Christian Living

Some Things Never Change, and God is One

Posted by on Jun 23, 2020 | 4 comments

Some Things Never Change, and God is One

Some things never change, and God is one of them. No matter how our world changes, God stays the same.

 

 

 

 

Some Things Never Change, and God is One

2MefromHim Devotional

But you are the same, and your years have no end. Psalm 102:27

Some Things Never Change

Some things never change, and God is one of them. Our entertainment is one day politically correct and the next day not. Our vocabulary changes with the latest whims. Vacations are virtual due to a pandemic. But God is faithful. His word is applicable. No matter how our world changes, God stays the same.

But you are the same, and your years have no end. Psalm 102:27 #Godisfaithful #hope #confidence Click To Tweet

Some Things Change

For example, until a few months ago, we traveled wherever we chose, shopped in crowded stores, attended church, concerts, voted, and visited hospitals. No one gave a thought to who touched the door handle last. But with the advent of the coronavirus, the entire world changed. Time changes things.

We have become wary of words. Television shows and movies are banned. Some areas in our cities are no longer safe. We don’t know how to express our feelings to someone of another race. Time changes things.

Some Things Never Change

Some Things Never Change 1

Our search for stability needs to take us no further than the word of God. He assures us that though the grass withers and flowers fade, His word never changes. It is firmly fixed in the heavens. He isn’t a man that he should lie or the son of man that He should change His mind. God does not change but He can change things.

The story of Lazarus, in John 11, reveals the slower pace of Jesus’ day. By the time Jesus traveled to Bethany, Lazarus had been in the tomb four days. Martha protested Jesus’ request to move the stone because there would be a bad odor. But when Jesus called him forth, he rose from the dead. God can change things.

Likewise, in Acts, Chapter 9, Saul obtained letters to the synagogues in Damascus so that he could take Christians prisoner. However, after a confrontation with God, he became the most prolific teacher, preacher, and writer in the Bible. The man who called himself a Hebrew of Hebrews became the man who said, “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.” God can change things.

God does not change but He can change things. #change #Godisgood #anxiety Click To Tweet

When We Don’t Know How to Respond

Some Things Never Change 2

God says: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)

When changes frighten us, there is a standard. God gave us His word and it will never change. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

When the entire world seems to have tilted on its axis, God remains the same.

When the entire world seems to have tilted on its axis, God remains the same. #worldevents #security #Godisgood Click To Tweet

© Norma Gail Holtman, June 17, 2020

Norma Gail - AuthorAbout the author:

Norma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon.

 

 

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Childlike Hearts Speak Truth: Love One Another

Posted by on Jun 9, 2020 | 4 comments

Childlike Hearts Speak Truth: Love One Another

Childlike wisdom rings true in a world torn with racism, prejudice, and juxtaposed ideologies. Human-kind was created as one.

 

 

 

Childlike Hearts Speak Truth: Love One Another

2MefromHim Devotionals

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

Act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 #justice #mercy #Godislove Click To Tweet

Childlike Hearts Speak Truth

Skipping up and down the broad sidewalk hand in hand, little girl giggles rang across the parking lot as we waited for the field trip to begin. My daughter and her friends, black, white, Native American, and Hispanic, created a rainbow of ponytails, skinned knees, and laughter.

“Maybe someone will see us and think we’re sisters and your mom is our mom.” One said.

“That couldn’t happen.” Interjected another. “Susie is black, Ann is Indian, I’m blonde, and Amy has brown hair. We can’t be sisters.”

My adopted daughter, used to families of every kind, answered, “We could be sisters. We could all be adopted.”

Childlike Hearts Speak Truth 1

My daughter's words coincide with God's plan.: We could be sisters. We could all be adopted. #humanity #unity #loveoneanother Click To Tweet

Childlike Wisdom Echoes God’s Plan

Her childlike wisdom rings true in a world torn with racism, prejudice, and juxtaposed ideologies. Human-kind was created as one. However, Genesis tells us that God created them male and female. Scripture doesn’t mention color. Likewise, genetics and geography show that the first people carried the genes for every skin color and were probably of a darker tone like Middle Eastern people of today. Any couple could produce children of a variety of skin tones and eye colors. We were one in the beginning.

