Category: Uncategorized

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.

Merry Christmas,

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

I once pretended to smoke a white crayon, Audrey Hepburn/Breakfast at Tiffany’s style. Mother saw me through the screen door and soundly punished me. Things not tolerated young don’t become vices when old. Candy cigarets and tobacco pouch bubble gum weren’t allowed in our house, and we never, EVER! used God’s name or any frame of reference to Jesus, as slang. It wasn’t so much a matter of what not to say, but one of thoughtfulness before you speak. Say what you mean, mean what you say and in this, your character will be known.

Christmas, the holiday that dwarfs all others in American culture, begins with the name Christ.  It is a religious celebration and as secular as it sometimes seems, it is harder to take Christ out of Christmas than to leave Him in its midst. But there is an issue of oblivion that ‘A once in a world’s event’ and the sacred esteem it should be given, brushes past us in the flurry of the hurry and we miss the most precious gift God gave, the attainability of Holiness and eternal life.

Throughout the holidays the word Holy fills the air.  It headlines Christmas cards and Advertisements, and is referred to in song, not only by Christian musicians, but secular artists that ring out a description of The Prince of Peace, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Son of God, they do not revere. The premier definition of The Savior has become common slang and a feel good phrase of the holidays, but in reality, it is the foundation of all creation, the Holiness of God.

Holiness is the absence of sin. This is the one standard on earth where there is no variation, objectivity, or subjectivity. In all other things we sort, compare and rate value: ‘A’ is good, but ‘B’ is better.  I am bad, but someone else is worse.  Don’t judge me, you’ve done it too.……. But the Holiness of God cannot be ranked against a worldly standard.

We sing “Silent night, Holy night,” “O Holy night,” and more carols of a Holy Christ Child, but can we live as though Holiness is a reality? Strong arguments are regularly made concerning the fallacy of its legitimacy. Why? Because in a war of comparison we have a fighting chance but standing alone against our own actions and responses, we could easily be weighed and found wanting.  We cling to the hope of claiming success in some moral choices while admitting defeat in others. It is the ALL IN of Holiness we resist.

Scripture is clear, Holiness is required and possible, .

Search me, God and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24 

In your relationship with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. Phillipians 2:5

Be perfect, therefore, as your Heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:48

God will not coexist in our lives with sin. He sent His Only Son to set men free from satan’s bondage, thus His purpose is Holiness for those who believe. Don’t wear yourself out with the housekeeping of your heart, let God do the renovations and domestic engineering needed to keep things worthy of a residence fit for Your King.

Merry CHIRSTmas,

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 Weekend,

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 lovely Friday,

Gretchen

He who does these things will never be shaken. Psalm 15:5b (Psalms 15, 24, 97, 105)

David often ponders the magnificence of God. Everything from the majesty of heaven’s dome, to the Grace that covers sin, draws David to marvel at the incomprehensible, indefinable and infinite attributes of God’s righteousness and love.

God loves each one of us in a very intimate way, but to dwell with Him and enjoy His fellowship and peace requires a set of standards to live by. Psalm 15 lists these behaviors quite succinctly. They should be taken seriously. To be a citizen of Zion (Heaven) you must embrace the language and culture, which is integrity and love!

I have a passport I like to use. Each time I plan a trip I imagine myself NOT looking like a tourist. It doesn’t work because it takes a lifetime of acclamation to become indigenous. Heaven isn’t so tough. When you chose to obey and follow the King of kings, you’re move in ready!

Have a Super Day,

Gretchen

A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His Holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, He leads forth the prisoners with singing: but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land. Psalm 68:5-6 (Psalms 68, 78 and 132)

A battle cry turned hymn of praise, this song has been used through the ages to inspire and encourage people of God in their quest for righteous endeavors. It was a favorite of Oliver Cromwell, and used by the Crusaders, and the Huguenots. Its original purpose may have been to lead the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem.

God is faithful to His unbreakable promise. The plans and purposes God set in motion were designed to keep mankind from death by bringing a Savior/Redeemer from the tribe of Judah. Man is repeatedly rebellious and disobedient, but as consequences pile up, man sees God’s past love and provision and returns. God never says, “No, you have gone too far this time.” In response, He reveals Himself most beautifully as a provider and peace giver.

