Fear-less New Year…
Fear is a companion, but not a welcome one. Fear, worry, doubt, dread – words that don’t cheer us but at times are apt descriptions of where we’re living.
Ever noticed fear is often accompanied by comparison? Her kids don’t have the issues my kids have. They don’t have to worry because they have plenty of money, or family, or good looks, or parents who are still alive, or – on and on it goes. But fear is a jail, a trap, handcuffs on our ‘love life’.
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” (1Peter 4:8 NIV)
When we let Jesus’ love wash over us, the traps open free. When we love others more than judge them, the cell doors no longer lock us in.
‘Above all – love – deeply – cover over those missed marks we aimed for and failed at’ – my paraphrase. We can only love deeply because our Jesus so deeply loves us. It’s hard to turn a page in the New Testament without reading of His love.
Want to be a living book like that? As our pages turn, may others be able to look back and see love. Then we can run free in the mercy shown us and delight in the grace given us. Running free enables us to run over with much more grace to others than our tight little cages of ‘what ifs’ and ‘should haves’ ever could.
Today let’s die to self who frets and wake up to love in a way that makes a difference. A difference in me – and you – and a difference in the lives of those whose path we cross.
“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by He own glory and goodness.” (2 Peter 1:3 NIV) Everything we need, it’s ours – for life and for godliness. We are called – and it isn’t a calling to fall daily into the bondage of comparison or worry. Rather a call to fall into the arms of a Savior who reminds us that, with His Father, NOTHING is impossible.
All this, it’s a life-long process. But since we know eternity awaits, with no sorrow – we can begin to live (one day at a time) loving. Just maybe the multitude of our sin – and that we perceive of others – won’t be our focus. Then our companion is no longer fear, but our Savior.
Sweet reader, if fear or worry is a struggle you have, check out this book from Kelly Balarie “Fear Fighting – awakening courage to overcome your fears” www.fearfightingbook.com and check out Kelly’s blog www.purposefulfaith.com where she encourages us to not ‘face our fears’ – but to look to face of Jesus who can overcome them.
What Has He Done?
Only five days until most of the world pauses for a day to remember, to rejoice, to celebrate.
The detail and intricacy spanning a few thousand years, written in the book we call the Bible, is amazing. Lives lived in ages past that mirror ours today. Promises of old that still calm fear. Do we remember what it says in Genesis, in Psalms, in Isaiah, in Micah and others written hundreds of years before Jesus’ birth?
“…The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14 NIV) “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me One who will be ruler over Israel, whose goings out are from of old, from ancient times.” (Micah 5:2 NIV)
At Jesus’ birth angels sang a message of great joy, delight. Isn’t that what we all clamber after daily? Songs and movies, books and commercials tell us this car or that investment will make us happy. Yet we get the good job or the dream vacation and still we long for something more. Great joy and delight are satisfied in peace and surety – and there’s only One who gives those. Forevermore no more suffering – a cause to sing, to rejoice again and again.
“For to us a child is given…He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.” (Isaiah 9:6-7 NIV) “…Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” (John 16:22 NIV)
Good news usually makes me smile, do a happy dance, call someone. A virgin giving birth to One who came to die so that we could live forever in joy, that does call for celebration. A tree, twinkly lights are good starts. Putting a couple of dollars in the red bucket, that’s good too. But now is our time – no more waiting. No speaking the good news with only those we’re not embarrassed to share it with or who won’t judge us. This good news must go out – amazing love, amazing grace, given for us – a celebration for every heart.
“And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.” (Romans 5:5 NIV) “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:3 NIV)
Merry, Merry Christmas, may the Good News of a glorious forever with the Lover of our souls ring loud and clear to longing hearts waiting to hear…SEE WHAT HE HAS DONE!!!
12 Ways…
(Look for The 12 Ways of Christmas releasing next November)
Twelve days until our remembrance of THE birth – the one that changed everything.
This soul needs to be more wrapped up in His gift to us than in the paper and bows. Join me on a quest? Let’s bring some soul refreshing into the midst of parties, presents, and peppermint goodies.
It’s really so simple, all laid out in the Christmas story:
Signs – The virgin will be with child – seven hundred years before His birth the signs were told of and still today creation speaks of Jesus wondering how we miss Him. The skies proclaim the work of His hands, notice and be awed.
