spiritualsnippets.com

Seeing life's events in the light of God's Word.

Sep 22

The Salt of the Earth

by Brenda Poulos

Matthew 5:13a- “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?”

When a friend suggested it might help if I would soak my swollen feet in Epsom Salt, it got me thinking about the scripture in Matthew and about the other many uses “plain old salt” has had over the centuries.

Many of us salt our food to enhance the flavor.

Food companies use salt as a preservative. 

In the first century, salt was used to keep certain foods, especially meat, from spoiling. Salt also had religious and sacrificial significance. To eat salt with someone meant to be bonded together in loyalty.

As the salt of the earth, Christians are preservers of God’s covenant and give true flavor to the world. They are called to prevent moral decay and preserve goodness in society. We are meant to positively influence and enhance the lives of those around us, making a difference in our communities. 

Being “salt” means bringing flavor, preservation, and healing to the world around us.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Sep 15

Did You Know This?

by Brenda Poulos

2 Chronicles 7:14- “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

Last night, I had an epiphany, of sorts.

One that I just had to share with you.

I have mentioned this verse in 2 Chronicles in the past, but as I reread it, yesterday, the words “who are called by my name” stood out to me.

God is talking to us, fellow Christians! He is talking to “my people who are called by my name.”

If you are a Christian, He is calling you out!

When I look at the world around us—fires, floods, immigration issues, lies, wars, and now rumors of more wars, we cannot remain complacent. We cannot have a “God will do what He is going to do” attitude.

He has commanded Christians to pray for our world.

One of the earliest things I remember being taught in Sunday School was that Prayer Changes Things.

I still believe that.

But that is not all. This verse is packed with more things God is commanding Christians to do. In my blogs for the next few weeks, I will be unpacking them. It’s that important.

Remember, James 5:16 says the “… The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Aug 25

Fleeting and Elusive, Unless…

by Brenda Poulos

Psalm 33:18- “…the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love.”

Sports. Money. Beauty. Intellect. Fame. Experiences. 

These are some of the things the “world” says bring Joy and Hope.

Do they really?

I would agree that they do for a time—until the next problem comes along. Until someone disappoints you. Until an illness plagues someone you love. Until the supply runs out.

Happiness is fleeting—and elusive. You think that what you have found is “new” and “different” and will satisfy, until the next hardship…

And then, you’re searching again… 

Have you tried Jesus?

He’s the only one who can bring you true and lasting JOY and Hope.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Aug 18

Step Out (Of the Boat)

by Brenda Poulos

Matthew 14: 26-31 “And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”

Now that the Olympics is over, little children everywhere are asking their parents to sign them up for golf lessons, gymnastics—any and all sports represented for the last two weeks.

As someone who has at times tried to walk on curb or low wall, and fallen consistently, I wondered how these gymnasts learned to master walking on a balance beam. I was told they are taught to feel the beam with their feet and not to look down, but focus on something straight ahead. 

This reminded me of the Biblical story of Peter walking on the water. As long as he kept his eyes on Jesus, he was able to do it. 

I’m sure we could all tell stories of times we focused on Jesus and scripture—and times when we tried to do things on our own and things didn’t turn out so well.

When we are confused, discouraged, sad, or angry, we need to remember the story of Peter.

Step out (of the boat) in faith and keep our focus on Jesus.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Aug 11

The Race

by Brenda Poulos

Hebrews 12:1- “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

It has been an exciting two weeks for us as we watched the summer Olympics. There were a total of 45 categories of sports represented. Many of them were “races”—track and field, swimming, cycling, rowing, and so on. 

Each event had rules and specific directions for those competing. In each “race” there were winners. And in each one, some fell short of the goal.

Why didn’t all Olympic competitors succeed? Lack of commitment in practicing? Illness? Injury? There could be many reasons.

I thought about the “race” that God has set out before each of us in this life. Although we are not competing against anyone, the Bible warns us not to be hindered (entangled) by sin. For it is sin that will prevent us from reaching the goal—serving our Lord the best we can… the way He has planned for us.

It could be deficient funds, wrong timing, lack of commitment, life’s distractions—any number of reasons for us to fail as we run life’s race. 

As for myself, I recognize that my own self-consciousness—nervousness in public-speaking— is a hinderance to my personal “race.” 

