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

Mar 28

The Cross of Christ

by Brenda Poulos

I Corinthians 1:18- “The message of the cross is the Power of God.”   6298781578_b3e7278622

I wear a cross necklace. I rarely take it off. It is a daily reminder to me that Jesus died for my sins.

It is not an amulet. It does not protect me against evil, danger, or disease. It is a symbol of God’s great love for me.

I see crosses on walls in churches and homes. I see them on car windows and tattooed on arms. I see them on rings, bracelets, earrings.

Some are made out of stained glass, some are cast in silver, some made out of barn wood, some even tooled onto leather headbands and wristbands.

I would like to think that the cross is more than a fashion icon, room decor, or body art.

I would like to.

I would also like to think that everyone knows the real meaning of Easter.

I would like to think that everyone has heard the old, old story of Jesus and His love.

I would like to.

But, just in case…

The story is a simple one, really.

A story about how God—because of His great love—left Heaven to be born of a virgin and live among men. How, according to His plan and purpose, He allowed men to take his life.

He became the perfect sacrifice for the sins of mankind. He gave himself—shed His perfect blood—to make it possible for us to live with Him in heaven for all eternity.

It had to be this way. Because there was no other way.

Because perfect love didn’t say, “I won’t.”

Because perfect love said, “I will.”

The cross?

Its message is the Power of God unto salvation for all who will believe.

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Mar 20

A Free Gift for You

by Brenda Poulos

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Luke 3:22- “… and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

 

From her hospital bed, Lois opens a card with a familiar picture of a white dove on the front. The very sight of it warms her heart and reminds her of the peace of God.

Jenny pulls into the parking lot of a hospice thrift shop. She notices a familiar dove symbol on the sign as she enters the building.

Bill buys his wife a new Bible for her birthday. He has her name inscribed onto the leather cover, choosing the symbol of a dove to accent the beautiful printing.

What is it about the dove that makes it a popular symbol among Christians?

Two prominent stories in the Bible involve the dove. One is about the baptism of Jesus, the Holy Spirit descending upon him as a dove.

In Genesis 8, Noah released a dove after the flood. When the bird returned to him, it had an olive leaf in its mouth, letting Noah know there was dry land nearby. Many commentaries consider this as marking the end of God’s judgment and the beginning of a new covenant with man.

What is this “new covenant?” Jesus explained at his last Passover meal that his blood would be poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. (Matthew 26:28). By this, he was affirming that his death and resurrection was the means by which he would bring salvation to all who would believe.

No more would the offering of animal sacrifices be required to cover their sins, a ritual that required repetition on a daily basis. Instead, Jesus would shed his perfect blood once—for all.

A free gift for all who would believe in the Son of God for the forgiveness of sins.

Not because of righteous things that we might do, but because of His great mercy.

He loved us. He gave himself for us.

That we might have eternal life.

May the Holy Spirit descend on you, like a dove, declaring to you the good news of His salvation and the truth of the gospel…

For this reason, He endured the Cross.

 

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Mar 13

How Will They Know We Are Christians?

by Brenda Poulos

John 13:35- “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”      What-Is-The-Meaning-Of-The-Christian-Fish-Symbol

 

A horseshoe, a four-lear clover, and a wishbone. Each symbolizes good luck.

Manufacturers have unique symbols for their products, whether they be cars, shoes, clothing, or eyeglasses.

Sports teams and schools choose mascots to make themselves more recognizable to the public and to build team/school spirit.

Traffic signs utilize symbols to help drivers become instantly aware of the rules of the road, especially those involving emergencies/warnings.

One interesting symbol Christians sometimes use is that of the fish, often seen on fenders, jewelry, and stationary.

The use of the fish symbol by Christians began in the early days of Christianity. Since Christians were often put to death for practicing their faith, they often worshiped in secret places.

A fish painted on the outside door of a house let Christians know that they would be safe and welcome inside. It was also used as a Christian greeting. Upon meeting someone new, a believer would draw half of the fish symbol in the dirt and the other person (if a Christian) would complete the other half of the symbol, thus revealing himself or herself as a Christian.

However, if the other person did not recognize what was being drawn, he was most likely a non-believer. Thus, the believers’s religious beliefs remained hidden.

Today, the Christian fish symbol is often used to identify Christians and/or Christian businesses. Free from persecution, at least here in the United States, the fish symbol is proudly displayed for all to see.

Jesus tells us that it is not symbols, elaborate robes, or showy prayers that should identify Christians to the world.

He wants us to show love and understanding to each other… to grant others the same mercy and grace he extended to us.

They will know we are Christians by our love.

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Mar 7

Our Loaves and Fishes

by Brenda Poulos

Philippians 2:13- “For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure.” (Amplified NT)

 

“I can’t do it as well as he does.

I’m not as talented.

I’m not smart enough.

I don’t have the necessary skills.     4739074036_740ba846b7

I’m not good at public speaking.

I’m just not athletic.

I’m too short…too homely…too introverted…”

There are lots of excuses NOT to do what God has called us to do.

But, God tells us that in our weakness, he will be our strength.

If he has called us to do something, he will equip us.

