spiritualsnippets.com

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

Dec 25

Join the Choir!

by Brenda Poulos

Luke 2: 13, 14- “Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

Have you even wondered what it was like to be part of that heavenly choir on the night of our savior’s birth? Both the sight and the sound of it all were no doubt more amazing than we can comprehend.

Revelation tells us about a similar occurrence which will happen in the future when all our voices will join with that of the angels in praising King Jesus.

None of us were there at his birth here on earth, but it is likely that we may be witnesses of that great event when Jesus returns.

As Christians of old looked forward to the Messiah’s coming, so do we look with great anticipation to His appearing.

Until then, may you know His peace and love in abundance.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

Leave a comment »
Dec 17

Do You Know Where You’re Going?

by Brenda Poulos

John 8:12- “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

As my husband and I shopped at the mall, I lingered at an eye-catching display in one store window while he kept walking.

Once I realized he wasn’t with me, I rushed to find him in the crowd. As we reconnected—at our car in the parking lot—I told him that I’d been looking for him for the last thirty minutes.

And his reply? “If you’d kept up with me, you would have known where I was going.”

So it is when we are seeking Jesus. Have you wandered away?

Being a Christ Follower means staying close to Him. Daily prayer and scripture reading are essential as we seek to follow His will.

We can’t hear His voice, if we don’t stay close. Fortunately, He is our light and helps us find our way back to Him. 

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

Leave a comment »
Nov 27

Thanks for Everything

by Brenda Poulos

I Thessalonians 5:18- “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Both Cheryl and her husband Marty had health challenges all year long. Added to that, their daughter unexpectedly announced that she and her husband of five years had decided to divorce.

On the way to the supermarket to get the last minute fixings for New Year’s Day Dinner, their car was hit by a red light runner. Cheryl and Marty were not injured, but their car was totaled.

And it was New Year’s Eve!

Joey, the tow truck driver, gave them a lift home and a reminder from I Thessalonians. He told them to rejoice in Christ. No, not rejoice that they’d been in a car wreck. He pointed out that the verse says in; not for. 

“In means in the midst of or amid. So, the verse means that even while we may have problems or difficulties, we still can rejoice that we have Jesus. We have His love. We have His care. We have salvation because of His sacrifice. We have His promise.” 

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

Leave a comment »
Oct 30

Your Dream Home

by Brenda Poulos

John 14: 2, 3: “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

Being a fan of home renovation, I like to watch HGTV. A show I’ve gotten interested in lately is My Lottery Dream Home. Although most of the people on the show have won the lottery, there are also those who have inherited large amounts of money.

Such was the case of one couple featured in an episode I saw last week. At long last, these people could afford to live in the large, comfortable home they had always dreamed of.

As I saw the happiness radiating from their faces, I thought of the home in heaven that believers long to see when our earthly stay is over. It’s not just the streets of gold that we long to see—although that will be spectacular—but also the fact that we will be reunited with our Lord and loved ones.

Jesus told us that when he returned to heaven, he would be preparing a place for us, which I believe will be uniquely ours. It will be suited for us in every way, reflecting the way he cares for each of us here on earth by meeting our needs as individuals.

However, it will be beyond all we can think or imagine. It will be spectacular.

It will be our dream home.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

Leave a comment »
Sep 11

What is it About Pets?

by Brenda Poulos

1 John 4:19- “We love because he first loved us.”

Angie had a hard time healing emotionally after her Springer Spaniel, Rex, died. She had been shy growing up, and a bit of a “late bloomer” as her mother put it. But once she connected with Rex, her confidence grew by leaps and bounds.

He loved her no matter what and she thrived beyond all her parents could hope for.

Most people will tell you that the dog’s ability to give its owner unconditional love that is the reason they are so drawn to their pets.

The Bible tells us that we love Jesus because he first loved us—while we were sinners. He loves us unconditionally and we are drawn to Him with cords of love and grace.

Do you need someone in your life who will love you no matter what? Turn to Jesus and acknowledge Him as Savior and Lord. Experience His peace and unconditional love.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

Leave a comment »
Apr 24

Do You Have It “All”?

by Brenda Poulos

Mark 10:25- “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

Brad shook hands with his partner and turned to place his briefcase in his Tesla. He glanced at his Rolex. Eight o’clock. Once more, he’d missed dinner with his family.

