Month: April 2019

Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Daniel 6:10 (Daniel 6)

God’s Holiness and a king’s ego crossed paths and a righteous man was caught in the middle. Even though Babylon changed regents and Daniel has foretold of its end, he still holds a very powerful and authoritative place in government. He is known for his integrity and this apparently offends some colleagues with a more personal agenda. These men flatter King Darius by suggesting there be a period of thirty days praise and worship to himself alone. Anyone breaking this decree will suffer death. Darius took the bait and Daniel’s fate seemed sealed.

Knowing the peril he face, Daniel did same thing he did every other day of his life. He turned to God in prayer.  In an upstairs window, facing the earthly representation of God’s everlasting presence, Jerusalem, Daniel revealed his true character. Jerusalem was in ruins, but God said it would stand again. This God will either save him or take him into His loving arms, but Daniel would not pray to the king and He absolutely would bow himself to God knowing he was trapped. Strength would be needed to face the uncertain future, so from his knees he gathered his courage.

King Darius reluctantly placed Daniel in the lion’s den. After a sleepless night he found a well rested servant, for an angel had once again visited this brave and steadfast man and spared his life. However, the connivery of Daniel’s enemies cost them and their families their lives.

Circumstance didn’t determine Daniel’s actions. Compromise was never a viable option. Trust in God’s ways, without understanding. Works every time! And on this Saturday, remember, amazing things happened on the ‘dark’ side of a stone………

Love,

Gretchen

Give ear, O God, and hear, open Your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears Your Name. We do not make request of You because we are righteous, but because of Your great mercy. Daniel 9:18 (Daniel 9)

As Babylon falls, Daniel reads Jeremiah’s prophecies and does the math. He realizes the time of captivity was nearing an end and restoration was nigh. Daniel is fully Hebrew/Jew as he prays a beautiful prayer of corporate and individual contrition.  He acknowledges their sins throughout the history of God’s covenant people and knows this alone brought judgement. Daniel asks for mercy, not because they deserve it after their suffering, but because God is Good.

Here again, scripture seems to confuse more than it answers, but while Daniel was praying, Gabriel came with news of Hope. Scholars argue the details, but the big picture is this:  Daniel was able to predict the rebuilding of Jerusalem, the coming of Jesus, the year and duration of His ministry and its end with His atoning death. A mysterious time (by man’s linear understanding) to the future, when evil will be bound forever, leaving Peace to rule the faithful, is still to come, but documented as part of this vision.

I once bought into the old adage, ‘The more you read/know, the less you understand’. Reading the ancient prophets can make one’s head spin, but as I have studied and prayed, I no longer accept this as true or even possible, because God doesn’t operate this way.  He brings order and rest to all He touches. Daniel saw a time of complete finality that was filled with great and everlasting Hope and Peace.  I don’t have to be a nuclear physicist to see the stars and I don’t have to do calculus to know that God has always had a miraculous plan to save me from my carnal self. He gave His only Son to die for me.  It’s as simple as 2+2=4. 

Friday’s Here, But Sunday’s Comin’!,

Gretchen

Then Daniel answered the king, “You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the writing for the king and tell him what it means. Daniel 5:17 (Daniel 5)

Belshazzar’s father, Nabonidus, retired to Arabia, leaving his son as co-regent of Babylon. This king in residence throws a wild party, complete with rowdy friends, intoxicating drinks and wild women. While the festivities were in full swing, the Persian army diverts the Euphrates River so they could walk along the dry river bed, into the impenetrable city uncontested. Most other kings of Babylon offered some degree of reverence to Daniel’s God. Nabonidus himself prays that his son will do likewise, but the arrogant offspring calls for the gold and silver goblets from the Temple of Jerusalem and defiles them by singing praises to the ‘gods’ of gold and silver.

A stubborn heart and an arrogant countenance are a fatal combination.  In the midst of the revelry a human like hand appears and writes on a wall.  Belshazzar did not know what the writing said, but he quickly grew sober. He sent for enchanters, astrologers and diviners but none could discern the meaning. The queen, probably Nebuchadnezzar’s widow, mentioned Daniel. The king offered him third in line to the throne and all the glory that goes with such power. Daniel informed the king such earthly entrapments held no appeal, but let the puffed up ruler know that in the history of Babylon there had been some great leaders, however, he, Belshazzar, had been weighed, found wanting and his hours were numbered. Indeed, before the night was over, Belshazzar was slain and Babylon’s short, but great, history ended.

Man cannot compensate for sin by making elaborate deals with God. Belshazzar felt he was doing God a favor by elevating Daniel’s status. Time has judged this man harshly, but where could unchecked arrogance take each one of us?…….. A humble and contrite heart is the perfect sacrifice to offer the The Ruler of All Nations.

