spiritualsnippets.com

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

What’s the Alternative?

Deuteronomy 6: 6-9: “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”

My husband and I used to like going to the movies, but we haven’t been to one in months.

We even enjoyed the previews. But not anymore.

They are filled with such violence and horror we’d never consider watching that sort of thing for 90 minutes!

I shudder to think what these are doing to young people’s minds.

We need to show them there are alternatives in good wholesome literature, Christian films, and—first and foremost—God’s Word.

We must monitor what they see on the internet. What they hear on the radio. Who they choose as friends.

It’s harder to be parents in today’s world than it was in previous generations. Christian parents and grandparents must take their responsibility seriously… be good role models… take their children to church and make sure their kids see them reading the Bible… help the young ones memorize scripture.

This verse from Deuteronomy emphasizes the importance for all of us to be intentional in raising children. If it was important centuries ago, it is even more so today.

Leave a comment »

Are You Adopted?

Ephesians 1:5- “He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.”

My husband is Greek. I am mostly German. Our “bestie” couple friends are Italian and belong to an Italian club.

They asked us if we wanted to join and we reminded them that we are not Italian.

They said it didn’t matter. We’d be “adopted in.”

We had a great time at the Italian picnic as newbie Italians. On the way home, I thought about the Bible reference regarding our “adoption as sons of God.”

So, just what does it mean to be adopted into God’s family?

It’s simple. When we come to faith in Christ, we are adopted into His family and given all the rights that heirs of God possess.

God doesn’t adopt people because they are worthy. He adopts them on the basis of His grace.

Christians are forever part of God’s family.

Leave a comment »

Big Race Preparations

Acts 20:24- “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Formula One is a popular race car event which is coming once again to the Las Vegas area.

Weeks ahead of the event, crews work around the clock, building bridges, roadways, and other related venues. Local traffic is rerouted and some roads are even closed. It is an event that impacts citizens, business owners, and boosts the economy.

Like I said, it is a race, so another piece of this giant puzzle is the preparedness of the race car drivers. During training, they focus on physical prowess, diet, mental and physical training.

The Apostle Paul reminds Christians that our lives are planned out by God. He has set a race before us—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Bible verses tell us that reading/memorizing scripture and prayer are the key ways Christians are to prepare “train” ourselves for the task He has given us.

Will we be prepared? Will we finish our race confidently?

Leave a comment »

An Encouraging Word

Psalm 10:17,18- “You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed.”

With the devastation of the recent tropical storm, Helene, and the prediction of a “new” one, Milton, threatening Florida, my heart goes out to those affected.

Fires, pestilence, winds, flooding. So many causes for concern in our world.

What do people do if they don’t have the calming influence of God in their lives?

I can only imagine the overwhelming fear, disappointment, and sorrow associated with the loss of lives and property.

Where do non-believers turn for encouragement?

They just might turn to you.

Christians, be ready with a message of hope for a hurting world.

Psalm is packed full of verses which can be easily shared with those who need assurance that God cares and is in control. I’ve written a dozen or so on notecards that easily fit in my purse and can be given away at a moment’s notice. My heart was blessed as I copied them down, knowing they are ready to bless someone in need.

Leave a comment »