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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

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 this ‘go to’ phrase in a pinch. God, having every justifiable right to say, “Because I’m God, that’s why!” 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 love is His singular agenda. Our response can only be trusting love in action.

Have a great Saturday!

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 tradition and family heritage reasoned 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 promised 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 authority. 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

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 from those teachings 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 midweek,

Gretchen

Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours? 2 Chronicles 1:10

God has appeared to Solomon and told him to ask for anything. (vs. 7) Recognizing that he was to lead the greatest nation on earth, Solomon might have asked for power or wealth. Instead, you find his request in the scripture above. God is faithful and Solomon was given wisdom according to the unlimited riches of Heaven.

Wisdom is many things, discernment, prudence, good old fashion gumption, circumspection. It greatly increases quality of life, both by allowing us make peace with the past and enabling us to move boldly into the future. All the things Solomon might have desired such as monetary superiority or physical might came about through wisdom.

God alone is the creator and provider of pure and perfect wisdom. His faithful provision is not limited to Solomon, but freely given to all those who ask.

Love,

Gretchen

Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious, but fools are consumed by their own lips. Ecclesiastes 10:12

I was once told, “Shut your mouth before all your stupid falls out.” Don’t feel sorry for me, I had it coming.

If the words from my mouth don’t leave the moment better than I found it, then …………….

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…..is. 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

Someone in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my bother to divide the inheritance with me.” Luke 12:13

This interruption came while Jesus was speaking to the multitudes concerning boldness through the Holy Spirit when faced with temptation and hardship. This nameless gentleman recognized the worth of what Jesus was saying but only as it applied to someone else, in this instance a brother’s alleged treachery.

Is it right that this man’s brother withheld his inheritance? No, but that’s not the point. Man’s behavior will never be fair. Humans err, perspective is miscued, some are downright selfish! God didn’t send His only Son to die so that we could keep score. He gave His Son so that we could overcome.

Jesus was flawless, sinless. Yet He battled Satan for our souls and won. God’s grace provides a means to withstand disappointment and live in victory in spite of the world’s cruel behaviors. It is my testimony that your needs will be met in the fullness of God’s Glory. Let this world have their treasure. It will soon turn to dust. Trade it in for joy and peace and know that you are the child of THE KING.

Love,

Gretchen

P.S. I’ve heard that gold is so abundant in Heaven that they use it to pave the streets!

“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work. John 4:46

This verse is wedged between the story of the woman at the well who’s spiritual thirst was quenched for a lifetime, and Jesus’ call to fields ripe for harvest.

While passing through Samaria Jesus ministered to a lone woman while the disciples went in to town to buy food. A great deal occurred while they were gone. (Read John 4:1-26) The disciples returned with dinner but the woman who found Jesus had also returned with everyone she could find. (Evangelism can be that easy!) Jesus’ friends encouraged Him to eat but His response is the verse you read above.

If we want to be like Jesus our true satisfaction should be drawn from rising daily and serving the LORD in every opportunity.

Love and Blessings,

Gretchen