Love,

Gretchen

He was given authority, glory, and sovereign power, all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. Daniel 7:14 (Daniel 7-8)

The story of Daniel has been paused for approximately 12 years, but Daniel has continued to grow in respect as a result of his integrity and interpretation of dreams. Many Babylonian leaders have come and gone and the empire is rapidly declining as Belshazzar, co-regent with his father, becomes on-site leader of Babylon. Late in his life Daniel has two apocalyptic dreams that left him disturbed.

Disclaimer:  I am not a theologian, but a conduit of Good News. Many scholars have studied, debated and expounded on these events and others of this nature. They do not always agree except in one regard: There is a very clear message of Hope, and Good News. 

Through Daniel’s interpretations we get a bird’s eye view of world history from Daniel to Christ, then into the beginnings of the early church and possible papal reign. Jesus’ favorite reference to Himself was “Son of Man.” The verse above is seen/heard coming from the Son of Man. Daniel knows evil brings its own destruction, but now he sees a time when evil will come to a complete, end making way for eternal peace and righteousness.

Think of all the ills you experience simply because evil is a part of life. Now, imagine a time when evil cannot reach you, it is shut out and will never find its way back in. Finally, take your mind to this hope and rest. This is the message of Daniel’s visions, hope in Christ alone.

Love,

Gretchen

Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the LORD. Psalm 102:18  (Psalms 89, 102, 106, 123, 137)

As the exiles realize their sin, confess and remember the words of the prophets, they revisit their history and clearly see where they went wrong. They also begin reassembling for corporate worship. This is where we find these Psalms put to regular use. They are a combination of hymns, prayers, call and response worship sequences and part of an important liturgy that strengthened them in the overwhelming persecution and struggle they experienced among a pagan culture.

A favorite pass time of the captors was to taunt the worshipers as they praised and prayed to a God who allowed them to be wiped from the face of the earth, and become a laughing stock of a nation. The faith of Israel’s remnant knows their transgression, placing adoration in man made idols who’s only power was to separate them from God. In the face of this intended humiliation, they went to church and stated their faith in the God they knew from the past, in the present, and to the future. What determination they must have found in God’s promise for tomorrow.

Looking to the past, generation after generation walked farther from God’s disciplined law. The hindsight of Israel is 20/20. Now they turn to the future and make a plan to obey and honor God in such a way that all generations to come will know that He alone is Sovereign and worthy of Honor and Praise. What a challenge to each of us today. Put away what hinders and clear a path for those who come behind. May the footsteps they find lead straight to the Throne of God.

Love,

Gretchen

I will sing of the LORD’S great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. Psalm 89:1 (Psalm 44, 74, 79, 80, 85, 89)

There are ten Psalms written during the exile. These hymns focus on feelings of abandonment, separation, fear and frustration with the perceived absence and silence of God. God’s covenant nation has moved from earth’s greatest wealth and power to abject poverty, slavery and displacement. They became arrogant, thinking they were untouchable no matter their carelessness in worship to The One True God, but when the Temple, the symbol of God’s presence among them, came tumbling down at the hands of pagan Babylonians, these people realized their hope had always been solely in the LORD. Now, they might be lost forever, except….. His prophets preached of return and restoration.

These prayers of lament become verses of reflection and confession. All minds turn to who God is and what He did. Will He do these things again? Spiritual loneliness and separation from others, who had once worshiped The Almighty God, brought a longing to return to the God they once fully relied on and who proved again and again that He was loving and faithful. Harsh realization led to sincere confession, both nationally and individually, and finally, a single minded determination to trust God alone settled once again, in the heart of God’s people.

When those in exile realized they were alone, separated from God, they looked to His character and remembered His many cries to rule their hearts and provide all they needed. In these memories they found optimism and promise that what He said through His prophets would come true. So, they ran to the center of the universe, God’s relationship with man, and they remained for as long as it took……And it was worth the wait.

Love,

Gretchen

My mother was dead set against a house pet most of my childhood.  An indoor pet was more domestic liability to the church parsonage than she was willing to risk.  Her children had no concept of the irreparable damage a domestic animal could do to a borrowed home, but she did and her word was law. 

While I was a freshman in high school my parents built a house of their very own. Finally! My siblings and I were free to spill things on the carpet and at last, have an inside pet!  Mom still didn’t like the idea, but we prevailed and a nice little Siamese cat came to live with us. 

There was never a cat that got more love and attention than “Sam”.  At first we observed cat holding schedules because everyone wanted premium petting time.  However, if the cat got loose it went directly to mom, without exception.  She never sat down without that silly, clueless cat climbing onto her lap. The ungrateful feline loved the very person that initially rejected her. But, mom was the only person that filled the food bowl or emptied the litter box.  We were all told to do this chore.  It was supposed to be the last thing we did as we left through the back door each morning on our way to the school bus stop, but Greg didn’t do it, I (Gretchen) had my flute and homework to lug, Gayle had her reasons and Gwen was too little to reach the feed bag or toss poop.  So, after we all got out the door and the dust settled, mom would find the cat bowl empty and the litter box full.  She just fixed the problem, then she and the cat would settle into a few contented moments of solitude before facing the outside world.

