God is gracious. 

I begin in Genesis chapter one.  God created everything. Genesis two, the narrative slows down and zeros in on the detail of God forming Adam and putting him in the Garden. Giving him the garden tending instructions, He also tells him he can eat from any of the trees, but do not eat from “the Tree of the Knowledge of Good & Evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.” (v17).  God then makes Eve. Both man and woman living in relationship and divine favor with their Creator.  Genesis three, the serpent meets up with Eve, there’s conversation. She ends up eating and sharing the fruit from the forbidden tree with Adam.  Instantly everything changes. Everything.  In their disobedience, sin rushes in. God and man(kind) are now in a broken relationship, the relationship that was intended to be eternal. 

God comes and finds the man (and woman). He addresses his position and condition.  He is hidden and ashamed. There is blame-shifting, Adam to Eve, Eve to the serpent. God curses the serpent and to the woman, He pronounces she will suffer pain.  He curses the very ground that Adam was formed, there will now be struggle and toil for man.

God then slaps His hands together and with a heavy sigh, “Good riddance and good luck out there” as He waves them off, sending them away.

No.  Not that last part.  Not like that.

The key is in verse 22 (chapter 3).  They, Adam and Eve hadn’t eaten from the Tree of Life (yet). They HAD to leave; He does send them away.  They were in a fallen state, broken relationship with their God.  If they had stayed, they would have eaten from the Tree of Life, they would then live FOREVER in broken relationship.  His sending them away and blocking the entrance to the way of the Garden was needed and merciful. He was gracious, still bestowing favor, in sending them away.  Looking at this story from our angle, our timeframe, (we the descendants of Adam) and knowing the rest of the story – you can almost hear the Holy whisper as He points, telling them to go, “It’s alright, I have a plan…” The rest of the written Word is the description and history of that loving, gracious – redemptive plan.

God is gracious.

Gracious. Being gracious depicts the heartfelt response by someone who has something to give to one who has a need – someone who does not deserve or can repay what is given.*  Man(kind) was in need!   The Hebrew word conveys stooping, stooping in kindness.

Fast forward:  Jesus.

Paul wrote to his son in the faith, Timothy:

“For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was His plan from before the beginning of time—to show us His grace through Christ Jesus. And now He has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News.” (2 Timothy 1:9-10, NLT – emphasis mine)

Grace is the absolutely free expression of the lovingkindness of God to men.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Eph 2:8-9, ESV)

Not only was it a gracious act of God to send man out of the Garden, but He also sent His Son. Sent in our place, making amends to restore relationship.  Jesus, because of His life – death, blood atonement and powerful resurrection, was the appeasement needed for our sovereign pardon.  We once were out – far off from God’s presence, now we are brought near (again). What an amazing divine gift, a very precious gift.  Theologian, Arthur W Pink wrote, “Even though grace is unmerited favor, it must be exercised in a sovereign manner.” Planned by the Father, accomplished through His Son, accepted by mankind and applied by the Spirit.  (BRILLIANT!)

God is gracious.

I strongly urge us to always consider the plan, the loving, gracious – redemptive plan.  What God did to get us back.   May we never-ever belittle it, dismantle it, devalue or abuse it.

Head bowed.

God. Is. Gracious.

 In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)

*Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament

I can’t think of a better documented example of Jesus’ faithfulness to an individual, than Peter. Peter was a disciple. A disciple is a learner, follower, an apprentice.  It is someone who seeks to know and gives full life attention to their Rabbi (Teacher/Mentor).  Within the Jewish culture in Jesus’ day, (and some aspects continue today) there was a whole process of life discipleship.  Discipleship (in general) was designed in such a way that the student (or disciple-wanna-be) would seek out the Teacher and make a formal request to be their disciple.  If the Teacher agreed to the request, (finding them worthy: family, status and education) they would then allow them to become their disciple. They were now chosen.  The words, “Follow me” were spoken.  The disciple was then required (it was not optional) to totally submit to the Rabbi’s authority in all areas of his life.  The Rabbi’s teaching was therefore binding.  Everything the disciple did or how he viewed things were all filtered through the Rabbi. 

