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Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the Kingdom. Luke 12:32

These are the words of Jesus talking directly to His twelve disciples. This scripture is preceded by the parable of the rich fool and warnings in regards to earthly ambition and leisure. Jesus uses the endearment, “Little flock,” to remind these servants that ravens do not sow or reap, nor do they have store houses, yet they do not go hungry or homeless (vs. 24).

Sometimes the minister needs a minister. Jesus and His friends have been busy healing, teaching, fielding criticism from local authority. He speaks comfort and assurance in the security of God’s love and pleasure. A loving Son relays the heart of His loving Father, “He is pleased to give you the Kingdom.”

These words are specific to a certain group of men, but apply to all who seek to follow and serve the Lord. Our riches are in Heaven but in the meantime, God will take wondrous care of you.

It is my adamant testimony that this is true.

Love,

Gretchen

Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. Hebrews 3:1

Hebrews was written to a group of Christian Jews that were wavering between Christianity and Judaism. They were taught from their earliest memories to revere Moses, the one who grew them into a great nation, brought them God’s law and established worship practices still observed today. Also from those teachings grew the expectation of an earthly, conquering hero that would annihilate all foes.

It is incredibly hard to accept new evidence that negates long held beliefs and traditions. This was the greatest struggle facing early Christians that already recognized God as the One True God. A poor ordinary baby that became a sacrifice, naked and alone on a cruel cross was quite a shift in theological thought.

We must fix our eyes on the Son of God, who became the Son of Man, who became the Lamb of God. He has already fought our enemy and won.

Have a great midweek,

Gretchen

Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours? 2 Chronicles 1:10

God has appeared to Solomon and told him to ask for anything. (vs. 7) Recognizing that he was to lead the greatest nation on earth, Solomon might have asked for power or wealth. Instead, you find his request in the scripture above. God is faithful and Solomon was given wisdom according to the unlimited riches of Heaven.

Wisdom is many things, discernment, prudence, good old fashion gumption, circumspection. It greatly increases quality of life, both by allowing us make peace with the past and enabling us to move boldly into the future. All the things Solomon might have desired such as monetary superiority or physical might came about through wisdom.

God alone is the creator and provider of pure and perfect wisdom. His faithful provision is not limited to Solomon, but freely given to all those who ask.

Love,

Gretchen

Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious, but fools are consumed by their own lips. Ecclesiastes 10:12

I was once told, “Shut your mouth before all your stupid falls out.” Don’t feel sorry for me, I had it coming.

If the words from my mouth don’t leave the moment better than I found it, then …………….

Love

Gretchen

Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. James 3:18

Titles tell what service or product a person offers the world. For instance, I am a teacher. That means I lead someone from a state of unknowing to knowing (hopefully). A baker, (my personal favorite) creates something palatable and nourishing. The list goes on but you get the gist.

James conveys that a peacemaker is a producer in the same manner that a farmer, truck driver, lawyer, doctor…..is. As with any other service, the peacemaker begins with a resource/ability and ends with something of value. That beginning is the Wisdom of Heaven, free for the asking, resulting in right behavior, aka righteousness.

‘Peacemaker’ is a most honorable job title. Sowing peace is a worthy investment. The product is “On earth as it is in Heaven.”

Gretchen

Someone in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my bother to divide the inheritance with me.” Luke 12:13

This interruption came while Jesus was speaking to the multitudes concerning boldness through the Holy Spirit when faced with temptation and hardship. This nameless gentleman recognized the worth of what Jesus was saying but only as it applied to someone else, in this instance a brother’s alleged treachery.

Is it right that this man’s brother withheld his inheritance? No, but that’s not the point. Man’s behavior will never be fair. Humans err, perspective is miscued, some are downright selfish! God didn’t send His only Son to die so that we could keep score. He gave His Son so that we could overcome.

Jesus was flawless, sinless. Yet He battled Satan for our souls and won. God’s grace provides a means to withstand disappointment and live in victory in spite of the world’s cruel behaviors. It is my testimony that your needs will be met in the fullness of God’s Glory. Let this world have their treasure. It will soon turn to dust. Trade it in for joy and peace and know that you are the child of THE KING.

Love,

Gretchen

P.S. I’ve heard that gold is so abundant in Heaven that they use it to pave the streets!

“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work. John 4:46

This verse is wedged between the story of the woman at the well who’s spiritual thirst was quenched for a lifetime, and Jesus’ call to fields ripe for harvest.

While passing through Samaria Jesus ministered to a lone woman while the disciples went in to town to buy food. A great deal occurred while they were gone. (Read John 4:1-26) The disciples returned with dinner but the woman who found Jesus had also returned with everyone she could find. (Evangelism can be that easy!) Jesus’ friends encouraged Him to eat but His response is the verse you read above.

If we want to be like Jesus our true satisfaction should be drawn from rising daily and serving the LORD in every opportunity.

Love and Blessings,

Gretchen

And giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of His people in the kingdom of light. Colossians 1:12

The word qualified has its root in the word quality. The qualified person possesses and uses designated esteemed qualities. It is our instinct to seek quality, yet being spiritually qualified is a gift given, not a status accomplished.

A resume is a document declaring qualification that only guarantees a comparative rank and respective monetary compensation. However, the qualification bestowed by God through the blood of Jesus assures the inheritance of eternal life that begins at the moment of salvation.

The inheritance we receive in the kingdom is not divided among us, getting smaller as the family grows. By the miracle of the Creator of all things from nothing, we each receive everything.

Love,

Gretchen

Then I heard the voice of the LORD saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8

I add this verse to yesterday’s devotional to call attention to the next five word’s in verse 9, “Go and tell this people:” THIS people, not ‘those’ people, or ‘some’ people, or ‘other’ people, THIS people.

‘This’ is a very specific word. Isaiah was sent to a very particular people right in front of him. He could touch them, hear them, smell them. They were known to be hard hearted, deaf and blind to God’s love but God said, “THIS PEOPLE!” Isaiah asked, “For how long LORD?” God’s response, “Until there is nothing left.”

God is not a giving up kind of God. He won’t throw in the towel on you and He won’t call it a game on those you are praying for. “Whom shall He send?” Me and you, until there is nothing left.

Love,

Gretchen

With it He touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.” Isaiah 6:7

Isaiah had a face to face encounter with the LORD. It was glorious but what Isaiah saw in the presence of God’s Holiness was his own sinful nature, his unclean lips. He was in awe, yet overwhelmed with unworthiness.

Moments away from hearing the call of God, “Whom shall I send?” (verse 8) and shooting his hand in the air calling, “Pick me! Pick me!” Isaiah felt catastrophic unworthiness. God sends an angel to touch Isaiah’s lips, the organ in question, and he is forgiven, purified. Atonement for sin is freely given.

Satan’s weapon of choice is to compare us to this beautiful Holiness and let us find ourselves lacking. But leave him defenseless!! Heaven’s caress is for you too. Lift your face to the Son, feel the touch of God upon you, stand strong in the power of His purity.

Blessings,

Gretchen