Living On Purpose In Christ | Biblical Encouragement, Aromatherapy, Devotions, Essential Oils, Daily Prayer, Journal Prompts

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

• Paula Behrens | Christian Coach, Pastor, Certified Essential Oil Practitioner

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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.

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Paula Behrens:

Have you ever found yourself sitting down with your Bible, ready to engage with the day's scripture, but end up feeling like there's something more you're missing? Perhaps it's a longing deep within you to truly connect with the passages and their profound meanings. You read and reread, yet still the message seems just out of reach. Well, you're not alone in this journey. In today's episode, we're going to dive into a powerful way of deepening your connection with God through understanding the original Greek meanings behind these age-old words. And stay tuned until the end because I've got a special invitation in our private Facebook group where you'll not only find community with other believers, but also get access to free monthly resources to help you keep Christ at the center of it all. Before we get started, though, let me share a little secret that a lot of my colleagues can probably identify with.

Paula Behrens:

When I first began my seminary work while serving two church congregations full-time, everyone assumed I had my daily devotional time perfectly organized. But truth be told, there were mornings I could barely find five minutes to catch my breath, let alone dive into deep reflection. One day, as I rushed out the door with mismatched shoes, I realized that even in my chaos, there was a lesson. Embracing God's grace and self-forgiveness, I realized that true success in my devotional life requires prioritizing my spiritual practices.

Paula Behrens:

Are you finding it challenging to maintain your spiritual practices or yearning for a more peaceful, God-aligned day? I'm Paula, and I've been there too. Balancing spiritual habits with a busy life can be difficult. I longed for a deeper connection with God but struggled with consistency. Then I found the perfect approach. If you seek simple ways to deepen your connection with God, this podcast is for you. Please take a moment to follow the show, leave a review, and share with your friends who need a little biblical encouragement today.

Paula Behrens:

If you've been feeling spiritually dry, this is your opportunity to reignite your love for time with God. It isn't just another Bible study or spiritual to-do list. It's a deeply intentional one-on-one session where you'll experience a rhythm that truly fits your life, all while using your senses. Before our coaching call, you'll receive an essential oil sampler to use during our online session to enhance this fun spiritual journey. We'll partner together to design a peaceful, Christ-centered rhythm that helps you breathe again spiritually and emotionally. You'll walk away with clarity, focus, and a renewed connection to the Holy Spirit. Go right now to PaulaBehrens.com /coaching to book your session. That's Paula Behrens B-E-H R E N S .com /coaching (no spaces). It's time to stop trying to figure it out alone and start connecting with God in a way that finally feels like refreshment for your soul. Check the show notes to save your spot while the peace reset is still on the table. All right, it's time to get started. Grab your Bible, dust off your journal, and cozy up to your favorite beverage and let's dive in.

Paula Behrens:

If your days are filled with the hustle of family commitments or you're just stepping into a quieter phase of life, finding and cherishing that intimate time with God can feel like quite the balancing act. I understand it's easy to feel as though we're merely skimming the surface of God's word rather than diving into its richer depths. But here's the truth small steps add up. With the right tools and insights, those moments of spiritual dryness can be transformed into a vibrant journey of discovery and joy. Picture a marvelous painting. Imagine standing in front of it, your eyes tracing over the strokes, taking in the colors. But what if someone offered you a magnifying glass to view the painting? Suddenly, details emerge, tiny brush strokes reveal the artist's hand's intentions and emotions with each layer. And the Greek words are the magnifying glass, bringing into focus what might otherwise go unnoticed.

Paula Behrens:

Let's start with why delving into Greek meanings can be transformative. The New Testament, as we know it, was primarily written in Greek, Koine Greek, to be specific, the common dialect during the time of Jesus and the early church. This language is rich, nuanced, and beautifully layered, much like the breathtaking depths of a tranquil ocean. Consider the word love. In English, this one word tries to encompass what we might feel toward our favorite food, a beloved pet, our family, or God Himself. But in Greek, there are different words for different types of love. Agapē (ἀγάπη) for the selfless unconditional love of God, phileō (φιλέω) for the strong bond between friends, and eros (ἔρως) for romantic love. These words provide a clearer, deeper understanding of what the authors of the New Testament wanted to convey about the nature of love in different contexts. When we unlock the original Greek, we tap into a treasure trove of meaning, putting color and depth into words we've heard a thousand times. It's an opportunity to rekindle that childlike closeness to God, one Greek word at a time.

Paula Behrens:

Arming yourself with an understanding of Greek insights paves the way for a more intentional devotional practice. It's these little rituals, these small steps that can center your focus and bring you into God's presence with renewed intention. Here's a fun yet systematic approach to make it doable. First, imagine waking up each day, maybe reaching for a particular essential oil like lavender as you dive into scripture. Then choose your focus. Instead of overwhelming yourself, pick one passage or even a single verse for the day. Less can be more when explored deeply. Next, embrace the ancient word. As you meditate on scripture, keep a Greek lexicon or a trusted online source like Blue Letter Bible beside you. Look up keywords, those that stand out to you, and then learn their Greek counterparts. Third, create space for breathing and savoring. Allow the meanings to resonate within you. Sit quietly and reflect. Breathe in these truths, letting their meaning infuse your entire being with God's wisdom. Finally, reflect and journal. Engage all your senses by writing down your thoughts about what you've learned. Journaling makes it stick, allows you to return to it later, and offers a tangible way to track your growth.

