spiritualsnippets.com

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

Jun 6

A Nourishing Spiritual Diet

by Brenda Poulos

Colossians 3:1 6a- “Let the word of Christ dwell in your richly…

How many times are we told to eat foods that are good for our bodies? Lean meats, vegetables, fruits, whole grains… 

When given the choice, do we often grab a handful of chips or a couple of chocolate chip cookies instead?

Sometimes it takes a lab report or a visit to the doctor to set us straight and help motivate us into making healthier choices. And when we do, we feel better and have more energy.

While there is nothing inherently wrong with reading a good mystery novel now and then, we need to be on a regular diet of good spiritual food.

We are able to grow in our walk with the Lord through daily reading of the scriptures and application of the principles from God’s Word.

Look at that word, “richly” in the verse from Colossians. Spiritual food isn’t diet food, where we don’t feel satisfied. Spiritual food has substance. It nourishes our souls.

As with healthy eating, spiritual food gives us the energy to face whatever the day may bring. We won’t feel depleted by day’s end, but rather we will find ourselves energized and encouraged as our day unfolds.

Keeping a New Testament or small Bible with you at work or in your car or purse will also make it possible for you to get a spiritually-healthy “snack” in the middle of the afternoon. 

A spiritual diet of truths from God’s Word will guide you, and grow you in your faith.

Let God’s Word dwell in you richly.

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May 30

Using Our Gifts

by Brenda Poulos

Romans 12: 6-8 ~ ““We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”

Ultimately, God’s will for each of us is to glorify him by telling others about Him and living our lives in such a way that others will accept Jesus as Savior.

Beyond that, I know that most Christians are looking for ways in which they can make a difference in the world by “being the hands and feet of Jesus.”

For both of those reasons, I began writing some seven years ago. I have been encouraged by my readers’ feedback. It has been a wonderful experience to use my writing gifts to honor our Lord.

My latest book, Cat’s Cradle, was enjoyable to write from a child’s perspective. It is the fourth and final book in the Simon Says series.  The following is the back cover copy. It is available on www.Amazon.com/books in e-book, paperback, and hardcover.

You may want to read the previous books in the series, first. However, by reading the Prologue in Cat’s Cradle, you should be able to understand the story well enough to thoroughly enjoy it.

When Mary learns that Simon—the man who kidnapped her last summer, and now dominates her recurring nightmares—is actually her biological father, her world turns upside down.

She is frustrated and fearful.

Confused about family relationships. 

Unsure about the permanence of friendships. 

And it comes out in her behavior at school and at home.

Faced with life’s new reality and an uncertain future, will Mary learn to forgive others, accept responsibility for her own actions, and place her faith in her heavenly Father?

It’s a lot for anyone. But she is only six years old!

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May 23

Listening First

by Brenda Poulos

James 1:19– “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

My husband ran in the direction of my screams and killed a snake at our home. It was “harmless,” he said. “Rest easy, it wasn’t a deadly rattlesnake.”

“I guess so, but at least a rattlesnake would have given me a warning he was there.”

Warnings are important. Given so we will reduce our speed in traffic, refrain from using harmful chemicals indoors, or stop before putting a “DRY CLEAN ONLY” garment in the washing machine.

The verse from James is one of many warnings in the Bible. His message?

There’s a lot of turmoil in the world today. Emotions are at an all-time high.

The social climate is such that we can easily alienate those who we are wanting to influence.

Even though we want to be heard, believers must also be willing to give others respect so they can speak freely. When we do, we can learn so much more about “where they are coming from.” If we will listen to them and show them that we truly care, we’ll be better able to know how to answer their questions.

Choosing our words carefully and sparingly is key to communicating the love of God to others. 

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May 16

His Radiance

by Brenda Poulos

John 14:9– “Jesus saith unto him, ‘Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? He that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?’”

Hearing songs like, “My Father’s Eyes” and “Let Me Be Like You”, remind us that the songwriters were inspired by the desire to see the lost from God’s perspective.