Childlike wisdom rings true in a world torn with racism, prejudice, and juxtaposed ideologies. #wisdom #truth #Godislove Click To Tweet

Childlike Eyes See Similarities Not Differences

The way my children chose friends mirrors God’s lesson to Samuel, “People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) Though we perceive people as different due to sin, in the eyes of God, the heart is all that matters. How might our world be different if we looked at people through the eyes of our Creator?

The world pleads for the message and love of God. Unity comes through Christ alone.

Childlike Hearts Speak Truth 2

Though we perceive people as different due to sin, in the eyes of God, the heart is all that matters. #racism #sin #mankind Click To Tweet

The Message of Christ

Paul says it better than I: “Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts….” (Colossians 3:11-15)

Childlike Obedience to Christ

As Christians, we must serve as examples in our torn and bleeding world. The call is simple. We are to walk humbly as Christ did, treating all we meet with justice, mercy, and love. What steps will you take today?

We are to walk humbly as Christ did, treating all we meet with justice, mercy, and love. #justice #mercy #love Click To Tweet

© Norma Gail Holtman, June 3, 2020

About the author:

Norma Gail - AuthorNorma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon.

 

 

 

 

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God Seems Silent When Our World Spins Out of Control

Posted by on Jun 2, 2020 | Comments Off on God Seems Silent When Our World Spins Out of Control

God Seems Silent When Our World Spins Out of Control

God seems silent when our world spins out of control. When people seek to destroy each other with hate, violence, and destruction, fear threatens to dislodge faith.

 

 

 

 

God Seems Silent When Our World Spins Out of Control

2MefromHim Devotionals

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9

Isaiah 55:8-9

God seems silent when our world spins out of control. When people seek to destroy each other with hate, violence, and destruction, fear threatens to dislodge faith. Hope runs low.

Our world heaves in the throes of COVID-19, riots, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes. Some perceive it as contrary to God’s loving nature to allow circumstances to run their course and not intervene. However, even when we cannot understand, the Lord is still with us. God promised to never leave or forsake us. He is present even when our world spins out of control.

When people seek to destroy each other with hate, violence, and destruction, fear threatens to dislodge faith. #riots #fear #faith Click To Tweet

God Seems Silent When We Cannot Understand

Recently, a young Cooper’s hawk began to sit on the roof outside our kitchen door in the morning. One day, I heard a persistent tapping on a skylight in our family room. The young hawk was walking on the glass and pecking with his beak. Right below the skylight sat my laundry basket with bright red towels on top. Perhaps, he was confused by what he saw but not reach.

Have you felt that way? Frustrated by world events yet powerless to act? Unable to offer words of sanity and comfort? Perhaps you feel your prayers bounce off the ceiling without being heard. Confusion. Doubt. Fear. Questions. Hopeless. Helpless. Alone.

Have you felt that way? Frustrated by world events yet powerless to act? #hopelessness #helplessness #powerless Click To Tweet

When God Seems Silent, We Can Be His Hands and Feet

Just as the young hawk couldn’t understand what he saw, we’re powerless to trace God’s hand in the events of our world. It’s not easy to trust and never question the wisdom of God. Yet, He never promised freedom from trials, but to go through them with us. If we fail to accept what God sends with trusting hearts, we refuse His greatest blessings. To hope in the face of the unknown enables us to believe Him and trust His word as never before.

Let God speak love through you. Be His hands and feet in a lost and fearful world. #Godislove #love #COVID19 Click To Tweet

Perhaps, like the hawk, we must move on from what we cannot understand and seek those things we can accomplish. We must trust God to control what we cannot. How can you reach out to those touched by prejudice, violence, tragedy, or virus? You can express thanks to law enforcement and first responders. Pray with and for those without hope, who turn to violence rather than God. Let God speak love through you. Be His hands and feet in a lost and fearful world.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. Isaiah 55:8 #God #wisdom #purpose Click To Tweet

© Norma Gail Holtman, June 1, 2020

About the author:

Norma Gail - AuthorNorma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon.

