Sonshine!

So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for people under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun. Ecclesiastes 8:15

If you ask a certain blogger’s father, “How many guitars do you need to be happy?” His answer is, “One more.” Such is life. We all work really hard to obtain ‘Just One More.” But those earthly instruments will someday turn to dust and the man that drew music and joy from them will be pickin’ and grinnin’ in the Angel Band. Seeking fame and fortune is vain.

The writer of Ecclesiastes, a book of wisdom, is encouraging us to seek a life of joy found in our relationships, not possessions. I won’t remember how many instruments dad collected, I will remember our times together making music, refinishing furniture, roofing houses, talking theology and philosophy………it is the relationship that strengthened and empowered me to face life’s trials, not the things he owns.

God made us a social race. We need each other. He ordained the good things that life brings. Yes we have to work to sustain ourselves but our jobs take us into relationships that give depth and color to our existence. We do not have to creep through days worrying there is a sin behind every blessing. There is not. Hold close to the people in your world and cherish the moments you have been given.

Makin’ Memories,

Gretchen

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believer in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. I Timothy 4:12

The authority is in the Message, not the messenger. Verse 11 says, “Command and teach these things,” referring to the prior verse, “We have put our hope in the Living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially those who believe.”

Most people say, “I will help if someone else will take charge.” Leading is a difficult position whether you’re speaking of a flock of geese flying south, or the women’s auxiliary organizing a bazaar. Leaders are vulnerable to criticism and a fickle workforce, but a great leader sets their eye on the goal, is confident in their mission and plan of action, then marches on undistracted. Age may grow a thicker skin and perseverance through practice, but age does NOT determine the message.

Do not let any excuse mute your voice. Live to the standard set before you: Holiness in speech, conduct, love, faith and all purity and then go boldly where others fear to tread.

Love from a not so youthful,

Gretchen

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives. Colossians 1:9

Each of Paul’s epistles began with words of commendation and praise for those who have heard and accepted the Gospel. These particular words go out to the Christians in Colosse, an area located in what is now western Turkey, a place Paul was never able to visit personally but felt great connection to through their pastor and his student Epaphras.

Paul was an evangelist, pastor, missionary, friend and disciple. He was not God!!!! He knew where his power ended and God’s began. He prayed that this church, these people, would find clear and perfect knowledge and grow in wisdom and understanding through the work of the Spirit. In faith he knew they would.

It is often difficult to do the work God calls us to, then step back and release the outcome to Him. Remember the same God that reached down into your deep pit of spiritual quicksand will reach down to those you pray for and minister to. Paul presented the Gospel. That’s all any of us can do. Don’t micromanage God!!! You be you, and let God be God.

Have a Peaceful Day!
Love,

Gretchen

For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the Kingdom of the Son He loves. Colossians 1:13

As the salutation/introduction part of Paul’s letter to the church of Colosse, these words are part of an encouragement and praise to the faith of these baby Christians gathering to worship and grow.

It isn’t the dark that intimidates, it’s what’s IN the dark that gives pause. In the inky gloom of night shadows take on a life of their own, accent tables become obstacles, rogue Legos bring agony. There is no surety in stepping forward or remaining still. Darkness is horrible. Satan dwells there with confusion, injustice and sorrow, the laws of his dominion.

God has made a way to His Kingdom of light, His Son, the Christ, Jesus. God’s love is so radiant that the light He casts dissolves all shadows (even those under your feet).

Don’t give up! You’re not alone. God is at work and you will make it!

Love,

Gretchen

And whether they listen or fail to listen-for they are a rebellious house – they will know that a prophet has been among them. Ezekiel 2:5

God commissioned Ezekiel to warn the wicked, call them to change their lives and command the righteous not to sin.

Freewill sets humanity apart from all other living creatures on earth. It is a gift of love woven into us by our Creator. He could have designed robots driven by instinct, lacking emotion, sympathy, empathy, compassion. He did not and with this freedom we have all sinned.

The Biblical narrative does not hold Ezekiel accountable for man’s response to God’s Word. God asked the prophet, His servant, to obey and go, to act. It is man’s choice to respond to God’s call and turn from wicked ways.  Ezekiel diligently followed God.