Say Yes – Young Mary, told by an angel she was going to have a child, instead of fretting, said ‘yes’. When told of the thing we think we can’t do, will we say yes knowing nothing is impossible with God?
Census – The Christmas story begins with the government counting citizens. Thank You, Father, that we are counted in the number who have Your eternity.
Hard Things – Joseph takes Mary, pregnant with a child not his, and travels the hard road to Bethlehem. Trust God to help us take next steps in this life journey, eyes on the path He lights.
Glory Shine – Shepherds were doing their job when they were illuminated by the glory of God. As we do the dirty dishes, make the commute to work, or lend a helping hand – it is in the everyday His glory shines.
Good News – An Angel spoke the good news: your Savior is here, your joy is born. Today is the day to share that news, may divine opportunities not be ignored.
Praise – The skies broke open with a crowd of angels singing, praising – giving glory to God. Get lost in the awe of singing to Him – give yourself to the Gift.
Get Going – Dazed shepherds wasted no time, they hurried off to see this Savior. To see Him we have to find Him – in prayer, in His word.
Allow – Joseph and Mary could have kept the shepherds and townspeople away – but all who came, saw Him in that manger. How about we do the baking and wrapping in a way that says ‘come, see’ – instead of our busyness saying ‘not welcome’.
Don’t Stay – The shepherds didn’t hang around, they told all the town and countryside what they had heard and seen. Let’s do this – in line at the grocery store, at the unbelieving relative’s. Don’t we want everyone knowing?
Ponder – Mary treasured up all these events and heart pondered them for a lifetime. Treasure Him, ponder Him with each breath.
Return – The shepherds went back to the fields, but they were never the same. As I go back to the routine in January may it truly be a new year, never the same because of Him.
Read this Good News Story in Luke 1 & 2 and sing along with this wonderful reminder: https://youtu.be/jGg7KdN19rs
(Copyright Paris Renae 2016)
No Unbelief…
In Gatlinburg, TN there are burned down dreams and memories in ash piles. A family grieves the loss of a son, not knowing whose anger caused the shots. Another grieves the loss of a father trying to do his job to serve and protect. In faraway places bullets ring out and bombs drop.
Long ago there was a man barely noticed by society. Pity of some helped carry him to the city gates each day so he could beg and maybe have enough to eat. But most wouldn’t look.
As two men walked by he called feebly ‘spare a dime sirs?’ Little did he know these two, though ordinary like you and me and him, had one thing he didn’t – and it wasn’t money. Peter and John looked straight at him (no one ever did that). Peter said “Look at us!” then he said ” Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” (Acts 3:6 NIV)
A hurting world is in need of our look. May I be compassionate enough to just smile at the person with the cardboard sign even if I don’t roll down the window. Let me wave to neighbors. Time to at least shine a flicker of the light He’s put in me – in you.
“Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.” (Acts 3:7-8 NIV)
So when a little extra overtime comes or a headache goes away, a broken relationship is mended or a storm parts to blue skies – do I jump up, do I go to worship, do I shout my praises?
What if we did?
An old man and his old wife had never had children. Yet they had been promised once that they would. When all hope seemed gone Sarah tells her Abraham ‘Guess what?’ and smiles like she’s twenty again. It is written of him “No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.” (Romans 4:20-21 NIV)
Me – you – we face our mountains. Sometimes we’re at the top with all the echoes of joy and sometimes we’re at the base with any hope of the other side seeming impossible. No unbelief – not that there isn’t any unbelief – but that even with our unbelief we have this Jesus in us, His Holy Spirit right in the here and now. We will not waver concerning the promise of God, we will grow strong in our faith, and we will do it by giving God the glory.
That’s how it works. In all of this it is the giving of glory that makes the difference. It wasn’t overnight for the beggar or the barren couple, and it’s not overnight for us. We will grow – and the growing is the journey, the adventure, the heartache that leads to the promise: forever with no more fires, no more shootings, no more brokenness. No unbelief will get in the way…
153 Details
Sometimes I forget details – like what my friend’s favorite color is or the name of someone I just met. When someone forgets my birthday, yep it bothers me.
