spiritualsnippets.com

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

Feb 22

Do You Have a Life Coach?

by Brenda Poulos

John 15:15b: “I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.”

 

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There was a time when the term “coach” was limited to sports. Usually, that meant a person who provided athletic training and instruction to a specific team by initiating practice sessions, evaluating performance, and giving feedback.

A business coach would be someone helping to settle disputes, suggest business strategies, etc.

A singing coach performs similar functions for vocalists; a writing coach teaches technique/style to would-be authors, and an exercise coach (trainer) encourages people to develop and adhere to exercise/diet routines.

Becoming popular, recently, is the life coach.  These instructors  are there to help people in school or social situations.  Two main areas are:

1) Academic coaching: Motivates, aids in developing resumes, and provides expertise in the area of employment.

2) Relationship coaching: Helps in dating etiquette, uncovering anxieties, decision making and so on. Think of this as expanded counseling. They serve as a sounding board, a confidant, or provide common sense advice—much like a good friend would.

The Bible tells us that Jesus is our friend…that he sticks closer than a brother…that he hears our prayers and is there to guide us along the road of life.

At any given time, it may be possible for us to benefit from any of the coaches, above. But, when we are downhearted, when we face problems that seem insurmountable, when we think there is no hope or no one who understands, the perfect life coach is the creator of life itself. 

His word tells us that He saw our unformed bodies in our mother’s womb and that he knew the number of our days before even one of them came to be.

He knows us. He knows what’s best for us.

The Bible says that we may make our plans, but it is He who directs our steps.

The almighty God wants to be our friend, wants us to come before Him with our requests. And, when we do, He promises to hear our prayers and provide guidance.

Who could be a better life coach than the One who knows you best of all?

 

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Feb 14

That’s Who He Is

by Brenda Poulos

2 John 1:3– Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

Ah, love.  It’s a great feeling, isn’t it?

When we are “in love,” we feel a certain way, which causes us to act in a more or less predictable manner. Perhaps we are more thoughtful, more giving, more…

You get the picture.

Love motivates us.                                  371032725_9c92f53032

But, although loving another person prompts us to show our love for them through our actions, our behavior toward those we don’t love isn’t motivated in the same way—if at all.

Such is the way of man.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we felt such love for everyone that we showed it in our actions toward all people… at all times?

That’s not possible, you say.

You’re right.

Left to our own devices…acting according to our own nature…we simply are not capable of experiencing—and acting in accordance—with that kind of all-encompassing love.

What about God?

The Bible says that God IS love.

His very essence is love. One hundred percent of Him. One hundred percent of the time.

Essence: the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something that determines its character… without which it would not exist or be what it is.

So, following the definition, God’s very nature is love and without it, He would not exist.

He is completely love…all of Him.

He’s not just loving in his actions to some people at some times (when He feels like it).

He’s not just motivated by it, as human beings are.

HE IS LOVE.

Only love can love…everyone…all the time.

It’s impossible to wrap our heads around that truth, isn’t it?

And, because He acts in accordance with his very essence, he cannot act in opposition to it.

He loves unconditionally because the pure essence of His love doesn’t depend on you and I—or our actions—at all.

Because that’s how He is.

That’s who He is.

.

 

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Feb 8

God Sent You a Valentine!

by Brenda Poulos

Romans 1:20- “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.”

In the very stars of heaven, God proclaims his great love for us.

God sent us a Valentine!!

His love knows no bounds. His message is written in His Word and in the heavenly bodies of the universe. That’s right!  They aren’t just beautiful creations of light hung there for our enjoyment. (Although that was certainly part of His intent).

They were, in fact, put there to tell God’s story of His love, and plan of redemption.

15651996037_80068decbe_mThis may be a new concept for you, but read on…

Quite some time ago, my mother-in-law gave me the most fascinating book by the late James Kennedy called, The Real Meaning of the Zodiac. It contains his well-documented research, as well as that of eight other well-known Bible scholars. It is an astounding account of God’s love.

