spiritualsnippets.com

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

Jun 30

A Chariot of Fire

by Brenda Poulos

2 Kings 2:11- “As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.”

My husband and I went to our community pool a few days ago. As we were drying off, a strong wind came out of “nowhere.” 

John grabbed onto a nearby table to steady himself, but the wind literally picked me up and slammed me down onto the cool deck.

I am fine except for a bruised elbow, cut finger, sore hip, and goose egg on the back of my head (which is responsible for a lingering headache).

Thinking about my experience as my husband drove us home, I remembered the story of Elijah and the strong whirlwind that took him up to heaven, an event witnessed by Elisha.

Elijah’s name means, “The Lord is my God.” We speculate that due to the miracles God worked through him, Elijah was spared physical death.

I reread the amazing story of Elijah’s “home going” this morning. He was a man who was faithful and obedient to God. He is also mentioned in several commentaries as perhaps being one of the two future end-time witnesses in the book of Revelation.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Jun 23

Bring a Smile to God’s Face!

by Brenda Poulos

Psalm 103:13- “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who
fear him.

I overheard someone on a shuttle recently say, “God’s mad at me.” I’m not sure what the context was for this remark, but it got me thinking.

What does the Bible say about God’s emotions? Can He get angry? Does He laugh? Is He capable of being sad?

I did a little internet search to see what theologians might answer. Overwhelmingly, they said “yes.”

There are hundreds of references supporting this view in Scripture. Here are just a few: John 3:16 (love); Deut.1:37 (anger); Judges 2:18 (pity) grief (Genesis 6:6) and so on.

The difference between God’s emotions and human emotions is that His are for righteous purposes and He has perfect control of them.

As Christians, we seek to make God happy (pleased) by the way we live our lives. Today—and every day—may we bring Him joy and, yes, even laughter! 

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Jun 16

My Son is a Great Father

by Brenda Poulos

1 Thessalonians 1:3- “Constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father.”

My youngest grandson is almost four years old. His father is truly a good example of what it means to be a remarkable dad. 

Where did my son get the ability to listen, encourage, and lovingly discipline? How did he develop such patience?

Each of these skills, it seems to me, would require a role model of exceptional character—but as a single mother, I know my son didn’t have that.

Or did he?

He had the example of a good, Christian grandfather who was committed to his family. He had the ultimate example in God, who he learned about at an early age. He had the promises and truths from reading the Bible. He had the fathers of his Christian friends who took an interest in him. He was blessed with Sunday School teachers who loved and nurtured him.

And now, my grandson is experiencing the fruit of many laborers who didn’t know my son would someday have his own son to love, and nurture because of all of these godly men in his life.

Thank you to all of those who had a part in making my son the caring man and father he is today. 

Please know that even if you are not a father, yourself, you may still influence the character of a child who is a neighbor, relative, or student.

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Jun 9

Are You On “The Fence?”

by Brenda Poulos

Psalm 134:2- “Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the LORD!”

Scripture gives Christians the permission to worship with our whole bodies, but many feel reluctant to raise their hands during singing or prayer.

Some feel embarrassed by this outward expression during worship. Others can be barely kept from dancing in the aisles.

The main point is that whatever one does, make sure it is authentic and not coerced.

I have been worshipping the Lord this way for many years, now. There are times when I don’t raise my hands at all; still other instances when my arms ache from being up for so long. For me, raising my hands is born of an overwhelming feeling that begins in my soul and literally raises my spirit to the Throne.

Have there been times when you’ve been so “into” the worship service that you’ve wanted to raise your hands, but thought “No one else has their hands up. What will they think of me?”

Don’t worry about what someone else does or doesn’t do. This is a matter between you and God. 

But, I will tell you this: true worship—no matter what form it takes—is electrifying, exhilarating, and lifts the worshiper to new heights in glorifying God.

If you’ve been on the fence on this issue, try it when you’re alone at home. Turn on some praise music and let your spirit join with His. 

Let the Holy Spirit guide you to new heights of worship!

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Jun 2

These Will Lead to Hope and Joy

by Brenda Poulos

1 Thessalonians 5:17– pray continually.

Are you praying for your children, grandchildren?

Does it seem like you’re repeating the same prayers each day?

There’s nothing wrong with that. Remember that your fervent prayers “avail much.” However, I find that sometimes I don’t see the forest for the trees.

I came across the list of suggestions for praying which was sent to me by Compassion International some ten years ago when we began sponsorship of Nestor, a five-year-old African boy.

