Okay, if any of you are like me, and sometimes just need a mental booster, try this on for size....
"And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you" Romans 8:11 (NIV).
Okay, back up... I always need to remind myself to really take this in, "the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you". Okay, one more time. "the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you."
Okay, Lord, please forgive me when I doubt Your power, doubt your ability or doubt the freedom You have set aside for me!
I know it's crazy, but I have to admit that, at times, I do find myself doubting, unconsciously, whether or not God's power is enough. I know, I know. I mean, I don't consciously sit around thinking, "Well, I don't know...God? I'm not sure He's up for the task." But, what my actions demonstrate is that, sometimes, I'm not sure. What other explanation is there for my doubt, my fear and my consistent attempts to "help"? And yet, listen to what the Truth tells us here.
The power that raised JESUS from the dead... okay, seriously, as I've heard this pointed out before by others, if I don't think that power is enough to help tackle my issue, whatever it may be on a given day... well, if I doubt that, I need a readjustment in my view! I mean, really! What problems do I have that are bigger than raising from the dead the one who died with the sins of the world on His shoulders???
Okay, that's what I thought. Not so much.
So, amen & hallelujah! There isn't anything we can face that is more than what His Spirit can overcome. Just a reminder; no room for doubt. It is spelled out quite clearly. Thank You, Lord!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Mistaken Opportunities
As I've written about before, it's easy for me to be very hard on myself. I suspect many (if not most) of us are like this. Even when I am complimented, it sometimes sparks me to feel not gratitude, but instead shame for all the ways in which either 1) I do not live up to the compliment or 2) all the other ways in which I do not deserve any praise.
I'm afraid I don't have more eloquence for it... but what I can say is that, for whatever reasons, I can often feel a little down on myself or disappointed in my own imperfection. In fact, that's probably one of my biggest challenges in responding to others. I think we probably all have our own motives that vary from instance to instance, but quite often, when I feel defensive, it's simply a shield for my own disappointment in my (once again) revealed imperfection.
In truth, this is a ludicrous problem to have! I was reminded of this today when reading in Luke. This is the passage in which Jesus is being criticized for befriending Levi, the tax collector. Jesus' response to His critics is one I need to hear again and again:
"Jesus answered them, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick'" Luke 5:31 (NIV).
Ooooh, right.
It is precisely because of my imperfections and human failings that I need Jesus. And not only because of these thing do I need Him, but because of them, He came, and because of them, I am repeatedly and readily convinced of my need for His hand in my life.
In truth, it's a simple lack of humility that prompts me to feel disappointed in my imperfection. I don't say this to be critical, but to be honest and plain. Only when I expect that I, of my own power, can act in a way that is "perfect" am I disappointed when I am not perfect. I am sure that many of my mistakes and mis-steps (whether sins or not... I know I can count many things as mis-steps that aren't sin at all... just another sign of my out-there standards!) disappoint God. But I suspect He doesn't even pause to be surprised by my failings. Instead, it's just an opportunity for Him to love me. And, when it comes down to it (and especially because I have no choice!), I'll take all the opportunities for Jesus' love that I can get!
Thank You, Lord, for loving me!
I'm afraid I don't have more eloquence for it... but what I can say is that, for whatever reasons, I can often feel a little down on myself or disappointed in my own imperfection. In fact, that's probably one of my biggest challenges in responding to others. I think we probably all have our own motives that vary from instance to instance, but quite often, when I feel defensive, it's simply a shield for my own disappointment in my (once again) revealed imperfection.
In truth, this is a ludicrous problem to have! I was reminded of this today when reading in Luke. This is the passage in which Jesus is being criticized for befriending Levi, the tax collector. Jesus' response to His critics is one I need to hear again and again:
"Jesus answered them, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick'" Luke 5:31 (NIV).
Ooooh, right.
It is precisely because of my imperfections and human failings that I need Jesus. And not only because of these thing do I need Him, but because of them, He came, and because of them, I am repeatedly and readily convinced of my need for His hand in my life.
