Author: pastor.gerooney@gmail.com

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart? I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Fear is an ugly thing, and unchecked it does even uglier things. It is a liar. The Way, The TRUTH, the Life, God in flesh, Jesus our Savior, is the antidote. This is our only source of peace. Think of the extent Jesus has gone to in His endeavor to give us this gift.

When we are faced with things that cause discomfort, fright, angst, anger….. we react. Often the response of fight or flight is actually the defense of our peace.  Jesus has overcome all the evil, chaos, lies and fear. Put your eyes on Him and the work He has done. Death has been defeated, and so has the prince of darkness. 

Love,

Gretchen

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:9-10

The Bible is the narrative of God’s relationship to man. It began with a perfect creation that God declared good. This is the beginning of our story. We were created in God’s image, He loved us and said we were good. The foundation was laid for love to be the only law we would ever need and God instructed, “Trust Me with this story.”  

I call this ‘the impossible dream’, a faith so strong no temptation or distraction can ever threaten my resting place of peace because there is only love. And then I read the above. We are, I am, still called to the Garden where love is Law. 

It is our carnal, sinful nature to manipulate and machinate the world in our own favor, robbing God of all His loving facets and authority over our story. Weighing the quality and quantity of love others bestow insinuates God is not capable of correct discernment and provision? I assure you, He is! If you will simply love, He will write the story while you rest in peace. 

LOVE,

Gretchen

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:10

What is good? Spreading the gospel so others are freed from the bondage of sin, simple kindness toward others. I can do this.

Opportunity is where I get bogged down in my daily living. I was not called to a far off mission field away from the comforts of middle class America, so is my effort really that valid? Sometimes my days are so busy with basic living needs I don’t have time to carry out specific ministry goals. Other days I need rest that involves staying at home and not speaking to a soul. I have financial and physical limitations that are frustrating. I get so defeated about not doing enough that I often give up and do nothing at all.

Remember, scripture says, “As we have opportunity….” While I was in college my Godly boss secretly took my car and had it repaired while I was dutifully working my shift. I grew faith. I was once so devastated I thought I could not go another step and a friend sat beside me and said, “I have been where you are and I know you will find your smile again.” I grew strong. After receiving news of salvation for those I’ve prayed for, I grew more determined! These were not moments of scripted ministry, but the Body of Christ at work in the breathing moments of life. That’s ‘as we have opportunity!’

Good isn’t the one big thing done in a lifetime, it is the million little things we do each day.

Thank you,

Gretchen

I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. Deuteronomy 5:6

I AM…….the all knowing, all powerful, all loving LORD your God who rescues those who call out and follow.

No child EVER has been satisfied with the answer, “Because I’m the grownup, that’s why.” But every adult I know has used this as their ‘go to’ phrase in a quick pinch. God has every justifiable right to say, “Because I’m God, that’s why!”  but has chosen to indulge, “I brought you out of slavery, I have protected you, fed you, provided all your needs and I’m not going to stop, that’s why!”

Yes we must obey because He is God, but He reminds us that love is His singular agenda, our response can only be trusting and His love in action.

Have a great Monday!

Gretchen

But God raised Him from the dead, freeing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on Him. Acts 2:24

There are three important milestones in my spiritual development that changed me profoundly. 1. The moment I confessed my sins and received mercy and grace.
2. The moment I asked the Holy Spirit to fill me with His presence. He did.
3. The moment I came into awareness and reality of the power in Acts 2:24.

Read verse 23 also. We only die one death and when we do, nothing mortal has any hold on us. Disease cannot cripple us, sin cannot tempt us and sorrow cannot shadow our pathway. Jesus could have said, “NO! I will NOT do this for an ungrateful, oblivious humanity!” But He did. He died. Believe it or not, Satan would have preferred He live because death took away Satan’s power. BUT WAIT! THERE’S MORE! Jesus did not stay in the grave, neither will we and there is nothing, no power, no means ever, that will change this truth. Game over! WE WIN!

Be Bold!

Gretchen

Go now to your people in exile and speak to them. Say to them, “This is what the sovereign LORD says, whether they listen or fail to listen.” Ezekiel 3:11

Ezekiel is among 10,000 Israelites exiled in Babylon. He was training for the priesthood when he found himself miles away from Jerusalem, the place that tradition and family heritage guaranteed  he would serve for his lifetime. This is reason enough to give up on the life God called you to isn’t it?

