spiritualsnippets.com

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

Jul 13

Don’t Lose Hope

by Brenda Poulos
The current image has no alternative text. The file name is: forest-fire-fire-smoke-conservation-51951.jpeg

Psalm 31:24-“ Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”

Many of us may know someone who has been a victim of recent floods, tornadoes or fires.

The devastating effects of these catastrophic events are unfathomable to the rest of us. 

We ask ourselves what we would do, if we were in the same situation?

God tell us what he wants us to do—to put our faith and hope in Him. He may not remove us from situations, but he promises us that he will be with us in the midst of life’s storms.

If you’re going through something that is overwhelming—or know someone who is, ask God for his presence, direction and comfort.

Pray for our world that is in chaos. 

Put your hope in Him!

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

Leave a comment »
Jul 6

A Sense of Awe

by Brenda Poulos
The current image has no alternative text. The file name is: pexels-photo-1403550.jpeg

Psalm 19:1- “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”

As I watched fireworks on July 4th, I also enjoyed hearing three of my favorite songs: God Bless America, Amazing Grace, and America the Beautiful.

With a sense of awe, I thank God for giving these songwriters their unique abilities to create music for the rest of us to enjoy… and be inspired by.

Their songs resonate with my own soul as I sing along to worship God for giving us this beautiful land. I thank God for our many freedoms, which include the freedom to worship.

The universe cries out with Thanksgiving for the works of His hands. All nature, His Word tells us, lift their voices in praise.

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of living in the United States of America!

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

Leave a comment »
Jun 29

Why Go To Church?

by Brenda Poulos

The current image has no alternative text. The file name is: pexels-photo-1343325.jpeg

Philippians1:27b- “I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.”

Each week it seems easier and easier to find a parking space in the church parking lot.

67% of Americans say they go to church only three or fewer times per year. 

The big questions is why???

Is it boring?

Do you have “better” things to do?

Please share your reasons for attending/not attending.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

Leave a comment »
Jun 22

His Promise

by Brenda Poulos
The current image has no alternative text. The file name is: pexels-photo-7385964.jpeg

Matthew 28:20- “I am with you always…”

Every summer, I look forward to teaching in children in Vacation Bible School.

This year’s theme is this simple truth: “When we need help, we can trust Jesus.”

I believe that now—more than in generations past—our youth feel overwhelmed with the chaos going on in our world. They need to feel loved… safe… protected.

Let’s urge our friends to sit down with their children and share with them the promises in God’s Word. Tell them they can rely on Jesus to help them through every challenge.

And, parents, this message is not only for them. Whatever you are facing today… whatever you fear… take your concerns to Him. 

Hold onto His promises. Lean on Him.

He will set you free from worry… doubt… and fear. He promises to be with us ALWAYS.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

Leave a comment »
Jun 15

Have You Thought About Your Own Mortality?

by Brenda Poulos
The current image has no alternative text. The file name is: pexels-photo-344102.jpeg

John 17:23b- “…Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

As I described my aches and pains to my doctor this week, she answered me with the following statement: “You know, as we age, our bodies develop more physical problems, we have trouble sleeping well, difficulties with vision and hearing…”

On the way home, her comment got me thinking about my own mortality and the fact that one day I will not be here.

What will I wish I had done, seen, said, not-said?

Who should I have told how much I love them, admire them, enjoy their company?

From whom should I have asked forgiveness? Who should I have forgiven?

Who should I have shared the gospel—the message of God’s love, mercy, and grace?

One day, we will not be here. Our best opportunities to do and say the things we should are right now.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

1 Comment »
Jun 8

Gift-giving Perfected

by Brenda Poulos
The current image has no alternative text. The file name is: pexels-photo-264791.jpeg

Matthew 7:11- “If you, then…know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”

“Just what I wanted!” I exclaimed. I squirted on the expensive perfume after opening the pretty package.

My husband is a good gift-giver. As usual, he’d remembered months before my birthday when I had tried some on in the mall. Then, he’d gone back to the store at some point and made the purchase, waiting for just the right occasion to give it to me.

