117 | When Scripture Feels Out of Reach: Can Greek Insights Help You Understand and Apply God’s Word?

Find the full episode here: LivingOnPurposeInChrist.com/blog

What if a single word could change how you pray, plan, and move through your day? We open the pages of the New Testament with a magnifying glass, leaning into the original Greek to uncover meaning that English often flattens. From the layered loves of "ἀγάπη" (agape), "φιλέω" (phileo), and "ἔρως" (eros) to the empowering force behind "ἐνδυναμόω" (endonamoó), we trace how small shifts in understanding can reshape your devotional life from hurried to rooted.

I share a simple, flexible framework designed for real schedules: choose one verse, explore one Greek keyword with a trusted tool, breathe in deeply, and jot a brief reflection. To help truth reach the heart, we pair study with sensory cues—think frankincense for focus or cedarwood for calm—so Scripture becomes easier to recall when the day turns noisy. This is not a checklist; it’s a gentle rhythm that builds peace, clarity, and confidence in God’s presence.

We also talk practical setup: crafting a small sacred nook at home, committing to one deeper session per week, and giving yourself grace when life gets messy. Along the way, community matters. You’ll hear how to connect with a warm space for biblical encouragement, prayer support, and monthly resources that help you keep Christ at the center of your home, heart, and work. If you’ve felt spiritually dry or distracted, these tools will help you slow down, savor Scripture, and live from divine empowerment rather than sheer willpower.

If this resonates, follow the show, share it with someone who needs encouragement, and leave a quick review so more listeners can find these practices. Then tell us the one Greek word you want to explore next—we’d love to dig into it with you.

Send us a text

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Episode Transcript

Paula Behrens (00:00):
Have you ever found yourself sitting down with
your Bible, ready to engagewith the day's scripture, but
end up feeling like there'ssomething more you're missing?
Perhaps it's a longing deepwithin you to truly connect with
the passages and their profoundmeanings.
You read and reread, yet stillthe message seems just out of
reach.
Well, you're not alone in thisjourney.

(00:23):
In today's episode, we're goingto dive into a powerful way of
deepening your connection withGod through understanding the
original Greek meanings behindthese age-old words.
And stay tuned until the endbecause I've got a special
invitation in our privateFacebook group where you'll not
only find community with otherbelievers, but also get access
to free monthly resources tohelp you keep Christ at the

(00:47):
center of it all.
Before we get started, though,let me share a little secret
that a lot of my colleagues canprobably identify with.
When I first began my seminarywork while serving two church
congregations full-time,everyone assumed I had my daily
devotional time perfectlyorganized.
But truth be told, there weremornings I could barely find

(01:07):
five minutes to catch my breath,let alone dive into deep
reflection.
One day, as I rushed out thedoor with mismatched shoes, I
realized that even in my chaos,there was a lesson.
Embracing God's grace andself-forgiveness, I realized
that true success in mydevotional life requires
prioritizing my spiritualpractices.

(01:30):
Are you finding it challengingto maintain your spiritual
practices or yearning for a morepeaceful, God-aligned day?
I'm Paula, and I've been theretoo.
Balancing spiritual habits witha busy life can be difficult.
I longed for a deeperconnection with God but
struggled with consistency.
Then I found the perfectapproach.
If you seek simple ways todeepen your connection with God,

(01:52):
this podcast is for you.
Please take a moment to followthe show, leave a review, and
share with your friends who needa little biblical encouragement
today.
If you've been feelingspiritually dry, this is your
opportunity to reignite yourlove for time with God.

(02:12):
It isn't just another Biblestudy or spiritual to-do list.
It's a deeply intentionalone-on-one session where you'll
experience a rhythm that trulyfits your life, all while using
your senses.
Before our coaching call,you'll receive an essential oil
sampler to use during our onlinesession to enhance this fun
spiritual journey.
We'll partner together todesign a peaceful,

(02:34):
Christ-centered rhythm thathelps you breathe again
spiritually and emotionally.
You'll walk away with clarity,focus, and a renewed connection
to the Holy Spirit.
Go right now toPaulaBehrens.com /coaching to
book your session.
That's Paula Behrens B-E-H R EN S .com /coaching (no spaces).

(02:54):
It's time to stop trying tofigure it out alone and start
connecting with God in a waythat finally feels like
refreshment for your soul.
Check the show notes to saveyour spot while the peace reset
is still on the table.
All right, it's time to getstarted.
Grab your Bible, dust off yourjournal, and cozy up to your
favorite beverage and let's divein.