Your response to God’s call, whether it be salvation or righteousness, is and always will be your choice, you will answer for it, and God doesn’t accept excuses! He does not waver in His judgement and justice. He does not change. He is worthy of the love and obedience our freewill makes possible.

Love,

Gretchen

For we live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

This is a familiar verse, but it is not one I quote to myself often. I like “I can do all things…..” or “Ask and it shall be given…..” I am absolutely NOT trivializing these verses, they offer great strength and assurance in contrast to blind faith!

Oh yeah, there is no other kind of faith!

Looking back, every step of my journey makes perfect miraculous sense. I see God’s omnipotent wisdom, faultless timing and His all mighty providence at work in the wonder I call life.

Looking forward? Time marches on with me kicking and screaming into the frightening unknown begging God to give me a peek preview of my tomorrows so I can make logical sense of things to come. Ugh!!!!

Time forward is never going to be logical for the faithful. You can’t plan God’s ways, for they are not our ways, but every step of faithfulness leads to the Throne. Here’s my ‘happily ever after.’ God’s reality far exceeds my scripted plan of action.

Living the (His) Dream!

Gretchen

Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. I Corinthians 16:13-14 

These are the concluding words to Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian church. By the time he wrote a group of local people, who claimed to be Christian, were teaching the idea and reality of the resurrection was ridiculous and unnecessary. Paul vehemently reminds his readers that hundreds of people saw Jesus physically post crucifixion and a resurrected Savior is essential to our victory over death. 

Unity around Jesus, His life, death and resurrection, is His Kingdom come. Unity can only be achieved through a love that loves greater than our disagreements can divide. This is our victory over death. 

Every shiny voice that claims to be Christian must live a resurrected life. When seeking someone or something to lead or follow, we must be discerning. If it doesn’t pass the ‘love’ smell test, then it isn’t Christian.

LOVE,

Gretchen

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

While the Bible makes no mention of Nero’s persecution of Christians, it occurred during Bible times. In and around Rome multitudes of Christians were arrested and put to death in the most cruel ways, crucified, thrown into the arena, or covered in pitch and burned alive for the amusement of the masses. It was at this time Paul was rearrested and indicted. He knew there was no hope of escaping prison this final time. Timothy was his dear friend and co-minister, and from a Roman dungeon, Paul wrote this triumph of faith.

Paul did not wallow in his woes, expanding on the injustice of it all, he just longed to strengthen those who came behind him, to encourage and remind them it would be worth it on the other side. 

Christ, though unseen to others, had been seen by Paul. The resurrection was an unquestioned reality and Christ was Paul’s intimate companion. What Paul testimony to his friend in power and love is also for each one of us. We will not survive this life if we do not persevere as Paul and Timothy both did. Pray, practice and don’t forget to encourage others. It will make a difference some day.

Love,

Gretchen

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:24

This is the concluding verse of the scripture passage containing the fruit of the spirit and the tell tale signs of a sinful nature.

We are all born with a sinful instinct. We call it human nature. It’s ugly! When we confess our sins and give ourselves to Christ we exchange our human nature for the likeness of our loving Savior.

The evidence of Christ in our lives should speak loudly through our actions and countenance. His presence gives power over sin, both yours and others, so be bold today!

Love,

Gretchen

He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with Him.” John 3:2

This is from the story of Nicodemus. He was a Pharisee, a man of power and influence held hostage by the cynical and selfish agenda of his contemporaries and personal fear of an interrupted status quo. He came to Jesus in the secrecy of darkness seeking the light of truth. Jesus walked him through the act of salvation, followed by the glory of God’s love and the promise of eternal life. (Check out verse 16.)

I love this story. Nicodemus was not noble and brave. He crept through unlit streets hiding in doorways, lurking through shadows. How offensive! Jesus’ response was not a reaction to the insult, but an act of love, completing the purpose for which He came.

The manner in which we come, the questions we bring, the fears that weigh us down……..none of this matters. It is the coming, the trusting, that changes life forever! Jesus left Heaven to rescue you. Believe and be saved.

Love,

Gretchen