spiritualsnippets.com

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

Feb 11

A Little Lesson on LOVE

by Brenda Poulos

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Matthew 5:44- “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”

 

I have a new logo—a heart, with the words, “Stories of Forgiveness” inside.

Each of my three Christian Suspense Fiction books has been about something different: abuse, unbelief/pride of self, and bullying. However, the central characters all experience healing because they learn to FORGIVE.

Forgiveness has the power to transform lives. No matter who we are or what our background may be, we can each find joy, power, and freedom in forgiveness.

But what about love (you know, the heart in the logo) how does that tie in?

Some people are not so lovable. People who hate, curse, and persecute you are especially hard to be nice to. However, God says we are to do more than that—we are told to love them.

Many years ago, my pastor told me that praying for someone that had “rubbed me the wrong way” would allow The Holy Spirit to work in my heart and make it possible for me to actually come to love that person.

So, I put Matthew 5:44 to the test. Over the period of a year (it is not a one-prayer process) I found that I actually came to understand and care for the other person.

And, yes, forgiveness followed.

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Feb 5

You’re In Good Hands

by Brenda Poulos

 

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My daughter and son-in-law own an insurance agency, so I find myself paying special attention to television advertising for various companies.

 
One I haven’t seen in a long time, is for a company with a logo about being in “Good Hands.”

 
There is no denying that being in “Good Hands” brings to mind images of safety.

 
We sang a song last week in our church which brought the same feelings—Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.

 
In this world of chaos and unrest, isn’t it comforting to know that we can experience safety? Secure in knowing we belong to the Almighty God…the creator…the sustainer?

 
He is in control.

 
Yes, he allows certain things. But He works out everything ultimately for His good purpose.

 

We can face life’s circumstances with His everlasting arms around us.

 

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Jan 29

A New Identity

by Brenda Poulos

 

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2 Corinthians 5:17- “ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

 

A couple of years ago, there was a great news story about a homeless man who had a voice with such a commanding quality that it made him a natural announcer.

Once discovered, job offers from around the country came pouring in. This new found fame—and significant increase in income—was short-lived. It wasn’t long until the man with the golden voice was back on alcohol and once again, living on the streets.

This phenomenon may be difficult for us to understand. How could a man who has met with this good fortune go back to his old ways?

However, Sam Adeyemi said something that stuck with me, “Real and sustainable change in a person’s life begins with a change in their sense of identity.”  

The homeless guy’s circumstances may have changed, but his sense of identity did not.

It is often difficult for new Christians to understand that when they accept Jesus as their Savior, they suddenly have a new identity—and it may take a long time for the impact of forgiveness, salvation, and a change of citizenship to heaven—to completely sink in.

If that has happened to you, don’t despair.

But DO begin to read scripture that assures you of your new identity in Christ. 

Know that God doesn’t see the “old you” any longer.

Know that he has made you ALIVE in Christ.

 

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Jan 21

Comfort–Even in the Shadows

by Brenda Poulos

 

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Psalm 23:4 – “ Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me…”

 

My local church sends out a daily email. In it, members receive prayer needs within the “body,” praises, and other pertinent information.

At times, I am astounded as to the number of people who are ill, recuperating from surgeries, or have concerns for family members.

Sometimes the news is heart-wrenching—the passing of someone dear to all of us.

Are you walking thru the valley of the shadow of death?

Even though the support of friends and family is encouraging—and we are told in scripture that we need to uphold our brothers and sisters in prayer—isn’t it incredible to know that our Creator, Healer, and Savior is there for us when the shadow of death crosses our path or the path of someone we love?

God is there, walking the road with us. He knows the depths of pain and sorrow we are going through. He wants us to cling to Him, as He is ready, able, and willing to bring us peace, even in the face of otherwise overwhelming circumstances.

King David, who wrote Psalm 23, paints a beautiful word picture of what Christians can experience when we lean on the God of all comfort.

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Jan 14

Message in the Stars

by Brenda Poulos

Psalm 19:1- “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.”

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As my husband drives, one of my favorite things to do is watch the moon and stars, thanking God for these beautiful points of light created so long ago for our pleasure.

But the Bible tells us that they have also been put in the skies to declare God’s presence and glory.

If you are “into” astrological signs, keep reading.

I am betting you aren’t aware that the entire story of creation through the events in the book of Revelation have been written in the stars so that we would know of God’s great love.

Here are some fascinating books that go into this amazing truth in great detail. Warning: you will not be able to put them down:

The Real Meaning of the Zodiac by Dr. James Kennedy (out of print, but you may find in church libraries or used bookstores. Originally printed in a special TBN edition).

The Heavens Declare by William D. Banks.

Witness of the Stars by E.W. Bullinger.

The Gospel in the Stars by Joseph A. Seiss.

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Jan 7

Are You Strong Enough?

by Brenda Poulos

 

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2 Chronicles 16:9- “The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”

 

I thought the small concrete bench in the middle of our backyard would look better in the far corner, next to my favorite bush.

It really is a small bench. It even can be moved in three separate pieces.

However, as much as I struggled to lift the top off, I just couldn’t do it. I had to ask my husband for help.