In truth, it's a simple lack of humility that prompts me to feel disappointed in my imperfection. I don't say this to be critical, but to be honest and plain. Only when I expect that I, of my own power, can act in a way that is "perfect" am I disappointed when I am not perfect. I am sure that many of my mistakes and mis-steps (whether sins or not... I know I can count many things as mis-steps that aren't sin at all... just another sign of my out-there standards!) disappoint God. But I suspect He doesn't even pause to be surprised by my failings. Instead, it's just an opportunity for Him to love me. And, when it comes down to it (and especially because I have no choice!), I'll take all the opportunities for Jesus' love that I can get!
Thank You, Lord, for loving me!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Helping Jesus
I believe there are many layers of instruction in the Word - and one of the ways in which God speaks to me through it is sometimes in just starting my mind down a path. So, today, I'm going to take you through a little thought-path of mine. Hopefully I can navigate through without losing any passengers!
I started with this verse:
"The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him" Genesis 2:18 (NIV).
I hear good instruction in this verse - a reminder that as a wife someday, my role is to be a helper to my husband. I'm sure pages and pages could be written about what it really means to be a helper, not to mention the fact that I'd love to take some time to pull apart the word "suitable" here, but that will have to be for another day. For today, I started thinking about the role of the wife. I also wondered, as I felt led to write on this verse, what information there is in it for someone who may never be married, or for a husband or in some other context.
I started thinking about Jesus, and how we (as the church ) are to be His bride. I am no Biblical scholar, nor do I make any claims about authoritative interpretation of the Bible beyond what is trickles into my head after prayerful requests for insight. That said, it made me think about what it might mean to be a suitable helper to Jesus.
Hmmm, interesting thought, isn't it? My first one, quite honestly, was "How can I help Jesus?!? He's Jesus! And I'm just me!" I'm pretty stinkin' clear that I need His help; I'm not sure I've ever given thought before to the idea of helping Him in some way.
So then I thought about Jesus and His attitude toward the poor; I remembered His words in Matthew 25 encouraging care for the poor, the weakened and the prisoner. Specifically, I remembered "whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Ah, yes. Unconditional love and giving. Of course that helps Jesus!
Just like a mother or good friend feels personally helped when her child or friend is helped by someone else, so does Jesus. He loves each and every one of us that much - that when we help them, especially the "least" of them, we help Him too.
This is a simple concept (I never claimed anything more!), but valuable. It's just another reminder; the ways I act and the things I do, I do not do without an audience. And, beyond that, when I do His will and walk in His ways, I give back exponentially more than I can understand, because the power I get from Him also has the potential to be amplified and used by Him in ways I may never understand.
I hope to be a very good wife to my earthly husband someday. And for now and always, I will remember that I can and am called to helping Jesus in His pursuit of salvation, love and grace for all.
I started with this verse:
"The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him" Genesis 2:18 (NIV).
I hear good instruction in this verse - a reminder that as a wife someday, my role is to be a helper to my husband. I'm sure pages and pages could be written about what it really means to be a helper, not to mention the fact that I'd love to take some time to pull apart the word "suitable" here, but that will have to be for another day. For today, I started thinking about the role of the wife. I also wondered, as I felt led to write on this verse, what information there is in it for someone who may never be married, or for a husband or in some other context.
I started thinking about Jesus, and how we (as the church ) are to be His bride. I am no Biblical scholar, nor do I make any claims about authoritative interpretation of the Bible beyond what is trickles into my head after prayerful requests for insight. That said, it made me think about what it might mean to be a suitable helper to Jesus.
Hmmm, interesting thought, isn't it? My first one, quite honestly, was "How can I help Jesus?!? He's Jesus! And I'm just me!" I'm pretty stinkin' clear that I need His help; I'm not sure I've ever given thought before to the idea of helping Him in some way.
So then I thought about Jesus and His attitude toward the poor; I remembered His words in Matthew 25 encouraging care for the poor, the weakened and the prisoner. Specifically, I remembered "whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Ah, yes. Unconditional love and giving. Of course that helps Jesus!
