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

Leave a comment »
Oct 20

Are You Adopted?

by Brenda Poulos

Ephesians 1:5- “He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.”

My husband is Greek. I am mostly German. Our “bestie” couple friends are Italian and belong to an Italian club.

They asked us if we wanted to join and we reminded them that we are not Italian.

They said it didn’t matter. We’d be “adopted in.”

We had a great time at the Italian picnic as newbie Italians. On the way home, I thought about the Bible reference regarding our “adoption as sons of God.”

So, just what does it mean to be adopted into God’s family?

It’s simple. When we come to faith in Christ, we are adopted into His family and given all the rights that heirs of God possess.

God doesn’t adopt people because they are worthy. He adopts them on the basis of His grace.

Christians are forever part of God’s family.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

Leave a comment »
Aug 11

The Race

by Brenda Poulos

Hebrews 12:1- “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

It has been an exciting two weeks for us as we watched the summer Olympics. There were a total of 45 categories of sports represented. Many of them were “races”—track and field, swimming, cycling, rowing, and so on. 

Each event had rules and specific directions for those competing. In each “race” there were winners. And in each one, some fell short of the goal.

Why didn’t all Olympic competitors succeed? Lack of commitment in practicing? Illness? Injury? There could be many reasons.

I thought about the “race” that God has set out before each of us in this life. Although we are not competing against anyone, the Bible warns us not to be hindered (entangled) by sin. For it is sin that will prevent us from reaching the goal—serving our Lord the best we can… the way He has planned for us.

It could be deficient funds, wrong timing, lack of commitment, life’s distractions—any number of reasons for us to fail as we run life’s race. 

As for myself, I recognize that my own self-consciousness—nervousness in public-speaking— is a hinderance to my personal “race.” 

Once we recognize the deterrents in our lives, we are able to pray for God to help us overcome them. I know He wants each of us to finish well, the race He has marked out for us.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

Leave a comment »
Aug 4

Are You Watching?

by Brenda Poulos

Psalm 139:13,14- “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

I am enjoying watching the Olympics. I am in awe of the human body. 

Its capabilities. Strength. Power. Resilence.

While we applaud the performances of these amazing athletes, last night I praised their Creator. 

Tissue. Bone, Organs. Muscles. Senses. He thought of everything, didn’t He?

I love the scripture this week because it shows the depth and intricacy of the love and caring with which He made each of us.

I am especially blessed when I see athletes who give God the glory for their abilities… when they look upward, I sense their gratefulness for His blessings in their accomplishments.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

Leave a comment »
Jul 14

He’s Got This

by Brenda Poulos

Isaiah 46:10- “Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.”

We are being bombarded with newscasts, talk shows, and all sorts of political ads this summer.

They get my heart rate up and make me cranky.

Those two factors can mean a recipe for WORRY.

I find peace and contentment by remembering the phrase, “HE’S GOT THIS.”

We need to keep our eyes focused on THE WORD. God has a purpose and a plan to all He ALLOWS to happen in our world. He knows where all this chaos is leading and like little children, we need to trust our Heavenly Father to take care of it.

We need to stay informed so that we can pray and vote. But, we need to TRUST that He will accomplish HIS PURPOSE.

I wrote the lines above prior to hearing about yesterday’s tragic events. Let’s encourage ourselves by remembering God knows the “intents and purposes” of every heart. He will judge the evil that takes place in our world.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

Leave a comment »
Jul 7

Mending Fences

by Brenda Poulos

My novella, Mending Fences, is now on Amazon in both Kindle and paperback formats. 
 I previously published this novella in a collection alongside three other authors. It is now available as a stand alone novella with special pricing.


After the death of his beloved grandfather, Mason finds himself torn between the needs of Rose, the aging grandmother who raised him, and the demands of Lee Ann, the mother who abandoned him as a baby.
 
Mason’s relationship with Lee Ann is turbulent and complicated. After marrying the wealthy Rex LeMasters, Lee Ann charged back into Mason’s life, reclaiming him and his older sister, Glory, and moving them from the family ranch in Boise, Idaho to Green River, Washington when Mason was fifteen. His mother has not spoken to Mason’s grandparents since that time.


