Author: pastor.gerooney@gmail.com

Recently, Keith dropped me off in front of a department store while he went to put fuel in our ‘draggin’ wagon,’ the car we tow behind his bus so we will have a way home. I was tasked with purchasing DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fuel) an additive that makes fossil fuels more environmentally friendly.  Out of my element in the automotive section, I was wandering from isle to isle. A man and a woman walked slowly by, seemingly searching for a hidden item too. They reached the end of the shelving where a bin was full of various things at bargain prices. Both stopped. The man looked around for a second and proceeded to another isle, but the woman began piddling with the items and stepped in the opposite direction. Abruptly he hollered, “Why do you always do that to me? No matter where we are, you walk away!” Welllllllllllll……… I saved his life this particular afternoon…….because, I chose not to jump on his back and shake him till his head fell off. The woman meekly, with blushed face and dropped shoulders, apologized, and rejoined him. She did a magnificent job impersonating a scared turtle and I feel as though I should get some sort of extravagant commendation for my restraint!

“Sick at heart,” is all I can say to describe my feelings. I wanted to invite her to my side, rescue her and set her free from the oppression and abuse she experienced in my presence. Knowing my intervention might possibly lead to greater harm later, I didn’t, but I prayed. The incident won’t leave my heart and mind because man’s interpersonal relationships are where life goes to horribly wrong. Look no further than Adam and Eve to see this.

The world gives many mixed messages on the relationships between man and woman, even within Christianity. In all its complexities it is still quite simple. God does not favor one gender above another. (Genesis 1:27) We are made in His image and for His glory.  Physical sex is for exclusive intimacy between husband and wife, and held in the highest esteem for God’s glory. Outside the marriage relationship, believers are called to see each other equally, in a nonsexual manner. (Galatians 3:26-29) Other than marriage, man has no special authority or entitlements over woman except his righteous behavior. The reverse is also true. 

Marriage is a covenant between two people who are irreversibly changed when they agree and enter into its boundaries and benefits. God ordained this relationship and set a model for its application and perfection. Wives submit to your husbands as to the Lord. Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for Her to make Her Holy. Ephesians 5:22, 25-26b.

Please notice the scripture says, “As to the Lord.” Not “He has now become your lord.” Husbands do not become gods, they are given the authority of love at its purest and most refined. They are to love as Christ loved the church, His body, and gave His life as Savior and source of all that is good and hopeful. Wives, in submitting to the cross with unquestioning reliance on the greater good, and compelled by love, Jesus laid the foundation for Holiness and exemplified perfect love through submission. We are to live this hope and trust in our relationship to our husband.

As God gave His only beloved Son and The Son submitted to The Father’s plan, husbands and wives must be willing to give, without resentment or hesitation. It isn’t about authority, it’s about covenant, being changed and being LOVE.This is the most exclusive relationship on earth, designed to make the world a better place.

There is a saying, “If it quacks like a duck, walks like a duck, flies like a duck, then it is surely a duck.” The same is true of humans. Our actions and appearances go together to define us, so be careful what you’re telling the world. BE NICE!!!!!!……Or you might find me on your back in Wal Mart!

Love,

Mrs, Michael K. Rooney

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. II Corinthians 4:16 (II Corinthians 1-7)

The Corinthian churches have been very critical of Paul. The message he delivered was boldly straight to the point, taking names and pointing fingers. It was met with resistance and often all out rebellion, even among those who first believed.  Some teachers from Jerusalem followed Paul, bringing into doubt his authenticity as an apostle because he wasn’t one of the original twelve disciples, reminding Christians of his previous persecutions and generally stirring dissension. In addition, these aggravators wished to force the gentiles to live according to orthodox Jewish tradition. Following news that things have gone badly with these congregations, it is believed that Paul wrote a very harsh letter that is now lost.  He agonized over their reaction and began writing the letter we know of as II Corinthians as he awaited word from Timothy and Titus.  Good news finally arrived. His is message had the hoped for result and the Corinthians were making straight their way of righteousness.

After leaving Ephesus, Paul went on to Macedonia with the intention of going to Corinth. While in route he penned this very personal correspondence we call Second Corinthians. The objective is staying connected, focused, and encouraged while adding clarity to previous teachings. Understand, this was written over several months as Paul traveled and reflected on the trials and tribulations he knew the church was experiencing. Paul talks much about his sufferings. There were numerous plots to kill him, he was often stoned and beaten, once being left for dead. Putting him in stocks for public humiliation could not silence his praise. His endurance was amazing for he sang as he suffered. He was given a vision of glory there are no words to describe, for how do you explain color to a blind man. Paul saw something of life beyond death that gave him the strength to see far beyond his mortality. 

