As We’ve Been Given

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. – (Ephesians 4:32, NIV)

Be kind and loving to each other. Forgive each other the same as God forgave you through Christ. – (Ephesians 4:32, ERV)

Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you. – (Ephesians 4:32, MSG)

We have been called and commanded to love and love is gentle, kind, and full of grace, forgiving in the same way that we have been forgiven. If we give in the same way that Christ has given to us, those around us will experience God’s goodness in a tangible way. Life is too short to hold grudges, as holding unforgiveness harms the holder, not the unforgiven. Just now, I received a text from my husband, as he let me know that he arrived safely to work. He knows I am uneasy when he rides his motorcycle to work, not because of his driving, but rather due to the craziness of Seattle traffic that is all around him. His sensitivity to my concern is a gentle and kind expression of love, as my mind is at ease and the quick text made me feel known and loved in a way that I can see. When I experience God’s goodness and love I am compelled to love all the more. May we ever seek God to lead us in love and to open our eyes to the examples of such that He places all around us.

Be kind and gentle,

No matter what comes;

For we’re called to love,

by the Holy One.

To choose to forgive,

as He forgave us;

all grace extended,

through the Lord Jesus.

Compassion and grace,

are what we need give;

to demonstrate love,

each day that we live.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good and gentle and kind and full of grace. Thank You that You call us to the same. Forgive us for the times that we hold unforgiveness or lack kindness and grace. Teach us to trust You more so that we would offer all You give us to those around us. Show us how to love like You in all things and at all times. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your goodness given and ask for Your heart to give to others as we have been given. Amen.

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

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. – John 13:34

Sing, Praise and Encourage

Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. – (Ephesians 5:19-20, NIV)

Encourage each other with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord. Always give thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. – (Ephesians 5:19-20, ERV)

And your hearts will overflow with a joyful song to the Lord Jehovah. Keep speaking to each other with words of Scripture, singing the Psalms with praises and spontaneous songs given by the Spirit! Always give thanks to Father God for every person He brings into your life in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. – (Ephesians 5:19-20, TPT)

As we encourage one another and give praise to God, we are reminded of our reasons to praise Him. When I pause and take time to observe everything and everyone that God has brought into my life, I cannot help but praise and thank Him. There is something so powerful about worship and praise. We may come before HIm hoping to show Him our gratitude and appreciation, and discover that as we do, we are the ones who are encouraged and built up. God invites us to enter into His presence. As we do, we cannot help but be changed. While our hearts grow lighter and peace floods in, God fills us with His love to extend to those around us. May we ever lift joyful praise to the Lord and allow our hearts to overflow to all those around us.

Let hearts overflow,

Photo by Luis Quintero on Pexels.com

With sweet songs of praise;

To honor the Lord,

Throughout all our days.

Sing and make music,

For all that is good;

Encourage others,

Be kind as we should.

May our hearts reflect,

Our thanks to the Lord;

As our lives give praise,

To Him we adore.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for who You are and how You love. Thank You that you call us to love like You. Forgive us for the times that we neglect to praise You or encourage those around us. Teach us to recognize the enormous blessing we have in life with You, no matter what goes on around us. Show us how to love all those with whom we interact, so that they may see You through us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God as we give You praise in all things. Amen.

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

Praise the Lord. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting it is to praise Him! – Psalm 147:1

Acknowledge the Goodness

Answer me, Lord, out of the goodness of Your love; in Your great mercy turn to me. – (Psalm 69:16, NIV) 

Answer me, Lord, from the goodness of Your faithful love. Out of Your great kindness turn to me and help. – (Psalm 69:16, ERV) 

O Eternal One, hear me. Answer me. For Your enduring love is good comfort; in Your great mercy, turn toward me. – (Psalm 69:16, VOICE) 

 

This particular verse follows several verses of David airing his grievances for all that is going on around him. After voicing his frustrations and fears, he arrives at this verse, where he speaks out the goodness of God’s love, and the faithfulness found in His mercy. For me, this is a great reminder to acknowledge the goodness of God when we pray. Of course, we are meant to present our prayers and petitions before Him, but we ought to also recognize His authority over all that lies before us, and praise Him for who He is. I know that I thank Him, but I am reminded to be specific in speaking out the attributes of God, who is my help and my hope. No matter what comes against us, His love never fails. May we look to the Lord with hearts full of praise, and give Him credit for His faithful, loving ways. 

 

O Lord, You are near,

You hear what we pray; 

Your goodness and grace, 

New every day. 

As we come to You, 

May we praise anew; 

You for who You are, 

And all that You do. 

