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Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  John 14:27

Jesus’ Jerusalem was a tumultuous place. Subject to the Roman Ceasar and his idolatry and self obsession, Jesus’ time and place on earth was rampant with prejudice and injustice, both by Jew and Gentile. Things were about to get a lot worse, and yet, Jesus spoke peace. 

God created a perfect world of tranquility and then sin entered and interrupted the plan.  However, it didn’t ruin it or destroy it! Turn you hearts and minds to peace, the reason the King of kings came into the world as the child of a poor maiden, betrothed to a common laborer, born in a cattle stall…….so you could live in peace, not that the world provides, but custom made, straight from the Throne of God, to your heart.

Happy Tuesday,

Gretchen

He does not treat us as our sins deserve, or repay us according to our iniquities. Psalm 103:10  (Psalms 32, 38, 103)

Psalm 32 and 38 are two of the seven penitent Psalms David wrote in remorse for his sin with Bathsheba.  David’s behavior with the beautiful woman he saw bathing and lusted for, was a happenstance of weakness, in contrast to a habitual, deliberate and willful violation of God’s law. Before this event, David avowed his righteousness. Shame, humiliation and bitter anguish drove him to repent and he returned to righteousness, a man after God’s own heart.

It is David’s testimony that confession relieves a heavy heart and great joy is found in forgiveness. Psalm 103, a very beloved passage, written in David’s adage, looks back on the history of a sinner, himself, saved by grace.

The Psalms are the living testimony of a man long gone, who knew that God is good, and hope is in God’s unchangeable love and mercy. For as high as the heavens are about the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him, as far as the east is from the west so far has He removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:11-12

Love,

Gretchen

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me and I will be whiter than snow. Psalm 51:7

The title of the Psalm gives its time and context.  David committed adultery with Bathsheba, and conceived a child. He tried to use his power, as commander in chief, to cover his iniquities but ended with murder.  God’s prophet Nathan went to confront David, who’s response was brokenness over his own behavior.

David loved God more than life itself, yet he fell into grievous sin that left a path of destruction. At times he saw the great man God designed him to be, but in this moment, as he looked through the lens God uses, he viewed a despicable sin, a multi faceted crisis, that only love and mercy could heal.  No excuses, David asked for forgiveness, and he received it.

Total transparency with God brings humility to the heart of man, and compassion from the heart of God. When the two meet, tragedy becomes triumph. It’s God’s specialty.

Happy New Year!

Gretchen

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. Psalm 20:7  (Psalm 20, 21)

David was a warrior king.  He entered into battle often, and as a result, Israel became the strongest nation on earth, during his reign as king.  It is significant that David never waged war without asking for God’s protection and responded to victory with thanksgiving before celebration. The act of worship, whether simple or elaborate, places God at the very center of every endeavor, granting peace, confidence and appropriate gratitude.

David knew well day to day survival depended on diligence to righteousness and faithfulness, but he was well aware of a greater purpose. His kingdom would bring a Messiah, and greater still, eternal life for all who believe. With life everlasting comes a perfected judgement that secures the holy from the wickedness of those who practice evil. There is nothing more we need, nothing more to be desired. Trust in the Name of the Lord our God begets the desires of the heart.

Have a Blessed and Safe New Year’s Eve,

Gretchen

In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and He answered by setting me free. Psalm 118:5 (Psalm 118 is a must read!)
Psalms 113-118 are called the Praise (Hallel) Hymns. They were used by families during the celebration of Passover. Some were sung at the beginning of the remembrance of God’s rescue, this Psalm was sung at the end as the meal was concluding. It is very probable Jesus and His disciples sang this song on the eve of the Crucifixion. (Matthew 26:30)
This Psalm speaks of God’s constant faithfulness to man’s need and a future hope, totally unknown to any human, but a day of great anticipation for the God who loves us best and sent His Son to redeem all who will believe. It was Jesus’ strength on His walk to Gethsemane. It can certainly be our foundation for determined obedience and perseverance.
God hears your cries and He WILL set you free. Man’s rejection is NOT God’s, not even slightly! Give thanks to the LORD, for He is Good, His love endures forever! (verse 29) When you sing these words, you have echoed the voice of the Prince of Peace and Blessed Savior, and His closest friends! Awesome!
Rejoice and Sing,
Gretchen

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Psalm 100:1-2 (Psalms 93-101)

From shepherd boy to homeless king, David dwelled in the great outdoors. Under the great dome of Heaven David came to learn and depend on God’s sovereignty, goodness and the coming Messiah. From the loudest crash of thunder to the gentlest showers came a sense of majesty bringing peace, knowledge and confidence that all was not in vain. God is good, the wonders and glories of His creation reveal His love. He is worthy of our songs of faith and praise.