Nothing can thwart us. Nothing can triumph against us.

Like the boy with the five loaves and fishes, we simply need to show up and offer what we have.

He’ll use it, multiply it, expound on it, magnify it, and be glorified through it.

In His hands, our scarcity becomes His abundance.

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Feb 28

The Perfection of the Number Seven

by Brenda Poulos

Romans 3:23–“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

 

The number seven has been my favorite number for a long time. I taught elementary school in Room 7 for quite a number of years. It had a string of beautiful overhead windows that were situated just right so the sunlight came through them, prism-like, every morning just prior to recess. It was also at the end of the hall, so it was always nice and quiet, making it easier on those who might find themselves distracted by outside noise. It also had an extra set of open-shelved cupboards in the corner. Yes, Room 7 was my favorite.

I have long known that the number 7 was used many times in the Bible, but did you know that it was used over 700 times?

Here are just a few significant uses of the number seven: 7 days of creation; Joshua marched around Jericho for 7 days; in Revelation, it speaks of the 7 angels, 7 trumpets, 7 seals, 7 bowls of wrath, 7 years of end time events, 7 as the number of completion and perfection. There are multiples of seven, such as Jesus told Peter to forgive “seventy times seven” and the Seventy Weeks of prophecy in Daniel.

777 is referred to as the perfect number of God, whereas 666 is a number representing the beast in Revelation 13:18 and 6 the number of man.

If God’s number is 7 and man’s is 6, then man always falls short, doesn’t he? No matter what he does, man cannot ever be a 7.

But, maybe man wasn’t ever created to be a 7 in the first place. (We’ve all heard the saying that man was created with a hole in his heart that only Jesus can fill). Maybe, just maybe, man was created needing a savior…someone who would stand with man, to complete man, when he stands before God.

We all fall short. We are all sinners.

But Christians have no fear of standing before the judgement seat of God because Jesus stands there with us.

The perfect 7.

 

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Feb 22

Do You Have a Life Coach?

by Brenda Poulos

John 15:15b: “I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.”

 

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There was a time when the term “coach” was limited to sports. Usually, that meant a person who provided athletic training and instruction to a specific team by initiating practice sessions, evaluating performance, and giving feedback.

A business coach would be someone helping to settle disputes, suggest business strategies, etc.

A singing coach performs similar functions for vocalists; a writing coach teaches technique/style to would-be authors, and an exercise coach (trainer) encourages people to develop and adhere to exercise/diet routines.

Becoming popular, recently, is the life coach.  These instructors  are there to help people in school or social situations.  Two main areas are:

1) Academic coaching: Motivates, aids in developing resumes, and provides expertise in the area of employment.

2) Relationship coaching: Helps in dating etiquette, uncovering anxieties, decision making and so on. Think of this as expanded counseling. They serve as a sounding board, a confidant, or provide common sense advice—much like a good friend would.

The Bible tells us that Jesus is our friend…that he sticks closer than a brother…that he hears our prayers and is there to guide us along the road of life.

At any given time, it may be possible for us to benefit from any of the coaches, above. But, when we are downhearted, when we face problems that seem insurmountable, when we think there is no hope or no one who understands, the perfect life coach is the creator of life itself. 

His word tells us that He saw our unformed bodies in our mother’s womb and that he knew the number of our days before even one of them came to be.

He knows us. He knows what’s best for us.

The Bible says that we may make our plans, but it is He who directs our steps.

The almighty God wants to be our friend, wants us to come before Him with our requests. And, when we do, He promises to hear our prayers and provide guidance.

Who could be a better life coach than the One who knows you best of all?

 

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Feb 14

That’s Who He Is

by Brenda Poulos

2 John 1:3– Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

Ah, love.  It’s a great feeling, isn’t it?

When we are “in love,” we feel a certain way, which causes us to act in a more or less predictable manner. Perhaps we are more thoughtful, more giving, more…

You get the picture.

Love motivates us.                                  371032725_9c92f53032

But, although loving another person prompts us to show our love for them through our actions, our behavior toward those we don’t love isn’t motivated in the same way—if at all.

Such is the way of man.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we felt such love for everyone that we showed it in our actions toward all people… at all times?

That’s not possible, you say.

You’re right.

Left to our own devices…acting according to our own nature…we simply are not capable of experiencing—and acting in accordance—with that kind of all-encompassing love.

What about God?

The Bible says that God IS love.

His very essence is love. One hundred percent of Him. One hundred percent of the time.

Essence: the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something that determines its character… without which it would not exist or be what it is.

So, following the definition, God’s very nature is love and without it, He would not exist.

He is completely love…all of Him.

He’s not just loving in his actions to some people at some times (when He feels like it).

He’s not just motivated by it, as human beings are.

HE IS LOVE.

Only love can love…everyone…all the time.

It’s impossible to wrap our heads around that truth, isn’t it?

And, because He acts in accordance with his very essence, he cannot act in opposition to it.

He loves unconditionally because the pure essence of His love doesn’t depend on you and I—or our actions—at all.

Because that’s how He is.

That’s who He is.

.