(03:17):
If your days are filled with thehustle of family commitments or
you're just stepping into aquieter phase of life, finding
and cherishing that intimatetime with God can feel like
quite the balancing act.
I understand it's easy to feelas though we're merely skimming
the surface of God's word ratherthan diving into its richer
depths.

(03:37):
But here's the truth smallsteps add up.
With the right tools andinsights, those moments of
spiritual dryness can betransformed into a vibrant
journey of discovery and joy.
Picture a marvelous painting.
Imagine standing in front ofit, your eyes tracing over the
strokes, taking in the colors.
But what if someone offered youa magnifying glass to view the

(04:00):
painting?
Suddenly, details emerge, tinybrush strokes reveal the
artist's hand's intentions andemotions with each layer.
And the Greek words are themagnifying glass, bringing into
focus what might otherwise gounnoticed.
Let's start with why delvinginto Greek meanings can be
transformative.

(04:20):
The New Testament, as we knowit, was primarily written in
Greek, Koine Greek, to bespecific, the common dialect
during the time of Jesus and theearly church.
This language is rich, nuanced,and beautifully layered, much
like the breathtaking depths ofa tranquil ocean.

(04:40):
Consider the word love.
In English, this one word triesto encompass what we might feel
toward our favorite food, abeloved pet, our family, or God
Himself.
But in Greek, there aredifferent words for different
types of love.
Agapē (ἀγάπη) for the selflessunconditional love of God,
phileō (φιλέω) for the strongbond between friends, and eros

(05:03):
(ἔρως) for romantic love.
These words provide a clearer,deeper understanding of what the
authors of the New Testamentwanted to convey about the
nature of love in differentcontexts.
When we unlock the originalGreek, we tap into a treasure
trove of meaning, putting colorand depth into words we've heard
a thousand times.
It's an opportunity to rekindlethat childlike closeness to

(05:25):
God, one Greek word at a time.
Arming yourself with anunderstanding of Greek insights
paves the way for a moreintentional devotional practice.
It's these little rituals,these small steps that can
center your focus and bring youinto God's presence with renewed
intention.
Here's a fun yet systematicapproach to make it doable.

(05:47):
First, imagine waking up eachday, maybe reaching for a
particular essential oil likelavender as you dive into
scripture.
Then choose your focus.
Instead of overwhelmingyourself, pick one passage or
even a single verse for the day.
Less can be more when exploreddeeply.
Next, embrace the ancient word.
As you meditate on scripture,keep a Greek lexicon or a

(06:10):
trusted online source like BlueLetter Bible beside you.
Look up keywords, those thatstand out to you, and then learn
their Greek counterparts.
Third, create space forbreathing and savoring.
Allow the meanings to resonatewithin you.
Sit quietly and reflect.
Breathe in these truths,letting their meaning infuse

(06:31):
your entire being with God'swisdom.
Finally, reflect and journal.
Engage all your senses bywriting down your thoughts about
what you've learned.
Journaling makes it stick,allows you to return to it
later, and offers a tangible wayto track your growth.
Now let's take a closer look ata familiar passage and explore
how Greek insights can shed newlight.

(06:52):
One of the most quoted verses,I can do all things through
Christ who strengthens me,offers a powerful promise.
Yet when we look closer at theGreek, the word strengthens
comes from the Greek verbendonamoó (ἐνδυναμόω), which
means to empower or fill withpower, endonamoó (ἐνδυναμόω).

(07:12):
This insight shifts the focalpoint from our own ability to
God's ability, filling us withHis divine strength.
It' s a call to rest, not inself-reliance, but in divine
empowerment, an invitation tolet go and trust as God's
strength courses through you.
Once this insight is layeredinto your morning reading, it

(07:34):
transforms into more than just areassuring statement.
On those days when you feelstretched thin, when
distractions pull you away fromprayer, when you feel all alone,
this verse becomes God'swhispering assurance directly to
your soul, a moment to breatheand let his empowering presence
fill you.
Incorporating aromatherapy withessential oils into your

(07:55):
devotional practice creates aneven richer experience.
Scent has a unique way ofplanting memories and emotions
deep within us, making it aperfect partner for spiritual
growth.
Think of it as an olfactorysymphony accompanying you as you
explore God's Word.
Imagine beginning your quiettime with a soothing blend like
Harmony and feeling peace gentlyembrace your heart.

