spiritualsnippets.com

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

Dec 27

365 Days A Year

by Brenda Poulos

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Psalm 22:27-“All the ends of the world shall remember and turn to the Lord, And all the families of the nations Shall worship before You.”

 

J.J. holds his mother’s hand as she leads him out of the candle lit sanctuary. “I liked the baby Jesus, and the angels. The sheep were funny,” he said excitedly. “Can we come again next week?”

“This is Christmas, honey. It’s special for this holiday. We can come, again, next year, if you’d like.”

Across town, Sarah and her family take the ornaments off the tree, pack them away and place them back into the attic. “The tree was so pretty. When can we decorate again?”

“Next Christmas.”

Yes, Christmas is over. Everything goes back in its box…put away until

Next year.

And, along with the songs, the lights, and the ornaments, much too often, is the Lord Jesus.

Placed back in the manger.

Back on the shelf in the attic.

Until next year.

Unfortunately, there are many are willing to worship the babe in the manger at Christmas, but don’t recognize that it was He who grew up to the be Savior of the world…their Savior.

Are you someone who finds it’s acceptable to worship the occupant of the manger, but that’s where it ends with you? Is it somehow frightening to worship the Savior of The Cross?

To do this would mean that you somehow bear some responsibility to give Him his rightful place in your life all year long, wouldn’t it?  It would require a commitment…a change of course.

No longer would Christmas be just a ritual or an event.

It would become a life of worship and service in which your heart would be turned toward Him every day.

A heart living out the promise of Christmas 365 days a year.

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Dec 25

No Tree This Year

by Brenda Poulos

Galatians 4:4- “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law.”

 

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For several reasons, we decided not to put up a Christmas Tree this year.

Instead, the focal point in our living room is a lovely pottery Nativity which was painted by my sister-in-law more than three decades ago. We have displayed it for many, many Christmases.

The cow no longer has one of his horns. The saddle on one of the camels, one ear of the donkey, and the face of the shepherd boy have been chipped over the years.

The nativity may not look quite as beautiful as it once did, but I am enjoying it more than ever before.

I guess it was only natural to spend so much time and effort on our trees in the past. After all, it takes hours to place the lights and ornaments on it just so. Then there’s arrangement of the tree skirt and the placement of the packages underneath…

But, as I said, this year our focus is on the Nativity: Mary, Joseph, the babe in the manger, the Wise Men and the Shepherds, the livestock, and the Angel which appears to be hovering overhead.

God planned the redemption of humankind and, at just the right time, he sent his son, Jesus, into the world. God in the flesh, born in a stable and lying in a manger.

The story gets more beautiful with time. Nothing chipped, cracked, or missing.

The birth of our Lord in the fulness of time.

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Nov 7

Need Help Doing What is Right?

by Brenda Poulos

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Romans 7:15-  “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do, but what I hate I do.”

 

Have you ever felt like Paul in this verse from Romans?

Does it seem the more you try not to do something you know is wrong, the more you find yourself doing it?

It could be lying.

Perhaps speaking your spouse with sharp words.

Maybe it’s being critical of someone else’s actions.

Or watching something inappropriate.

You try not to do it. You really make an effort. You pray to God for help.

We all have similar stories, don’t we?

So, what gives?

The Apostle Paul wrote the words in Romans 7:15. Even though he was a mature christian, but he admitted to doing the very things he didn’t want to do!

Perhaps one of the marks of a mature Christian is the awareness of this struggle with evil in our lives.

So, like Paul, we find ourselves saying, “What is wrong with me? How come? The very good that I want to do, I do not do. That which I don’t want to do, is precisely what I do?”

If we read on to the end of Chapter 7, a verse pops out at us: “Thanks be to God for Jesus Christ our Lord.” And, if we proceed into Chapter 8, Paul talks about the power of the Holy Spirit to give us strength to conquer our sins…our destructive behaviors that hurt us, those we love, and strain our relationships.

One of the reasons He gave us the Holy Spirit was to help us do what is right.

If we are forgiven through the death of Christ on the cross, why do we still live with the truth from chapter seven?

The truth is, we are both saint and sinner. And, as long as we live here on earth, we will experience this struggle.

So, take hold of the power of the Holy Spirit to help you conquer your weaknesses as they show up in your daily life.

Then, thank God for victory over the very things that keep you from a deep and satisfying relationship with Him and those you love.

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Oct 16

What Do Wine, Fish, and Clay Have in Common?

by Brenda Poulos

Jeremiah 18:4– “But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.”

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Great cooks put unusual ingredients together on national television and end up with mouth-watering meals and desserts.

I thought I’d try it.

I opened the refrigerator and took out a little of this and a little of that.

Everything went into the skillet. Fifteen minutes later I dished it onto plates and set them on the table.