Help us in trouble, 

Be our strength and grace; 

With all that we are, 

Let our lives bring praise. 

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the goodness of Your faithful love that helps us in our need and grants us hope and peace in the midst of all that we face. Forgive us for presenting our need without giving You praise. Teach us to see the majesty in who You are and how You love. Show us how to love others in the same way. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we present both our requests and our praise unto You, for all of our days.

 

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

 

I will proclaim the Name of the Lord. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! – Deuteronomy 32:3

Remember the Wonders

Remember the amazing things He has done. Remember His miracles and His fair decisions. – (1 Chronicles 16:12, ERV)

Remember the wonders He has done, His miracles, and the judgments He pronounced. – (1 Chronicles 16:12, NIV)

Remember the wondrous works He has done, all His marvelous works, and the justice He declared. – (1 Chronicles 16:12, CEB)

 

It is so good to pause and reflect on the wondrous works that God has done. In a few short years, God has brought me from a space of brokenness and despair to one that is healed and whole and loved more than I ever thought possible. When I was in need, He provided. At times when things seemed unjust, He brought justice. Throughout each new day God has been present and faithful and loving. This morning, I look forward, for in two short days our boys, my Viking and I, will travel to Wenatchee to prepare for our wedding on Saturday. Down to the last detail, God has provided all. From a home that will accommodate two adults and three teenage boys, to the sale of my Viking’s old home, to just the right timing and grace to move our belongings out of our old home and into the new space. Two days remain to finish moving and cleaning our former home and have things moved in so that we are set to be home when we return from the wedding. Though a bit daunting, I know all will be done as I look back and recognize the grace and strength, help and hope that He has given all along. May we ever remember the wonders our God has done, His miracles, and the righteous way He rules.

 

The Lord, He is good, 

Throughout all our days;

His wondrous works,

Of kindness and grace.

He’s seen all our needs,

In love, provided;

Restored peacefulness,

Where angst divided.

With all that I am,

For all of my days;

I can’t thank enough,

Nor give enough praise.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the wondrous works and miracles You have done in my life. Thank You that You are just and fair in all of Your ways. Thank You for the incredible ways that You bring beauty from ashes and hope from despair. Forgive us for the times that we have doubts or fail to see all that You have done. Teach us to trust You more, so that faith would rise up every time a challenge comes our way. Show us how to love those around us in a way that offers hope and demonstrates the goodness of Your grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we offer all of our praise for the incredible gift of Your loving ways. Amen.

 

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

 

I will give thanks to You, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonderful deeds. – Psalm 9:1

 

 

Sticks and Stones

But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. – (Matthew 12:36, NIV)

I tell you that everyone will have to answer for all the careless things they have said. This will happen on the day of judgment. – (Matthew 12:36, ERV)

You can be sure of this: when the day of judgment comes, everyone will be held accountable for every careless word he/she has spoken. – (Matthew 12:36, TPT)

 

Yesterday, my pastor kicked off a series titled, “Sticks and Stones”. The main point that he was conveying in his message was the power held in our words. What comes out of our mouth, our very own words, have the power to direct, control and penetrate hearts. Our tongue has the power to heal or the power to wreak havoc all around us. Though small in size, it cannot be tamed by us on our own. In order to use our words for good rather than harm, we need His grace and His Holy Spirit. When we are slow to speak and weigh our words, we are far more likely to choose wisely that which we give a voice. I have been the recipient of both destructive and life-giving words, and receiving the latter leads me to go and do likewise. May we ever seek the Lord and His grace, so that our words are life-giving and bring healing to all those around us.

 

Our words have power, 

To change people’s lives;

Harsh words can destroy,

Yet kind words revive.

Gentle words stop wrath,

And love overcomes;

Wisdom will listen,

By grace, change outcomes.

We must use caution,

Use care when we speak; 

Choose words that build up,

Give strength to the weak.

May we choose the words,

That heal the broken;

Let love lead the way,

In each word spoken.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You remind us in Your Word how very powerful words can be. Thank You that when we seek Your grace and Your Holy Spirit, we find help to control our tongues that are impossible to tame on our own. Forgive us for the words we have spoken carelessly, as words without thought often leave a trail of pain. Teach us to slow down and seek You and listen for the words that You would have us speak, as Your words are life-giving and full of love, even when they are for correction or redirection. Show us how to love others with our words in a way that brings healing, help and wholeness to the broken places. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek Your wisdom for the words we are meant to say. Amen.

