spiritualsnippets.com

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

Dec 29

Has This Happened to You?

by Brenda Poulos
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Isaiah 66: 12a, and 13a– “For this is what the LORD says: ‘I will extend peace to her like a river… and as a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you’…”

Have you had the experience of reading Bible verses which seemed to be direct messages of encouragement for you at a specific time in your life?

That’s what happened to me this week.

I had been reading a chapter a day in the book of Isaiah for the past 65 days. Sitting down to read the final chapter on day 66, I read the verses I am sharing with you today.

But before I opened my Bible, we got a phone message.

Our great-granddaughters (twins) were born on Christmas at 24 weeks. They were 1 lb each. We prayed, immediately. However, it wasn’t until a few hours later that I read the message of peace and hope in Isaiah.

I texted my granddaughter with the words of encouragement.

If you are going through something today that seems to be overwhelming, remember that God is good. He is with you. He will make a way.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Dec 22

Christmas Tapestry

by Brenda Poulos

Matthew 2: 1,2- After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

A couple of years ago, I joined a number of my author friends in writing short stories with a Christmas theme. If you are in need of a heartfelt gift for a special friend who enjoys reading, I recommend Christmas Tapestry. It is available in paperback and e-book from Amazon.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Dec 15

Love Demonstrated

by Brenda Poulos
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Romans 5:8- “But God demonstrated his love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

I have read comments about the recent pardoning of criminals, politicians, and so on. 

This post is NOT to state my opinions on them.

It is simply a post on the subject of pardoning, which means to remove the punishment for crimes or wrongdoing. 

EVERY SINGLE PERSON THAT HAS EVER LIVED HAS COMMITTED SINS. 

But Jesus died on the cross in our place, taking upon himself our punishment. He didn’t do it because of our innocence. (If we had been innocent, there would have been no need for him to become a sacrifice for our sins)!

This verse in the book of Romans tells us that He didn’t pardon us based on merit or because He believed we were innocent.

By pardoning us, God demonstrated His love for us.

He pardoned us without condition. Without us deserving it.

Because of His Great Love.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Dec 8

Why He Came

by Brenda Poulos
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John 3: 16-17. ““For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

Why, when I sat down to write this blog with a Christmas message, did my mind keep replaying images from Passion of The Christ?

It didn’t make sense until I reviewed the Christmas story and came across the gifts that were brought to baby Jesus.

One of them was myrrh, an embalming spice. It was a strange gift to bring a child, unless you consider who the child was—God in the flesh who came to earth with one purpose—to die on the cross for the sins of mankind.

This may have been the first clue to Mary and Joseph about the purpose their son would have on earth, but they already knew he would be special. From the message to Mary before her pregnancy to the starry host (angels) announcing the birth months later, and countless interactions they had with Him throughout his life here on earth, everything fit into God’s plan of salvation.

So, while we celebrate His birth at Christmas, we also have reason to also celebrate His death and resurrection.

For that is why He came.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Dec 1

Giving Hearts

by Brenda Poulos
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Deuteronomy 15:10- “Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then, because of this the Lord your God will bless you…”

The holidays are upon us. Filled with the many joys of the season, it is the time for many of us to reflect on God’s goodness and blessings.

Each time I visit my mailbox, however, I am given reminders that there are many in the world who have needs that have not been met.

Food pantries, rescue missions, prison ministries, and many others send requests for donations in the mail. 

The Bible reminds us to give generously because the nature of a giving heart is one who gives gladly—one who realizes “there, but for the grace of God, go I.”

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Nov 17

The Plan

by Brenda Poulos
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Isaiah 14: 26,27- “This is the plan determined for the whole world; this is the hand stretched out over all nations. For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?”

While we may not all agree as to what has taken place in our recent election, many were praying beforehand. Praying that God’s will would be done for the people of the United States.

These verses, from Isaiah affirm that God does have a plan and His plan will come to pass.

No matter what political party you may belong to, please believe that GOD IS GOOD.  And while we may not understand what has taken place, He acts in a way which will lead to ultimate GOOD.

 Take heart. He is in control.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Nov 10

Forerunner

by Brenda Poulos

Luke 1:17 – “It is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers back to the children, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous, so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

In the Bible, we find the concept of “forerunner.” It is taken from thousands of years ago when Eastern monarchs planning a journey or expedition sent ahead scouts into the lands before them and would construct bridges, level hills, and so on, making their trip possible. 

There are stories in the Bible about John the Baptist, and others who played this important role—although it was not physical roads or bridges they were building.They were guiding souls to the Lord.

The first question is, who guides us today? 

We have an awesome God who guides us through life if only we will heed his words… if we will but ask Him to exercise His will in our lives.

The second question is, who can guide others to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ?

We have no further to look than our own reflection in the mirror.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Nov 3

Don’t Be Afraid

by Brenda Poulos

Isaiah 41:10- “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Gus worked at the local Circle K after he retired from teaching. He liked dealing with the public, especially his conversations with construction workers putting in an extension of a nearby freeway. 

One night, as he was talking with one of them, a guy with a gun barged into the store. The construction worker was shot trying to protect Gus. The robber got away with the cash in the drawer and the construction worker lived.

Gus said the verse in Isaiah 41 was what kept going through his mind as the robber held his gun on them. As a young kid, he had memorized a number of verses in his Sunday School classes. Over the years, they were instantly there when he needed them.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Oct 27

What’s the Alternative?

by Brenda Poulos

Deuteronomy 6: 6-9: “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”

My husband and I used to like going to the movies, but we haven’t been to one in months.

We even enjoyed the previews. But not anymore.

They are filled with such violence and horror we’d never consider watching that sort of thing for 90 minutes!

I shudder to think what these are doing to young people’s minds.

We need to show them there are alternatives in good wholesome literature, Christian films, and—first and foremost—God’s Word.

We must monitor what they see on the internet. What they hear on the radio. Who they choose as friends.

It’s harder to be parents in today’s world than it was in previous generations. Christian parents and grandparents must take their responsibility seriously… be good role models… take their children to church and make sure their kids see them reading the Bible… help the young ones memorize scripture.

This verse from Deuteronomy emphasizes the importance for all of us to be intentional in raising children. If it was important centuries ago, it is even more so today.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Oct 20

Are You Adopted?

by Brenda Poulos

Ephesians 1:5- “He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.”

My husband is Greek. I am mostly German. Our “bestie” couple friends are Italian and belong to an Italian club.

They asked us if we wanted to join and we reminded them that we are not Italian.

They said it didn’t matter. We’d be “adopted in.”

We had a great time at the Italian picnic as newbie Italians. On the way home, I thought about the Bible reference regarding our “adoption as sons of God.”

So, just what does it mean to be adopted into God’s family?

It’s simple. When we come to faith in Christ, we are adopted into His family and given all the rights that heirs of God possess.

God doesn’t adopt people because they are worthy. He adopts them on the basis of His grace.

Christians are forever part of God’s family.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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