spiritualsnippets.com

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

Can You Really “Cheat Death?”

Psalm 68:20– “God is the God of victories. The Almighty Lord is our escape from death.”

I saw an internet article last week about a celebrity who received a devastating cancer diagnosis two years ago, but is still alive, today! The headline said that she had “cheated death.”

Although I am certain that this person feels extremely grateful for an extended life, I am not sure that the reporter quite understood that people don’t really have any control over death. Sure, some things may prolong life, from our human viewpoint. Diet, exercise, prudence when operating machinery, driving a car, crossing a street, playing sports— all are examples of good judgment.

But, isn’t it true that only God knows the number of our days? Isn’t it God who determines when this earthly life is over for each of us? Can any of us really escape death?

The Bible says we can! To be specific, we all will die the death of the body at some point. But, God’s Word tells us that Jesus has swallowed up death in victory. When we put our trust in the salvation that Jesus offers, He promises that we will live with him for all eternity in Heaven.

So, in a very real sense, we can escape death—by putting our faith in the giver of life!

Brenda

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A Diet Worth Sticking To

Colossians 3:16a-  “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…”

How many times are we told to eat foods that are good for our bodies? Lean meats, vegetables, fruits, whole grains… When given the choice, do we often grab a handful of chips or a couple of chocolate chip cookies, instead?

Sometimes, it takes a lab report or a visit to the doctor to set us straight, again, and help motivate us into making healthier choices. And, when we do, we have to admit that we feel better and have more energy.

While there is nothing inherently wrong with reading a good mystery novel now and then, we are reminded that we need to be on a regular diet of good spiritual food.

We are able to grow in our walk with the Lord through daily reading of the scriptures and application of the principles from God’s Word.

And, look at that word, “richly”. Spiritual food isn’t diet food, where we don’t feel satisfied after we eat it and we remain hungry. No, spiritual food nourishes us. It has substance; it’s satisfying to our souls.

As with healthy eating, spiritual food gives us the energy to face whatever the day may bring. We won’t falter or feel depleted by day’s end, but rather we will find ourselves energized and encouraged as our day unfolds.

Keeping a New Testament or small Bible with you at work or in the glove compartment of your car or in your purse or briefcase will also make it possible for you to get a spiritually-healthy “snack” in the middle of the afternoon. Use what you read to help a struggling friend or even share with a stranger.

So, get yourself on a spiritual diet of truths from God’s Word. Use them to guide you, and grow you in your faith.

Let God’s Word dwell in you richly.

 

Brenda

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Bringing Things Into Focus

2 Corinthians 5:7- “for we walk by faith, not by sight.”

 

For months my vision had become progressively worse until my world had taken on a hazy glow. Nothing was clear anymore. I consulted my ophthalmologist. Cataract surgery was in order.

I actually looked forward to it. The thought of a brighter world—maybe even a world free of the glasses I had worn since the sixth grade—was very appealing.

The process was streamlined, painless, and went off without complications. Within a few minutes, I was released from my foggy world. I was amazed—and thankful.

I think about the times when I fail to see clearly the actions I should take, the decisions I should make, when I wrestle with the “whys”. Those are the times I know that I must go to God’s Word. I need His healing for my “spiritual eyes”, bringing purpose and direction—a clear focus on what is important.

Some day, God has promised to reveal all things to us. But, in the present time, it is His Word that encourages and gives us insight into the future. Based on it, we can come before God with confidence in prayer, knowing that what we ask for aligns with His will as outlined in scripture.

So, go to His Word when you are having trouble seeing the path ahead, when you need someone to lead the way, when you are willing to surrender your own will to His, and just follow—when you’re willing to “…walk by faith, not by sight.”

Brenda

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