Giving Thanks in Times of Trial—But God
Giving thanks can be difficult when trials pile up one on another. 2020 has tested people around the world in ways no one ever imagined due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read MoreGod’s Golden Splendor and Awesome Majesty
God’s golden splendor is on display for all to see when autumn dresses the trees in glorious color. With the changing of the seasons from summer to autumn, God reveals His awesome power through the times of the year set in motion during Creation.
God’s Golden Splendor and Awesome Majesty
2MefromHim Devotional
Out of the north he comes in golden splendor; God comes in awesome majesty. Job 37:22
God’s golden splendor is on display for all to see when autumn dresses the trees in glorious color. With the changing of the seasons from summer to autumn, God reveals His awesome power through the times of the year set in motion during Creation.
Out of the north he comes in golden splendor; God comes in awesome majesty. Job 37:22 #Godislove #autumn #provision Share on XGod’s Golden Splendor Displays His Dominion
A recent trip to enjoy the colorful displays of fall reminded me anew of God’s dominion at a time when our world seems to spin out of control. The continuing COVID pandemic, the approach of elections, and the violence perpetrated on our cities discourage us. But we are not abandoned by God.
No accident of happenstance could create the clock-like regularity with which the seasons change. In Job 28:31-33, God asks, “Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades? Can you loosen Orion’s belt? Can you bring forth the constellations in their seasons or lead out the Bear with its cubs? Do you know the laws of the heavens? Can you set up God’s dominion over the earth?”
No accident of happenstance could create the clock-like regularity with which the seasons change. #seasons #Godisgood #grace Share on XGod’s Golden Splendor Reminds Us to Seek Him
The prophets refer to the seasons in rebuking people for their lack of understanding and obedience. Jeremiah 8:7 says, “Even the stork in the sky knows her appointed seasons, and the dove, the swift and the thrush observe the time of their migration. But my people do not know the requirements of the Lord.” And Daniel provides timely insight when he says, “He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.”
Creation Reveals the Power and Nature of God
The splendor of autumn should draw our eyes and hearts toward God who reveals Himself in His glorious creation. Romans 1:20 tells us, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”
Look to the displays of God’s never-ceasing love and control and rejoice that we are not left alone in a world gone mad. Though God’s judgment will come, often by causing His people to suffer along with those who do not know Him for a time, the change of seasons reminds us that we are never abandoned.
Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth. Psalm 96:9
Look to the displays of God’s never-ceasing love and control and rejoice that we are not left alone... #love #provision #autumn Share on X© Norma Gail Holtman, October 12, 2020
About 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 (released 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.
Read More
Sufficient Grace – A 2MefromHim Devotional
Sufficient grace, something no one feels, yet God makes it available and enables us to bless others in the midst of the most trying circumstances. Enjoy a repeat of one of my favorites!
Read MoreSpiritual Tune-up – A 2MefromHim Devotional
A spiritual tune-up is important for everyone on a regular basis. I hope you enjoy this devotional from 2018 about staying in touch with God daily. I’m enjoying time with our daughter!
Read MoreMy God – A 2MefromHim Devotional
My God. What a privilege to know that he is mine and I am his through every circumstance of life. I’m reposting this blog from 2018 while I take a short break to visit with my daughter. Enjoy!
Read MoreFinding Shelter and Rest in Troubled Times
Finding shelter and rest is a delightful concept in the insanity of 2020. The latest news offers little hope for change in the near future.
Finding Shelter and Rest in Troubled Times
A 2MefromHim Devotional
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1
Finding shelter and rest is a delightful concept in the insanity of 2020. The latest news offers little hope for change in the near future. We remain threatened by a pandemic and buffeted by violent attacks on our society. Quarantine holds us captive in our homes and destroys our economy, wildfires threaten much of the West.
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1 #shelter #rest #help Share on XFinding Shelter and Rest When You Feel Uncertain
In Psalm 91, God is portrayed as a shelter, refuge, fortress, shield and rampart for those who dwell in Him. He banishes fear from terror, pestilence, and plagues. However, these things are promised to those who dwell in the Most High. In other words, God reserves His choicest blessings for His children.
For example, when my husband was a child, he and his family toured a large cave. Afraid in the black, unfamiliar place, he grabbed his mother’s skirt and walked through the cave holding on tight. However, when they reached the outlet of the cave, he discovered he held onto the skirt of a stranger. His calm and sense of protection evaporated. He didn’t have a relationship with the woman. Therefore, the stranger couldn’t offer the comfort of his own mother. God desires an intimate relationship with His children.
God desires an intimate relationship with His children. #Godislove #relationships #hope Share on XConditions for Receiving God’s Help
Those who desire protection from God are to love Him, acknowledge His name, and call on Him. It’s easy to say we believe. Most people call on God or use His name when frightened or grieved. The question is, do we dwell with God as a child dwells with and depends on a parent?
We prove the depth of our relationship with God by how we live. Those who desire to receive from Him must stay in close relationship to Him and keep His commandments. In the New Testament, John 15 tells the believer to “abide” or “remain” in Christ, the true vine, and God is the gardener. Don’t expect blessings if you don’t love and obey God.
The question is, do we dwell with God as a child dwells with and depends on a parent? #Jesus #help #rescue Share on XFinding Shelter and Rest Requires Relationship
Likewise, in Matthew 7:9-12 Jesus offers an illustration of the close relationship between God and His children: “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”
Though the world is a strange and often unfamiliar place in these days of COVID and social unrest, God offers peace, protection, and unfailing rest to those who live in an intimate relationship with Him.
What will you choose?
God offers peace, protection, and unfailing rest to those who live in an intimate relationship with Him. #peace #protection #rest Share on X© Norma Gail Holtman, August 22, 2020
About 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 (released 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.
Read More