All the way home, through the gate, and up the gradual incline that ended in a curved driveway, he thought about his charmed life.

He had everything. Wealth, a beautiful family, a retirement account unsurpassed by anyone in his company. Why, then, was he unhappy? Unfulfilled? 

The new guy, Jack, was starting at the bottom. He was barely even able to support his family on his meager salary. But he had a spring to his step. He radiated happiness.

His demeanor was so irritating that today Brad flat out asked him what made him so happy. 

“Jesus.”

Brad knew what that kind of life would mean. Bible Studies, Potluck dinners at the church, and tithing. Giving up time and resources he’d worked so hard to acquire.

He stood on his front steps, his hand on the door handle. Who in their right mind would give all this up?

Not me, that’s for sure.

It’s hard for the rich and powerful to put faith in anyone other than themselves. But they need a Savior just as much as you and I. 

If you know someone who “has it all” on earth, pray that they will be able to relinquish control—for a heavenly reward.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

Leave a comment »
Mar 27

Until Next Time

by Brenda Poulos

Acts 1:11- ““Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

Those of you who have family who don’t live close, may experience what it is like to have them visit for a few days and then pack up and leave until “next time.”

With a wave and a “I’ll be back” they’re off.

You’re never quite sure if they will return soon. Their next visit may be months—even years—away.

But you look forward to it with eager anticipation.

The disciples must have felt that way when Jesus ascended into heaven. After all, He told them that He would return.

Christians look forward to His coming again, too. Many of us would like to hasten the day… to see Him coming in the clouds.

Come, Lord Jesus, come!

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

Leave a comment »
Jan 2

Wonderful

by Brenda Poulos

I Peter 3:22- “(Jesus) has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.”

Recently, as I was compiling information on heaven, I came across this quotation credited to John Newton: “When I get to heaven, I shall see three wonders there. The first will be to see many people whom I did not expect to see; the second will be to miss many who I did expect to see; the third and greatest of all will be to find myself there.”

Christians don’t have to wonder if we will go to heaven when we die. We have assurance of our future home because of our faith in Jesus Christ and his payment for our sin through his death and resurrection.

However, if we look at another definition of the word wonder, “a remarkable or amazing event,” I’m sure we all will agree that it will be beyond description. Seeing Jesus and being in his presence, being reunited with family and friends, being restored to wholeness in mind and body, experiencing the answers to age-old questions, and so much more.

Heaven will be full of wonder.

WONDERFUL.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

Leave a comment »
Nov 14

The Eternals

by Brenda Poulos

John 3:16- “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

I watched the television previews for a new series this week. Called The Eternals, it is about a fictional group of super-powered beings whose job it is to preserve and safeguard the planet. The basic premise is that they have—and will—live forever. (At least that is what I conclude from the trailer.)

Humans have always been fascinated with the prospect of living forever. We’ve all heard about billionaires that die and have their bodies preserved for awakening at a predetermined time in the future.

Death, however, is seldom longed for—except, perhaps by those who are in intense physical pain, those emotionally disturbed, or the elderly.

But did you know that you can have the assurance of eternal life?

The Bible includes many verses referring to the promise of eternal life, given to believers by Jesus Christ. He is not a fictional character, like The Eternals. He is God’s Son who gave his life–shed his blood–to pay the penalty for our sin.

The gift of Eternal life is available to all who put their faith in him.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words Uncategorized

Leave a comment »
Oct 24

He Loved You FIRST

by Brenda Poulos

1 John 4:19- “We love because he first loved us.”

My niece recently found one of her animals dead on their property. She mourned its passing as one might a human being. (All of you animal lovers know what I’m talking about.)

My sister told me that my niece’s animals love her. They all come to the fence when they hear her voice. Not just for food, as you might imagine, but for attention—a scratch behind the ears, a gentle hug, encouraging words.

She showed love to them, first. Then, they responded to her in kind.

The Bible tells us that Christians respond to the selfless love of Jesus. He loved us, first, as we are told in Romans 5:8: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”                                  

We are his people, the sheep of HIS pasture.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words Uncategorized

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