The Reality of Faith

Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. – (Hebrews 11:1, HCSB)

Faith is what makes real the things we hope for. It is proof of what we cannot see. – (Hebrews 11:1, ERV)

Faith is the assurance of things you have hoped for, the absolute conviction that there are realities you’ve never seen. – (Hebrews 11:1, VOICE)

Life requires faith. We have faith that the sun will rise and tomorrow will come, yet we have not seen either yet. Faith in God and the hope that we will join Him in heaven when our days on earth are done, are made tangible as we observe all that His hands have made, and witness the glimpses of heaven that we get in the here and now. When I think of all of the beauty of creation and the unique design of every human and creature that lives, I have faith that there is indeed a Creator. There is nothing that can convince me that all that exists came from some cosmic explosion. Incredibly, the word of God tells us that no eye has seen and no mind can fathom the beauty that awaits us in paradise. I am a visual person and have viewed some overwhelming beauty here on earth. Everywhere I go, I witness whispers of the goodness and creativity of God. Though I cannot see Him, I know that He is. I do not have to understand all things for them to be real. This is where faith comes in. May we ever seek the Lord to continue to grow our faith in Him, and to further our assurance that there is so much more that is yet to come.

Faith is the fuel,

Beautiful Belizean sunrise. ❤

Of what we believe;

Hope that is certain,

Beyond what we see.

The goodness of God,

Creativity;

Beauty surrounds us,

Intentionally.

May we keep seeking,

Choose trust in the Lord;

Ever He’s faithful,

To show us His more.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that though we cannot see You, we can know You. Thank You that the evidence of Your loving hand is everywhere. Forgive us for the times that our faith wavers because the mountains ahead of us seem unsurpassable. Teach us to trust You for each next step, for no obstacle is ever overcome without moving forward in faith. Show us how to love those around us in ways that make Your love, goodness and grace tangible. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to ever grow our faith with Your goodness and love. Amen.

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

Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. – Hebrews 10:23

Wisdom With Words

They were unable to trap Him in what He had said there in public. And astonished by His answer, they became silent. – (Luke 20:26, NIV)

The men were amazed at His wise answer. They could say nothing. They were not able to trick Jesus there in front of the people. He said nothing they could use against Him. – (Luke 20:26, ERV)

Once again they failed to humiliate Him in public or catch Him in a punishable offense. They were confounded by His reply and couldn’t say anything in response. – (Luke 20:26, VOICE)

As I continue to make my way through the book of Luke, and study the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus, I am reminded of the wisdom of God. The Pharisees and their cronies were constantly trying to trap Jesus with their questions, ever looking for a reason to arrest Him. Each time they tried, Jesus responded in a way that left the teachers of the time baffled. Jesus knew the intent of the imposters, and would not allow them opportunity to arrest Him before it was His time. For us, this is a reminder that God has the wisdom we seek. When we trust and rely on Him, He will bring the words we need to speak at just the right time. That still small voice that whispers to our hearts when we need to hear, is ever available for all who seek Him.

Do not be afraid,

Of those with ill will;

As we seek the Lord,

His wisdom shall fill.

Fill our hearts and minds,

With words we can speak;

Direction and grace,

The goodness You teach.

Let all that we are,

Ever trust in You;

Grant us words to speak,

So Your love shines through.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that all wisdom comes from You. Thank You that we can seek You and listen for Your voice in all things and at all times. Forgive us for firing off our own words in haste, rather than seeking You first to align our hearts with Your love and grace. Teach us to seek You and listen to Your still small voice that leads and guides us in all things. Show us how to love those around us as You do, and keep us from being caught up in foolish rhetoric that leads to division. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You for wisdom and the words that You would have us speak. Amen.

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

You shall speak to him and put words in his mouth; I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do. – Exodus 4:15

A Choice of Will

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. – (Colossians 3:13, NIV)

Don’t be angry with each other, but forgive each other. If you feel someone has wronged you, forgive them. Forgive others because the Lord forgave you. – (Colossians 3:13, ERV)

Be gentle and ready to forgive; never hold grudges. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. – (Colossians 3:13, TLB)

Fault-finding, blame, grudges and the like, do nothing but keep heaviness in the heart of the holder. Though there are some situations where wisdom will lead us to walk away, it does not mean that we are to hold unforgiveness in our heart. Forgiveness looks different in every situation, but the one thing that is constant is that it is a choice of will, and a decision that has to be made over and over again. There are days that forgiveness comes easily, and we find ourselves in a good space, recognizing that because we have been forgiven much, we too, can forgive much. However, there are times when whispers of previous offenses rise up, and so too does the anger. It is in these moments that we have to choose again to forgive. May we fix our eyes on the Lord who has forgiven us for all that we have done, so that we may go forth and forgive in the same way.

