Sometimes Life is Full of Mountains to be Climbed
Sometimes life is full of mountains to be climbed. Life in the year 2020 seems to have more mountains than usual.
Sometimes Life is Full of Mountains to Be Climbed
2MefromHim Devotionals
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5, 6
Sometimes life is full of mountains to be climbed. Life in the year 2020 seems to have more mountains than usual.
Whatever mountains you’re facing, the answer is the same, take it to the Lord. You’ll probably still have to climb the mountain but the Good Shepherd, who is sure of foot and knows all the pathways will be there to climb it with you.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5, 6 #trust #hope #guidance Click To TweetSometimes Life Looks Great From the Top of the Mountain
In 2003, we had just completed homeschooling our son. He would head off to college in the fall. Our daughter, the starting goalkeeper for her high school soccer team, looked forward to her senior year. She already knew she would continue her career at a small, Division II university. I had accepted the opportunity to begin the first weekly women’s Bible studies at our small church. It was thrilling to have the opportunity to put 14 years of Bible Study Fellowship training into practice and develop my own leadership team for both morning and evening Bible studies. Everything in life was good.
Sometimes life is full of mountains to be climbed. #life #trials #challenges Click To TweetSometimes Life Reveals a New Mountain Beyond the One Just Conquered
During a routine physical, my primary care doctor discovered a small nodule on my thyroid gland. Since I was born in Las Vegas, Nevada during the above-ground nuclear testing of the 1950s, I knew immediately that it would be cancer. My aunt, who lived in Nevada at the time I was born, had experienced thyroid cancer twice. Having just completed treatment for another ongoing medical condition, I was hoping for freedom from doctors for a while. Fear of the cancer wasn’t a concern. I knew that thyroid cancer was very treatable. However, the timing of the surgery interfered with the start dates for the Bible study and my ability to attend all of our daughter’s soccer games, both in and out of town. It was a mountain I didn’t want to climb.
As I prayed the next morning, the Lord graciously gave me a poem to put the events of my life into perspective. Whenever I read it, I remember how God brought me through a tough year and buoyed me with hope through many challenges. During that period of my life, as in the year 2020, God’s design was to cause me to look to Him for strength, seek His will, and give me His perspective.
I’m tired and weary, and I need a rest, but, dear Lord, I know that You always know best. #COVID #Godislove #victory Click To TweetOne More Mountain
I’m tired and weary, and I need a rest,
But, dear Lord, I know that You always know best.
When I’m battle-weary and feel alone,
When I beg for bread but it seems like a stone.
I know there is something You are working in me—
There is something new You have to show me.
There is something I haven’t become just yet,
There is some other challenge I’ve not ever met.
You’ve carried me through so many before—
Lord, help me now to face one more.
When I look in the mirror, I want to see
A reflection of You looking back at me.
So once more, Lord, pick me up and let’s go—
So, I never forget how I need you so.
And I have the feeling that when this one is through,
I’ll see, just beyond, there is something else new.
So, thank You, Lord, for not forgetting me,
For never letting me rest till it’s You that I see.
Sometimes Life Doesn’t Go According to Plan
Sometimes life doesn’t go according to plan. The older I get, the more I realize that is the norm. We all face mountains but we don’t have to face them alone.
Whatever mountain you face, there is hope and help. Seek God with all your heart. Don’t trust your understanding of the situation but seek God’s way to the top of the mountain. He will make your paths straight and make you sure-footed. He will not allow you to stumble and fall. He will lead you through the trials and bring you to the summit with new blessings and an improved perspective on life in this crazy world.
God will lead you through the trials and bring you to the summit with new blessings and an improved perspective on life. #life #Godisgood #perspective Click To TweetPoem, Copyright Norma Gail Holtman August 15, 2003
Copyright, Norma Gail Holtman, July 29, 2020
Read MoreDo I Really Know Whom I Have Believed
I know whom I have believed. But do I really? We could spend a lifetime studying and barely touch the most minute facets of His being.
Do I Really Know Whom I Have Believed
2MefromHim Devotionals
I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day. 2 Timothy 1:12
I know whom I have believed. But do I really?
I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day. 2 Timothy 1:12 #faith #Jesus #trust Click To TweetDo I Really Know Whom I Have Believed for Salvation?
Often when we first trust Christ for our salvation, it is in either the elation of learning about His saving love or a sad realization of our own sinfulness. Both are necessary. However, we know so little of our Lord’s power that we could spend a lifetime studying and barely touch the most minute facets of His being.
To know Whom I have believed, I must recognize His sufficiency in all areas. The great I Am is first, the pre-existent God of all creation, for, “Through Him, all things were made; without Him, nothing was made that has been made.” (John 1:3) And all that was made, He created ex nihilo, out of nothing.
We could spend a lifetime studying and barely touch the most minute facets of God's being. #man #God #faith Click To TweetDo I Really Believe His Uniqueness?