Do you often find that doing things in your own strength is futile? Is it hard to take care of an elderly parent…deal with a wayward child…make your money stretch to the end of the month?

Is your own strength just not enough to bring you to victory in the daily battle?

Had you ever thought about what is really going on there? Who is trying to steal your joy…your peace?

Look closely: While Satan is roaming the earth, “seeking whom he may devour,” our wonderful God is looking for those of us who are fully committed to him so He can strengthen us.

He is ready, willing, and more than able to give us strength—to see us through—to lead us on—to help us live

the victorious Christian life.

 

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Dec 31

House of Bread

by Brenda Poulos

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My sister and brother-in-law joined us for dinner, last night, at an Italian restaurant.

For me, the highlight of any dinner is always the bread—and this restaurant definitely didn’t disappoint. The breadsticks were plentiful. They were soft and warm…buttery and covered with parmesan and garlic.

I ended up gorging myself on them and taking half of my spaghetti and meatballs home in a styrofoam to-go box.

Beggars, I am told, often ask for a crust of bread because it is filling…nutritious…a staple.

I don’t think it was by accident that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, a city whose name means “house of bread.”

I also think that when Jesus talked about bread in the scriptures, he was making a great connection for us…telling us that we need HIM to fill us…make us complete.

Jesus satisfies every longing. He will never turn us away hungry because He is THE BREAD OF LIFE!

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Dec 25

The Single, Most Important Gift

by Brenda Poulos

 

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“…Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you… Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”                                                                                                Luke 6:27-31; 36-37

 

I love giving gifts—especially surprising someone with something they have been wanting or something they’d never buy for themselves (but would really like, of course).

One year, it was buying my parents new towels and matching shower curtain. They loved the gift—something they would not have thought of purchasing for themselves.

By the way, there is a gift that would be appreciated by almost anyone. A gift you can give any time of the year.

Whether it is a family member, a friend, or just a “crazy driver” on the road, the gift of forgiveness—even though difficult—is always appropriate.

God forgives us of our sins in order to restore a right relationship with Him. Forgiveness will do the same for us and those we love and care about. It clears the air. It says, “I care about you. I want to reconnect with you. I want you to be a part of my life.”

Forgiveness is as much about the one doing the forgiving as it is about the one receiving the forgiveness.

For the one being forgiven, it is like getting a gift you don’t deserve—a gift called grace.

But, for the one giving the gift of forgiveness it means the opportunity to restore the relationship.

Is there someone in your life who needs to be forgiven?

It could be the single most-important gift you give this season—bringing joy, peace, and restoration—a gift of grace.

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Dec 18

The Unopened Gift

by Brenda Poulos

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If someone told you that they have a Christmas present that they refrain from opening, and that year after year it remains wrapped underneath their tree, you would probably stare at them in disbelief and ask

“Why?”

Good question.

But, wait, do you have a gift you haven’t opened?

I think you know the one I’m talking about.

God gave us a gift when he sent his son, Jesus, to earth. But, have you put off opening your gift? Unsure of what to do with Him…how your life might change if you accepted God’s gift?

What if I told you that there’s not a gift—at any price—that could ever compare to God’s gift?

After all, could there be any better gift than forgiveness of sins…eternal life… unconditional love of Almighty God?

Amazing, huh?

This is a gift so special that you won’t want to exchange it, get a refund, or leave it unopened.

God is reaching out to you with a precious gift.

All you have to do is accept it.

Don’t think you’re worthy?

You’re right.

Not one person that has ever accepted God’s gift has been worthy of it.

Not one person has been able to earn it, either…because it’s a gift.

Right now, I’m asking God to give you the strength to lay your fears aside and reach underneath the tree—that place where you’ve left God’s gift unopened—and give you the courage to accept Jesus, His son, and the salvation that He brings to each of us who BELIEVE.

 

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Dec 10

Laying Aside Our Perspective

by Brenda Poulos

I Corinthians 13:12- “ For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”28684556474_5ed7a6dcbb

Have you ever seen one of those magazine pictures that is a “partial” picture and you’re to try to imagine what the entire picture might be?

For instance, the picture might be that of the frightened face of a young boy. You might think that, if you could see the entire picture, he is afraid of a bear…or he is lost in a department store…or he is facing an angry parent’s discipline. Then, when you turn the page, you find out if you have guessed correctly as the entire picture is revealed.

Situations in our lives are a lot like that because the Bible tells us that we can only see “in part.”

That accident, illness, or disappointing friendship that causes us worry and sorrow in the present, may just be the catalyst for bringing someone to Christ or averting a loved one from physical harm.

Since we only see part of the scene, we learn to trust God—to exercise our faith in Him—remembering that He is in control of it all and is able to see the BIG PICTURE.

A long time ago, the life of a college friend was spared because she wasn’t able to make a plane connection—a plane that crashed shortly after take-off.

So often through the years, I have thought about that incident. It has served as a reminder to me that I need to exercise my faith in God during difficult times.

One day, I am sure that we, too, will be able to see the BIG PICTURE. And, when we do, we will no doubt be surprised to learn of the many times God has protected us and guided us, using the trials in this life to fulfill His ultimate purpose.

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