Tag: Proverbs

The Power of Oz

On By mygodroomIn obedience, PowerLeave a comment

Wowza! I have so many notes on a beautiful lesson regarding the Hebrew Words for power. I am entirely too giddy to share about “koach” at this time.

Koach (כֹּחַ) —- Capacity, potential —-Energy within

Gevurah (גְּבוּרָה) —-Might, discipline—-Energy in action

The third word used in Hebrew associated with power is:

Oz (עֹז)—- Fortified joy and steady strength which means the energy is at rest and there is peace in the power.

With my maiden name being Oszczakiewicz, there are many in our family who use “Oz” as a tool to identify themselves. My heart surgeon cousin goes by Doctor Oz to make things easier for his patients.

So, to honor “both of my fathers”, I am jotting down some thoughts on the Hebrew Oz.

It feels like Jesus is playing tag with me. Of course there is not one Hebrew word for power.

Divine humor—- a trinity of words required to gain deeper understanding. #ISWYDT

My heart is pitter-pattering over the 22 Hebrew Living Letters. Human DNA carries our genetic code. Hebrew letters carry so much depth and so much heart. It’s beautiful how the Holy Spirit spurred me into learning any Hebrew.

Since the time He began teaching me words “here and there”, my relationship with Jesus has grown exponentially. What I felt during this particular study was otherworldly.

The point isn’t to learn a language or be an academic about it. The point, for me, is to linger over His Word and receive whatever He wants to teach me. When He nudges me, I hunt down everything I can in His Language.

The lessons are deeper and more meaningful in the Hebrew. They simply are.

The word עֹז (Oz) means strength, but not the kind that clenches its fists. It is the kind of strength you need to trust, praise, pray or worship no matter your circumstances.

When the Hebrew says “He is my Oz,” it paints the image of a deer on a cliff edge — light, balanced, fearless.

It presents as sure-footed strength, total confidence and trust in God. This power is not about brute force.

My earthly father exhibited this type of trust and confidence when he was still with us.

It’s actually extra sweet to me to consider the nickname my father went my — Oscar. The meaning is derived from words for “Gods spear” and “friend of deer”. My folks had a home on seven acres and they loved all the deer which visited their property.

Deers will always make me think of Daddy and Our Father in Heaven.

I will close with another Oz reference in Scripture. I love, love, LOVE Nehemiah.

Joy and Oz belong together.
Joy is the energy that steadies your step;
Oz is the peace that lets you laugh and keep walking.

Maybe that’s why my heart dances when I see the word, Oz, in the Hebrew. My spirit recognizes His Power and something even in just studying the Hebrew language steadies my own stride.

New dances. New songs.

It feels like I am a deer, leaping with joy and yet incredibly sure-footed.

Thank you, Jesus.

Open Guard: Distance Management

On By mygodroomIn gratitude, obedienceLeave a comment

For several years, anytime a word pops in my head, I just Google “XYZ word in The Bible”. It’s been a fun way for the Holy Spirit to teach me.

It’s been super interesting to search His Word for jiu-jitsu terminology.

There’s a quiet wisdom in learning how far to stand from the world and how close to stand with God.

The Bible may never use the phrase “distance management,” but its pages are filled with lessons on when to draw near and when to step back.

Jesus Himself modeled this perfectly.

He loved the crowds—but often withdrew from them. He walked with twelve—but shared His deepest moments with three.

And when He needed to hear the Father clearly, He went alone to the mountains to pray. (Luke 5:16)

Distance, in His hands, was not disconnection. It was discernment.

Proverbs offers practical balance applications.

All relationships have a rhythm, even friendship. Love tends to breathe best when there is space for oxygen between hearts.

Abraham was called to leave his homeland so that he could find his promise. (Genesis 12:1)

Paul wrote of being “separate” not to reject others, but to protect holiness. (2 Corinthians 6:17)

Proverbs 4:23 tells us,

Maybe distance management is simply what heaven calls balance—the rhythm of approach and retreat,

The gift of meekness is separate from the holy art of knowing when to speak and when to stay silent,

Conversely, there are times to be in crowds and opportunities to slip away to pray.

Seems in jiu-jitsu, you learn that distance determines control.

Too close and you’re vulnerable. Too far and you lose connection.

But the right space—disciplined, measured, and aware—creates strength, peace, and posture.

So maybe “distance management” is not about walls at all.

It’s about alignment.

Keeping God close, keeping peace within reach, and keeping chaos far enough away that it cannot pull you off balance.

Maybe there were several reasons Jesus had me doing cartwheels at 57 all summer. I always felt it was to encourage others and make them smile. They made many people smile in many different places.

In this moment, it feels like they also served to remind me when I am in balance with Him, anything is possible. That’s how it feels today.

Thank you, Jesus. I sure do love you. Today has been a big moving day for the store and Your moving my perspective is everything in this moment.