THEN. Jesus comes on the scene, turning everything upside down.  There was no time for discipleship applications. The traditional format: Disciple sought out the Rabbi – but Jesus sought out the disciple. THE Rabbi, calling not the well-educated or those of high status – but fishermen (and the like). He said, “Follow Me.”  These two words were discipleship terminology, meaning they were CHOSEN.  Perhaps, this can be folded into the context of why Jesus said: “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit…”  (John 15:16a) What a most wonderful reality. Chosen. 

Jesus calls Peter against tradition, “Follow Me…” (Mk 1:17a). In the original language, literally, “Come in behind me.” Get in line, get in step and focus on me. Peter, a spunky guy, with a sliver of rebel in him.  He was the first to speak up (or out).  He was the only one out of the boat (to swim to Jesus or attempt walking to Him).  He was the sword swinging – in Jesus’ face guy.  And, who ultimately denied his Rabbi.

But.  Jesus knew.  Jesus was faithful to Peter.  He was the faithful Rabbi. He taught not only with words but lifestyle.  He taught Peter what it meant to be a disciple.  He taught him faithfulness.  He taught Peter; He was Lord.  Peter later wrote: “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you…” (1 Pet 3:15a, ESV).  Peter was taught hope.  Jesus also taught Peter how to die to self; describing himself, “Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ…” (2 Pet 1:1).  Peter was a servant (doulos), one with a permanent servitude – his life altogether consumed with Jesus.

The last chapter of John (21) after the death and resurrection of Jesus, He is with the disciples.  Singling out Peter, Jesus has the “Do you love Me?” conversation.  His personal closing words to Peter were “Follow Me” (v19).  Jesus started with “Follow Me” and ended with “Follow Me.” 

Peter was a disciple.

Jesus, always the faithful Teacher – ALWAYS the faithful Lord. We too as His disciples are called to life learning. Our Great Rabbi’s teaching is binding. Everything we do or how we view things are all filtered through Jesus. His choosing is not only (but astonishing) for forgiveness of sins and eternal life, but also our lives are to be fruitful and productive in fulfilling God’s purposes. 

May we continue to get in line, get in step and focus on Jesus, our faithful Teacher and faithful Lord.

We are His disciples.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)

Recently my husband and I traveled across parts of Oregon heading to a family wedding. There was plenty of time to watch the scenery pass on by. Observing the geographical change from plush green, to gorge, to dry, to waves of fields of wheat.  Quietly, I sensed the Lord whisper to me, “Speak to the Corners.”  Hm.  Speak to the corners?  Having no idea what He was referring to at first, I asked Him to SHOW me the corners.  Suddenly I was made aware of the circular irrigation systems of the fields just outside my window.  Studying those, I saw the corners. Green stalks of young corn, grown in a circular pattern – then there were the dry, intentionally forgotten corners of the fields.  Assuming the farmers “did the math” and determined it wasn’t cost-effective to plant there.  I sensed God say, “THIS is not what I intended for your heart – no unhealthy corners.”

Over the course of these last few days, I have prayed about, mediated and asked the Lord to show me the corners of MY life.  He is ever so faithful to gently point to things I have tucked back, WAAAAY back into the corners of my heart. The corners of waste land, of no profit in my life, where nothing healthy and good can grow there.  Concepts, perspectives, views of myself and unhealthy views of God.  And wrong doings, habits or hurts.  As I pursued this, I was drawn to 1 Samuel 24. 

