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Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.  Philemon 1:7

It was the practice of the conquering Roman army to capture the brightest and best among indigenous peoples and sell them into slavery. Such was probably the case for Onesimus, slave of Philemon, a wealthy, prominent citizen, friend and convert of Paul’s.  

This single chapter book tells the story of Onesimus, who stole money from his master and ran away. Likely out of money and destitute, he went searching for Paul while Paul was imprisoned in Rome. Onesimus became a Christian and Paul loved him like a son, but they both knew he was the legal property of Philemon. Even though there were great consequences for runaway slaves, the decision was made to do the ethical and Christian thing, Onesimus must humble himself and return to his rightful owner, trusting Philemon will do the right thing, give him his freedom, and make him a brother in Christ, rather than one man’s captive.

Peace among people is more important than property. Paul’s decision was centered on relationships rather than the legal system. He trusted Philemon, a man sharing his same faith, would act in love and mercy, proving that the human Onesimus was far more important than enslaving someone for personal gains.

Never underestimate the power of your single act of love. People everywhere are watching and it just might be the game changer they’ve been looking for.

Love Always,

Gretchen

When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I Corinthians 2:1-2

Corinth was in the vicinity of Athens. The people of this ‘Modern’ metropolis considered themselves to be thinkers and philosophers rivaling those of Greece.  Paul himself was a scholar, a pharisee, an educated Jewish man. This new testament church was not lacking in cognitive ability. How can this be a bad thing? Well, there was no consistent place to meet in large groups corporately, so people divided into small groups and met in homes under various leaders. Theology was discussed and debated and suddenly the small stuff was bigger than the only thing that really mattered, a Risen Savior.

Humility, an important commodity in short supply, goes the distance when giving witness to the things Christ has done. Knowledge is a tremendous asset but it is only the beginning of wisdom. Paul’s intellect did not lead him to the mission field of gentiles, his ‘up close and personal’ encounter with God did. 

The only thing that really matters is this: Jesus is the Son of God and by His own choice, made Himself a sacrifice, to die for the sins of all mankind.  He rose from the dead, securing victory over sin and death and assuring eternal life for all who believe. 

Salvation does not come with title, I.Q. or charisma, but faith alone. And that IS all that matters!

Love,

Gretchen

When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate, when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted himself to Him who judges justly. I Peter 2:23-25

Tradition tells that Peter, like Christ, was crucified, although there is no confirming documentation.  However, the early Christians in and around Rome, suffered tremendously under Nero’s persecution. These new converts had given up the cult religions of their families and communities. Their new faith was complicated by the grief of persecution and its friends, doubt and desperation. Peter reminds them hope is found in a Savior that suffered most and a God that knows best.

It is a great step of faith to allow God’s justice to play out, both for the believer who’s hope is in eternity and that same believer who is exploited, neglected or compromised daily on earth.  We spend great energy and resources tending to humanity’s perception of equality and justice. Man is often short sighted, far sighted or just completely wrong. People hurt!

Christians are called to walk this earth as upright, model citizens, making no excuses with or for prejudice and abuse. Our behavior represents and therefore, should reflect the One who gave Himself into the hands of God’s great plan, wisdom, love and justice.

Love,

Gretchen

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.  He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. Matthew 28:5-6

The Jewish sabbath is observed from sunset to sunset, Friday through Saturday. Jesus’ body might have hung in public through the sabbath had it not been for Joseph of Arimathea, who asked for His body.  He hurriedly wrapped it in a clean cloth and placed Jesus in his own family’s newly carved tomb, before evening arrived. There was no time to thoroughly prepare the body for burial as Jewish law did not allow for this once the sabbath had begun.

Early on the morning after the sabbath, Mary Magdalene and another Mary went to pay respect and begin washing and embalming the body of their friend. They were distraught, but intent on leaving Jesus in a dignified state of permanent burial. Instead they found an angel, Heaven’s divine messenger, in human form, delivering the news that Jesus is risen, He is not dead.  

I like to think that because women’s minds have the ability to multitask, God knew they would quickly recognize and connect the dots of past prophecy, present events and hope to the future, and this is why He gave these two servants the precious authority to begin the perpetuation of Good News.  It’s really irrelevant, Jesus was not in the tomb, but waiting to greet those who believe, and He still is today.  He is Risen!

He is Risen Indeed!

Gretchen

Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When He had said this, He breathed His last.” The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.” Luke 23:46-47

Throughout the humiliation and injustice of Jesus’ conviction and sentence, He held no resentment.  He displayed self-control when praying for those who murdered Him and offered kindness, grace and mercy to those present.  After facing down the pains of hell, so that we would never have to, Jesus breathed His last and returned to His Father. 

The threat of our sin and the darkness of our imminent death was broken. Satan was defeated once and for all! Heaven and nature responded. The inanimate earth shook, a curtain was torn and the graves of the righteous opened (Matthew 27:51-52). God gave a grand salute and welcomed His Son home.

We stir the air with simple words, but on this day over 2,000 years ago, a thief joined Jesus in paradise and a soldier became a believer, all because love meant more than heartache and suffering.  Yes, Heaven rejoiced and it hasn’t stopped since!!!!! 