We’ve been forgiven,

For everything;

All our transgressions,

And harm that we bring.

Because of this love,

We’re called to the same;

To forgive others,

Let go, remove blame.

Often the process,

Of choosing release;

Hurt brought by others,

As God’s grace increased.

May we choose to rise,

Forgive in His Name;

Love as we are loved,

Let grace be our aim.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to forgive as we have been forgiven by You. Thank You that as we choose again and again to forgive, You refine and change our hearts to be more like Yours. Forgive us for the times that we have held onto hurts or allowed old injury to rise up and renew our anger toward another when we have chosen to forgive. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would seek Your strength to forgive again and again, each time a hurt or offense comes our way. Show us how to love and forgive others, just as You love and forgive each of us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we turn to You to be our strength and our example for forgiveness so that we may go forth and do the same. Amen.

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

Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends. – Proverbs 17:9

Provision of Peace and Strength

The Lord gives His people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace. – (Psalm 29:11, NLT)

May the Lord make His people strong. May the Lord bless His people with peace. – (Psalm 29:11, ERV)

We ask You, Eternal One, to give strength to Your people; Eternal One, bless them with the gift of peace. – (Psalm 29:11, VOICE)

 

Emotions are running high, and kids are on edge daily as the winter break whispers of its nearness. The uncertainty of what is coming when so many of our students desperately need routine, is enough to send them in a downward spiral that requires more strength and resolve than one might think is humanly possible to perpetuate for such a length of time. Strength and peace are needed now, more than ever – for students, teachers, and every staff member who interacts with these sweet souls in distress. It is my prayer that God would give strength to the weary, and bless every heart with His perfect peace. May we walk beside one another, shoulder-to-shoulder, encouraging and lifting up, as strength and peace are present wherever people come together with purpose.

 

The Lord is our Source, 

He makes our hearts strong;

When we’re feeling weak,

He helps lead us on.

Where chaos seems reign,

The Lord brings His peace;

He settles our hearts,

As grace is released.

Let’s rise up, dear ones,

Seek the Lord of all;

He knows all our need,

And won’t let us fall.

Look too for others,

To walk alongside;

Encourage, support,

Let peace and strength rise.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our Source of strength and peace, no matter what comes our way. Lord, be with all of those who struggle this time of year, as there is uncertainty or sorrow in the season. Give us grace to extend loving kindness, so that Your heart may be made known. Forgive us for our frustration with behaviors and attitudes that are the manifestation of people’s pain. Teach us to trust You more, so that we may see things through Your eyes. Show us how to bring peace to the chaos, and how to love in Your strength in a way that soothes unsettled souls. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we receive Your strength and peace, and go forth and give as we have been given. 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

The Gift of Peace

I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So, don’t be troubled or afraid. – (John 14:27, NLT)

I leave the gift of peace with you – My peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but My perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts – instead be courageous! – (John 14:27, TPT)

My peace is the legacy I leave to you. I don’t give gifts like those of this world. Do not let your heart be troubled or fearful. – (John 14:27, VOICE)

 

True peace, the sort that settles us to the center of our soul, comes from Christ alone. Though we may search for peace in a thousand different places, the only peace that lasts is that which is given by God. His peace calms our chaos, makes fears fall away, and gives our hearts the grace we need to find rest. His hand is evident everywhere we go, if we only open our eyes to see all that He has made. The changing leaves, a smile on the face of a friend, well-timed lyrics in a song, the mountains, ocean, or the still small voice that whispers words of encouragement when we slow down and just rest in His presence – these are just a few of the ways that God conveys His perfect peace to us. May we ever run to our Redeemer, as He is the true Provider of the peace that removes fears and grants the courage we need to continue to move in the direction we are called.

 

Do not be troubled, 

Dear heart, do not fear;

For the peace of God,

Comes as we draw near.

The great gift of peace,

Is from God alone;

It settles our hearts,

As His love is known.

Do not be troubled,

By all that is seen;

Instead, call on Christ,

Our great Prince of Peace.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that there is no peace on the planet that compares to Your perfect peace. Thank You that when we seek You, You meet us where we are and settle our hearts and minds with Your peace. Thank You that Your peace is not dependent on our circumstances. Forgive us for pursuing peace in places other than Your presence. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would depend on You to be our Source of peace. Show us how to be ambassadors of peace to the people around us, as we love as You love us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as seek You for peace in all things and at all times. Amen.

