spiritualsnippets.com

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

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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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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Jun 18

Our Heavenly Father

by Brenda Poulos

Revelation 21:6,7,8- “He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children. But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”

When I taught third grade, I had my students make Father’s Day cards for their dads.

One year, when astronauts, rockets, and space were dominating the news, I gave them this writing prompt for their message:     “My dad is the best dad in the world because…”

You can imagine some of the things these youngsters came up with, praising their fathers for many different reasons.

Today as we think about our heavenly father, there are many reasons to thank Him for being our Creator, Savior, Provider, Protector, and Sustainer.

But the verse in Revelation, tells us that He will also be our Avenger. He will right every wrong and rid the world of sin and death once and for all!

Today—and everyday—He is worthy of our praise… worship… and adoration.

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May 7

Reigning Forever

by Brenda Poulos

Revelation 19:6- “Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.”

I didn’t watch the coronation in England, yesterday, but I saw pictures of the royal festivities. 

Prince Charles—now King Charles. Historic.

It is likely he will reign for the next twenty years or so and, then—because human beings don’t live forever—Prince William will take the throne.

But as Christians we know that Jesus will reign forever. No one will—or could ever—take his place.

King of Kings. Lord of Lords. 

He is to be worshipped eternally by all who profess faith in him. What a joy it will be to join throngs of angels and saints of old to rejoice in him as Creator, Savior, and King!

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Sep 11

What is it About Pets?

by Brenda Poulos

1 John 4:19- “We love because he first loved us.”

Angie had a hard time healing emotionally after her Springer Spaniel, Rex, died. She had been shy growing up, and a bit of a “late bloomer” as her mother put it. But once she connected with Rex, her confidence grew by leaps and bounds.

He loved her no matter what and she thrived beyond all her parents could hope for.

Most people will tell you that the dog’s ability to give its owner unconditional love that is the reason they are so drawn to their pets.

The Bible tells us that we love Jesus because he first loved us—while we were sinners. He loves us unconditionally and we are drawn to Him with cords of love and grace.

Do you need someone in your life who will love you no matter what? Turn to Jesus and acknowledge Him as Savior and Lord. Experience His peace and unconditional love.

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Jul 24

Life Is Too Short

by Brenda Poulos

James 4:14- “yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.”

Life’s Too Short. Eat Dessert First.

Remember hearing that and laughing?

Life’s too Short. Live every day as if it was going to be your last. (Harry Morant)

Or, today is the first day of the rest of your life. (Unknown)

These quotes give pause, don’t they?  

Most of the time, we go throughout life without giving a thought that today might be our last.

Until…

We’re asked what’s on our bucket list.

Until…

We’re given a dreaded diagnosis.

And what is our reaction?

I would guess that Christians react somewhat differently than the rest of the world. Because we know the rest of our story.

We are all eternal beings. 

The difference between those who know Jesus as their Savior— and those who don’t—will determine where they will spend rest of eternity.

I don’t just write this blog for Christians, I write for those who haven’t yet accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

If that applies to YOU, please ask a Christian friend to explain the way to salvation to you; contact the pastor of a Christian church; attend a church service; talk with your parents (if they are Christians, they have been praying for you). 

Learn what it means to be assured of a life—after this one—where you can spend eternity in Heaven.

I invite you to read my bestseller, The Choice by Brenda C. Poulos. (Available in audio, paperback, hardcover, and e-book on Amazon/Books.)

Because the alternative is too alarming.

And this life is too short.

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Dec 19

Xmas vs. Christmas

by Brenda Poulos

Do you celebrate Christmas or Xmas?

Oh, yes, they are two very different things.

Xmas, although beautiful and memorable, is a social experience. It’s a gift-giving, cookie-baking, photo-taking season repeated year after year because of its feel-good/traditional/income-generating value.

Don’t believe me?

Look at Christmas. The added elements are the worship of the baby in the manger (who grows up to become the Savior of world); reflections on visits to him by angels, wise men, and shepherds; the revelation (and significance of) the virgin birth; candlelight church services, including the singing of hymns and reading of Holy Scriptures.

I invite you to experience the blessings that celebrating Christmas in its fullness will bring this year!

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Nov 14

The Eternals

by Brenda Poulos

John 3:16- “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

I watched the television previews for a new series this week. Called The Eternals, it is about a fictional group of super-powered beings whose job it is to preserve and safeguard the planet. The basic premise is that they have—and will—live forever. (At least that is what I conclude from the trailer.)

Humans have always been fascinated with the prospect of living forever. We’ve all heard about billionaires that die and have their bodies preserved for awakening at a predetermined time in the future.

Death, however, is seldom longed for—except, perhaps by those who are in intense physical pain, those emotionally disturbed, or the elderly.

But did you know that you can have the assurance of eternal life?

The Bible includes many verses referring to the promise of eternal life, given to believers by Jesus Christ. He is not a fictional character, like The Eternals. He is God’s Son who gave his life–shed his blood–to pay the penalty for our sin.

The gift of Eternal life is available to all who put their faith in him.

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Dec 20

True Adoration

by Brenda Poulos

Luke 2:20- The shepherds “returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen.”

*Part 2, from last week’s “Behold!”

Come, let us adore our Christ.

What is meant by the term adore?

Worshipping Him (and the truth of who He is) and rejoicing in Him with great joy.

Exceeding great joy is at the heart of true adoration.

LOVE, HONOR, ESTEEM, WORSHIP, ADMIRE, GLORIFY, PRAISE, REVERE, RESPECT DEEPLY.

With Genuine Faith in Who Jesus Really Is: 

The Child born king of the Jews.

God’s Son, our Savior, who reigns on His throne at the right hand of The Father.

Let’s adore Him with every thought we have, every goal we set, each decision we make, the words we speak and the actions we take.

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Dec 13

BEHOLD!

by Brenda Poulos

Ephesians 1:18-  “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.”

It’s that time of year when we think of the Christmas Story. 

“BEHOLD” the angels sing.

It means more than just “look at, or observe.”

A deeper meaning is “to look intently at…”

Letting the eyes of our hearts be enlightened and focused on Jesus—who He IS and what He has DONE for us.

Scripture tells us we were made to BEHOLD Him.

The more we come to know Him through scripture, prayer and worship, the more we can truly do that.

As we decorate our tree, BEHOLD HIM.

As we wrap our gifts, BEHOLD HIM.

As we light our candles, BEHOLD HIM.

As we sing our carols, BEHOLD HIM.

As we eat our Christmas dinner, BEHOLD HIM.

As we read the Christmas story, BEHOLD HIM.

As we wash the dishes, box up the decorations for another year of storage, as we dispose of the tree and pack away the box of Christmas C.D.’s… Each and every day all year long,

LET US BEHOLD HIM!

As our King, our Creator, our Savior, our Provider and

OUR GOD.

I

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