Sandy Jones had every right to get rid of the pet her children failed to care for. Other options were making poor Sam wait until we returned home in the evening and then remind us once again to take care of the cat’s needs.  Instead, Mom alone did what was right and kept the cat alive.

I will insert here, we were given consequences for neglecting Sam and we learned some very important life lessons as well. The issue of selfish, toxic, taking before we gave was not tolerated. My parents knew, if not arrested, this emotional habit would continue well beyond four Jones children and their pet.

It’s trendy and socially acceptable to take what feels good and leave the object of a so called affection empty and dying of emotional and spiritual starvation. The cost of one’s behavior is often paid by others, but it is just too easy to justify their expense or completely discount it all together. God’s character is not a reflection of taking. He is the patient giver, sustainer of life. His capacity to forgive and His willingness to sacrifice for our wellbeing is unfathomable.

At the end of Jesus’ life in human He faced the betrayal of His dear friend Peter.  After walking many miles together, laughing over life’s oddities, standing in awe and wonder at the world’s glories, sharing victories, joys and some sorrows, Peter just couldn’t face the fear and reality of who Jesus really was and His ultimate purpose, to die as a sacrifice. He denied Him not once, but thrice.  He left his beloved friend to suffer alone and friendless.  But, it didn’t matter! Jesus knew his heart and invited him to be a great giver, “Peter, if you love Me, feed My lambs, take care of My sheep, feed My sheep.” 

Our commission is to love, feed, strengthen and encourage each other. If you want to reflect God’s character (and my mom’s), then love and feed…….and maybe even clean up what stinks every once in a while.

Hosanna!

Gretchen

“Where were you when I laid earth’s foundation? Tell, me, if you understand.” Job 38:4 (Job 38-42)

Finally God speaks. I made the universe and all that is in it with specific detail to earth’s provision for man. Man in infinitely small compare to Me. I alone am God, Almighty, Creator, Giver of Life!  The wicked will absolutely be punished, but in My time. Man is not to justify themselves to Me. I know your heart, so no excuses, no defenses except righteousness. AND! Sorrow comes as a part of life. It is not a residual by product or consequence of sin…..it is life, but there is HOPE!

When struggling with life’s everyday disappointments or loss’s deepest grief, man’s only appropriate response is humble recognition of The Sovereignty of God. Trust with all your heart and know that God is working for the best in you, your family, your community, your nation and all the world. He is first and always, LOVE.

Have a Great Weekend,

Gretchen

“Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will questions you, and you shall answer me.”  Job 38:2-3  (Job 32-38:1-3) 

Of all Job’s advisors, Eliphaz is the younger and the last to speak.  He has politely differed to age and experience, but Job’s confident commitment to his defense, misread as bullheaded arrogance, has angered the court sages. This young, learned man spends many words telling how important and profound his insight is before he ever gets around to proclaiming that God’s actions are corrective, not punitive. His exhortation is six Biblical chapters long and when he is done, God speaks! (Read today’s scripture with a thunderous voice.)

Finding and placing blame is NOT synonymous with counsel or comfort. Blame always brings his best friend guilt to confront the offender, most likely the one already suffering. If guilt is provoked, he calls on his friends fear and anger. None of these characters are God’s desire for His children’s company. God’s loving arms bring only security, contentment and peace. 

Job’s friends initially meant well. However, they got wrapped up in traditional thought patterns that made them comfortable, but had the potential to destroy their friend. They passed judgement to fill a silence. Shame on them! God doesn’t need our assistance in anything! But!!He asks us to love for and through Him. We hinder the work God is already doing when we attempt to play God with someone else’s heartache. Be a conduit of Grace, not an impeder or hindrance.

Love,

Gretchen

And He said to man, “The fear of the LORD, that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.” Job 28:28  (Job 22-31)

Job’s friends are relentless. Rather than correct their theologies, they begin making up sins, completely rewriting the history of Job’s character to justify what they believe of God’s character! Job refuses to perjure himself by agreeing that he is guilty of some misplaced, forgotten, hidden or unconscious wrong.

Job clings to the words from God’s mouth and begins to grow in confidence. No longer trying to figure out why, peace is more important than an explanation and he finds what he is looking for by knowing there is an Almighty God. A recitation of Job’s sorrows concludes with a restatement of all he has done right in accordance with God’s laws and commands. Peace with God’s providence has come.

Our greatest faith comes through releasing EVERYTHING to God’s will. We want Him to abide by our definitions of kindness, bounty and justice, but He won’t, and we cannot rely on our own understanding of His ways. Like Job, our only hope and peace rests in allowing God to be God while trusting and knowing that He is good and that is enough.

‘

Not Easy for Me Either!

Gretchen