Failure to thrive ∙∙

Failure to thrive ∙∙

I have loved you with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself. – Jeremiah 31:3

1 John 4:16-19

 16 We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.

 19 We love because He first loved us.

In the United States, 5-10% of children seen by primary care physicians are diagnosed with Failure to Thrive (FTT). What is Failure to Thrive? What does FTT entail? It’s a diagnosis given to children whose weight or rate of weight gain is significantly lower than their same-age and same-sex peers. These children appear noticeably smaller or shorter than others their age, showing slowed or halted physical growth and development. The root cause of FTT is often inadequate nutrition.

This concept also extends into the spiritual realm, with many children of the King experiencing a form of spiritual FTT. It often stems from inadequate spiritual nutrition and the application of biblical principles.

Our lives are shaped by our many small decisions and choices. While we cannot control what has already happened, we can only control how we respond. Many of us carry the burden of a troubled past, marked by fear and torment. Dwelling on this past comes at a significant cost, as it can severely affect our present and wreak havoc on our future.

When we reflect upon everything that has happened to us, we are faced with a choice. We can either embrace them as gifts from our loving Father God, opportunities to grow and become more like the Lord Jesus Christ, or we can view them as hindrances, detriments, and life-altering anchors that hold as fast. The latter perspective causes us to stall out and get trapped in a repeating, spiritual “failure to thrive” cycle.

The film “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” offers profound insight into the consequences of our choices: life or death. The Grail Knight asserts, “You must choose. But choose wisely. For as the true Grail will bring you life, the false Grail will take it from you.”

It’s about time we stopped opting for the false Grail.

We’re faced with a choice between love and peace or fear and torment. Unfortunately, we often let ourselves become consumed by fear and torment, allowing them to shape our identities. This is not what was intended for us. The Father never meant for His children to spend their lives in “the Temple of Doom.”

Jesus proclaimed for all time that He came to give us the gift of life, not just any life, but abundant life.

John 10:10 I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

REFLECT & PRAY

What has happened that we can never take back. We will never get a “redo” of the past. But something better is now available, a present and future, in our Father God’s loving, comforting arms.

Father, how I wish I could package up my past and put it behind me once and for all. Encourage me to make better choices and to walk in the freedom of Your truth.

INSIGHT

In the place of tormenting thirst, the Lord Jesus Christ offers overflowing waters of the Spirit of the living God.

John 7:37-39

 37 Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me!

 38 Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’”

 39 (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.)

For children, it all begins with the knowledge and experience of His tremendous and delightful love.

1 John 4:19 We love because he first loved us.

The Father wants His children to live in an atmosphere of love and confidence, not dread and doom. We need not be apprehensive regarding either life or death, for we are being perfected in and through the Father’s love.

We have no reason to be anxious about our future because our sins were judged once and for all when the Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross.

We do not need to suffer dread or guilt for the past. From the very first, our relationship with the Father was one of love. It was not because we loved Him. Many of us were indifferent, in denial, or actively hostile to Him. But despite it all, He loved us.

Romans 5:8, 10

 8 God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.

The Father loved us when we were not part of His family but instead defiant and rebellious. When we were enemies, He sent Christ to die for us. Can you imagine what is in store for us now that we are His children?

1 John 4:18 Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.

There’s absolutely no need to fear the Father. The more we experience His love, the more our love for Him grows in return. As our loving relationship with Him deepens, our fears gradually subside. Eventually, we will stop being apprehensive about what might happen. Why? Because our worst fears are often just illusions that will never happen. Understanding this is nothing more than a diabolical ploy, and stratagem is essential.

Fear is the antithesis of love. Paul equates servile, fawning fear to living in abject slavery. A significant amount of our personal torment stems from fear. When we let ourselves be consumed by anxiety over what might happen, we emotionally and spiritually torture ourselves.

But the Lord Jesus promised, you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (John 8:32).

The Lord Jesus Christ provides the ultimate freedom and lightness of being. It comes through our relationship with the Father and the Son.

John 14:6-7

 6 I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

 7 If you have known me, you will know my Father also.

Jeremiah 31:3 I have loved you with an everlasting love, and with unfailing love, I have drawn you to myself.

The future is in His hands. Humanity is on a collision course with the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. He has told us what will happen. Rather than fear, rejoice.

Revelation 22:20 He, who is the faithful witness to all these things, says, “Yes, I am coming soon!” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

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© Dr. H 2024

The Cookie Monster ∙∙

The Cookie Monster ∙∙

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. – Philippians 2:3

James 3:13-15

 13 If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life and doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.

