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Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5 NIV

Meek is an adjective that has been totally flipped by the English language. It is a positive descriptive word but a self absorbed world that demands its own way has devalued meekness to the point that it brings shame. By human standards meekness denotes someone who is easily maneuvered against their will while never daring to protest, an easy target that no one ever dreams of becoming. Yet, Jesus states in His Sermon on the Mount, meekness as a very desirable characteristic in achieving favor on earth.

What’s the real deal with meekness then? Meekness begets kindness, practices forbearance, depends on faithfulness, exercises gentleness and self-control and reaps love and joy. Isn’t ‘Meek’ a beautiful ideal?

Meekness is not weakness, it’s strength under perfect control.

Blessings,

Gretchen

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

God is excellent and worthy of praise. This psalm celebrates God’s power using the symbolism of Jerusalem’s imposing fortress-like structure as an impregnable presence and protection in tandem with a future eternal kingdom. All the writer says about the present Jerusalem will be steadfast and true (multiplied by infinity) of our eternal place with God. 

The point isn’t just to understand and celebrate God’s greatness in the immediate testimony of those who witnessed this greatness, but to keep it close to our hearts so that we may teach the next generation and they may teach the one after about God’s perfect faithfulness. 

Although God’s perfect love, power and wisdom are manifested on earth through His deeds, God’s works and protections for His chosen people should inspire awe and security in the hearts of Christians today and give the courage and strength to spread the Gospel. 

Love,

Gretchen

In all Your ways submit to Him, and he will make you paths straight. Proverbs 3:6 NIV

When I am traveling and I ask my GPS to search for the nearest Walmart, it gives me directions that include time and distance through city streets and traffic but it also offers an ‘As the crow flies’ mileage. I find myself envious of the crow. Oh to have a straight passage, uninterrupted with mundane clutter and disturbances, straight to the place that holds all things I need materially.

God in His great love offers us this “As the crow flies” way of life. He has already planned the route, He keeps it clear of what will hinder, tempt, distract or discourage us from the joy of our journey with Him and those He has given us along the way. His path is straight, safe, nurturing and nourishing, but the best part is that every step leads straight to the Throne of God.

Happy Trails,

Gretchen

Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!Psalm 31:24

This Psalm of David became a well known song sung in the Temple. Proof of this is its familiarity revealed through other scripture writers. It is quoted in Psalm 71, and Jonah, Jeremiah and Paul all three reference and quote sections of it. However, most significant is that Jesus quoted verse 5, “Into your hands I commit My spirit;” as His final word from the cross and this is repeated by Stephen as he was being stoned for proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus, Savior and Messiah. 

This hymn is both prayer and praise with grief and woe intermingled with gratitude in the midst of trouble. There is a common saying today, “It’s okay to not be okay.” I believe David knew this and so it was natural for him to humbly lay his heart and mind at the feet of Creator God, the Only Hope. He says, “Be strong, take courage,” but it is because he knows his true strength is in the power of a Sovereign, loving God who already knows victory in every battle he must engage in. And so it is with us too. Take heart! Wait, the Lord is working miracles. 

Love, 

Gretchen

Whoever does not love, does not know God, because God is love.   1 John 4:8

In the spirit of less is more, there are simply no words to enhance the relevance of this truth. Have a wonderful day and know, you are loved, you are cherished and you have great value because God gave His Son so that sin (yours or anyone else’s) cannot hold you captive. And remember, love forward!

Love,

Gretchen

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. II Corinthians 4:16 

By the time Paul wrote his third letter to the church of Corinth enough time had passed for exploitation of the Gospel to begin. There were arguments that Paul, who took on poverty rather than profit, was not worthy to preach to the wealthy and successful of this prosperous metropolis. He chose humility, manual labor, and occasional homelessness over false charisma. 

The life and message of Jesus represents an upside down Kingdom that contrasts fully with the values of this world. To be ashamed of Paul was to scorn the life of the Servant Savior, Jesus, who’s character was made known by His suffering on the cross.

