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So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for people under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun. Ecclesiastes 8:1

If you ask a certain blogger’s father, “How many guitars do you need to be happy?” His answer is, “One more.” Such is life. We all work really hard to obtain ‘Just One More.’ But those earthly instruments will someday turn to dust and the man that drew music and joy from them will be pickin’ and grinnin’ in the Angel Band. Seeking fame and fortune is vain.

The writer of Ecclesiastes, a book of wisdom, is encouraging us to seek a life of joy found in our relationships, not possessions. I won’t remember how many instruments dad collected, I will remember our times together making music, refinishing furniture, roofing houses, talking theology and philosophy………it is the relationship that strengthened and empowered me to face life’s trials, not the things he owns.

God made us a social race. We need each other. He ordained the good things that life brings. Yes we have to work to sustain ourselves but our jobs take us into relationships that give depth and color to our existence. We do not have to creep through days worrying there is a sin behind every blessing. There is not. Hold close the people in your world and cherish the moments you have been given.

Makin’ Memories,

Gretchen

And whether they listen or fail to listen- for they are a rebellious house – they will know that a prophet has been among them. Ezekiel 2:5

God commissioned Ezekiel to warn the wicked, call them to change their lives and command the righteous not to sin.

Freewill sets humanity apart from all other living creatures on earth. It is a gift of love woven into us by our Creator. He could have designed robots driven by instinct, lacking emotion, sympathy, empathy, compassion. He did not and with this freedom we have all sinned.

The Biblical narrative does not hold Ezekiel accountable for man’s response to God’s Word. God asked the prophet, His servant to obey and go, to act. It is man’s choice to respond to God’s call and turn from wicked ways.  Ezekiel diligently followed God.

Your response to God’s call, whether it be salvation or righteousness, is and always will be your choice, you will answer for it, and God doesn’t accept excuses! He does not waiver in His judgement and justice. He does not change. He is worthy of the love and obedience our freewill makes possible.

Love,

Gretchen

For we live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

This is a familiar verse, but it is not one I quote to myself often. I like “I can do all things…..” or “Ask and it shall be given…..” I am absolutely NOT trivializing these verses, they offer great strength and assurance in contrast to blind faith!

Oh yeah, there is no other kind of faith!

Looking back, every step of my journey makes perfect miraculous sense. I see God’s omnipotent wisdom, faultless timing and His all mighty providence at work in the wonder I call life.

Looking forward? Time marches on with me kicking and screaming into the frightening unknown begging God to give me a peek preview of my future so I can make logical sense of things to come. Ugh!!!!

Time forward is never going to be logical for the faithful. You can’t plan God’s ways, for they are not our ways, but every step of faithfulness leads to the Throne. Here’s my ‘happily ever after.’ God’s reality far exceeds my scripted plan of action.

Living the (His) Dream!

Gretchen

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:24

This is the concluding verse of the scripture passage containing the fruit of the spirit and the tell tale signs of a sinful nature.

We are all born with a sinful instinct. We call it human nature. It’s ugly! When we confess our sins and give ourselves to Christ we exchange our human nature for the likeness of our loving Savior.

The evidence of Christ in our lives should speak loudly through our actions and countenance. His presence gives power over sin, both yours and others, so be bold today!

Love,

Gretchen

He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with Him.” John 3:2

This is from the story of Nicodemus. He was a Pharisee, a man of power and influence held hostage by the cynical and selfish agenda of his contemporaries and personal fear of an interrupted status quo. He came to Jesus in the secrecy of darkness seeking the light of truth. Jesus walked him through the act of salvation, followed by the glory of God’s love and the promise of eternal life. (Check out verse 16.)

I love this story. Nicodemus was not noble and brave. He crept through unlit streets hiding in doorways, lurking through shadows. How offensive! Jesus’ response was not a reaction to the insult, but an act of love, completing the purpose for which He came.

