Month: March 2024

Although I am less than the least of all the LORD’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ. Ephesians 3:8

Humanity is unworthy! We are selfish, egocentric, sinful in every way!  We can’t help ourselves. Paul himself was an intolerant Jewish traditionalist who persecuted Christians.  Then he encountered Grace and the kindness of an all loving God. This hope Paul found compelled him to spread the Good News and write thirteen letters that became books of the Bible. 

The man most Biblical scholars credit with spreading Christianity across an estimated 10,000 miles, was just a sinner saved by grace.  He was not charismatic, (beaten numerous times, whipped, stoned and run out of various towns,) neither was he an eloquent talker, HE WAS A RELENTLESS DOER!

Paul found that laws and traditions were empty without love.  Love manifested itself in the perfect sacrifice, Jesus, The Christ.  Paul could not help but share the treasure he found with others, regardless of cost to his own comfort. You and I are recipients of the Word he carried throughout the world.

Be relentless with the boundless Riches of Christ!

Gretchen

Your wealth has rotted and moths have eaten your clothes. James 5:2

I have been to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C.  There I saw the famous Hope Diamond.  I was underwhelmed. Much ado has been made over its acquisition and possession. I expected something tremendous to occur when I gazed upon its magnificence?! Nothing, not even a tingle. There is sits, lit and posing for your camera, NOT in Heaven (or the other place) with the person that unearthed it, nor with any that were privileged enough to call it their own. Proof enough for me that you can’t take it with you and it won’t save you from the same end as every other human… death.

James, the brother of Jesus, speaks a great deal about social injustice, the exploitation of the poor and marginalized at the hands of the rich and entitled. However, James was not encouraging the church to strive for a utopian society, but rather, to guard itself against indulgences that take rather than give. Wealth is a false sense of security. Don’t be caught in its grip.

The only means of salvation is Christ, but we are His Body, therefore, we represent Him to a lost and broken world. We must love all and serve others. There is a corporate Holiness expected of the Body of Christ, but it must begin with the determined ethical standard of the individual that knows Christ. Set your eyes on Him and He will show you His ways.

Love,

Gretchen

One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek Him in His temple. Psalm 27:4 (The entire Psalm speaks peace and assurance!)

This song is written as a praise for the past, present and future.  David knew the mighty power of God. He presently reflects on God’s trustworthiness and in faith KNOWS to the future that God will be the same, all mighty and faithful.

A king must love his palace with all its servants and luxuries, but David longs to live only and anywhere in the presence of God.  There is no other privilege or pleasure that compares.

Prioritizing the Righteousness and Fellowship of God clarifies all of life’s trials and failures and lends some gusto when you are weary.  As a king, David fought plenty of enemies. His courage and success did not come from prowess as a warrior king but a humble heart that longed for communion with the true Sovereign LORD.

Have a Great Day,

Gretchen

Therefore do not be partners with them.  Ephesians 5:7

Where the west meets the east is a good description of Ephesus. A Greek city ruled by Rome with a diverse population. Race issues existed, prejudices followed and viewpoints complicated resolutions.  Paul brought a Gospel of unity and transformation.

As a redeemed people, Christians are obligated to live differently. To know that Jesus lives means to embrace His standard.  If He wouldn’t do it, then you shouldn’t either….for any reason……  If He wouldn’t think it, then put it out of your mind, it will destroy everything you ever dreamed of!

Behavior patterns of the past, the world of sin and darkness, must be discarded. Bitterness, spite, selfishness, must be replaced with truth, kindness and honesty.  Paul states very clearly the characteristics of those who will miss their inheritance to the Kingdom and then he simply says, “Separate yourself from their behavior! Don’t be like them, but be remolded by Christ.”

Love,

Gretchen 

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in Heaven and on earth derives its name. Ephesians 3:14-15

The knowledge of God is almost exclusive to the Jewish people until He became Man. Through Christ, God’s plan has been revealed. We who believe are to become One Body, the Body of Christ, united by One Father, One Love.

Paul, the most Jewish of all Jews, was called to bring the message of inclusivity.  Every nation, every man is invited to salvation. The hostile elements of man become irrelevant when individuals who have accepted Christ as their risen Savior become part of the church universal. 

Paul’s prayer for his friends in Ephesus is that God’s perfect love, free from prejudice and personal agenda, be the standard for the Church Universal, who is the living Body of Christ.

Love,

Gretchen

“But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.” Matthew 25:10 (For the entire parable read verses 1-13)

A wedding in Biblical times was a multi-day event. Much preparation was committed to the occasion. The best of everything was readied by the bride’s family in preparation for this enormous, momentous change of address and status the cherished daughter was about to experience. Greeted by a processional into the home of his intended, the bridegroom was the last to arrive. Upon his anticipated arrival, the gates were shut and the wedding banquet began.  Late was not an option, no exceptions.

I’ve always felt sorry for the five foolish virgins. Who hasn’t procrastinated, messed around too long, or misspent allotted funds?  Why didn’t the ten wise virgins share? How hard could that have been?  This is why: Jesus didn’t tell the story to teach good manners and sisterly consideration. He was about to be crucified, His disciples’ faith would be shaken to its foundation. They must understand that spiritual readiness is serious business. Righteousness is not something that can be shared in an emergency to cover those who have none. Keep your faith, wait, tell others to prepare, but don’t give up!

Connections to others do NOT access Heaven.  Good intentions will just be tragic regrets when the gates of Heaven close forever, and someday they will. Your momma may want you in Glory very badly, but it’s up to you, not her! An invitation is waiting, stamped with Mercy and Grace, so don’t be late!!!!

Love,

Gretchen