Paul’s message isn’t popular among the crowds who demand title over qualification. Living like Jesus is incredibly hard! Read all of chapter 4 for a few details, but amidst all the trials and troubles, the power of the resurrected Christ is constant and faithful. 

Growing older is not an option. The toll time takes on our bodies is indisputable, especially for those who have not lived in luxury. But! We do not give up! With age comes wisdom, greater faith and stronger testimony. Someone out there needs to know you made it and have blazed a trail for them to follow. 

Testify Louder for Those in the Back!

Gretchen

Because of the LORD’S great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.  Lamentations 3:22 NIV

Here is a verse packed with powerful words:

Not, meaning prohibition
Consumed, to destroy or expend by use; completely use up.
Compassions, a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another, a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.
Never, at no time.
Fail, fall short of success.

I don’t need to commentate on these powerful words, but I encourage you to put these absolutes into your heart and live them as your reality.

Here is a restatement of Lamentations 3:22 with dictionary.com and Gretchen partnering to remind you of how much love and assurance you have.

Because of the LORD’s great love, He will prohibit us from being destroyed or completely used up, for He has a strong desire to alleviate our suffering, He sympathizes with our sorrows and at no time will He fall short of success in this endeavor!

You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7

This is a Psalm of David written sometime after his sin against Bathsheba and her husband Uriah. Many scholars consider it a partner with Psalm 51. It is a song of the ransomed life giving praise to God for the blessing of forgiveness. Sin is truly a prison that hold’s the soul in a paralyzing grip. David beautifully expresses, the LORD does not count forgiven sin against us. 

Humble confession removes any deceit between you and Truth, bringing a deeper meaning to the freedom only Truth can give. David compares salvation to a hiding place. Odd, is there freedom in hiding? This shepherd boy poet turned king had to hide from his enemies many years. He knew the peace found in a safe, secret place that only his protector knew of. 

Three very distinct points are made: Sin has been dealt with, forgiveness has been granted and ignorance has been instructed. 

David, like each of us, was a sinner who’s only hope was God’s loving Grace.  What does grace require? A contrite and humble heart. This is true freedom. 

Love, 

Gretchen

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain. Hebrews 6:19 

The family of Abraham became the nation of Israel through God’s covenant promise. Now this nation was landless and dispersed across Europe and Asia. Following the resurrection many Greek Jews came to believe. The writer of this letter is speaking to them because they have suffered a great deal for their new faith. They thought Jesus would come again very soon and He didn’t and living like Jesus was difficult. Many were drifting back to what was easy and familiar, Judaism and even the idolatry of ancient Greece. 

The use of anchor is powerful. An anchor secures a vessel in strong currents and high winds. The metaphor connects the need for a reliable source of strength amidst life’s challenges Being Holy isn’t about trying harder and hoping for the best, it’s about living in Christ’s victory over sin and God’s sovereign power that always works for our good.

God’s faithfulness is our anchor, both in our future hope, but importantly, our present challenges. Do not cut rope and set yourself adrift! Remain anchored to God’s steadfast Goodness and Love. 

Love, 

Gretchen

The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you,”Genesis 12:1 NIV

This verse marks the beginning of Abram’s story. God calls to Abram and he obeys. The end………..NOT!

Abram grew up in the city of Ur. It was a major port metropolis. Residents of Ur had financial security and a high standard of living. Abram’s father Terah took his entire household and began a trek toward Canaan but stopped in Harran. Terah did not honor God (Joshua 24:2) and he died before the journey ended. But God called Abram to leave the traditions and security of his family and the convenience of urban life and go into a wilderness that would be the equivalent to the pioneer’s Kansas prairie.

Why are these details important? Because God called Abram away from what was ordinary and comfortable to make him His own; so he could become extraordinary! Abram’s story ends with the complete change to the history of mankind so you may think this invalidates the relevance of your obedience on this scale. But the story isn’t about the history of the world, it’s about becoming God’s own.

May you feel God’s abundant love today,

Gretchen