spiritualsnippets.com

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

Oct 9

Up Close and Personal

by Brenda Poulos

Luke 19:1-4  “Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. 3 He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.”

 

In the late 1950’s, President Dwight Eisenhower made a stop in Phoenix, Arizona.

Dad loaded our family of six into the car and drove for more than an hour to the airport. There, we joined other folk at the chainlink fence separating the runway from a stretch of desert.  30032881542_2be5c5e44e

The air crackled with excitement as we kept watching the late afternoon sky for a sign of his arrival. When his plane landed, he walked over to the fence and shook hands with those fortunate enough to be in the front row. He even kissed a couple of babies, as I recall.

The crowd was quite large for those times and most were adults, so Dad gave each of us a turn to sit on his shoulders so we could see the beloved “IKE.”

We had quite a tale to tell at school the next day. Not only had we laid eyes on the President, we had also been allowed to stay up past our bedtime!

Yes, it was quite an experience—one I have never forgotten.

A Bible story I have never forgotten, either, is that of Zacchaeus, who wanted to see Jesus so badly that he climbed a tree to get a better view.

Many years later, I learned that the sycamore tree is not a tall and sturdy tree. But, I guess it gave him just enough of a boost that he achieved his goal.

Not only did he see Jesus, but Jesus noticed him. He even invited himself over to Zacchaeus’s house that very evening!

As much as I enjoyed seeing our nation’s thirty-fourth president up close, I know nothing will compare to experiencing a personal greeting from Jesus in Heaven.

If you are a Christian, you won’t need to sit on anyone’s shoulders or climb a tree to see Him.

There won’t be a chainlink fence between you and your Savior.

We will see Him face-to-face.

And, word has it, He’s invited you to dinner.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Oct 3

Imposter or “The Real Deal”?

by Brenda Poulos

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I Timothy 3:16b– “He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Artificial turf.

Carpet made from recycled tires.

Cauliflower. Mashed, it tastes like mashed potatoes.

Designer-look perfumes and purses.

False eyelashes.

Floor tile that looks like woodgrain.

Ritz crackers, baked with spices tastes like apple pie.

Silk plants/flowers.

Simulated stones.

Vinyl that looks and feels like leather.

 

FAKES.  IMPOSTERS.

The world is full of them.

 

The world is also home to false gods. They may be horoscopes, statues, planets, money…anything or anyone that people put their trust in is technically a “god” to them.

 

Sadly, they lead to disappointment…many with tragic consequences.

How can one tell a fake—an imposter—from the real thing?

The verse in First Timothy says Jesus was verified in six ways:

1.He appeared on earth in the flesh.

2.He was vindicated by the Holy Spirit.

3.He was seen by angels (and, if I might add, by many people)

4.He was preached about (by the disciples).

5.He was believed on by many people (…and the number is growing).

6.He was taken up (ascended) into heaven.

In today’s world, we use the word endorsement, to mean declaring approval, when we refer to lending credibility to a person, product, or claim.

In Matthew 3:17 God said of Jesus, “…This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

So, he has been verified and endorsed—by God the Father.

Jesus is not a fake. Not an imposter.

He’s the real deal.

He is the Son of God.

Our Savior. Our Redeemer.  Our risen Lord.

 

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Sep 25

You’re One of the Family

by Brenda Poulos

1 John 3:1a-  “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!”

 

I opened the blinds to the patio door outside our bedroom and was surprised by two bobcats!

“Whoa, you don’t belong here!” I shouted.

A friend told me about a family reunion she attended. It wasn’t quite the experience she had envisioned. “I love them all,” she said, “but we seemed so different. They were laughing and talking, but I felt like I didn’t fit in…like I didn’t belong.”

To please a friend, I once “played” a round of golf. The only thing I was good at was driving the cart. I couldn’t even hit the ball. I didn’t understand the terminology in order to take part in their conversation. Golf just wasn’t for me. I felt like I didn’t belong.

Have you ever felt that way?

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Left out of the “loop?”
Like you don’t belong?

If you are a believer in Christ, God tells us you DO belong—to HIM!

He created you…knit you together in your mother’s womb!  (Psalm 139:13)

You are his child.
Like a father loves and cares for his children

God loves you.

He cherishes you.

You have a special identity as a child of God. You are connected to Him with an unbreakable bond.