 

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

 

I thank and praise You, O God of my fathers: You have given me wisdom and power. – Daniel 2:23

Run for the Prize

Do you not know that in a race all runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. – (1 Corinthians 9:24, NIV)

You know that in a race all the runners run, but only one runner gets the prize. So run like that. Run to win! – (1 Corinthians 9:24, ERV)

We all know that when there’s a race, all the runners bolt for the finish line, but only one will take the prize. When you run, run for the prize. – (1 Corinthians 9:24, VOICE)

 

As I considered this verse and how road races work today, there is a real analogy that can be connected. In modern running, if a runner completes the course within the designated time limit (which is usually quite generous) they will receive a finisher’s medal to commemorate the accomplishment of having run their race. The actual race winner does win a prize, but all who finish, do gain something good. Jesus made the way for us to run our own race on the path to which He calls us. For all of us who choose to call on His Name and seek to serve Him (run the race that He has set before us) we will gain our heavenly prize. I am so thankful that we need not be that fastest, the most eloquent of speakers, the holiest or whatever our image of “the most qualified” would be, but rather our prize awaits when we choose to seek and depend on He who gives us direction and strength to run. May we ever turn to the Lord in trust, seeking His strength and direction, so that we will run the race set before us well.

 

To run our race well, 

It takes choosing trust;

Seek God for the strength,

To do what we must.

He’ll show us the way,

We are meant to go;

And give us the strength,

To stay the right road.

If we keep running,

And listen to Him;

Life everlasting,

Is the prize we win.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son and making the way for all who seek to run the race to which You are calling, can complete it in Your strength. Thank You that You grant us strength and direction all of our days if we choose to seek You. Forgive us for the times that we attempt to run aimlessly on our own. Show us how to trust You to lead and guide us as we go. Teach us to love those around us well, so that we would be a source of encouragement, strength and direction in You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You for strength and direction to run our race for our forever prize in Your presence. Amen.

 

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

 

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

United Purposeful Paths

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. – (1 Corinthians 1:10, NIV)

Now I encourage you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: Agree with each other and don’t be divided into rival groups. Instead, be restored with the same mind and the same purpose. – (1 Corinthians 1:10, CEB)

I urge you, my brothers and sisters, for the sake of the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to agree to live in unity with one another and put to rest any division that attempts to tear you apart. Be restored as one united body living in perfect harmony. Form a consistent choreography among yourselves, having a common perspective with shared values. – (1 Corinthians 1:10, TPT)

 

Assumption is the path to destruction in spaces where unity is being sought. Instead, we must seek to understand one another to find common ground and purpose, so that we may be united rather than divided – as shared perspectives and values accomplish much. That is not to say that values ought to ever be compromised, but rather they need to be heard to search for common ground to identify a starting point. The more that we come together, the more often we discover our purpose and intent is seeking the same outcome. May we seek the Lord’s wisdom to be united rather than divided, so that we may be restored as a body that lives together in harmony and aligned purpose.

 

Brothers and sisters,

Let us choose pursue;

Purpose united,

So division’s through.

Together in thought,

Let minds be renewed;

New harmony found,

In common values.

Let’s seek understand,

As we are made new;

Shoulder to shoulder,

In grace, living true.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to live united, not divided. Thank You that You call us to seek common purpose, perspective and values so that we may accomplish much in Your Name. Forgive us for fixating on the little things that are insignificant rather than those that last forever. Teach us to have an eternal perspective, so that we would view things through Your lens. Show us how to see people and situations through Your eyes, so that we would be able to hear and understand where common ground can be found. Help us to love others in a way that helps create unity and restoration. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek to be united in purpose with those whom You have placed on our path. Amen.

 

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

I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers: You have given me wisdom and power. – Daniel 2:23

We Need Not Worry

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. – (Philippians 4:6, NLT)

Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. – (Philippians 4:6, ERV)

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank Him for His answers. – (Philippians 4:6, TLB)

 

This is a timely reminder for me. Though I pray, I do worry too. It is a challenge to push pause, and immediately pray, every time that worry begins to enter in. So often worry starts as simple wonderings about things that lie before us, and when we fix our eyes on the wonder rather than on He who is the solution, worry walks right into our hearts and minds. May we boldly go before God and present our needs, as He hears our every request. Let us forget not to give Him thanks for all that He has done, as He is faithful to answer as we call on His Name.

 

Let us not worry, 

About anything;

Instead choose to pray,

Bring all to our King.

For God hears our need,

He’s faithful to hear;

And provides answers,

As we choose draw near.