“Not half bad,” my husband remarked as he reached for a second glass of water.

I smiled.

It was nothing like the account of Jesus turning water into wine at a wedding, or when He took five loaves and two fishes and fed 5,000 people, but still…

What about Jesus completely changing a person?

You may know someone who had a hardened heart, unwholesome habits, spoke unkindly to others, made life miserable for his family. Then, after responding to the gospel, he changed completely.

His outward smile now gave evidence of his changed heart.

His speech, his habits, his attitude—all of it changed when he met the Lord.

Jesus says He’s the potter and we are the clay.

If we let Him, He is willing to make something beautiful out of us—

a vessel He can use for His good purpose.

 

 

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Oct 9

Up Close and Personal

by Brenda Poulos

Luke 19:1-4  “Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. 3 He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.”

 

In the late 1950’s, President Dwight Eisenhower made a stop in Phoenix, Arizona.

Dad loaded our family of six into the car and drove for more than an hour to the airport. There, we joined other folk at the chainlink fence separating the runway from a stretch of desert.  30032881542_2be5c5e44e

The air crackled with excitement as we kept watching the late afternoon sky for a sign of his arrival. When his plane landed, he walked over to the fence and shook hands with those fortunate enough to be in the front row. He even kissed a couple of babies, as I recall.

The crowd was quite large for those times and most were adults, so Dad gave each of us a turn to sit on his shoulders so we could see the beloved “IKE.”

We had quite a tale to tell at school the next day. Not only had we laid eyes on the President, we had also been allowed to stay up past our bedtime!

Yes, it was quite an experience—one I have never forgotten.

A Bible story I have never forgotten, either, is that of Zacchaeus, who wanted to see Jesus so badly that he climbed a tree to get a better view.

Many years later, I learned that the sycamore tree is not a tall and sturdy tree. But, I guess it gave him just enough of a boost that he achieved his goal.

Not only did he see Jesus, but Jesus noticed him. He even invited himself over to Zacchaeus’s house that very evening!

As much as I enjoyed seeing our nation’s thirty-fourth president up close, I know nothing will compare to experiencing a personal greeting from Jesus in Heaven.

If you are a Christian, you won’t need to sit on anyone’s shoulders or climb a tree to see Him.

There won’t be a chainlink fence between you and your Savior.

We will see Him face-to-face.

And, word has it, He’s invited you to dinner.

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Oct 3

Imposter or “The Real Deal”?

by Brenda Poulos

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I Timothy 3:16b– “He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Artificial turf.

Carpet made from recycled tires.

Cauliflower. Mashed, it tastes like mashed potatoes.

Designer-look perfumes and purses.

False eyelashes.

Floor tile that looks like woodgrain.

Ritz crackers, baked with spices tastes like apple pie.

Silk plants/flowers.

Simulated stones.

Vinyl that looks and feels like leather.

 

FAKES.  IMPOSTERS.

The world is full of them.

 

The world is also home to false gods. They may be horoscopes, statues, planets, money…anything or anyone that people put their trust in is technically a “god” to them.

 

Sadly, they lead to disappointment…many with tragic consequences.

How can one tell a fake—an imposter—from the real thing?

The verse in First Timothy says Jesus was verified in six ways:

1.He appeared on earth in the flesh.

2.He was vindicated by the Holy Spirit.

3.He was seen by angels (and, if I might add, by many people)

4.He was preached about (by the disciples).

5.He was believed on by many people (…and the number is growing).

6.He was taken up (ascended) into heaven.

In today’s world, we use the word endorsement, to mean declaring approval, when we refer to lending credibility to a person, product, or claim.

In Matthew 3:17 God said of Jesus, “…This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

So, he has been verified and endorsed—by God the Father.

Jesus is not a fake. Not an imposter.

He’s the real deal.

He is the Son of God.

Our Savior. Our Redeemer.  Our risen Lord.

 

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Sep 18

Pink Grass. Really?

by Brenda Poulos

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Matthew 7:13– “Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road is broad that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.”

I read about a band of burglars that used little children to facilitate their break-ins of vacation homes. They directed them to enter through small “doggie-doors” and then unlock the doors to the homes so the adults could gain entry.

“If only it were that easy to get into Heaven,” you exclaim.

The Bible says Heaven’s gate is indeed narrow…and that not everyone is willing to listen to God’s instructions and follow Jesus.

Too many take the easy way…hoping to enter through the broad gate…

the way of the world

the way they think is best

the way of non-commitment

the way of denial.

But, the broad gate leads to destruction—an eternity without God!

One of my teachers used to illustrate the freedom of choice like this: a universal truth is  that a certain color is green. Let’s say someone comes along and calls it “pink.” They are welcome say that, but that doesn’t change the fact that it is green.

