spiritualsnippets.com

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

Nov 6

Just the Three of Us

by Brenda Poulos

Matthew 18:20- “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

My friend, Coco, and I were disappointed that the other two ladies in our home Bible study were unable to attend our weekly meeting. However, we decided to go to our neighborhood park just to visit and pray.

Coco asked my counsel about raising her son as a single mother and we prayed together for several minutes. Coco’s prayer was heartfelt and I as I looked up after the final “amen” I  expected to see tears in her eyes. However, I found my friend’s face to be radiant.

“God has been here with us,” she said. “I felt his presence as we talked and prayed.”

As I walked home, I thought about the wonderful time of fellowship that we’d had that day—just the three of us.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Oct 30

Your Dream Home

by Brenda Poulos

John 14: 2, 3: “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

Being a fan of home renovation, I like to watch HGTV. A show I’ve gotten interested in lately is My Lottery Dream Home. Although most of the people on the show have won the lottery, there are also those who have inherited large amounts of money.

Such was the case of one couple featured in an episode I saw last week. At long last, these people could afford to live in the large, comfortable home they had always dreamed of.

As I saw the happiness radiating from their faces, I thought of the home in heaven that believers long to see when our earthly stay is over. It’s not just the streets of gold that we long to see—although that will be spectacular—but also the fact that we will be reunited with our Lord and loved ones.

Jesus told us that when he returned to heaven, he would be preparing a place for us, which I believe will be uniquely ours. It will be suited for us in every way, reflecting the way he cares for each of us here on earth by meeting our needs as individuals.

However, it will be beyond all we can think or imagine. It will be spectacular.

It will be our dream home.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Oct 23

Put God in His Place

by Brenda Poulos

Deuteronomy 5:7- “You shall have no other gods before me.”

If you’re a shopaholic, it may be shoes, purses, or blouses that distract you.

If you’re a golfer, it may be playing a round several times per week.

It could be doing the daily crossword puzzle or meeting friends for morning coffee.

If not God, then there is something or someone you are putting first in your life. And that gets priority for your attention, finances, and/or affection.

In the Bible, God refers to them as gods (note the small ‘g’) and warns us against them.

God tells us in His Word that He deserves—and wants—that first-place spot. He says if we put Him first, all of these other things will fall into place in their proper order. 

As a child, my Sunday school teacher talked about putting God on the Throne of our hearts.

As King of Kings, this is His rightful place.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Oct 16

It Only Costs a Dollar

by Brenda Poulos

Romans 10:14,15- “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

I just returned home from a Christian writing conference. In our time of morning devotions, our speaker focused on the opportunity that writers have to reach out to a hurting world.

She reminded us that often our books can offer encouragement and comfort to people who might be otherwise not go to church, talk to a pastor, or speak with a Christian counselor.

You may not be a professional writer, but you can send cards and emails or make a phone call to someone you know that needs to hear of the love of Jesus.

Our local dollar store is a great place to shop for affordable cards. They contain short messages to which you can add your own.

As someone who recently received dozens of Sympathy Cards, I can attest to the fact that just knowing someone thought of me, wished me well, or was praying for me, warmed my heart and lifted my spirit.

Connecting—one spirit with another—is what relationship is all about.

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Oct 9

The Confession

by Brenda Poulos

Acts 13:38- “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.”

Alan breathed a sigh of relief as he heard the not guilty verdict. Thirty months waiting for a trial, but finally he’d been acquitted of murder. He would have thought he’d be happier as he rode home in his attorney’s car, but the guilt he felt was even heavier than before. Just because he could afford a high-powered defense team, did that mean he should be able to get on with his life while the family of the guy he’d murdered struggled to make ends meet?

Within days, Alan fell into a deep depression. He was unable to look anyone in the eye lest they guess that he’d been guilty and didn’t deserve his freedom.

When his brother-in-law, Bill, tried to talk to Alan, he guessed the source of his extreme sadness. When he invited him to church, Alan refused to go. So Bill asked his pastor to pay Alan a visit at home. It was during one of his visits that Alan confessed his sin and accepted Jesus as Savior.

He immediately felt the freedom that he’d expected to feel when he was acquitted of the murder charges. God had forgiven him—paid the price for his sins—but Alan knew he needed to confess his crime.

Months later, in prison, Alan led his cellmate to the Lord. A week after that, another prisoner came to know forgiveness of his sins because of Alan’s testimony. Today, he is still serving his sentence—and still winning souls for Christ.

No matter who we are. 

No matter where we are.

