spiritualsnippets.com

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

Apr 13

Is God Still God?

by Brenda Poulos

Mark 8:27-29 Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?”28 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” 29 “But what about you?”he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.”

Last week, a national television morning show posed this question to viewers: Who Do You Say Jesus is Today? All week long, correspondents polled various groups of people, sharing their thoughts with the viewing public.

Responses were varied and included: a great humanitarian, the only person to live a perfect life, a famous charismatic figure, a historical guru, the Son of God, and so on. People who lived when Jesus was on earth showed similar responses. But, Peter got it right. Jesus was the Messiah the world had been waiting for.

First of all, we need to remember that Jesus IS God. He came to earth in human form, lived a sinless life, and died for the sins of mankind. Secondly, God declares in the Bible that He is unchangeable, the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) So, no matter what man might think, what opinions man might have centuries later, the fact remains that He hasn’t changed. He is still God—and He always will be God.

What does this mean for us? It means that we can always count on his Word being true because it, also, is unchangeable. What it declares as good and pleasing to God will remain so. What it declares as sin will not change with the whims of society. The sins committed today remain sins in God’s eyes, even though our culture may declare them to be otherwise.

It is disheartening for Christians around the world to see how our world is changing. Many of the norms and values that we used to hold as a society, are nothing but vague memories.

We must let our voices be heard in social media, in the voting booth, in town hall meetings. And, while the results of elections and the enactment of laws may not be what we would want, we can take great comfort in knowing that our future is in the hands of our changeless God—our God who has the power to use the unpleasant things in this life to bring about His ultimate purpose and glory.

Brenda

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Mar 23

Who Has Seen the Wind?

by Brenda Poulos

Hebrews 11:1– Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

I can still remember the words to a poem my class recited at Parent’s Day when I was in the first grade:

Who has seen the wind?

Neither you, nor I.

But when the trees bow down their heads

The wind is passing by.

The wind chimes on my patio are ringing loudly this afternoon, leaves are falling from the trees, and my hair looks like I stuck my finger in an electrical socket. I cannot see it, but I know the wind is to blame.

I can’t see God either, but I know he is here. He lets me know with each sunrise, each rainbow, each sunset. I see his message to me in the stars, the laughter of a child, the wrinkles on my mother’s face.

But there’s more. He speaks to me as I pray and as I read his Word. He is not only here, but he is active as he works the things of this earthly life together for my good.

His Word tells me that He is here and, by faith, I believe this to be true. What is faith? It is believing in someone or something even though we cannot see it with our eyes. But, wait, more good news: God’s Word tells us that one day our faith with turn into sight!

So, will we be able to see the wind? Maybe. Maybe not.

But what He is talking about is the fact that we believe in God now, by faith, because we do not see Him with our human eyes. He promises that there will come a day when we will see Him face to face. What was once faith, will then become sight.

He who was invisible will become visible. Our eyes will be opened and we will see Him in Heaven as he is: our glorious and Holy Lord.

Brenda

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Mar 16

Lost and Found

by Brenda Poulos

Jeremiah 29:13- You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Some years ago, a friend of mine told me a heartbreaking story. Her daughter and boyfriend had put an ad in the paper, hoping to sell a car. A person from a city about two hours away from them answered the ad, asking that they deliver the car to him, personally, the following weekend. The young couple drove to meet with the prospective buyer, never to be heard from again.

I could hear the anguish in my friend’s voice and I saw the pain on her face as she told of the many years of searching that followed, the sleepless nights, the tears shed. Where could they be? What could have happened?

Finally, a few weeks ago—after thirteen years—the police notified my friends that they believe they have found the person(s) responsible for this crime. As parents, their pain is still overwhelming but they are relieved to have some answers and a measure of closure.

What must it be like to search for a missing child or family member? What happens when hope wains? What is it like to expend energy day after day handing out flyers, searching the streets—the countryside—with no real guarantee of finding a loved one?

Fortunately, God’s Word promises that everyone who seeks Him will find Him. Prayer and reading the scriptures—the Bible—are the places to start. Begin with the book of John. Ask God to help you understand the meaning of His words. Ask a Christian friend to walk alongside you as you begin your search. Find a church that teaches the Word of God and begin attending regularly. Let God speak to you through the songs and the teaching. Talk to the Pastor.

Seek God. You won’t spend years and years of searching, ending in disappointment. You can know God today.

I’m praying for you!

Brenda

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Feb 23

When Temptation Strikes

by Brenda Poulos

Matthew 26:41– “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

At one time, my husband and I lived in a house behind a grocery store. Our back fence separated our property from the store’s parking lot. Midmorning, every single day of the year except Christmas and New Year’s, unbelievably good smells from the store’s bakery and deli would waft right into our house!

Needless to say, we were constantly tempted to hop the fence and buy freshly baked bread or tasty rotisserie chicken. When the store did a special promotion, bringing their grills outside to cook hot dogs or brats, it was almost too much to bear!

