spiritualsnippets.com

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

Mar 28

Bringing Things Into Focus

by Brenda Poulos

2 Corinthians 5:7- “for we walk by faith, not by sight.”

My vision became progressively worse until my world took on a hazy glow.

I consulted my ophthalmologist. Cataract surgery was in order.

I actually looked forward to it. The thought of a brighter world—maybe even a world free of the glasses I had worn since sixth grade—was very appealing.

Within a few minutes of surgery, I was released from my foggy world. 

I think about times when I fail to see clearly the actions I should take and the decisions I should make. When I wrestle with the “why’s” and “how’s.”

Those are the times I go to God’s Word. I need His healing for my “spiritual eyes” bringing purpose and direction—a clear focus on what is important.,

One day, God will reveal all things to us. But for now, it is His Word that encourages and gives us insight. We can come before God with confidence, knowing that what we ask for aligns with His will as outlined in scripture.

Are you having trouble seeing the path ahead? Do you need someone to lead the way?

Surrender your own will to His and just follow. 

Walk by faith, not by sight.

Uncategorized

Leave a comment »
Mar 21

Spiritual Direction

by Brenda Poulos

Psalm 23:1-3  “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness, for His name’s sake.”

My husband loves to drive. 

I’d rather look at the scenery, read a good book, or recline my seat and take a little nap. 

Now and again, he’ll ask me to get the map out of his satchel and look for a certain road, landmark, or whatever. Often, he pulls over to the side of the road and interprets it for himself.

If we should happen to get lost (now really lost, you understand) and I suggest that we ask someone for directions, he gives me “the look.”

Why is it men are so against asking for directions? Think about how many hours could be saved and how many wrong turns could be avoided!

As Christians, we have an infallible source at our fingertips! God, who has always been in existence, knows the past, present, and future. With His Word as our “map” and His Holy Spirit as our Guide, we never have to face an uncertain future.

If we take a wrong turn, we can get back on the right path by heeding what scripture reveals to us as truth.

Confident and encouraged, with His help, we find our way.

Uncategorized

Leave a comment »
Mar 14

Start All Over

by Brenda Poulos

Have you ever wished you could start all over? Erase something you said to someone in anger? Go back to a point in time when you made a hasty choice resulting in an unplanned pregnancy? Wished you hadn’t told your parent a lie to avoid punishment? 

Have you wanted an opportunity to do it all over again— make a better choice the next time around? 

Even though God knows everything you have done, He is willing to forgive. To wipe your slate clean.

He sent Jesus, his perfect son, to the cross to pay the price for our sins. Without the shedding of His perfect blood, the relationship with us which God desires would not be possible.  

And freedom from the sins in our past would not be a reality.

By acknowledging His gift today, you can begin a relationship with Him that will continue throughout eternity.

Because He loves you UNCONDITIONALLY.

Uncategorized

Leave a comment »
Mar 7

Promises Made Good

by Brenda Poulos

Numbers 23:19- “God is not a man, that he should lie, Neither the son of man, that he should repent: Hath he said, and will he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and will he not make it good?”

“But you promised!” My daughter cried—and even stamped her tiny foot—as she yelled the words. Tears ran down her cheeks. Four years old and she already knew the meaning –and the heartbreak—of promises not kept!

Earlier in the week, she had asked me if she could have a friend over to swim on Saturday. I said that she could, not knowing that she’d come down with a terrible cold by Friday.

We cancelled her plans. And, even though done with good reason, to a small child it became a “broken” promise.

She lay in bed all day, Saturday, coughing and sneezing, with a sore throat and a fever. She slept with the new bright orange and yellow beach towel I had bought her as a reminder of my new promise to ask her friend over, again, for a swim when she felt better.

Sometimes we may not be able to keep our promises. However, scripture reminds us that God’s promises are true. We can count on them with 100% certainty.

Uncategorized

Leave a comment »
Feb 28

Googling It, Spiritual Style

by Brenda Poulos

Shorter and more concise seems to be best for most of our reading these days, so I am going to run back thru my past blog posts in the next weeks ahead, shortening them up a bit. Here’s the first one. I hope you like this shortened version.

Psalm 119:105- “Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” 

I was visiting with my parents when a question about plant fertilizers came up. Dad, of course, touted the benefits of steer manure.

Mother brought up the effectiveness her own “compost.”

I suggested that we “GOOGLE IT”. After all, just about everything we need to know, is right there at our fingertips. Isn’t it?

But, what about questions of a spiritual nature? 

How should we respond to those who hurt us? What should we do with feelings of inadequacy, sadness, betrayal?

Proverbs 14:12 says, “there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” 

It is God’s Word that provides the answers for all of our concerns and problems.

So, whether you seek an answer to a Biblical truth or just need encouragement, try “Googling It Spiritual Style” and turn to our ultimate source, The Bible.