King Saul is in hot pursuit of David. David and his men are hiding in a cave.  Far back, in the corner (if you will) they sat quietly.  Saul comes into the cave for some privacy, to relieve himself.  David’s men encourage him, “THIS is your chance!  Kill him!” (paraphrased). Can you imagine the split-second thoughts that may have run through David’s mind?  “Yes, you are right, I am called to be King, I end this NOW!  This man has lashed out at me!  What have I done to deserve this?  Now, I end this rivalry!”  But NO!  There in the dark corner of the cave, David instead, stealthily crept forward, cutting off a small corner of Saul’s cloak.  In this, David was quickly convicted of what he had done, (*cutting at the lineage of Saul’s family) telling the men he was wrong to do so and they too were not to harm Saul.  Taking it further, he stepped out into the light, he called out, and revealed his presence to the King.  In short, Saul is humbled by the “I chose not to” opportunity by David. Saul genuinely shares, “May the LORD reward you well for the way you treated me today.  I know you will surely be king…” (vv19, 20)

May we too be rewarded well for the choices we make in the corners.  Sure, there may be brief missteps here and there. Yet, may we consider our thoughts, motives and actions. Knowing God knows our corners – watches our responses, waits (and invites) healthy cultivation. 

God knows ALL.  Regardless of how well we become at compact packing and creatively stuffing.  We try to deny the reality of our corners and tuck it back.  Until one day and it will – it all spills out!

God boldly states, “Can anyone hide from Me in a secret place? Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?” says the LORD.”  (Jer. 23:24, NLT). And the Pastor of Hebrews wrote: “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before His eyes, and He is the one to whom we are accountable.” (4:13).

May we speak to our corners, our intentionally forgotten corners.  May we echo the tender words of King David, “O Lord, You have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.”  (Ps. 139:1-2).  He closes with don’t stop THERE – “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (vv 23,24).  

God wants ALL our heart, healthy and profitable, for His good pleasure.  Speak to the corners.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)

*The hem: It goes way back to ancient(er) days, God instructs the Israelites to wear garments with specifically designed borders, hems or fringes also known as tassels. (Nu. 15; Deut. 22; Ex 28). These fringes came to represent authority, personality, their place in society and even lineages were sewn into the hem. Noblemen of the day would sign their name, authenticating, by lifting their robe and pressing the hem into wet clay tablets – specific stitching indicating family and function.  David was convicted because he CUT Saul’s lineage and symbolically cut the identity and authority of the Lord’s anointed. It was not God’s instruction. It was not God’s timing. Saul understood what had just taken place, and after his “may the Lord reward you for not killing me today” he continues saying: “And now, behold, I know that you shall surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand. Swear to me therefore by the LORD that you will not cut off my offspring after me, and that you will not destroy my name out of my father’s house.” (1 Sam 24:20-21, ESV)

Have you noticed how the art of handwritten letter writing is increasingly fading, or pretty much obsolete?  Our once, “Hi how are you”, or “thinking of you”, followed by a lengthier note of encouragement, has been replaced with a quick text or a cute smiley emoji.

Our words of encouragement to others hold TONS of weight. To see it in writing, or verbally said, that you are loved, appreciated, and supported is priceless. I strongly believe encouragement is universally lacking.

The book of Philippians is an amazing lil blueprint for encouragement.  Paul wrote this letter while in prison in Rome. This, his most personal of all letters to a church, has a main directive to thank them for their love and support.  So basically, the letter is a huge “thank you” note. Yet, he doesn’t stop there. He continues with instruction and wonderful encouragement: “I thank my God when I think of you … I have you in my heart …. stand fast… be of the same mind… rejoice in the Lord always… don’t be anxious … be thankful … let your request be made known… think on these things …”  (Just to mention a few). And he wraps it up with “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit…” That is some loving encouragement!

We need to pause for a moment to remember that Paul wrote this while in PRISON. He could have, in his humanity, turned the letter into a huge “whine.” Many excuses could have surfaced.  He could have withheld the encouragement until the conditions were better. He could have waited until he walked free in the streets, felt the warmth of rubbing shoulders with others, breathed in fresh air. But he didn’t. He spoke from his captivity. He had faith, he reached for his God and with the help of the Holy Spirit, he shared his faith and love of Jesus with others.

What an example to us all, that we not “WAIT.” Wait, until we have it all together and think the conditions are exactly right. Wait until our own pain, our own struggle has subsided. Sure, some of us are thinking, “But he was PAUL, the guy had a direct blinding link to Jesus!” Yes, yes he did. But so do we. We have the same Lord, the same Spirit dwelling in us.