Remember give thanks,

For all He has done;

For all that we have,

For each battle won.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are faithful to hear us and meet us in our need. Thank You that we need not worry, but rather we are meant to pray about all things. Forgive us for allowing our minds to wander to the “what-ifs“ that cause worry, instead of fixing our eyes on You, our solution. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would seek You and tell You all that we need and give You thanks for all that You have done. Show us how to love those around us well, so that we extend an attitude of gratitude toward You and all that You have done and bring peace and assurance when all seems worrisome. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we pray about everything rather than worry, and give You thanks for all of the answers that You have so faithfully provided. Amen.

 

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

But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ. – Ephesians 2:4-5

Refreshment for My Soul

He refreshes my soul… – (Psalm 23:3a, NIV)

He restores my strength… – (Psalm 23:3a, ERV)

You let me catch my breath… – (Psalm 23:3a, MSG)

He makes me whole again… – (Psalm 23:3a, VOICE)

 

As I have been provided the opportunity to gather with dear friends this weekend, my heart holds onto the promise that He refreshes our souls. This particular group of gals and I have been dear friends for twenty-five years. We met in Montana as each of us was following the call to participate in Discipleship Training School with YWAM. Our time together back then was an intense six months, as we prepared and then traveled to our determined destination in Southeast Asia. Three of us landed together in Thailand, while the other two spent their outreach experience in Japan. That connection so long ago has held fast, and we are each blessed and refreshed as we try to make time to get together at least once a year for a weekend. Though each of our lives have gone different directions, there are common threads and shared experiences that bring our bond even closer. This weekend grants us each room to catch our breath, as we find time to laugh and simply enjoy the presence of one another as we share what has been happening in our lives. I love how God uses the people that He has placed in our lives to refresh, restore and encourage us as we navigate the path that He is leading us along. May we ever seek Him to restore our strength and refresh our soul, as He is the One who will make us whole again.

 

Be still, O my soul,

From the last time we gathered…<3

For there shall be rest;

He knows what we need,

And He loves us best.

He restores our strength,

When it’s all but gone;

Helps us catch our breath,

To end the day strong.

Our soul is refreshed,

Through His loving grace;

He grants what’s needed,

As we seek His face.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are loving and kind, and that You refresh, restore and make us whole again when we feel completely depleted. Thank You that it is not something that we need muster the strength to do, but rather it is in the seeking that You provide. Thank You for the gift of long-standing friendships that last. Forgive us for attempting to muscle our way through difficulties rather than seek You for strength. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would slow down and trust You to restore what is broken and refresh us in our weariness. Show us how to love those around us in a way that extends Your refreshment and restoration so that they might catch their breath and find strength in You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You, Lord. Be exalted O God, as we seek Your refreshment and strength, as You alone, make us whole. Amen.

 

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

 

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

Promise to Save

“For I am with you and will save you,” says the Lord. – (Jeremiah 30:11a, NLT)

I am with you and will rescue you, declares the Lord. – (Jeremiah 30:11a, CEB)

For I am with you to save you, declares the Lord. – (Jeremiah 30:11a, ESV)

 

When I am with people and my mind is occupied, I am in a reasonably good space, considering I am not allowed to do the very things I long to do the most. However, in the quiet moments, when I am alone, I find fear and anxiety try to find a foothold, as I become acutely aware of my own mortality and the potentially ticking time bomb that is currently calling a vein deep in my calf, home. I know that not one of us knows the number of our days, nor have we been given any sort of guarantee nor shelf life. However, I do know that this verse in Jeremiah is a great reminder this morning, as God is with me, and He will save me from this season in His time. For whatever reason, it is a road that I have to currently walk. I do not know if it is to learn patience, perseverance, or to simply be shown in an even greater capacity, how He remains present through all things. Whatever the reason, I will keep fixing my eyes on the reality that He is with me and that He is present to save. May we set our hearts and minds on the truth and trust in the Lord who is mighty to save.

 

Allow not the fear, 

To find a way in;

For God is present,

He fights from within.

Ready to rescue,

The Lord’s ever near;

Let anxiousness go,

As He calms all fear.

Rise up in His strength,

Keep moving, be brave;

For God is with us,

He’s mighty to save.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are with us and You save us. Thank You that Your presence preserves and strengthens us as we keep pressing forward. Forgive us for our fears and anxiety over the unknown, as lack of faith fuels these things. Teach us to trust You more, for You have promised to be with us, always. Show us how to hold fast to Your promised presence, so that we will walk boldly into all that You ask of us. Lead us to love others in Your strength, so that we would encourage and support those around us well. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust in Your presence and Your promise to save. Amen.

 

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

 

I thank and praise You, O God of my fathers: You have given me wisdom and power. – Daniel 2:23