spiritualsnippets.com

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

FaceTime Surprise

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2 Corinthians 4:6- For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”

Yesterday, I got a surprise visit from my sisters on FACETIME. Seeing them really made my day. It was almost as good as physically being with them, except that our conversation didn’t end with a hug!

I look forward to the day when I stand in the presence of our Lord and see him face to face. I cannot even imagine what it will be like to actually see him!

Now, Christians, we see him with eyes of faith, but one day his promise to us will be fulfilled and we will see him glorified!!!!

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A New Beginning

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1 Samuel 16:13- “Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers.”

Tomorrow

MLK Day

Inauguration Day

The American President is not a king, and an inauguration is not a coronation, but it does spark a memory of kings in “Bible Times.” 

Specifically, I recall how God chose David to be King from among his eight older brothers. 

David was called a man after God’s own heart. He was obedient, had great faith and trusted God. Those qualities made him the leader God wanted for Israel.

Like David, each of us has been chosen by God—created for a specific purpose. And once His plan has been discovered, faith and trust in God is essential in carrying it out.

Are you facing a crossroads today? Are you unsure what God’s perfect plan is for your life? Or, do you even question whether there is such a plan at all?

The answer is in the Bible. He desires to work in the world through us.

Let His Word lead you to a New Beginning.

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Neighbor Helping Neighbor

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Acts 4:32- “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.”

The fires in California have dominated the news the last ten days or so. Our hearts and prayers go out to those who have lost homes and loved ones.

Just as in the wake of other disasters (tornados, hurricanes, flooding, and so on) a common thread runs through many of the stories.

Neighbor helping neighbor.

It is a beautiful thing to see, isn’t it?

The verse in Acts 4 tells us of a time when pooling of resources was common place. The people shared everything they had with one another.

Let’s not wait for disasters to strike. Let us take up the mantle of caring for our neighbors in times of our own prosperity.

Let us be of “one heart and one mind.”

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Can You Help?

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2 Corinthians 9:7-Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

On December 26th, our granddaughter had an emergency c-section to deliver her twins at 24 weeks. It was a rough start and one of the girls has since died. The second twin is holding her own in St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. 

This is a devastating and costly situation for the baby’s parents, since she was born weighing one pound and may need to be in the hospital for several months.

They have started a GoFundMe webpage, asking for donations to help with the astronomical costs they are facing in the days and months ahead. If you are able to help by donating any amount, would you please consider doing so? Although the site lists the donation amounts, you are able to remain anonymous from everyone but the parents.

I have placed the link for Skylare, Jason, and baby Sage here:

Don’t feel obligated to give, but I understand that these GoFundMe sites are used quite commonly nowadays and are very secure. None of your financial information is saved, but please know how much even a small donation will help.

Thank you!

Brenda

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Has This Happened to You?

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Isaiah 66: 12a, and 13a– “For this is what the LORD says: ‘I will extend peace to her like a river… and as a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you’…”

Have you had the experience of reading Bible verses which seemed to be direct messages of encouragement for you at a specific time in your life?

That’s what happened to me this week.

I had been reading a chapter a day in the book of Isaiah for the past 65 days. Sitting down to read the final chapter on day 66, I read the verses I am sharing with you today.

But before I opened my Bible, we got a phone message.

Our great-granddaughters (twins) were born on Christmas at 24 weeks. They were 1 lb each. We prayed, immediately. However, it wasn’t until a few hours later that I read the message of peace and hope in Isaiah.

I texted my granddaughter with the words of encouragement.

If you are going through something today that seems to be overwhelming, remember that God is good. He is with you. He will make a way.

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Christmas Tapestry

Matthew 2: 1,2- After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

A couple of years ago, I joined a number of my author friends in writing short stories with a Christmas theme. If you are in need of a heartfelt gift for a special friend who enjoys reading, I recommend Christmas Tapestry. It is available in paperback and e-book from Amazon.

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Love Demonstrated

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Romans 5:8-But God demonstrated his love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

I have read comments about the recent pardoning of criminals, politicians, and so on. 

This post is NOT to state my opinions on them.

It is simply a post on the subject of pardoning, which means to remove the punishment for crimes or wrongdoing. 

EVERY SINGLE PERSON THAT HAS EVER LIVED HAS COMMITTED SINS. 

But Jesus died on the cross in our place, taking upon himself our punishment. He didn’t do it because of our innocence. (If we had been innocent, there would have been no need for him to become a sacrifice for our sins)!

This verse in the book of Romans tells us that He didn’t pardon us based on merit or because He believed we were innocent.

By pardoning us, God demonstrated His love for us.

He pardoned us without condition. Without us deserving it.

Because of His Great Love.

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Why He Came

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John 3: 16-17. ““For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

Why, when I sat down to write this blog with a Christmas message, did my mind keep replaying images from Passion of The Christ?

It didn’t make sense until I reviewed the Christmas story and came across the gifts that were brought to baby Jesus.

One of them was myrrh, an embalming spice. It was a strange gift to bring a child, unless you consider who the child was—God in the flesh who came to earth with one purpose—to die on the cross for the sins of mankind.

This may have been the first clue to Mary and Joseph about the purpose their son would have on earth, but they already knew he would be special. From the message to Mary before her pregnancy to the starry host (angels) announcing the birth months later, and countless interactions they had with Him throughout his life here on earth, everything fit into God’s plan of salvation.

So, while we celebrate His birth at Christmas, we also have reason to also celebrate His death and resurrection.

For that is why He came.

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Giving Hearts

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Deuteronomy 15:10-Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then, because of this the Lord your God will bless you…”

The holidays are upon us. Filled with the many joys of the season, it is the time for many of us to reflect on God’s goodness and blessings.

Each time I visit my mailbox, however, I am given reminders that there are many in the world who have needs that have not been met.

Food pantries, rescue missions, prison ministries, and many others send requests for donations in the mail. 

The Bible reminds us to give generously because the nature of a giving heart is one who gives gladly—one who realizes “there, but for the grace of God, go I.”

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The Plan

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Isaiah 14: 26,27- “This is the plan determined for the whole world; this is the hand stretched out over all nations. For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?”

While we may not all agree as to what has taken place in our recent election, many were praying beforehand. Praying that God’s will would be done for the people of the United States.

These verses, from Isaiah affirm that God does have a plan and His plan will come to pass.

No matter what political party you may belong to, please believe that GOD IS GOOD.  And while we may not understand what has taken place, He acts in a way which will lead to ultimate GOOD.

 Take heart. He is in control.

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