Month: March 2023

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Romans 5:6

Simple logic: Righteousness does not demand a penalty. Sacrifice is not made flippantly. Restitution is not required for good deeds done. We do not apologize for grace extended. In other words, Christ didn’t die because we are perfect, He died because we are not! That means everyone!

Sin separates us from God, thus rendering us defenseless. Through the blood of Jesus we gain grace’s victory, mercy’s love and the Kingdom of Heaven’s Power.

Have a perfectly timed Friday!

Gretchen

If a brother or sister sins, go and point out the fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. Matthew 18:15

Following the parable of the Lost Sheep, a story expressing the value of every soul and the ethics of the shepherd, this verse addresses a relationship between two people. Only two people!

The interference in someone else’s sin is a tricky, touchy thing needing the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The reference to brother and sister shows that all those involved are in the community of believers, there is a relationship in existence. This is not a conversation between strangers and NOT a subject for everyone’s ears. The Kingdom of God operates by totally different standards than the world. This moment is intimate, between people who share trust.

Free will is the operative factor, but when the will is humbled through the words of a pure heart, a true and loyal friend, unlimited grace and mercy abound. A connection is forged and the world changes for the better.

Have a great day,

Gretchen

I saw Heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice He judges and wages war. Revelation 19:11

When I was in high school we had five minutes to move from one period to the next, but there was a real problem with tardies. Our administration decided to implement a one minute warning buzzer to make students aware of time elapsing and become better stewards with the outcome of fewer tardies.

I find that many people look to Revelation in the same manner they depended on the four minute warning to keep them out of delinquency trouble. They just want to know how much longer they have personal control before they must give up and let God be God.

Every age has its evil, the spirit that treats life as a commodity to be exploited, cheated, bought and sold at will in exchange for power, greed and self-love, but this verse is the promise of God’s final act upon this earth’s abscesses. Even today God is at work with perfect justice and He will bring down those who continually exact their self absorbed behavior on others and refuse to acknowledge Him as Lord and King.

We that already know God for who He is need to continue our Worship and Praise for that is our testimony before others who so badly need His touch.

Love,

Gretchen

She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins. Matthew 1:21

Matthew’s narrative, or good news, is to show Jesus as the true and awaited King beginning with the record of genealogy in verses 1-17. This short little moment in time steps away from ages of Who’s Who and into the intimacy of what Mary knew long before any of the rest of us did. Remember, Matthew is writing his words after the fact, Mary was in ‘living color’.

To what degree Mary was given the detailed facts of Jesus’ purpose may never be fully revealed, but what is known is her great faith in a God that is loving and kind and held her future, her child’s, and all of mankind’s, in His hands. Mary’s God is alive, personal and actively working in the world both then and now.

There are so many ways God could have fulfilled His promise of Salvation but He chose faith, love and sacrifice. This is how Jesus came from Heaven to earth and how He returned. We must do likewise.

Have a great day!

Gretchen

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the LORD’s people. Ephesians 6:18

Prior to this verse, Paul gives perfect instruction for victory in defensive spiritual warfare, the Full Armor of God. Don’t go to battle without your gear! Protect your soul but then do a little warfare on the enemy. Verse 18 turns to the offense. Pray! The one thing satan, the enemy, does not want you to access is the power and strength found only in prayer.

Your ‘go to’ reaction to every stimuli in your life should be prayer. On all occasions pray. Worship, praise, implore, petition, confess, commune and intercede, but PRAY!

We’ve got our game plan, offense and defense, we’re set for the win!

Have a great weekend!

Gretchen

It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows His blessing, even life forevermore. Psalm 133:3

These beautiful words are the final words of a three verse Psalm. Identified as one of the wisdom Psalms and a Psalm of David, it calls for peace and unity among family and community. Harmony is placed as a priority.

Mt. Hermon marks today’s northern boundary of Palestine. Its snow caps can be seen from great distances making it a tremendous landmark. Refreshing breezes blow from its cool heights across the heat of the lowlands, spring melting feeds summer’s lakes and rivers, morning dew is a refreshing respite in the arid and desolate deserts.

Peace, like all other things of great value, is difficult to find and obtain, but once achieved it is a treasure of worth. It completely changes the quality of life. Peace, where the LORD bestows His blessing…..life evermore.

Love,

Gretchen

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! Corinthians 5:17

The reference to ‘new’ in this scripture has many facets. First, the old covenant of law has been replaced by a new life giving covenant of love. Second, while Jesus was human we were connected to things of this earth, but through the death and resurrection we have a new life eternal. Lastly, we are made new through Christ’s blood. When Jesus rids you of your sin, the only thing left from the past is the skin you’re in!!! You are new…. not remodeled, not repurposed, not re-anything!!! You are new!

New is completely irrelevant if you cannot put the old away. The two cannot exist together. Choose a new life in Christ!

Love,

Gretchen

But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone. Hebrews 2:9

Hebrews is known as the sermonic epistle. The writer has an absolute mission to thoroughly deliver the story of salvation.

For a very brief moment in history Christ shared our human nature, and then He died. Death brings an end to earthly everything. It is incredibly hard to fathom an eternity we know little of, while resting all our hope upon its existence. The crevice between Heaven and earth never seems broader than in times of deepest grief but then peace that passes all understanding washes over us in a comforting wave and by faith all is made clear.

While on earth satan waged all his powers against Jesus. He withheld nothing to defeat the purpose of God through Jesus. Satan DID NOT want Jesus to give His life for yours. But He did. The moment Jesus drew his final breath, satan lost! Then on that glorious resurrection morning, His sacrificial love changed the face of the world. Death lost all its sting.

Death is nothing but the end of satan’s grip. God’s redeeming and saving power has been assured because Jesus left Heaven and tasted death for us all.

Have a wonderful and powerful Tuesday!

Gretchen

This is what the LORD says: “Cursed are those who trust in mortals, who depend on flesh for their strength and whose hearts turn away from the LORD.” Jeremiah 17:5

God’s chosen people have repeatedly turned away from God’s sovereign rule, also known as love. Earthy treasure habitually becomes far more important that the Provider. The proceeding verses in chapter 17 tell the story of children that know more about pagan gods than they do the God of Israel.

This is going to get ugly so be ready. If your children can name movie stars, professional athletes and know how to shop for name brand clothing, but don’t know Abraham from Moses…..there is a serious problem in their life and yours.

I’m not done. If they know McDonalds from Burger King by their logos, yet they don’t know why church steeples have crosses on them……..we have a problem.

Here’s good news! It is easily fixed! There is nothing more valuable and important on this earth than God’s Holy word and His community of believers. DON’T MISS HEAVEN FOR THE WORLD!

I really love each of you!

Gretchen

When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins. Colossians 2:13

The Christian community at Colossae was being led astray by false teaching. Jewish mysticism had become a serious problem. These mystics wanted a return to Jewish customs, and believed that they could move in and out of Heaven and visit with the angels. A residual arrogance appeared, removing Christ as the center of worship.

Paul, a Jew, sets the record straight! Circumcision, the irreversible physical distinction between Jewish men and all others on earth, is NOT what brings about salvation. God sent His Son, who brought everlasting life through His death. Only one way to Heaven? Through the cross! This is worthy of great praise and worship.

Have a great weekend!

Gretchen