I’m sure you have heard the phrase “Be the Hands and Feet of Jesus”…fulfill the great commission. If one sees a sister or a brother in need, help them as Jesus would. 

We should live our lives in such a way that others see Christ living in us. Our speech and actions should reflect those of our Heavenly Father.

What a privilege it is for us to be the hands and feet of Jesus, as His representatives, here on earth…to do the work he has left us to do. To spread love, mercy, and kindness wherever we go.

Have you ever met someone who just “glows” with the radiance of Christ’s love? I ‘d like to be that someone. How about you?

With the power of the Holy Spirit working within us, we can be. As we let Him control our lives and actions, we will be.

It goes deeper than a beautiful smile. It is the outward radiance of our inward relationship with the Father—living in such a way that others recognize the Father’s presence when they are around us.

As ambassadors for Christ, we can show His love by actions that are worthy of calling ourselves Christians…Christ followers…earthy representatives of our Heavenly Father.

There’s someone out there who needs a helping hand or a word of encouragement today. 

Maybe they need to hear the gospel. 

When our paths cross, let’s make sure that when they see us, they see The Father. 

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May 9

Follow the Leader

by Brenda Poulos

Deuteronomy 13:4- “It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.”

Enjoying a morning cup of coffee on my patio under the shadow of the Superstition Mountains, a sudden movement caught my eye. 

A family of quail, complete with seven baby chicks, was making its way across our driveway!

Of all the beauty of the desert (including those majestic mountains) the one thing I enjoy most is watching those sweet baby birds, all of two inches tall, following after their parents in the early mornings and late afternoons each spring. 

Innocent and helpless, the chicks need the guidance of their parents on their first outings across the desert floor. Predators, such as coyotes, snakes, and javelina make it necessary that they follow closely behind, in order to survive in this harsh environment.

I am reminded that I need to follow my Heavenly Father’s guidance, also. How will I be able to deal effectively with feelings of loneliness when my husband is working out of town? How can I tell a friend the hard truth, in a kind and loving manner?

God’s Word gives me assurance, direction, and peace. I have nothing to fear as I navigate through my day.

He knows the way.

All I have to do is follow.

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May 2

Sweeter Than Honey

by Brenda Poulos

Psalm 119:103- “How sweet are Your words to my taste; Sweeter than honey to my mouth.”

Bibles can be purchased in a vast array of styles, covers, print options, sizes, and so on. In fact, many of us have several copies: thin, New Testament only, study Bibles. Some zip, others have handles, some children’s Bibles sparkle—variations abound. 

Because the Bible is so accessible, so plentiful, many of us take it for granted. 

However, there are some countries where seeing a copy of the Bible is a rarity. And whether that is because of poverty or lack of religious freedom, the Bible is revered as the precious Word of God that it truly is. If those people had an opportunity to see—even touch—a Bible, it would cause quite a stir. 

Glance in the direction of your bookshelf or bedside table and see the miracle displayed there in the form of a book inspired by the Holy Spirit. 

Now open it to Psalm 119:103. Meditate, along with the psalmist, on the words written there. In the wonder of the moment, imagine the words to be as sweet on your own tongue, as they were to him when he penned them. 

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Apr 25

Spread the Joy

by Brenda Poulos

Matthew 6:31- “Do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’”

A few years ago, we vacationed in Hawaii. We liked the slower pace, the relaxed atmosphere. We also enjoyed the island music.

One popular song which played over and over was “Don’t Worry; Be Happy.”  We couldn’t help but sing to the catchy tune with a positive message.

God’s Word reminds us that worrying about anything is useless and counter- productive. Real happiness is found, not in wishful thinking, but in obedience to the Lord.

Our focus needs to be on others—not on ourselves. 

When we help a neighbor, donate our time at a local food bank, or visit a shut-in, we forget about ourselves and leave our worries up to the Lord. When we act as the hands and feet of Jesus, we find His provision for our own needs to be more than enough.

He will be continually refilling our reserves of energy and compassion toward those whom Jesus has called us to serve. 

