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They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on His head. They put a staff in His right hand. Then they knelt in front of Him and mocked Him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said. Matthew 27:28-29

Jesus called Himself The Son of God. This declaration by someone other than The One True God is considered blasphemy, a crime punishable by death. Fair enough, but there was plenty of evidence to the Truth. However, justice and facts weren’t the issue, the extreme evil in the heart of man was. Jews, Herod and his soldiers, Pilate and his soldiers, priests, elders and scribes took part in the sport of humiliate (they stripped Him naked) and torture (thorns were crammed into his scalp and face). They thought they were bringing Jesus down from His high horse………He was patiently waiting for love to have its final word.

I’ve always wondered if those people went home that night proud of themselves. Did they feel all big inside, being part of a riot that ended in someone’s death? How did their children, sitting across the room, look at them. Did they fear the adults so free and loose with their fists and spit, or did they hail them as heroes? Did any of them want to rewind time and have a do over of that day? Was there any life changing regret? Thoughts on these answers matter to us today because they define character and the motivation of our own actions toward one another. It’s easy to pick out the wrong doers at the crucifixion, but if we withhold love’s chance and opportunity, we stand in the shadow of the cross, not the Light!

For these vicious hate filled men, and women, Grace was never out of reach until their final breath was drawn. In fact, when Jesus drew His final breath a soldier that had played a part in the day’s events came to believe. RIGHT THERE IN LIVING COLOR, AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS a murderer was humbled, confessed and found eternal life.

I am so relieved that God is Good, He is Love. We must cautiously, with determination, guard our hearts against all things but love and goodness.

Happy Friday!

Gretchen

The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem. John 12:12

Jesus and His disciples had come to Bethany, the home of Lazarus and his two sisters. It was Pentecost, Jesus’ last, the beginning of passion. Because Lazarus had been resurrected by Jesus, they had both achieved what we would call Rock Star status.  Everyone knew of them, especially Jesus. They wanted to meet Him and desired to connect with Him somehow.  He was an everyday man that left things better than He found them. Word traveled and crowds gathered.

Among the general population, Jesus and His disciples were adored. The multitudes looked to them as a great hope and future for themselves and their nation.  The religious leaders couldn’t stand it! Their self centered instinct to preserve their power turned to deep fury. The hatred they harbored and fed became all consuming. With every ounce of energy and influence they had they spewed fear and perverted half truths, completely changing the direction of public opinion. In the end, Jesus was crucified by an angry mob that had hailed Him just a few days prior.

Yes, prophecy was fulfilled and Jesus became the Christ, the Lamb of God, just as He was meant to do, but that doesn’t justify man’s behavior.  Hatred is deadly and there is no excuse for it.  Love cannot be nullified. Love when the crowd loves, hate when they hate? NO! Choose love, only…..always!

Love,

Gretchen

Then He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.  Luke 24:45

Everything to do with God’s plan is about Grace and Mercy and it is Amazing!  But the perfection of timing in the lives of people is the greatest expression of love from a very personal and intimate Savior.

Jesus spent His final days on earth drawing His friends close and explaining what was to come. He had to tell them, but they didn’t have any reference to attach understanding, except the same prophecies that were being rejected or misinterpreted by the Jewish authority.  They only had their faith, and that was enough.

Some things you just never understand until experience opens your heart and mind.  Jesus didn’t say, “Well dah!” He reacted in love and brought those with faith into understanding so that they too could love and celebrate as Jesus does.

Have a great Wednesday,

Gretchen

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1

The Roman church began at Pentecost when gentiles witnessed the miracle of the Gospel spoken for everyone’s ears.  Romans is Paul’s letter with the purpose of keeping anything from polluting the purity of salvation through Christ alone.

Condemnation is a very ugly word.  It means you have been accused, found guilty and now the worst possible consequences will become your fate. This is the reality of Jesus’ death by crucifixion. Except, He was not guilty, we were. The mistake wasn’t wasted, it was quite intentional. You can call it time served. Jesus served our time in the grave winning victory over death. It’s over and done with, just believe and His innocence is yours too.