Uncategorized

Leave a comment »
Feb 21

Turn Pain Into Joy

by Brenda Poulos

Psalm 94:19- “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”

My family was able to see my parents (residing in Memory Care) for the second time this month. It has been a great experience to spend time with them after being locked down for so long.

At the end of our visit Dad, with tears in his eyes, said, “We’ve been so lonely. You don’t know what these two visits have meant to us. You’ve turned our pain into joy.”

On the drive home, I thought about the millions of people worldwide who are in pain—physical, emotional, and/or spiritual.

Being isolated from family and friends is overwhelming. Even a visit from a stranger who is willing to listen, can turn their heartache into a day filled with joy. And, if you are a Christian, reading from the Bible and praying with them can help them reconnect with God.

Volunteers are needed in our communities now more than ever. Even if you do not personally know someone in a nursing home, please think about asking one near you if you can make a visit to someone who may not have family nearby.

A smile—YOUR smile—might be just what someone needs today to turn their pain into joy.

Uncategorized

Leave a comment »
Feb 14

Are YOU That Someone?

by Brenda Poulos

Psalm 139: 8-10- “If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”

News broadcasts report that loneliness and depression in the pandemic have resulted in a staggering number of suicides.

Isolated. Cut off from friends, relatives, and colleagues.

Most of these people didn’t know the love of Jesus. Weren’t able to rely on His unfailing love.

If they had only known Him as their guide, comforter, and protector.

But God reminds us that they will only know if someone is willing to tell them. 

Are YOU that someone?

Will you step out in faith and share God’s Word with a hurting world?  

Uncategorized

Leave a comment »
Feb 7

Come Back Home

by Brenda Poulos

Luke 15:13b- “…the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living…(and) 17a- When he came to his senses, he said… 18b-Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.” 

We recently “rescued” a two-year-old dog that is incredibly sweet, loving, and (all-important) housebroken. However, he is very stubborn and this unfortunate trait is getting him in a bit of trouble.

He pulls on the leash instead of trotting obediently at my side. He refuses to come when we call his name. In short, he wants his own way.

When will he realize a bag of treats are ready and waiting for obedient doggies?

Which brings me to the story of the prodigal son who stubbornly wanted his share of his father’s inheritance. When he got it, he squandered it.

But, the story has a happy ending because he finally comes to his senses and returns home to apologize and beg forgiveness.

Have you reached a place in your life where you found what you were looking for couldn’t be found in “the world”? You realize that temporary pleasures are not deep and satisfying? 

If so, please put your faith in God.

Come back home and experience His best for you. 

Uncategorized

Leave a comment »
Jan 31

Hands, Heart, and Soul

by Brenda Poulos

Psalm 134:2- “Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord.”

Were you were brought up in a conservative Christian home like I was?

Did you attend a conservative church like I did?

Then, for a moment, would you consider breaking out of your comfort zone?

What’s holding you back from worshipping God with your whole heart, soul and hands?

I took the challenge several years ago. I can only attest to my own experience. It was profound and continues to be to this day.

For me it wasn’t electrifying in a physical sense, but for the first time I felt a unique connection—a drawing of spirit to Spirit.

Some who have spent an extended period of time in prayer or meditation, or those who have fasted have told of similar experiences to mine—a “peaceful exhilaration” (my term).

And, more than that, I experience a bonding… a linking together with the one true God. He doesn’t just soak up my praise. He joins with me as we experience together his goodness, holiness, and majesty.

Your experience will perhaps be uniquely yours, but I encourage you to give your whole being over to the praise of our Creator, Savior, and Lord. 

Uncategorized

1 Comment »
Jan 24

Exemplifying Faith During the Pandemic

by Brenda Poulos

Philippians 2:4- “Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”

Christians, here are some principles to keep you grounded in the midst of the Covid-19 Pandemic:

Do Not Live In Fear.

God promises to be with us. He will strengthen us and uphold us with “His righteous right hand.”

Be Compassionate.

Show the love of Jesus to those who are hurting.

Donate.

Be generous and give to families in need, your neighbors, and your church family. 

The apostle John said, “if anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?”

Be The Hands and Feet of Jesus.

The greatest testimony of Christ’s love is for Christians to love the world the way Christ does.

Take Comfort in the Company of Fellow Believers.

Even if we cannot be with fellow believers, we can pray for them, call them, email them, send them a card. 

Pray.

For the sick.

For provision.

For wisdom for those in authority and unity with other believers. 

Trust in the Lord.

We serve a God who is bigger and stronger than any sickness, darkness, or weapon of the enemy. Our God is our healer and provider.

Trust in the Lord and shine the light and love of Jesus Christ in a fearful and shaken world.

Uncategorized

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