Paul was bold, but there was too much as stake not to be.  He saw man in his sinful state, but he had seen the hope and wonder of our eternal home. His passion was for all who would to be with him and His Savior when time ceased to matter any more. As his body grew weaker his spirit soared stronger and his message reached further and further and is still reaching today. Paul would tell you in your struggle and weakness, don’t lose heart, more than you can ever imagine already has your name on it!

Love,

Gretchen

When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” I Corinthians 15:54 (I Corinthians 15-16, Acts 19:23-20:2)

Life is found only in the resurrection of Jesus The Christ. It is the singular event separating Christianity from all other religious thought and has been affirmed, validated and established by first hand witnesses. Because some early church leaders attempted to discredit this reality Paul gives the Bible’s most detailed teaching of resurrection theology. Don’t argue, debate or doubt this. Through faith you are saved and enter into the life eternal.

These thoughts are Paul’s closing comments in his first letter to the Corinthian believers. He is in Ephesus with other disciples awaiting news and declaring the promise of a living, breathing Savior, when the local silversmith guild becomes alarmed at the power of this new religious thought. It is being said that gods made by man’s hand have no power. The Ephesian economy was strongly bolstered by the presence of Diana’s temple. Taking over 200 years to build, it was a magnificent structure and is listed as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Worship of this goddess was a perpetual festival of vise, securing these craftsmen a hefty annual income. They became enraged and their ire caught on in the crowded streets creating a lengthy riot where some of Paul’s fellow laborers were beaten. A local official calmed things down, but for the good of public safety, Paul made his way to Macedonia.

Man has an instinctive need for tangible/touchable proof.  We need the unexplained defined and broken into elemental increments we can comprehend and process. It is this urge that drove the early philosophers to discredit Christ’s living, breathing resurrection, but it is our only Hope and it is fact. Death has been swallowed and life, so live!

Love,

Gretchen

And now I will show you the most excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. I Corinthians 12:31b-13:1 (I Corinthians 11-14)

Chapter 11 is a difficult passage to interpret and is not wholly clear.  Corinth was a very licentuous city and many cultural issues were being debated as diverse people came together under one authority to be The Church. Issues of modesty, diet and basic, domestic manners were a problem as these people learned to worship and abide together. Paul’s rulings had more to do with order versus disorder in a local setting than writing universal principles. However, one thing is crystal clear, unity does not mean conformity, but must be a priority to do the work of the Gospel.

Just like the human body, The Body of Christ has many parts of a whole with no part being greater than another. In Christ’s Body, we are all of One Spirit. Sorrow and joy are shared equally in a personal way. In contrast to popular conception, diversity is vital, but there can be no allowance for division among hearts and Paul writes a picture to show us exactly……a most excellent way.

More important than any spiritual gift we may ever receive is the choice we make to have three qualities; faith, hope and love. Of these, love is the greatest and in one of the most beautiful passages in the Bible, I Corinthians 13, Paul details the real life application of love in his world and ours today……..toward every living being.

The Church has two missions: Strengthen the Body and take salvation to sinners. Gong’s and cymbals don’t do anything but irritate and cause people to turn a deaf ear without the rest of the symphony. We are called to bring this music in the key of LOVE, with some hope and faith mixed in for harmony.

Have an Excellent Thursday.

Gretchen

No Temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. I Corinthians 10:13 (I Corinthians 5-10)

It was not easy being a Christian in a city like Corinth. With Athens nearby, these residents considered themselves quite progressive and intellectual. By habit of culture they were argumentative and judgmental toward the world and each other. They had to be reminded their cleverness would always be a far cry from God’s wisdom. True knowledge was found in humbleness to the Spirit of God, which, no matter our socio-economic station, we are all slaves to.

A pitfall of the Corinthian church, as is for many others throughout the ages, was the urge to retain the immoral behaviors they practiced before repenting of their sins. In the shadow of the Temple of Venus, with public prostitutes (paid for by taxes) sexual exploitation was common and socially accepted as a right of citizenship. This congregation became proud of their freedom in Christ, which is a reality, but was sorely abused and wrongfully applied. Paul demands those who continue in depravity be delivered to Satan and excommunicated.

To the other extreme, there were those that inferred the intimacies of marriage were unacceptable for those who believed. Not so. Paul also addresses the issue of diet and payment for ministry. Finally, he admonishes all Christians to take their purity seriously. He goes back to Israel’s history to remind them of many who did not finish the journey toward the Promised Land and guides them to the evidence of God’s protection and provision for the diligent and sincere. For every trial, there is a way through. Choose to put your face toward the Throne of God and one step at a time, you will make it.