Just like a mother or good friend feels personally helped when her child or friend is helped by someone else, so does Jesus. He loves each and every one of us that much - that when we help them, especially the "least" of them, we help Him too.
This is a simple concept (I never claimed anything more!), but valuable. It's just another reminder; the ways I act and the things I do, I do not do without an audience. And, beyond that, when I do His will and walk in His ways, I give back exponentially more than I can understand, because the power I get from Him also has the potential to be amplified and used by Him in ways I may never understand.
I hope to be a very good wife to my earthly husband someday. And for now and always, I will remember that I can and am called to helping Jesus in His pursuit of salvation, love and grace for all.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
The Heart of God
I was talking today with a friend about...well, about life. Life's twists and turns and how tough it is to wait for God to reveal what His answers are. I was sharing that if I'd learned anything about waiting on God, it was that His sense of timing was waaay different from my own! And yet, I believe in Him and in His ways. I absolutely believe that His way is the path to my greatest good.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV).
It's a familiar verse for many, but it's one of my favorites - one that I just like to curl up with and let it renew me and teach me more about God's heart. And really, it says some incredibly important things about God and His heart.
Not only does He know the plans He has for us, but there's more. And really, even that can be reassuring at times. I know that I have at times felt like God was maybe just sort of waffling back and forth or still trying to come up with a strategy. This verse reminds me that my fears aren't truth. He KNOWS the plans He has for us. So, not only does He know them, but He has them. Phew, okay. That's a good start.
What's more? His plans are to prosper us, and not to harm us. Quickly, a look at that word: prosper. It's derived from the Hebrew word "shalom." Many of us know this word, but few have looked into the rich depth of its full meaning. Shalom means peace, but it means complete, full and happy peace. This word is associated with rest and welfare, health and favour. This word is also about safety. These are the things God plans for us. Rest, welfare, health, favor, safety... complete, full and happy peace. Wow. I love this Lord!
His plans are good. His plans are complete. Pray for His help in waiting if you need it; He will not let you down!
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV).
It's a familiar verse for many, but it's one of my favorites - one that I just like to curl up with and let it renew me and teach me more about God's heart. And really, it says some incredibly important things about God and His heart.
Not only does He know the plans He has for us, but there's more. And really, even that can be reassuring at times. I know that I have at times felt like God was maybe just sort of waffling back and forth or still trying to come up with a strategy. This verse reminds me that my fears aren't truth. He KNOWS the plans He has for us. So, not only does He know them, but He has them. Phew, okay. That's a good start.
What's more? His plans are to prosper us, and not to harm us. Quickly, a look at that word: prosper. It's derived from the Hebrew word "shalom." Many of us know this word, but few have looked into the rich depth of its full meaning. Shalom means peace, but it means complete, full and happy peace. This word is associated with rest and welfare, health and favour. This word is also about safety. These are the things God plans for us. Rest, welfare, health, favor, safety... complete, full and happy peace. Wow. I love this Lord!
His plans are good. His plans are complete. Pray for His help in waiting if you need it; He will not let you down!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Set Apart in Daily Life
Alright, well, I'm going to dive right in. I have to say, I love the Lord, and I love, love, love His sense of humor! Sometimes He just makes me laugh. Other times, like today, He just makes me scrunch up my nose, chuckle a bit and shake my head.
What on earth am I talking about?
This is today's verse:
"Do not eat anything you find already dead. You may give it to an alien living in any of your towns, and he may eat it, or you may sell it to a foreigner. But you are a people holy to the Lord your God. Do not cook a young goat in its mother's milk" Deuteronomy 14:21 (NIV).
Yes, I'm serious.
Here's what caught my attention about this one. There are things in this world (things like dead animals) that are just fine as they are. There's nothing wrong with them, there's nothing "bad" about them; they are just a part of what life includes here. And, be that as it is, they're just fine for the next guy, for my neighbor, my boss and some other folks I know.