I recall in the midst of dieting, we would resolve to not go grocery shopping without the other so that we could keep from buying foods from our “forbidden” list.  We also tried to spend time away from home, involved in activities where we might not be tempted to break ranks and give in to our churning stomachs.

Although food is a temptation for lots of us, there are also many things in this life that could potentially lure us into behaviors that are not good for us, such as spending too much time on the computer, gambling or gossiping over the back fence, to name a few.

We have good intentions. We mean to change, but these things seem to have such power over human beings.

Why? Because as the verse above tells us, our flesh is weak. It also tells us what to do about it: WATCH. Be aware of those things that tempt us and those times when we are most vulnerable. Then, try to keep ourselves out of those situations.

But that’s not enough. The most powerful thing we can do is PRAY. Seek God’s guidance and tap into His power of resistance against those things that tempt us. Ask Him to replace that temptation with a desire for something better. And He will because He is faithful, because He keeps His word, because He doesn’t want to see us succumb to temptation.

He want us to be free of those things that bind us. Free to live a victorious life— in Him!

Brenda

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Feb 16

What’s on God’s Agenda for Today?

by Brenda Poulos

Psalm 121:4- (He who keeps you) will neither slumber nor sleep.

I answered the phone on the third ring. It was my son, calling me on his way to play a round of golf. He filled me in on what he had been up to the previous week and what he had planned for the next few days. I appreciated his call. I love to hear what is going on in his life.

I think back to that phone call as I wonder, what God is doing today? What’s on His agenda?

Well, I think He is doing pretty much what He does every day. I’ll list what comes to mind in no particular order because He does what he does, simultaneously. The Bible tells us He can be everywhere at once and do every thing at once. Here are some insights from His Word:

1) He is active in listening to, and answering, prayers. I Peter 3:12- “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer.”

2)  He literally holds this universe together. Hebrews 1:3a- “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word…”

3)  He is creating. Not only did He create the heavens and the earth as we read in the book of Genesis, but John 14:6 quotes Jesus as saying “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?” The who He is referring to is believers—those who put their faith in Jesus.

4) He is protecting. Isaiah 41:10- “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

5) He is forgiving. Hebrews 7:25- Jesus “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”

I am sure this is not an exhaustive list. Please comment by adding to the above others that you think of, including the scriptural reference.

Our God is always with us…always awake…always watching over us… He is the same today, tomorrow, and always!

Brenda

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Feb 9

The Ultimate Valentine

by Brenda Poulos

Romans 1:20- For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

We hadn’t used binoculars since we camped in northern Arizona. Now, I pulled them out of the closet and packed them into our suitcase. We were heading for a whale watching excursion in the Pacific Ocean as part of our vacation in San Clemente, California.

The binoculars would help us detect the large mammals from a distance, bringing them into focus even from far away. Without them, we might never know that these spectacular creatures were anywhere nearby.

The Bible says one day we will see God. We will “Behold Him” in all of His Glory. We won’t need binoculars—we’ll see Him face-to-face!

But what about now? Is there any way to see Him—to recognize Him in our daily lives here on earth?

His Word tells us we can see evidence of Him all around us— in the heavens and on the earth. That even in those places where the gospel hasn’t been preached, people can know of Him because all of nature testifies of Him!

This earth, this galaxy, didn’t come into existence because of some “Big Bang!” They were created for us to inhabit, for our enjoyment, in order to increase our awareness of our Heavenly Father. All of creation gives evidence of the great love of God for His children.

The rainbow…a waterfall…the hummingbird…sunrise and sunset…ocean waves…a summer breeze… a colorful butterfly…sunbeams streaming through a windowpane…stars, moon, planets, and puffy clouds… Take a second look at them, today. Think about the one who created them: our Heavenly Father.

He loved us so much that He made all of nature for our pleasure, but more than this, he made them to send us a message. A message that He exists, that He loves us, that He wants to connect with us. They tell of His divine nature and His great power.

God was in control as He created. Today, He IS still in control. Although things may not always seem to be going “right”, He IS near us. He will have the ultimate victory!

This world may be all about Valentines and lace and sparkly diamonds, but He is about a universe filled with reminders that His love is unfailing, unending. Love in its purest form, for by His very nature, HE IS LOVE.

Brenda

 

 

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Feb 2

Lip Sync?

by Brenda Poulos

Jeremiah 23:26– How long will there be lies in the hearts of those who speak false words in My name, who speak the lies of their own heart?

On the morning news I heard a story about a recent Lip Sync contest that took place on a late night television show. A video clip showed famous celebrities belting out the lyrics to popular contemporary songs and the audience cheering them on, as if they were hearing the actual artists themselves. In most cases, it was virtually impossible to tell they were not really singing the words themselves!