We can be instruments of salvation to a hurting world. That world begins outside our doors. Someone on our street… in our very neighborhood… needs to hear of the forgiveness of Christ.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Oct 2

Today’s a Good Day

by Brenda Poulos

I Samuel 2: 1,2- “My heart rejoices in the Lord; my horn is exalted in the Lord … No one is holy like the Lord, for there is none besides You, nor is there any rock like our God.”

In these past months filled with illnesses and worldwide natural disasters, Christians everywhere have been praying fervently. Day after day, we offer our entreaties to the Lord.

But when the answer comes, do we remember to thank the Lord for his answer, his provision, his loving kindness? 

I Samuel tells the story of Hannah, who poured out her soul to the Lord. And when the answer came, she didn’t forget to thank and praise Him.

Not a day goes by without a reason to praise our wonderful God. It may not be the answer to your specific prayer, but it may be lifting up thanks for His provision, our homes, our families, our health. 

Today’s a good day to thank the Lord!!!

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Sep 25

Rewards

by Brenda Poulos

Genesis 39: 4 – “So Joseph found favor in (Potiphar’s) sight, and served him. Then (Potiphar) made him overseer of his house, and all that he had put under his authority.”

You know the story about Joseph being put in charge of Potiphar’s household, while he was still wrongly imprisoned. That’s right. Potiphar noticed his behavior, and God used this incident in his life to prepare Joseph for being administrator in Egypt.

Are there times when you tire of your duties at work or even your service at church? Do you think no one notices… no one appreciates what you do?

Joseph’s story tells us that even though our co-workers, family, or fellow church members may not realize all that we do, we can be sure that God knows. It is His recognition that counts.

So don’t be discouraged. It is God who rewards those who diligently serve Him.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Sep 18

Thought Life

by Brenda Poulos

Psalms 19:14- “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.”

In high school, my Sunday school teacher frequently talked about “thought life,” warning us that impure thoughts lead to impure actions. Conversely, he said that pure thoughts lead to actions that are acceptable to God.

Throughout life, I have found the verse in Psalms to be true. But for teens nowadays, the influences of social media, movies, and literature are even more profound.

So, if what goes into their minds is impure, how can their thoughts (the meditations of their hearts) be pleasing to God? And how can the result be lives lived according to God’s will?

I think the answer to the question is found at the end of the verse: Those that find their salvation and strength in the Lord, will be able to live with clean minds (thoughts) and out of their mouths will come clean speech.

The Bible and prayer—along with the Holy Spirit—will guide teens living in the world today. When their true desire is that their thoughts and actions please God, He will be there to help them do just that. 

As parents and grandparents, daily prayer for our young people to resist the temptations of this world and to follow the truth found in God’s word is more important today than it has ever been.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Sep 11

What is it About Pets?

by Brenda Poulos

1 John 4:19- “We love because he first loved us.”

Angie had a hard time healing emotionally after her Springer Spaniel, Rex, died. She had been shy growing up, and a bit of a “late bloomer” as her mother put it. But once she connected with Rex, her confidence grew by leaps and bounds.

He loved her no matter what and she thrived beyond all her parents could hope for.

Most people will tell you that the dog’s ability to give its owner unconditional love that is the reason they are so drawn to their pets.

The Bible tells us that we love Jesus because he first loved us—while we were sinners. He loves us unconditionally and we are drawn to Him with cords of love and grace.

Do you need someone in your life who will love you no matter what? Turn to Jesus and acknowledge Him as Savior and Lord. Experience His peace and unconditional love.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Sep 4

Victorious Reunion

by Brenda Poulos

I Corinthians 15:54- “ So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.”

My father passed away last week, so instead of writing this blog, I was writing a speech for his memorial. I had an opportunity not only to eulogize a wonderful and godly man, but I also wanted to use my comments to present the gospel message to those in attendance who may not have heard it before.

I had spent a couple of days in tears, missing my dad. But it helped to dig into scripture as I wrote his eulogy. I soon found the comfort I needed and the strength to get through the memorial and for the days ahead.

I was reminded that I will see him again when I join my family in heaven one day. I thought of the joyous reunion he is having now with my mother. I gave thanks for the absence of pain and the renewal of his mind. Most of all, I marveled at the fact that he is now with our Lord. 

He has actually seen the face of God! 

The memorial service was beautiful. My two sisters spoke. My brother played the guitar and sang. The military salute and taps will be unforgettable. 

Our family united in a fitting tribute to a special man who left us a legacy of love, truthfulness, and faith.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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