spiritualsnippets.com

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

Jun 27

Will They Know?

by Brenda Poulos

2 Corinthians 3:2- “You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all.”

Many years ago, a fellow teacher at my school noticed the cross that I wear daily. She looked at me and said words I will never forget, “I didn’t know that you were a Christian!”

That was one of the saddest comments I had ever heard, but it changed my life, profoundly. I didn’t want people to only know that I was a Christian because of a piece of jewelry. I wanted them to see Christ in me!

I asked God to show me ways in which I needed to change so that others might know that I was His child. I wanted my life to be representative of a daily walk with my Savior… to show my commitment to Christ and be an outward sign of what He has done in my heart… to glorify Him through my life and actions.

Do I mess up? Of course I do! But because He forgives his children, He sends the Holy Spirit to help me move forward.

I still wear my cross necklace, but I trust it’s my actions that show the world who I am–in Christ!

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Jun 20

Where Are They Now?

by Brenda Poulos

2 Corinthians 5:5b- “…to be absent from the body (is to) be present with the Lord.”

A television show that I often watch is called “Where Are They Now? “People write in, asking Oprah Winfrey to update them on what some of her past guests—childhood actors, or otherwise newsworthy people—are doing, now.

It is interesting to see what they look like, currently, and what they are doing with their lives. Some, sadly, have passed away. 

Watching recently, I felt God’s leading to remind readers that we can be assured of the eternal abode of our fellow Christians. 

We don’t have to ask, “Where Are They Now?” We know that believers will immediately be present with our Lord in Heaven when they leave this earth.

As a small child, I was extremely frightened of dying. I remember having terrible nightmares. My mother would respond to my outcries with patience and understanding. It wasn’t until I came to faith in Jesus in the 6th grade, that she and I got a good night’s sleep!

 I never again had a nightmare about dying!

Scripture comforts those of us faced with our own death or that of our loved ones who know Christ. But, for those who don’t, may this encourage us to go to them in love and share the gospel—today! 

Let’s not be left asking, “Where Are They Now?” 

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Jun 13

The Man in the Mirror

by Brenda Poulos

I Samuel 16:7b: “For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 

Renovations.

New flooring, countertops, window coverings, faucets, appliances, painting, cabinetry, landscaping—the list goes on and on.

Even if you don’t do home renos, you may occasionally make changes in your own physical appearance:

haircuts/highlighting, makeup, new eyeglass frames, exercises, dieting, updated clothing.

Like most renovations, these are cosmetic changes, focusing on the outward appearance.

The Bible says that God places His attention on what is in our hearts. 

When we look at our own hearts with God’s mirror, the Bible, what do we see? Someone that is filled with the Holy Spirit? Someone that is producing the fruits of the Spirit? (Love, Joy, Peace, Long suffering, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control.)

If not, a remodeling project may be just what we need. Starting with prayer and scripture, we can make our hearts available to The Holy Spirit to do His work in our lives. Not cosmetic work that has no substance and is of no true lasting value. But, instead, allowing His power to work within us to “…to will and to do for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13b)

We put things into “eternal perspective” when we focus on what’s inside.

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Jun 10

SPECIAL EDITION

by Brenda Poulos

FREE.  FREE.  FREE.  FREE.  FREE.  FREE.  FREE 

TOMORROW.  TOMORROW.  TOMORROW

JUNE 11           JUNE 11           JUNE 11           JUNE 11

Not 1           Not 2        But 3 Kindle e-books!!!!

In celebration of the publishing of the fourth book in the Simon Says series, I have scheduled to have the first three books listed as FREE on www.Amazon.com 

For the next three days:  June 11, 12, and 13, download FREE Kindle e-book versions of Simon Says, Truth or Dare, and Tug of War. 

And, while you’re shopping, why not purchase the fourth book, Cat’s Cradle?

You’ll love this final book, told largely from six-year-old Mary’s point-of-view. And, as always, thank you in advance for writing reviews!!!!

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Jun 6

A Nourishing Spiritual Diet

by Brenda Poulos

Colossians 3:1 6a- “Let the word of Christ dwell in your richly…

How many times are we told to eat foods that are good for our bodies? Lean meats, vegetables, fruits, whole grains… 

When given the choice, do we often grab a handful of chips or a couple of chocolate chip cookies instead?

Sometimes it takes a lab report or a visit to the doctor to set us straight and help motivate us into making healthier choices. And when we do, we feel better and have more energy.

While there is nothing inherently wrong with reading a good mystery novel now and then, we need to be on a regular diet of good spiritual food.

We are able to grow in our walk with the Lord through daily reading of the scriptures and application of the principles from God’s Word.

Look at that word, “richly” in the verse from Colossians. Spiritual food isn’t diet food, where we don’t feel satisfied. Spiritual food has substance. It nourishes our souls.

As with healthy eating, spiritual food gives us the energy to face whatever the day may bring. We won’t feel depleted by day’s end, but rather we will find ourselves energized and encouraged as our day unfolds.

Keeping a New Testament or small Bible with you at work or in your car or purse will also make it possible for you to get a spiritually-healthy “snack” in the middle of the afternoon. 

A spiritual diet of truths from God’s Word will guide you, and grow you in your faith.

Let God’s Word dwell in you richly.

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May 30

Using Our Gifts

by Brenda Poulos

Romans 12: 6-8 ~ ““We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”

Ultimately, God’s will for each of us is to glorify him by telling others about Him and living our lives in such a way that others will accept Jesus as Savior.