And why is that? Is it because I'm so much better than everyone else? No, of course not! It's because, by the Grace of Jesus, I have been adopted into the family of His chosen people. I've been called to be set apart. Now, my thought process about the above verse adds one final reminder - one that I need, because it's easy for me to think that being God's chosen for holiness makes me somehow superior to others. It makes me blessed, no doubt about it. But not better! And even if it did, that's not my place to judge. But here's what I noticed as well. God says it's okay to take the already dead meat and give it to an outsider. This is the same God who, even in this same chapter of the Bible, talks about generosity to the alien, and those unable to provide for themselves. He even goes a step further! He says it's okay to sell it to the foreigner! This is the same unchanging God who wants us to love our enemies. And, it's okay to sell this meat to them. I think it's a reasonable inference that the meat, in and of itself, isn't bad or poisoned or tainted or cursed it some way. It's just not for us.
I wish I had some thorough, eloquent and (most importantly) authoritative explanation for why exactly that is. I don't. I know I don't. But I know and believe it to be true. And I have examples of this principle in my own life. In fact, I have one from this very day.
I had a challenging conversation with someone today. And when I got off the phone, although I was frustrated by the content of the conversation itself, I felt more upset about how I'd handled myself. I hadn't yelled, and I hadn't cursed or been mean... but I hadn't been kind either. I'd been short tempered, aggressive and impatient. I was not exactly displaying the fruit of the Spirit. So... I sat with it a bit, went to the Lord in prayer and just said, "deal with me! I trust that you are dealing with the other person; she's yours to handle! But, Lord, I ask you to deal with me too!" And He did. Gently. Lovingly and without condemnation. Long story short, I called her back and was able, with the help of the infilling of the Spirit, to speak to her honestly and out of love. It was good. He always is.
But, the parallel I'm drawing here is this: 98.2% of the people I know could have heard my end of the conversation and said, "Well, you didn't say anything that bad. It's fine." I think a typical reaction might have been just to shrug it off. And, perhaps, that could have been okay. But, the Spirit spoke to me, and said, "You're being held to a different standard now." Different, by far, from the standard to which I'd been held before - even in my own heart and spirit. This is God's refining fire; I'm being set apart. So, I yielded (the key verb of my life, I think), and God does what He alone can do. He heals, He rejoins, He restores. The principle here is the same as in this random verse about dead animals. We're called to be different. We're called to do things in a different way. When it comes to specifics, I can't always give a good answer for why, but it is what it is, and it's His. So, I trust it's good. And when I listen, and yield, and learn, I am better for it. And I sensed in my encounter with Him today that He was pleased with me too. For my willingness I would guess. I am grateful for that. What a loving Father!
What on earth am I talking about?
This is today's verse:
"Do not eat anything you find already dead. You may give it to an alien living in any of your towns, and he may eat it, or you may sell it to a foreigner. But you are a people holy to the Lord your God. Do not cook a young goat in its mother's milk" Deuteronomy 14:21 (NIV).
Yes, I'm serious.
Here's what caught my attention about this one. There are things in this world (things like dead animals) that are just fine as they are. There's nothing wrong with them, there's nothing "bad" about them; they are just a part of what life includes here. And, be that as it is, they're just fine for the next guy, for my neighbor, my boss and some other folks I know.
And why is that? Is it because I'm so much better than everyone else? No, of course not! It's because, by the Grace of Jesus, I have been adopted into the family of His chosen people. I've been called to be set apart. Now, my thought process about the above verse adds one final reminder - one that I need, because it's easy for me to think that being God's chosen for holiness makes me somehow superior to others. It makes me blessed, no doubt about it. But not better! And even if it did, that's not my place to judge. But here's what I noticed as well. God says it's okay to take the already dead meat and give it to an outsider. This is the same God who, even in this same chapter of the Bible, talks about generosity to the alien, and those unable to provide for themselves. He even goes a step further! He says it's okay to sell it to the foreigner! This is the same unchanging God who wants us to love our enemies. And, it's okay to sell this meat to them. I think it's a reasonable inference that the meat, in and of itself, isn't bad or poisoned or tainted or cursed it some way. It's just not for us.