Paula Behrens:

Now let's take a closer look at a familiar passage and explore how Greek insights can shed new light. 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 the Greek, the word strengthens comes from the Greek verb endonamoó (ἐνδυναμόω), which means to empower or fill with power, endonamoó (ἐνδυναμόω). This insight shifts the focal point from our own ability to God's ability, filling us with His divine strength. It' s a call to rest, not in self-reliance, but in divine empowerment, an invitation to let go and trust as God's strength courses through you. Once this insight is layered into your morning reading, it transforms into more than just a reassuring statement. On those days when you feel stretched thin, when distractions pull you away from prayer, when you feel all alone, this verse becomes God's whispering assurance directly to your soul, a moment to breathe and let his empowering presence fill you.

Paula Behrens:

Incorporating aromatherapy with essential oils into your devotional practice creates an even richer experience. Scent has a unique way of planting memories and emotions deep within us, making it a perfect partner for spiritual growth. Think of it as an olfactory symphony accompanying you as you explore God's Word. Imagine beginning your quiet time with a soothing blend like Harmony and feeling peace gently embrace your heart. Focusing on that same key Greek word, endonamoó (ἐνδυναμόω), while diffusing oils known for calming like cedar wood or promoting focus like frankincense can help these messages sink deeply into your spirit. By making this a habit, you might just find that certain scents recall these intentional sacred moments. The soothing aroma blends with the revelations you've received through scripture, lifting your spirit and calming your busy mind, helping you step boldly into the day with Christ's strength, endonamoó (ἐνδυναμόω). Deep down, our souls yearn for a rhythm with God that sustains us, fuels us, and sends us back into the world refreshed and alive. Imagine the rhythm of your breath. Inhale God's wisdom, embracing his guidance and renewing your spirit, and then exhale doubt and fear, releasing what no longer serves you well. This is the kind of rhythm we cultivate through understanding the depths of scripture with Greek and aromas, creating traditions that fit seamlessly into our lives, no matter how busy they get.

Paula Behrens:

Here are some suggestions for weaving these practices into the fabric of your week. On a regular basis, aim for at least one morning per week where you intentionally dive into a Greek word from your devotional, combining it with an oil you associate with spiritual grounding and clarity. It's also a good idea to create a dedicated space for your study, a corner with a comfortable chair, your Bible, a soft blanket, and a diffuser. Allow it to become your sacred nook, a safe haven from life's noise. And as you close your time in prayer, breathe in deeply, allowing the intermingling of God's Word and the essence to settle into your soul. Let it become your prayer, a fragrant offering rising, a reminder that God is with you always. Sometimes life pulls us away from scripture. Responsibilities, family needs, even the uneasiness of struggling with our beliefs can steer us from the joy we once felt. Yet with fresh approaches and by deepening our understanding of God's Word, we can nurture a sustainable relationship with His Word.

Paula Behrens:

Today's exploration is a reminder, an invitation back to that childlike wonder with God. With small steps daily, unraveling the meanings beneath the words, reconnecting with God just as you did as a child, you can allow yourself to breathe it all in. Setting intentionality in these moments gives you the foundation to weather any storm, soak in God's presence, flourish, and share that peace with your family and others. So, dear sister in Christ, know that 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 beautiful reflection of faith in action. Allow yourself the grace to explore, to grow, to step quietly, assuredly deeper into God's Word, guided by his Spirit in the aromatic whispers of creation.

Paula Behrens:

And should you yearn for more, always feel welcome to come and hang out with us in our Facebook community where we will nurture these ideas further, support one another, and give each other that extra nudge of motivation we sometimes need. Biblical encouragement and devotional rhythms with essential oils is a warm, grace-filled space where listeners like you are discovering how to keep Christ at the center of their homes, hearts, and even workspaces. We share devotionals, offer prayer support, provide essential oil tips for focus and calm, and offer monthly resources to keep you anchored in God's Word while taking care of your mind and body. When you join, you can grab this month's free download, a beautiful devotional journal and seven-day challenge called, "Awaken to Aroma: Scent , Scripture, and Brain Health." It's a wonderful way to reconnect your faith, focus, and well-being, through God's Word and the gift of scent He designed for us. Visit DevotionDrops.com and it will take you straight to the group. That's Devotion Drops, D-R-O-P-S .com (no spaces). I'm looking forward to seeing you there, praying with you, laughing with you, and walking this journey of faith-filled living alongside you. Remember, you're not alone, and God never intended for you to be. See you in the group.

Paula Behrens:

Thank you for tuning in today, and remember, just like setting biblical boundaries, it's okay to say no to things that don't serve you well, like that third piece of cake at the church potluck. If you were blessed by this episode, be sure to share it with a friend and leave a review so that we can reach even more listeners like you. Check the show notes for all the links. Join us next week as we continue to discover how live on purpose in Christ. Until then, keep leaning into Him and walking in His wisdom. See you next time.

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Paula Behrens

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