Love,

Gretchen

We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. I Corinthians 2:12 (Acts 18:12-19:22, I Corinthians 1-3)

The church in Corinth was established during Paul’s second missionary journey. This bustling city was one of the largest, richest and most important in all the Roman Empire. Here East met West with all the vices and pagan worship practices you can imagine. There were no Christian churches built until after the persecution, so believers met as small groups in homes and places of business throughout the city, all under individual leadership. They began to compete and develop conflicting understandings, theologies and liturgies. As Paul is traveling through Galatia and Phrygia on his third missionary endeavor, he became concerned for those who were previously converted. While Paul was in Ephesus, Timothy brought a least one letter from the church in Corinth, but it has been lost. What we title I Corinthians is actually Paul’s first response to their proposed questions regarding marriage, singleness, food sacrifices, idols, spiritual gifts, contributions and fellowship with pagans.

Satan’s method of operation is divide and conquer. This was evident in the rival cliques that arose among believers in this young church. They were confused by the baptism of John verses that of Jesus, and differing leadership such as Paul, Apollo and Peter. Mixed with pride and the arrogance of Greek philosophy, it is easy to understand the struggle facing Paul as he wrote to straighten things out. This was a sign of spiritual infancy and he calls this people to ‘Grow up!’ and demand maturity of themselves.

Paul begins my defining what they had in common; the Spirit of God.  The world has many spirits, all leading to wickedness, self satisfaction, gratification and personal agenda, but the Spirit of the One True Living God, freely given, creates in us one mind and heart.  There is simply no room for divisiveness when seeking to please God rather than man.

Have a Terrific Tuesday,

Gretchen

May the LORD direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. II Thessalonians 3:12 (II Thessalonians)

Less than a year after Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonian church he pens another addressing, among other things, the clarification of Jesus’ coming again. We label this section of Paul’s letter, chapter three. It is some of the most difficult of Paul’s writings to understand. We know he was speaking to those who did understand his points of reference, but we do not, so it is better to admit we do not know rather than incorrectly speculate. The one thing that is clear, the time of Christ’s return will be a day of terror for the disobedient.

There was a spirit of the Apostate church in the earliest moments of Christendom. Apostasy is a total rejection of Christ by someone who once believed and who usurps the authority that is given only to Christ. A false church led by an imposter will be a sign of end times. Presently, the force of inexplicable wickedness is held in check, but soon, man’s ability to defeat evil will be exhausted and Christ alone will rescue and declare victory for all eternity.

The final comments of Paul’s letter addresses those who misinterpreted his meaning concerning Christ’s return. The reaction of some was to only wait, not work or labor for their own sustenance. Paul strongly reacts with the admonition to work until Jesus comes, not just for the Kingdom, but for the greater good. Leaches will not be tolerated, sponging is unacceptable, if you can work you MUST work.

The verse above is a precious prayer for each of us. May our hearts always be one with God’s and Christ’s model of perseverance be our guide in times of difficulty, despair and disappointment.  Let it be so.

Love,

Gretchen

From the Mojave Desert to the Scottish Highlands, my breath has been stolen by the mystery, wonder and beauty of God’s creation. But, it is the people that grab my attention as I go from place to place, for I know each human I encounter is much the same as me, mostly hidden, existing quietly in a mind that’s greatest energies are focused on one thing: Survival. Each day when I awake, my mind spins and I think of the things that are required to earn a living and remain safe and peaceful. This common thread has always lent me great confidence in safety and security as earth spins. However, my imagination can’t resist writing little vignettes, in my head, about the people I see.

On an especially fun afternoon my family was in the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum in Nashville, Tennessee. It was exciting to see the costumes I had watched Dolly Parton and Porter Wagner wear as they performed on their Saturday night venues when I was a child. Spaghetti for supper, clean sheets on the bed and an evening listening to my dad play along with Roy Clark, Buck Owens and the Hee Haw Gang were staples in our house, so seeing the set where the show was recorded was incredibly special. Memory lane for the price of a ticket is not a bad thing. Within the halls of country music’s greatest is a wall of gold and platinum records. You can open a small door beside the title and listen to the original recording. As my family was wandering near this display, Keith tapped my shoulder and motioned for me to discretely turn and observe what he had noticed. An elderly woman in a wheelchair was sitting with one hand on her heart and the other against a placard, listening to a song. Her eyes were closed and as tears streamed down her face, I knew she was in a secret place no one else could ever go.

The urge to rush and comfort was squashed by a greater awareness of the intimacy of her moment. My story weaving mind began, this was the song she danced to on her wedding day and death has stolen her love. The incident stuck with each of the Rooneys as we made our way out and continued our journey to other places.  We discussed our thoughts about this woman. Was it memories of a warm summer evening with family? Perhaps a star-crossed lover was lost in the war OR maybe she had been a roadie and was quite the rebel at heart, now confined by age and infirmity. I don’t know and never will. My imagination wrote a story and it is……fiction.