You never have to feel alone.

You’re one of the family.

 

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Sep 18

Pink Grass. Really?

by Brenda Poulos

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Matthew 7:13– “Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road is broad that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.”

I read about a band of burglars that used little children to facilitate their break-ins of vacation homes. They directed them to enter through small “doggie-doors” and then unlock the doors to the homes so the adults could gain entry.

“If only it were that easy to get into Heaven,” you exclaim.

The Bible says Heaven’s gate is indeed narrow…and that not everyone is willing to listen to God’s instructions and follow Jesus.

Too many take the easy way…hoping to enter through the broad gate…

the way of the world

the way they think is best

the way of non-commitment

the way of denial.

But, the broad gate leads to destruction—an eternity without God!

One of my teachers used to illustrate the freedom of choice like this: a universal truth is  that a certain color is green. Let’s say someone comes along and calls it “pink.” They are welcome say that, but that doesn’t change the fact that it is green.

One can say that good works lead to Heaven, or that just being a nice person will earn them a place there, but that is just like calling the grass “pink.”

God’s Word says that JESUS is THE WAY

to the Father

to salvation

to Heaven.

The Bible says JESUS is the TRUTH

and the LIFE.

Here and now.

Forever and for all eternity.

Choose LIFE.

Choose JESUS.

Enter through the narrow gate.

 

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Sep 11

Giving Our Best

by Brenda Poulos

 

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Proverbs 3:9-10  “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and  your vats will brim over with new wine.”

Thinking back over the years to when I taught elementary school, I recall the long hours spent in preparation for my classes before and after school, as well as at home. I’d come home dog-tired, grab a bite to eat, and rush off to night classes.

Life was a vicious cycle.

It wasn’t God, nor my family, but my job that got the best part of me.

At the time I reasoned that was just the way it had to be, but now I am embarrassed to say that my priorities just weren’t right.

The Bible speaks about the “first fruits” of what a person earns as being what they should give to the Lord. You may be more familiar with the term “tithing”—giving God the first ten percent of our income.

But, for a moment, let’s consider the concept of “first fruits” in a different way—giving God the first thoughts in our day, the most of our energy instead of the dregs at the bottom of our reservoir.

Instead of giving our Lord the leftovers, humbly offering Him the best of us.

The words to a song we used to sing as kids says is best. “My cup is full and running over,” reminds me that the joy He brings us as we seek Him first—as we spend time with Him first—leads not to a lack later on, but rather to an overabundance—in other areas in our lives.

A rich, full life is one that gives to Him that first breath, that first song in the morning, and then looks quickly for an umbrella because

there’s going to be a downpour of blessings in a life that gives Him our best.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Sep 4

Father, I’m Home!

by Brenda Poulos

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Luke 15: 22-24 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.”

 

A soldier returns from battle.

A college student comes home for Christmas vacation.

A woman meets her birth mother for the first time.

Two friends reconnect after many years apart.

An estranged couple remarries.

Each scenario is a reason for rejoicing, isn’t it?

 

We don’t know the heartbreaking stories that lie behind each one, but we do feel the happiness in the reunions, don’t we?

We celebrate with each of those brought back together.

Relationships are mended and new memories can be made…

Hearts are joyous once again.

Although the word prodigal refers to someone who has spent money or resources recklessly or wastefully, that is not my “takeaway” from this Bible story.

Let’s focus on the fact that people were brought back together AND that relationships were restored.

Sometimes this happens simply because people return home after a time away, as in the case of the student and friends, above.

Other times, reconnections involve the element of forgiveness.

The prodigal son had wasted away his inheritance. He needed his father’s forgiveness. He humbled himself, seeking the restoration of their relationship.

God included this story in the Bible, I am convinced, to remind us that He forgives us…restores our relationship with Him…and that He wants us to follow His example in our own lives.

Is there someone in need of your forgiveness?

Or, is it you that needs the forgiveness of another?

In order for that to happen, two things must take place:  ~a humble, contrite heart of the one seeking forgiveness.  ~a willingness of the other to extend forgiveness.

In your case, it may not be an earthly relationship that needs mending. It may be your relationship with God that is in need of restoration.

If so, run to your heavenly father.

Let Him place the ring on your finger…

the robe on your shoulders…

and rejoice that you have returned home.

Experience anew what it is like to be wrapped in God’s grace!

