spiritualsnippets.com

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

A Better Place

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John 16:22- “Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.”

It has been just over a year that our twin great-granddaughters were born. They were premature and suffered birth defects. They went home to be with Jesus before we saw them.

This was a difficult time for everyone, as you can imagine.

It reminds me that “God gives and God takes away.”

When tragedies happen, it’s only human to focus on our losses.

It’s difficult to see that God’s tenderness and mercy are shown as he takes these little ones to himself—to a better place where He protects them from a future filled with pain and struggles—and welcomes them to life in Heaven where He makes them perfect and whole.

I envision our great granddaughters running, playing, smiling, and giggling . . . things they would have only dreamed of on earth. 

I’m thankful for a God who holds every life precious and whose love knows no boundaries . . . whose His compassion never ends.

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White as Snow

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Isaiah 1:18- “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.”

Accidentally washing a phone is NOT for the faint of heart.

I put my cell phone on top of my laundry basket and by the time I was ready to do the wash, I had forgotten all about it. I simply dumped everything into the washer, added soap, and turned it on.

About fifteen minutes later, I realized what I had done. With my heart pounding, I retrieved my phone from the soapy water and blow-dried it back to perfect health. 

I shudder to think what would have happened if I hadn’t saved it from the spin cycle!

My phone is squeaky clean and working just fine.

The incident reminded me of the experience of becoming a Christ-follower—a heart no longer defined by sin, but clean and white, as the Father intended.

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Want to Hear From God?

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“While he (Peter) was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him, I am well pleased. Listen to him!’” – Matthew 17:5

As recorded in Matthew, at Jesus’s transfiguration,Peter, James, and John heard God’s audible voice.

These are the same words God spoke when Jesus was baptized. 

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son;[d] with you I am well pleased.” Mark 1:9-11

Want to hear from God?

In these days and times, God speaks to people in several ways: through His Word, in prayer, in our thoughts, and often in the stillness around us.

It’s not about hearing the sound of His voice.

It’s about recognizing His Presence… asking for His direction and guidance. 

He promises that those who seek Him will Find Him when they seek Him with all their heart.

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He’s All the World to Me

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Isaiah 9:6- “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

As I was boxing up Christmas cards I received, I was struck by just how many had the above verse on the front cover.

Yes. The reason for the season is truly JESUS.

There are quite a few books written about this name, given by God’s command, through a visit by the angel Gabriel to Joseph and Mary.

Most of us, at one time or another, has looked up the meaning of our names. And, for the most part, each has only one meaning.

But Jesus?

He has over 200 names and titles, including Holy One, Messiah, Prince of Peace, Light of the World, King of Kings, The Word, Son of God, Word of Life, Alpha and Omega, Emmanuel, Bread of Life, Good Shepherd.

You can get the entire list online. Read them over slowly and you will be astounded, as was the composer who wrote that Jesus was her “All In All” or the one who said, “Jesus is all the world to me.”

If Jesus is everything to you, send me an “Amen!”

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He Can Make a Way for You

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Exodus 14:21- “Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the Lord drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.” 

I began writing my new book this week. As I was describing a big event, I thought of the phrase “of biblical proportions.” Used in many different situations—some religious, some not—I concluded the phrase didn’t always have to do with the Bible, per se.

In the dictionary, I found that “biblical proportions” is used to describe extraordinary or monumental events.

Are you perhaps facing challenges that seem insurmountable?

Do you feel trapped? . . . hopeless?

God can help you overcome even the greatest obstacles. You can draw courage from the story of the Red Sea—and many others—as they show that God is willing to intervene when we trust in Him. 

He can make a way for you.

Just like He did for Moses and the Israelites.

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A New Beginning

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Isaiah 43: 18,19- ”Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

Do you think of 2026 as the opportunity for a new beginning?

You’re not alone.

We all need the assurance that God has a plan for the future.

If you’re wanting to make a change in the coming year, start with prayer and Bible reading to get you on the right path.

That’s right. From the comfort of your favorite chair, you can seek God—and find Him—when you seek Him with your whole heart.

You’ll be renewed as you grow in your knowledge of God.

Don’t dwell on past mistakes. Instead, let God change you according to the divine plan He has for your life.

He’s waiting to do something miraculous for you in 2026.

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I Remember

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I don’t know of anyone who doesn’t have a friend or relative with some forms of dementia.

You may be searching for an appropriate gift for someone you know, other than a blanket or sweater.

Why not consider tapping into memories from “days gone by”?

When my mother was diagnosed, I wrote three interactive picture books: I Remember The Seasons, I Remember The Holidays, and I Remember Bible Stories. Each one has beautiful artwork, original poems, stories, and discussion questions–all of which help family and caregivers reconnect with their loved ones.

Writing them was truly a labor of love. Giving them for Christmas or birthdays will be an intentional and appropriate gift you can enjoy right along with them!!

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Another Shopping Idea

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A family chooses forgiveness to mend their broken relationships. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D8ZDJYGB

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Christian Fiction Based on Truth

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Pardoned

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Psalm 100:4 “Enter His gates with Thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.”

It’s Thanksgiving Week. We’re spending time considering all the blessings in our lives.

This morning, I’m thinking about the ceremonial pardoning of “The Turkey” by the president. 

Saved. He’s a free bird.

I know this is simplistic (and not meant to be funny)but Christians, think about this for a minute.

We have been set free. Pardoned by the blood of Jesus, our Savior, not ceremoniously, but in the very real sense.

We’re free to live a victorious life here on earth and assured of eternal life in heaven.

Giving thanks to Him for His continued presence in my life,

Brenda

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