spiritualsnippets.com

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

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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Aug 1

He Touched Me!!

by Brenda Poulos

Matthew 9:21– She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.”

I’m not a football fan. However, when I was in junior high and high school, my friends and I “watched” the Arizona State Sun Devils play from our seats in the End Zone. We were affectionately called “THE KNOT HOLE GANG.”

Although I wasn’t crazy about the game, I sure did like the players.

Back in those days, fans were allowed to form a line on each side of the entrance where the players came onto the field. We were close enough that we could reach out and touch an arm or the sleeve of a uniform. We got goosebumps every time.

I also loved movies. On a trip to Hollywood as a young adult, I remember swooning when Clint Eastwood shook my hand.

A young man puts his arm around his girlfriend’s shoulders—a loving touch.

A mother hold’s her sobbing child—a caring touch.

A concert pianist poises his hands above the black and white keys. The audience waits for—the touch of the master.

Two young men shake hands after an argument—the touch of friendship.

As incredible as each of these is, I can’t help but ask myself, “What would it be like to be touched by Jesus?”

In the book of Matthew, a woman declared that she knew she’d be healed just by touching the hem Jesus’s garment!

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She wasn’t a groupie or a young child idolizing a sports star. This was a serious situation.

She needed healing.

She knew she needed Jesus.

What about you?

Will you open your heart to be touched by Jesus? Allow his healing touch to make you whole again?

But, you say, Jesus doesn’t always choose to heal…

True.

Physical healing may not be in His plan for your life…or your loved ones’ lives.

But, He does want to heal your brokenness. He wants to use the disappointments and tragedies of our earthly lives to bring us to a place of dependance on Him. He wants to carry us through the troubled times, supporting us  with His strength.

He wants us to grow in our faith in Him. The kind of faith that believes He knows what is best for us and we trust Him to see us through…and to work out the difficulties we face for “the good of those who love Him and are called according to His good purpose.”

I have faith in a chair to hold me.

I have faith in my car to start each morning.

I have faith in my phone to keep me in touch with my family and friends.

But, I exercise my faith when I sit in the chair, turn the key in the ignition, and dial the phone.

Come to Him…in faith…believing.

Release control to Him…and experience His promises at work in your life.

Touch the hem of His garment.

 

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Jul 25

Anyone for Ice Cream?

by Brenda Poulos

I Corinthians 15:42- “So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable.”

Within four days the flowers my husband gave me for our anniversary had wilted.

The peaches from my neighbor’s tree rotted the day after they brought them over.

Bananas turn black.  Milk sours.  Lettuce wilts.

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Preservatives extend the freshness of some foods, but even canned goods have a shelf life.

Cheese and some beef are said to taste better when they are “aged,” but the sad fact is that most foods aren’t so appealing after the expiration date.

Crows feet at the outside corners of our eyes is one telltale sign that people are growing older.

Diminished capacity to see and hear.

Muscle strength weakens.

Hair turns gray, thins, recedes.

One day fades into another. Eventually walkers and wheelchairs become our friends.

Our human bodies, like fruits and vegetables, are perishable.

If only we could have our youthful bodies returned to us!

The verse from I Corinthians assures us that Christians will have perfectly youthful, resurrected bodies when we go to meet our Lord.

We will be beautiful….physically perfect. We will be strong and have endless vitality. There will be no limits to what our heavenly bodies will be able to do.

By the way, the ice cream won’t melt either.  (Oh, yes, there’s sure to be ice cream).

 

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Jul 18

Have You Changed?

by Brenda Poulos

 

 

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2Corinthians 5:17- “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

 

A man tries to convince a woman to give him a second chance. He pleads, “I’m not the man I used to be.”

A political figure urges Americans to vote for him because he has changed his beliefs on certain key issues.

A son admits he can hardly believe how he behaved in high school. “But, you’ll be glad to know I’ve really grown up in the last couple of years. I don’t do that stuff anymore.”

Recently, an old friend from elementary school (who seemed to always be in trouble) showed himself to be a respected businessman in his community. He’s a changed man.

Lying, cheating, filthy language, addictions.

They keep us from experiencing the lives we really want to live.

God says when we come to Him, our “old ways” can be things of the past. We become a new creation in Him. The old habits, thoughts, cravings, and actions can be conquered.

We CAN be a “changed man.” We can become responsible citizens, good parents, caring friends.

When others see the changes in us, they will want to know what made the difference in our lives…

And, then we can tell them, unashamedly, that it was the Power of God unto salvation.

And that it is available to ALL who BELIEVE.

 

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Jul 10

Do You See It?

by Brenda Poulos

Isaiah 46:10a- “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come…”

A spectacular-looking boat with a colorful spinnaker glided into view outside our vacation rental. “Honey, look! There’s the most beautiful sailboat in the bay!”

My husband left his comfortable seat to peer out the window. “Where? I don’t see anything.”

“It’s straight out there. Right where I’m pointing.” I thrust my finger forward for emphasis.

He shrugged his shoulders. “I still don’t see it.”

I crooked my finger and beckoned him to my side. “The trees must be blocking it from your view. Come stand by me. You’ll be able to see it from over here.”

He reached over to grab a handful of snacks from the table and sauntered over for one final try.  “Ah, there it is!”

 

 

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You have probably had a similar incident happen, haven’t you? One person sees something that the other cannot because of his vantage point?

That’s how it is with God. He can see everyone—and everything—past, present, and future—because of his unique vantage point.

If we were God, we could be 100% certain that we had done the right thing: taken the perfect job, married the ideal person, guided our children correctly.

If only we could see things from a perspective such as His.

From beginning to end, Genesis through Revelation, God’s Word helps us do just that.

By drawing close to God through his Word, we can change our vantage point.

No, we will never know all of the answers. We will not be able to foretell the future.

But, when we draw close to The One who does and can, then we only need to follow.

His perspective will keep us safe, secure, and on the right path.

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Jul 3

I Know You’re Out There

by Brenda Poulos

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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.

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Jun 26

Joy In Unrelenting Pain

by Brenda Poulos

 

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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.

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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.

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