spiritualsnippets.com

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

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

Leave a comment »
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

Leave a comment »
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

Leave a comment »
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

Leave a comment »
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

Leave a comment »
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

2 Comments »
Aug 21

The Crown of Life

by Brenda Poulos

James 1:12-“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

Joyce reminisced about being crowned Miss Arizona several decades earlier, when she was just twenty years old. She smiled as she thought about the moment the crown was placed on her head. 

“It was one of the most wonderful experiences I’ve ever had. To this day, I can still feel the weight of the crown and hear the cheers of the audience.”

I can only imagine what that must have felt like, having never won such a contest myself. However, the Bible tells us that each believer will receive the crown of life. 

What a joyous occasion that will be when Jesus places it on our heads!

We will cheer for each other, remembering that His promises are true and that He keeps each and every one of them!

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

Leave a comment »
Aug 14

If He Brings You To It…

by Brenda Poulos

Isaiah 41:14- ““For I am the Lord your God, who upholds your right hand, Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you’.”

With the assistance of his uncle, my two-year-old grandson swung at the plastic ball resting on the Tee. A moment later, the fly ball hit me smack in the forehead.

Except for a little tenderness the next morning, I was fine. But, it was not so with Goliath when David, the little shepherd boy, used a slingshot and a stone to bring him down.

How was David able to accomplish this? With God’s help, of course!

A common phrase going around the past few decades is, “If God brings us to it, He will see us through it.”

God’s word tells us He will prepare us for any task he asks of us. He will stand beside us; walk beside us. He won’t ask us to do a task he has not prepared us for– or one he is not teaching us to handle.

Just as God prepared David, Peter, Paul, Jonah, Moses and many others in the Bible, we can be assured that if he calls us to a task, he will prepare us to fulfill it. 

Never fear; He who is with us is greater than he who is in the world.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

Leave a comment »
Aug 7

A High Wall, Cracked and Bulging

by Brenda Poulos

Isaiah 30:13- “This sin will become for you like a high wall, cracked and bulging, that collapses suddenly, in an instant.”

The evening news is filled with videos of storms taking place in The United States. Homes destroyed.

Lives lost.

One day everything is fine. Then bad weather brings destruction.

The devastation reminds me of the verse from Isaiah. A word picture of sin’s devastating effects.

My friend felt like there was a wall between her and her husband, but she didn’t know what it was. Months later, she learned about her husband’s affair, and their marriage crumbled in an instant. 

When someone tries to keep sin a secret, or continues on the sinful path, it becomes a high wall keeping them from having a relationship with a spouse, family and friends. 

A cracking. A bulging. 

It also destroys our relationship God.

Note: I am not saying our current storms have anything to do with man’s sin. That is not the message here. Only God knows that. 

This blog post is simply a vivid picture of what sin can do in our lives.

The Bible tells us to confess our sin and experience forgiveness and restoration of relationships.—especially our relationship with Him.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

Leave a comment »
Jul 31

He Hears

by Brenda Poulos

I John 5:14- “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”

From time to time, I like to read historical fiction. 

The main character in a book I read recently wrote faithfully each month to her fiancé during the war—even though she never got confirmation that he’d received her letters.

I thought of how comforting it is that Christians are assured of God hearing our prayers. He is concerned with our day-to-day lives, providing for our needs and guiding our steps.

We don’t have to worry about Him hearing us. His Word is truth and it assures us this is so.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

Leave a comment »
«Older Entries
Newer Entries »
Blog at WordPress.com.