 

 

 

 

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Finding a Sense of Peace in Unsettled Times

Posted by on May 19, 2020 | 4 comments

Finding a Sense of Peace in Unsettled Times

A sense of peace is hard to come by in these strange days we’re living. Life has a surreal quality and I’m not alone in wondering if things will ever be close to normal again.

 

 

 

 

Finding a Sense of Peace in Unsettled Times

A 2MefromHim Devotional

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

A sense of peace is hard to come by in these strange days we’re living. Life has a surreal quality and I’m not alone in wondering if things will ever be close to normal again.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 #peace #Jesus #fear Click To Tweet

When I Lack a Sense of Peace

Unsettled thoughts interrupt my prayer time. Matters that were priorities before the quarantine seem amplified by new concerns. I sometimes feel close to tears. We’re separated by social distancing, confused over health guidelines, and our country seems more divided than ever. My heart cries, “Peace, peace, when there is no peace.” Often, I wonder what God is doing through the COVID-19 crisis, earthquakes, fires, and unrest.

Often, I wonder what God is doing through the COVID-19 crisis, earthquakes, fires, and unrest. #COVID19 #fear #God Click To Tweet

A Sense of Peace Demonstrated

As I contemplate the mountain views spreading out from my window, it’s obvious that nature isn’t disturbed. The birds sing without care. The trees turn greener by the day. Nothing in the natural world has changed. I’m reminded of Matthew 6, where Jesus reminds us that the birds neither sow or reap, the flowers of the field don’t labor or spin because they know their heavenly Father will take care of all their needs. (Matthew 6:19-24)

I’m not to worry about how our economy or health will survive the pandemic. My hope isn’t in health or government officials. Hope comes from God, the loving Father who knows everything I need. Worry won’t add a moment to my life but it might subtract a few. Stress over relationships, money, or future plans can only bring me harm. My heavenly Father knows what is coming. He sees the future as clearly as he sees today and has seen the past. God’s knowledge of my needs at every moment of my life is perfect. His plans to provide are already in place. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

Hope comes from God, the loving Father who knows everything I need. #provision #hope #anxiety Click To Tweet

Regaining a Sense of Peace

When Jesus spoke to his disciples before the crucifixion, he knew the dangers they faced, the uncertainty and persecution that would come. He knew their faith would be tested and their hearts confused. They would be afraid and he would no longer be with them in physical form to comfort them. Yet he promised to leave them with peace nothing like they had ever known—a peace that could overcome anything the world brought against them.

The early Christians faced a world every bit as uncertain as our own. Death threatened them because they believed. Yet John wrote, “This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” (1 John 5:4-5)

My task is to remain in the peace of God. When I feel upset, my thoughts must turn to his promises. My certainty rests in Christ alone. My sense of peace resides in the Prince of Peace who lives within me. I will overcome.

My sense of peace resides in the Prince of Peace who lives within me. I will overcome. #trials #pandemic #Jesus Click To Tweet

© Copyright Norma Gail Holtman, May 14, 2020

About the author:

Norma Gail - AuthorNorma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon.

 

 

 

 

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God’s Unique Plan: A Mother’s Day Retrospect

Posted by on May 12, 2020 | Comments Off on God’s Unique Plan: A Mother’s Day Retrospect

God’s Unique Plan: A Mother’s Day Retrospect

God’s unique plan for each life is what I celebrate on Mother’s Day. Two special women hold my eternal gratitude …

 

 

 

God’s Unique Plan: A Mother’s Day Retrospect

A 2MefromHim Devotional

“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.” Isaiah 49:15, 16

God's Unique Plan scripture

God’s Unique Plan for Each Life

God’s unique plan for each life is what I celebrate on Mother’s Day. Though the observance comes once a year, two special women hold my eternal gratitude—the birthmothers of my adopted children. Without them, my life would be much poorer. I honor them throughout the year.

I honor my children's birth mothers throughout the year for the gift they gave... #MothersDay #birthmothers #adoption Click To Tweet

As an adoptive mother, I participate in an eternal and loving plan of God. I witness the miracle of my children’s unique genetic makeup influenced by non-biological parents chosen by the Father. With no blood between us, we are family.

