spiritualsnippets.com

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

Nov 10

Forerunner

by Brenda Poulos

Luke 1:17 – “It is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers back to the children, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous, so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

In the Bible, we find the concept of “forerunner.” It is taken from thousands of years ago when Eastern monarchs planning a journey or expedition sent ahead scouts into the lands before them and would construct bridges, level hills, and so on, making their trip possible. 

There are stories in the Bible about John the Baptist, and others who played this important role—although it was not physical roads or bridges they were building.They were guiding souls to the Lord.

The first question is, who guides us today? 

We have an awesome God who guides us through life if only we will heed his words… if we will but ask Him to exercise His will in our lives.

The second question is, who can guide others to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ?

We have no further to look than our own reflection in the mirror.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Nov 3

Don’t Be Afraid

by Brenda Poulos

Isaiah 41:10- “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Gus worked at the local Circle K after he retired from teaching. He liked dealing with the public, especially his conversations with construction workers putting in an extension of a nearby freeway. 

One night, as he was talking with one of them, a guy with a gun barged into the store. The construction worker was shot trying to protect Gus. The robber got away with the cash in the drawer and the construction worker lived.

Gus said the verse in Isaiah 41 was what kept going through his mind as the robber held his gun on them. As a young kid, he had memorized a number of verses in his Sunday School classes. Over the years, they were instantly there when he needed them.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Oct 27

What’s the Alternative?

by Brenda Poulos

Deuteronomy 6: 6-9: “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”

My husband and I used to like going to the movies, but we haven’t been to one in months.

We even enjoyed the previews. But not anymore.

They are filled with such violence and horror we’d never consider watching that sort of thing for 90 minutes!

I shudder to think what these are doing to young people’s minds.

We need to show them there are alternatives in good wholesome literature, Christian films, and—first and foremost—God’s Word.

We must monitor what they see on the internet. What they hear on the radio. Who they choose as friends.

It’s harder to be parents in today’s world than it was in previous generations. Christian parents and grandparents must take their responsibility seriously… be good role models… take their children to church and make sure their kids see them reading the Bible… help the young ones memorize scripture.

This verse from Deuteronomy emphasizes the importance for all of us to be intentional in raising children. If it was important centuries ago, it is even more so today.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Oct 20

Are You Adopted?

by Brenda Poulos

Ephesians 1:5- “He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.”

My husband is Greek. I am mostly German. Our “bestie” couple friends are Italian and belong to an Italian club.

They asked us if we wanted to join and we reminded them that we are not Italian.

They said it didn’t matter. We’d be “adopted in.”

We had a great time at the Italian picnic as newbie Italians. On the way home, I thought about the Bible reference regarding our “adoption as sons of God.”

So, just what does it mean to be adopted into God’s family?

It’s simple. When we come to faith in Christ, we are adopted into His family and given all the rights that heirs of God possess.

God doesn’t adopt people because they are worthy. He adopts them on the basis of His grace.

Christians are forever part of God’s family.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Oct 13

Big Race Preparations

by Brenda Poulos

Acts 20:24- “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Formula One is a popular race car event which is coming once again to the Las Vegas area.

Weeks ahead of the event, crews work around the clock, building bridges, roadways, and other related venues. Local traffic is rerouted and some roads are even closed. It is an event that impacts citizens, business owners, and boosts the economy.

Like I said, it is a race, so another piece of this giant puzzle is the preparedness of the race car drivers. During training, they focus on physical prowess, diet, mental and physical training.

The Apostle Paul reminds Christians that our lives are planned out by God. He has set a race before us—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Bible verses tell us that reading/memorizing scripture and prayer are the key ways Christians are to prepare “train” ourselves for the task He has given us.

Will we be prepared? Will we finish our race confidently?

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Oct 6

An Encouraging Word

by Brenda Poulos

Psalm 10:17,18- “You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed.”

With the devastation of the recent tropical storm, Helene, and the prediction of a “new” one, Milton, threatening Florida, my heart goes out to those affected.

Fires, pestilence, winds, flooding. So many causes for concern in our world.

What do people do if they don’t have the calming influence of God in their lives?

I can only imagine the overwhelming fear, disappointment, and sorrow associated with the loss of lives and property.

Where do non-believers turn for encouragement?

They just might turn to you.

Christians, be ready with a message of hope for a hurting world.

Psalm is packed full of verses which can be easily shared with those who need assurance that God cares and is in control. I’ve written a dozen or so on notecards that easily fit in my purse and can be given away at a moment’s notice. My heart was blessed as I copied them down, knowing they are ready to bless someone in need.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Sep 29

It’s A Gift

by Brenda Poulos

John 14:27- “I leave you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. Don’t be troubled or afraid.”

I am going to be honest with you. I have felt the stress of the upcoming elections. And the nightly news is filled with accounts of unrest in our world.

While cause for concern, when I feel overwhelmed, I pray for wisdom for our voting citizens, peace and safety for our candidates and world leaders.

Scripture tells us that God not only wants these same things for us, He is the only one who can supply them. 

So, don’t be worried or upset. Take hold of the gift God has given to us, and enjoy a renewed peace of mind and heart.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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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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