Author: pastor.gerooney@gmail.com

Teach me Your way, O LORD, and I will walk in Your truth, give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name. Psalm 86:11 (Psalms 37, 86, 138)

The direction of David’s life was very often propelled by the wickedness of others. Was he constantly in survival mode, paralyzed by circumstances beyond his control? A lot of no with a little bit of yes. He did have to deal daily with sin, sometimes his, certainly that of those who wished him ill for the gain of their own selfish agenda.  David adopted habits that focused correct perspective and allowed good to prevail in the midst of evil.

Psalm 37 is a series of proverbial sayings pointing to the dominance of good over bad. No matter how bleak things seem, sin will be punished.  There were many times David had to confidently stand on the side of right and then wait patiently for the LORD to move. God was always faithful.

David’s philosophy for living in the world of grief and wrong doing was: Do good, rely totally on God and trust in His infinite love and faithfulness. It has proven victorious.

Happy Monday!

Gretchen

The first attraction I felt toward the man that would someday become my husband was his adventurous spirit, born of a zest for life and a courage to embrace the unknown. I have none of these attributes.  I look out upon the world and see hazards and chaos waiting to swallow me whole. Keith’s fearless approach to living drew me to him like a moth to a flame.

The weekends of our young marriage were spent in or on one motorized contraption or another, going where most people weren’t even willing to walk.  I rode white knuckled and breathless until the day I realized Keith had an uncommon knowledge and talent for what he called ‘entertainment’ and he didn’t want to die anymore than I did. In this moment he became invincible, super human, and I learned the art of fun.

Then…..there was a Sunday afternoon…..along a river….in the middle of nowhere. The weather had grown warm, inviting us to enjoy the outdoors, so off we went for a couple of hours.  We were we bouncing and bumping over, through and around rocks and mud, daring nature’s obstacle course to beat us at our game, when suddenly, loose gravel in the river’s bend gave way and we sank into deep, cold water. None of Keith’s skill or the mechanical strength of our 4×4 could save us.  We had to abandoned ship/jeep.

For the first time ever my husband and his machine couldn’t get us home. He was human once again and I became more aware than ever, in the danger of our escapades. For a while I took no joy in the things that had been so fun. But then, I found the secret to surviving life with the ultimate adventurer: Look at his face and listen to his voice. Keith’s expression told the story in his heart, the inflections of his voice reflected the intensity of his thoughts. If he wasn’t worried, I wasn’t going to be either.  I found the way back to faith and trust in something I didn’t understand but wanted to experience. 

These same things apply to our walk with God.  There is nothing that intimidates or alarms our Heavenly Father.  He never gazes down upon His creation and thinks, “Wow, I’m not sure how to handle this.”  But it is hard to find perfect peace when we don’t see the whole picture and understand all that is transpiring. So, seek God’s face and listen to His voice. It will reveal His character, power and plan, and grant you comfort and assurance.

“The LORD Bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace.”  Numbers 6:24-25

Happy 2019!

Gretchen

He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved. Psalm 104:5 (Psalm 104 and 145)

David not only wrote songs for an army marching toward, battle, but returning in victory. Psalm 145 conveys everything from thanksgiving to mercy, focusing on the personal characteristics of God as it applies to His relationship to man. Psalm 104 recognizes God’s detailed attention as Creator and Caretaker.

The marvels and grandeur of all creation declare the love of God.  Rather than continue with my ramblings today, I encourage you to read and bask in David’s words and possibly the tune and lyrics of Swedish pastor, Carl Boberg and missionary Stuart K. Hine, heard in the hymn, How Great Thou Art.   

Love,

Gretchen 

But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. Psalm 131:2 (Psalm 47, 86, 131, 133)

We are called daily to simple childlike trust. Instinct and culture drives mankind to independence of everyone and everything, but this goal is unattainable, for no man is an island. Jesus taught that it is appropriate and desirable that all men approach the Father, His and ours, as children.