 14 But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying.

 15 For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic.

Those who fondly recall their beloved children’s television series Sesame Street will surely remember the iconic Cookie Monster. This Muppet, adorned in blue fur and complete with wide, googly eyes, was known for his insatiable appetite, primarily for cookies. His catchphrases, “Me want cookie!”, “Me eat cookie!”, or simply “COOKIE!” He had an all-consuming habit of devouring anything and everything that came his way. Every time the Cookie Monster ate, he made a distinctively loud munching sound, “OMM-nom-nom-nom…”

At first glance, Cookie Monster could come off as gruff and even a tad intimidating. He was clumsy and somewhat awkward. He often left a mess behind him wherever he appeared. But like many childhood “monsters,” he was quite harmless, endearing, and even friendly in his unique way.

His inability to resist consuming anything he could get his paws on could have easily qualified him as a charter member of “Overeaters Anonymous.” His life philosophy might have been, “I want what I want when I want it!”

Should Cookie Monster ever look back, he’d find a chaotic trail of cookie crumbs, pie crusts, and whatever else fell from his mouth or paws as he ambled through life.

Somehow, in one way or another, we can identify with him. Why? Because the spirit of Cookie Monster lurks within every child of the King. It is almost as though he is part of our fallen DNA. He cares only for himself and getting his own way. Cookie Monster epitomizes one troubling aspect of human nature – “selfish ambition.” While Cookie Monster is fictional, “selfish ambition” is a reality.

“‘Selfish ambition’ stands at the heart of human fallenness, where self-interest and self-aggrandizement at the expense of others primarily dictate values and behavior” (Fee).

REFLECT & PRAY

“Selfish persons are incapable of loving others, but they are not capable of loving themselves either” (Erich Fromm).

Father selfish ambition is so destructive. Enable me to see it whenever it raises its monstrous head within my heart and take it under control.

INSIGHT

If Sesame Street had been around when the apostle Paul lived, what would he say about Cookie Monster? The apostle Paul is crystal clear that Cookie Monster’s self-centeredness and insatiable desire are entirely incompatible with the Father’s expectations for the children of the King.

Paul himself was once consumed by selfish ambition. His problem was not a ravenous appetite like Cookie Monster. It was something far worse. He was a violent, ravenous, relentless persecutor of the Lord Jesus Christ and His followers. His ambition led him to inflict harm without restraint. He left chaos in his wake wherever he journeyed, disrupting people’s lives.

Galatians 1:13 You know what I was like when I followed the Jewish religion – how I violently persecuted God’s church. I did my best to destroy it.

Moreover, Paul was totally deceived and misled, believing that his aggressive and hostile actions were in service to the living God. This misconception was shattered when the Lord Jesus Christ confronted him on the road to Damascus. He realized the error of his ways.

This revelation immediately changed his way of thinking and living. He managed to control the Cookie Monster within him, lock him in a cage deep within his heart, and toss away the key. Paul urged all the children of the king to follow suit, control their own selfish desires, and live a life of selflessness and love.

Philippians 2:3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit.

The Greek word for selfish ambition is eritheia. Eritheia connotes those who seek their own way. This word is all about “me” and my self-interest. It encompasses the idea of the strong desire for personal success without regard to the consequences.

Cookie Monster personifies the idea: “I want what I want when I want it.” Such selfishness frequently results in strife and contention. Actions driven by selfish motives typically lead to discord and division.

Folks with selfish ambition want to win at all costs. This is often seen in modern politics. “Some politicians care nothing about the truth; they just care whether their party wins. They are passionate about their point but care little about its veracity. They do not care about the welfare of their constituency; they are simply squabblers in a petty campaign. They fight to win, not to find truth” (Richison).

The Greek word translated as conceit is kenodoxia. Kenodoxia is composed of two Greek words: kenos – vain, empty, and doxa – glory. It could be translated as vainglory, self-exultation, or empty pride. The primary idea behind this word is “empty opinion, error.” “Thus, it could depict a person who, though conceited, had no reason for it” (Ash, The College Press NIV Commentary).

During World War II, British intelligence enlisted magicians’ skills to craft massive illusions. Among these magicians was Jasper Maskelyne, renowned for employing camouflage and mirror tricks to create grand-scale deceptions. He “magically” fabricated the illusion of vast armies that didn’t exist, creating a convincing facade with no real substance behind it. For instance, he designed inflatable tanks that, from an aerial view, were indistinguishable from actual tanks. Maskelyne also mastered the art of making actual military forces and weaponry “disappear” in plain sight. His illusions misled enemy bombers. They were tricked and would hit the wrong targets.

