Unchanging Goodness

But You remain the same, and Your years will never end. – (Psalm 102:27, NIV)

But You never change. You will live forever! – (Psalm 102:27, ERV)

But You are the same, You will never change; Your years will never come to an end. – (Psalm 102:27, VOICE)

God is the same yesterday, today and forever. The same God who led His people through the sea He parted to create a safe escape, is the same God who sent His one and only Son to redeem us from our sin. He sits on the throne and hears our cries, and loves us through all things. A place is prepared for all who trust in Him to be with Him forever. No matter what we face or have to endure, God remains faithful and present to see us through. Beyond what He has done and is doing, we have a hope for all eternity. May we navigate our days with the recognition of God’s presence, and the hope we have not just for today, but forever.

The Lord is so good,

He always remains;

Unchanging, the same,

As love He proclaims.

God always has been,

Forever He’ll be;

Our help and our hope,

Love eternally.

May we place our trust,

In the Lord who reigns;

Forever faithful,

Choose trust in His Name.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have always been, are now, and forever will be. Thank You that Your love and faithfulness knows no end. Forgive us for the times that we have lost sight of who You are and how Your presence and strength provide what we need to press on. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would keep our eyes on eternity with You. Show us how to love those around us in ways that make Your goodness and faithfulness evident. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your faithfulness and trust in Your goodness and love forever. Amen.

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

For the word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all He does. – Psalm 33:4

May Love Grow

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. – (1 Thessalonians 3:12, NIV) 

We pray that the Lord will make your love grow. We pray that He will give you more and more love for each other and all people. We pray that you will love everyone in the same way we love you. – (1 Thessalonians 3:12, ERV) 

And may the Lord increase your love until it overflows toward one another for all people, just as our love overflows toward you. – (1 Thessalonians 3:12, TPT) 

Paul wrote to the church of Thessalonica to encourage them in their faith and love in the face of persecution. Though we are not facing the same scenario that early church endured, we do have much need in our society for faith and love. Civil unrest and people easily angered, do not make for a loving environment. It is our charge to love one another, in the same way that God loves each of us. His love is relentless, unconditional, and unchanging; ours ought to be as well. Too often, we have conditions or requirements that deem others must somehow be worthy of our love, rather than simply loving because they are His created. We must do and be better, and it begins with those who know and understand the power of God’s love for us. May we ever seek the Lord to make our love increase and overflow for those directly around us, and for all people everywhere. 

We are called to love, 

Care for each other; 

Mothers and fathers, 

Sisters and brothers. 

The whole human race, 

Is our family; 

Whom we’re meant to love, 

Ever faithfully. 

We need the Lord’s love, 

To flood heart and mind; 

So we may learn well, 

To love and be kind. 

Show us Lord Jesus, 

What we need to know; 

To love as You love, 

So Your goodness shows. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You loved us first. Thank You that You call us to love not only those directly around us, but all people, everywhere. Forgive us for the times that we have not been loving, or have somehow withheld the good that was meant to be given. Teach us to turn to You to lead us in our every interaction. Show us how to love like You at all times, with all people. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to show us how to love more deeply and completely, all people. Amen. 

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

May Your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in You. – Psalm 33:22

Finding Rest and Hope

Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him. – (Psalm 62:5, NIV) 

I must calm down and turn to God; He is my only hope. – (Psalm 62:5, ERV) 

My soul quietly waits for the True God alone because I hope only in Him. – (Psalm 62:5, VOICE) 

There is much in me that is unsettled, as I still do not know exactly what the coming school year will look like, nor what the specific expectations will be to successfully instruct online. Between that and my ever-increasing sense of restlessness, I feel weariness creeping in. It hit especially hard today when I returned from an early morning workout. I sat down to begin to do my devotions and get to this, but was struggling to keep my eyes open. Rather than attempting to power through, I relented and simply sprawled out on the couch and took a rest. As I relaxed into the couch, my soul settled and I got a bit of rest. I was again reminded of Who to look to for help and hope and rest, and am feeling far more refreshed and recharged for the day. May we ever seek the Lord to be our hope and our rest, as He provides all that is needed and more. 

In quiet waiting, 

Is where rest is found; 

The Lord is gracious, 

His goodness is sound. 

For in Him is hope, 

Beyond what we see; 

His love, unchanging, 

Where worry’s set free. 

So, choose to seek Him, 

Our Source and Supply; 

Where true rest is found, 

Morning, noon and night. 

Dear Heavenly Father, that You that we can find rest in You, as You are our hope and provision. Forgive us for attempting to “power through” when You are providing us spaces of rest. Teach us to trust You more, so that all of our hope dwells in You. Show us how to love those around us well, in ways that promote hope and sets worry free. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we rest in You and place our hope in You alone. Amen. 

