spiritualsnippets.com

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

Googling It, Spiritual Style

Shorter and more concise seems to be best for most of our reading these days, so I am going to run back thru my past blog posts in the next weeks ahead, shortening them up a bit. Here’s the first one. I hope you like this shortened version.

Psalm 119:105- “Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” 

I was visiting with my parents when a question about plant fertilizers came up. Dad, of course, touted the benefits of steer manure.

Mother brought up the effectiveness her own “compost.”

I suggested that we “GOOGLE IT”. After all, just about everything we need to know, is right there at our fingertips. Isn’t it?

But, what about questions of a spiritual nature? 

How should we respond to those who hurt us? What should we do with feelings of inadequacy, sadness, betrayal?

Proverbs 14:12 says, “there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” 

It is God’s Word that provides the answers for all of our concerns and problems.

So, whether you seek an answer to a Biblical truth or just need encouragement, try “Googling It Spiritual Style” and turn to our ultimate source, The Bible.

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Turn Pain Into Joy

Psalm 94:19- “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”

My family was able to see my parents (residing in Memory Care) for the second time this month. It has been a great experience to spend time with them after being locked down for so long.

At the end of our visit Dad, with tears in his eyes, said, “We’ve been so lonely. You don’t know what these two visits have meant to us. You’ve turned our pain into joy.”

On the drive home, I thought about the millions of people worldwide who are in pain—physical, emotional, and/or spiritual.

Being isolated from family and friends is overwhelming. Even a visit from a stranger who is willing to listen, can turn their heartache into a day filled with joy. And, if you are a Christian, reading from the Bible and praying with them can help them reconnect with God.

Volunteers are needed in our communities now more than ever. Even if you do not personally know someone in a nursing home, please think about asking one near you if you can make a visit to someone who may not have family nearby.

A smile—YOUR smile—might be just what someone needs today to turn their pain into joy.

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Are YOU That Someone?

Psalm 139: 8-10- “If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”

News broadcasts report that loneliness and depression in the pandemic have resulted in a staggering number of suicides.

Isolated. Cut off from friends, relatives, and colleagues.

Most of these people didn’t know the love of Jesus. Weren’t able to rely on His unfailing love.

If they had only known Him as their guide, comforter, and protector.

But God reminds us that they will only know if someone is willing to tell them. 

Are YOU that someone?

Will you step out in faith and share God’s Word with a hurting world?  

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Come Back Home

Luke 15:13b- “…the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living…(and) 17a- When he came to his senses, he said… 18b-Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.” 

We recently “rescued” a two-year-old dog that is incredibly sweet, loving, and (all-important) housebroken. However, he is very stubborn and this unfortunate trait is getting him in a bit of trouble.

He pulls on the leash instead of trotting obediently at my side. He refuses to come when we call his name. In short, he wants his own way.

When will he realize a bag of treats are ready and waiting for obedient doggies?

Which brings me to the story of the prodigal son who stubbornly wanted his share of his father’s inheritance. When he got it, he squandered it.

But, the story has a happy ending because he finally comes to his senses and returns home to apologize and beg forgiveness.

Have you reached a place in your life where you found what you were looking for couldn’t be found in “the world”? You realize that temporary pleasures are not deep and satisfying? 

If so, please put your faith in God.

Come back home and experience His best for you. 

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