Love,

Gretchen

“Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” Mark 11:10

Jesus’ fate has been sealed. Old Testament prophecy will soon be played out in God’s language of love, not the words and actions of human authority. The streets of Jerusalem were filled with people gathered for Passover, the Jewish festival celebrating the emancipation of the Hebrew slaves, when Jesus rode into town on a young, unbroken horse. They recognized Jesus as King of kings, but Prince of Peace was lost on most of them. Peace wasn’t their goal. An earthly reign of human power to settle old scores and dole out justice according to man’s perspective was the objective of the religious government of this day.

People knew a savior was coming and expressed faith that Jesus was that Savior. He rode into Jerusalem to throngs of people shouting, “Hallelujah!.”  If they believed John that Baptist was a prophet, and they did, then they had to accept Jesus was the Messiah, which they wanted to believe, but the church authority discouraged and began a smear campaign to malign Jesus’ good works and Holy name.  Why? Because it threatened their life style, their comfort and their right to abuse according to their prejudices. 

Jesus came riding into Jerusalem on a colt, not a war-horse. He came to save the world through love.  Love begets peace, joy, patience, forgiveness, self-control and total contentment, an earth as it is in Heaven.  Let go of your expectations and entitlements and let the world become what God created it and you to be.

Have a Great Monday,

Gretchen

Fall Uphill

My husband has been riding motorcycles since he was a preschooler.  His bike is just an appendage, maneuvering it is as natural has walking and breathing. The world rocketing past in a blur brings him rest and restoration. Testing his agility and speed against others, that’s part of the exhilaration. Years ago when he began racing, one of the more seasoned riders always broadcast at the starting line, “If you’re gonna fall, fall uphill.” There’s a phenomena, called off-camber, every rider must learn to overcome. It is not always practical or possible to go straight up or down a mountain side. While winding up a trail the rider must fight gravity pulling him and his bike down the mountain. The trick is to concentrate on leaning toward the uphill, keeping the bike moving and finding secure places to put your feet down if you absolutely must stop.

The summer after we were married Keith surprised me with a small dirt bike to call my very own.  Who needs roses and chocolate? I smiled the bewildered smile of a woman wondering where the white picket fences were hiding, but I hopped on and kick started that little machine anyway.  Keith had dreamed of wedded bliss where he and I, husband and wife, would spend endless hours riding through the backroads and forests of places far and near.  Me? Climbing roses on white fences!!!!  But I also desired to be Keith’s dream girl. Three days after receiving my gas burning bundle of fun, I was carried to the mountainous countryside near Greers Ferry Lake, Arkansas.  The trails were predominantly narrow, with a steep bluff to one side and mountain side to the other.  I was frightened and overwhelmed. Keith just kept saying, if you start to fall, fall uphill.  Ummmmm. Thanks, but WHAT?!

There was a huge gap between Keith’s practiced and perfected ability to spot and plan for events that would need feet on the ground and my inexperience. I was so engulfed in the many functions of shifting gears, balancing, correcting speed and avoiding immovable obstacles that I panicked and made many mistakes.  My bike spent more time on its side with me kicking dust in frustration, than it did flying through the woods as Keith had imagined. It was disappointing and painful for both of us. To put it gently, I failed terribly at biking.

The trick to remaining upright and moving forward is leaning toward safety and security, and putting your feet on something stable. Successful Christian living is the same.

           Turn you ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Psalm 31:2-3

People that live victoriously aren’t just the lucky ones.  They work hard at making strong choices, always knowing where they’re heading and making sure they are focused on higher, solid ground.

I would like to add, while the racers are out in the wilderness chasing the wind, no rider ever goes down helpless and hurt except that many stop and assist, or in some instances, comfort until medical professionals arrive. At the end of the day, someone always brings the injured rider’s personal gear to the truck, securing it and getting it all home.  Why? Because you just don’t let bad things happen when you have the power to help.

When the way becomes treacherous, find The Rock and solid footing. Fall uphill and if you miss, good and capable help is on the way.

Blessings,

Gretchen

Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.  Philemon 1:7

It was the practice of the conquering Roman army to capture the brightest and best among indigenous peoples and sell them into slavery.  Such was probably the case for Onesimus, slave of Philemon, a wealthy, prominent citizen, friend and convert of Paul’s. 

