spiritualsnippets.com

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

Apr 13

I Shook My Head

by Brenda Poulos
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Romans 6:23-“For the wages of sin is death. But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Last week, we received a flyer—an invitation to attend Easter services at a local church.

Curious, I read the accompanying literature. It said they would be commemorating the DEATH of Jesus.

That was it. Not one Bible verse in the tri-folded pamphlet.

Nothing about Jesus rising again on the third day. Nothing about salvation, the forgiveness of sins, nothing about the promise of eternal life through faith in Him.

I shook my head. Who would want to put their faith in someone who died? Death without resurrection????

But, the Jesus I know conquered sin and death on the cross. He alone offers forgiveness of sins and life everlasting.

And, HE IS ALIVE!!!!

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May 28

Focus on the Eternal

by Brenda Poulos

Matthew 6: 20, 21.  “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Two icons in the world of music died this week. Their passing puts life and death in perspective, doesn’t it?

You can literally “have it all” on earth, but still one day that is taken from you.

I don’t know anything about these ladies’ spiritual lives. And my purpose is not to comment on that.

My point is that one day we will all be faced with eternity and those things which we once thought were so important will be left behind. 

God wants us to be happy in this life, but he reminds us to focus our time and attention on what is of eternal importance.

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Oct 4

Will Pandemics Ever End?

by Brenda Poulos

Revelation 21:4- “‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

For eight months or more, Covid-19 has disrupted and destroyed many lives across the globe. Many people wonder if pandemics will ever end.

The answer is “YES!”

We can say with 100 percent certainty that there will be a future time when no one will experience health problems or illnesses of any kind.

Once believers reside in Heaven with the Lord, He promises to do away with all pain, suffering, and death. He will even restore those believers who have died to perfect health.

Though we live on earth and experience pain and suffering of many origins, the promise of God is for a future time when “the old order of things will pass away.”

God will not only restore us spiritually, to himself, but He also promises complete restoration for our bodies, as well.

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Apr 12

Eternal Life with Christ

by Brenda Poulos

 

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Revelation 1:18- “I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”

 

Because Jesus took the cumulative sin of all mankind on himself at the crucifixion, he was completely cut off and separated from God the Father. He was punished in hell for the past, present, and future sins of every man.

In order to be restored back into fellowship with His Father, he had to be “reborn.” Revelation 1:5 says Jesus was the “first begotten from the dead.” And, He is now seated at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

When Jesus ascended, all believers were also brought to eternal life with Christ. That is why we are able to say, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.”  Galatians 2:20.

All mankind was identified with Him in death, but only those who believe are identified with Him in His resurrection.

 

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Nov 18

Joy In The Midst of Anguish

by Brenda Poulos

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I Thessalonians 5:18- “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

 

Did you read this verse and think, “How can we give thanks in the midst of disasters and death?”

Doesn’t God see the devastation caused by floods, fires, and acts of violence in our country? 

Three things stand out to me:

1. God is asking us to be thankful, not necessarily for the circumstances, but in the midst of them to retain a thankful attitude for what we do have.

2. Giving thanks is not based on our present circumstances.

In giving thanks, we are not denying our current hurts. We are, however, showing our thankfulness for our position in Christ and the joy ahead of us because we have put our faith in Jesus. Faith that his death, burial, and resurrection saves us from our sins and assures our eternal life. 

We focus on the “joy that is set before us”…that deep inner joy that abides in spite of our disappointments and struggles. 

When we lead lives of gratitude and Thanksgiving every day, it will change our whole perspective on life. By focusing on our blessings and sharing what we have with others, we understand the true meaning of thankfulness.

3. And, finally, instead of asking, “Why me?”, we should ask “What for?”  Why does all of this happen? It is ultimately to display the reality of Jesus…to bring glory to God…to accomplish his ultimate will and purpose. 

This season, let’s give thanks in the midst of pain, anguish, and loss, looking ahead to the joy we have in Christ Jesus.

 

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Dec 1

Can You Really “Cheat Death?”

by Brenda Poulos

Psalm 68:20– “God is the God of victories. The Almighty Lord is our escape from death.”

I saw an internet article last week about a celebrity who received a devastating cancer diagnosis two years ago, but is still alive, today! The headline said that she had “cheated death.”

Although I am certain that this person feels extremely grateful for an extended life, I am not sure that the reporter quite understood that people don’t really have any control over death. Sure, some things may prolong life, from our human viewpoint. Diet, exercise, prudence when operating machinery, driving a car, crossing a street, playing sports— all are examples of good judgment.

But, isn’t it true that only God knows the number of our days? Isn’t it God who determines when this earthly life is over for each of us? Can any of us really escape death?

The Bible says we can! To be specific, we all will die the death of the body at some point. But, God’s Word tells us that Jesus has swallowed up death in victory. When we put our trust in the salvation that Jesus offers, He promises that we will live with him for all eternity in Heaven.

So, in a very real sense, we can escape death—by putting our faith in the giver of life!

Brenda

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