 

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Feb 8

God Sent You a Valentine!

by Brenda Poulos

Romans 1:20- “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.”

In the very stars of heaven, God proclaims his great love for us.

God sent us a Valentine!!

His love knows no bounds. His message is written in His Word and in the heavenly bodies of the universe. That’s right!  They aren’t just beautiful creations of light hung there for our enjoyment. (Although that was certainly part of His intent).

They were, in fact, put there to tell God’s story of His love, and plan of redemption.

15651996037_80068decbe_mThis may be a new concept for you, but read on…

Quite some time ago, my mother-in-law gave me the most fascinating book by the late James Kennedy called, The Real Meaning of the Zodiac. It contains his well-documented research, as well as that of eight other well-known Bible scholars. It is an astounding account of God’s love.

The book was printed as a special TBN Edition in 1989 and one of their most requested publications ever. In it, Dr. Kennedy unfolds the timeless story of God’s love—His Gospel in the stars.

The Bible tells us that He called all of the stars “the host of heaven,” that He numbered them, ordered them, and set them in the firmament to be signs. (Although their original meaning has been corrupted into something counterfeit by astrologers.)

His marvelous masterpiece, the art gallery of God, depicts the message of redemption revealing to man the account of the coming, suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

That’s right. The way of salvation is revealed beautifully for us in the heavens!

Dr. Kennedy begins the explanation of the true Zodiac with Virgo, or the Virgin and the birth of the incarnate Son of God. He continues the “great celestial preaching of the Gospel” with the other eleven signs, ending with Leo, The Lion, which depicts Christ’s victory over sin, the world, and Satan.

By citing specific scripture for each sign, Dr. Kennedy reminds us that God has done all of this so that we might know of God’s love…that we might know His son as our savior, and so that the glory of Jesus and his redemption might fill our hearts with wonder and praise.

He loves me. He loves you.

He has told us so in His Word, in the heavens, and by sending us the gift of salvation through his son, Jesus.

May you never look at the night sky in quite the same way again.

It is His Valentine to mankind.

 

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Feb 1

Hands

by Brenda Poulos

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Deuteronomy 28:12– “…The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands.”

 

The director raises his hands high above his head, out to the side, makes a circle with his fingers, holds his hands tight in front of him—a variety of signals to the choir, telling them how he wants them to sing. Loud or soft. Words to emphasize. When to hold a note… Every movement of his hands means something.

Hands.

An audience applauds to show appreciation for a performance.

Hands.

A lady uses sign language. A child watches intently, then uses his hands to communicate in return. Fingers fire rapidly, back and forth, as they “talk” to one another. The transference of  thoughts and feelings between two human beings.

Hands.

A student raises his hand in class. The teacher calls on him. There is an interchange—perhaps a question answered—and then back to work. A system of recognition and classroom organization.

Hands.

A volunteer touches the shoulder of patient in a wheelchair. The elderly man looks up with eyes of gratitude. Off they go for a “walk” down the hall of an adult care center.

Hands.

A wife brings her husband a hot cup of coffee as he reads the newspaper.

Hands.

A young girl pets her dog. He licks her face.

Hands.

A grandmother teaches her granddaughter how to stitch a quilt.

Hands.

People in church raise their hands during worship, reflecting their praise and devotion to the Lord.

Hands.

They offer love, help, and praise. They communicate an individual’s caring heart. They serve others.

The Bible says that hands were created for good things and He will bless acts of kindness and service done with our hands. It doesn’t matter if they are the hands of a young child or the crippled hands of a ninety-year-old senior citizen.

His nail-scarred hands should be our example.

 

 

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Jan 24

The Truth About Sleep

by Brenda Poulos

 

Proverbs 2:9-  “Then you will understand what is right and good, and right from wrong, and you will know what you should do.”

 

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Ah, sleep. Children fight it. Adults can’t seem to get enough of it.

I remember when I was a young adult (in the days before children) I used my entire day on Sundays to catch up on rest so I could make it through another week.

We all need the physical benefits of getting enough sleep.

But, sometimes sleeping can get us into trouble. “Sleeping on the job” can get us fired. And the Bible talks about the dangers of “being asleep”–in other words, not being aware of what is going on around us or recognizing things as being true or false…good or evil…

There are certain tabloids that we all probably recognize as being untrustworthy as far as reporting social news with accuracy. But information in other books and periodicals may be more difficult to discern. Over time, we come to know which sources are truthful and which may warrant skepticism.

In the area of the spiritual, we can always trust the Bible. Its “reporters” were 100% accurate because they were inspired by The Holy Spirit. God chose them carefully and all of the events, words of comfort, and instructions to us were written just as He intended because

He doesn’t want us to be asleep. He wants us to be aware…

To know such things as the dangers of temptations, our opportunity to approach Him in prayer, and how to pursue a relationship with Him.

To learn about the consequences of denying Christ his rightful place in our lives…

To experience the benefits of lives yielded to Him.

Next time you’re physically sleepy, consider taking a power nap.

But, when you feel spiritually sleepy, how about reading God’s Word for a few minutes, followed by praises for the Author and Finisher of our faith?

 

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