spiritualsnippets.com

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

Nov 16

Is This Really Possible?

by Brenda Poulos
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I Thessalonians 5:17- “…be unceasing and persistent in prayer.”

As I was reading this week, I thought about the verse referenced above. I focused on the words persistent and unceasing.

As a child, I couldn’t fathom how keeping such a command could be possible. 

Having grown in years—and in knowledge of scripture—I see that the command has more to do with our daily walk with God. That our relationship would be such that we maintain an ongoing conversation with Him…relying on Him all day long.

“From the rising to the setting of the sun” we are to share a sweet bond with our Savior, considering Him in all we do, relying on Him through prayer and the Holy Spirit.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Nov 2

He’s Got This

by Brenda Poulos
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Philippians 4:6- “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

I have been anxious all morning.

Dad would have said I’ve got “too many irons in the fire.”

Mom would have said, “Take a deep breath and start again.”

They both would have said, “Give it to God.”

Why?

Because in today’s vernacular, “God’s “got this.”

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Jan 19

A New Beginning

by Brenda Poulos
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1 Samuel 16:13- “Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers.”

Tomorrow

MLK Day

Inauguration Day

The American President is not a king, and an inauguration is not a coronation, but it does spark a memory of kings in “Bible Times.” 

Specifically, I recall how God chose David to be King from among his eight older brothers. 

David was called a man after God’s own heart. He was obedient, had great faith and trusted God. Those qualities made him the leader God wanted for Israel.

Like David, each of us has been chosen by God—created for a specific purpose. And once His plan has been discovered, faith and trust in God is essential in carrying it out.

Are you facing a crossroads today? Are you unsure what God’s perfect plan is for your life? Or, do you even question whether there is such a plan at all?

The answer is in the Bible. He desires to work in the world through us.

Let His Word lead you to a New Beginning.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Sep 15

Did You Know This?

by Brenda Poulos

2 Chronicles 7:14- “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

Last night, I had an epiphany, of sorts.

One that I just had to share with you.

I have mentioned this verse in 2 Chronicles in the past, but as I reread it, yesterday, the words “who are called by my name” stood out to me.

God is talking to us, fellow Christians! He is talking to “my people who are called by my name.”

If you are a Christian, He is calling you out!

When I look at the world around us—fires, floods, immigration issues, lies, wars, and now rumors of more wars, we cannot remain complacent. We cannot have a “God will do what He is going to do” attitude.

He has commanded Christians to pray for our world.

One of the earliest things I remember being taught in Sunday School was that Prayer Changes Things.

I still believe that.

But that is not all. This verse is packed with more things God is commanding Christians to do. In my blogs for the next few weeks, I will be unpacking them. It’s that important.

Remember, James 5:16 says the “… The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Jun 2

These Will Lead to Hope and Joy

by Brenda Poulos

1 Thessalonians 5:17– pray continually.

Are you praying for your children, grandchildren?

Does it seem like you’re repeating the same prayers each day?

There’s nothing wrong with that. Remember that your fervent prayers “avail much.” However, I find that sometimes I don’t see the forest for the trees.

I came across the list of suggestions for praying which was sent to me by Compassion International some ten years ago when we began sponsorship of Nestor, a five-year-old African boy.

Here are several of the thirty-one ideas they sent. You may want to make some of these a habitual part of your prayers:

Pray for your child-

1- to accept Jesus as Savior and grow in Christ.

2- to resist negative peer pressure.

3- to develop strong friendships and family relationships.

4- to memorize God’s Word.

5- to make wise decisions.

6- for their safety and protection.

7- for patience and perseverance.

8- to tell the truth and resist temptation.

9- for physical health and strength.

10- to honor their parents.

11- to grow close to God in prayer.

12) for stability in his family.

13) for a spirit of hope and joy leading to a bright future.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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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

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Jan 21

Worth the Wait

by Brenda Poulos

Hebrews 6:15- “And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.”

Have you ever prayed fervently for something and—as yet—not have it come to pass?

Jen prayed that the “right” man would come along. For years, she prayed. But nothing happened.

Fast forward twenty-five years.

Jen connected with a nice man at her high school class reunion. They dated for awhile, but he ended up marrying someone else.

Ten more years went by.

Now retired, Jen became a volunteer at the county library where she met Hank. A nice guy. Funny and caring. Everything she’d hoped for—and more.

They married January 4, 2024.

When asked if he was worth waiting for, she answered an enthusiastic, yes!

God had answered both of their prayers—as he had been praying, too!!!

Like Abraham, Joseph, David, and Simeon, we find that waiting on God’s answers to prayer requires patience and faith. These men of the Bible persevered and trusted in God’s perfect timing even though they didn’t understand the wait.

The Lord’s plans for our lives are good. Patient waiting refines our character and glorifies God.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Jan 7

Don’t Worry; Be Happy!

by Brenda Poulos

Luke 12:25- “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?”

There are lots of reasons to worry. I’m sure you could make a list of at least a dozen things in your life—or of your family’s or friends’ lives—that would be legitimate causes for worry. However, as Christians, we understand that worrying about something doesn’t solve the problem.

We also know that prayer changes things.

And, I also know that what we usually worry about is not real. It’s how we choose to see things.

We need to change how we see them (our attitudes) and turn those mountains into molehills (as my grandmother used to say).

Remember these sayings?

Let go; and let God.

Look on the bright side.

Walk on the sunny side of the street.

Let a smile be your umbrella.

Don’t worry; be happy!

Let’s put our worries at God’s feet in prayer. And, with praise and Thanksgiving for all He has given us, let’s allow His peace and power to work in our lives.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Nov 12

Five Minutes That Will Change Your Life

by Brenda Poulos

Ephesians 6:18- “… pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

I saw a television ad for a popular DIY show about people who shop for a new home after winning the lottery. The ad said something to the effect that if you buy a ticket, it may be the five minutes that changes your life. (The time it takes to buy and scratch).

The internet says stretching, drinking a glass of water, taking a short walk, de-cluttering your home office, and writing in a journal are good five-minute ideas.

I know of another five minutes that can change your life. How about allotting that short amount of time to reading scripture or a devotional, and prayer?

Once you’ve attained consistency in your time with the Lord each day, increase it in increments of five until you reach the point where you feel satisfied with the time you have spent with God.

I promise you, spending time with Him will change your life!

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Oct 1

How Are People and Plants Alike?

by Brenda Poulos

John 15: 1,2- “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”

It was such a gorgeous fall morning, my husband and I decided to do some trimming in our yard. Slightly overcast, with a gentle breeze blowing, we worked and occasionally waved at neighbors walking by.

Quite a few tender shoots on our bushes had not grown in unison with the others, so (as much I regretted doing it) I cut them off. Doing so returned the bushes to the nice, rounded shape we desired.

As I trimmed each one, I thought of the Bible verse above. We are so much like plants, going astray from what God intended. We sometimes need pruning, too, in order to become more fruitful.

In this way, God returns us to our intended paths, removes bad habits, and establishes in us the joy of being in close relationship with Him once more.

The pruning is not always pleasant, but I have learned over the years that it is not as painful or as often, if I remain in the Word and make sure not to neglect praying for others, as well as for myself.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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