spiritualsnippets.com

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

Apr 27

Worthless or Priceless?

by Brenda Poulos
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Psalm 51: 16,17- “You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart.”

I collect a pottery called Roseville. As part of the global world of antiques, it is sought  after—especially when it is in perfect condition.

However, if chipped or broken, it is nearly worthless on the resale market.

That’s the way it is with most antiques, however. Perfection is key.

What about human beings? 

The Bible tells us that no one is perfect.

But it also says that we are priceless to our God.

In fact, He wants us to come to Him with broken and contrite hearts, asking His forgiveness for our sins.

Then, because of His great love for us, He sees us as whole and perfect—because we are “covered” in the blood of His perfect son, JESUS!

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Apr 20

Why Did Jesus Come?

by Brenda Poulos
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John 18:37- ““So you are a king?” Pilate said. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. I was born and came into the world for this reason: to testify to the truth. Whoever accepts the truth listens to my voice.”

When asked why Jesus came to earth, most Christians would answer something like this:

To bring salvation to the world.

To offer forgiveness for our sins.

To give believers the gift of eternal life.

To fulfill the prophecies.

To bind up the brokenhearted and set the captives free!

EACH OF THOSE IS TRUE.

However, there is something more fundamental.

JESUS CAME TO TESTIFY TO THE TRUTH.

So, just what is “truth”? How can we know the truth?

I have recently begun a Bible Study by Focus on the Family, called THE TRUTH PROJECT. 

Since I began watching the DVD’s, I have been so excited to know Jesus on a deeper level than ever.

If you ARE a Christian, I pray that this blog post will encourage you to make a commitment to learning more about our Lord. THE TRUTH PROJECT IS AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.

And, if you are not currently a believer, consider purchasing THE TRUTH PROJECT and its accompanying workbook so you can jot down Bible verses and truths you discover along the way.

The Truth Project is available on Amazon. 

It is 13 one-hour DVD’s that look deeply into our moral compass as revealed in scripture, explaining both the relevance and importance of living the Christian Worldview in our daily lives.

Happy Easter! He is Risen!!

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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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Feb 9

A Cord of Three Strands

by Brenda Poulos
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Ecclesiastes 4:12- “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

In elementary school, I had two best friends. We did everything together. We defended and protected one another. We were a living example of a cord of three strands.

I have two sisters. We have always been close. When my parents passed away, we were able to support and comfort one another. Another example of a cord of three strands.

I am married to a good Christian man. We take care of, encourage, comfort, and uphold one another. Together, we are a cord of two strands. However, because we share a common faith, God forms the third cord in our relationship. 

When hard times come, when sorrow invades our lives, when physical ailments might otherwise tear us apart, the strong bond of three strands preserves us because…

A CORD OF THREE STRANDS IS NOT EASILY BROKEN.

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Dec 8

Why He Came

by Brenda Poulos
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John 3: 16-17. ““For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

Why, when I sat down to write this blog with a Christmas message, did my mind keep replaying images from Passion of The Christ?

It didn’t make sense until I reviewed the Christmas story and came across the gifts that were brought to baby Jesus.

One of them was myrrh, an embalming spice. It was a strange gift to bring a child, unless you consider who the child was—God in the flesh who came to earth with one purpose—to die on the cross for the sins of mankind.

This may have been the first clue to Mary and Joseph about the purpose their son would have on earth, but they already knew he would be special. From the message to Mary before her pregnancy to the starry host (angels) announcing the birth months later, and countless interactions they had with Him throughout his life here on earth, everything fit into God’s plan of salvation.

So, while we celebrate His birth at Christmas, we also have reason to also celebrate His death and resurrection.

For that is why He came.

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Oct 20

Are You Adopted?

by Brenda Poulos

Ephesians 1:5- “He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.”

My husband is Greek. I am mostly German. Our “bestie” couple friends are Italian and belong to an Italian club.

They asked us if we wanted to join and we reminded them that we are not Italian.

