spiritualsnippets.com

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

May 26

Digging Deeper

by Brenda Poulos

42434499704_8643f02bc5

 

                            Psalm 46:10a- “Be still and know that I am God.”

 

I recently decided to “dig deeper” into the meaning of scripture by apply a technique that I used in college when studying for exams. I have chosen the short, but powerful, verse from Psalm 46 to illustrate.

By emphasizing a word at a time, I can peel back the layers. Here’s what I mean:

“Be still and know that I am God.”  (Stop the busyness and striving. I need to listen to Him more and enjoy His presence).

“Be still and know that I am God.” (If I am still, I can know—gain understanding—be sure… )

“Be still and know that I am God.” (I shouldn’t try to be in control. I am not God. He is! I need to trust in Him.) 

“Be still and know that I am God.”  (He’s not just some great and capable person. He is the almighty God… the Creator… our Savior. I need to meditate on who God is… His attributes… wisdom… His power… I need to trust in Him. There is nothing He cannot do!)

By emphasizing a word or phrase at a time, I find deeper meaning and greater understanding. And, as I meditate on scripture, I find myself drawing nearer to HIM.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words Uncategorized

1 Comment »
May 19

Finding Strength in Promises

by Brenda Poulos

 

26469212200_3a4c99fee5

Romans 4:20– “He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God.”

 

 

I live in the desert southwest. One of my favorite plants is the Ocotillo cactus. But, they can be very finicky. If the soil or sunlight is not to their liking, they simply won’t grow.

We have planted several in the past and while our neighbors boast leafy ones with bright red flowers, we have never had one to leaf out. Ours look like dry… gray… dead.

We decided to try again. We planted one  prominently out front.

We followed the directions from the nursery salesman and waited.

I even prayed over the five-foot “sticks” and we continued our vigil.

As I passed by our living room window last week, I stopped dead in my tracks. Could it be a tiny red bud at the top of one of the arms? I rushed outside to get a better look.

Yes. There it was!

And, then this morning… behold, a second.

Now, Ocotillos leaf out, first, and then flower. But, not ours. We now have two flowers atop our non-leafy plant, which I call our “flowers of promise—our assurance of a healthy plant that will someday leaf out!

The Bible is full of God’s promises for those who love Him. In fact, my research shows that there are 7,487 promises that God has made to humans. Among them are: wisdom to Solomon; a son for Sarah and Abraham, eternal life for those who believe; the indwelling of the Holy Spirit for believers; and thousands more have been given and thousands already fulfilled!

The verse above refers to Abraham. I like it because it says he didn’t waiver through unbelief. He was strengthened when he received God’s promise.

The Bible is full of promises for us who love HIM. So, when we are discouraged or feel like giving up, we can turn to the scriptures and be refreshed by claiming His promises for ourselves and our situations.

Don’t waiver. Be strengthened!

Biblical lessons Encouraging words Uncategorized

Leave a comment »
May 12

“Behold, Your Mother!”

by Brenda Poulos

32170291988_5de4215a60

 

John 19: 26,27- When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.

 

It’s hard for me to believe that I have grown up to give birth to my own children, and they in turn, are parents. It seems not so long ago that I was a little girl, myself, with a loving mother to care for me. 

My mother took her role seriously. I always felt loved and safe.

For the last few years, our roles have been reversed. My parents have aged. My siblings and myself are now caring for them (along with a wonderful staff in their Memory Care unit.)

If you are in your mid-fifties or older, like I am, chances are you are taking care of your aging mother, too. 

Providing care for His mother was of utmost importance to Jesus. As He was dying on the cross, he made sure that John would take on this responsibility in His absence. 

No matter how little—or how much—was involved in John’s new role as Mary’s caregiver, He pledged to do whatever was necessary.

You may not be at that place in your life, yet. But, as our medical care improves, the reality of providing care for our aging parents is becoming more and more of a reality.

The Bible tells us to Honor our Father and our Mother. This goes beyond merely providing physical care. It means giving them love and respect… making them feel special and needed at a time in their lives when they may feel useless and no longer able to enjoy the activities that they did when they were younger.

A card… flowers… a special meal… a family gathering. 

Following Christ’s example is yet another case of showing His love to others—those who cared for us as helpless babes and who we now provide for as His love comes full circle.

 

Biblical lessons Encouraging words Uncategorized

1 Comment »
May 5

On Purpose, With a Purpose

by Brenda Poulos

46311406905_03256a44d5

 

Psalm 57:2- “I cry out to God most high, to God who will fulfill his purpose for me.”

 

A magazine article reported that depression is on the rise worldwide. One of the main causes is that people don’t see that they have any real purpose.

They feel that they should have a purpose. They just haven’t discovered what it is.

They fail to adequately answer the age-old question, “Why did God put me on this earth?” And, that often results in them living lives in which they don’t believe that they matter…that if they were not here, it really wouldn’t make a difference to anyone…

The psalmist relates to those feelings, and in desperation, he cries out to God for the answer, for it is He that created each of us on purpose, with a purpose.

Don’t doubt that you matter to God. Don’t doubt that He created you to make a difference in this world. Don’t ignore His direction… his leading.

It may not take you down the path you expected.

It may not nudge you in a way that is the most comfortable.

But, He will lead you, if you are sincere in your request… if you are patient… if you trust in His Word.

 

 

Biblical lessons Encouraging words Uncategorized

Leave a comment »
Blog at WordPress.com.
%d bloggers like this: