Author: pastor.gerooney@gmail.com

 Nevertheless, those who receive instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.  Galatians 6:6

All of Galatians chapter 6 discusses the church’s care toward one another. This verse in particular makes known that there is no culture of exclusivity.  Spiritual insight and testimony are to be shared. God doesn’t speak to a few, expecting them to share while the rest remain hushed. God speaks to all who seek and listen.

Sharing is a two way street in which all are held accountable to personal discipleship and leaders are held to a high standard of Biblical truth.  The community of believers is important and the celebration/testimony of spiritual victories is one of the greatest joys of the Body of Christ.

Happy Friday,

Gretchen

“Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations.”  Isaiah 42:1

Isaiah, referred to as the sixth Gospel, is prophesying about Jesus, the servant, the One who will die so that we can all be found NOT GUILTY.   

Isaiah’s words to the nation of Israel 700 years before the virgin birth, give undeniable proof that God has always loved the creation on which He bestowed His own likeness, and He has always had a plan of redemption, salvation and restoration for everyone.  There is hope for the sinner and comfort that all can be forgiven and the image of God restored once again, on earth as it is in Heaven. 

The people of Isaiah’s day had to confront many false God’s. Isaiah reminds them, and us, that none but God alone has the power to save and create a new creature from grace and mercy.  

Love,

Gretchen

Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. II Chronicles 7:15

I & II Chronicles were some of the last books of the Old Testament to be written and the first audience of these writings were people struggling with the questions of a personal, loving God. Documenting the lives of King David and his son King Solomon, Chronicles seems to gloss over the imperfections of these men. In reality, their sins are documented elsewhere. These writings are focused on what was done right in the eyes of the LORD.

Solomon has built a beautiful temple to honor God.  The people are celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles and sacrifices have been presented and burned. Solomon has prayed, asking God to never leave the presence of His people.  God’s Glory filled the temple and He responded, “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves……..verse 14.  He will hear and see those who seek and listen. 

God is a very personal God.  Relationship is His entire agenda and it is good.  He hasn’t left, but we must seek Him and draw close.

Love,

Gretchen

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt so that you may know how to answer everyone.  Colossians 4:6

Grace, an unmerited gift and salt, a preservative.  

The thoughts that originate in our hearts/minds and find their way across our vocal cords should reflect and extend the forgiveness we have been given and our life that is saved. 

From prison and a most certain death, Paul writes to implore the believers in Colossae to take good care of each other, both spiritually and physically, and to extend love to outsiders in order to make a way for the Gospel to transform them too.  The most basic truth is: If we expect or have been granted the beauty of Christ’s sacrifice, then by ALL means we must be a conduit of these same gifts to a world searching for something they do not yet understand, but can’t live without.

Have a Great day!

Gretchen  

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!  It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows His blessing, even life forevermore. Psalm 133:1-3 (This Psalm is only three verses)

This very short and beautiful poem is an acknowledgement of the value of healthy relationships woven together with praise to the Author of Peace. It is classified as a Wisdom Psalm written by David. 

Oil was a precious commodity and the most valuable was used for anointing. This perfume is poured generously, as if there was a never ending supply. Peace validates and brings us to a higher standard of living.

If you want to see a snow capped mountain in the Middle East, then Mt. Hermon is the place. It is the highest point in Israel and is the source of the Jordan River.  The water that it provides gives life to land and people.  

Unity? Harmony?  It is the quality of existence.  Choose peace, if not for someone else, then for yourself.

Love,

Gretchen

David said to Solomon: “My son, I had it in my heart to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God.  I Chronicles 22:7

David established the Kingdom is Israel, united the twelve tribes and expanded its borders from Egypt to modern day Syria and Jordan.He subdued enemies and built the city of Jerusalem, Israel’s capital. 

Israel’s most powerful king, a man after God’s own heart, fell victim to sin time and again.  The temptations of the flesh were a difficult battle but when the human David lost, he never failed to seek God’s forgiveness and return to Holiness. As he grew old he longed to build a magnificent permanent temple to honor the God he loved, but God had other plans. He told David, as a result of David’s disobedience, it would not be him that saw the temple built, but rather, his son Solomon. David spent the rest of his life and energy gathering everything Solomon would need to see his dream fulfilled. 