I think about the voice of God. Is it possible for us to know if it is really His voice we are listening to, or that of someone else? Someone who may say similar words, but twist them ever so slightly so that the meaning is distorted? The intent to misguide…

How can we know His true voice? How can we recognize the voice of impostors who really mean to lead us away from The Truth?

Television talk shows, social media, magazines—the list goes on and on. It won’t take much effort to find voices in every venue that purport to know and proclaim their own “truth.” If we are not careful, we may fall prey to their message. We may, in fact, be led away from the True and Living God we so earnestly seek.

There are hundreds of books to be read. There are opportunities to attend church or even watch worship services from your own living room. You can read online commentaries. The list is never ending.

So, I ask you, again: How will you know the message is from God? How will you know His true voice from that of the Lip Syncers of this world?

The Bible, as God’s Word, is His message to us. It is the only written word that is 100% endorsed by Him. So, when we read or hear other voices, the way to know if they voice His Truth is to simply check out the message they bring against what The Bible says. If their words align with the Bible, they can be believed as trusted sources. If they conflict, discard what they say and believe God’s Word every time.

If you do, you’ll never go wrong, never be led astray, never be caught wondering if it is really HIS Voice.

Brenda

 

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Dec 28

Is All That Glitters Really Gold?

by Brenda Poulos

Revelation 22:13 and 16b: “I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last…I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.”

The young woman at the restaurant flashed her engagement ring to the five other young ladies seated at her table.

“It’s so HUGE! Is it real?” one girl asked.

“I didn’t know Dave had that much money,” another chimed in.

“I’d get it appraised, and then insured. In that order,” offered yet another guest.

In a world full of fake jewels, furs, purses—even flowers—conversations like this are not uncommon. The quest for what is real is an ongoing one. No one wants to be outwitted or fall for a counterfeit, a reproduction, a copy.

We all want the “real deal”, don’t we? We have an aversion to being duped.

So it is with people. We want to know that our friends are really our friends. That they don’t pretend to be our friends to our faces, and then talk about us behind our backs. We want to be able to depend on the fact that they are who they say they are.

The Bible tells us that we can be sure that Jesus is who He claims to be. That He cannot—and does not—ever lie. His Word assures us of who He is and that we can truly depend on Him to do what He says He will do. He keeps His promises. He never fails. He never changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

One day, believers will meet Him in Heaven. We will see Him “face-to-face.”

We are not waiting to see a phony. We are looking forward to seeing our God, our Savior, our Lord. The true and Living Word…in all His Glory…our Bright and Morning Star!

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Nov 24

The Sunrise–God’s Reminder

by Brenda Poulos

Colossions 4:2– Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.

Our youngest grandson turned nine years old this month. I looked at the envelope in my hand. It was his thank you note for the “big” gift from us—new rollerblades.

Saying thank you is important, whether it’s in person, a phone call, or a written note, like Owen sent. So, how and when do we thank our Heavenly Father for His many gifts?

Hopefully, we don’t wait until a designated holiday rolls around to remind us to thank God for His blessings and for answered prayer. We have so much to be thankful for, on a daily basis, that we need to remember to thank Him every day.

I have been as guilty as anyone for praying petitions—asking for things—but failing to acknowledge Him in words of thanks when my prayers are answered. The Bible reminds us that His mercies are new every morning, so I have started using the sunrise to remind me, daily, to praise and thank God for His abiding love, His provision, and for answered prayer.

Beginning each day with a thankful heart helps me keep the rest of my day in perspective. It doesn’t require stationary, a stamp, or the U.S. Postal Service. I simply need to bow my head each morning to acknowledge my Creator, my Savior, my Lord.

How and when do you thank God? Please leave a comment.

Brenda

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Nov 17

Lost and Found

by Brenda Poulos

Luke 15:8– “What woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost’.”

Last week, I lost the cross necklace I had just written about in my blog. I reached up to straighten it’s chain and it was gone. I checked in our bed, the shower, the car, and on the floor of every room in the house. It just wasn’t there. I was devastated!

Yes, I did have another cross I could wear, but I had worn the “lost” cross for more than 15 years. It was precious to me.

“Please God, let me find it!” I asked, fervently. I prayed for Him to shine his light on it…to guide us to wherever it was. Two days later, I rejoiced with a friend when my husband found it atop a roll of carpet we had pulled up in our renovation, glistening as the late morning sun shined on it through a dusty window.

I thought of the lady in the Bible who went around her house looking everywhere for a lost coin. She had other coins, too, but she lit her lamp and rejoiced when she found her lost silver coin. She even called her friends to let them know.

The verse following Luke15:8, above, reminds us that “…there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” You and I were the reason for their rejoicing at one time. When we tell others of His love and forgiveness of sins, and they come to Christ, the angels will rejoice with us in their salvation, too!

What better day, than today, to ask God to shine His light onto the heart of a relative or friend? We can all rejoice together that the one that was once lost is, now, “found”!

Brenda

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