Sadly, Cookie Monster hides in a dark place in our hearts. Now and then, he jumps out and gobbles up whatever interests him. When you look back over your shoulder, what do you see?

The tragedy of life and the world is not that men do not know God; the tragedy is that knowing Him, they still insist on going their own way (Barclay).

James encourages us to live an honorable life with humility and wisdom and eschew selfish ambition (James 3:13-15).

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© Dr. H 2024

Loyalty that won’t let go ∙

Loyalty that won’t let go ∙

Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. – Ruth 1:16

Ruth 1:16-18

 16 But Ruth said, Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.

 17 Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. Thus may the LORD do to me, and worse, if anything but death parts you and me.

 18 When she saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more to her

Established in 1903, Harley-Davidson Inc. has been crafting exceptional motorcycles in America. The company is known for cultivating enduring relationships with Harley-Davidson owners. They are often called a global “tribe” due to their unwavering loyalty.

Retaining repeat customers is often more cost-effective and profitable than acquiring new ones. Harley-Davidson has consistently fostered solid and positive connections with its patrons. Holding onto satisfied customers is a significant factor in its success story. As a result of building such relationships and bonding, brand loyalty naturally follows.

Our relationship with the Father often mirrors our relationships with others. The stronger our loyalty is towards Him, the more likely we are to show loyalty to friends and family. This is not coincidental. The Father values loyalty greatly.

Perhaps one of the most striking and beautiful illustrations of loyalty in the Scriptures is seen through Ruth’s devotion to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Her words have been etched onto bracelets and pendants that many carry with them everywhere: “For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. The LORD do so to me, and more also, if anything but death parts you and me” (Ruth 1:16, 17) (Stanley).

The Book of Ruth is a profound and poignant narrative. It oozes tragedy and trust, loss and loyalty, and the invisible hand of the Father working behind the scenes to accomplish His perfect will. There are no coincidences in the kingdom of God. Instead, all of the seemingly random events have been scripted in eternity past and are being acted out in real time. None of the actors know how it ends, as they are simply moving through their life script. Only the Father, the designer and driving force behind the unfolding events, is privy to His grand plan. Ruth chooses to stay with her mother-in-law (Ruth 1:14). Ironically, Ruth ties her future to Naomi, a woman who, by her own admission, has no future (Roop).

REFLECT & PRAY

As children of the King, we’re called to share our very lives with one another.

Father as we share our lives with others, may we mirror Your loving heart.

INSIGHT

1 Samuel 18:1-4

 1 After David had finished talking with Saul, he met Jonathan, the king’s son. There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David.

 2 Saul kept David with him from that day on and wouldn’t let him return home.

 3 And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David because he loved him as he loved himself.

 4 Jonathan sealed the pact by taking off his robe and giving it to David, together with his tunic, sword, bow, and belt.

David and Jonathan had a unique, pure, and selfless friendship. They were bound together, soul to soul, in a remarkable, godly commitment to one another. The Hebrew word translated as knit or bound is qashar. The Hebrew root denotes binding or tying something to something. Binding in human relationships is often characterized by commitment, that is, by devotion or the binding together of individuals. This idiom expresses great affection.

This phrase has been rendered as follows: “Jonathan felt an instant affection for David” (NJB), and “David and Jonathan became best friends” (CEV). In 21st-century colloquial English, we would say they became BFF (Best Friends Forever). They had a devoted affection. They had an instant, extreme, and ultimately long-lasting affection and love for one another. It was “loyalty at first sight.”

Even Saul had a great fondness for David early on in their relationship until jealousy and envy took over and darkened Saul’s soul.

1 Samuel 16:21 Saul loved David very much, and David became his armor bearer.

A loyal person remains unwavering and steadfast. Loyalty comes from the heart. Support does not require begging or groveling. It is motivated by love and freely given. Loyal friends desire the best for those close to them.

Loyalty also demands trust. It leaves no room for deception or mistrust. As a result, individuals loyal to one another relate at much deeper levels than others. Loyal friends defend the other person and refuse to listen to gossip. Loyalty speaks the truth. A loyal person has a strong sense of responsibility.

Genuine loyalty is not built around circumstances, environment, popularity, or convenience. True loyalty is built on devotion to the Father and the love of others. The Father rewards those who remain loyal to Him, and to those people, He places in our lives. You can never out-give God, even in loyalty! His generosity is boundless. (Stanley)

In many ways, David was unique; he was a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). In the Old Testament, David was one of the few individuals with the privilege and honor of having the Holy Spirit dwell inside of him.

1 Samuel 16:13 Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil. And the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David from that day on.