Our words, whether they be verbal, written, texted, tweeted, or posted – should reach out. May we hug with our words. Don’t wait!  Someone out there needs us, needs YOU. The hurting, the lonely, the confused. Embrace them. They need our words of encouragement. They can’t wait for us to get it all together. (Or wait until all this Covid-19 is lifted).

Don’t wait.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)

*I honestly do not remember where I got the image above, I’ve had it in my files for years. But is speaks volumes.

Jesus is in the home of the sisters, Mary & Martha. Mary sits at Jesus’ feet. Martha (being the Martha Stewart of the day) was in the kitchen working.  Luke (10:38-42) describes Martha; while hospitality was a cultural expectation, she was distracted by all the stuff, the preparations, and the work. Frustrated, she urges Jesus to encourage Mary to help her. Jesus tells Martha, “you are anxious and troubled about many things” (v41, ESV).  He continues that Mary is good right here – at His feet.

Mary was at Jesus’ feet.  What a beautiful place to be.  It is the place of learning.  The custom was as a disciple, you sit at the feet of your Rabbi, your teacher.  The one who you follow with your life.  The one you desire to emulate.  The common practice was for men not women to sit before a Rabbi. But here, here Mary boldly sits.  Jesus so accepting of her.

Later, (John 11) Lazarus, the sisters’ brother is dead. He’s been in the grave four days. Jesus comes to them. Mary is again at His feet, this time, heartbroken. “When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw Him, she fell at His feet…” (v32).

Looking at Mary’s example, I have much to learn. I desire to be at Jesus’ feet, in the good times and not distracted by the stuff, or anxious and troubled. Or by what others are demanding of me, or what society expects of me.  I want also to be at Jesus’ feet when my heart is overwhelmed, when tears stain the pages. 

At His feet – In the good and in the painfilled.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)

“One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD. And to meditate in His temple.” King David, Psalm 27:4, NASB

Behold.

The word behold points to bygone days and may be considered archaic and obsolete. With the ever-growing society, some words tip and fall, deemed no longer useful or necessary and easily replaced.  

Webster’s defines behold, “to gaze upon or observe a remarkable or impressive thing or person.”

What do we behold?

The English Standard Version uses behold a total of 1,069 times.  In both the Old and New Testament, behold renders two uses.  First, in context to an unrestrained interjection of new or exciting elements into the story. Essentially, “See here!”  or “Look and take note!” In the Hebrew it is attached to hope, expectation, and certainty.  Isaiah declares, “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” (Isaiah 12:2, emphasis mine). 

John, expressing his revelation and interaction with Jesus, “When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.”  (Revelation 1:17-18). God is our strength and salvation and Jesus alive forevermore and He has the keys – YES!  Exciting elements indeed!

Behold.

The second use for biblical beholding is the gazing Websters speaks of.  A steady gazing – do not look away.  It is calling to attention – THIS (a verbal pointing) is worth our time and there is value in our full stop. One resource stated, the gazing goes beyond sight, but to all our senses, not only physical but mental and spiritual.

John the Baptist, “The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).

Full stop. Full regard.

Behold.

In our current culture we tend to call attention to so much and so many, other …than Jesus.  We flock (or did) to stadiums, concert halls and think nothing of it to stand with arms waving in full unrestrained excitement. There are moments, among the crowd we too would quiet ourselves due to awe and wonder.

Behold.

Why aren’t we so excited about Jesus?  Where is our applause?  Where is the awe?   May we reclaim what it is to behold our God!

This song!  (see below) Oh!  That our hearts would behold Him so tenderly, so unrestrained. So full of awe and regard.  Listen to the words. He is worthy of our awe. Behold Him. (I am not exalting the worship, but the One we worship!)

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)

*I do not know where I got the image of the lil boy above, it has always captivated me – challenged me.

Have you ever stood on the edge of the pages of your life and just shake your head in complete bewilderment and think one simple word, “HOW!”   Then the rest of the frustration tumbles out, exclaiming, “But God, this … and …” continuing with a list of “can’t do’s – won’t work – not happening” statements – especially in this unprecedented (key word for 2020) day we live in.