I wish I had some thorough, eloquent and (most importantly) authoritative explanation for why exactly that is. I don't. I know I don't. But I know and believe it to be true. And I have examples of this principle in my own life. In fact, I have one from this very day.
I had a challenging conversation with someone today. And when I got off the phone, although I was frustrated by the content of the conversation itself, I felt more upset about how I'd handled myself. I hadn't yelled, and I hadn't cursed or been mean... but I hadn't been kind either. I'd been short tempered, aggressive and impatient. I was not exactly displaying the fruit of the Spirit. So... I sat with it a bit, went to the Lord in prayer and just said, "deal with me! I trust that you are dealing with the other person; she's yours to handle! But, Lord, I ask you to deal with me too!" And He did. Gently. Lovingly and without condemnation. Long story short, I called her back and was able, with the help of the infilling of the Spirit, to speak to her honestly and out of love. It was good. He always is.
But, the parallel I'm drawing here is this: 98.2% of the people I know could have heard my end of the conversation and said, "Well, you didn't say anything that bad. It's fine." I think a typical reaction might have been just to shrug it off. And, perhaps, that could have been okay. But, the Spirit spoke to me, and said, "You're being held to a different standard now." Different, by far, from the standard to which I'd been held before - even in my own heart and spirit. This is God's refining fire; I'm being set apart. So, I yielded (the key verb of my life, I think), and God does what He alone can do. He heals, He rejoins, He restores. The principle here is the same as in this random verse about dead animals. We're called to be different. We're called to do things in a different way. When it comes to specifics, I can't always give a good answer for why, but it is what it is, and it's His. So, I trust it's good. And when I listen, and yield, and learn, I am better for it. And I sensed in my encounter with Him today that He was pleased with me too. For my willingness I would guess. I am grateful for that. What a loving Father!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
No Need to Hide
A few years ago, I caught hold of a very powerful idea; it seems simple now in the retelling, but at the time it really gave me pause for reflection. The idea was that many of the ways in which I was "acting out" (which is a pathetically general way of trying to quickly lump together a multitude of behaviors, so please forgive me!) were motivated by a single thing: I wanted to control the way I was perceived.
Naturally, one thing that can sometimes influence how we're perceived is how we act. All those external cues do inform the ways in which we're seen. However, I think all will agree that sometimes, what we understand as the reality of our actions seems to be a hundred miles apart from how another person might see or understand us. There are umpteen factors influencing these things - factors brought to the picture by the person viewed, and those brought by the person viewing.
Where I'm going with this is simply that I think we can all relate to the idea of trying to not "seem" a certain way or another... whether we really are that way or not. For myself, I hold an ideal in my heart of never trying to manipulate my image; it's simple but absolute honesty for which I strive. Now, in truth, I frequently fall short of this ideal. I find myself trying to manipulate the impression I make on others without even realizing it - in subtle ways. Nothing that anyone might call deceit, but beneath are two fallacies: 1) I can control how another person perceives me and 2) There is something to be gained from doing so.
In light of these ideas, here's the verse that caught my eye today: "His eyes are on the ways of men; he sees their every step " Job 34:21 (NIV).
Thankfully, I'm at a place in my life where I don't mind admitting to you that I sometimes find myself trying to control and change (viz. manipulate) the way that even God sees me! Isn't the very idea ridiculous? Well, certainly I agree; the idea is ridiculous! The attempt is pitiful! And yet, I do it all the time!!!
It's a simple message to say that God sees us exactly as we are. And, in fact, I'll add to that a reminder that He sees us with eyes that see even more clearly than our own. He knows us - in every sense, in every way and on every level.
I'm not sure what the "purpose" may be for you in this reminder, but I will toss this last thought into the idea before I close. He knows each and every thing you've ever done, thought, said and even felt - and He adores you, absolutely loves you and deeply longs for intimate relationship with you.