We all do what I did, constantly. It’s impossible not to, but it is not impossible to control the urge and practice self restraint when interpreting and explaining someone else’s behaviors or motives. How many times do we get it wrong but promote it as right? Scripture sternly warns believers not to participate in this. BUT inquiring minds want to know. The spirit is willing but the mind and mouth are weak! And so we judge…….loudly!

Please be mindful that false narratives are devastating and abusive. We assign motives to others actions and place ourselves at the center of their world (even when ‘they’ are complete strangers). We react in anger, seeking others who will join us in our indignation. We are called to fill ourselves with love and compassion without knowing the story. Isn’t faith in action trusting that God knows and it’s enough to compel us to act as an extension of Jesus Himself rather than checking their sin-o-meter or worthiness log?

I wrote a dreamy story of this woman’s past and present, but IT IS FICTION.  If I imagine a cause and effect, happy ending or not, about my neighbor or anyone else on earth and promote it as truth, I have gone from whimsey to gossip/bearing false witness. One is for entertainment, the other a mortal sin. Know the difference and respect the quiet place in every person’s mind and heart you know nothing of. Be Kind for we share the planet with the broken and God would have us bring the glue that puts them back together.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.                                                                        Colossians 3:12 NIV

Love Always,

Gretchen

We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. I Thessalonians 1:3 (I Thessalonians)

Thessalonica was a thriving port city, the capitol of Macedonia, along the Egnatian Way. Still today it is a thriving city. The churches here were established on Paul’s second missionary journey, but he was only able to stay a short period of time before local Jews began protesting and persecuting the new converts. For the safety of all, Paul fled, but quickly became anxious for the young congregations and sent Timothy back. Through his friend’s news, Paul learned this church was persevering through its difficulties and writes his first letter, I Thessalonians, to encourage them and give guidance where there might be weakness.

Believing in a risen Savior was great reason to put aside a life of pagan indulgences. While lives were changed there was still a mystery of life after death for the faithful. This concept was new, theology primitive and teaching limited. It was Paul’s desire they understand life is eternal and uninterrupted. In his closing remarks, 5:12-24, Paul gives detailed instruction for correct living.  He points out in chapter 4 verse 8 that all sin is against God. For those who feel justified to use or abuse, remember, mans actions toward others are essentially an expression of his sentiments toward Jesus.

With every reason to fail, the congregations of Thessalonica succeeded and thrived. In Paul’s salutation he acknowledged their work founded in faith and love, and perseverance for the things they hope for, but have not seen. Work, sacrifice (labor for which there is no personal gain) and endurance are directly connected to Faith, Hope and Love. Science may teach that all things are made of matter, but the only thing in life that does matter are these…….Faith, Hope and Love.

Happy Weekend,

Gretchen

“The God who made the world and everything in it is the LORD of Heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And He is not served by human hands, as if He needed anything, because He Himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.” Acts 17:24-25 (Acts 16-18)

After writing to the Galatians, Paul is compelled to visit them, accompanied by Silas. They meet Timothy who becomes Paul’s steadfast companion and mentee. This trip is referred to as Paul’s second missionary journey and Luke, (the author) indicates he began traveling with Paul at this time. 

Paul begins revisiting the churches he previously helped begin. After a vision of a man from Macedonia, Paul went there. Women were near a river praying, so Paul spoke and a woman named Lydia was converted. Paul and company stayed in her home during their stay.

Another day as Paul and Silas were going to a place of prayer, a slave girl with an ability to foresee the future kept calling out to them. For days the men ignored her outbursts, but on this day Paul called to the spirit to leave her.  Her owners were furious over loss of income and had the men arrested. Without trial they were beaten and put in prison. Throughout their night of incarceration they sang praises while the other prisoners listened. About midnight an earthquake freed them from their chains and stocks. The prison guard was terrified for his life, but instead of leaving him in despair, Paul and Silas delivered a message of salvation and he and his family were saved.

Paul journeyed to Athens while Luke remained in Philippi and Silas and Timothy stayed in Thessalonica. In the capitol of philosophy, literacy, science and art, the hub of pagan idolatry, Paul delivered a message of the living God who needs nothing from man, but instead, gives abundantly. Soon, Paul departed for Corinth where he spent one and a half years, supporting himself as a tentmaker with Aquilla and Priscilla, Italian Jews who were forced to flee Rome’s persecution.

Paul was relentless. He was not starting a religion or cult, nor was he pounding out a new morality. He was telling a story of the most wonderful Person the world has ever known. Nothing could keep him, or others, quiet. They knew love and through this they had the key to eternal life. Who can help but share it with the world.  May we all refuse to hush!

Love,

Gretchen