(08:17):
Focusing on that same key Greekword, endonamoó (ἐνδυναμόω),
while diffusing oils known forcalming like cedar wood or
promoting focus likefrankincense can help these
messages sink deeply into yourspirit.
By making this a habit, youmight just find that certain
scents recall these intentionalsacred moments.
The soothing aroma blends withthe revelations you've received

(08:43):
through scripture, lifting yourspirit and calming your busy
mind, helping you step boldlyinto the day with Christ's
strength, endonamoó (ἐνδυναμόω).
Deep down, our souls yearn fora rhythm with God that sustains
us, fuels us, and sends us backinto the world refreshed and
alive.
Imagine the rhythm of yourbreath.

(09:03):
Inhale God's wisdom, embracinghis guidance and renewing your
spirit, and then exhale doubtand fear, releasing what no
longer serves you well.
This is the kind of rhythm wecultivate through understanding
the depths of scripture withGreek and aromas, creating
traditions that fit seamlesslyinto our lives, no matter how

(09:27):
busy they get.
Here are some suggestions forweaving these practices into the
fabric of your week.
On a regular basis, aim for atleast one morning per week where
you intentionally dive into aGreek word from your devotional,
combining it with an oil youassociate with spiritual
grounding and clarity.
It's also a good idea to createa dedicated space for your

(09:49):
study, a corner with acomfortable chair, your Bible, a
soft blanket, and a diffuser.
Allow it to become your sacrednook, a safe haven from life's
noise.
And as you close your time inprayer, breathe in deeply,
allowing the intermingling ofGod's Word and the essence to
settle into your soul.
Let it become your prayer, afragrant offering rising, a

(10:13):
reminder that God is with youalways.
Sometimes life pulls us awayfrom scripture.
Responsibilities, family needs,even the uneasiness of
struggling with our beliefs cansteer us from the joy we once
felt.
Yet with fresh approaches andby deepening our understanding
of God's Word, we can nurture asustainable relationship with

(10:35):
His Word.
Today's exploration is areminder, an invitation back to
that childlike wonder with God.
With small steps daily,unraveling the meanings beneath
the words, reconnecting with Godjust as you did as a child, you
can allow yourself to breatheit all in.
Setting intentionality in thesemoments gives you the

(10:56):
foundation to weather any storm,soak in God's presence,
flourish, and share that peacewith your family and others.
So, dear sister in Christ, knowthat this journey you are on is
blessed and valued.
Your desire to connect deeper,to balance your walk with God
amid the busyness is a beautifulreflection of faith in action.

(11:18):
Allow yourself the grace toexplore, to grow, to step
quietly, assuredly deeper intoGod's Word, guided by his Spirit
in the aromatic whispers ofcreation.
And should you yearn for more,always feel welcome to come and
hang out with us in our Facebookcommunity where we will nurture
these ideas further, supportone another, and give each other

(11:40):
that extra nudge of motivationwe sometimes need.
Biblical encouragement anddevotional rhythms with
essential oils is a warm,grace-filled space where
listeners like you arediscovering how to keep Christ
at the center of their homes,hearts, and even workspaces.
We share devotionals, offerprayer support, provide
essential oil tips for focus andcalm, and offer monthly

(12:02):
resources to keep you anchoredin God's Word while taking care
of your mind and body.
When you join, you can grabthis month's free download, a
beautiful devotional journal andseven-day challenge called,

"Awaken to Aroma (12:15):
Scent , Scripture, and Brain Health."
It's a wonderful way toreconnect your faith, focus, and
well-being, through God's Wordand the gift of scent He
designed for us.
Visit DevotionDrops.com and itwill take you straight to the
group.
That's Devotion Drops,D-R-O-P-S .com (no spaces).

(12:37):
I'm looking forward to seeingyou there, praying with you,
laughing with you, and walkingthis journey of faith-filled
living alongside you.
Remember, you're not alone, andGod never intended for you to
be.
See you in the group.
Thank you for tuning intoday, and remember, just like
setting biblical boundaries,it's okay to say no to things

(12:59):
that don't serve you well, likethat third piece of cake at the
church potluck.
If you were blessed by thisepisode, be sure to share it
with a friend and leave a reviewso that we can reach even more
listeners like you.
Check the show notes for allthe links.
Join us next week as wecontinue to discover how
live on purpose in Christ.
Until then,keep leaning into Him and walking in His wisdom.

(13:23):
See you next time.