Behold and Be Held

After spending a couple hours with my daughter, she sent me home with a bouquet of dahlias. I quickly looked at the flowers as I climbed into my car. They portrayed a beautiful floral arrangement. However, it was not until I got home that I intentionally looked at each blossom. There were 2 huge lavender blossoms – each having a diameter of more than 5 inches. In contrast, there were 9 smaller, more compact, deep burgundy flowers. There were several medium-sized white blooms tucked into special spots. One unique pink blossom was in the bouquet. It was an amazing floral collection. Now, I was doing more than holding a vase of flowers. I was beholding a lovely display of God’s creations. I was holding each blossom individually beholding its uniqueness.

I was doing more than looking. I was perceiving and appreciating with my heart and mind as well as with my eyes. The more intentionally and intensely I looked, the more beauty I sensed. I was captivated by each dahlia. I was gazing, not just glancing.

Behold is not a frequently used word in our current vocabulary. However, it is used throughout scripture – most commonly used in the New King James Version. Multiple other translations simply use the word “look.” However, I sense to behold something is more intense and powerful than to simply look. The Bible Hub states, “Through ‘behold,’ Scripture invites believers to witness and participate in the unfolding account of God’s interaction with humanity.”

Let’s take time to behold (not just look at) several scriptures.

We are familiar with God’s story of creation recorded in Genesis 1. After He placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, God told them in verse 29 to look at all the plants and trees providing food for them. However, the Amplified Version stresses they were to behold what God has given them.

I wonder how intently they looked upon what God had given them. In Genesis 3, they yield to the serpent’s temptation of forbidden fruit rather than remembering what God had said only a couple chapters earlier. We remember much better what we study and behold rather than what we simply look at or listen to quickly. Adam and Eve took their eyes off God’s plan for them through creation. This resulted in the downfall of humankind throughout the centuries and millenniums continuing today. However, we do not need to remain stuck.

The Lord says in Isaiah 43:19 NKJV, “Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it?.” Seeing God’s plan unfold requires us to pay attention to what He is doing. We must be alert and aware of what may soon occur. Let us wait and watch closely for the manifestation of His promises. In the Old Testament, they were waiting for the Messiah. Some watched more intently than others.

John the Baptist was a man who could see deeply. John 1:29 NKJV says, “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John looked upon Jesus intently enough to spiritually realize who He truly was. He was announcing Jesus’ purpose for coming to earth.

We know that as the Lamb of God, Jesus died for our sins allowing us to be born again. (We can do this because we have taken time to behold God’s story and plan for the world.) We can claim and proclaim 1 John 3:1 NKJV. Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!

The best way to behold our Heavenly Father’s love is to crawl into His lap and be held in His arms. The Lord says in Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

As we are being held, our Heavenly Father keeps us from business and busyness that may distract us from beholding Him. The psalmist says in Psalm 73:23, “Yet I am always with You; You hold me by my right hand.” God the Father is our protection, strength and help. His loving presence upholds us in every triumph and trial.

The amazing thing is that as we take time to behold Him, we have the privilege to be held in His arms.

The Passion Translation often uses the phrase “His wraparound presence.” To me, this sounds like to be held in God’s arms. Psalm 62:7 TPT declares, “God’s glory is all around me! His wraparound presence is all I need, for the Lord is my Savior, my hero, and my life‑giving strength.” When we take time to behold His glory we are blessed to be held in His arms. His wraparound presence gives us a picture of being encircled or held in God’s arms. We couldn’t get away from Him even if we wanted because of His strong right arm. A note in the TPT Bible says, “’Wraparound presence’ is a contemporary rendering of the idea that God’s glory and protective care surrounds the believer completely, making Him the ultimate source of safety, strength, and life.” Psalm 63:2 says, “I have seen You in the sanctuary and beheld Your power and Your glory.” Other translations have used gazed or looked upon instead of seen.)

Psalm 27:4 NKJV says, “One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I 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 inquire in His temple.” When we choose to behold the Lord, we will be held in His arms. As we dwell in His house, we talk with Him and ask Him questions. Paraphrasing James 4:8, we can say that when we take time to behold Him, He holds us. (Come near to God and He will come near to you.)

