Prince of Peace

Vicks to Victory

restoreroflostvoices

Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near. Isaiah 55: 6 NASB

     I chuckled as I lathered my feet with Vicks. No one ever seems to notice its distinct fragrance. Then I sat down to blog and noticed my two miss-matched cabin socks and laughed harder.

What a perfect depiction of the past year!

     Truth is—I don’t like New Year resolutions. However, the only one I’ve ever made, I kept. Ten years ago, I made a decision to read the Bible in a year, and God began His refining work in me. I’d always been disciplined and performance driven; so, He thought it better to reverse the rhythm of my day and teach me to walk slower, peer under and further, and care deeper in uncomfortable intimacy.

A baby changed my heart, thoughts, and doing.  

     I love Christmas even more after Christmas. I paint more cards, bake my husband his favorite Hershey Kiss cookies, and hike our land slow and purposeful, seeking winter’s hidden beauty. I usually finish “The Greatest Gift” by Ann Voskamp after our rushed celebrations. She’d written: 

At the foot of the cradle of Christ, like at the foot of the cross of Christ, there are no big people—no powerful, no proud. There are only those who tramp to the manger with nothing. 

     Whether you’re a miss-matched ragamuffin like me, or a zealous resolution keeper, we’re all manger tramps in need of a Savior. A decade ago, I prayed that God reveal more of Himself to me in the New Year. And He has never stopped. He invites you to come as you are, weak and weary, bruised and broken. His grace is also for the one who repents of self-sufficiency.

     Prince of Peace, we need You. Let your name be the first on our lips each morning. Guard our thoughts, minds, and hearts. Grant us victory over our battles. We pray for Your wisdom, knowledge, and discernment. Teach us to love as You with open arms and ready hands. Help us to extend empathy, mercy, and forgiveness. Keep us faithful to your calling. Give us the courage to speak the good news of the gospel. Let our lives be a pleasing aroma that brings glory to you.  

May others become curious of the change in us and seek the Lord. 

Whether you make a resolution today or not, I encourage you to read God’s Word. Set your heart on knowing Him. There is victory and peace for the one who trusts in Him.

Happy New Year!

Lily Mae

Awake, awake,
Clothe yourself in your strength, O Zion; clothe yourself in your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city . . . shake yourself from the dust, rise up, O captive Jerusalem. How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who announces peace and brings good news of happiness. Isaiah 52: 1, 2, 7 NASB

Jesus, our Dread Champion

restoreroflostvoices

     For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves with many griefs.
     But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called . . . I Timothy 6: 10-12 NASB

     There are storms that render us breathless, paths marked by toil, loss, and pain, beauty and wonder. Quietness. We hesitate.

God will heal our faithlessness. He calls us to return and repent of our sinful ways and to speak peace. However, it is difficult to speak peace when our adversaries wage war. (Psalm 120:7)
     Besides, we’re our worst enemy some days.
Timothy reminds us that the love of money is the root of all sorts of evil, wrongdoing, loss, and ungodliness. Our eyes wander, thoughts cycle, and before we know it, our hands take what we crave. Then again, years may pass before we notice the slow fade of our values and commitments. The enemy slipped in unnoticed. However, we must now right our harmful patterns. Laziness, disrespect for the Lord’s day, addictions, and rebellion wreak havoc on our homes. Anger and bitterness build like a pressure cooker, and relationships suffer. We hurt the ones we love most and our testimony is tainted. We must step up!
     God’s children must flee evil. We will only find true contentment in the Lord. He alone satisfies. We are to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, and gentleness. Timothy challenges us to “fight the good fight.” In other words, we must train like an athlete or soldier with keen focus, discipline, and perseverance. We must let go of all that binds and hinders our race and fix our eyes on our eternal hope. Jesus made a way to come to the Father. And He is our “Dread Champion.”

     
     But the Lord is with me like a dread champion; therefore, my persecutors will stumble and not prevail. They will be utterly ashamed, because they have failed with an everlasting disgrace that will not be forgotten. Jeremiah 20: 11, 12 NASB

     Jeremiah was called to prophesy judgement; but, he’d become a laughingstock and lamented the day he was born. Nevertheless, he had a Dread Champion. The Lord also helps us overcome our fears, doubts, and insecurities, and He endures with us to the finish line. We’re all winners when we enter the race with Him! Therefore, we must be tireless in our zeal and efforts to guard our faith and speak Truth in love. Gentleness. For our Dread Champion entered the world as a babe.
     Jesus was born in a stark, stench-filled stable. He came vulnerable and needy, swaddled in linen strips. Little comfort was found in the straw-packed trough and the calves’ lullabies. He also led with humility and meekness, and advocated with care and concern. He washed His disciples’ feet and fed the ravenous crowds. He sacrificed His life that we may have eternal life. His gentleness bridged the gap between our selfish, sinful ways and our holy God. He made a way for reconciliation, the feast and fellowship between man and God, brothers and sisters. So, step up! Set your heart on the climb. Choose to love even when your innards revolt. Speak peace and know that God is for us. 

For unto us a child is born in Bethlehem. Prince of Peace. Emmanuel, God with us.

Christmas joy unwraps the gift. Unlimited grace sets us free. No other package can compare!

This is reason to celebrate!

Lily Mae