holy Counselor.

Boldly approach,

in prayer, we shall come;

before the Lord,

most merciful One.

He is our help,

in our time of need;

our Source of strength,

when we’re feeling weak.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son, Jesus, to come live, die and rise again, experiencing every temptation and trial that He did, so that He could be the perfect High Priest for us. Jesus, thank You for all that You endured on our behalf, and for remaining seated at the right hand of the Father, listening to our every prayer and receiving us as we come. Thank You that because of Your sacrifice, we are considered acceptable before You – not because of anything that we have or have not done, but because of You dwelling within us. Forgive us for approaching Your throne either meekly or flippantly. Teach us to have a proper perspective as we come before You in prayer. May we do so with both confidence and reverence, giving all glory and honor unto You. Lead us to love people as You so generously love each of us, and may many come into a saving relationship with You as a result. Be glorified Lord God, as we approach Your throne of grace with confidence and reverence. 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

Run From Ruin

Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. – (2 Timothy 2:22)

 

In a culture that tells us, “if it feels good, go for it,” those who call on Christ and want to walk in His ways, are to take a different path. We are called to a higher standard. While most are simply pursuing pleasure, our charge is to run after righteousness; to follow that which God has for us, and to turn away from that which He does not. To flee the evil desires of youth, is to keep ourselves out of harm’s way. If we know a place or a group of people that create in us a propensity to sin, then we are to flee and avoid the situation, so that we may remain upright before our Father in Heaven.

 

As we pursue what is right according to Christ, we will grow in faith and love; experiencing His peace, as He purifies our hearts. He does not call us to walk this road alone, but rather to walk beside others too, who are seeking to answer all that He is asking. May we flee from that which is evil in the eyes of the Lord, and pursue passionately, all that He has for us.

 

Flee from all evil,

pursue righteousness;

call out to Jesus,

to show which way’s best.

As we choose follow,

His path, and not ours;

faith, love and His peace,

find home in our hearts.

Do not walk alone,

but rather invest;

in those seeking,

to follow His best.

For on this rough road,

we best navigate;

when we’re surrounded,

and don’t isolate.

Shoulder to shoulder,

we shall rise above;

the world’s temptations,

as we walk in love.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we run from that which leads us into temptation and pursue the things of You, You grow our faith, overwhelm us with Your lavish love, and help us to know Your peace – even in places where peace seems impossible. Thank You that You take us as we are, and refine us, creating in us, hearts that are pure and acceptable before You, by the power of Your goodness and grace. Forgive us for allowing ourselves entry into toxic situations or scenarios, and grant us wisdom so that we will flee from the spaces that suck us into sin. Thank You that You are merciful and loving, and that You do not allow us to stay in such spaces, but rather You correct and redirect so that we may follow You with all that we are. Thank You that You do not call us to walk this road alone, but rather You created us for relationships. Thank You that we are called to walk beside one another, shoulder to shoulder, to hold one another up, encourage and challenge each other in love. May many come to know the peace that is found in You alone, as they seek to find faith in You. Let our love extended through hearts You have purified, reflect Your radiance to the world. Be glorified, O God. 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