spiritualsnippets.com

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

Aug 3

Is God On The Throne?

by Brenda Poulos

Exodus 20:3 and Deuteronomy 5:7- “You shall have no other gods before me.”

You may say, with a sigh of relief, “That’s an easy command to keep. I worship God and Him, only. The Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”

On the surface, this may seem to be true. However, let’s dig a little deeper into the true meaning of this otherwise “simple” command. Some of us, would have to admit that at some point in our lifetime, something or someone else has become a “god” to us.

Let’s look at the definition of “god”: an adored, admired, or influential person. For example, a renowned designer may be regarded as a “god” in the fashion industry.

  • a thing accorded the supreme importance appropriate to a god: For example, don’t make money your god.

This word “god” is often used interchangeably with the word “idol”, an object that is worshipped.

Anything can become a god in our lives if we let it take control of our thoughts and actions…if we put it on the throne of our lives in place of our Lord and Savior who rightfully belongs there.

Here are a few such idols I thought of. (There are, undoubtedly hundred more.) Fame, family, fitness, food, football, golf, fortune, free time, fun, television…

To alcoholics, alcohol may have become their god, taking control of their thoughts, actions, and desires. To addicts, it is the drugs their bodies crave.

The list goes on to include gambling addicts, shopaholics, those trapped in a lifestyle of pornography, and on and on.

Some of these things are good, such as food. But when eating gets out of control and we begin the worship food…let it control us, we have crossed the line into dangerous territory.

So, how do we keep that from happening? We ask God for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in turning away from these “false gods” and back to Him. We pray for the strength necessary to repent from this kind of sin in our lives and toward the One True God. We ask others to pray for us, too.

We “keep our hearts and minds on Christ Jesus” as we are reminded to do in the scriptures. Daily Bible reading and memorization is key to renewing our minds.

If we need to, we seek Christian Counseling from our pastors and/or mental health professionals.

Jesus asks us to worship Him with all our hearts, our souls, and our minds.

Anything else we allow on the throne of our lives will steal our joy and erode our relationship with Him.

Biblical lessons

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Nov 10

I Didn’t Know That You Were A Christian!

by Brenda Poulos

2 Corinthians 3:2- “You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all.”

Many years ago, a fellow teacher at my school noticed the cross that I wear as a daily reminder to myself of what Christ did for me when He died on the cross. She looked at me and said words I will never forget, “I didn’t know that you were a Christian!”

That was one of the saddest comments I had ever heard, but it changed my life, profoundly. I didn’t want people to only know that I was a Christian because of a piece of jewelry. I wanted them to see Christ in me!

Immediately, I asked God to show me ways in which I needed to change so that other’s might know that I was His child. I didn’t want to be a fake. I wanted my life to be representative of a daily walk with my Savior.

Like the King’s messengers in Bible times, that took his communications bearing his signet ring embossed in the seal of wax, I want my life to show my commitment to Christ and be an outward sign of what He has done in my heart. As His representative here on earth, I want to glorify Him through my life and actions.

Do I mess up? Of course I do! But, because He forgives his children, I am able to start over again. He knows my heart, and He sends the Holy Spirit to help me move forward so that, hopefully, I will never have to hear another person say that they weren’t aware that I am a Christian.

Brenda

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Oct 13

Your Face, His Smile

by Brenda Poulos

John 14:9– “Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? He that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?”

Hearing songs like, “My Father’s Eyes” and “Let Me Be Like You”, remind me that the songwriters were inspired by the desire to see the lost from the perspective of God. They desired to walk as Jesus walked and treat others as Jesus did.

I’m sure you have heard the phrase “Be the Hands and Feet of Jesus”…fulfill the great commission. If one sees a sister or a brother in need, help them as Jesus would. This is the impetus for many humanitarians who offer medical and financial help to those suffering from disease and poverty around the world.

As I read from John 14, yesterday, I was impacted by the part of the verse that I have bolded (above). Yes, the verse is referring to Jesus, specifically. It was given in reply to Phillip’s request, “Show us the Father.” Jesus said that since Phillip had seen Him, he had already seen the Father, because they are one.

But, when I read the verse, I saw another meaning for me. A message beyond the obvious. Such a simple message that I have missed it for decades. And, the message is this: As I live out my life, I am to do so in such a way that others see Christ living in me.  That my speech and actions should reflect those of my Heavenly Father.

From that perspective, what a privilege it is for us to be the hands and feet of Jesus, as His representatives, here on earth…to do the work he has left us to do. To spread love, mercy, and kindness wherever we go.

Have you ever met someone who just “glows” with the radiance of Christ’s love? I ‘d like to be that someone. How about you?

With the power of the Holy Spirit working within us, we can be. As we let Him control our lives and actions, we will be.

We know it is goes deeper than a beautiful smile. It is the outward radiance of our inward relationship with the Father. The desire to live our lives as a reflection of the Father must be kindled by the fact that we want to live in such a way that others recognize the Father’s presence when they are around us.

As ambassador’s for Christ wherever we go, we can show the love of Christ by actions that are worthy of calling ourselves Christians…Christ followers…earthy representatives of our Heavenly Father.

There’s someone out there who needs us to be more than just another pretty face. It may be that they need a helping hand or a word of encouragement. Maybe they need to hear the gospel. Whatever it is, when our paths cross this week—or this month—let’s make sure that when they see us, they see The Father. 

 

Brenda

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