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

Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long. – Psalm 25:5

Committed in Trust

Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust Him, and He will help you. – (Psalm 37:5, NLT)

Commit your path to the Eternal; let Him direct you. Put your confidence in Him, and He will follow through with you. – (Psalm 37:5, VOICE)

 

As followers of Christ, we are called to trust and place our confidence in Him. Often, this can be a challenge if we base our belief on what we have experienced before through humans. People falter and fail, yet God is unchanging and His love is always good. The word commit is a well-chosen start to the verse, as commitment always involves choice. Our decision to give God our trust in ALL things, is an ongoing, lifelong investment. Though there is a choice to be made to commit on our part, He is always faithful to meet us and follow through. God’s presence is permanent, and His love lasts forever. May we choose to commit everything we do unto the Lord, trusting Him to be our help and our hope; for He is faithful to follow through when we call on Him.

 

Let’s trust in the Lord,

Commit all we do;

Let Him direct steps,

Unto Him, be true.

For as we choose trust,

His help we shall know;

True confidence comes,

In our letting go.

The Lord’s ways are best,

He already sees;

Which way we should go,

And what it shall be.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we can commit all that we do to You and trust that You will be our help and our hope. Forgive us for withholding things from You, or for attempting to do things on our own. Teach us to trust You more, as we desperately need Your help and direction to navigate this life according to Your will. Show us how to love those around us in a way that demonstrates Your goodness and grace, so that You are who people see through us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we commit all that we do unto You in trust. 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

Hope is What We Hold

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. – (Romans 15:4)

 

Knowing the word of God impacts our perspective on both today and the future. As we grow in understanding of who He is and what He has done in the past, the more confident we become in who God is for us both now and forevermore. Spending time studying His word increases our understanding, which in turn helps us gain a greater trust in Him. With trust, we are able to anticipate the future with hope (looking forward with confidence), for all that He has promised. May we study His word and allow every encouragement to take root in our hearts, so that hope is what we hold.

 

All that was written,

the words of the past;

recorded to teach,

us lessons that last.

People who endured,

despite trying odds;

they put all their faith,

in Almighty God.

Through hardships and pain,

and journeys so long;

they trusted in Christ,

and He made them strong.

The very same God,

Who supplied the needs;

His Spirit with us,

while Christ intercedes.

Let hope now take hold,

and fill up our hearts;

His promises last,

as grace He imparts.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your word. Thank You that we have more access in this generation, than any generation before us. Thank You that Your word is full of examples of people who persevered in faith, endured trials, and ultimately overcame in Your strength. Thank You for the encouragement that You provide, and the promises that are packed throughout each passage. Thank You that You are faithful and unchanging. Forgive us for neglecting the easy access we have available to study Your word, and help us to have a passion to pursue knowing You and Your word more each day. Teach us to trust You more, so that we may listen to Your leading, and allow Your Spirit to instruct our hearts as we dig deeper in Your word. Help us to be transformed into Your likeness as we invest in our relationship with You. May we love others well, just as You so willingly and tenderly love each of us. Let those who are looking, be found in You. Be exalted O God, as we invest our hearts, minds, time and energy into knowing You more. Amen.

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

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

Taking Possession of Promises

Is the promise really the promise, when the glorious reality is in full view, yet there are giants between where we now stand and where we must go to enter into what God has spoken?  Ultimately, it becomes an issue of whether or not we trust that God is greater than the giants, and do we trust Him to be true to His word.

In the desert, as Moses and the masses were on the move, spies had been sent ahead into the land that God had promised them.  The men had seen that the land was indeed, flowing with milk and honey, and had even brought back evidence of its fruitfulness.  Despite the plentiful promise land before them, they allowed their fear of the powerful people living in the land to stand in their way.  One man spoke up in faith. “Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, ‘We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.’  But the men who had gone up with him said, ‘We can’t attack those people, they are stronger than us.” – (Numbers 13:30-31) 

Caleb chose trust over fear, and stood strong despite popular opinion.  He had seen the land for himself, and trusted that God was greater than anything that stood between the people and laying hold of the promise.  Sadly, the people chose not to listen to Caleb, and ended up wandering for forty years in the desert as a result.

What promises can we lay hold of through faith, if only we choose to trust Him, in spite of how things appear?  I don’t want to miss out on all that He has for me, only to be left wandering in the desert, aimless and longing for what could have been.

Promises made,

from the heart of God;

don’t ever change,

despite path to trod.

What the Lord says,

He will indeed, do;

God is faithful,

His word’s always true.