The Lord is beautiful! Let’s gaze rather than just glance at the fullness of His beauty. May we be captivated by our awesome God and not be content with a causal relationship. Let’s behold Him and be held in His arms! Then we can declare Psalm 63:2. I have seen You in the sanctuary and beheld Your power and Your glory.

Wilderness Worship Windows

I want to paint a portrait of Letchworth State Park entitled “Wilderness Worship Windows.” However, the colorful cathedral I choose to reveal will be created with words rather than paints. This sacred sanctuary covers 14,427 acres. Skeletal trees standing tall form the frame of the spiritual structure. The azure-colored sky becomes an amazing dome. “Tree-mendous towers” of timber become the framework of nature’s stained-glass windows. Let me describe a few wonderful windows that nature displays.

The first window portrays scarlet fingers of fire. According to nature, these fiery fingers are known as sumac leaves showing their seasonal color. A crimson red burning bush adds to the blazing brilliancy of the window. Acts 2:3-4 says, “They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”

The next window is another symbol of the Holy Spirit. The primary color is a muted shade of green. A cluster of trees depicts a grove of olive trees. Above the trees, numerous birds soar through the air. Maybe a dove with an olive branch. Genesis 8:11 says, “When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! Then Noah knew that the water had receded from the earth.” This window in the wild depicts God’s restoration, peace, and hope.

My favorite window displays a tree with glitter glistening from branches that hold God’s gift of yellow leaves. A display of God’s golden glory proclaims a window of worship! Gold was used extensively in the furnishings of the tabernacle and Solomon’s temple. There was the golden altar of incense, the golden table for the Bread of the Presence, and ten gold lampstands. In Solomon’s Temple, the Most Holy Place was overlaid with pure gold. Gold reflects the radiance and splendor of God’s presence. In Psalm 19:10, David declares that God’s Word is more precious than gold, than much pure gold.

Another window reveals a single acorn. The russet rusty orange hue of an autumn leaf creates the background for the earthy brown nut. The fruit of an oak tree. I am reminded of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

I linger looking at the acorn window a little longer. I hold a fallen acorn in my hand and inspect it closely – a smooth oval nut. I usually think of an acorn as wearing a little cap. With a play on words, I think “acorn – a crown.” This reminds me of Jesus wearing two very different crowns – a crown of thorns and a crown of glory. John 19:2 says, “The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on His head.” In contrast, Revelation 6:2 tells us, “I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and He was given a crown, and He rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.”

Jeremiah 10:12 NKJV says, “He has made the earth by His power, He has established the world by His wisdom, and has stretched out the heavens at His discretion.” God created all the windows of wonder in the wilderness of Letchworth State Park. I’m thankful God opened my eyes to see His creation as a display of stained glass images. A beautiful blessing!

A Ribbon of a River Arises

One of our favorite fall activities is our adventure to Letchworth State Park. We are always amazed by the portrait created by God’s awesome autumn beauty in this area.

During our most recent visit, the Lord highlighted water images. As we meandered through the 17 miles of nature’s creation, we encountered multiple riverlets and minifalls on our way to the 3 major waterfalls. The Lower, Middle and Upper Falls are created by the Genesee River that winds throughout the park carving out the park’s grand gorge known as the Grand Canyon of the East.

At our first stop upon entering the park, we could barely see a trickle of water flowing in the river’s bed. The next stop revealed a ribbon of a river. I liked the promise of more to come – from a physical and spiritual perspective. Multiple stops followed for more water and foliage views. Finally, we arrived at the Middle Falls. No longer a ribbon of river but an overwhelming flow of water cascading over the rocks.

I was reminded of the vision described in Ezekiel 47:1-12. At the temple’s entrance, Ezekiel saw water flowing from under the temple’s threshold. At first, he saw a trickle of water that became ankle-deep and then knee-deep followed by waist high. Finally, it was so deep, one had to swim to cross the water. Like us at Letchworth, Ezekiel also saw trees along the river’s banks. The Bible Hub points out Ezekiel’s vision as “a symbol of the life-giving and restorative power of God.” We make a correlation between the deepening of the Genesee River’s water and the deepening of our faith. Within the descending water of the Falls we were viewing physically, we were also spiritually seeing God’s power renewing and blessing us.

