Sonshine!

As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allowed inheritance. Daniel 12:13

As a young child I had ‘Early onset leadership skills.’ In other words, I was bossy! Dad ask me often if I thought God took the day off and left me in charge. I can laugh now, but at that time I was intense.

So much of life is spent surviving…… earning money, engineering family life, keeping peace, staying healthy……… In the midst of all this purposeful action it is easy to think we actually have control over things other than the state of our heart in relation to who is God and who is not. This clarification is the mission of the prophet Daniel. The final words of his book tell that no matter what, our earthly end will come. The reality is hope. Our immortal life will just be a continuation of our mortal character.

God’s faithfulness is pure and constant and is not determined by our autonomy or theology. Our inheritance comes by way of our heart and God alone knows if He is our personal One True God.

Have a lovely day,

Gretchen

If I go up to the Heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139:8-10

For many, Labor Day is the last hooray of Summer and tomorrow real life will settle into a sedentary routine until we once again begin weaving dreams of sunny days to come. I love traveling. The anticipation of seeing something for the first time is one of my favorite states of being, but I also love returning to places that hold treasured moments. I realize that sometimes I travel to find myself, and other times I travel to escape myself. Oh my what a mess!

But maybe not so much………………

No matter where we are, spiritually or physically God is there. Our minds constantly take us to the outer limits of our comprehension, much further than our physical bodies would ever dare to go, and so the Psalmist who had the same mental, physical and spiritual content as you and I put to words his realization that there is absolutely no where that God is not.

The presence of God is your choice not a state of geography or zen. There are days when our spirits fly high and of course God is there, but when we crawl into our dark place, is He there too? Yes, He is your auto pilot when you are lost and can’t find your way or that firm grip on your hand when you are perilously close to the edge. All is well, He is there.

Gretchen

A Call and an Answer

Since the day I met my parents I have known them to put their heart and soul into every endeavor, and to work tirelessly at whatever they put their hands to, which was mostly raising children and pastoring small churches.

As a youngster I was of the opinion that we should call off church if only ten people showed up for prayer meeting. Dad said that those ten faithful prayer warriors deserved the best of him and as long as there was one faithful person there would be church. Bad news for me because the Jones’ alone made six.

I watched my father exhaust himself for things I thought were in vain. Through the eyes of a self absorbed adolescent it seemed fruitless to spend every waking hour at the church or hospital or in the living room of some dysfunctional family. I can testify to the fact that he wasn’t getting rich. If you put a dollar amount to the hours he spent trying to leave the world better than he found it he may have made a lifetime average of fifty cents an hour. But I knew it was never about the money.

Once in my adult life dad took a leave from ministry. He had just finished two major construction projects at the church he was pastoring, watched all three of his daughters marry, became a grandfather and stood by his parent’s side through his own father’s long illness and passing. Need I even state that he was exhausted? He was. As his child it was tough to watch. I was relieved when he said he was going to pursue a different course of income for a while. Instead, it was only a matter of months before he announced that he was taking another church. A very small country church not far from where they lived needed a pastor and dad heard God’s voice. I begged, “Dad please don’t do this.” Once again he set me straight with his profound response. “Baby doll, when I answered the call to ministry, I answered for a life time and all I want to do is serve the Lord. I’m just not happy or satisfied doing anything else.”

What a legacy for a father to leave his child. Recognizing that my Heavenly Father and my dad share one heart changed me forever. I began to appreciate all my family gained when he served the Lord. We never did without and had more than most. My home was stable, mom and dad were supportive and they loved each other. We had laughter and joy and most of the time we had the world by the tail on a down hill swing.

For where two or three gather in My name, there am I with them. Matthew 18:20  It isn’t about a number, it’s about people seeking God. The road traveled before me is one of Worship and Service. I must follow. It’s beautiful and you’re invited too.

Love,

Gretchen

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father-Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.
I John 2:1

It is God’s desire for us to live Holy lives. It is possible because it says, “So that you will not sin.” but, then we are human and our Creator knows that. In His perfect love, perfect timing and Oh! so perfect wisdom He gave us a perfect advocate. Someone to stick up for us, to plead our case, to say, “Don’t hold it against them, I’ll take the consequence.” WOW!!!!!

As our Savior Jesus already took the blame, and as our advocate He stands before God as our defense lawyer.  He never loses a case.