The weaning of a child is time for celebration. The child has survived the fragile state of infancy. Now a toddler, this child is still totally dependent on guidance, sustenance and protection. My own young daughters, who knew there would be warmth and food, would come to me at some time each day, often in hush of mornings or evenings, push gently on my stomach and say, “Make a lap.” I cherished those moments of bending to receive the comfort of our communion. David knew the great comfort of finding every need met by a gentle, loving and Almighty Father. That comfort is ours too, for Jesus reminded us to come before the Throne as a child. (Mark 10:15, Luke 18:17)

When in trouble, every youngster turns to the safest place they know, usually an adult who has proven faithful and kind. God set Himself as our place of refuge. It isn’t our weakness that defines our habits of safe harbor, but rather, God’s strength alone. He has made a place for each of us within His arms and upon His lap.

Snuggle down!

Gretchen

Praise be to the the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.  Psalm 144:1                                                                                                                                       

No king is saved by the size of his army, no warrior escapes by his great strength. Psalm 33:1

For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5

David did not chose to be a warrior king. He was a shepherd, a musician and poet, in our modern language, a lover not a fighter. His position as Israel’s leader demanded he go to war, so, for wisdom and strength, he turned to the One who anointed him. God’s power would prevailed.

Psalm 144 is a battle hymn, a marching chant, who’s rhythm kept an army moving in unison formation, reminded and assured of their purpose and victory. Psalm 33 reflects David’s later humility, learned through total reliance on God.  After David conquered Jerusalem, he built a permanent residence within the fortress.  This song was part of the dedication celebration, with mindfulness to the planned Temple his son Solomon would complete.

Every man journey’s is fraught with controversy, conflict and challenge. Our troubles are as unique as we are, therefore, our deliverance from despair is personal and intimate and deserving of a new, specific, song of praise. God’s eternal and enduring love far exceeds today’s pain of sin. Joy comes in the morning! Praise be to God.

Happy Thursday,

Gretchen

Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to Your love remember me, for You are good, O LORD. Psalm 25:7 (Psalm 25, 29, 36, 65, 100)

The song of a sin sick soul. 

God chooses to forget our transgressions. For the One that matters, they never happened once they have been confessed and forgiven. If only our minds and hearts were so capable and forgetful. David reminds himself often that he is not known to God by his failures, but as a man with only one desire, to vigorously chase God’s heart.

God sees us are we are, not what we were, but thoroughly, transparently and truthfully, the person He created, His supreme design restored to its original glory.

Every fleeting dream, and each devastating loss is breathed in the presence of an Almighty Comforter. The world may misunderstand or misinterpret intent, and as much as they pretend that one’s best effort is good enough, we all know it is not so.  But, in these things, where mankind disappoints, God is perfection. He gets you, and He’s got it right because He is good.

Love,

Gretchen

For You make me glad by Your deeds, O LORD; I sing for joy at the works of Your hands. Psalm 92:4 (Psalms 2, 92, 61, 66)

The leading themes or ideas of the Psalms are trust, praise, rejoicing and mercy. At the center of these acts is the resting faith in God’s justice.  These four Psalms are hymns of rejoicing.

Infinity is incomprehensible, as it is applies to the One True God. He forever was (infinite to the past) and is eternal to the future. Somewhere, out under the stars, David wrapped his mind around this truth and found peace.  He Praised God for His creative power and authority, His present acts of protection and provision, and then He took his praise into forever. He lifted his talent, his words of art, and gave glory to that which he knew would come about, an earthly Messiah and eternal life.

Though our lives are just a minuscule wisp of vapor in time, we can do as David did, worship God through the ages. Eternity is more than just a very, large concept, it is our single hope and joy.

Blessings in 2019,

Gretchen

I will lift my eyes to the hills-where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the maker of Heaven and earth.  Psalm 121:1-2 (Psalms 69, 120, 121, 9) 

The songs of ascent are a set of Psalms with a specific use and we know when and how they were employed. People gathered at the Temple, an important place of common ground where knowledge, strength and encouragement was gained. The Temple brought unity and life for the nation of Israel, as it was the essence of God’s presence among His people.

Jerusalem was set on a hill.  It was a fortress, the capitol city of the strongest nation on earth at the time.  The Temple set on a precipice within the hilltop megapolis. Whether people were climbing the stairs to enter its portals, or walking along the road from afar, meeting other sojourners on their way to celebrate and worship, eyes were lifted in the hope of Creator God, maker of all.