As we continued to gaze upon the deluge of powerful river water rapidly flowing over the rocky terrain, I spiritually saw more. I looked behind the water. My attention was drawn to what appeared to be stony steps. The water was falling over and down these rocks. However, had it not been for the water, these rocks could have been shale steps to be climbed. Another scripture also came to mind. In Genesis 28:10-17, Jacob had a dream of angels ascending and descending a stairway between heaven and earth. Again, I refer to the Bible Hub. “This stairway can be a powerful symbol of the connection between the divine and human realms.” The angels were active in Jacob’s life, and they continue to be active in our lives. In Genesis 28:16-17 Jacob declares, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was unaware of it. How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.” Jacob then set up the stone he had used as a pillow as a pillar and anointed it with oil, naming the place Bethel, meaning “House of God.” As we stood at the waterfall’s edge, we made a similar declaration. Surely the presence of the Lord was with us. Fortunately, we were aware of it.

Next, our eyes focused upon an aerial view in the atmosphere. Brilliant sun rays encapsulated the molecules of the mist formed by the water that escaped from the falls. The sun refracted the water vapor and reflected a vibrant rainbow. Genesis 9:13 comes to mind. I have set My rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth. For me, the multi-colors of the rainbow revealed the multi-dimensions of God’s grace. I took a few moments to meditate upon God’s grace. He gives grace to save us – grace to empower and equip us – grace to sustain us. John 1:16 NASB says, “For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.”

Our experiences began with a ribbon of a river that eventually flowed into majestic waterfalls. The waters were alive with movement. Throughout the day, our eyes and hearts were continually filled with nature’s water wonders. We were refreshed physically and spiritually. I remembered Jesus’ words in John 7:38, “Whoever believes in Me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” As we exited the park, rivers of living water were flowing within and out of us.

HE< >me

John the Baptist declares in John 3:30 NKJV, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” This statement is John’s response to an argument regarding whether he or Jesus had the more important role. John does not hesitate to acknowledge the supremacy of Jesus. Through his answer, he demonstrates true humility.

I began to jot down these words as a motto for my life’s priorities. However, instead of words, I typed the motto as a formula. HE< >me. My Reader, join me in unpacking a few scriptures that model the same mindset as John the Baptist,

It is necessary for Him to increase (HE<)
and for me to decrease. (>me)
John 3:30 TPT

I know I have already quoted this verse in another translation. However, I like the emphasis upon it being necessary for HE< >me. It is not an option. A side note in the Passion Translation connects the word “decrease” with “pruning.” In John 15:1-8, Jesus explains how God the Father is the gardener and He is the true vine. We are the branches. Jesus says in John 15:2, “He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” The Passion Translation says,” He cares for the branches connected to Me by lifting and propping up the fruitless branches and pruning every fruitful branch to yield a greater harvest.” Our tendency is to perceive decreasing as a negative thing. However, when the Holy Spirit does the pruning, we are being prepared for the growth of more abundant spiritual fruit honoring the Lord.

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly (HE<)
above all we ask or think, (>me) according to the power (HE<)
that is at work within us,(>me)
Ephesians 3:20 NKJV

This verse explicitly proclaims God’s power. We can trust the Lord to do immeasurably more than we can comprehend because of what He has previously done. He created our world. His Son, Jesús, died upon a cross to forgive our sins. If God has chosen to do all of this, why would we even want to try to do anything in our own power? Today the Holy Spirit is His power at work in us. God is faithful. If He did it in the past, He will do it today and tomorrow. Hebrews 13:8 tells us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Let’s get out of God’s way. God knows best.

“Not by might nor by power, (>me)
but by My Spirit,” (HE<) says the LORD Almighty.
Zechariah 4:6

Although we desire to do God’s will, our human tendency is to try to fulfill His will by ourselves. We want to do His will according to our way and our timetable. However, that is not how it works. We must yield to the Holy Spirit. He will help us fulfill God’s will in the correct way.

But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you,
for My power (HE<) is made perfect in weakness. (>me)
Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses (>me),
so that Christ’s power (HE<) may rest on me….
For when I am weak (>me), then I am strong (HE<).  
2 Corinthians 12:9-10

We must admit we are not always able to do God’s will in our own strength. In humility, we have to acknowledge that we are weak. When we recognize our limitations, we open the door for the Lord’s help. Then He can release His power within us. God uses our weakness as an opportunity to teach us to rely more upon His strength. James 4:6 NKJV says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Verse 8 is an invitation. Come near to God and He will come near to you.

