spiritualsnippets.com

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

May 1

The Truth About Your Name

by Brenda Poulos

Proverbs 22:1- “A good name is more desirable than riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”

I’ve seen several online articles this week about rich, powerful, and famous people. 

They seemingly “had it all.” Good looks, influence, notoriety.

However, now each have at least this one thing in common: they have been caught doing something illegal, ruining their good name—forever.

They will soon be forgotten, losing the reputation they spent a lifetime building.

All the things this world has to offer can be lost by making just one poor decision. But the Bible tells us that it is better to be known as a good, moral, law-abiding person.

It’s the way we live our lives that is of upmost importance.

 Our good name will stay with us forever.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Apr 24

Do You Have It “All”?

by Brenda Poulos

Mark 10:25- “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

Brad shook hands with his partner and turned to place his briefcase in his Tesla. He glanced at his Rolex. Eight o’clock. Once more, he’d missed dinner with his family.

All the way home, through the gate, and up the gradual incline that ended in a curved driveway, he thought about his charmed life.

He had everything. Wealth, a beautiful family, a retirement account unsurpassed by anyone in his company. Why, then, was he unhappy? Unfulfilled? 

The new guy, Jack, was starting at the bottom. He was barely even able to support his family on his meager salary. But he had a spring to his step. He radiated happiness.

His demeanor was so irritating that today Brad flat out asked him what made him so happy. 

“Jesus.”

Brad knew what that kind of life would mean. Bible Studies, Potluck dinners at the church, and tithing. Giving up time and resources he’d worked so hard to acquire.

He stood on his front steps, his hand on the door handle. Who in their right mind would give all this up?

Not me, that’s for sure.

It’s hard for the rich and powerful to put faith in anyone other than themselves. But they need a Savior just as much as you and I. 

If you know someone who “has it all” on earth, pray that they will be able to relinquish control—for a heavenly reward.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Apr 17

Nothing Will Compare to This

by Brenda Poulos

John 20:18- “Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.”

Like me, I am sure you’ve seen a lot of beautiful things in your lifetime.

Sunrises. Sunsets.

Summer rains. Puffy clouds. Rainbows.

The Grand Canyon. Alaskan glaciers.

A newborn babe.

So many. So wondrous.

But the greatest of all is something we haven’t yet seen… something Christians are looking forward to with great anticipation:

OUR RESURRECTED LORD.

The disciples saw him. And some of the women.

And one day we will see Him face-to-face.

Hallelujah!

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Apr 10

Take Action

by Brenda Poulos

1 John 3:18- “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.”

Most of you probably know that I am a writer and besides this blog, I also write one each week for other writers.

This week, I am making a case for “Show, Don’t Tell.” It is simply a writing principle by which authors use action, description, and dialogue to bring the written word alive so that readers experience the story more fully than being “told.”

I immediately saw the parallel between the verse from 1 John and this writing principle.

God doesn’t want us to just talk about helping others. He wants to see action on our part, whether it means giving someone a ride, mowing their lawn or furnishing a meal.

On a movie set, one regularly hears, “Lights, action, camera.”

In the Bible, we read about servanthood and how God wants us to act out our faith.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Apr 3

Unchangeable Truth

by Brenda Poulos

Ephesians 4:21– “… when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.”

A friend bought the third edition of a well-known non-fiction book. He was thrilled with his purchase, convinced he’d bought it at a good price.

Why did he want the third edition? Being a scientific book, he wanted to always have the most up to date information.

It is not unusual for books to reprint when so-called “facts” become obsolete, especially those about vitamins, diet, and child-rearing.

The Bible, however is unchangeable. Its message, its truths, remain the same throughout all eternity—past, present, and future.

There will never be a reason for an update, or a change due to inaccuracy. It is perfect and will always remain so.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Mar 27

Until Next Time

by Brenda Poulos

Acts 1:11- ““Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

Those of you who have family who don’t live close, may experience what it is like to have them visit for a few days and then pack up and leave until “next time.”