Regardless if anyone remembers our details, God knows them all “And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” (Matthew 10:30 NIV) That’s quite amazing – He knows the exact color of my eyes, my shoe size, even remembers my first laugh.
All these seem trivial in the big picture of life, and yet, He is in every detail of our big picture. He’s walking through it with us and He’s on the other side at the end of tunnel.
I need a God like that. A God who is so familiar with me He knows what I’m going to say before I do and so in charge of the universe He knows my hardest moment will all work for good. Anything less is not God. He’s so big picture, so tiny detail that before one dust particle was created by HIm, He already knew Jesus would have to come and take our place.
Before one bad thought, one cruel act, one jealousy – He knew His Son would pay for it. He still said (loose translation) ‘Let’s make them in our likeness to rule over creation’. Because when we messed it all up, it wasn’t too big for God and never will be.
When Jesus died and rose again His closest followers still couldn’t grasp it all. It hadn’t turned out like they thought. So before Jesus went back to the Father He showed them again how He’s in their life’s moments. They fished all night – their livelihood – and came up with empty nets. Dawn broke and suddenly there He is on the shore calling for them to throw their net in one more time on the right side of the boat.
They weren’t even sure who was calling to them, but they tried one more time. 153 large fish filled that net, without one tear in it. Why 153? I don’t know, but it was a detail not left out in the book of John. Why didn’t it rip? It should have, but His care is in all the details.
Jesus already had fish frying and bread ready by the time they got out of the boat. Why? Because He knew hungry stomachs were more than ready to eat, and because He wanted to share a meal with them once again.
I can’t even imagine their wide eyed faces, racing thought minds, and beating hearts. Here was Jesus who appeared to them twice before since He was killed and this time He was cooking for them. I can tell you not one of them forgot 153 fish. And I can tell You He never forgets a detail about us – and someday He will have a meal waiting for all of us to share together (and He knows your favorite dessert).
Announcement…Thank you!
Some of you have been with me for over two years and some only two weeks. THANK YOU! I am grateful for you. Thank you for inviting me to your Inbox, for trusting my words to bring hope, and for your encouragement.
Paris Renae – Living Braver
is brand new – click here: http://parisrenae.com
let me know what you think!
And may you have a most blessed celebration now and throughout the coming month! To Him be the glory forever & ever!
Goodness Grace
Thanks—giving. Maybe separating the words a little shows the heart of the celebration. Not Thanks-getting, but the giving of thanks.
Christmas is up in the stores before turkeys for the table are being shipped. We barely breathe in the aroma of our favorite foods before we hit the sales.
What would this year be like if we just slowed down a little? Long enough to remember what we are thankful for. The lists are long but we forget so easily.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with THANKSGIVING, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6 NIV, uppercase mine)
No anxious thoughts about missing a good sale, no worries about food coming out just right, no ill feelings about a party not invited to. In everything talk to God, but remember to always thank Him first and then rattle off all those concerns. There’s a reward: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7 NIV)
Peace of God – that sounds like a wonderful way to go into this celebration. Everyday is thanksgiving day – and when it truly is – then the special days are filled with peace. Regardless the chaos around us.
What is the peace? Goodness and grace – His goodness imparted to us by grace. Nothing to do to earn it, to keep it. Only an open hand to receive it. A hand that stays open so that the goodness and grace is given to another. The more you give it away the more you have. His abundance never runs out.
All this is so much easier said than done, but now, in this two short days before we sit with family or friends, before we rush into the holidays – this time is for you. In the offering up of the thanks the flowing down of peace can be ours. So let’s raise our eyes to the heavens and thank the One who loves us so much for the privilege of belonging to Him. In the quiet we will be transformed…
Made With Love By…
A corner of the closet is home to a box where special cards, crayon pictures, and glued together popsicle sticks are safely tucked away.
Treasures that someday will be found and the finder will wonder ‘what on earth’ – precious to the maker at the time and forever to the receiver.
I have a friend who sews – on each item she includes a little tag “Specially handmade by Marlene”. With care and dedication to her craft each stitch is made and a beautiful work is the outcome.