Trust in the Lord (<HE) with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding; (>me)
in all your ways submit (>me) to Him,
and He (<HE) will make your paths straight.
Proverbs3:5-6

Trusting God will all our heart and our understanding is not easy! We like to be in control. However, when we submit to the Lord’s plans, we discover His way. The following statement has stuck in my mind. “Where I see an ending, God sees a new beginning.” Not only is God’s perspective different from ours, it is also much better.

He must become greater; (HE<)
I must become less. (>me)
John 3:30 NIV

I highlight one more translation of John 3:30. It is just another way of saying HE< >me. Being less does not mean we are worthless. It is our opportunity to honor God’s greatness. We focus upon God – not ourselves.

I am reminded of one specific phrase from the song Make Room. “I’ll make room for You to do whatever You want to.” These lyrics put words to my formula HE< >me. In order for the Lord to accomplish His plans, we must release our plans to Him. As we decrease, we make room for Him to increase.

A Pencil Prayer

Pray without ceasing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:17 NKJV
Make your life a prayer. – 1 Thessalonians 5:17 TPT

I was meditating upon I Thessalonians 5:17 in various translations. I asked the Lord for a picture revealing how this verse applied to me. Let me share what I felt He showed me.

Illustration:
In my mind, I saw a simple yellow pencil. A writing tool with a center core of graphite enclosed in a thin layer of wood – a sharp point at one end and an eraser at the other. In my picture I also saw a blank piece of paper and an old-fashioned pencil sharpener.

Interpretation:
I am the pencil writing prayers on the paper. The paper is God’s heart. Eventually, my pencil’s graphite is worn down because of all my writing. My writing tool becomes dull. The words of my prayers are no longer visible on the paper. My pencil point is dull as well as my prayers. The writing instrument needs sharpening. After using the pencil sharpener, I can again write legible words. The Holy Spirit is my spiritual sharpener. He brings to my mind situations for which I need to pray. He also helps me pray according to God’s Word. (John 14:26) If I make a mistake, I use the eraser end of my pencil to delete what I have written. I must pray for God’s will to be done, not my fleshly will. (Matthew 6:10) My pencil keeps writing and I continue living. Eventually, I will have used up all the graphite within the wooden casing of my writing and praying tool. The eraser will have been depleted. No more pencil to be sharpened. Just a pencil stub. I will have added pages of prayers to the bowl where God keeps our prayers. (Revelation 5:8) This will be when my life ends. Meanwhile, prayer is my lifestyle and I pray without ceasing.

Application:
My Reader, how do you apply I Thessalonians 5:17 to your life?
Is it a verse of condemnation?
Is it a verse of encouragement?
Is it a verse of reassurance?

First, we are not to interpret this scripture to mean we must be praying 24/7! The Amplified Bible says, “Be unceasing and persistent in prayer.” Persistence emphasizes that we never give up praying. It does not mean prayers must be continually flowing from our mouth. This verse is not a condemnation. It is more of an exhortation to live in a continual attitude of prayer.

Next, we are encouraged knowing that God is listening to all our prayers. Job 22:27 assures us, “You will pray to Him, and He will hear you.” God listens without ceasing while we pray without ceasing. Jesus says in John 14:14, “You may ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it.” We just need to be sure we are reverently and accurately asking according to God’s name and will.

Let’s expand our original scripture to include surrounding verses. 1Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Paul encourages us to rejoice in what God is doing while we are praying. In faith, let’s thank God for how He is answering our prayers even when we do not see what He is doing. When combining these verses, we are encouraged to be diligent in our faith as well as our prayers.

Last, we can find reassurance knowing that God says it is okay to ask for the same thing more than once. Matthew 7:7-8 Amp stresses, “Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you.” One word of caution. While repeatedly praying for the same thing, we must not allow our prayers to become repetitious rote words. Let’s be creative as we continue praying. Romans 12:11-12 Amp, says, “never lagging behind in diligence; aglow in the Spirit, enthusiastically serving the Lord; constantly rejoicing in hope [because of our confidence in Christ], steadfast and patient in distress, devoted to prayer [continually seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength].” 

My Reader, I challenge you to pray without ceasing by making your life a prayer. For me, the pencil has become a symbol of my prayer life.