One can say that good works lead to Heaven, or that just being a nice person will earn them a place there, but that is just like calling the grass “pink.”

God’s Word says that JESUS is THE WAY

to the Father

to salvation

to Heaven.

The Bible says JESUS is the TRUTH

and the LIFE.

Here and now.

Forever and for all eternity.

Choose LIFE.

Choose JESUS.

Enter through the narrow gate.

 

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Aug 1

He Touched Me!!

by Brenda Poulos

Matthew 9:21– She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.”

I’m not a football fan. However, when I was in junior high and high school, my friends and I “watched” the Arizona State Sun Devils play from our seats in the End Zone. We were affectionately called “THE KNOT HOLE GANG.”

Although I wasn’t crazy about the game, I sure did like the players.

Back in those days, fans were allowed to form a line on each side of the entrance where the players came onto the field. We were close enough that we could reach out and touch an arm or the sleeve of a uniform. We got goosebumps every time.

I also loved movies. On a trip to Hollywood as a young adult, I remember swooning when Clint Eastwood shook my hand.

A young man puts his arm around his girlfriend’s shoulders—a loving touch.

A mother hold’s her sobbing child—a caring touch.

A concert pianist poises his hands above the black and white keys. The audience waits for—the touch of the master.

Two young men shake hands after an argument—the touch of friendship.

As incredible as each of these is, I can’t help but ask myself, “What would it be like to be touched by Jesus?”

In the book of Matthew, a woman declared that she knew she’d be healed just by touching the hem Jesus’s garment!

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She wasn’t a groupie or a young child idolizing a sports star. This was a serious situation.

She needed healing.

She knew she needed Jesus.

What about you?

Will you open your heart to be touched by Jesus? Allow his healing touch to make you whole again?

But, you say, Jesus doesn’t always choose to heal…

True.

Physical healing may not be in His plan for your life…or your loved ones’ lives.

But, He does want to heal your brokenness. He wants to use the disappointments and tragedies of our earthly lives to bring us to a place of dependance on Him. He wants to carry us through the troubled times, supporting us  with His strength.

He wants us to grow in our faith in Him. The kind of faith that believes He knows what is best for us and we trust Him to see us through…and to work out the difficulties we face for “the good of those who love Him and are called according to His good purpose.”

I have faith in a chair to hold me.

I have faith in my car to start each morning.

I have faith in my phone to keep me in touch with my family and friends.

But, I exercise my faith when I sit in the chair, turn the key in the ignition, and dial the phone.

Come to Him…in faith…believing.

Release control to Him…and experience His promises at work in your life.

Touch the hem of His garment.

 

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May 23

Do You Know What Will Happen Tomorrow?

by Brenda Poulos

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James 4:14- “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”

A friend of ours passed out while driving last week. His car hit a transformer and went up in flames. He was pulled out of the vehicle just in time. Praise God, he didn’t have a scratch on him!

As I thought about this miracle, the verse above came to mind. Even though we may say, “See you tomorrow” to our friends and family, none of us knows if that will be true or if a tragedy might claim our life.

That’s why it is so important that each of us is prepared to meet God. One day, we will either stand before Him, forgiven by the blood of Jesus, or guilty and without excuse.

Now is the time to get right with God.

Choose Jesus. We “…do not even know what will happen tomorrow.”

Choose Eternal Life in Heaven. We “…are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”

Choose the miracle of forgiveness.

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Apr 24

The Gate

by Brenda Poulos

John 14:6- “I (Jesus) am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

I rummage around in the console of my car for the remote control. One push of the button and the gate slowly opens, admitting me to the neighborhood.  Whether operating by a gate code, a special sticker on the car’s front window, or a “clicker”, I’m sure those of you living in gated communities understand if I confess that I still sigh with relief when the gate “recognizes” me and swings wide, granting access to my home.

I am speaking about my earthly home, of course.

But, what about my heavenly home? 25529773694_403d73b5bd

Is it true that some will be admitted to heaven, while others will be turned away?

According to this verse from the book of John, the only access to God and heaven comes through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ.

Christians find peace for their souls and reassurance of eternal life in heaven as they trust Jesus as Savior.

My heart aches for those who have not put their trust in Christ—those who will be turned away at the gate.

Don’t read this and think, “I’m a good person. Surely, God isn’t speaking about me.”

The Bible says that God is not a “respecter of persons.”  His laws apply to everyone, no matter their age, nationality, or earthly notoriety.

You may be beautiful in the eyes of the world. You may be smart, generous, and kind to others. You may be a hard worker, a good son or daughter, but if God cannot look at you and see his Son, then you will be left standing alone outside the gate.

YOU are the very reason I write this blog each week.

I pray that you will consider John 14:6 and that, in Christ, you will find the way to your eternal home.

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