Have a wonderful weekend!
Gretchen

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11

The infinity of God is a truth that boggles the mind. God always was and always will be. He does not exist in linear time, He created it, therefore, it is His to administer as He pleases to bring glory to Himself.

So what does an all powerful God do with time? He makes everything beautiful.

From the moment you became a being you entered into eternity. Eternal life doesn’t happen when you give your heart to Jesus, your residence just changes and you begin to grow more beautiful with each passing day.

Love,

Gretchen

Who is wise? Let them realize these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them. Hosea 14:9

The path of least resistance leads to crooked rivers and crooked men. – Henry David Thoreau.

I am a school teacher. I say a million times a day, “Make a good choice.” This is not a new concept. The entire book of Hosea is God saying make good choices or horrible consequences will rain down. Sometimes it’s tough to hear, but it is a very serious reality.

God is my creator and the lover of my soul, Jesus is my savior and has paid my redemption. I walk daily in the reality of my second chance……..and my third and fourth…….millionth. Through Christ’s blood we always have another chance. But there are two myths many people have bought into.

Myth 1. Human life gives you second chances.
Truth-IT DOES NOT! Time marches on, broken truth leaves fissures, moments/opportunities come and go quickly never to return, hurt people don’t hang around. Odds are you won’t get a second chance.

Myth 2. People are born with dispositions toward wisdom or rebellion. It’s just fate.
Truth-There’s a great deal of theology to be hashed out here but in simple terms, God Loves His Creation and that is YOU! He has gone to every extreme to redeem you and bring you to eternal life. It’s a choice NOT fate.

Wisdom is a choice. It is a good choice. God always honors your request for it.
Rebellion is a choice. It is easy, lazy and bad. Guaranteed, you won’t like the outcome.

Praying for you all because I love you too!!

Gretchen

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus Himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35

These were Paul’s final words, his final goodbye to the converts in Ephesus.

Children fascinate me and sometimes they get a bad wrap concerning their ability to share. Yes they go through developmental stages that challenge even the most creative parents, but as a whole they smile and look for others to smile back. They are givers. I have never witnessed a small child hoarding anything. They take what they need and leave the rest, or they take what they need and attempt to engage others in their activity.

Paul is one of the most independent characters of the New Testament Church. He bows to no earthly person or ideal. He’s fiercely protective of clear and true theology and aggressive in correcting those who misinterpret his words or actions.

By this description, Paul is not a guy I would want to meet in a back alley on a dark night. Except the reality was, he was a sinner, saved by grace humbled by his lack of worth accept through the blood of Jesus Christ. He was bold, not entitled, he was hard working, not selfish and the earthly things he accumulated were for one purpose only……..to spread the Gospel and help those that had no voice. His was a childlike faith that we are also called to. The blessing is in giving, not getting and clinging.

Have a most blessed day,
Love,

Gretchen

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6

I love words and find it amusing when two words are combined to emphasize an existing known. One of my recent favorites is ‘Hangry.’ Hangry is the state of subconscious anger due to famishment. It is not a pretty thing to witness.

The human body has a hair trigger alarm system to keep itself functioning efficiently . Hunger and thirst are part of this survival plan and when deprived of sustenance in these areas things begin to collapse quickly.

Jesus is making a parallel between a hunger and thirst that keeps our physical bodies alive to show us that a righteous heart will have a like longing, a survival reflex for the things of God.

Desires and appetites are a given but the righteous will seek what is good and just. It also goes in reverse. The more we become focused on Godliness the more our instincts turn toward correct and healthy choices for the things we take into our hearts and minds. The most beautiful part is the promise. God will NOT withhold Himself. He will feed your heart and your mind with a most glorious feast.

Love,
Gretchen

These are the regulations concerning contamination by mildew in woolen or linen clothing, woven or knitted material, or any leather article, for pronouncing them clean or unclean. Leviticus 13:59

When asked what her favorite book is, my youngest daughter replies, “Leviticus.” What!?….. No, Leviticus is not her favorite book, it’s the irony that she enjoys, even more so when someone gets her clever humor.

As for me, I approach this book of the Bible like the student who stated, “Only 5 out of 4 people ever use fractions when they grow up so why do I have to know math?” Why Leviticus in modern day Christianity? Here’s why, Leviticus is the spoken, God breathed Word. It reveals God as our Father and we as His beloved children, His covenant community. God is intensely concerned with the health and welfare of those that have chosen to be set apart through salvation and Holiness. (Lev. 11:45 and 19:18) This concern looks different for the historical children of Israel, but the basic fact remains, moment to moment God cares that your life marches forward with healthy, ethical and productive precision.