God tells Ezekiel to go and tell His people to turn from their wicked ways although it is very likely they won’t listen or accept God’s word, but in verse 8 and 9 God promises to make Ezekiel strong and obstinate in the same manner of those he is being sent to preach to.

It is frustrating when people will not listen to God’s word. I listened!!! It changed my life for the better and I just don’t get why others rebel and turn a deaf ear!!! But two things are always happening in the world of free will. People get to choose, and their choice does not, nor will it ever, change the Truth. God is truth and He is never changing. Our reception or lack thereof does NOT determine the validity or power of God’s call or plan. Listen to His voice and his call.

Love,

Gretchen

Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the Kingdom. Luke 12:32

These are the words of Jesus talking directly to His twelve disciples. This scripture is preceded by the parable of the rich fool and warnings in regards to earthly ambition and leisure. Jesus uses the endearment, “Little flock,” to remind these servants that ravens do not sow or reap, nor do they have store houses, yet they do not go hungry or homeless (vs. 24).

Sometimes the minister needs a minister. Jesus and His friends have been busy healing, teaching, fielding criticism from local authorities. He speaks comfort and assurance in the security of God’s love and pleasure. A loving Son relays the heart of His loving Father, “He is pleased to give you the Kingdom.”

These words are specific to a certain group of men, but apply to all who seek to follow and serve the Lord. Our riches are in Heaven but in the meantime, God will take wondrous care of you.

It is my adamant testimony that this is true.

Love,

Gretchen

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

‘Always be humble and kind.’ Scripture sometimes becomes cliche or relegated to just a happy thought. This verse is one such example. These words, found on plaques, t-shirts and country songs, ARE SCRIPTURE! They are an essential facet of our Holy and pure character. Gentleness, patience and forbearance are fruits, or evidence, of a spirit led countenance. 

Gentleness is described as strength under perfect control, responding with empathy and promoting harmony. Patience? The ability to tolerate delay, suffering or inconvenience without succumbing to anger, vengeance or violence. And the biggie….humility, knowing your value in correct perspective as an image bearer, while seeing others as equally valued. In other words, your issues, DNA, propensities, economic status, etc., do not grant you undisputed access to the front of every line. 

Paul’s concluding thought is that of bearing with one another. God does instruct us to partner with others in comfort and solution. It’s how a healthy community or body works. Love is a verb and Paul is instructing these formerly pagan people to become like Jesus and live beyond themselves, thus reflecting the goodness, generosity and blessings of The Kingdom of God.

We are not just image bearers, we are Kingdom representatives. Wear your cheer gear and sing the songs, but put it into action as well.

Love,

Gretchen

Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. James 3:18

Titles tell what service or product a person offers the world. For instance, I am a teacher. That means I lead someone from a state of unknowing to knowing (hopefully). A baker, my personal favorite, creates something palatable and nourishing. The list goes on but you get the gist.

James conveys that a peacemaker is a producer in the same manner that a farmer, truck driver, lawyer, doctor title in a connection to their contribution to society. As with any other service, the peacemaker begins with a resource/ability and ends with something of value. That beginning is the Wisdom of Heaven, free for the asking, resulting in right behavior, aka righteousness.

‘Peacemaker’ is a most honorable job title. Sowing peace is a worthy investment. The product is “On earth as it is in Heaven.”

Gretchen

Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. Hebrews 3:1

Hebrews was written to a group of Christian Jews that were wavering between Christianity and Judaism. They were taught from their earliest memories to revere Moses, the one who grew them into a great nation, brought them God’s law and established worship practices still observed today. Also in those teachings there grew the expectation of an earthly conquering hero that would annihilate all foes.

It is incredibly hard to accept new evidence that negates long held beliefs and traditions. This was the greatest struggle facing early Christians that already recognized God as the One True God. A poor ordinary baby that became a sacrifice, naked and alone on a cruel cross was quite a shift in theological thought.

We must fix our eyes on the Son of God, who became the Son of Man, who became the Lamb of God. He has already fought our enemy and won.

Have a great first week of 2026,

Gretchen