spiritualsnippets.com

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

Jun 30

A Chariot of Fire

by Brenda Poulos

2 Kings 2:11- “As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.”

My husband and I went to our community pool a few days ago. As we were drying off, a strong wind came out of “nowhere.” 

John grabbed onto a nearby table to steady himself, but the wind literally picked me up and slammed me down onto the cool deck.

I am fine except for a bruised elbow, cut finger, sore hip, and goose egg on the back of my head (which is responsible for a lingering headache).

Thinking about my experience as my husband drove us home, I remembered the story of Elijah and the strong whirlwind that took him up to heaven, an event witnessed by Elisha.

Elijah’s name means, “The Lord is my God.” We speculate that due to the miracles God worked through him, Elijah was spared physical death.

I reread the amazing story of Elijah’s “home going” this morning. He was a man who was faithful and obedient to God. He is also mentioned in several commentaries as perhaps being one of the two future end-time witnesses in the book of Revelation.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Jun 23

Bring a Smile to God’s Face!

by Brenda Poulos

Psalm 103:13- “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who
fear him.

I overheard someone on a shuttle recently say, “God’s mad at me.” I’m not sure what the context was for this remark, but it got me thinking.

What does the Bible say about God’s emotions? Can He get angry? Does He laugh? Is He capable of being sad?

I did a little internet search to see what theologians might answer. Overwhelmingly, they said “yes.”

There are hundreds of references supporting this view in Scripture. Here are just a few: John 3:16 (love); Deut.1:37 (anger); Judges 2:18 (pity) grief (Genesis 6:6) and so on.

The difference between God’s emotions and human emotions is that His are for righteous purposes and He has perfect control of them.

As Christians, we seek to make God happy (pleased) by the way we live our lives. Today—and every day—may we bring Him joy and, yes, even laughter! 

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Jun 16

My Son is a Great Father

by Brenda Poulos

1 Thessalonians 1:3- “Constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father.”

My youngest grandson is almost four years old. His father is truly a good example of what it means to be a remarkable dad. 

Where did my son get the ability to listen, encourage, and lovingly discipline? How did he develop such patience?

Each of these skills, it seems to me, would require a role model of exceptional character—but as a single mother, I know my son didn’t have that.

Or did he?

He had the example of a good, Christian grandfather who was committed to his family. He had the ultimate example in God, who he learned about at an early age. He had the promises and truths from reading the Bible. He had the fathers of his Christian friends who took an interest in him. He was blessed with Sunday School teachers who loved and nurtured him.

And now, my grandson is experiencing the fruit of many laborers who didn’t know my son would someday have his own son to love, and nurture because of all of these godly men in his life.

Thank you to all of those who had a part in making my son the caring man and father he is today. 

Please know that even if you are not a father, yourself, you may still influence the character of a child who is a neighbor, relative, or student.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Jun 9

Are You On “The Fence?”

by Brenda Poulos

Psalm 134:2- “Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the LORD!”

Scripture gives Christians the permission to worship with our whole bodies, but many feel reluctant to raise their hands during singing or prayer.

Some feel embarrassed by this outward expression during worship. Others can be barely kept from dancing in the aisles.

The main point is that whatever one does, make sure it is authentic and not coerced.

I have been worshipping the Lord this way for many years, now. There are times when I don’t raise my hands at all; still other instances when my arms ache from being up for so long. For me, raising my hands is born of an overwhelming feeling that begins in my soul and literally raises my spirit to the Throne.

Have there been times when you’ve been so “into” the worship service that you’ve wanted to raise your hands, but thought “No one else has their hands up. What will they think of me?”

Don’t worry about what someone else does or doesn’t do. This is a matter between you and God. 

But, I will tell you this: true worship—no matter what form it takes—is electrifying, exhilarating, and lifts the worshiper to new heights in glorifying God.

If you’ve been on the fence on this issue, try it when you’re alone at home. Turn on some praise music and let your spirit join with His. 

Let the Holy Spirit guide you to new heights of worship!

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Jun 2

These Will Lead to Hope and Joy

by Brenda Poulos

1 Thessalonians 5:17– pray continually.

Are you praying for your children, grandchildren?

Does it seem like you’re repeating the same prayers each day?

There’s nothing wrong with that. Remember that your fervent prayers “avail much.” However, I find that sometimes I don’t see the forest for the trees.

I came across the list of suggestions for praying which was sent to me by Compassion International some ten years ago when we began sponsorship of Nestor, a five-year-old African boy.

Here are several of the thirty-one ideas they sent. You may want to make some of these a habitual part of your prayers:

Pray for your child-

1- to accept Jesus as Savior and grow in Christ.

2- to resist negative peer pressure.

3- to develop strong friendships and family relationships.

4- to memorize God’s Word.

5- to make wise decisions.

6- for their safety and protection.

7- for patience and perseverance.

8- to tell the truth and resist temptation.

9- for physical health and strength.

10- to honor their parents.

11- to grow close to God in prayer.

12) for stability in his family.

13) for a spirit of hope and joy leading to a bright future.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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