Category: Uncategorized

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 First, the old covenant of law has been replaced by a new life giving covenant of love.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

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. Ephesians 5:25

There must have been marital issues in the early church. There must have been disputes about who got to have the last word, and it must have been ugly or Paul would not have written these words of instruction. Christian homes are not exempt from gender role issues. However, who is designated a slave and who has the right to be a petty tyrant isn’t Paul’s directive. It is unity rooted in LOVE!

The scripture proceeding states, “Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.” There is no mention of the word LOVE in this verse, but I go to church and submit myself to worship and service because I LOVE the One that died for me! Christian community, especially families, should model a right relationship with Jesus and each other. (For appropriate definitions of love see I Corinthians 13)

Years, (I mean years!) ago my stay at home mother became ill with the flu. During her incapacitation my dad made the best potato soup I ever remember tasting for his four scared and hungry little children! He kept up with the dishes and the laundry too. It wasn’t about who was meant to do what, it was about taking care of this important and intimate relationship. He acted out of love. In turn, my mother packed the household more than once and stepped into the unknown because dad felt the call of Christ to go into a new community and spread the Gospel. Her actions were indicative of her great faith in her Savior and the husband called to serve. It’s all about love!

Have a great, almost Saturday!

Gretchen

Adam made love to his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, “With the help of the LORD I have brought forth a man.” Genesis 4:1

When I was a young adult studying to be a teacher I had to take a class called Child Development. Covering everything from conception to puberty, and all the nature verses nurture in between, was quite alarming. Simple math gave me concern. By the time 3% of children have hearing impairment, 3% have vision impairment, 3% have this or that and so on……upwards of 100% of children suffer from disease or handicap! What did I take away from this? Mankind is a miracle!

When Eve gave birth to her first born, she gazed down and saw the wonder that he was. Every tiny fingernail and every curl on his head was a most precious gift from God, a miracle. And the curse of child birth was totally irrelevant. Her baby was perfect in every way!

The human race is so much more than the result of sex. We habitually take our existence and others for granted, but you are not the will of man, you are the loving act of God. Gaze upon yourself as Eve sees the first man born of flesh and then look around. With the help of the LORD we are here. Chins up! We are a miracle, a wonder!

Love,

Gretchen

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” John 11: 25

The Jews in Judea were seeking to kill Jesus. The Jewish establishment was growing very uncomfortable with Jesus’ message and growing popularity. Then, Jesus learns that his very good friend Lazarus, from Bethany, a town in Judea, has become ill. Lazarus’ sisters send for Jesus. Jesus’ disciples advise against this due to the current political climate surrounding Him.

In verse 4 of this passage Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death.” The disciples thought He meant the illness wasn’t terminal. In verse 11 He says, “I am going there to wake him up.” The disciples argued that if he was only sleeping why bother to go at all? Jesus bluntly told them, “He’s dead.” (verse 14) So the disciples decide that if Jesus is insistent on going, He will not go alone.

The continuing story tells of the sister’s grief and many who have gathered to comfort them. Jesus tells Martha, Lazarus will rise again and Martha agrees that indeed he will resurrect in the last days. Then Jesus spoke the beautiful words above! Jesus is the resurrection today! Not ages from now, today!

Not one of the characters in this story could imagine the terror of the coming days. In just a few weeks Jesus would be crucified. He did not want to leave His friends and followers with no hope, not even for three scary days. Lazarus was the opportunity to show that death did not have the last word.

We often live as though Jesus is the resurrection and the death. STOP! Jesus said, “ I am, The Resurrection and The Life!”

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Gretchen

You armed me with strength for battle; you humbled my adversaries before me. 2 Samuel 22:40

David’s life has come to an end. He looks back and sees his personal failures, but they fall irrelevant in the face of God’s mercy, grace and constant presence.

THE ONLY THING RELEVANT IN YOUR LIFE IS WHAT GOD SEES, AND YOUR LIFE RESTORED. If David can stand confidently before God with a grateful heart, so can you.

Fear of past sins will destroy a forgiven present. Sins aren’t covered, they are washed away, dissolved, swirled down the drain never to be remembered again. Hallelujah!

Have a great day!

Gretchen

“Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.” 2 Samuel 7:16

This verse is the final passage of what is now known as the Davidic Covenant. David is a warrior king, but peace has come and he has united his tribe Judah with the other tribes of Israel and established Jerusalem, then known as The City of David, as the political and religious center by returning the Ark of the Covenant. David decided he would build the first ever permanent house of God. Nathan, God’s prophet to David commended the plan until God directed otherwise.

God’s response was this, “No David, you will not build a house for Me, I will build a house for you and it will reign forever.” This is known as the Davidic covenant. Solomon, David’s son, would later build the temple.

Throughout David’s story he was the unlikely hero. God saw in David what others could not. In return, David repeatedly looked to God for his identity rather than family, friend or foe.

God designed you, so let Him define you and direct you. You will forever be in Good Hands.

Have a great day!

Gretchen