With a wave and a “I’ll be back” they’re off.

You’re never quite sure if they will return soon. Their next visit may be months—even years—away.

But you look forward to it with eager anticipation.

The disciples must have felt that way when Jesus ascended into heaven. After all, He told them that He would return.

Christians look forward to His coming again, too. Many of us would like to hasten the day… to see Him coming in the clouds.

Come, Lord Jesus, come!

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Mar 20

Seven Opportunities

by Brenda Poulos

Psalm 92:1-2. “It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; to declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night.”

A Christian radio host in my area has, for several years, suggested people improve their attitudes and relationships by changing just one thing each day. Not arguing so much with a spouse, being kind and accepting of in-laws, making oneself aware of how they spend their money. The list encompasses almost anything that impacts family and friends.

This morning, I thought about one thing I could do to improve my relationship with God. (After all, Christians know that if the relationship is not what it should be, it is up to us to change. Not God. He is always there. Ever willing to listen, encourage, and forgive).

I thought of my prayer life, scripture reading, witnessing, service, giving, mentoring, and thankfulness/ praising God. 

Seven areas. 

Seven days in a week. 

Seven opportunities to draw closer to Him.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Mar 13

Perfect Faithfulness

by Brenda Poulos

Isaiah 25:1- “Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.”

We invited some new friends over for dessert at our house last week. When a large frame with a dozen small pictures of our family over the years caught their eyes I told them a little bit about each person and pet displayed. 

What a thrill it was to share the joys of a lifetime with others. 

Thinking back to that experience, I realize that each photograph recounts, in some way, the faithfulness of God. We remember that He has blessed us with people and events in our lives that He planned for us before we were even born.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Mar 6

The New Black

by Brenda Poulos

Isaiah 5:20- “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.”

I read on the internet this week that “Orange is the New Black.”  

When one uses the expression that something is the new black, they mean that it is suddenly fashionable or popular. What was once considered good is now replaced by something else.

I thought about the way our social culture has been changing rapidly during the past few years. Words which were once not allowed to be spoken on television and radio, are now commonly heard—and no one even blinks an eye.

The way people dress in public nowadays would never have been allowed in malls, public parks, or restaurants a decade ago. What was once discreet and tasteful is now thought to be old-fashioned. 

Actions that were labeled as wrong are now right; and those that were once considered right, have become wrong in the eyes of the world.

God told us in his Word that this is exactly what would happen in the End Times. He also has told us which behaviors He considers right and wrong/ sinful and not. God doesn’t change His mind. In fact, Hebrews 13:8 states that he remains the same yesterday, today, and forever.

With God, what is right is right; what is wrong is wrong. We never have to second-guess Him. 

Isn’t it a comfort to know He doesn’t change His mind or His standards? That unlike the world that changes constantly around us, we can always depend on Him?

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Feb 27

Transformation: On the Inside

by Brenda Poulos

Romans 12: 2a- “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

A new prescription pill is on the market, targeting individuals with mental issues. I perked up when I heard these words: “You cannot change what goes on in the world, but you can change what goes on inside you.” (Perhaps not a perfect quote because I wrote it down later).

As believers, we can change a lot of what goes on inside us. Developing the daily habit of prayer and spending time in the Word are key to “renewing our mind.”

And we must guard our hearts and minds. That’s a matter of monitoring what goes into us—the visual, oral, and auditory.

Movies. Conversation. Music. Books.

It’s been over fifteen years ago that I began to listen exclusively to Christian radio. Now, granted many of the secular songs on the radio are beautiful and there is nothing wrong with them, per se. However, I found that often the commercials and commentary were often chocked full of negativism and sexist remarks that I knew held the potential for keeping my mind off things “above.” 

Over the years, I have developed a “filter,” making it possible for me to “guard my heart and mind.” The Holy Spirit has changed my mind and my desires, just as Christ promised.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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