spiritualsnippets.com

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

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!

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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.

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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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Feb 20

Seasons To Fill Our Hearts With Joy

by Brenda Poulos

Acts 14:17- “Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.”

Springtime in Arizona is gloriously beautiful, although both the morning and mid-afternoon sun make for brutal driving conditions. This year, we are also experiencing unprecedented winds.

Other parts of the country have met with heavy rains, flooding, and devastating snowstorms. 

Ah, nature.

Does the weather simply change from time to time, of its own accord? Or, is there a controlling force behind it all?

The Bible tells us in Matthew 8:27 that the forces of nature obey Christ’s voice; In the days of Noah, he brought about a great flood; and used the wind in Exodus to carry in locusts. And Acts 14 attributes the seasons to our wonderful and caring God.

The change of seasons is just another of the hundreds of ways that God reminds us that He is in control of things in heaven and on earth. And His beautiful rainbow after a rain magnificently displays His awesome power and His promises to His people.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Feb 13

The Biggest Super Bowl of All Time

by Brenda Poulos

Revelation 19:6b-7a~ “Hallelujah! For our Lord God reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!”

Since the beginning of football season back in September, fans have been gearing up to watch the Super Bowl.                       

It’s finally here and millions of folks will be cheering for their favorite team. But at game’s end, only one will be declared the victor.

Just as it will be one day in the future.

Now, I’m not a football enthusiast. I’m also just a layman when it comes to scripture. So if the comparison I draw here is not exactly accurate, please forgive me.

I am thinking ahead to events in the book of Revelation. More precisely, to the battle between the forces of good and evil, Christ and Satan. 

We don’t know exactly when this will take place. But we do know who wins.

The Bible tells us that Satan will be destroyed, along with his dark angels, ridding the earth once and for all of sin and evil. 

It will be the Super Bowl of all Super Bowls.

The winner: Jesus Christ!

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Feb 6

Clean Out Your Junk Drawer

by Brenda Poulos

Psalm 130:4- “But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.”

Last week I had some friends over for a ladies tea. I had a wonderful time catching up on what was new with each one of them. 

When we were in my kitchen, I mentioned we were thinking of repainting. I decided to show them some paint samples I’d collected. Everyone crowded around as I looked in my “junk” drawer for them.

Out came tape, pencils/pens, a hammer, a screw driver, store coupons, and so on. I could feel the heat creep up my neck as the contents of my junk drawer were exposed. I finally found what I was looking for but vowed aloud to clean everything out—and soon. The others just laughed, confessing they had a junk drawer in their kitchen, too. 

Later that night, I thought about what had happened and how embarrassing it had been to have them look at all of the items stuffed inside my drawer—out of sight. I thought about the junk drawer of my soul. The sins kept there. Sins I wouldn’t want anyone to see: lies I’d told to make myself “look better;” things I should have done for others, but hadn’t.

I needed to clean out the junk drawer of my life. I knew the only way to do so was by asking forgiveness from my heavenly Father. Once I did, I felt the release of the weight I’d been carrying. I was lighter.

Ready to serve Him wholeheartedly again.

I thanked God for the forgiveness He promised to bring once I confessed my sins to Him, I got out my recipe folder and turned my oven to 350 degrees.

All of a sudden, I felt like making an apple cobbler.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Jan 30

Do It For Him

by Brenda Poulos

Matthew 25:40- “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Robert pulled to the side of the road, exited his truck, and it wasn’t long before he’d changed a flat front tire for the young mother inside. She thanked him for his kindness and he drove home, late for dinner by only a few minutes. 

After he told his wife the reason for his tardiness, she reminded him of the verse in Matthew 25. “What we do for others, we are actually doing for God.”

When you do something unselfish for someone, God is pleased with your actions. But, it’s more than that. He says you are actually doing it for Him. 

You are acting in his behalf. As a representative of the King—and the Kingdom—here on earth.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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