You are Loved!

Gretchen

It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Luke 23:44-45

Devised for cruelty by a hard hearted and inhumane age, death by crucifixion was torturous.  The victim often hung for days before death came, serving as an object lesson for all who passed by. For Jesus, it was over in approximately six hours. Within that time He was offered a stupefying gall to ease His pain. He chose to remain clear headed. He asked forgiveness for those who persecuted and mocked Him, gave eternal life to a thief hanging beside Him, and secured an earthly home for His mother. He loved!

So that Jesus’ act of atonement could be complete, God withdrew His presence and darkness fell. Human’s will never know an agony like the final hours on the cross, a literal hell on earth. It was meant to be this way so you and I never have to experience separation from God. He loved!

A curtain hung in the temple between the sanctuary and the Holy of Holies.  Once a year the High Priest would pass beyond the curtain and intercede for the sins of the people.  At the moment of Jesus’ death there was no longer the need for an intercessor. We now have direct access to God through His son Jesus the Christ. He loved!

The most incomprehensible injustice of all generations, brought about the most poignant giving of love man will ever know.  Ponder until you understand just how loved you are!

Happy Weekend,

Gretchen

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people. Ephesians 1:18

The focus of Ephesians is the character of the Church. It is believed to have been a letter written by Paul, a prisoner in Rome, as a circular sent to many churches in the Ephesus area. These words from their very first writing were meant to give encouragement and show gratitude for Christian fellowship among those facing difficult circumstances in their daily faith journey.

The gift of salvation is just the beginning. Accessing the power of the resurrection and bringing Heaven to earth is what the church is called to do.  

Happy Friday!

Gretchen

But they shouted, “Take Him away! Take Him away! Crucify Him!” 

“Shall I crucify you king?” Pilate asked, 

“We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priests answered. John 19:15

The determination of mankind to halt God’s work of Grace is astounding. God’s infinite persistence to continually offer Grace is amazing!

The Sanhedrin was the ruling court for the Jewish people of Judea/Jerusalem. It had great power over civil issues, but was subject to Roman governors. This counsel consisted of elders, lawyers, Pharisees and Sadducees.  These men were far more interested in protecting their cultural and monetary advantages, rather than acknowledging Jesus was the Son of God. Jesus’ trial was highly unusual and technically invalid according to Jewish law!  There were no witnesses, it was done in the dark of night and the death sentence was pronounced and carried out immediately when the law says there is a waiting period of at least a day. 

The offense Jesus was charged with was blasphemy, claiming He was the Son of God. The very evidence that He was and is God’s Heir is what got the Jewish authority so angry and anxious about their own future.  Rome didn’t care who Jesus said He was so the Sanhedrin concocted the charge of sedition, the act of creating an uprising against the state. Still, Rome wasn’t all that worried, but the Jews would not stop until they forced the Roman judicial system to over look normal protocols and carry out the death sentence they wanted.

Evil was exhaustively determined to rid the world of this man called Jesus.  BUT!!!! The Good News, The Gospel……is the rest of the story, AN EMPTY TOMB and life everlasting!

Have a Lovely Day!

Gretchen  

“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. Isaiah 1:18

In ancient times, the colors scarlet and crimson were fast.  If you have ever washed your whitie tighties with a red sweater, you know you are doomed to wear pink undies into the foreseeable future. A number of products promise to restore your unmentionables to pristine perfection, but the scar of red tint is never completely gone. Nothing was different in Biblical times. These words illustrate that only God’s miraculous power can make things new.

Humans are born with the urge to have their own way at any and every cost! Isaiah begins his call as a prophet with a vision that shows just how badly man has drifted away from the One who created them in His own image. These entitled covenant people offered platitudes through meaningless prayers and sacrifice.  They practice empty worship thinking they will fool God by camouflaging their hearts. How offensive to the One who designed them to live in peace and joy at no expense except obedience. Yet, He is ever willing to intervene for man’s corrupted heart and wash away the stain and scar of sin.

God says to Isaiah, “Come now, let’s put this to rest!”  Those who continue in their disrespect and sin will be removed from the presence of God, those whose hope and trust is in the LORD will be saved.

Have a Terrific Thursday!

Gretchen 

For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in Heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross. Colossians 1:19-20

Paul defines Christ as The Image of the Invisible God, First Born of all Creation, Creator of All Things, Infinite, Designer of the Universe, Head of the Church, Peace Maker, and The Fullness of God. To be made full means to be brought to perfection. Jesus is the Perfect representation of a Perfect God. 

We live in a broken world. Governments don’t serve people, families hurt one another, communities are twisted into personal agendas, and the world’s message is “Me first” rather than “Love thy neighbor.” Except! Christ, the fullness of God’s Glory, came to restore the perfect relationship between man and God. While earth’s principalities, from corporate to patriarchal to governmental, are wreaking havoc for a populous that has no voice, God is at work weaving personal peace for each one of us, and robbing death of its victim. 

Every age has had its devastation and hopelessness.  The people of Colossae’s church struggled with the same crisis you and I see each day. They felt threatened and anguished, but Paul delivered the news he knew first hand, God is in the business of salvation, not destruction.

Have a Victorious Tuesday!

Gretchen