spiritualsnippets.com

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

Jun 28

It’s What’s Inside That Counts

by Brenda Poulos
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1 Samuel 16:7b– “…For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 

Are you reaching a milestone birthday this summer? Perhaps this little story will encourage you!

Pam’s friend, Dorothy sent her a gift for her 80th birthday. She carefully removed the beautiful floral paper to reveal an exquisite antique mirror.

She picked up the phone immediately and called to thank her. “I have just the place to display it,” she told Dorothy. 

“I hope you’ll use it,” her friend replied.

“Oh, honey. At my age, I’d rather not look at all these wrinkles.”

“Pam, you’re still lovely, of course. But remember that while people may look at our outward appearance, God looks at what is truly important—our hearts.”

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Jun 21

I Still Feel His Presence

by Brenda Poulos
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Proverbs 14:26- “Whoever fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.”

For many of us, Father’s Day is a remembrance of fathers who are no longer with us—those who have passed from this life to the next.

For others, it is a celebration of dads who still live, work, play, guide, and provide for their families.

Just like moms, dads come in all nationalities, ages, sizes, and temperaments. 

Parenthood is an awesome responsibility. 

For one day each year, we pause to celebrate our fathers and thank God for their presence in our lives.

I was blessed to have an earthly father who had his priorities straight—family second, only to God.

He took Proverbs 14:26 seriously. Our home was filled with unconditional love and godly guidance.

Thank you, Dad. Because of your example, we still feel your presence in our lives today.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Jun 14

Don’t Let Anger Rule

by Brenda Poulos
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Ephesians 4:26a – “In your anger do not sin . . .” 

For months, Tom suspected his wife of cheating.

Unable to keep his bottled-up emotions at bay any longer, he finally confronts Liz.

When she confirms his worst suspicions, he goes berserk, grabbing his gun, and storming out the door.

He drives to his best friend’s home. His heart beats wildly in his chest. He feels sick to his stomach. Brad is the last person he’d suspect of something like this.

Tom is consumed by the anger of betrayal. Conflicting thoughts fill his mind. 

As he stares at the gun on the seat beside him, Ephesians 4:26 runs in a continuous loop in his head.

He remembers his pastor’s sermon on the topic of anger. It is an emotion that every human being has experienced. “The key to beating the influence of anger in your life is to “not let the anger result in sin . . . don’t let anger take over and “rule in your heart.”

Tom doesn’t recall how long he sat in front of Brad’s house, struggling to the the right thing, but it was the following day when he returned home to talk with Liz.

It was a difficult period in their lives, but some three years later the couple reunited. They’ve shared their story at couple’s conferences over the past twenty years, hoping that their obedience to God will somehow influence others to resist the impulse to retaliate against those who sin against us.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Jun 7

In Tandem

by Brenda Poulos
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Genesis 2:24- “. . . a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”

Since Father’s Day is coming up, my mind has been on my own father who passed almost four years ago.

One thing I remember is his love of vocabulary—“new words” always fascinated him. Once he heard one, he used it often. By putting it into practice, he cemented it into his mind.

I recall when he put the word tandem into “practice.” Other similar words, like synchronize, also mean “to work smoothly together, as one; alongside each other.”

Dad took a real liking to this word because it was his lifelong mantra. He took the Bible literally when God commanded that married couples were to leave their parents and cleave to their new husband or wife. They were to be “as one.”

Whether camping or gardening or helping with homework, they were always seen together. 

Mom became fearful as her Alzheimer’s advanced. I heard Dad remind her on a daily basis,” Remember, Georgia, we are as one.”

He meant it 100%

When Mom needed assisted living, Dad moved to a small facility with her. Married since the ages of twenty and twenty-one, he made sure they were never separated. 

Mom passed first. Dad went to be with her in heaven some ten months later. Beautifully orchestrated by a loving God, they are still in tandem—forever. 

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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