spiritualsnippets.com

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

Aug 7

YIELD

by Brenda Poulos

Romans 6:16– Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?

 

In the last couple of years, several roundabouts were constructed on the entrances to freeways near our home. These were a new occurrence in our state and a number of accidents happened because drivers were unfamiliar with the traffic laws governing them.

(Roundabouts are circular intersections or junctions in which road traffic flows almost continuously in one direction around a central island.)

Drivers outside the roundabouts are expected to YIELD to vehicles already driving within them. In other words, drivers already on the roundabouts have the right of way.

In the same fashion, Christians are instructed to lead lives which are yielded to God.

In other words, we are to let God lead us. Let Him have the right of way.

We become followers.                                     226711064_141327731b

And we can be assured that He will never lead us in the path of a sinful life, but rather in paths of righteousness.

When we say, “Not my will, but thine, Lord,” we are giving control of our lives over to Him.

When we obey His Word, we are putting our faith and trust in Him…and we humble ourselves to His authority.

We no longer need to wonder if we are going in the right direction on the roundabouts of life.

With Him as our “central island” we can be confident that our path is the one intended for us and that He will lead us safely home.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words Uncategorized

Leave a comment »
Jul 3

I Know You’re Out There

by Brenda Poulos

25165347794_28a3965cd5-1

 

Psalm 91:4– “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”

 

As I awoke this morning, God told me to put aside what I had already started writing for today, and to write this message TO YOU, instead:

Yesterday, you were on top of the world.

Today, everything has come crashing down all around you.

Yesterday, you had no worries…only endless possibilities.

Today, you are considering only a few options.

Yesterday, the sun was shining and there wasn’t a cloud in sight.

Today, the skies are are overcast and there is a storm brewing.

Yesterday, you wore a smile that lit up the room.

Today, that smile has turned to tears.

I know you are out there.

You are asking God, “Why my family?”  or  “Why me?”

You are wondering what good can come of your situation…your loss of a loved one…your diagnosis…your sudden disappointing news.

You’re holding back the tears, denying the feelings of abandonment, loneliness, betrayal.

You don’t have to go it alone.

God wants to rescue you.

Pray fervently for Him to heal your relationship, your broken heart, your body.

He wants you to draw close to Him. He wants to offer you His strength, His peace, His power.

He loves you. Lean on Him.

Instead of focusing on whatever your problem is, He wants you to give it over to Him and let Him handle it.

He wants you to trust Him and the power of His mighty hand.

You are precious to Him.

He wants to pour out His love on you.

He wants to cover you with His wings.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words Uncategorized

Leave a comment »
Jun 26

Joy In Unrelenting Pain

by Brenda Poulos

 

27611942851_08584156ff

 

Job 6:10a- “Then I would still have this consolation— my joy in unrelenting pain—”

 

I recently heard a story about Austrian concert pianist, Paul Wittgenstein. In 1914, while serving in active duty in WWI, he was shot in the elbow and his right arm was amputated.

One would think this would be devastating, ending a brilliant career. But that was not the case.

During his recovery, he wrote to his teacher asking for a concerto for the left hand alone. Following the war’s end, he studied intensely and reclaimed his career. He gave hundreds of concerts throughout Europe, playing pieces arranged for the left hand alone.

I vowed that if times of self-pity should come, I would remember this brave man whose attitude made it possible for him to still experience joy in his life after such tragic circumstances.

The Bible tells the story of Job, whose wealth, children, and physical health were taken from him.

Not only did Job not curse God, but we learn that he was able to experience true joy in the midst of those trials.

This can be of great comfort to those who are experiencing physical illnesses, family problems, financial struggles.

But, how is it possible that during times of dire circumstances one could find joy?

Like Job, our faith sustains us. We look to God to be our strength. We lean on Him and the promises in His Word.

We look at these times, not as obstacles to our joy, but as times of refreshing.

We view them as vehicles to deepen our dependance on God and draw us in close relationship with him.

We do not allow our trials to defeat us, but instead look at them as opportunities to change us, inwardly, to refine our character, to transform our hearts— to fulfill His new purpose in us.

Can we experience the “joy that comes in the morning?”

Our Lord says we can. He will restore us anew, whether in this life or in the one to come.

The Bible says He is faithful and He will do it.

He gives us His Word.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words Uncategorized

Leave a comment »
Jun 20

Never Alone

by Brenda Poulos

Deuteronomy 31:8– “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Dateline’s new motto is: “Don’t Watch Alone.”

