Wednesday, January 26, 2011

The Power of the Written Words...


On my journey through the Bible, I have been amazed at the descriptive words and phrases used. Words I had never really noticed before. Words that have held new meaning for me. Since not much has been going on around here, I thought I would take the time to share a few of my discoveries. Hopefully, they will encourage and inspire you along your day to day journey, like they have me.


Luke 24:49 "...clothed in power..."


Love this! The idea of the Holy Spirit dressing me head to toe with the power of Christ gives me chills. Can you just imagine getting up each morning and get ready, clothed with the power of the Spirit? If that thought doesn't give you strength, then to face the day, then I'm not sure what will.


1 Corinthians 9:24 "...under the cloud..."


In this verse Paul was referring to our forefathers and how they were led by God. The thought of having my "head in the clouds" might not be a bad thing, as long as the cloud is God. Sure wish I had come across this juicy tidbit at a younger age. It would have been a handy comeback to all my daydreaming moments. :)


1 Corinthians 14:33 " ...God is not a God of disorder but of peace..."


OK, so I knew this one. Even though Paul was talking about the church in this verse, I believe it holds a special message for all areas of our lives. In other words, the circus is fun, as long as the ringmaster has everything under control. Thankful, that God is my ringmaster. Just got to keep him in the center and let Him be in charge.


1 Corinthians 15:2 "...if you hold firmly..."


I just love this phrase used by Paul to describe keeping the faith, persevering in your relationship with Christ. We hold those we love...Christ should be no different.


2 Corinthians 2:14 "...and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him..."


Being compared to a sweet perfume smells so sweet. I love this thought. I like the idea that living the Christian life can be compared to a sweet fragrance to be shared. This is where I have to stop and ask myself daily, "How do I smell?"


1 Corinthians 3:3 "...you show that you are a letter from Christ..."


The idea is that our transformed life, is like someone opening up a letter and reading Christ. I can't even begin to tell you how that thought affects me. WOW!


2 Corinthians 4:7 "...but we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God..."


Who doesn't like the idea of a treasure box? People would hide their treasures in ordinary clay pots, so no one would discover the value within. Paul used the idea here to describe how unworthy he was, yet he held the greatest treasure of all in his heart. Paul and I are a lot alike in some ways. (I guess this is where the music group found their name?)


Can you tell where I have been reading lately? Yep. Made it through Acts, Romans and just wrapped up the two Corinthians. Looking forward to the next book of adventure. I encourage you to walk this journey with me. Book by book, chapter by chapter, verse by verse, one day at a time. It is amazing what one chapter a day can reveal and the impact that it has had on my life. Don't you just love it when the Word comes alive?
I would love to hear any verses you would like to add to my list. Just remember, this list is only a reflection of a few books of reading and what I wrote down in my journal that morning. I could probably reread the same books and find even more. I have always loved to write and journal, so descriptive words capture my attention and say "STOP!" you might want to read a little further.
I think I will read a little further...


Blessings!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Clothed in Power, In the Clouds - and then you said not a God of disorders but of peace - and I thought how our society wants to pin everyone with disorders instead of embracing the differences of how people are. I kind of got hung there (read everything, though) - how many of our children have "disorders" because they do things differently, are challenged in different ways. Maybe we just need to say it's o.k. to learn differently, struggle differently and be at peace as we deal with those challenges. Cause we all have challenges.

Sorry to have gone down a rabbit hole there, but it just hit me that way! I love your scriptures and how you led me through them. Beautiful!

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Well, it's obvious that the Rhema Word of God is alive and active in your heart, sister. I love hearing what you're reading and what is jumping out at you. I love when that happens... a word or two or phrase that sticks out like a flame! I've been reading through Luke. Just last night I came across this phrase:

"As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, 'Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.'"

I don't know why it struck me so profoundly, but I found myself saying the same thing to God after reading it...

Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you!

Keep to it, sister.

peace~elaine

Jim said...

Sis,
It is truly a blessing to see what your studies cause by way of reaction in others...these thoughts sprang forth in me...
-"clothed" - I recalled a series of sermons I did once on the rooms in my house that I walk through each day, beginning with the CLOSET where He alone knows how to dress me to meet the day's challenges.
-"clouds" - when the cloud appeared over the Ark, it was a sign of God's Presence with His people - Wow! Your idea of head in the clouds - imagine having the seat of you are totally wrapped by God!
-"peace not disorder" - your CIRCUS analogy ROCKS! Think of your life as a growing parade of acts, in disorder to some, but coordinated to build to a climax that brings you to your feet in expression of JOYOUS PEACE!
-"hold firmly" - picture you as the child walking with the parent, holding on to a Hand which more powerfully and permanently HOLDS yours!
-"sweet perfume" - a world that SMELLS (UGH!) is drawn to the sweet fragrance of God in us, by the same token is made truly aware of the reason for their own odor!
-"letters"- now here's a WORD PICTURE - being letters written by the WORDs of God! Now that's grammar of heaven!
-"clay jars" - made by the POTTER Himself - just right! and even fired in the KILN of our daily life!

Thanks, Daughter, for your insight which awakens anew my vision today.

Jim-Dad

Kellie said...

Those are wonderful. I am really enjoying seeing how God uses words in His Word to bring what He is saying closer to our hearts. Thanks for sharing. :)

Sharon Sloan said...

Hi, Mich!

Great, beautiful scriptures! Love them all....especially "you are letter of Christ". Wow.

I am currently studying Isaiah and Romans, though I do pop around to other books and always something in Psalms. :) He Word is alive and is indeed a treasure!!

Psalm 119:111