When we follow His example, we find that our joy (yes, not superficial happiness, but deep spiritual joy) overflows!

So, don’t worry! Be happy!

And spread the joy!

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Apr 18

Spiritual Stents

by Brenda Poulos

Acts 8:22- “Repent therefore of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you.”  

Several years ago, my father went into the hospital for routine heart testing. 

Approximately a half-hour into the procedure, the doctor called the family into a conference room and showed us (via computer screen) Dad’s heart. He indicated areas of blockage and asked for permission to place two stents.

Watching on the screen, we saw the stents inserted and the rush of blood into the arteries that had been previously blocked. 

What a miracle to witness. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house!

Driving home, I thought about my how I needed a change of heart toward a close friend and an attitude adjustment toward a family member. Continuing to harbor resentment would only lead to further strain (block) those relationships.

I turned to the scriptures, asking God to show me what to do. I found guidance in His Word. Acts 8:22 said I needed to repent of my wrong attitude and ask forgiveness—first of God, and then of them.

It wasn’t easy, but I knew it was right. 

When I was obedient to God’s Word, a heavy weight was lifted. Today, our relationships are closer than ever!

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Apr 11

Calling All Sheep!

by Brenda Poulos

John 10:14- “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—My sheep hear my voice and they follow me.”

Most of the kids in our neighborhood played outside from the time we got home from school until we were called for supper.

Although there would sometimes be several parents calling their own brood home at the same time, each of us knew when it was our mother’s or father’s voice shouting  “dinnertime!”  

God reminds us that He is our Good Shepherd. When He says that His sheep know His voice, he is referring to those of us who are “His”—those who have put their trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior.

How do we distinguish His voice, from that of others?

Simple: If it is written in His Word, the Bible, then we can be certain it is truly His voice. The Bible also tells us that He will speak to us when we seek the wisdom of Christian friends, pastors and other church leaders. Many Christians tell of instances when they “hear” God’s voice in the form of an “impression” in their mind after a time of prayer, meditation, and/or fasting.

What we do when we hear His voice is important.

If I had heard my mother calling me to dinner, and had not heeded her call, I would have been pretty hungry by bedtime. In the same way, if we do not follow-up on God’s call with some kind of action on our part, we will likely find that we have missed more than a meal. We will have missed a banquet!

I’m not saying that you are going to miss the Marriage Supper of The Lamb. I am referring to missing out on the daily relationship with God and His blessings for those who respond to Him out of obedience.

Set aside time for daily prayer and get back into The Word. 

Become familiar, again, with the voice of The Good Shepherd.

**Revised from an earlier blog post.

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Apr 4

Looking Beyond

by Brenda Poulos

Hebrews 12:2– “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Both of my children had recurring cases of planter’s warts when they were youngsters. Each time, they begged me not to make them go to the doctor, knowing the removal from the soles of their feet would be very painful.

I explained that the procedure would bring about the desired result. Once healed, their feet would no longer be tender to walk on. 

A few days later, they’d be playing outside again. The memory of the surgical procedure was already a thing of the past.

Have you ever put off a medical appointment because you thought the treatment would have been too painful, avoided having a conversation you felt might threaten a friendship or delayed making a decision that was just too difficult?

Jesus identified with those feelings. He faced a painful death on the cross. However, he looked ahead to the salvation of mankind and endured the anguish.

It was the only way to get the desired result.

There are times in life when the pain of the present must be endured in light of the promise of better days, better health, better circumstances to come in the future. 

But we don’t have to go it alone. Jesus will be beside us all the way—guiding, encouraging, healing.

He was here. He knows what it is like to be human. He also knows what it is like to be God. 

He doesn’t just hold our hands. He holds us in his hands.

He gives us the promise of a wonderful future because he was willing to look beyond his present circumstances and ahead to that glorious day when he will welcome his children into his kingdom—where he will sit at the right hand of God, to the glory of The Father!

***Reprinted from an earlier blog post.

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