spiritualsnippets.com

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

Need Directions?

Jeremiah 6:16- “This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”

As we sat around the table last week, talking with friends, we reminisced about times “gone by.” We related stories about games we used to play, foods we ate, freedoms we had as youngsters growing up.

It saddened us to think about all of the experiences we had in childhood that our children and grandchildren will never have.

They are living in a world run by technology and some will only read about hayrides, fishing derbies, and The Andy Griffith Show in books or online searches. Perhaps a few will sit still long enough to listen to stories told by Grandma and Grandpa.

Jeremiah reminds us that, indeed, we stand at a crossroads. There is much for all of us to learn from the past. Even more to learn from the Bible.

And, although we may have a Bible App on our phone or tablet, the words written in the Bible have not changed through the ages. In fact, they are still just as applicable to our current lives as they were when they were written.

Need direction for your life?

Listen to Jeremiah:

Stand at the crossroads and look;

Ask for the ancient paths…where the good way is.

Walk in it and find rest for your soul.

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“Here I Am!”

Revelation 3:20- “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”

Rhonda and Dwayne drove slowly through the once-small city in Arizona where they both had been born and raised. Where they met, fell in love, and married.

Nothing looked the same. High rise apartment buildings seemed to have sprung up on every corner. Old landmarks had disappeared. The place was almost unrecognizable.

Dwayne pulled over and studied the handwritten map Joe had sent. He doubled back. They had missed the turn.

Joe and Sandy were waiting on the porch when Dwayne pulled the SUV into their driveway. They had changed. Gray hair. Lines on their foreheads and at the corners of their eyes. 

Rhonda and Dwayne had aged quite a bit, too. Fourteen years will do that to you. 

But three hours later, the uneasiness at seeing each other after such a long time was gone. The awkward conversation had vanished. It was just like old times. 

They were family. Laughing, joking, telling stories. Eating a Thanksgiving meal together.

As Rhonda and Dwayne started for home the next morning, both couples promised to keep in touch and visit more often. Even if face-to-face trips weren’t possible, phone calls, emails, and Face Time would suffice until they could be together again.

God must feel that way, sometimes, too.

Listen. You can hear Him say

“Come over more often…”

“Stay longer…”

“Don’t forget to call…”

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A Change in Routine

Matthew 7:25– “The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”

Mel and Agnes sat on the balcony outside their small Assisted Living Apartment. Nothing seemed the same anymore. People to cook their meals, do their laundry, put them to bed at night.

Their routines were changed, the food was not always prepared to their liking, the cleaning wasn’t the way Agnes would have done it.

Then, on top of everything else, Covid-19 struck. And, with it, regulations on who could visit, how to deal with doctor’s appointments and family gatherings. Even the ability to go to church or shopping.

Not long afterward, an explosive political climate and uncertainty in the stock market took a big chunk out of their investments.

Their situation seemed more serious by the day. 

What would they do?

Instead of listening to the newscasts and becoming anxious, they sought comfort in God’s Word. Matthew 7, reminded them of their firm foundation in the Lord.

So, instead of complaining, they chose to be thankful.

Instead of tears, they chose joy.

Instead of listening to the “world” and seeking their own solutions, they chose the comfort and assurances they found in God’s Holy Word.

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Disappointed?

Nahum 1:7- “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.”

Keep the faith.

Keep trusting God.

God is omniscient.

He knows everything. From beginning to end.

Be assured of His love for us.

God is omnipotent.

All powerful.

He can—and does—turn even what seems to us to be the worst of situations into good.

Even though we may be disappointed in current circumstances, we can choose to believe that

God is still able.

He is still God.

He loves us.

He will make a way for us.

He reigns!

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He Sees Your Heart

I Samuel 16:17b– “… The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

I nearly passed up a friend at the grocery store this week. Her mask kept me from recognizing her—until I heard her voice.

Covid-19. Social distancing and…masks.

It’s become a way of life in our world this year.

A son comes home from war, left to live with the horrors he has seen. Parents hardly recognize the young man he’s become.

A familiar scenario for far too many.

God tells us in I Samuel that God knows us. He knows our hearts.

Whether you are a lost sheep in need of a Shepherd or a believer in need of your Father’s encouragement, have faith and trust in the Lord.

He knows us. He sees beneath that “happy mask” we often wear for family and friends. 

He knows our needs. He’s here for us. He sees our hearts.

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