Another friend sent me a picture she and her granddaughter made together – the theme was to disguise your turkey so he won’t get gobbled up at Thanksgiving. A Turkerina (ballet turkey) was the outcome of creativity and a bond of love.
A yearning rests in each of us – the desire to give to another, out of love, something that is unique to us. Our very fabric is pieced together to be creative – made in the image of the Creator. “For You created my inmost being, You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:13-14 NIV)
Variety in creation is nothing short of astounding in: trees, fish, birds, animals, flowers, and on goes the list. To delight us and teach us and inspire us.
As we head into the busyness of the next several weeks let’s not neglect moments to notice – moments that make the memories. Slowing enough to relish in finger-paint masterpieces, to be touched by carefully selected cards, to find comfort in the still small voice of the Master Artist.
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10 NIV)
His workmanship, so carefully crafted that we are chosen to bear His image to a world that hurts, is lonely, confused, harassed. Tis the season of lights and those who are Light bearers wear the imprint ‘Made with love by… the Father’. Hear the sounds, smell the fragrances, taste the goodness, see souls in need, and feel the grace of One who wraps us in hope forever – and carry His eternal hope for all to see.
Life, Liberty…
Regardless of the outcome of today’s election in America, there is only One who is in control. As a people we are where we are mostly out of neglect. Neglecting to incline our hearts to a God who is sovereign over every nation.
“For by Him all things were created; things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him.” (Colossians 1:16 NIV)
A brief history of two hundred forty years boils down to: will we or won’t we acknowledge that ‘…all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights’? With rights come freedom – and responsibility. As of today those rights are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
The days, weeks, months, and years to come will reveal our decision. For as long as we await Jesus’ return we have a choice to spend those days pursuing Him and thus finding true life, real liberty, and sincere happiness. Or we may go the way every other nation has thus far – abandoning acknowledging God, pursuing more government, and losing freedom in the process.
But there is a mystery the world of unbelievers doesn’t grasp. Whatever restraints man tries to oppress his fellow man with be they prison, tyrannical government, or oppressive taxation – the one who knows his Creator is free forever. A freedom that transcends human boundaries and sets our souls to flight.
“You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature, rather, serve one another in love.” (Galatians 5:13 NIV)
Ahh, there is the freedom of any nation. Will people ‘serve one another in love’? When a nation’s government is more bent on selfish ambition than on the good of defenseless babies and the elderly – freedom is lost. When integrity takes a backseat to power – freedom is lost. When corruption at every level is the rule of the day rather than the exception – freedom is lost. For it is through these pursuits that we become slaves to our own selfishness.
God is an oh so forgiving Father. He longs for and desires that we are free in Him and that we, through the sacrifice of His Son, spend eternity in a freedom we can’t even begin to imagine. The great experiment of America is, and always has been, hearts soaring free towards a God whose love knows no bounds.
Wanted…
Ever feel unwanted – unneeded – unnecessary?
Breaking news: it’s universal. From the orphan on the streets in slum city, to the aged widow alone and love gone, to the overwhelmed mom trying to keep up. The one out to deceive blinds us to our worth, our sense of place, our gift. Instead we see — our neighbor with the new car or remodeled kitchen, our friend with the perfect children or marriage, or the model in the ad with flawless skin and tiny waist.
Losing sight of true life we begin to fall for the label ‘unwanted’.
I once knew someone who thought she was an ‘accident’. Even her name made her think she was unwanted. As an adult she shortened her middle name and moved far away from her beginnings. Labeled early she struggled to feel worth, to see how adored and loved she was. She fell for the lie. Late in life she accepted a new name: Christian. Now her name was written in the Book of Life for all time. And worth was based on whose she was not who she thought she was.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2Corinthians 5:17 NIV) and “To him overcomes…I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.” (Revelation 2:17 NIV)
We lose sight of just how valuable we are – more valuable than beauty, than intelligence, than power and bank accounts. For it is the ones who find their worth in the One who gave His life for theirs that find true life. They shed all labels except the one that says ‘I am His’
This is truth for when the feeling of less than creeps near… “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:28 NIV) Rest and know you are cherished, you are His shining light, you are called to be just where you are and there is purpose in whatever the circumstance. Safe in His hand forever…
parisrenae 