Grace Notes :: Beginnings

by | Jan 4, 2011 | Grace | 14 comments

Let’s start at the very beginning, shall we? (Yes I’m singing along with Julie Andrews!)

What is grace? Definitions by nature are bookish.  For the beginning of this Grace journey I think it is a good place to start (insert my  nerdy love of words here). I am looking forward to where we will end up on the matter.  But for now, here is what I have found:

The Hebrew word for grace is Chen it means to find favor in the eyes of someone, to be acceptable. The Greek word is Charis and also means favor.

The word chen is first used in Scripture in Genesis 6:8 of Noah.  God has seen the wickedness of man and repented that He made them. He was grieved over their sins. And the Lord said, that He would destroy man from the face of the earth….
But, Noah found {grace} in the eyes of the Lord.


God was looking for one to strongly support.

He was looking for someone whose heart was completely His.

He found that in Noah.

Noah found grace.

Relationship.

And ultimately a savior in God.

So what was different about Noah? Genesis 6:9 simply says that he was a just man who walked with God. He lived and raised a family in the midst of a wicked world and He had a relationship with God. We know he listened to God because when God spoke, Noah did what He said to do.

This truth is vital to today. Aren’t we living in the middle of wicked generation?  Doesn’t God grieve over the sin of man? Do you know He is looking with grace filled eyes for one to strongly support? (2 Chronicles 16:9a).

Grace has eyes to see our hearts.

It brings us a Savior.

Grace never leaves us the same.

Just ask Noah where grace led him.

So where is grace leading you?

14 Comments

  1. lara
    lara on January 4, 2011 at 6:11 am

    I am a product of His great grace. When for years I turned away, His grace drew me back into His transforming love. Praising Him. {thanks for this post!}

    • stacey
      stacey on January 4, 2011 at 4:58 pm

      I’d love for you to share that story!

  2. Amy
    Amy on January 4, 2011 at 10:01 am

    I don’t know where I would be without God’s Amazing Grace. Thank you for reminding me of this today!

    • stacey
      stacey on January 4, 2011 at 4:58 pm

      Where would we all be? Nice to see you here Amy!

  3. Danielle
    Danielle on January 4, 2011 at 11:11 am

    Excited about learning more and joining you in your grace notes!!!
    Thanks for sharing!

    • stacey
      stacey on January 4, 2011 at 4:57 pm

      I’m so blessed to journey with you Danielle! Love your post! Love that you see grace without it even being mentioned! Oh that others will see it in me like that!

  4. Donnetta
    Donnetta on January 4, 2011 at 11:56 am

    “Grace has eyes to see our hearts.” I love the promise and truth of this!

    I will post my own personal thoughts on Gen. 6:8 as part of grace notes later today! 🙂

    • stacey
      stacey on January 4, 2011 at 4:56 pm

      Can’t wait to read them Donnetta!

  5. Erin
    Erin on January 4, 2011 at 12:39 pm

    I learned about your series from Danielle from “This Life I Live” and was just telling her that I know what grace means, but I don’t think I fully “get it”, or at least in the fullest capacity possible. I’m looking forward to learning more…thank you!!

    • stacey
      stacey on January 4, 2011 at 4:54 pm

      We are all learning Erin! I love Danielle and her heart. It is so nice to meet you!

  6. Kim B.
    Kim B. on January 4, 2011 at 4:44 pm

    I love the acronym:
    God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense= GRACE I am reminded of God’s grace daily as He continues to hold my hand & never lets go. He reminds me that I am that one that lets go & when I fall, He is the one who picks me up. when in truth He should just leave me there 🙂

    • stacey
      stacey on January 4, 2011 at 4:53 pm

      Love that Kim! Thanks for sharing this!

    • stacey
      stacey on January 4, 2011 at 9:13 pm

      Thanks Shelly! I can’t wait to see what God has in store for us.