The primitive, ancient people did not understand that the moon’s light was reflective rather than radiant.  They knew the effects of overexposure to the sun, and so they suspected the moon had a danger too, just less obvious. They were cautious and sought shade from its rays too. They were wrong, but the greater significance is their foundational knowledge that the weaver of night and day, of a cycle of life that needed sleep for productive wakefulness, never slept, never set aside His watchfulness over His creation.  We are loved and care for without ceasing.

Happy New Year!

Gretchen

In the fall as school was beginning I was presented a shirt. The shirt read, #Iherdcatsandteachthemtoread.  If you don’t read hashtags here’s the interpretation, “I heard cats and teach them to read.” The first few weeks of kindergarten could be likened to wrangling cats, or possibly butterflies. I am always overwhelmed early on and think, “How will I ever get them ready for first grade?” Then we begin with the smallest increments of learning and soon I relax and know all is well, we can do this. When it came time for me to prepare Christmas gifts for my students, I made each child a shirt to compliment mine.  Their’s said, #thiscatcanread. Translation: “This cat can read.”

I wanted a special moment with pictures when I gave them their shirts. We went to our cafeteria, all decorated for the season, I sat them on some steps and began my gift giving.  Before the first child unrolled a shirt, a little voice spoke, “Thank you, Mrs. Rooney.” I paused and turned. The child hadn’t received anything.  I said, “You’re welcome, but you don’t have a gift yet.” He replied, “I know I’ll like it.”

On Christmas day my family attended the First United Method’s Christmas morning worship service.  As the liturgist finished reading the scripture, the congregation responded, “Thanks be to God.” Behind me, a tiny voice joined in, “Thanks be to God.”  I didn’t turn until after the final ‘Amen’. I had to put a face to the child that was learning to celebrate, The Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us.” John 1:14. The face belonged to a toddler.

Many years ago a couple I dd not know well gave birth to twins, prematurely. I was drawn to their situation and fasted, prayed, and fell in love with two beautiful babies from afar. They are now young college coeds with bright futures.  A few days before Christmas they stopped by my house and presented me with a framed photograph of my husband and I sitting on top of the world, laughing.  Where did they get this photo? Well……they were there. One snapped the picture while the other laughed too. God saw fit to bring us close and has allowed our families to share in many adventures to the edge of the earth.

The noise of the world often unsettles me.  I am sickened to hear God’s Holy name uttered as cursing, and watch the horror man brings on themselves and each other. At every turn of channel, cynicism, disrespect and hatred are marketed for various purposes. It wears me out, but there IS good! Lots of it.  The Bible says that our praises are like the fragrance of an unblemished sacrifice rising to God’s Throne.

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-the fruit of lips that openly profess His name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Hebrews 13:15-16

When we honor God, we change the world, even if it is just the space one person occupies. I am so grateful for the innocent goodness I witnessed this Christmas season. Little things matter so much. Don’t give up and don’t be afraid to be small. You’re making a big difference somewhere!

Love,

Gretchen

He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. Psalm 40:2 (Psalm 40, 70, 27)

David cut his teeth on God’s law. He was raised in a Godly household. Knowing God’s law enlightened David to the depth of his sin. His knowledge of drowning in a quicksand of one’s own making was first hand. He knew the panic, the horror, the lingering stench of self loathing! And then!!!! He was placed on solid ground and with a tether, anchoring his feet so they would never wander again.

In joy and sorrow, David spells out the things he has learned about God. He created infinite wonders. He is love, truth, protector, light, a stronghold, and faithful to those who seek mercy, and rest their hope in grace. There is nothing on this earth that secures like God’s majesty, wisdom and strength.

We must never lose our consciousness of need. God’s hand reached down, because David asked, and lifted (not pulled, there’s a difference) David up. God did not send a demolition crew, an aluminum extension ladder or a bulleted list of trouble shooting suggestions.  He moved and David found a new song to add to the thousands of others he was already singing. 

Sing Loud! Sing Proud!

Gretchen