Wow. Lord, when I am feeling lofty, help me remember that I cannot hide from You. And when I swing the other way and start to feel unworthy, help me to know with conviction that You know me better than I could ever know myself, and that because of Your loving gift of sacrifice, You deem me worthy. Help me to never take so great a step of arrogance as to think my own estimation of my worth is more accurate than Your own! And when I do stumble on this rocks, help me reaffirm the truths of Your word and know that I am wonderfully made by You! And that, truly, nothing else is relevant! Thank You, Lord!
Naturally, one thing that can sometimes influence how we're perceived is how we act. All those external cues do inform the ways in which we're seen. However, I think all will agree that sometimes, what we understand as the reality of our actions seems to be a hundred miles apart from how another person might see or understand us. There are umpteen factors influencing these things - factors brought to the picture by the person viewed, and those brought by the person viewing.
Where I'm going with this is simply that I think we can all relate to the idea of trying to not "seem" a certain way or another... whether we really are that way or not. For myself, I hold an ideal in my heart of never trying to manipulate my image; it's simple but absolute honesty for which I strive. Now, in truth, I frequently fall short of this ideal. I find myself trying to manipulate the impression I make on others without even realizing it - in subtle ways. Nothing that anyone might call deceit, but beneath are two fallacies: 1) I can control how another person perceives me and 2) There is something to be gained from doing so.
In light of these ideas, here's the verse that caught my eye today: "His eyes are on the ways of men; he sees their every step " Job 34:21 (NIV).
Thankfully, I'm at a place in my life where I don't mind admitting to you that I sometimes find myself trying to control and change (viz. manipulate) the way that even God sees me! Isn't the very idea ridiculous? Well, certainly I agree; the idea is ridiculous! The attempt is pitiful! And yet, I do it all the time!!!
It's a simple message to say that God sees us exactly as we are. And, in fact, I'll add to that a reminder that He sees us with eyes that see even more clearly than our own. He knows us - in every sense, in every way and on every level.
I'm not sure what the "purpose" may be for you in this reminder, but I will toss this last thought into the idea before I close. He knows each and every thing you've ever done, thought, said and even felt - and He adores you, absolutely loves you and deeply longs for intimate relationship with you.
Wow. Lord, when I am feeling lofty, help me remember that I cannot hide from You. And when I swing the other way and start to feel unworthy, help me to know with conviction that You know me better than I could ever know myself, and that because of Your loving gift of sacrifice, You deem me worthy. Help me to never take so great a step of arrogance as to think my own estimation of my worth is more accurate than Your own! And when I do stumble on this rocks, help me reaffirm the truths of Your word and know that I am wonderfully made by You! And that, truly, nothing else is relevant! Thank You, Lord!
Monday, February 2, 2009
Demolition Derby
Alright, I just love, love, love this verse. Check it out:
“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds” 2 Corinthians 10:4 (NIV).
Now, I may be slightly biased; it is certainly true that I have had my fair share of strongholds with which to contend in life. And, so, as I continue on in warfare on my own patch of grass here, I so appreciate the vote and promise of divine power here!
I'll keep this brief for today. I think, in looking at this one, that the text speaks for itself so very clearly. And to help demonstrate that point, there's probably no better approach than simply looking at the original language of the text itself.
The word translated as weapons doesn't necessarily connote only warfare or fighting. It does imply armor and a taking up of arms, but it also implies simple tools or utensils. The take away there for me is that it's not only in the hard times of serious fighting that I need to remember to call on His weaponry and strength; it's all times. Even when I may be passing by my sword and grabbing for a simple hammer.
Next, "divine power." The more word-for-word King James translates this phrase as "mighty through God" referencing two root words: one for "mighty" and one for "through God." The word for mighty is a word I am loving: dynatos. It means powerful, but also capable. I don't know about you, but there's an added layer of importance to that. A ninja kick to the gut might be powerful. But, unless your goal is either violence or a really slick video clip, it probably isn't going to really accomplish much in your personal situation. But this word, dynatos, implies capability, possibility and strong, powerful ability. It's a word that, to my reading, implies that things can get done and that they can get done with the same kind of might encapsulated in a wicked-cool ninja kick. The word translated as "through God" reminds me of the last very important element: it's through, because of and within the context of God that we have this power available to us, and, if I may say so, that the power has the ability to do anything at all.
