Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Don’t Look Back (04/19/12)
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TITLE: Blessings and Curses | Previous Challenge Entry
By Garry Stopa
04/26/12 -
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But his wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt. Genesis 19:26 (NKJV)
Looking back is all it took to change Lot’s wife into a pillar of salt. This does seem to be a harsh penalty, but looking back will prevent looking forward. If we do not see a future in our mind, we will not move forward.
You may or may not be aware; the Bible was originally in two languages, Greek, and Hebrew. It has since, been translated into several languages so we can read it in our native tongue. The Old Testament, written before the time of Jesus, was in Hebrew. The New Testament was originally in Greek. The verse at the top comes from Hebrew.
I would like to draw your attention to the English word, “looked”. In the Scripture above, it comes from the Hebrew word, “naw-bat’”. According to the Strong’s dictionary of Hebrew words *, this word means, “to look intently at---by implication to regard with favor or care”. It seems that Lot’s wife did not want to leave her past behind.
While I studied the verse above, I pictured in my mind, Lot’s wife looking back towards the city. As I pondered this, another Hebrew word came to mind. The word was, “kaw-lal’”. This word means the exact opposite of what Lot’s wife did. Kaw-lal’* means, “to make light---to give no attention”. In Scripture, this word is often translated to the English word, “curse”.
If you came from a past of horrible mistakes, like so many of us, this message is for you. You need to curse your old life. Give no attention to the old you before Christ---what you were has now become meaningless. Give attention to your new life in Christ. The Bible says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)
That is not all. When Jesus made you a new creation, he imparted you with wisdom (1 Cor. 1:30). Maybe God has given you a dream. As you meditate on God’s promises in the Bible, and the dream God has given you, the wisdom of God will flow into your ideas. What you give attention to will be your blessing.
Forget your past---your future is wonderful. God wants to use you for something. If you do not have a dream yet, focus on your future with God---He will give you one!
* Strong’s Greek and Hebrew Dictionary, copyright 1890 by JAMES STRONG, MADISON, NJ. Strong’s numbers, naw-bat’-H5027, kaw-lal’-H7043
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Wing His Words!
One of the suggestions I might make is to reword your sentences some. Instead of saying you may or may not be aware.. just state The Bible was written in two languages. It will help to make the reader feel comfortable and not worry if it is something a good Christian should know. Another phrase you could omit is I'd like to draw your attention to... It's more powerful if you just state it. In the scripture, the English word...
I did enjoy the part where you showed things from your POV. It makes me feel like I have a connection with you. I kind of wish you had done that the rest of the way too. For example you could say Coming from a past of horrible mistakes, this message is important. I didn't change much but it loses that preachy feel. Some people are okay with that but others are turned off and feel inferior. I can tell from your words that you have been given a special gift from God and would never want to make anyone feel bad. It's an easy thing to change and it makes the reader have a closer connection to the author.
You did a wonderful job of bringing the devotion full-circle. The ending leaves the reader with a sense of hope. I'm sure your words have touched others like they have me. It's a blessing to be able to share God's love with strangers. Nicely done.