Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. Thessalonians 5:15
The believer is evidence of and witness to the goodness and grace of The True and Living God’s redemptive work on earth, so what we do matters a lot! Be nice!
Love,
Gretchen
Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowd. After He had dismissed them, He went up on a Mountainside by Himself to pray. Matthew 14:22-23a
Jesus left the Glory of Heaven and came to live among us in a time and place of great despair. The political kingdom of Rome ruled over the Jewish nation. Herod, the Jewish governor, knew there would be a Messiah, he just thought his earthly power could circumvent God’s Kingdom. This was not a rogue thought, many believed it would be an earthly political power of independence for God’s chosen people. Until the resurrection………
Prior to His evening escape for solitude and communion with His Father, Jesus had been made aware of the execution of John the Baptist. He grieved. He had spent the day ministering to 5,000+ people. He didn’t just feed them, he engaged with them, taught them, listened to their burdens and understood their present plight. He also knew the Kingdom He was initiating was of personal transformation and freedom from the evil machinations of this broken world.
Jesus did not call together the Board of Directors. He didn’t send people ahead to make sure the local businesses and infrastructure could absorb the masses the next time He stopped along the way. He went to the ONLY source for comfort, solution and resource the is, His Father, your Father, my Father, our Father. You’re always invited, encouraged, to do the same.
Love,
Gretchen
Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Luke 12:7
One of the greatest concerns of Jesus’ directives to humankind is Motive. Wanting to be seen and recognized is part of our nature, thus, we struggle with the influences surrounding us versus what we know we should really be. Hypocrisy is toxic from all angles. But! Only one thing really matters: God, and our engagement in relationship with Him.
This passage echoed the Sermon on the Mount and one of Jesus’ favorite subjects was His unfailing care for His people. It isn’t just a general monitoring of the basic functions of life that were set in motion at creation, but a meticulous attention to and intimate knowledge of the smallest facets of all things, i.e. an insignificant sparrow or lily.
The message is to focus our perspective and dispel fear, the root of continuing worry, hopelessness and complete exhaustion. Nothing happens by chance and you are wonderfully, respectfully and purposefully made. Jesus takes care of you because He cares.
Love,
Gretchen
“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