Beyond that, I know that most Christians are looking for ways in which they can make a difference in the world by “being the hands and feet of Jesus.”

For both of those reasons, I began writing some seven years ago. I have been encouraged by my readers’ feedback. It has been a wonderful experience to use my writing gifts to honor our Lord.

My latest book, Cat’s Cradle, was enjoyable to write from a child’s perspective. It is the fourth and final book in the Simon Says series.  The following is the back cover copy. It is available on www.Amazon.com/books in e-book, paperback, and hardcover.

You may want to read the previous books in the series, first. However, by reading the Prologue in Cat’s Cradle, you should be able to understand the story well enough to thoroughly enjoy it.

When Mary learns that Simon—the man who kidnapped her last summer, and now dominates her recurring nightmares—is actually her biological father, her world turns upside down.

She is frustrated and fearful.

Confused about family relationships. 

Unsure about the permanence of friendships. 

And it comes out in her behavior at school and at home.

Faced with life’s new reality and an uncertain future, will Mary learn to forgive others, accept responsibility for her own actions, and place her faith in her heavenly Father?

It’s a lot for anyone. But she is only six years old!

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May 23

Listening First

by Brenda Poulos

James 1:19– “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

My husband ran in the direction of my screams and killed a snake at our home. It was “harmless,” he said. “Rest easy, it wasn’t a deadly rattlesnake.”

“I guess so, but at least a rattlesnake would have given me a warning he was there.”

Warnings are important. Given so we will reduce our speed in traffic, refrain from using harmful chemicals indoors, or stop before putting a “DRY CLEAN ONLY” garment in the washing machine.

The verse from James is one of many warnings in the Bible. His message?

There’s a lot of turmoil in the world today. Emotions are at an all-time high.

The social climate is such that we can easily alienate those who we are wanting to influence.

Even though we want to be heard, believers must also be willing to give others respect so they can speak freely. When we do, we can learn so much more about “where they are coming from.” If we will listen to them and show them that we truly care, we’ll be better able to know how to answer their questions.

Choosing our words carefully and sparingly is key to communicating the love of God to others. 

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May 16

His Radiance

by Brenda Poulos

John 14:9– “Jesus saith unto him, ‘Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? He that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?’”

Hearing songs like, “My Father’s Eyes” and “Let Me Be Like You”, remind us that the songwriters were inspired by the desire to see the lost from God’s perspective.

I’m sure you have heard the phrase “Be the Hands and Feet of Jesus”…fulfill the great commission. If one sees a sister or a brother in need, help them as Jesus would. 

We should live our lives in such a way that others see Christ living in us. Our speech and actions should reflect those of our Heavenly Father.

What a privilege it is for us to be the hands and feet of Jesus, as His representatives, here on earth…to do the work he has left us to do. To spread love, mercy, and kindness wherever we go.

Have you ever met someone who just “glows” with the radiance of Christ’s love? I ‘d like to be that someone. How about you?

With the power of the Holy Spirit working within us, we can be. As we let Him control our lives and actions, we will be.

It goes deeper than a beautiful smile. It is the outward radiance of our inward relationship with the Father—living in such a way that others recognize the Father’s presence when they are around us.

As ambassadors for Christ, we can show His love by actions that are worthy of calling ourselves Christians…Christ followers…earthy representatives of our Heavenly Father.

There’s someone out there who needs a helping hand or a word of encouragement today. 

Maybe they need to hear the gospel. 

When our paths cross, let’s make sure that when they see us, they see The Father. 

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May 9

Follow the Leader

by Brenda Poulos

Deuteronomy 13:4- “It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.”

Enjoying a morning cup of coffee on my patio under the shadow of the Superstition Mountains, a sudden movement caught my eye. 

A family of quail, complete with seven baby chicks, was making its way across our driveway!

Of all the beauty of the desert (including those majestic mountains) the one thing I enjoy most is watching those sweet baby birds, all of two inches tall, following after their parents in the early mornings and late afternoons each spring. 

Innocent and helpless, the chicks need the guidance of their parents on their first outings across the desert floor. Predators, such as coyotes, snakes, and javelina make it necessary that they follow closely behind, in order to survive in this harsh environment.

I am reminded that I need to follow my Heavenly Father’s guidance, also. How will I be able to deal effectively with feelings of loneliness when my husband is working out of town? How can I tell a friend the hard truth, in a kind and loving manner?

God’s Word gives me assurance, direction, and peace. I have nothing to fear as I navigate through my day.

He knows the way.

All I have to do is follow.

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May 2

Sweeter Than Honey

by Brenda Poulos

Psalm 119:103- “How sweet are Your words to my taste; Sweeter than honey to my mouth.”

Bibles can be purchased in a vast array of styles, covers, print options, sizes, and so on. In fact, many of us have several copies: thin, New Testament only, study Bibles. Some zip, others have handles, some children’s Bibles sparkle—variations abound. 

Because the Bible is so accessible, so plentiful, many of us take it for granted. 

However, there are some countries where seeing a copy of the Bible is a rarity. And whether that is because of poverty or lack of religious freedom, the Bible is revered as the precious Word of God that it truly is. If those people had an opportunity to see—even touch—a Bible, it would cause quite a stir. 

Glance in the direction of your bookshelf or bedside table and see the miracle displayed there in the form of a book inspired by the Holy Spirit. 

Now open it to Psalm 119:103. Meditate, along with the psalmist, on the words written there. In the wonder of the moment, imagine the words to be as sweet on your own tongue, as they were to him when he penned them. 

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