A sign outside Central Park says, “Don’t Walk Alone.”

Signs on beaches urge, “Don’t Swim Alone.”

I guess the idea is that it is dangerous, scary, and unsafe to be alone.

But, God’s Word tells us that we never have to be alone.

God is always with us.

That fact is comforting, isn’t it?

In times of joy, sadness, uncertainty.

When we would hide.

When we would flee.              14046488787_5f5eb9a815

We can stand firm.

Because he will never leave us alone.

In the dark of the night.

In the midst of the storm.

His perfect love casts out all fear.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words Uncategorized

1 Comment »
Jun 5

BELIEVE

by Brenda Poulos

Mark 11:23 For most certainly I tell you, whoever may tell this mountain,’Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and doesn’t doubt in his heart, but Believes that what he says is happening; he shall have whatever he says.

 

27197218816_e15f2a2982

 

Believe.

I see this word on bumper stickers, jewelry, greeting cards, wall decor, and T-shirts.

It seems society has embraced it.

But, what does it really mean?

Believe in who?

Believe in what?

Believe in oneself?

Believe in the power within?

Believe in God?

I have a picture hanging in my home office, with simply “Believe” written in script.

It tells me that I can do it…achieve it…

But, I realize it is not me alone that makes anything happen in my personal life or my career.

It is God who leads me.

It is God who empowers me.

It is God who gives me the skills necessary to achieve.

But, it means still more.

To me, it is a reminder that I believe that Jesus is God’s Son and that I have eternal life through Him.

John 20:31 but these are written, that you may Believe

that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing

you may have life in his name.

It IS important to have confidence in oneself…if that confidence comes from God.

It IS important to have a “can do” attitude…if one realizes that their giftedness comes from our Creator.

It IS important to have faith…if it is in God.

We can have every confidence in Him.

For it  is in Him WHO IS TRUTH that we have the power to BELIEVE.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words Uncategorized

Leave a comment »
May 23

Do You Know What Will Happen Tomorrow?

by Brenda Poulos

26878700942_42a380f77f

 

James 4:14- “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”

A friend of ours passed out while driving last week. His car hit a transformer and went up in flames. He was pulled out of the vehicle just in time. Praise God, he didn’t have a scratch on him!

As I thought about this miracle, the verse above came to mind. Even though we may say, “See you tomorrow” to our friends and family, none of us knows if that will be true or if a tragedy might claim our life.

That’s why it is so important that each of us is prepared to meet God. One day, we will either stand before Him, forgiven by the blood of Jesus, or guilty and without excuse.

Now is the time to get right with God.

Choose Jesus. We “…do not even know what will happen tomorrow.”

Choose Eternal Life in Heaven. We “…are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”

Choose the miracle of forgiveness.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words Uncategorized

Leave a comment »
May 10

Can You Keep A Secret?

by Brenda Poulos

Ecclesiastes 12:14– For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.

 

20569312870_d97b45c6f0

 

He hedged when she asked him where he’d been.

He passed by the cubicle next to his own, hesitating when he saw a twenty dollar bill laying on the desk. He looked to see if anyone was around before he slipped it into his pocket.

She pulled up to the drive-in window at the fast food restaurant, ordering two meals. One for herself, and one for the man at the corner with a sign stating, “HUNGRY. PLEASE HELP.”

Things done in secret.

No one might ever know…

But, the Bible tells us that God sees everything. He punishes the wicked and rewards the good.

It may seem to you that the small gestures you make in the behalf of others goes unnoticed, but God’s Word says he will reward those kindnesses when you stand before His throne.

Likewise, those who think they have gotten away with certain behaviors on earth, will find that is not the case.

God sees everything.

For those serving others, sometimes to the point of exhaustion, be of good cheer. Your God sees and He is pleased with you. There will come a day when He will openly reward what you have done for others.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words Uncategorized

Leave a comment »
Apr 24

The Gate

by Brenda Poulos

John 14:6- “I (Jesus) am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

I rummage around in the console of my car for the remote control. One push of the button and the gate slowly opens, admitting me to the neighborhood.  Whether operating by a gate code, a special sticker on the car’s front window, or a “clicker”, I’m sure those of you living in gated communities understand if I confess that I still sigh with relief when the gate “recognizes” me and swings wide, granting access to my home.

I am speaking about my earthly home, of course.