When you wake up knowing you have more to do than hours, energy and money allow, you find mold in your storage building and your anxiety further impedes your progress, ask God to give you wisdom and guidance. TaDa!! You find the gracious, generous and unchanging God of ancient law. This God who gave directions for dealing with mildew IS willing and able to help you with the minor (and major) details of life. He is the One True God and He loves YOU!

Feeling Invincible,

Gretchen

As I long for my blog to be a spiritual respite for my friends far and near, I have asked one of the greatest men I know to share a moment of his life. Enjoy some words from my father, Reverend J. Bryan Jones.

Authenticity of Emotion

Our embarrassments tend to stick in our mind and make an indelible impression.  It may be a social faux pas, an inappropriate or uninformed communication, or simply being misunderstood by those around us.

The later was my experience in the company of a great number of friends and ministry colleagues.  And not just once but twice…. two days in a row.  The occasion was a PALCON (Pastor’s Leadership Conference) on the campus of SNU, 1980-ish.  Pastors from across the region had gathered for inspiration, instruction and just a little R & R.  The first plenary gathering was to feature a very favorite speaker of mine, Reuben Welch.  He is the most quotable, and consequently the most memorable, of any speaker I have ever had the privilege of hearing …e.g. “Sometimes you have to give to God your inability to give yourself to God.” And I was not about to miss a word.  I took my seat in Herrick Auditorium middle row,  second pew, isle seat.

The special music for the service was provided by a popular quartet who could raise the roof with their renditions of old gospel favorites.  The “Amens”, waving of hands and vocal expressions of praise soon spilled into the isles and escalated into a concert of mixed shouts and holy hugs that everyone seemed to be enjoying but me. With the third or fourth repeating of the refrain to  “The King is Coming” the expressions of emotion were unrestrained.  The good ole term was “God came down and filled everyone with His Spirit.”

I didn’t feel a thing!  Friends and acquaintances came by and slapped me on the back as if encouraging me to get in the game.  However, my temperamental propensities would not allow me to engage in something that wasn’t me.  I just sat there, expressionless like a lump on a log. So far as I was concerned, it was an emotional orgy and I was ready for it to be over.  It was probably my imagination thinking I was getting glances of suspicion that maybe I had backslidden or lost the victory. My embarrassment soon turned into fear that they would gather around me with the laying on of hands, praying that my cold, cold heart would turn to God.

Well…..the emotions finally subsided, the services continued and at the conclusion I made a quick exit determined to not get caught like that again.  The next service, I slipped into a pew near the back and sat alone.  However,  a loving God was about to give this humble servant a dose of something real.  In place of the raucous quartet, Professor Ray Moore took the mic and, with piano accompaniment only, sang the beautiful old hymn, “My Faith Has Found a Resting Place.”  My spirit was touched, my emotions erupted.  Tears flowed freely and my body shook in response to the waves of joy that filled my breast.  It was all I could do to keep from disrupting the quiet moment with my shouts of praise.

By now, you are wondering about the second embarrassment.  Once again it may have been my overactive imagination but I was sure I was receiving furtive glances that spoke questions of why this guy sitting all alone was losing it.  No one else seemed to be having an emotional upheaval but me.

Once again I made my quick and silent exit not wanting to make eye or voice contact with anyone.  All these years later, I am sure no one remembers the occasion but me, but the embarrassing spectacle I may have been in the eyes of my brothers in ministry has been transformed into a sweet memory of a special witness of the Spirit that came like a flood.

I am not very vocal in my emotional expressions.  Pretty quiet, really, and I like it that way. But the joy of salvation wells up and the assurance of salvation is my constant experience.  The mantra of my life is solidly expressed in these words:

My faith has found a resting place, not in device or creed
I trust the ever-living One, His wounds for me shall plead.

Enough for me that Jesus saves –  this ends my fear and doubt
A sinful soul I come to Him – He’ll never cast me out.

My heart is leaning on the Word, the written Word of God.
Salvation by my Savior’s name, salvation through His blood.

I need no other argument,  I need no other plea.
It is enough that Jesus died, and that He did for me.

Lidie Edmunds   ca. 1891

Feeling the joy,

Bryan Jones