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I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of My hand.  John 10:28

If you read verses 1-21 you see Jesus likened to a loving shepherd that provides perfect care and security to His flock. In 22-39 you see the behavior of those who really want Jesus to be the long awaited Messiah, but on their terms, meeting their expectations. They become angry to the point of murder when they don’t get their way!  Jesus is unaffected by the temper tantrums but assures these hostile hearers, of the hope for those who believe with no strings attached.

Just believe.  Easily said, tough to live! As for me, there is a constant struggle over who is the boss of whom!  I know best what I need and how I need it, if God would just listen!  Crazy I know. Jesus the Good Shepherd, the correct and perfect Messiah, Lamb of God, the One I must trust and believe, is all knowing and all loving.  I am safe in His wisdom and care.

If you have created God in your likeness, you will never be satisfied, only anxious and resentful. Just be a dumb and helpless sheep. The greenest grass, calmest waters and warmest barns ….in other words, peace and tranquility…..await. 

Have a Restful Weekend,

Gretchen

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.  Colossians 3:1-3

The theme of Colossians is the All-Sufficiency of Christ. His death sealed the victory over eternity. Sin and satan’s power will never have the last word!  Jesus’ resurrection wasn’t just an event in His history, but also, those who choose to believe, you and me.  It is our resurrection too. 

Many years ago a young man proposed to me.  I said, “Yes!” At that moment, my heart dwelt in the home we would someday share. Even though it would be several months before we became husband and wife and lived under the same roof, my thoughts, dreams and actions were wrapped up in the day I would change my name and address.  My soul knew where home was and the rest of me acted accordingly.

Heaven’s move-in day may be unannounced, but the house is ready, furnished and well stocked for all the ages to come, so act as though you already live there! 

Love,

Gretchen

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 

Flat Tires With Friends

I have known my husband since we were twelve years old.  I refuse to discuss how long that’s been, but sliced bread was available.  Some of my first memories are his dark, windblown hair, framing a silly grin and twinkling blue eyes when he showed up in my driveway on any given evening. His only means of travel was miles of dusty, dirt road on his old motorcycle, but when that helmet came off he was happy, content and relaxed. Still today, the wind in his face restores his inner peace.

Keith loves motorsports. The fellowship and camaraderie of friends with his shared passion are an added delight. When these riding enthusiasts load and unload their machines they bench race (tell fish tales), debate the newest products and innovations and share stories they’ve heard and read from other riders. Most importantly, they set aside the worries and trials of life and spend time together doing what they love.

One fall weekend, Keith and several friends made a trip to a national forest where miles of trail are set aside for riding. These guys have a very tightly ordered protocol for participation.  First and foremost, you take care of your stuff at home so no one’s fun is slowed by poorly working equipment.  No molly coddling!  If you quit or break down, you go to the truck and wait. The young guys ride to the front, and the old guys to the back.  Traditionally it’s their way of looking out for the rookies, but everyone knows the seasoned riders just want to laugh at the mishaps of the young, while avoiding an audience to their own blunders. Typically, Keith rides last of the last.

On this particular day, Keith became “That Guy!” A few miles into the woods he felt the rear tire wobbles, indicating a flat. Oh, the agony of being the problem. The reality of fixing a flat tire in the middle of no where was next to zero. As he turned to limp his cycle back to the staging lot  he began to feel very sorry for himself. The great outdoors that offered so much exhilaration, became sadly silent. It is a heavy quiet when you wonder how many miles separate you and the next nearest human. Keith reconciled himself to the hours alone, as he waited on his friends to return with stories of great adventure.

BUT!

Keith’s absence was noticed. He isn’t a quitter, in fact, he is a strong rider. One concerned friend came looking.  Long before the motorcycle arrived Keith knew who it was because he knows the sound of his friends bikes like he knows their faces and voices. Then, another purr came racing back down the trail…..and another and another. In short order, boys and men were digging through their meager tools and fanny packs finding what they could to get Keith rolling again. They succeeded.

As everyone lined back up and headed out, Keith realized he is a priority to these friends, but he isn’t special, these men that turned around and came back are.  Their character, not Keith’s, determined the outcome.

The rules of the road are clear, every man for himself, except when the friend in need is the most important thing. This kindness and friendship left an everlasting mark on Keith’s heart and mind and strengthens him still when life weighs him down.

People are the most important thing on earth.  Jesus didn’t die for any other reason but for you and your neighbor……humans!  For God SOOOOOOOOO loves the world, that He GAVE His only Son for our eternal life! (John 3:16 Gretchen’s version.)

Keep Your Face to the Son!

Gretchen

PSA: Always turn off your Go Pro when taking a potty break in the woods, and thanks guys for looking out for my guy!

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

Then some boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the LORD had given thanks. John 6:32

Around 20 AD, during the construction of Tiberias, an ancient cemetery was found, making it unclean for any Jew to live there or travel through.  Residents of this lakeside city, heard the wonders of a man named Jesus. Hungry and anxious to see Jesus for themselves, they went in search of Him. The people that took to boats to find Jesus landed shortly after the miraculous feeding of 5,000 people. When they arrived, Jesus and His disciples had already left, so they followed them to Capernaum where they found Him.

These people knew of a possible Messiah that provided free food, but on this day Jesus’ message was the Bread of Life. It was obvious to many that Jesus met the physical needs of the sick, poor, and marginalized. No one wanted to miss out on their fair share, but our spiritual well-being is what He lived to die for and that is what these seekers found.

We often begin our spiritual journey with certain expectations, thinking we know what we’re looking for. It is what motivates us. But in God’s loving kindness, we are led to exactly what we need. He’s just that kind of God. He knows best and He is good.

Love,

Gretchen