The book was printed as a special TBN Edition in 1989 and one of their most requested publications ever. In it, Dr. Kennedy unfolds the timeless story of God’s love—His Gospel in the stars.

The Bible tells us that He called all of the stars “the host of heaven,” that He numbered them, ordered them, and set them in the firmament to be signs. (Although their original meaning has been corrupted into something counterfeit by astrologers.)

His marvelous masterpiece, the art gallery of God, depicts the message of redemption revealing to man the account of the coming, suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

That’s right. The way of salvation is revealed beautifully for us in the heavens!

Dr. Kennedy begins the explanation of the true Zodiac with Virgo, or the Virgin and the birth of the incarnate Son of God. He continues the “great celestial preaching of the Gospel” with the other eleven signs, ending with Leo, The Lion, which depicts Christ’s victory over sin, the world, and Satan.

By citing specific scripture for each sign, Dr. Kennedy reminds us that God has done all of this so that we might know of God’s love…that we might know His son as our savior, and so that the glory of Jesus and his redemption might fill our hearts with wonder and praise.

He loves me. He loves you.

He has told us so in His Word, in the heavens, and by sending us the gift of salvation through his son, Jesus.

May you never look at the night sky in quite the same way again.

It is His Valentine to mankind.

 

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Feb 1

Hands

by Brenda Poulos

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Deuteronomy 28:12– “…The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands.”

 

The director raises his hands high above his head, out to the side, makes a circle with his fingers, holds his hands tight in front of him—a variety of signals to the choir, telling them how he wants them to sing. Loud or soft. Words to emphasize. When to hold a note… Every movement of his hands means something.

Hands.

An audience applauds to show appreciation for a performance.

Hands.

A lady uses sign language. A child watches intently, then uses his hands to communicate in return. Fingers fire rapidly, back and forth, as they “talk” to one another. The transference of  thoughts and feelings between two human beings.

Hands.

A student raises his hand in class. The teacher calls on him. There is an interchange—perhaps a question answered—and then back to work. A system of recognition and classroom organization.

Hands.

A volunteer touches the shoulder of patient in a wheelchair. The elderly man looks up with eyes of gratitude. Off they go for a “walk” down the hall of an adult care center.

Hands.

A wife brings her husband a hot cup of coffee as he reads the newspaper.

Hands.

A young girl pets her dog. He licks her face.

Hands.

A grandmother teaches her granddaughter how to stitch a quilt.

Hands.

People in church raise their hands during worship, reflecting their praise and devotion to the Lord.

Hands.

They offer love, help, and praise. They communicate an individual’s caring heart. They serve others.

The Bible says that hands were created for good things and He will bless acts of kindness and service done with our hands. It doesn’t matter if they are the hands of a young child or the crippled hands of a ninety-year-old senior citizen.

His nail-scarred hands should be our example.

 

 

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Jan 24

The Truth About Sleep

by Brenda Poulos

 

Proverbs 2:9-  “Then you will understand what is right and good, and right from wrong, and you will know what you should do.”

 

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Ah, sleep. Children fight it. Adults can’t seem to get enough of it.

I remember when I was a young adult (in the days before children) I used my entire day on Sundays to catch up on rest so I could make it through another week.

We all need the physical benefits of getting enough sleep.

But, sometimes sleeping can get us into trouble. “Sleeping on the job” can get us fired. And the Bible talks about the dangers of “being asleep”–in other words, not being aware of what is going on around us or recognizing things as being true or false…good or evil…

There are certain tabloids that we all probably recognize as being untrustworthy as far as reporting social news with accuracy. But information in other books and periodicals may be more difficult to discern. Over time, we come to know which sources are truthful and which may warrant skepticism.

In the area of the spiritual, we can always trust the Bible. Its “reporters” were 100% accurate because they were inspired by The Holy Spirit. God chose them carefully and all of the events, words of comfort, and instructions to us were written just as He intended because

He doesn’t want us to be asleep. He wants us to be aware…

To know such things as the dangers of temptations, our opportunity to approach Him in prayer, and how to pursue a relationship with Him.

