spiritualsnippets.com

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

Aug 31

Just the Beginning

by Brenda Poulos
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Ecclesiastes12:7,8- “…the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.”

Last week, my husband and I vacationed in a state where the cooler weather offered a reprieve from the summer heat. Still, mid-week, he told me he was ready to go home.

My friend, Beth, spent the last several months in radiation. She made a surprise visit to her friends a couple of weeks ago, just days before she passed away.

It was so good to see her. She was a very special person and will be missed. In her last conversation with us, she said she knew the end of this life was near, that she wasn’t afraid of what lay ahead, and that she was ready to “go home.”

For those of us who look forward to spending an eternity with Jesus, going “home” is nothing to dread. It is the end of our lives on earth, but just the beginning of good things to come.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Aug 17

The Author of Tomorrow!

by Brenda Poulos
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Hebrews 12:1-2“… let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Some authors write historical fiction/non-fiction, focusing on the PAST.

Others I know write about events and characters in the PRESENT.

But, Jesus?

The Bible says He is the “Author and Finisher” of our faith, meaning He has the central role in initiating and completing the work of faith within each Christian. 

As time passes, and events unfold in our world, we can rejoice that a we know Jesus. He’s the author of tomorrow!

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Aug 10

Just Think

by Brenda Poulos
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Isaiah 14:24-“The Lord of Hosts has sworn, saying, “Surely, as I have thought, so it shall come to pass, and as I have purposed, so shall it stand.”

I work diligently each week to accomplish the things that need to be done, so that’s why this verse blew me away!

I know God is awesome and mighty, but this verse says He only has to think and it is accomplished!

And if that isn’t enough, consider the rest of the verse: whatever He has purposed will stand. That means it will remain unchangeable…unmovable… It is solid.

He’s the one constant in a world that’s constantly changing!

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Aug 3

How Does God View Us?

by Brenda Poulos
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1 Samuel 16:7- “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

One of our favorite summertime treats is nice, juicy watermelon.

Imagine our disappointment when we cut one open, finding the meat to be light pink, the texture smooth, and totally lacking flavor.

The problem with watermelons is that you don’t know if they are good on the inside by just looking at the outside.

This is just the opposite of how scripture says that God views us.

He isn’t swayed by outward beauty (as humans often are). He sees our hearts—our intentions, our motives. 

We see this in the story of David (above) being chosen as king by God, even though he was small in stature. 

If you have a big heart for God, He’ll see it. You need only to be available and He will use you in great and mighty ways!

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Jul 27

Keeping the Peace

by Brenda Poulos
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Proverbs 15:4- “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”

Holding my tongue has always been hard for me, especially when I was young. I was a “know-it-all” and I felt it my duty to correct my siblings.

Mom often told us: “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.”

I always thought it to be “Mom’s Rule”, but actually I found reference to it in the Bible. It was good advice decades ago in our home and I’ve found it to be one of the surest ways to avoid arguments and “keep the peace” in adulthood.

The tongue that is controlled can be used as an instrument of blessing. Our words can bring encouragement and hope.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Jul 20

Is My Truth Really The Truth?

by Brenda Poulos
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John 14:6- “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

The term, “My Truth” has been popular for a number of years. The concept being that there may not be an ultimate truth, so people are entitled to adopt their own “truths”—those which are real to them.

To illustrate, a person may believe that the color we all recognize as red is yellow. As long as it is not harmful to others, this alternate truth would be acceptable.

There is a problem with even this simple illustration, though, isn’t there? Right away, I see the difficulty of defending this alternate truth of a “red light runner.”

What does the Bible say about truth?

Throughout the entire book, we are told repeatedly that Jesus is “The Way, the TRUTH, and the Life” and that no one can come to the Father (God) except through Him (Jesus).

The Bible and its teachings are all referred to as “truths.”

That knowledge gives me, as a Christian, peace and comfort. It is encouraging to know I am following the One who is TRUTH, rather than a false “truth of my own.”

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Jul 13

Don’t Lose Hope

by Brenda Poulos
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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

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Jul 6

A Sense of Awe

by Brenda Poulos
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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

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Jun 29

Why Go To Church?

by Brenda Poulos

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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

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Jun 22

His Promise

by Brenda Poulos
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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

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