The warmth of human contact changes things. Man may have evolved in some unique ways, but we still need one another. We need to feel, see, hear and smell others so we know we are not alone in the battles of this life. Our God, the consummate comforter, sets the lonely in human families so that we will know His love and in turn, find strength to love others, and victoriously journey to the Throne of Heaven.

Have a Wonderful Day,

Gretchen

Search me, O God and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24 (Psalms 124, 139)

Both of these Psalms are prayers of Thanksgiving. The first is a corporate prayer, one of the Psalms of Ascent, that people who were gathering for, or in the act or worship, sang together. Psalm 139 is a very personal and intimate Psalm acknowledging who God is. It is a thanksgiving for His all-knowing and ever present place in life.

The greatest comfort in all the world is to know that nothing surprises God!  He knows every breath, word, deed and thought and nothing catches Him off guard. I cannot unsettle Him and neither can you. No matter the ruckus, God’s got the answer.

Psalm 139 begins with a deep search of heart and mind and ends with a continuous invitation to light the dark, clean the soiled and fill the empty. My soul, just like my home, needs to be dusted out and straightened every once in a while. It doesn’t condemn my house, just makes it inhabitable for eternity.

Have a Great Day!

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

Sometimes my simple childhood, compared to the complexities of children’s lives today, rattles around my head like a bad jingle. My first memories bring back trips from southeast Iowa to central Arkansas, from my house to grandma’s. Vacation always began on Sunday night. Dad would take the baby bed mattress and tuck it tightly into the back seat of our family car, then my brother and I would snuggle in for the long drive down US 67. Millions of stars twinkled through the massive rear window and the fog lights, searching for the river bank, as we followed the Mighty Mississip’, would mark the miles traveled. I can still hear the cadence of the pavement’s expansion joints lulling me to sleep. We would arrive in my grandparent’s drive early Monday morning and peace would descend on us all.

Reverends Loy D. and Blanche Jones lived simply. They served the Lord and loved on those in their community. Summertime grew gardens that fed beyond grandmother’s table and wintertime brought crowded rooms and the laughter of grown siblings, old friends and all their rowdy children.

Then, there were the trains and clocks. In the late 1960 and early 70’s, railroad traffic passed through Beebe, Arkansas every ten minutes, twenty-four hours a day. And, Grandad had several clocks with their own distinctive ticks and tocks. He meticulously wound and set them so as one quit chiming the next began.  All throughout the night, wedged between too many cousins, life noisily pulsed. I felt peace.

Years went by and my grandparents retired to live near my parents. Cancer took PaPa’s life three weeks after I gave birth to my oldest child. My dad spent many hours by his father’s bedside that year, and was with him, praying for comfort, when Loy Jones reached toward Heaven and entered into the presence of his Savior. It was the 26th of December, 1988 and we were crushed. How do you move forward without your earthly reflection of God’s radiance?

Standing in my parent’s living room minutes before the memorial service, I sobbed and told dad I never considered that Granddad would die. I just thought as long as I existed, he would too. Dad wrapped his arms around me and confessed he felt the same. Collectively we shared our profound loss and wondered how we would continue on.

Somewhere in that embrace the peace I knew from childhood swept over me and Heaven became real. It was now Granddad’s residence and it warmed me as completely as sunshine on a cloudless day. My life was forever changed because Heaven touched me.

My grandparents lived with an absence of chaos. I know the sins and crisis that infest today’s man, did then too. Granddad was called out into the dark night to rescue and minister those who were drowning in their secret transgressions, but he took peace and hope, the same I found when I laid my head on a pillow that smelled of lilac, or romped through the leaves he had recently raked.

Simple or complex, the world longs for peace, but it can’t be found in a bank account, political party, perfect life plan, scholarly pursuit or any other man made means. It came in a cattle stall, homeless and helpless, and with great and unconditional love, it changed the world.

My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest. Isaiah 32:18

I wish you Peace this Blessed Season,

Gretchen