The manner in which we come, the questions we bring, the fears that weigh us down……..none of this matters. It is the coming, the trusting that changes life forever! Jesus left Heaven to rescue you. Believe and be saved.

Love,

Gretchen

Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. Thessalonians 5:15

The believer is evidence of the True and Living God’s redemptive work on earth so what we do matters a lot! Be nice!

Love,

Gretchen

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:10

What is good? Spreading the gospel so others are freed from the bondage of sin, simple kindness toward others. I can do this.

Opportunity is where I get bogged down in my daily living. I was not called to a far off mission field away from the comforts of middle class America, so is my effort really that valid? Sometimes my days are so busy with basic living needs I don’t have time to carry out specific ministry goals. Other days I need rest that involves staying at home and not speaking to a soul. I have financial and physical limitations that are frustrating. I get so defeated about not doing enough that I often give up and do nothing at all.

Remember, scripture says, “As we have opportunity….” While I was in college my Godly boss secretly took my car and had it repaired while I was fulfilling my shift. I grew faith. I was once so devastated I thought I could not go another step and a friend sat beside me and said, “I have been where you are and I know you will find your smile again.” I grew strong. After receiving news of salvation for those I’ve prayed for, I grew more determined! These were not moments of scripted ministry, but the Body of Christ at work in the breathing moments of life. That’s ‘as we have opportunity!’

Good isn’t the one big thing done in a lifetime, it is the million little things we do each day.

Thank you,

Gretchen

But God raised Him from the dead, freeing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on Him. Acts 2:24

There are three important milestones in my spiritual development that changed me profoundly. 

1. The moment I confessed my sins and received mercy and grace.
2. The moment I asked the Holy Spirit to fill me with His presence. He did.
3. The moment I came into awareness and reality of the power in Acts 2:24.

Read verse 23 also. We only die one death and when we do, nothing mortal has any hold on us. Disease cannot cripple us, sin cannot tempt us and sorrow cannot shadow our pathway. Jesus could have said, “NO! I will NOT do this for an ungrateful, oblivious humanity!” But He did. He died. Believe it or not, Satan would have preferred He live because death took away Satan’s power. BUT WAIT! THERE’S MORE! Jesus did not stay in the grave, neither will we and there is nothing, no power, no means ever, that will change this truth. Game over! WE WIN! 

Be Bold!

Gretchen

I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. Deuteronomy 5:6

I AM…….the all knowing, all powerful, all loving LORD your God, who rescues those who call out and follow.

No child EVER has been satisfied with the answer, “Because I’m the grownup, that’s why.” But every adult I know has used this as this ‘go to’ phrase in a pinch. God, having every justifiable right to say, “Because I’m God, that’s why!” has chosen to indulge.

“I brought you out of slavery, I have protected you, fed you, provided all your needs and I’m not going to stop, that’s why!”

Yes we must obey because He is God, but He reminds us love is His singular agenda. Our response can only be trusting love in action.

Have a great Saturday!

Gretchen

Go now to your people in exile and speak to them. Say to them, “This is what the sovereign LORD says, whether they listen or fail to listen.” Ezekiel 3:11

Ezekiel is among 10,000 Israelites exiled in Babylon. He was training for the priesthood when he found himself miles away from Jerusalem, the place tradition and family heritage reasoned he would serve for his lifetime. This is reason enough to give up on the life God called you to isn’t it?

God tells Ezekiel to go and tell His people to turn from their wicked ways although it is very likely they won’t listen or accept God’s word, but in verse 8 and 9 God promised to make Ezekiel strong and obstinate in the same manner of those he is being sent to preach to.

It is frustrating when people will not listen to God’s word. I listened!!! It changed my life for the better and I just don’t get why others rebel and turn a deaf ear!!! But two things are always happening in the world of free will; people get to choose, and their choice does not, nor will it ever change the Truth. God is truth and He is never changing. 

Our reception or lack thereof does NOT determine the validity or power of God’s call or plan. Listen to His voice and his call.

Love,

Gretchen