spiritualsnippets.com

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

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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Jan 28

The Meanings of 666 and 777

by Brenda Poulos

Revelation 13:16-18. “It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name. This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666.”

Recently, someone asked me the significance of the numbers 666 and 777.

If you’ve ever wondered about these, keep reading.

The number 666, commonly known as the Mark of the Beast, serves as a warning about the consequences of rejecting God and following a path of sin and rebellion.

It is a reference to the end times (and many Bible scholars believe we are now living in that period of time) and the coming of the Antichrist who will lead a rebellion against God before the final judgment. He will require all people to take his mark. Those who don’t will not be able to buy or sell goods, among other things. 

Remember, 666 is man-centered… God-denying. It means  “never God, never God, never God,” whereas 777 is the divine number of God.

Triple sevens in scripture show something that has been divinely ordained is being perfectly fulfilled.

The number 7 has been significant throughout the Bible: God rested on the 7th day; the apostle John describes seven churches and seven spirits before God’s throne in Revelation 1:4; 777 is the number of the perfect Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; the number emphasizes the importance of God’s work being completed perfectly in our world.

The message? Refuse the mark and stand up for God. Heaven is your reward.

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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Jun 26

The Fourth Man

by Brenda Poulos

Daniel 3:25- “Look!” He answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”

One of my favorite Bible stories is about Daniel and his friends, who defied the authorities and refused to bow down to the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar set up. They were thrown into the fiery furnace, God protected them and they were let go, unharmed.

As a child, I somehow missed the part about the fourth man in the furnace that day. However, as an adult, I see it as a clear depiction of the fact that when we are going through trials and tribulations, Jesus is right beside us. 

He has never promised to solve all of our problems for us or heal all of our aches and pains. But he has said he will never leave or forsake us. He reminds us that he is there with us. He is a friend that sticks closer to us than a brother.

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Apr 3

Unchangeable Truth

by Brenda Poulos

Ephesians 4:21– “… when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.”

A friend bought the third edition of a well-known non-fiction book. He was thrilled with his purchase, convinced he’d bought it at a good price.

Why did he want the third edition? Being a scientific book, he wanted to always have the most up to date information.

It is not unusual for books to reprint when so-called “facts” become obsolete, especially those about vitamins, diet, and child-rearing.

The Bible, however is unchangeable. Its message, its truths, remain the same throughout all eternity—past, present, and future.

There will never be a reason for an update, or a change due to inaccuracy. It is perfect and will always remain so.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Feb 27

Transformation: On the Inside

by Brenda Poulos

Romans 12: 2a- “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

A new prescription pill is on the market, targeting individuals with mental issues. I perked up when I heard these words: “You cannot change what goes on in the world, but you can change what goes on inside you.” (Perhaps not a perfect quote because I wrote it down later).

As believers, we can change a lot of what goes on inside us. Developing the daily habit of prayer and spending time in the Word are key to “renewing our mind.”

And we must guard our hearts and minds. That’s a matter of monitoring what goes into us—the visual, oral, and auditory.

Movies. Conversation. Music. Books.

It’s been over fifteen years ago that I began to listen exclusively to Christian radio. Now, granted many of the secular songs on the radio are beautiful and there is nothing wrong with them, per se. However, I found that often the commercials and commentary were often chocked full of negativism and sexist remarks that I knew held the potential for keeping my mind off things “above.” 

Over the years, I have developed a “filter,” making it possible for me to “guard my heart and mind.” The Holy Spirit has changed my mind and my desires, just as Christ promised.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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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 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 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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