Wait!  Keep turning the pages.  Believe it or not, “But God …” (or “But the Lord”) is mentioned 325+ times in the Bible, in GOD’S favor.  In this study, spending four hours looking at these verses, I was captivated. In the story, in the context, I saw God’s character being placed in the forefront.  There were loud moments of reassurance and yet quiet whispers of His love. This is what I found; this is what I learned.  In short, briefly stating, just a few from Genesis:

I begin with Genesis 3, Adam and Eve are in the garden, the presence of God so intimate that He literally takes walks with them.  They have just made some very poor choices (thanks, guys). God is heard walking through the garden and the couple hides. “But the LORD God called to the man, ‘Where are you?” (v9).  God calls. He knew very well where they were, the question was intended for Adam, to consider his location, his position and his condition before Him.  

Then there’s Noah and crew, out in the big boat, floating.  Floating.  More floating.  The waters were high and the large hand-built boat was tossed back and forth. A man and his family all alone among the precious cargo of every kind of animal created by God. Obedience led them to this completely unknown. Genesis 8:1 “But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him in the ark, and he sent a wind over the earth, and the waters receded.” God remembers. He will send a wind to our circumstance, His wind and resolve the flood in our life.

Next, a man by the name of Jacob, he worked hard as requested and then was treated unfairly by his father-in-law. Genesis 31:42 “But God has seen my hardship and the toil of my hands…” God sees. He sees us where we are, how we are and how we are being treated.  He cares – He will act.

Joseph, the cocky favored son, who was thrown into a pit and sold as a slave by FAMILY MEMBERS! Genesis 50:20 “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done and the saving of many lives.” God accomplishes.  He redeems the bad and transforms for good to accomplish His plan.

Amazing, just amazing!  The Word is full of examples like these and more, many, many more: “… But the LORD was my support.” (2 Samuel 22:19) “But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever …” (Psalm 73:26) “But God promised…” (Acts 7:5) “But God had mercy on him…” (Philippines 2:27) “But God is the builder of everything…” (Hebrews 3:4) 

God is incredible! He is never late and never ignores and is extremely attentive to detail and He is concerned more for our welfare than our comfort and goes to extraordinary effort at times to make sure we hear Him.

If our circumstances seem frustrating, just keep turning the pages. God is calling, remembering, seeing and accomplishing and SO much more!

But God.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)

You can go to Bible Gateway (link below) and read for yourself, ‘But God.’

In our current global circumstance,  I sit at my desk thinking of my life, my family and so many others, and yes, the world.  This story keeps coming to mind . . . 

What does it take for us to stop?  Not slow down long enough to reach out and get just a piece of something.  But stop in the sense as to put a hold on what we are doing. Full stop. Full attention.

Moses experienced this.  He was out tending his father-in-law’s sheep, moving them along in the wilderness over to Mt Sinai.  It was here he saw a bush. A bush, not enough to make a shepherd stop, but this bush was on fire and not being consumed by the flames.  Intrigued, the narrative explains Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.” (Exodus 3:3).  Moses turned aside.  He stopped what he was doing. Perhaps he had a young lamb he was chasing or carrying a wounded ewe. He stops chasing, lays the ewe down.

We cannot miss what happens next, “When the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.”’  (v4).  What a beautiful scenario: Moses stopped, turned – God saw, spoke. God waited for Moses’ full attention before He spoke.  Moses was told to take off his sandals, he was on holy ground.  It wasn’t the sand – it was the Presence of God – Holy!  God continues to reveal Himself, reveal His plan. (Read Exodus 3, an amazing story).

I’m no Moses, but I wonder how many times God has put burning bushes out there for me to see, His attempt to get my attention.  Yet, I am too busy, too distracted – ramped up on my schedule to even see.  How many times I miss His desire to initiate conversation, initiate commissioning.  In my lack of seeing, lack of awareness, lack of stopping I miss a holy moment, a moment when God reveals Himself.

May we seek to see, seek to know God – at all costs!    May we stop like Moses and turn aside.  God, You have our full attention!

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)

Updated and looking fabulous – coming SOON!