In Freedom Choose Love

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. – (Galatians 5:13, NIV)

It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love. – (Galatians 5:13, MSG)

Brothers and sisters, God has called you to freedom! Hear the call, and do not spoil this gift by using your liberty to engage in what your flesh desires; instead, use it to serve each other as Jesus taught through love. – (Galatians 5:13, VOICE)

God has given each of us a free will. His intention has always been for us to be free to choose. The love of God draws us unto Him, yet we always have a choice as to whether to accept or reject it. When we follow our own path with little care or concern for others, we are gratifying the flesh and not choosing love. However, when we seek the Lord to lead us in His love, we are opting to walk in His way and using our freedom to love as Jesus loved. Incredibly, as we select a life that follows after Him, we become free from the weight of being stuck in our own selfishness, and discover the joy that awaits as we choose to walk the path that He prepares for us. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us, as we freely choose to love and serve one another as we are called to do.

Brothers and sisters,

We all have been called;

In freedom to choose,

To love one and all.

For as we choose love,

Selfishness will fade;

True freedom and joy,

Are found in His ways.

So, let us look up,

Select the Lord’s best;

Love one another,

As grace is expressed.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have created us each with a free will. Thank You that with our freedom, we can choose to follow after You and select a life of loving as You first loved us. Forgive us for the times that we have chosen to stay stuck in our sinful patterns instead of choosing to follow after You. Teach us to freely choose to love and serve one another, for in doing so, we come to know the joy that is found in opting to utilize our freedom for good. Show us how to love and serve those around us in ways that make Your heart evident to all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose to love and serve with the freedom that we are granted in You. Amen.

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

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. – Ephesians 4:2

Remember the Fallen

 

Today is a day designated and set aside to remember the faithful who have fallen, as they fought fearlessly to defend the freedoms we know and enjoy. Countless men and women have made the ultimate sacrifice, as they selflessly served. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. – (John 15:13) May we take time to remember the fallen, as they willingly laid down their lives so that ours would be secure.

 

 

How I will remember today…

Remember the ones,

who never came back;

so valiantly fought,

while under attack.

Siblings and spouses,

the daughters and sons;

too soon they were lost,

but not forgotten.

We rest from our work,

we pause in our play;

for lives lost and peace,

we humbly shall pray.

Also for those still,

on the battlefield;

faithfully serving,

Lord, please be their shield.

May those who have served,

know our gratitude;

please keep them, dear God,

may blessings ensue.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the faithful men and women who have served and continue to serve our nation. Thank You Jesus for Your sacrifice, as it is only through the gift of Your life that we are able to truly live ours. Thank You for the sacrifice that so many families and soldiers have made, so that we can continue to enjoy the freedoms we know and love. Forgive us for taking our freedom for granted, and help us to lift up our service men and women regularly, and remind us to pray too, for peace. May we live and love with grateful hearts, and encourage all whom we encounter towards the same. Let hearts turn to You, and many come to know true freedom in a lasting relationship with You, our Redeemer. Be glorified, O God. 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

 

 

 

 

Our Righteous Judge

Scornful looks, unkind words – judgments passed, despite the deliberate instructions that we have been given to not judge one another. You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. – (Romans 2:1) Often the very thing that we want to judge in another, is something we dislike in ourselves.

 

Additionally, we will be judged as we judge, and forgiven as we forgive. “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” – (Matthew 7:1-2) We must separate the sin from the sinner, and recognize our own propensity for the very same. If we are meant to approach the individual as one who comes along side them to help them escape, it must be done in humility, kindness, and love, extending forgiveness and grace, just as we too, have been granted forgiveness and grace from our Heavenly Father.

 

When an offense,

does happen to you;

how will you respond?

What will you do?

Will you speak out,

with angry retort;

or trust in the Lord,

seek His support?

Though each offense,

hurts our very soul;

we have to trust God,

to make us whole.

When we lash out,

more damage is done;

we get in the way,

of true freedom.

Trust in the Lord,

no matter what comes;

He shall grant wisdom,

His will be done.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our Righteous Judge, and that we do not need to fill that role. Thank You that though we are hurt and offended by people, we need not lash out nor pronounce judgment upon them. Thank You that Your grace is far greater than our own, and the very thing that offends us in others, is often that which bothers us most in ourselves. Forgive us for passing judgment on others, and help us to greet everyone with grace and Your love. May each of us come to a place of repentance as You show us the error in our ways, and grant us the grace we need to grow closer in our walk with You. Let those who are looking find a forever faith in You. Teach us to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with You all of our days. Amen.

