spiritualsnippets.com

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

May 26

Never Changing

by Brenda Poulos

Hebrews 13:8– “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

My good friend, Jana, in the fourth grade often came to school crying. Her dad drank a lot, and when he did, his patience and demeanor changed. From day to day, she never knew “which dad he would be,” so she and her mother lived in constant fear.

Flowers, animals, and people grow. At certain times the changes can be breathtaking and wondrous. Others may not be positive changes at all! (Think about the stages teenagers go through!)

However, isn’t it good to know that our God remains the same, even though the world and everything in it changes?

His constancy means we can always rely on Him. His truths are not subject to whims or favoritism.

We can count on Him to always be there for us, to tell the truth (for He IS Truth), to guide us according to His plan for our lives. 

He will always show us His unconditional love, for that is His very nature.

My prayer today is that He will continue to change me to be more and more like Him!

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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May 19

Today Is A Good Day!

by Brenda Poulos

Genesis 35:3- “Then come, let us go up to Bethel, where I will build an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and who has been with me wherever I have gone.”

Mother’s Day is over and Father’s Day is just around the corner. In between those two holidays, our family will celebrate a couple of birthdays.

In the verse I am sharing today, God talks with Jacob and he builds a memorial to that fact whereas nowadays we might give someone a special piece of jewelry or a plaque to commemorate holidays, birthdays, graduations, weddings, or accomplishments. 

We keep track of all of these dates in a small book. My grandfather kept his in his Bible, which I inherited. The most notable was the date of his baptism.

Sundays are a special day in our household, when we are able to worship as a family. Not out of habit. Not as a ritual. But because we want to give God honor and first place in our lives. 

If you haven’t been to church in a while, today is a good day to praise The Lord!

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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May 12

Always Joyful

by Brenda Poulos

Philippians 4:4a- “Always be joyful because you belong to the Lord.”

As a child, I always felt safe. I knew my parents were nearby and would take care of me.

When mother passed away two years ago, and Dad followed her eight months later, I felt an extreme loneliness.

Since then, Mother’s Day has been a bittersweet day for me. 

Yes, I have wonderful adult children who make the day special for me. Still, I experience sadness and find myself taking consolation in the scriptures.

I read verses about God being with me and not forsaking me. I know He is always with me. 

However, the verse I share today is especially comforting. It made me smile in the midst of my loneliness. 

I belong to the Lord and that fact brings me great joy.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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May 5

Father Knows Best

by Brenda Poulos

Jeremiah 29:11- “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

We planned a trip with friends. 

They came down with colds.

Our daughter decided to “go” for her Doctorate.

Problems with her children took priority.

A friend wanted to become a foster parent.

A change in regulations disqualified her.

Changes in our plans are disappointing, but as Christians, we know that God has a plan for each of our lives—and it is His plan that is “best.”

I’ve found it easier not to be disappointed when my plans don’t work out, if I remember that God knows the circumstances surrounding my plans and what situations are just around the bend. 

Being about to see the past, present, and future—as well His knowing our hearts, desires, and motives—makes trusting Him easier. We can look forward to experiencing the very best He has for us.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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