David and Jonathan were kindred spirits. Their story shows the depth and breadth of godly relationships available to every child of the King when they walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. Could it be that David’s deeply personal, mystical, spiritual relationship with the Father made such a high-quality, intimate relationship possible?

The friendship between Jonathan and David has become proverbial over the millennia. It was conceived as an intimate binding of their souls and spirits together. It was characterized by the Hebrew phrase nep̱eš niqšerāh benep̱eš (“became one in spirit with;” literally, “spirit bound with spirit” (Youngblood).

“Jonathan became one in spirit with David; literally, ‘the soul of Jonathan was bound up, knotted firmly together with the soul of David.’ Jonathan recognized in David a kindred spirit. These two men were one in their God, in their faith, and in their devotion to the people of the Lord. David loved him (i.e., Jonathan) as himself” (James E. Smith).

1 Samuel 18:4 Jonathan sealed the pact by taking off his robe and giving it to David, together with his tunic, sword, bow, and belt.

“As a symbol of their brotherhood, Jonathan gave David certain articles of clothing and weapons. To receive any part of the dress which had been worn by a sovereign, or his eldest son and heir, was deemed in the East the highest honor which could be conferred on a subject” (James E. Smith).

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© Dr. H 2024

Growing pains ∙∙

Growing pains ∙∙

You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. – Genesis 50:20

Hebrews 12:10-11

 10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness.

 11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening– it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

“When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going” is a 1985 song recorded by English singer Billy Ocean. The song served as the soundtrack for the Michael Douglas film The Jewel of the Nile, propelling it to international fame. It topped the UK Singles Chart in February 1986 and came in second on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.

However, a decade and a half before Billy Ocean sang it, John Wooden was the amazing and innovative head basketball coach at the University of California, Los Angeles. He changed the entire nature of the game and was nicknamed the “Wizard of Westwood.” He won ten NCAA national championships in 12 years and an all-time record of seven in a row.

Wooden formulated the “Pyramid of Success,” with competitive greatness forming its core principle: “When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going. Be at your best when your best is needed. Real love of a hard battle.” No doubt it worked! His pyramid comprised 24 characteristics that he believed were key to achieving success.

The 24 attributes of success include Faith through prayer; Patience – good things take time, fight, effort, and hustle; Reliability – others depend on you; Resourcefulness; – proper judgment; Poise, just being yourself, being at ease in any situation, never fighting yourself; Confidence – respect without fear, which may come from faith in yourself in knowing that you are prepared, Adaptability to any situation or condition; and Integrity.

The pages of history are replete with people who have endured injustice and suffering. It seems that hardly anyone is spared from mistreatment, criticism, and outright conflict. The Father uses these things to make us more like Christ.

Joseph’s life was marred by more unfair treatment and betrayal than most Westerners could even imagine. His brothers sold him into slavery. He was incarcerated on the false accusations made by Potiphar’s wife. In prison, for all practical purposes, he was abandoned and forgotten, left to rot. But something marvelous was happening deep in the dungeon. The Father was quietly sculpting his character. Joseph began to comprehend the Father’s ways and was being prepared for what was to happen in the future. He discovered joy in the midst of sorrow and purpose in the midst of hopelessness. All that happened to him was nothing more than growing pains.

REFLECT & PRAY

“God’s will does not come to us in the whole, but in fragments, and generally in small fragments” (F. W. Faber).

Father allow me to see my affliction and suffering as nothing more than growing pains. May I learn to instinctively ask, “What would You have me learn from this experience?” You are the Potter, and I am the clay. You are forming me into what you want me to be. May the image of the Lord Jesus Christ grow and burst forth through my life.

INSIGHT

Proverbs 16:9 We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.

The Father possesses an extraordinary and marvelous ability to intertwine human plans and intentions with His divine purpose and goals. Joseph, who experienced a series of betrayals and disappointments, was unknowingly part of the Father’s grand design. In every detail, the Father was orchestrating His plan, which unfolded in due time.

The evil intentions and selfishness of those who sought to harm Joseph inadvertently led to the deliverance of the nation of Egypt and many others from death through famine. The man Joseph became, as he languished and was seemingly forgotten in an Egyptian prison cell, was the work of the Father. Joseph stands as a prime example of His handiwork.

As stated in Proverbs 19:21, You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail.

Joseph grew into a mature, godly man of faith. His generous, forgiving demeanor brought his family back together, which was an integral part of the Father’s plan. Seventy members of Joseph’s family relocated to Egypt to survive and prosper (Genesis 46:27). After the administration changed and Joseph was no longer in control, his people were enslaved and remained so for 400 years. However, this, too, was a part of the Father’s intricate plan.