This single chapter book tells the story of Onesimus, who stole money from his master and ran away.  Probably out of money and destitute, he went searching for Paul while Paul was imprisoned in Rome. Onesimus became a Christian and Paul loved him like a son, but they both knew he was the legal property of Philemon. Even though there were great consequences for runaway slaves, the decision was made to do the ethical and Christian thing, Onesimus must humble himself and return to his rightful owner, trusting Philemon will do the right thing and give him his freedom and make him a brother in Christ rather than one man’s captive.

Peace among people is more important than property. Paul decision was centered relationships rather than the legal system. He trusted Philemon, a man sharing his same faith, would act in love and mercy, proving that the human Onesimus was far more important than enslaving someone for personal gains.

Never underestimate the power of your single act of love. People everywhere are watching and it just might be the game changer they’ve been looking for.

Happy Weekend!

Gretchen

When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I Corinthians 2:1-2

Corinth was in the vicinity of Athens. The people of this ‘Modern’ metropolis considered themselves to be thinkers and philosophers rivaling those of Greece.  Paul himself was a scholar, a pharisee, an educated Jewish man.  This new testament church was not lacking in cognitive ability.  How can this be a bad thing? Well, there was no consistent place to meet in large groups corporately, so people divided into small groups and met in homes under various leaders.  Theology was discussed and debated and suddenly the small stuff was bigger than the only thing that really mattered, a Risen Savior.

Humility, an important commodity in short supply, goes the distance when giving witness to the things Christ has done. Knowledge is a tremendous asset but it is only the beginning of wisdom. Paul’s intellect did not lead him to the mission field of gentiles, his ‘up close and personal’ encounter with God did.

The only thing that really matters is this: Jesus is the Son of God and by His own choice, made Himself a sacrifice, to die for the sins of all mankind.  He rose from the dead, securing victory over sin and death and assuring eternal life for all who believe.

Salvation does not come with title, I.Q. or charisma, but faith alone. And that IS all that matters!

Love,

Gretchen

When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate, when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. I Peter 2:23-25

Tradition tells that Peter, like Christ, was crucified, although there is no confirming documentation.  However, the early Christians in and around Rome suffered tremendously under Nero’s persecution. These new converts had given up the cult religions of their families and communities. Their new faith was complicated by the grief of persecution and its friends, doubt and desperation. Peter reminds them hope is found in a Savior that suffered most and a God that knows best.

It is a great step of faith to allow God’s justice to play out, both for the believer who’s hope is in eternity and that same believer who is exploited, neglected or compromised daily on earth.  We spend great energy and resources tending to humanity’s perception of equality and justice. Man is often short sighted, far sighted or just completely wrong and will never perfect something only God can. 

Christians are called to walk this earth as upright, model citizens, making no excuses with or for prejudice and abuse. Our behavior represents and therefore, should reflect the One who gave Himself into the hands of God’s great plan, wisdom, love and justice.

Love,

Gretchen

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.  He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. Matthew 28:5-6

The Jewish sabbath is observed from sunset to sunset, Friday through Saturday. Jesus’ body might have hung in public through the sabbath had it not been for Joseph of Arimathea, who asked for His body.  He hurriedly wrapped it in a clean cloth and placed Jesus in his own family’s newly carved tomb, before evening arrived. There was no time to thoroughly prepare the body for burial as Jewish law did not allow for this once the sabbath had begun.

Early on the morning after the sabbath, Mary Magdalene and another Mary went to pay respect and begin washing and embalming the body of their friend. They were distraught, but intent on leaving Jesus in a dignified state of permanent burial. Instead they found an angel, Heaven’s divine messenger, in human form, delivering the news that Jesus is risen, He is not dead. 

I like to think that because women’s minds have the ability to multitask, God knew they would quickly recognize and connect the dots of past prophecy, present events and hope to the future, and this is why He gave these two servants the precious authority to begin the perpetuation of Good News.  It’s really irrelevant, Jesus was not in the tomb, but waiting to greet those who believe, and He still is today.  He is Risen!

He is Risen Indeed!

Gretchen