Have a Very Merry and Blessed Christmas,

Gretchen

I said to the LORD, “You are my LORD, apart from you I have no good thing.”  Psalm 16:2 (Psalms 7, 16, 4 and 58)

When I opened my Bible to this Psalm I found “This is my heart!” written in the margin with my own pen and I remembered why.  There was a time I lost all hope.  I reasoned that if there was no God, then neither was there an eternity, Heaven or hell. I had given up, but one last time I cried out and said, “God if You’re there, please show me!” He did. I know without doubt there is a God, an eternity and without Him I have no good thing.

Full and complete faith is not something you achieve, it is something you maintain. David rested his every breath in something much bigger than himself. Verse 10 is a mention of resurrection, a very primitive theology in David’s time, but he wrote it and lived it. These words are found again in Acts 2:27 as a prophecy from David, spoken to those who witnessed Pentecost, as testimony that Jesus is the Messiah.

Take a moment today and ask God to make Himself known. He will because He is all that is good.

Have a Christmas Eve!

Gretchen

I will praise You, O LORD, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples.  Psalm 108:3 (Psalm 16, 35, 57, 63,108)

These Psalms are from David’s fugitive years and read as battle cries, but David is moving nearer to his throne and becoming more mature and aware of God’s providence and plan.

God created Israel for the purpose of bringing a Redeemer and Savior into the world. This Holy nation was like no other. They served One God and that singular deity’s love and protection was sufficient for all they would ever need. David began to plan for his government. He would lead the people in worship and praise, making all other nations know they were the children of the One True God and the strongest nation on earth, unique in its laws and power.

A nation is not solely defined by geography, but considers heritage, culture, language, economics……..…..and kinship. Let no man doubt who your God is and why you find Him worthy of obedience, faith and praise. Where you lead, lead with praise, so that all will know!

I hope to hear you from my house!

Gretchen

I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy. Psalm 140:12 (Psalm 13, 17, 31, 54, 140)

David, though anointed king, knew absolute, abject poverty. Thanks to the reigning and jealous king Saul, David experienced food insecurity, homelessness and lived in a marginalized state for quite some time. I am sure David cried out over the injustice more than once. But with each obstacle and obstruction David drew closer to God rather than forlorn and hopeless.

In Psalm 31:7 David says, “I will be glad and rejoice in Your love, for You saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.”  Never questioning God’s providence or plan, David clung to the things he knew; God is good and just.

Justice means establishing a state of correct status and treatment. God does hear the cries of the hungry, cold, weary and forsaken.  If you think that David’s word are irrelevant and do not speak to your need and God’s ears, understand Jesus spoke the words of Psalm 31 from the cross. Psalm 31:5a Into your hands I commit my spirit. God is where your tears have fallen and He is not ignoring you. Be glad and rejoice. No matter your mess, help is on the way.

Love,

Gretchen

I will praise You forever for what You have done; in Your name I will hope, for Your name is good. I will praise You in the presence of Your saints. Psalm 52:9 (Psalm 35, 52, 64)

There are two ways to assault someone, physically and verbally. The first requires at least two people to be within arms length or shooting distance. Wounds and scars can be seen, validated and healed. Verbal attack can be done from any place on earth, with unseen wounds and a character so maligned it might never fully recover. David was victimized by both.

All three of these Psalms speak of man’s words, sharpened and used like a weapon, meant to inflict injury. Even in times of peace, the words of those with hidden agendas continued to stir discontent and trouble for David’s throne. David remained confident in truth.

There is no pain like betrayal. Thinking you had a friend and defender, only to find they were the enemy, leaves the heart broken. Because God is the very definition of Truth, there is safety from lies and snares evil people spread. Punishment will come in full measure, to those who manipulate their earthly existence for personal gain. So, do as David did, rest well in the company of an all knowing Sovereign God who will take care of the cheats and liars.

Love,

Gretchen