Genesis 50:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good.

Viewing things from the Father’s perspective brings about a profound transformation. It’s a remarkable paradigm shift.

In the difficulties and disappointments of life, we always have a choice. We can focus on the wrongs done to us and the pain we have suffered. Or we can ask the Father what He wants us to learn from our experiences. The former leads to sadness, remorse, and even bitterness. But the latter opens the way for the Father to reveal His ways and purposes and provide guidance. The journey towards spiritual growth and godliness commences with small, incremental baby steps. This, in turn, cultivates a positive attitude towards the Father and an understanding of how He works in our lives.

Hebrews 12:12-14

 12 So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees.

 13 Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak, and lame will not fall but become strong.

 14 Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life . . .

The Father frequently uses hardship to cultivate and burst forth the life of the Lord Jesus Christ within us. His ultimate goal is to create a growing “family resemblance” amongst all children of the King children. The book of Genesis concludes with a vivid display of Joseph’s Christ-like life in full bloom!

Genesis 50:19-24

 19 Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you?

 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.

 21 No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.” So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them.

 22 So Joseph, his brothers, and their families continued to live in Egypt. Joseph lived to the age of 110.

 24 “God will surely come to help you and lead you out of this land of Egypt. He will bring you back to the land he solemnly promised to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”

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© Dr. H 2024

All power and authority ∙∙

All power and authority ∙∙

One day, Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority Luke 9:1

Matthew 28:18-20

 18 Jesus came and told his disciples, I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.

 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

January 10, 2020, Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa announced that he was giving away $9 million to 1000 randomly selected Twitter followers. Each recipient would receive $9000.

Maezawa was conducting a social experiment regarding the correlation between money and happiness. He wanted to determine if money leads to happiness. How would a sudden influx of $9000 (roughly 100,000,000 yen) impact an individual recipient’s life? He wanted to see how people’s lives would be changed when he gave them $9000 free and clear. Would it make them happier? How would their lives be altered?

What if you received an amount that was far greater than $9000? Suppose you were given $1,000,000. How would your daily life change? What would you do differently and why?

What if you received an amount so vast that it was almost incalculable? How would it affect you?

That is precisely what the Father has done for each child of the King.

Matthew 28:18 Jesus came and told his disciples; I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.

Luke 9:1 One day, Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority.

How much authority does the Lord Jesus Christ possess? He identifies Himself as possessing all power and authority in heaven and on earth. Exactly how powerful is He?

The King James version describes Him as the Lord God omnipotent [The Lord God Almighty] (Revelation 19:6).

The Greek word translated as omnipotent or all-powerful is pantokrator. It comes from two Greek words: pantos – all, every, everything + krateo – ruler, be powerful. Thus, it means being an all-powerful ruler with control over everything. There’s an interesting contrast between pantokrator and the word used to describe the enemy, the god of this world, kosmokrator (Ephesians 6:12).

Kosmokrator comes from two Greek words: kosmos – world, world system + krateo – ruler, be powerful. Thus, it literally means to be a world ruler who has control over planet Earth.

The enemy may have limited control over planet Earth, but the Almighty Lord God has ultimate control over everything, including the adversary. The Father has the enemy on a leash. Due to the Father’s ultimate power and authority, the adversary’s sphere of influence is severely restricted.

REFLECT & PRAY

Lord Jesus Christ was crystal clear.

Matthew 28:18-19 I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations.

Father thank You for what You are. I readily acknowledge You as my Lord, Who has all authority and power in heaven and on earth. Thank You for sharing Your power and authority with me. Encourage me to use it wisely in Your service.

INSIGHT

There is a subtle but significant difference between the Greek word translated as power – dunamis and the Greek word translated as authority – exousia.

Dunamis is related to ability or capacity. It connotes getting the job done, that is, having the required power, might, and strength.

On the other hand, exousia concerns authority – the right to control or command. It does not require personal strength.

Many huge offensive and defensive players on a football field have tremendous physical power – dunamis. Next to them, the referee is almost puny. But the referee has authority – exousia and exercises it at will. He makes decisions, calls penalties, and brings the entire game to a complete halt by simply dropping a yellow flag.

The Father’s decision to bestow power and authority upon us was well-calculated and deliberate. We are entitled to take charge of circumstances in the mighty name of the Lord Jesus Christ. As needed, He endows us with a supernatural strength that far surpasses ordinary human capabilities.

The Father and the Lord Jesus Christ didn’t give us their power and authority without purpose. Each of the children of the King is commissioned to make disciples of all nations.

We possess all the power and authority needed to accomplish this task. How’s that working out for you?

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© Dr. H 2024