Once we recognize the deterrents in our lives, we are able to pray for God to help us overcome them. I know He wants each of us to finish well, the race He has marked out for us.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Aug 4

Are You Watching?

by Brenda Poulos

Psalm 139:13,14- “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

I am enjoying watching the Olympics. I am in awe of the human body. 

Its capabilities. Strength. Power. Resilence.

While we applaud the performances of these amazing athletes, last night I praised their Creator. 

Tissue. Bone, Organs. Muscles. Senses. He thought of everything, didn’t He?

I love the scripture this week because it shows the depth and intricacy of the love and caring with which He made each of us.

I am especially blessed when I see athletes who give God the glory for their abilities… when they look upward, I sense their gratefulness for His blessings in their accomplishments.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Jul 28

When Hard Times Come

by Brenda Poulos

Psalm 3:3– “You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.”

At our last family celebration, we decided to take a group selfie. We chose the tallest person to operate the camera.

When I open a new jar of pickles or catsup, I call on the person with the strongest hands.

When I need something from the top shelf of the pantry or closet, I ask the person with the longest arms.

But when I need supernatural help, when I seek protection, I run to my Heavenly Father.

All powerful God holds the universe in His Mighty Hands.

I need not tell you that we are living in uncertain times. We are reminded of this daily. And we have every reason to be anxious.

But God tells us not to worry. He reminds us of His love and caring every time we hold a newborn baby, watch a seedling grow, or see His rainbow in the sky.

Don’t give in to worry and doubt.

Let Him shield you when hard times come.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Jul 21

Keeping Us Safe

by Brenda Poulos

Psalm 141:9- “Keep me safe from the traps set by evildoers, from the snares they have laid for me.”

You perhaps were spellbound, as I was, by Donald Trump’s account of the assassination attempt on his life last Saturday. But what impressed me most, was when Mr. Trump said he felt safe at that moment, knowing that God was with him.

His statement resonated with believers worldwide. 

Each of us has felt the love and protection of our Heavenly Father at various times in our lives. King David was no stranger to adversity, either. In the Psalms, he often cried out for God to be with him.

God’s mighty power will sustain those who call on Him. Be assured that He will see you, like Donald Trump, safely through difficult circumstances, according to His plan and purpose.

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Jul 14

He’s Got This

by Brenda Poulos

Isaiah 46:10- “Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.”

We are being bombarded with newscasts, talk shows, and all sorts of political ads this summer.

They get my heart rate up and make me cranky.

Those two factors can mean a recipe for WORRY.

I find peace and contentment by remembering the phrase, “HE’S GOT THIS.”

We need to keep our eyes focused on THE WORD. God has a purpose and a plan to all He ALLOWS to happen in our world. He knows where all this chaos is leading and like little children, we need to trust our Heavenly Father to take care of it.

We need to stay informed so that we can pray and vote. But, we need to TRUST that He will accomplish HIS PURPOSE.

I wrote the lines above prior to hearing about yesterday’s tragic events. Let’s encourage ourselves by remembering God knows the “intents and purposes” of every heart. He will judge the evil that takes place in our world.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Jul 7

Mending Fences

by Brenda Poulos

My novella, Mending Fences, is now on Amazon in both Kindle and paperback formats. 
 I previously published this novella in a collection alongside three other authors. It is now available as a stand alone novella with special pricing.


After the death of his beloved grandfather, Mason finds himself torn between the needs of Rose, the aging grandmother who raised him, and the demands of Lee Ann, the mother who abandoned him as a baby.
 
Mason’s relationship with Lee Ann is turbulent and complicated. After marrying the wealthy Rex LeMasters, Lee Ann charged back into Mason’s life, reclaiming him and his older sister, Glory, and moving them from the family ranch in Boise, Idaho to Green River, Washington when Mason was fifteen. His mother has not spoken to Mason’s grandparents since that time.


When Gram takes a fall, Lee Ann at last returns to see her mother—a visit which dredges up memories of a secret buried since Lee Ann’s childhood. 

Will learning the truth about what caused the rift between them so many years ago help them move forward toward reconciliation? Will Lee Ann’s new perspective on the past serve as a catalyst to restore her relationship with her own children?

This novella will inspire you to face your own difficult circumstances, let go of bitterness resulting from past hurts and disappointments and offer forgiveness to the significant people in your life. 
 

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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