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

Listen… be wise, and keep your heart on the right path. – Proverbs 23:19

 

 

To Find Freedom

“To the Jews who had believed Him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.  Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – (John 8:31-32)

Our freedom is found not through the tossing aside of rules and regulations, but rather through faith in our Heavenly Father, in Whom true freedom lies.    This freedom is our right to enjoy all of the privileges of citizenship as members of God’s family.  “As we seek to serve God, Jesus’ perfect truth frees us to be all that God meant us to be.” (NIV footnotes) The better we know Him, the more evident His character becomes in us, and the more readily we are free to walk in the gifts and the calling that He has created in us and for us.  Freedom is found where His grace is renowned.

As we do life in the freedom that He has for us, people around us have the opportunity to taste and see that the Lord is good.  Freedom, when lived from the inside out, is a desirable gift that will be questioned and sought after.  Our testimony is made evident, as we are set free from that which has hindered us from being all that He has made us to become.  Actively seeking Christ, is the only way to discover what it truly means to be His disciple, so that we may model a life lived in the freedom found in Him.

In Christ alone,

the truth is found;

trust in His word,

true freedom’s sound.

Cling to the cross,

from sin, set free;

empty the grave,

hope that is seen.

Power given,

to all who trust;

faith to hold fast,

He’s true and just.

In Him, we’re free,

to learn and grow;

to live and love,

so all might know.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we come to know You and Your truth, we learn what freedom truly is.  Thank You that freedom has nothing to do with our external circumstances, but rather everything to do with our internal condition.  Thank You that when we seek You, You begin to break away all that binds us from becoming who You intend for us to be; and we find freedom in You.  Forgive us for allowing anything to keep us from You or from being who You have made us to be, and help us to hold fast forever, to that which You are teaching us.  May we live and love like You, and may many come to know the true freedom that is found, only through a firm faith in You.  Be exalted, O God, and let Your freedom ring.  Amen.

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

Where Freedom is Found

image by Soda Head

Our nation was formed,
by men of great faith;
longing for freedom,
from king’s former wraith.
Escape from bondage,
evil tyranny;
the fight to part ties,
at last to be free.
The brave and the bold,
fought so valiantly;
the benefit known,
as we are now free.
Ultimate freedom,
does come at great price;
for us to be found,
took Christ’s sacrifice.
Jesus, God’s glory,
stepped down from His throne;
made way for our God,
to truly be known.
As rockets red light,
and bombs burst in air;
give glory to God,
for our freedom share.

(Responding to Hebrews 1:3-4)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that true freedom is found in You alone. Thank You for the privilege I’ve had to grow up in a nation where I am free to worship You corporately, without fear of persecution. Please provide places for people in nations that do not know this freedom, to gather and encourage one another, knowing that our ultimate freedom is found only in You. Forgive us for taking our freedom for granted, and help us to walk boldly in the freedom found in You, so that many may be set free from all that is binding. May they find true freedom that is found in You alone. All glory and honor to You, Who has made our hearts truly free in Thee. Amen.

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

Aquiring Armor

photo by Cindy Loughridge

Though often in darkness,

the day is drawing near;

an end to all trials,

removal of fear.

Let us set aside deeds,

done in shadows of night;

turn hearts to the Father,

put on armor of light.

This great armor appears,

as we love each other;

making sure needs are met,

of sisters and brothers.

For when we choose to love,

it’s fulfilling the law;

preferring each other,

as did He, without flaw.

Gratify not ourselves,

desiring sinful things;

rather clothe self in Christ,

where our true freedom rings.

(Responding to Romans 13:8-14)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that regardless of the darkness and devastation around us, we have eternal hope in You.  Thank You that there will be a day when there is no more darkness nor pain, no more suffering nor stains.  Forgive us for losing sight of You, our Hope and Help in all things, and at all times.  Teach us to walk triumphantly in trust, bearing Your armor of light, so that we may love and care for others well.  May they see You in us, as we prefer each other and love one another well.  May our lives draw them unto You.  Amen.

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

Reflecting God’s Glory

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.  And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” – (2 Corinthians 3:17-18 – NIV)

“We’re free of it!  All of us!  Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of His face.  And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become more like Him.” – (2 Corinthians 3:17-18 – The Message)

Where the Spirit rests,

image by Bronlynn

true freedom is found;

no longer a veil,

the wall’s been torn down.

The more that we seek,

the more we shall find.

True transformation –

of heart, soul, and mind.

Reflecting glory,

grows brighter each day,

give Him our whole heart,

as we live, love and pray.

Let our lives burn bright,

showing God’s glory.

May His heart be heard,

as we share our story.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that true freedom is found in You.  Thank You that as we walk with You and our relationship deepens, we more clearly reflect who You are to those around us.  Forgive us for discounting Your ability to use us as You see fit, even when we cannot see ourselves from Your perspective.  Help us to remember that You are the author of our story, so we are indeed meant to use it for Your glory.  Lead us to live and love as bright beams of light for You.  May many come to find true freedom through the forgiveness You freely offer to all who ask.  All honor and glory to You.  Amen.

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