God has a Unique Plan for Each Person

Our world no longer cares if unmarried women raise their children. Unfortunately, the idea of adoption isn’t always greeted in a positive way. Radical movements have convinced women it’s kinder to kill a child than offer a life with two loving parents. However, our Creator values each unique life he designs.

Adoption is so special to God that he uses it to describe his relationship with believers... #Godislove #adoption #salvation Click To Tweet

The recent outcry against abortion accompanies technology which reveals babies moving, stretching, and sucking their thumbs. Psalm 139 says, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” The psalmist goes on to speak of God’s handiwork as he forms a child and plans each life from the moment of conception.

Psalm 139:16 reveals God’s unique plan for each life. “…All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” What comfort to know that despite the circumstances of someone’s birth, no one is an accident to God. No one was unplanned. From eternity, God created each person for his purpose.

From eternity, God created each person for his purpose... #God #prolife #purpose Click To Tweet

God’s Unique Plan Includes Adoption

God likens his relationship with believers to that of an adopted child, “the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’” (Romans 8:15) Paul uses adoption multiple times to explain the intimate relationship of the Christian to the Almighty God.

 

God's Unique Plan

Mother’s Day lives in my heart as a memorial to the courageous and unselfish choice of two young women. My children are a unique creation of God, who granted them two loving mothers. Adoption is a reminder that we should cherish each and every life. To be a mother is a privilege to never take for granted.

Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Isaiah 49:15 #children #blessing #love Click To Tweet

© Norma Gail Holtman, May 9, 2020

About the author:

Norma Gail - AuthorNorma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon.

 

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Sweet Surrender: Learning to Trust God

Posted by on May 5, 2020 | Comments Off on Sweet Surrender: Learning to Trust God

Sweet Surrender: Learning to Trust God

Surrender becomes sweet when we recognize that God’s ways are higher and better than ours. How much time I waste in worry and concern, only to discover I was wrong.

 

 

 

Sweet Surrender: Learning to Trust God

A 2MefromHim Devotional

 

As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9

Surrender becomes sweet when I recognize that God’s ways are higher and better than mine. How much time I waste in worry and concern, only to discover I was wrong. God always has a better plan.

As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9 #Godisgood #wisdom #faith Click To Tweet

Jesus’ Surrender vs. My Failure

Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane that if it was possible, the cup be removed from him. However, he said, “Yet not as I will, but as you will,” and then surrendered peacefully to his enemies—and to the will of God.

Many recent situations have sent me to my knees. However, my prayers are often based on personal desires. I shoulder the same burdens I should have left at the foot of the throne as I leave my quiet time. And I have no peace. Every aspect of my life is affected. Worries haunt me like ghosts.

Surrender from God’s Perspective

When Joseph’s brothers sold him into captivity, he didn’t worry and whine. He demonstrated acceptance and surrender, living to glorify God in one difficult circumstance after another. His story ends in blessing.

By the same token, one of the sadder accounts is that of Samson, who satisfied his own desires despite the call put on his life from before birth. We’ll never know what might have happened had he surrendered to God.

Elisabeth Elliot, widow of the martyred missionary, Jim Elliot, writes, “To pray, ‘thy will be done.’ I must be willing, if the answer requires it, that my will be undone.”

Charles H. Spurgeon wrote, “My situation is urgent, and I cannot see how I will ever be delivered. Yet this is not my concern, for He who made the promise will find a way to keep it. My part is simply to obey His commands, not to direct His ways. I am His servant, not His advisor. I call upon Him and He will deliver me.”

What blessings might God grant if I surrendered totally to him? #surrender #blessings #self-denial Click To Tweet

Answering the Call to Surrender

I attempt to advise God when I pray for a situation to resolve my way. In Philippians, Paul wrote from prison, “what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.” What might God might accomplish in me, through me, or in someone near me if I surrender my will to his?

When I pray “not as I will, but as you will,” my burden is lifted. The surrender is sweet. May I learn to surrender rather than advise.

The way to peace is complete surrender to the will of God. #trust #obedience #peace Click To Tweet

© Norma Gail Holtman, May 4, 2020

About the author:

Norma Gail - AuthorNorma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon.

 

 

 

 

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