 

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

 

And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you.” – Exodus 33:19

Soar in Strength

 

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not grow faint. – (Isaiah 40:31, NLT)

 

I apologize in advance if the running references are not in your realm of reality right now. However, for the next few days, I will be in run, rest, repeat mode, and it is very much in the forefront of my mind and will likely flavor that which I write. Today is no exception. The new strength that is found through trusting the Lord, is spiritual, emotional, and often physical. When we come to the end of ourselves and feel like we’ve no more to give, His Spirit within us rises, and whispers, “press on.” Though fighting through weariness, fatigue, and exhaustion can be grueling, the reward on the other side is well worth it. To look back and see the strength that was supplied and the ground that was covered despite our moments of doubt, provide new strength and hope as we gain even greater trust in He who gives us all that we need. Although I have trained, I must trust. There are elements and unknowns that I cannot anticipate. I need the Lord to go before me, remain beside me, and be my strength, as I run the road that lies ahead. May we ever trust in the Lord to grant us new strength, so that we may soar on wings like eagles; run without growing wearing, walk without growing faint – wherever His path leads us.

 

Those who trust in God,

Shall find strength anew;

They’ll soar high on wings,

Just as eagles do.

They’ll run and not tire,

Walk and not grow faint;

The Lord is faithful,

To arm each with strength.

So go forth and run,

Wherever He leads;

Our God shall supply,

All that we will need.

 

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we trust in You, we find strength anew. Thank You that by Your grace, we soar on wings like eagles, in the direction You call us to fly. Thank You that we can run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint, when we are moving in the direction to which You are calling us to move. Forgive us for attempting to fly on our own, or for running the wrong direction. Lead us on the path that You have placed before us, so that we would run the race to which we are called. Show us how to love and encourage all of those who are running near us, so that each may run well, their own race. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust in You to supply the strength we need to complete all that which we are called to do. 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

 

To Choose to Trust

Though at times we feel alone, we never truly are, for the Lord is ever near. This is especially comforting when facing the new. It is in the unknowns that fear tends to rise up, and uncertainty and self-doubt seek to find space in the equation. However, when we choose to trust, and to seek the Lord in the midst of the new and the unknown, His words to us are much like His words in Isaiah.

 

So don’t be afraid. I am here, with you; don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, help you. I am here with My right hand to make right and to hold you up. – (Isaiah 41:10, VOICE)

 

If the Lord tells us to not be afraid, what have we to fear? All that is now, is temporary, but that which is yet to come, is eternal. If God is for us, who can stand against us? No mountain is too high, no valley too low, nor sea too wide for Christ to come alongside and strengthen and equip us to overcome whatever lies before us.

 

After all, it is I, the Eternal One your God, who has hold of your right hand, Who whispers in your ear, “Don’t be afraid. I will help you.” – (Isaiah 41:13, VOICE)

 

God has a hold of us and will help us, we need to trust Him and reach out our hands to Him. As we give Him our fear, He returns to us, His strength, courage, help and hope. He cares about the little things and the larger ones. Nothing is too small to escape His concern, nor too much trouble for He who created and cares for us all. May we go forward, without fear, trusting in Him who will be our help and hold us up with His holy right hand.

 

Do not let the new,

Cause terror to reign;

For Christ is our strength,

And makes our path plain.

Hand all fear to God,

Do not be dismayed;

For He is our help,

Through whom strength’s displayed.

The Lord holds us up,

Takes us by the hand;

Whispers, “I will help,”

Gives us strength to stand.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we need not fear with You. Thank You that You are our help and our hope, and that nothing is too difficult for You. Forgive us for our fears and doubts, and teach us to trust You more. Show us how to believe big in the little things and the large. Help us to love others well, so that they too might find courage and strength to press forward when fear attempts to derail. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust in You to be our strength to move forward, even when things seem beyond what we can fathom. Amen.

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

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

 

Hope in Early Rising

I wake before dawn and call for help; I hope in Your words. – (Psalm 119:147, VOICE)

I rise early, before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in Your words. – (Psalm 119:147, NLT)

 

From the moment I first rise, my mind begins to race with all that I have to do throughout the day. If I were left to my own devices, I would surely self-combust on most of them. However, for me, each day begins with what matters most, as I am intentional to slow my heart and mind, and settle in to focus on God and His word. In the quiet stillness of the early morning, while the world still sleeps, I read the words written from His heart to mine, and He whispers encouragement, instruction, and correction that draw me ever closer unto Him. My hope continues to grow, the more I come to see and know, just how great our God truly is. He is my help and my hope, and He hears every word whispered from the depths of my heart. May each new day greet you with a revelation of His presence, as you become more and more aware of how He is at the ready – waiting and willing to hear every cry of your heart.

 

Before the dawn breaks,

the Lord is so near;

ready as we wake,

as we speak, He’ll hear.

When we call on Him,

our hope is assured;

the truth of His word,

where peace is secured.

No matter what comes,

or what lies ahead;

when Christ is with us,

we‘ve nothing to dread.