We must choose trust,

despite what’s seen;

God is greater,

on Him, we must lean.

God is with us,

the giants, fear not;

He’s far greater,

than the darkest plot.

Rise up in faith,

claim promise in Him;

dispel all fears,

our God always wins.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that the promises You have spoken are “YES” and “AMEN”, and what You say is what shall be.  Thank You that neither giants, nor mountains, nor seas, nor anything else in all creation can stand in the way of the fulfillment of Your promises spoken.  Forgive us for allowing fear to deter us from moving forward in faith.  Teach us to trust You more, so that we might boldly take each next step that You are calling us to take, despite the appearance of giants or obstacles that seem to be standing in our way.  May we boldly move in obedience unto You, and may our faith be unwavering in Your truth.  Lead us by Your love, to love others well, and may many come to know You personally, as a result.  Be honored in all that we say and do.  Amen.

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

The joy of the Lord is your strength. – Nehemiah 8:10

Hold Hope

Peace and hope are held secure as we come to understand that God and His promises are unchanging and trustworthy, because He alone, is unchanging and trustworthy.  We can rest assured that He will remain the same, yesterday, today and forever.  What He says He will do, will surely be done, for He is not a mere man that changes His mind.

For us, this is a most remarkable gift.  We need not do anything to earn His love, for He loves His created so much, that He willingly laid down His life, so that we would have the option to come to know Him personally.  All that is asked of us, is that we believe and receive that which has already been given.  In exchange, we find hope, which is the anchor for our soul, firm and secure. (Romans 6:19a)

“Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, He confirmed it with an oath.  God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged.” – (Romans 6:17-18)

A gift’s been given,

spoken through His word;

our promise for peace,

hope that we have heard.

For God is the same,

past, present and post;

faithful, ever true,

Dad, Son, Holy Ghost.

His love never ends,

His promises true;

our Beacon of Hope,

Safe Place to renew.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are faithful and unchanging – true to Your word and steadfast in character.  Thank You that we can come to You and know that what You have promised, You will do, and who You say You are, is true.  Thank You that every good and perfect gift comes from You – our hope, our peace, our rest.  Forgive us for confusing Your character with that of man, that You might change Your mind because we somehow didn’t do enough.  Help us to trust You completely, even when things appear far from the fulfillment.  Thank You that You are always near.  Help us to embrace Your grace so that we may go forth and give as we have been given.  May many come to know You as we live and love as You call us to do.  Let our lives be light and life to those who are without hope.  Be glorified, Lord God.  Amen.

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

The Credence of Christ

God who’s unchanging,

makes His purpose clear;

to His, He’s promised,

He’ll always be near.

Two things never change,

we can rest assured;

nature and promise –

God sticks to His word.

He is our great hope,

and anchor for soul;

stays firm and secure,

High Priest to extol.

He goes before us,

forever is true;

grants eternal hope,

shows us what to do.

So hold onto hope,

in Him, it’s certain;

our future secured,

torn was the curtain.

(Responding to Hebrews 6:17-20)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your nature and Your promises never change. Thank You that You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) Thank You that through the death and resurrection of Christ, the curtain that kept us from coming close to You, was torn. Thank You Jesus that You are our great High Priest, who goes before us and makes the way for us to be called clean – worthy to enter Your eternal presence. Forgive us for not always behaving as Your people of promise, and help us to walk in Your way and be instruments of Your truth. May many come close and lay hold of the hope that is held in You alone. Amen.

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

Sing through the Storms

“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.  Oh my Strength, I sing praise to You; You O God, are my fortress, my loving God.” – (Psalm 59:16-17)

Though the night may be full of darkness,

in the morning I’ll sing of Your love.

For You are my strength and my fortress,

my Hope, to where my eyes fix above.

May praises forever be present,

and extend from my heart, soul and mind.

For You, my mighty God are worthy;

all honor and thanks that my heart can find.

Presenting praise is not dependant,

on the conditions in which I live;

but rather on Your very nature;

unchanging, steadfast, ready to give.

My Refuge in all times of trouble,

my Safety when danger’s drawing near.

My Comfort when sorrow’s surrounding;

my Peace in the dark presence of fear.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our strength when we are weak.  Thank You that more than that, Your strength is made perfect in our weakness.  Forgive us for despising the times of trial and our own weakness, and help us instead to embrace the opportunity for Your strength to be shown in a powerful way.  Help us to hold our hope in You and Your ability to do exceedingly more than we can even begin to imagine.  Grow our faith, God.  As our faith is further fortified in You, may many come to find just how faithful You are, so that they too, might know You as their loving Father and friend.  In Your great and mighty Name.  Amen.

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