Lastly, the demolition of strongholds. Stepping aside from the original language for a moment, I love the NIV's choice of "demolish" here. What a great word! I picture a house and bulldozer, and that house, in my mind's eye, is just a heap of sticks in a matter of moments. And, really, what's great is that the Greek supports this word-picture to a certain extent! This word for demolish really means to pull-down or tear-down. It implies destruction and complete extinction. Praise God! His weapons have the power to make extinct my problems! What an awesome piece of truth that is!!!
And, as the final piece, strongholds: part of the translation I have found for this word lends itself to the idea of a fortified castle, a structure holding safely its shape and form. I imagine a big castle, complete with moat and creaky drawbridge. Big ole walls have surrounded some of my own castle-strongholds. But this verse says that they can be torn down and completely destroyed, by the power of the weapons He puts into our hands and to which He gives His power! Awesome! I'm taking my own mental pictures and following through here: bulldozer, meet castle. And that's it! Bye-bye castle! Moat and drawbridge are no more. It's freed promised land that my God has set aside for me! And for you, too! What an awesome word of encouragement and empowerment!
“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds” 2 Corinthians 10:4 (NIV).
Now, I may be slightly biased; it is certainly true that I have had my fair share of strongholds with which to contend in life. And, so, as I continue on in warfare on my own patch of grass here, I so appreciate the vote and promise of divine power here!
I'll keep this brief for today. I think, in looking at this one, that the text speaks for itself so very clearly. And to help demonstrate that point, there's probably no better approach than simply looking at the original language of the text itself.
The word translated as weapons doesn't necessarily connote only warfare or fighting. It does imply armor and a taking up of arms, but it also implies simple tools or utensils. The take away there for me is that it's not only in the hard times of serious fighting that I need to remember to call on His weaponry and strength; it's all times. Even when I may be passing by my sword and grabbing for a simple hammer.
Next, "divine power." The more word-for-word King James translates this phrase as "mighty through God" referencing two root words: one for "mighty" and one for "through God." The word for mighty is a word I am loving: dynatos. It means powerful, but also capable. I don't know about you, but there's an added layer of importance to that. A ninja kick to the gut might be powerful. But, unless your goal is either violence or a really slick video clip, it probably isn't going to really accomplish much in your personal situation. But this word, dynatos, implies capability, possibility and strong, powerful ability. It's a word that, to my reading, implies that things can get done and that they can get done with the same kind of might encapsulated in a wicked-cool ninja kick. The word translated as "through God" reminds me of the last very important element: it's through, because of and within the context of God that we have this power available to us, and, if I may say so, that the power has the ability to do anything at all.
Lastly, the demolition of strongholds. Stepping aside from the original language for a moment, I love the NIV's choice of "demolish" here. What a great word! I picture a house and bulldozer, and that house, in my mind's eye, is just a heap of sticks in a matter of moments. And, really, what's great is that the Greek supports this word-picture to a certain extent! This word for demolish really means to pull-down or tear-down. It implies destruction and complete extinction. Praise God! His weapons have the power to make extinct my problems! What an awesome piece of truth that is!!!
And, as the final piece, strongholds: part of the translation I have found for this word lends itself to the idea of a fortified castle, a structure holding safely its shape and form. I imagine a big castle, complete with moat and creaky drawbridge. Big ole walls have surrounded some of my own castle-strongholds. But this verse says that they can be torn down and completely destroyed, by the power of the weapons He puts into our hands and to which He gives His power! Awesome! I'm taking my own mental pictures and following through here: bulldozer, meet castle. And that's it! Bye-bye castle! Moat and drawbridge are no more. It's freed promised land that my God has set aside for me! And for you, too! What an awesome word of encouragement and empowerment!
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