Even in trials,

in hardships and pain;

the Lord takes our hand,

His hope shall remain.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we rise early to call on You, You meet us, and provide Your promises of hope in Your word. Thank You that Your presence is assured when we place our trust in You. Thank You that no matter what comes, You promise to never leave us nor forsake us. Forgive us for not bringing our needs before You and trying to take Your rightful place. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will place all things in Your hands, and trust You to lead and guide us in the ways in which we are meant to go. Show us how to love people through their pain, so that their hearts might seek after You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we rise early to spend time with You and study Your word, as it is in this space where our hope grows greater in You. Amen.

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

You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence. – Acts 2:28

Wait Quietly with Hope

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him. – (Psalm 62:5, NLT)

To quiet all of me, means to still my body, mind and spirit. This is no easy task. My mind races, my body longs to move, and my spirit is often unsettled in the constant momentum. It requires that I make an intentional choice to be silent before the Lord and simply wait in stillness. Neither natural, nor comfortable, this requires a choice of the will, because my hope is indeed held in God. What I find is that when I do slow down and silence myself before Him, and choose to wait quietly, He is faithful to meet me, and always has something to say to my heart. In the quiet wait, He whispers His words of encouragement, direction, correction and love. Time spent quietly waiting before God, is never for naught. He meets us in these moments, and reminds us why He is our hope and the One whom we can cling to in all things and at all times. May we allow all that we are to wait quietly before God, because our hope is held in Him alone.

O Lord I come,

in quietness;

as I choose wait,

I find my rest.

For all my hope,

is found in You;

O Faithful One,

Your word is true.

When chaos reigns,

and there’s no peace;

Lord please come near,

and grant release.

Encouragement,

when we have none;

all grace You give,

O Holy One.

May we allow,

all that we are;

to wait on You,

Great Morning Star.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we can come, with all that we are, and wait quietly before You. Thank You that You are faithful to meet us in the moments that we choose to come before You, and our hope is held in You alone. Forgive us for allowing our busyness to keep us from being intentional to wait quietly before You. Teach us to slow down and wait in Your presence, for You alone are our hope and our help. Lead us to love others in such a way, that they too may see the hope that is held in You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we wait quietly before You, placing all of our hope in You. Amen.

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

Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. – 2 Corinthians 3:5

Do the Good

Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins. – (James 4:17, NIV)

If you fail to do what you know is right, you are sinning. – (James 4:17, ERV)

 

Each one of us has an inner voice that directs us in the way in which we are meant to go. Some call this a conscience, others liken it to an internal compass; while those who place their trust in Christ, come to know that this is actually the very voice of God. His Spirit who dwells in us, whispers to our hearts – that which we are meant to do, and that which we are not. So often we think of sin as a long list of “Thou shall nots“, instead of the reality of truly listening and obeying the still small voice within. I imagine few of us have ever gone out and murdered anyone, (though we each have likely harbored unkind thoughts about another) yet how many of us have neglected a need of another that is near us?

 

Yesterday evening, my boys and I were at the gas station and I had just finished filling my car. An elderly gentleman caught my attention and politely asked if I had a few dollars I could spare, as he seemed to be in a bit of a panic, claiming that he must have dropped his card and needed to get a bit of gas to travel home. For some reason, I reached in my wallet, grabbed out the few dollars that I had folded in there, and handed it to him. He graciously and gratefully accepted my small offering. As we drove away, it sparked a great conversation with my boys. Usually, when approached for money in a parking lot, I am able to honestly answer that I do not carry cash. Yesterday, however, felt different. For some reason, I had just a few dollars, and I felt like I should give it to him. After explaining to the boys that sometimes, you just have to trust that you are doing the right thing. Out loud, in front of the boys, I simply prayed for the man to be able to purchase enough gas to take him safely home. May we choose well to do the right which we are called to do, as we listen carefully to the still small voice within.

 

Sin is not only,

when we choose do wrong;

but when we neglect,

live out our life’s song.

If we’re called to love,

and we opt love not;

then we’re choosing sin,

in selfish snares caught.

If we will listen,

for His still small voice;

and act on His call,

we’ll make the right choice.

When we act in love,

allow the Lord lead;

broken can be healed,

through Him, we meet needs.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You continually show us what we are meant to do; through Your word, through those who have gone before us, and through the still small voice of Your Holy Spirit who dwells within us. Thank You that if we are willing to listen, we will hear You. Forgive us for the times that we did not do the good that we should have done, and teach us to trust You more, so that we will be ready and willing to act in obedience the next time You present the opportunity for us to do good on Your behalf. Lead us to love others in practical and tangible ways. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we do the good that You are calling us to do. Amen.

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

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