But, what about my heavenly home? 25529773694_403d73b5bd

Is it true that some will be admitted to heaven, while others will be turned away?

According to this verse from the book of John, the only access to God and heaven comes through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ.

Christians find peace for their souls and reassurance of eternal life in heaven as they trust Jesus as Savior.

My heart aches for those who have not put their trust in Christ—those who will be turned away at the gate.

Don’t read this and think, “I’m a good person. Surely, God isn’t speaking about me.”

The Bible says that God is not a “respecter of persons.”  His laws apply to everyone, no matter their age, nationality, or earthly notoriety.

You may be beautiful in the eyes of the world. You may be smart, generous, and kind to others. You may be a hard worker, a good son or daughter, but if God cannot look at you and see his Son, then you will be left standing alone outside the gate.

YOU are the very reason I write this blog each week.

I pray that you will consider John 14:6 and that, in Christ, you will find the way to your eternal home.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words Uncategorized

Leave a comment »
Feb 28

The Perfection of the Number Seven

by Brenda Poulos

Romans 3:23–“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

 

The number seven has been my favorite number for a long time. I taught elementary school in Room 7 for quite a number of years. It had a string of beautiful overhead windows that were situated just right so the sunlight came through them, prism-like, every morning just prior to recess. It was also at the end of the hall, so it was always nice and quiet, making it easier on those who might find themselves distracted by outside noise. It also had an extra set of open-shelved cupboards in the corner. Yes, Room 7 was my favorite.

I have long known that the number 7 was used many times in the Bible, but did you know that it was used over 700 times?

Here are just a few significant uses of the number seven: 7 days of creation; Joshua marched around Jericho for 7 days; in Revelation, it speaks of the 7 angels, 7 trumpets, 7 seals, 7 bowls of wrath, 7 years of end time events, 7 as the number of completion and perfection. There are multiples of seven, such as Jesus told Peter to forgive “seventy times seven” and the Seventy Weeks of prophecy in Daniel.

777 is referred to as the perfect number of God, whereas 666 is a number representing the beast in Revelation 13:18 and 6 the number of man.

If God’s number is 7 and man’s is 6, then man always falls short, doesn’t he? No matter what he does, man cannot ever be a 7.

But, maybe man wasn’t ever created to be a 7 in the first place. (We’ve all heard the saying that man was created with a hole in his heart that only Jesus can fill). Maybe, just maybe, man was created needing a savior…someone who would stand with man, to complete man, when he stands before God.

We all fall short. We are all sinners.

But Christians have no fear of standing before the judgement seat of God because Jesus stands there with us.

The perfect 7.

 

Biblical lessons Encouraging words Uncategorized

Leave a comment »
Feb 22

Do You Have a Life Coach?

by Brenda Poulos

John 15:15b: “I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.”

 

5009490548_41bbccf3ca

There was a time when the term “coach” was limited to sports. Usually, that meant a person who provided athletic training and instruction to a specific team by initiating practice sessions, evaluating performance, and giving feedback.

A business coach would be someone helping to settle disputes, suggest business strategies, etc.

A singing coach performs similar functions for vocalists; a writing coach teaches technique/style to would-be authors, and an exercise coach (trainer) encourages people to develop and adhere to exercise/diet routines.

Becoming popular, recently, is the life coach.  These instructors  are there to help people in school or social situations.  Two main areas are:

1) Academic coaching: Motivates, aids in developing resumes, and provides expertise in the area of employment.

2) Relationship coaching: Helps in dating etiquette, uncovering anxieties, decision making and so on. Think of this as expanded counseling. They serve as a sounding board, a confidant, or provide common sense advice—much like a good friend would.

The Bible tells us that Jesus is our friend…that he sticks closer than a brother…that he hears our prayers and is there to guide us along the road of life.

At any given time, it may be possible for us to benefit from any of the coaches, above. But, when we are downhearted, when we face problems that seem insurmountable, when we think there is no hope or no one who understands, the perfect life coach is the creator of life itself. 

His word tells us that He saw our unformed bodies in our mother’s womb and that he knew the number of our days before even one of them came to be.

He knows us. He knows what’s best for us.

The Bible says that we may make our plans, but it is He who directs our steps.

The almighty God wants to be our friend, wants us to come before Him with our requests. And, when we do, He promises to hear our prayers and provide guidance.

Who could be a better life coach than the One who knows you best of all?

 

Biblical lessons Encouraging words Uncategorized

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