Here are several of the thirty-one ideas they sent. You may want to make some of these a habitual part of your prayers:

Pray for your child-

1- to accept Jesus as Savior and grow in Christ.

2- to resist negative peer pressure.

3- to develop strong friendships and family relationships.

4- to memorize God’s Word.

5- to make wise decisions.

6- for their safety and protection.

7- for patience and perseverance.

8- to tell the truth and resist temptation.

9- for physical health and strength.

10- to honor their parents.

11- to grow close to God in prayer.

12) for stability in his family.

13) for a spirit of hope and joy leading to a bright future.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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May 26

Never Changing

by Brenda Poulos

Hebrews 13:8– “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

My good friend, Jana, in the fourth grade often came to school crying. Her dad drank a lot, and when he did, his patience and demeanor changed. From day to day, she never knew “which dad he would be,” so she and her mother lived in constant fear.

Flowers, animals, and people grow. At certain times the changes can be breathtaking and wondrous. Others may not be positive changes at all! (Think about the stages teenagers go through!)

However, isn’t it good to know that our God remains the same, even though the world and everything in it changes?

His constancy means we can always rely on Him. His truths are not subject to whims or favoritism.

We can count on Him to always be there for us, to tell the truth (for He IS Truth), to guide us according to His plan for our lives. 

He will always show us His unconditional love, for that is His very nature.

My prayer today is that He will continue to change me to be more and more like Him!

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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May 19

Today Is A Good Day!

by Brenda Poulos

Genesis 35:3- “Then come, let us go up to Bethel, where I will build an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and who has been with me wherever I have gone.”

Mother’s Day is over and Father’s Day is just around the corner. In between those two holidays, our family will celebrate a couple of birthdays.

In the verse I am sharing today, God talks with Jacob and he builds a memorial to that fact whereas nowadays we might give someone a special piece of jewelry or a plaque to commemorate holidays, birthdays, graduations, weddings, or accomplishments. 

We keep track of all of these dates in a small book. My grandfather kept his in his Bible, which I inherited. The most notable was the date of his baptism.

Sundays are a special day in our household, when we are able to worship as a family. Not out of habit. Not as a ritual. But because we want to give God honor and first place in our lives. 

If you haven’t been to church in a while, today is a good day to praise The Lord!

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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May 12

Always Joyful

by Brenda Poulos

Philippians 4:4a- “Always be joyful because you belong to the Lord.”

As a child, I always felt safe. I knew my parents were nearby and would take care of me.

When mother passed away two years ago, and Dad followed her eight months later, I felt an extreme loneliness.

Since then, Mother’s Day has been a bittersweet day for me. 

Yes, I have wonderful adult children who make the day special for me. Still, I experience sadness and find myself taking consolation in the scriptures.

I read verses about God being with me and not forsaking me. I know He is always with me. 

However, the verse I share today is especially comforting. It made me smile in the midst of my loneliness. 

I belong to the Lord and that fact brings me great joy.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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May 5

Father Knows Best

by Brenda Poulos

Jeremiah 29:11- “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

We planned a trip with friends. 

They came down with colds.

Our daughter decided to “go” for her Doctorate.

Problems with her children took priority.

A friend wanted to become a foster parent.

A change in regulations disqualified her.

Changes in our plans are disappointing, but as Christians, we know that God has a plan for each of our lives—and it is His plan that is “best.”

I’ve found it easier not to be disappointed when my plans don’t work out, if I remember that God knows the circumstances surrounding my plans and what situations are just around the bend. 

Being about to see the past, present, and future—as well His knowing our hearts, desires, and motives—makes trusting Him easier. We can look forward to experiencing the very best He has for us.

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Mar 10

What Does the Cross Mean to You?

by Brenda Poulos

Isaiah 53:10- “It was the Lord’s will to crush Him.”

I have a “coffee table” book that I keep out and enjoy all year long, even though written with the “Easter Season” in mind.

Entitled, The Cross, author Max Lucado has done a phenomenal job with both the written and the pictorial presentation of the cross through the ages.

I agree with his statement that “No other image (in all of history) evokes such emotion.”

Compiled and published in 1998, it stirs my heart each and every time I read it.

On the cross, our creator and savior sacrificed himself for His creation. It was no accident. It was God’s plan… His choice… His will.

It was intentional and voluntary. An act of Grace. His plan of redemption.

John the Baptist called Jesus “The Lamb of God.” I call Him my Savior.

What does The Cross mean to you?

***Note, I will be taking the next 2-3 weeks to work on a home renovation. I will return to the keyboard the first of April. Easter Blessings, everyone!

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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