To learn about the consequences of denying Christ his rightful place in our lives…

To experience the benefits of lives yielded to Him.

Next time you’re physically sleepy, consider taking a power nap.

But, when you feel spiritually sleepy, how about reading God’s Word for a few minutes, followed by praises for the Author and Finisher of our faith?

 

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Jan 17

What Can You Do In Eight Seconds?

by Brenda Poulos

Philippians 4:8- Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

 

The average attention span is 8 seconds. My pastor used that fact as an illustration in his sermon last week.

Hum, I thought. Must be why my husband channel surfs so much…

But, seriously, 8 seconds isn’t very long.

Or is it?

I challenged myself to think of ten things—productive, worthwhile things—I could do if I only had 8 seconds before my mind started to wander:

1- I can make the bed.

2- I can text my son “xoxoxoxoox”

3- I can scratch my dog behind the ears.

4- I can say a short prayer for a friend.

5- I can wave at a neighbor and wish him a good day when I take my garbage can to the curb.

6- I can take my husband a glass of iced tea while he works in the yard.

7- I can send a “Thinking of You” e-card to my sister.

8- I can send a Facebook Friend request—or accept one.

9- I can remind a grandchild that Jesus loves them.

10- I can meditate on an encouraging Bible verse, like the one above.

Eight seconds might be just long enough to make a difference in your life, or in the lives of others.

Care to share your list?

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Jan 10

The Book is Always Better

by Brenda Poulos

2 Timothy 3:16- All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

 

You may have watched the television movie event, THE BIBLE.

Every year, near Easter, my husband settles down to watch the classic movie, The Ten Commandments.

Recently, we saw the movie version of a best-seller novel.

No matter what the subject matter, I always hear people say, “The movie wasn’t nearly as good as the book.”

Of course, there are many reasons for this. The story must be shortened because it would take too many hours for the movie version to tell the entire story in detail; some scenes are made more exciting, some more visually appealing; endings may be changed to allow for the possibility of a sequel, some are just better played out in a slightly different way, or perhaps the director simply didn’t like the original writer’s ending…

The story gets muddied a little, the ending is tweaked just so.

And then there are movies that are “Based on True Life Events”, which differ from those claiming to be “Inspired by True Events”.

In the first instance, some names may be changed, but the story should stick close to the way things happened. The second, however, uses real events to create a fictional story and so are not held accountable for an accurate portrayal of characters and events.

We don’t have to worry about any of these things when we read God’s Word, the Bible, however. It is most certainly accurate. It is what it claims to be: the infallible, inerrant, Word of God. We can trust it. Learn from it. Be comforted and strengthened by it.

Yes. The Book is always better.

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Jan 3

“Help!”

by Brenda Poulos

Psalm 121:1-3

 I will lift up my eyes to the hills—From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber.

 

“Help!” cried Jonah from the belly of the whale.

“Someone help us!” screamed the miners trapped miles beneath the earth in Chile.

“Help, somebody, help!” yelled the couple who careened off the road and landed at the bottom of the canyon.

“Honey, can you tie my shoes for me?” asked my husband—very reluctantly—after recent rotator cuff surgery.

We all need help at one time or another. Men, I’m told, are the most reluctant to ask for help…the most unwilling to accept it, too.  And, it usually doesn’t happen until they are up against the wall, with nowhere else to turn.

Finally, they manage to get the dreaded word out.

“Help!”

It is a wise person who knows when to ask for help, but an even wiser one who knows who to ask.

King David wrote many Psalms to the Lord. In many of them, he cried out to God for help. In others, he thanked the Lord for answering his cries and bringing help when he needed it.

His Psalms have been a source of comfort to countless people over the years. In them, he shares his inability to conquer his troubles and defeat his enemies, on his own.

Wisely, he relied on God for help.