Our heavenly Father likes giving his children gifts, too—often in the form of blessings. I am always astounded when his love is shown in this way. It may be the unexpected visit from a friend, a little leftover cash to purchase something I’ve wanted, a flowering plant on our back patio, an especially beautiful sunset,  or the healing of a sick friend.

He knows our needs and our desires and always sends them at the perfect time.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

Leave a comment »
Jun 1

Want to Rewrite Your Past?

by Brenda Poulos
The current image has no alternative text. The file name is: bestseller-book-cover-lg.jpg

Isaiah 43:25- “I, I am He  who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.”

It’s the ten year anniversary of the publishing of my first book, Runaways: The Long Journey Home. Curious to see if I had improved as a writer over the last ten years—and eleven books later—I decided to begin rereading all of my books in the order in which I wrote them. 

I wondered if I would find so many mistakes that I would want to rewrite a couple of them. And that got me thinking…

As Christians, wouldn’t it be wonderful to be given the opportunity to “rewrite” our past? To make better choices… to lean on the strength and wisdom of the Lord?

But, we don’t need to do that, do we? Because of God’s wonderful gift of forgiveness of our sins.

God not only forgives, He blots them out. Gone forever is our past with all of its mistakes… sinful actions.

That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t learn life lessons from past failures. We just don’t have to live with the guilt.

Praise God for His Mercy and Grace!

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

Leave a comment »
May 25

Look Up!

by Brenda Poulos
The current image has no alternative text. The file name is: pexels-photo-1252871.jpeg

Psalm 19:1,2- “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”

In a video I saw this week, the night sky was ablaze with stars. Immediately, I started yearning for the days when I was a child and my parents took us kids camping. We’d lay on our blankets at night and watch the spectacle.

In the Bible, the prophet Jeremiah said there were so many stars they couldn’t be counted. Over the centuries, it has been tried many times, however. In 2003, an astronomer ventured a guess at 70 Sextillion. (That’s 70, followed by 21 zeros).

How can anyone look up at the night sky and say there is no God… no Creator? 

Romans 1:20 says God has made His presence, his eternal power, and His divine nature plain to everyone. 

All you have to do is look upward.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

Leave a comment »
May 18

It Motivated Me

by Brenda Poulos
The current image has no alternative text. The file name is: pexels-photo-5737577.jpeg

Psalm 100:5- “For the LORD is good: His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.”

“Unbelievable,” my husband exclaimed. He held up his empty package of pork rinds (I know. Gross, huh?) and showed me what he’d discovered.

On the back of the cellophane was this verse in Psalm 100! 

There are many creative ways for Christians to get God’s message out!!

I may never know who is responsible for the packaging of those pork rinds, just as others may never know the small ways in which each of us takes part in the Great Commission. But giving God the glory is the point—not seeking a pat-on-the-back from others for being obedient.

The verse displayed on this snack food purchased at the dollar store, encourages me. I hope it motivates you, too.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

Leave a comment »
May 4

The Blind Man

by Brenda Poulos
The current image has no alternative text. The file name is: pexels-photo-13123593.jpeg

John 9: 6.7- “After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.”

A couple of years ago, I was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration. My father also had it, so I knew first hand that this could lead to blindness. 

On the way home from my doctor’s office, I thought ahead to what this might mean for my future. Not being able to see colors, sunrises/sunsets, my children’s faces, read/write books, and so on.

Later, during Bible reading, I came across the passage about the blind man that Jesus heals. As I pray daily for healing for my own disease, I imagine Jesus applying cooling mud to my eyes and restoring my sight to what it once was.

Will my eyes be healed or does God have a different plan for me? That I don’t know.

What I do know is that the blind man’s faith healed him. So, each day I pray for increased faith, too.

If you have a physical or mental ailment and are in need of healing, read the many stories of miracles in the scriptures. I pray that your faith will be increased and you, too, experience Jesus’s healing touch.

Uncategorized

Leave a comment »
«Older Entries
Newer Entries »
Blog at WordPress.com.