spiritualsnippets.com

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

Using Our Gifts

Romans 12: 6-8 ~ ““We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”

Ultimately, God’s will for each of us is to glorify him by telling others about Him and living our lives in such a way that others will accept Jesus as Savior.

Beyond that, I know that most Christians are looking for ways in which they can make a difference in the world by “being the hands and feet of Jesus.”

For both of those reasons, I began writing some seven years ago. I have been encouraged by my readers’ feedback. It has been a wonderful experience to use my writing gifts to honor our Lord.

My latest book, Cat’s Cradle, was enjoyable to write from a child’s perspective. It is the fourth and final book in the Simon Says series.  The following is the back cover copy. It is available on www.Amazon.com/books in e-book, paperback, and hardcover.

You may want to read the previous books in the series, first. However, by reading the Prologue in Cat’s Cradle, you should be able to understand the story well enough to thoroughly enjoy it.

When Mary learns that Simon—the man who kidnapped her last summer, and now dominates her recurring nightmares—is actually her biological father, her world turns upside down.

She is frustrated and fearful.

Confused about family relationships. 

Unsure about the permanence of friendships. 

And it comes out in her behavior at school and at home.

Faced with life’s new reality and an uncertain future, will Mary learn to forgive others, accept responsibility for her own actions, and place her faith in her heavenly Father?

It’s a lot for anyone. But she is only six years old!

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Listening First

James 1:19“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

My husband ran in the direction of my screams and killed a snake at our home. It was “harmless,” he said. “Rest easy, it wasn’t a deadly rattlesnake.”

“I guess so, but at least a rattlesnake would have given me a warning he was there.”

Warnings are important. Given so we will reduce our speed in traffic, refrain from using harmful chemicals indoors, or stop before putting a “DRY CLEAN ONLY” garment in the washing machine.

The verse from James is one of many warnings in the Bible. His message?

There’s a lot of turmoil in the world today. Emotions are at an all-time high.

The social climate is such that we can easily alienate those who we are wanting to influence.

Even though we want to be heard, believers must also be willing to give others respect so they can speak freely. When we do, we can learn so much more about “where they are coming from.” If we will listen to them and show them that we truly care, we’ll be better able to know how to answer their questions.

Choosing our words carefully and sparingly is key to communicating the love of God to others. 

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His Radiance

John 14:9– “Jesus saith unto him, ‘Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? He that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?’”

Hearing songs like, “My Father’s Eyes” and “Let Me Be Like You”, remind us that the songwriters were inspired by the desire to see the lost from God’s perspective.

I’m sure you have heard the phrase “Be the Hands and Feet of Jesus”…fulfill the great commission. If one sees a sister or a brother in need, help them as Jesus would. 

We should live our lives in such a way that others see Christ living in us. Our speech and actions should reflect those of our Heavenly Father.

What a privilege it is for us to be the hands and feet of Jesus, as His representatives, here on earth…to do the work he has left us to do. To spread love, mercy, and kindness wherever we go.

Have you ever met someone who just “glows” with the radiance of Christ’s love? I ‘d like to be that someone. How about you?

With the power of the Holy Spirit working within us, we can be. As we let Him control our lives and actions, we will be.

It goes deeper than a beautiful smile. It is the outward radiance of our inward relationship with the Father—living in such a way that others recognize the Father’s presence when they are around us.

As ambassadors for Christ, we can show His love by actions that are worthy of calling ourselves Christians…Christ followers…earthy representatives of our Heavenly Father.

There’s someone out there who needs a helping hand or a word of encouragement today. 

Maybe they need to hear the gospel. 

When our paths cross, let’s make sure that when they see us, they see The Father. 

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Follow the Leader

Deuteronomy 13:4- “It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.”

Enjoying a morning cup of coffee on my patio under the shadow of the Superstition Mountains, a sudden movement caught my eye. 

A family of quail, complete with seven baby chicks, was making its way across our driveway!

Of all the beauty of the desert (including those majestic mountains) the one thing I enjoy most is watching those sweet baby birds, all of two inches tall, following after their parents in the early mornings and late afternoons each spring. 

Innocent and helpless, the chicks need the guidance of their parents on their first outings across the desert floor. Predators, such as coyotes, snakes, and javelina make it necessary that they follow closely behind, in order to survive in this harsh environment.

I am reminded that I need to follow my Heavenly Father’s guidance, also. How will I be able to deal effectively with feelings of loneliness when my husband is working out of town? How can I tell a friend the hard truth, in a kind and loving manner?

God’s Word gives me assurance, direction, and peace. I have nothing to fear as I navigate through my day.

He knows the way.

All I have to do is follow.

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Sweeter Than Honey

Psalm 119:103- “How sweet are Your words to my taste; Sweeter than honey to my mouth.”

Bibles can be purchased in a vast array of styles, covers, print options, sizes, and so on. In fact, many of us have several copies: thin, New Testament only, study Bibles. Some zip, others have handles, some children’s Bibles sparkle—variations abound. 

Because the Bible is so accessible, so plentiful, many of us take it for granted. 

However, there are some countries where seeing a copy of the Bible is a rarity. And whether that is because of poverty or lack of religious freedom, the Bible is revered as the precious Word of God that it truly is. If those people had an opportunity to see—even touch—a Bible, it would cause quite a stir. 

Glance in the direction of your bookshelf or bedside table and see the miracle displayed there in the form of a book inspired by the Holy Spirit. 

Now open it to Psalm 119:103. Meditate, along with the psalmist, on the words written there. In the wonder of the moment, imagine the words to be as sweet on your own tongue, as they were to him when he penned them. 

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