They said it didn’t matter. We’d be “adopted in.”

We had a great time at the Italian picnic as newbie Italians. On the way home, I thought about the Bible reference regarding our “adoption as sons of God.”

So, just what does it mean to be adopted into God’s family?

It’s simple. When we come to faith in Christ, we are adopted into His family and given all the rights that heirs of God possess.

God doesn’t adopt people because they are worthy. He adopts them on the basis of His grace.

Christians are forever part of God’s family.

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Aug 25

Fleeting and Elusive, Unless…

by Brenda Poulos

Psalm 33:18- “…the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love.”

Sports. Money. Beauty. Intellect. Fame. Experiences. 

These are some of the things the “world” says bring Joy and Hope.

Do they really?

I would agree that they do for a time—until the next problem comes along. Until someone disappoints you. Until an illness plagues someone you love. Until the supply runs out.

Happiness is fleeting—and elusive. You think that what you have found is “new” and “different” and will satisfy, until the next hardship…

And then, you’re searching again… 

Have you tried Jesus?

He’s the only one who can bring you true and lasting JOY and Hope.

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Mar 10

What Does the Cross Mean to You?

by Brenda Poulos

Isaiah 53:10- “It was the Lord’s will to crush Him.”

I have a “coffee table” book that I keep out and enjoy all year long, even though written with the “Easter Season” in mind.

Entitled, The Cross, author Max Lucado has done a phenomenal job with both the written and the pictorial presentation of the cross through the ages.

I agree with his statement that “No other image (in all of history) evokes such emotion.”

Compiled and published in 1998, it stirs my heart each and every time I read it.

On the cross, our creator and savior sacrificed himself for His creation. It was no accident. It was God’s plan… His choice… His will.

It was intentional and voluntary. An act of Grace. His plan of redemption.

John the Baptist called Jesus “The Lamb of God.” I call Him my Savior.

What does The Cross mean to you?

***Note, I will be taking the next 2-3 weeks to work on a home renovation. I will return to the keyboard the first of April. Easter Blessings, everyone!

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Feb 18

Perfect Love

by Brenda Poulos

Romans 8:38, 39- “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Since this is Valentine’s week, I can think of no truer love to talk about than the love that God sent to us in the form of his son. No truer love than that which sent Jesus to the cross to die for our sins.

The Bible tells us that God IS love. He is the very essence of love.

As human beings, our minds and actions are motivated—at times—by so many emotions: sadness, jealousy, hate, kindness, empathy, anger, and so on. It’s hard to imagine what it would be like to have love be our only motivation.

Many people spend much of their time serving others, volunteering, donating money, and so on. These unselfish acts of human kindness are hard for some of us to fathom. Even more so, would be the giving of one’s life for another. 

I remember the awe I experienced as a youngster when I heard of Jesus’s love for me. I still am filled with wonder and amazement when I contemplate the depth of His love—his perfect love for all of us.

Let’s send God a valentine today. A prayer of gratefulness for His perfect and undying love!

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Jan 21

Worth the Wait

by Brenda Poulos

Hebrews 6:15- “And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.”

Have you ever prayed fervently for something and—as yet—not have it come to pass?

Jen prayed that the “right” man would come along. For years, she prayed. But nothing happened.

Fast forward twenty-five years.

Jen connected with a nice man at her high school class reunion. They dated for awhile, but he ended up marrying someone else.

Ten more years went by.

Now retired, Jen became a volunteer at the county library where she met Hank. A nice guy. Funny and caring. Everything she’d hoped for—and more.

They married January 4, 2024.

When asked if he was worth waiting for, she answered an enthusiastic, yes!

God had answered both of their prayers—as he had been praying, too!!!

Like Abraham, Joseph, David, and Simeon, we find that waiting on God’s answers to prayer requires patience and faith. These men of the Bible persevered and trusted in God’s perfect timing even though they didn’t understand the wait.

The Lord’s plans for our lives are good. Patient waiting refines our character and glorifies God.

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