Month: February 2020

May the LORD, the God of your ancestor, increase you a thousand times and bless you as He has promised. Deuteronomy 1:11

Deuteronomy is one of the most quoted Old Testament Books by New Testament writers and was a theological source or guiding principal for Israel’s faithful and obedient living in the covenant land.

Moses brought Israel from Egypt to the plains of Moab, God’s covenant with Abraham was about to be fulfilled.  The stage was being set for Israel to become a blessing to “all peoples on earth!” But Moses’ journey was at an end.  He would not be entering this blessed land. As a consequence of disobedience, Moses knew he would die and be buried in sight of Canaan, but not part of it. This verse is from a sermon Moses spoke to remind God’s beloved people who they are, where they came from, how far they have come, where they were going and why they were created.

We do not need to live in the shadows of our past, but it is an incredibly healthy thing for the believer to look back, see God’s faithfulness to His children and KNOW that He is never changing, all powerful, sovereign and ALL LOVING, therefore, what He as done, He will continue to do.

Have a Fabulous Thursday,

Gretchen

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. I Timothy 6:12

Timothy stayed in Ephesus to choose and train church leaders. The Epistle, I Timothy, is the first letter Paul wrote to this missionary, giving explicit instruction for church leadership, cooperate and individual holy living and personal encouragement for Timothy himself.  The words above are in the closing comments of this letter.  They are very impassioned!  “Tim! Don’t give up! I know it’s hard but remember for Whom you are working and never forget you are first and foremost, a sinner saved by grace!” 

The Christian population cannot cloister themselves from a sin infested world. If we did, the mission of the Body of Christ would halt, or would have halted shortly after it began.  Yet, neither can we embrace the values of this world.  Holiness is simple, but this balance between earthly survival (prosperity, influence, getting along with people we don’t agree with, humility verses boldness) and Heavenly aim is tough. The answer? What Paul writes to Timothy applies to you too. Don’t give up! You are a sinner saved by grace. Walk only the path that leads to the Throne of God and with great love, invite many more to join you.

Love,

Gretchen

But if you tell me the dream and explain it, you will receive from me gifts and rewards and great honor. So tell me the dream and interpret it for me.  Daniel 2:6

Faithfulness is the only appropriate response to a Living, Eternal, Sovereign God. Daniel was faithful.

When Jehoiakim, Judah’s king, refused to pay taxes to Babylon’s king, Babylon came knocking and Jerusalem fell.  Daniel, a young man of noble birth, one of the best and brightest, was no longer his own.

From the beginning of Daniel’s captivity he practiced the highest standard of ethics and holy behavior. As a result, God gave him knowledge and wisdom, including the gift of understanding visions and dreams. (Daniel 1:17)  King Nebuchadnezzar found none to compare to Daniel and three of his friends.

The king had a disturbing dream. He was losing sleep and becoming cranky. Astrologers and magicians confessed that there was no one on earth that could meet the king’s request.  In a rage Nebuchadnezzar decreed that all wise men were to be executed including Daniel and friends. Daniel stepped forward with wisdom and tact and sought the One True God. Daniel interpreted the king’s dream, saving the lives of many, but more importantly, reminding Mr. Nebuchadnezzar and all others, that no earthly dominion will ever outlive or out shine the eternal power and love of God.   

Bitterness and entitlement destroy hope.  Humble faithfulness restores and sustains life.

Have a Wonderful Day,

Gretchen 

But now, this is what the LORD says-He who created you, Jacob, He who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. Isaiah 43:1

Our names are the most intimate part of our identity.  I am Gretchen, once Jones, now Rooney.  I am wife, mother, daughter, teacher, pastor, friend, confidant…..These names define me, associate me with something bigger than myself, and give me the security of community.  It’s how I am called by those who know and need me.

God, my creator, the Master designer of my body and soul summons me, gives me identity, purpose and kinship. But by what name does He call? Is it peace maker, comforter, champion of the outcast, proclaimer of Good News? For summons is not just a call to approach, but a prelude of ‘GO!’  Our name before the Throne of Grace is incredibly precious. It is our call and purpose and when God speaks it, we recognize the voice of our Father.

What God does for Jacob, the one who had a physical encounter with Him and was renamed Israel, He will do for you.  We are the redeemed, our ransom is paid and we are His.  Read the rest of this chapter. If there was ever a scripture that said, “I’ve got this, now go!” It is Isaiah chapter 43. We are summoned, and sent and all the power of Heaven and earth is our fortress because the one name that matters most is, Child of God, Saved by Grace.

Love,

Gretchen

Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind. Ecclesiastes 4:6

Ecclesiastes is not a book of deep theology nor is it inspirational and up lifting.  It is a collection of reflections put to pen by Solomon, or one of his admirers, as he looked out upon a sin weary world.  Maybe it was cathartic to write things down, close the book and lay his head upon his pillow. We could theorize all day, but it is part of God’s Holy word and it has something to say to us.

This passage of scripture reflects on the fact that man’s greatest motivation is ‘Keeping up with the Jones’. We don’t seek what we need, or what would best benefit our community and family, we seek what will give us status above others. Society’s sifter is economic accumulation as revealed in our possessions, and yet, it does not bring us joy and security, it just instigates more work and worry.

I was present at the 2001 Daytona 500 Race when Dale Earnhardt crashed with Ken Schrader  and died instantly.  The emotions shared with other fans that moment were indescribable, but in the following days I saw a recording of him in his own words, “Yes I have achieved all I aimed to achieve, but it cost me everything.” And indeed it did.

Tranquility on earth is scarce.  Let’s join together and create some to share with others.

Have a Wonder Full Weekend,

Gretchen