spiritualsnippets.com

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

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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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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