When sins are forgiven, they are forgotten, washed away, never to return. But human action brings about things that cannot and will not be stopped.  David knew this better than anyone and accepted God’s judgement, forgiveness and the consequences his actions set in motion.  He did not quit, throw a fit or turn away from the God that loved him, yet punished him.   

The things we do today matter so much tomorrow and if God is given control over the outcome, only victory will come from both our sins and successes.

Love,

Gretchen

You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious.  Ezekiel 2:7

When King Jehoiachen surrendered Jerusalem to Babylon in 597 B.C. Ezekiel was one of Judah’s many talented and promising young men taken into exile. The future had been bright for this young man educating himself for service in the temple when instead, he found himself at the whim of a pagan ruler. In a vision Ezekiel saw God’s majesty, all seeing and all knowing, and against this brilliance was man’s sin in all its overwhelming darkness, needing to see His Lordship.

The land of promise, the epitome of God’s faithfulness and presence is in ruins as a result of man’s rebellion and sin, but Ezekiel recognizes that God’s redemption and restoration is not restricted by geographical boundaries or earthly principalities. He answered the call and became the spiritual watchman to the remnant exiles.  

Man’s response should never be a factor in one’s answer to God’s call, for He will not ask you if you were an excellent statesman, orator or Christian soldier.  When you stand face to face before your Lord and Savior, love and obedience will be the only thing that matters.

Love,

Gretchen

 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. I Peter 5:6

A quick thesaurus exploration gives insight to the word humble.  Manageable, obliging, reverential, and unambitious are attributes of the humble. The antonyms are superior, egotistical, insolent.  

Two bosses make for a very chaotic day.  A respected chain of command gets much accomplished. Someone has to be in charge and it must be God. After all, He created you, everything around you AND He is faithful and trustworthy.  

I read a church marquee many years ago that stuck.  “Meekness is not weakness. It is strength under perfect control.”  The most excellent relationship is God in charge leading and you in loving submission, following.  It will change your world and quite possibly, THE world.

Love,

Gretchen

Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.  I Peter 5:7

Anxiety is birthed in the vacuum of the great unknown, an incredibly frightening thing. 

Peter wrote to Christians scattered across the Roman Empire at the outbreak of Nero’s savage reign. Most major cites of the time had colonies of Hellenistic Jews, Jews that lived outside Palestine.  These expatriate people were the focus of early missionary work, the Gospel spread and Christianity became strongly rooted, but prejudice and persecution soon followed. They had reason to worry.

The supreme goal of all Christians is to follow Christ.  By faith we know that the One who created the universe knows all and controls all for those who have relinquished their will to His.  To follow means recognizing that just before our feet fall and propel us one step forward, God has already arrived. He is there. 

Casting is not placing an item gently atop a target, but rather, deliberately throwing an object far away.  Peter encourages His readers to get rid of your anxieties by chunking them right into God’s great hands. What becomes of them? Does God toss them back?  No, He doesn’t need them and they only hurt you, ………..God’s disposal method doesn’t matter? He cares for you, they aren’t your problem any longer.

Warming Up in the Bull Pen,

Gretchen

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.  Colossians 3:15

In studying for this devotional I dug for scripture about peace.  My search led me to realize most ‘peace’ centered references tell of the earthly, air to air, living color moments with Jesus, the very essence of Peace on earth.  

I am getting old. This involuntary process has caused me to prioritize things, decide what is worth my effort and energy and what is not? I found the only thing I’m really willing to invest in is Peace. Quality of life begins and ends at reconciliation with the world and all that is in it. 

Paul was not a disciple.  He got up every morning with one mission: Put an end to Christianity.  Hatred, anger, malice….these were the motiving emotions that drove Paul’s every thought and behavior. Then, God stopped him…..and gave him Jesus, the Christ, peace.

My wish for you is my wish for me.  Peace on earth, good will toward all men. 

Love,

Gretchen