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Aug 28

Prepare to Blossom!

by Brenda Poulos

 

27323922253_5fab10b390Psalm 121:5- “The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand.”

 

In the Arizona summer, shade is at a premium. People often circle parking lots more than once, looking to park in the shadow of a tree, building, or another vehicle taller than their own.

Finding a shady place to park can be akin to winning the lottery in the Valley of the Sun.

Drivers emerge from their vehicles with smug looks of satisfaction and head inside to shop, knowing when they return their cars will be twenty degrees or so cooler than they would be otherwise.

Psalms 120-134 are songs the Jews sang when traveling the roads toward Jerusalem. They prepared the travelers’ hearts and put them in a right attitude as they brought their sacrifices to God.

The reference to the “right hand” is a biblical symbol of one’s power and strength. Shade is the reassurance that we are standing in God’s shadow.

He is the source of our strength.

In this life, he is preparing each of us as we travel toward Heaven.

He is our keeper, our shelter, our protector, our guard.

He is preparing us for eternal life with Him.

In His shade, we do not burn up.

We do not wither.

Instead we flourish and blossom!

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Aug 21

In the Splendor of His Holiness

by Brenda Poulos

Psalm 29:2- “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor  of his holiness.”

28957802972_097e78a424I watched the Olympics in Rio with awe as talented athletes from around the world came center stage to compete for Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals in 300 events held in the space of 16 days.

I was astounded by their dedication, determination, and perseverance.

I was uplifted as many of the athletes turned their eyes upward and pointed toward heaven, giving God the glory for their superior, medal-winning performances, including Usain Bolt, the world’s fastest man.

Terrell Diagneu, Maya Moore, Reid Priddy, Paige McPherson, Ryan Hall, Lolo Jones, Hunter Kemper, Wayde Von Niekerk, Missy Franklin also expressed their thanks to God.

Gabby Douglas, 16, the first African American woman in Olympic history to win the all-around gymnastics competition said, “…I give all the glory to God. It’s kind of a win-win situation. The glory goes up to Him and the blessings fall down on me.”

Olympic gold medalist Christian Taylor, 26, made giving glory to God the reason for what he does and said that’s what keeps him grounded and motivated. He is now the world’s first triple jumper in 40 years to repeat his win as well as the first American athlete to win back-to-back golds for the event since 1904.

David Boudia and Steele Johnson won silver medals in synchronized diving. They give every ounce of glory to God, saying their true identity lies in Him.

These young men and women athletes acknowledge that it is God who gives them the skills and talents necessary to accomplish their Olympic dreams.

King David–wealthy, powerful, handsome–yet he knew who was responsible for his blessings and he gave praise and glory to God. He reminds us that whoever we are, it is to God’s glory that we are able to do what we do in life.

Singers, actors, athletes, writers, parents, teachers, lawyers, store clerks, cab drivers—whoever you are, wherever you live—it is by the grace of God that we all do what we do.

 

We may never break a world record or be openly-admired for our skills or talent, but as we finish each daily “event” may we also remember to

give God the glory and

worship Him in the splendor of His holiness.

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Aug 14

Safe Travels

by Brenda Poulos

 

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Jeremiah 17:7- “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.”

 

My husband likes to watch old cowboy movies. Often, there are episodes involving a wagon train crossing the country. With no way to know the conditions “up ahead” a scout is often sent out in front. His job is to look for impeding dangers, including the possibility of an ambush, and report back to the head trail master.

Many a movie plot hangs on the very outcome of such information—and the action taken by the brave men in the wagon party.

Wouldn’t it be nice if, in our everyday lives, someone would walk the road ahead of us and let us know of coming dangers? Someone we have complete confidence in? A person we trust to steer us clear of possible complications?

Wouldn’t it make life easier? Diminish our worries? Give us a certain degree of relief?

Wouldn’t we be more confident of our future if we knew for sure what tomorrow would bring?

Choosing the right person for the job would be key.

When we put our trust in God, we know the blessing that we are in the right place at the right time. That doesn’t mean we will be free from the dangers of this life, but it does mean that we are on the path that He has preplanned for us to travel…

The one that is filled with God’s greatest blessing for us.

The one in which He has chosen to reveal himself to us…

The one in which we can be of the most help to others…

Where we will learn the lessons He has for us as we travel homeward.

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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.

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