When Gram takes a fall, Lee Ann at last returns to see her mother—a visit which dredges up memories of a secret buried since Lee Ann’s childhood. 

Will learning the truth about what caused the rift between them so many years ago help them move forward toward reconciliation? Will Lee Ann’s new perspective on the past serve as a catalyst to restore her relationship with her own children?

This novella will inspire you to face your own difficult circumstances, let go of bitterness resulting from past hurts and disappointments and offer forgiveness to the significant people in your life. 
 

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

Leave a comment »
Jun 30

A Chariot of Fire

by Brenda Poulos

2 Kings 2:11- “As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.”

My husband and I went to our community pool a few days ago. As we were drying off, a strong wind came out of “nowhere.” 

John grabbed onto a nearby table to steady himself, but the wind literally picked me up and slammed me down onto the cool deck.

I am fine except for a bruised elbow, cut finger, sore hip, and goose egg on the back of my head (which is responsible for a lingering headache).

Thinking about my experience as my husband drove us home, I remembered the story of Elijah and the strong whirlwind that took him up to heaven, an event witnessed by Elisha.

Elijah’s name means, “The Lord is my God.” We speculate that due to the miracles God worked through him, Elijah was spared physical death.

I reread the amazing story of Elijah’s “home going” this morning. He was a man who was faithful and obedient to God. He is also mentioned in several commentaries as perhaps being one of the two future end-time witnesses in the book of Revelation.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

Leave a comment »
Mar 3

Do You Feel Powerless? Hopeless?

by Brenda Poulos

Psalm 68:35b- “The God of Israel is He who gives strength and power to His people.”

Due to a powerful storm, our electricity was “off” most of the day. Not only did it make our vision difficult, without heat we were COLD. We could not cook, but luckily my husband is a snacker. That night we filled our stomachs with not-so-nutritious things to eat.

In church we had been talking about our all-powerful God, so the subject was already on my mind. What would my life be like if I no longer had His power to tap into?

Many times throughout the week, I experience His power in my life. Often, it is in response to prayer. Without knowing He would be there for me in difficult circumstances, without the assurance of Him being “in charge” of what is happening in the world, I would have no hope.

Is that how unbelievers must feel at times? Powerless. Hopeless?

Just knowing that, makes me want to share His Good News even more. How about you?

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

Leave a comment »
Feb 18

Perfect Love

by Brenda Poulos

Romans 8:38, 39- “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Since this is Valentine’s week, I can think of no truer love to talk about than the love that God sent to us in the form of his son. No truer love than that which sent Jesus to the cross to die for our sins.

The Bible tells us that God IS love. He is the very essence of love.

As human beings, our minds and actions are motivated—at times—by so many emotions: sadness, jealousy, hate, kindness, empathy, anger, and so on. It’s hard to imagine what it would be like to have love be our only motivation.

Many people spend much of their time serving others, volunteering, donating money, and so on. These unselfish acts of human kindness are hard for some of us to fathom. Even more so, would be the giving of one’s life for another. 

I remember the awe I experienced as a youngster when I heard of Jesus’s love for me. I still am filled with wonder and amazement when I contemplate the depth of His love—his perfect love for all of us.

Let’s send God a valentine today. A prayer of gratefulness for His perfect and undying love!

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

Leave a comment »
Feb 4

“Come, Follow Me”

by Brenda Poulos

Matthew 19-20: “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.”

I thought of my grandson when I read this verse. He graduated mid-year from high school and was struggling to know what to pursue in his life. (As you know, some kids follow their dreams from grade school on up. Others don’t have a clear idea of what they’d like to do until they are in college!)

When talking to his coach, he was encouraged to pray about a direction for his life. In addition, he gave my grandson some pamphlets about Christian colleges, and so on.

One of them caught his eye. It was WYAM and The University of Nations. Within less than a month, he’d signed up and flown to a training base in Kona. Now, he is preparing his heart, mind, and soul for service to others.

Our grandson is becoming a modern day “fisher of men.” 

His communications with us tell of learning from scripture and drawing close to the Lord. His joy is overflowing and we couldn’t be happier that he is following God’s leading for his life.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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