Some of the problems we face today are very similar to those of this mighty king in the Bible: illness, adultery, deceitfulness, the death of loved ones…

We learn from God’s Word that there are no problems too big, or too difficult, that He cannot handle.

Whatever the situation we face today, we can be assured that when we cry out for help, He hears us.

David knew who to go to when he needed help.

When we find ourselves lacking the ability or strength to correct our situations, let’s remind ourselves of the truth in God’s Word.

God is here for us, today, just as he was for King David.

The God of the universe…the maker of heaven and earth…the Savior of the world wants to be the one we call on in times of trouble, too.

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Dec 21

Prepare Your Heart to Seek God

by Brenda Poulos

2 Chronicles 19:30– “Nevertheless good things are found in you, in that you have removed the wooden images from the land, and have prepared your heart to seek God.”

Gifts wrapped. Check.

Cookies baked. Check.

Christmas letter written. Check.

Tree trimmed. Check.

Preparations.

All year long we prepare for

Birthday parties.

Meals.

Exams.

Food drives.

Company.

The Bible tells us how the Israelites prepared for their journey into the Promised Land, Noah prepared for the flood by building the Ark, Solomon prepared to build the temple, the people prepared for the passover, and Mary for the birth of Jesus.

The Bible also tells us that we must prepare our hearts to seek God.

Not just at Christmas.

But every day.

Like David. Like King Jehoshaphat.

What does that look like, in real life, in the twenty-first century?

Perhaps it looks no different than it did back then: coming before the Lord in quiet contemplation, emptying our thoughts of the hustle and bustle of preparations and coming quietly before Him…

with praise on our lips

with thanksgiving in our hearts

with souls ready to be filled.

Expectantly.

Jubilantly.

 

With a desire to know Him.

 

The babe in a manger.

The Savior on a cross.

The Lord of All.

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Dec 13

Join The Army

by Brenda Poulos

Genesis 21:22– And it came to pass at that time that Abimelech and Phichol, the commander of his army, spoke to Abraham, saying, “God is with you in all that you do.”

 

Bells ringing. Red kettles.

It’s that time of year, isn’t it?

Salvation Army volunteers—outside stores and malls. Rain or shine. Warm or cold.

Whether ignored or embraced, there they are. Faithful to their cause.

I knew little more than the fact that they are a Christian-based organization.

This year, I was determined to find out more.

Here is just a fraction of what I discovered:

  • Founded by William Booth in 1852 in England.
  • Began as a ministry to win the lost multitudes to Christ.
  • Booth started by preaching in the streets of London to the poor, homeless, and hungry.
  • In 1865, he began tent meetings to preach the message of hope and salvation.
  • In 1879, Lt. Eliza Shirley held the first meeting of the Salvation Army in America.
  • Today, the Salvation Army is active in virtually every corner of the world.
  • Most centers hold weekly worship services.
  • Areas of ministry include: prison ministries, adult rehab, veterans services, elderly, combatting human trafficking, and missing persons via international social service.

I had no idea they did all of this, as well as offering residential housing and work opportunities to various individuals and groups.

They are literally an army of individuals whose main goal is GIVING SPIRITUAL DIRECTION TOWARD A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AS PROVIDED BY JESUS CHRIST.

I remember, as a child, singing a song in Sunday School about being in the “Lord’s Army”. (I may never ride in the infantry, shoot in the cavalry, shoot the artillery,  but I’m in the Lord’s Army.) These words were followed with a salute.

It wasn’t until years later, when guys I knew were drafted into the U.S. Army, that the concept of God’s Army started coming into focus for me.

Now, more than ever, a vast army of God’s people needs to rise up in prayer and step out in faith. We need to join with other Christians around the world in serving those less fortunate and in proclaiming the Good News of the Gospel to a hurting world.

Fear and unrest dominate newscasts. Violence abounds.

Time is short.

We may not ring a bell.

We may not stand outside the mall beside a donation kettle.

But, we can pray, donate, serve, share the message of hope.

Because, when we do, like Abraham,

God will be with us.

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