In Revelation 22:13, God says of Himself, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” The Book of Isaiah says, there was no god before Him and there will be no god after Him. (Isaiah 43:10) It is impossible for our minds to conceive, yet it is true.
We know that it is through grace by faith that we are saved. There is nothing that we are can do to gain faith. It is the free gift of God. He tolerates no boasting on that point. (Ephesians 2:8-9) We are incapable of performing acts that would gain our own salvation. As the old song says, “Oh, to grace how great a debtor, daily I’m constrained to be.” We owe our Lord and God a debt we can never repay.
We owe our Lord and God a debt we can never repay. #grace #salvation #hope Click To TweetDo I Really Know Whom I Have Believed from All Eternity?
When God speaks to Job out of the storm, He asks unanswerable questions:
- Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?
- Who marked off its dimensions and stretched a measuring line across it?
- On what were its footings set,or who laid its cornerstone?
- Who shut up the sea behind doorswhen I fixed limits for itand set its doors and bars in place?
- Have you ever given orders to the morning,or shown the dawn its place?
- Have the gates of death been shown to you?
- What is the way to the abode of light?And where does darkness reside? Do you know the paths to their dwellings?
And on and on He goes, asking questions no man can answer that reveal the marvelous infinity of His being. Therefore, I say with the father in Mark 9, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
God asks questions no man can answer that reveal the marvelous infinity of His being. #infinity #Godislove #eternity Click To TweetDo I Really Know Whom I Have Believed for All Eternity?
Yet, when I contemplate such marvelous things, I realize that my understanding will always be incomplete while I live here on earth. God can guard everything I have entrusted to Him and more until that day when my faith becomes sight. And I bow on my face before Him in humility.
He is able to accomplish far more than I can ever comprehend in my finite being. To God be the glory.
God is able to accomplish far more than I can ever comprehend in my finite being. #Godisgood #man #grace Click To TweetGod’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. Job 37:5
© Norma Gail Holtman, July 24, 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 (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.
Where Do You Hide When You Want to Escape?
Where do you hide when you want to escape the world? The year 2020 makes me long for a protected place to escape the news and threats that can steal my peace.
Where Do You Hide When You Want to Escape?
2MefromHim Devotionals
You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7
Where do you hide when you want to escape the world? As a child, one of my favorite hiding places was a shady corner of the backyard under a climbing rosebush. The thorny hideaway created a cool spot to read or to play dolls with the perfect place to hang their clothes. Only two people fit, so my best friend and I could hide without my little sisters intruding because of the thorns.
You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7 #protection #safety #deliverance Click To Tweet
Where Do You Hide When Trouble Threatens
When David was pursued by King Saul, he hid in the rocky caves of Israel. His Psalms reveal his trust in God’s deliverance because he believed the promise that came through the prophet, Samuel, that he would someday be king. He knew his trouble was temporary.
Dire reports of never again experiencing the freedom we knew before COVID, coupled with questions about upcoming elections, and differing ideologies haunt our waking hours. However, time spent in scripture reminds us that God is our refuge, our hiding place, a strong tower we can run into, and be safe. Our current struggles are also temporary but God’s promise to protect us is forever. In 2 Timothy 1:12, Paul writes, “I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.”
Our current struggles are also temporary but God’s promise to protect us is forever. #trials #Godisincontrol #eternallife Click To Tweet
Where Do You Seek Deliverance
The year 2020 makes me long for a protected place to escape the news and threats that can steal my peace. How grateful I am for a Savior who promises to protect me from trouble. What comfort to know God sings songs of deliverance over me.
Part of God’s promise to be hiding place for His people is the promise of protection and deliverance. The word “deliverance” resounds in my mind often these days. Believers must pray fervently for God’s deliverance from the perils we face. We must pray for awareness of and protection from lies that confuse and frighten us. It’s hard to know what information to trust but God knows. He will reveal the truth and bring down strongholds.
Just as when I played safely under the rosebush, God will hide and protect my heart when I place my trust in Him, even if suffering is necessary. Pray fervently for His deliverance from our foes.
God will hide and protect my heart when I place my trust in Him, even if suffering is necessary. #protection #trust #Godisgood Click To Tweet
© Norma Gail Holtman, July 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 (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.
For the Battle is Not Yours, but God’s
“For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” I need to hear those words. It calms my heart to know that all the raging battles of COVID, racial injustice, and politics belong to God. Rather than feeling powerless, I need to remember the source of all power.
For the Battle is Not Yours, but God’s
2MefromHim Devotionals
For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you. 2 Chronicles 20:12
“For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” I need to hear those words. It calms my heart to know that all the raging battles of COVID, racial injustice, and politics belong to God. Rather than feeling powerless, I need to remember the source of all power.
For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you. 2 Chronicles 20:12 #power #COVID #Godisgood Click To TweetFor the Battle is Real
Jehoshaphat and Judah faced a vast army of enemies, much as we face a disease and those who would put an end to America as we know it. We can learn from their response. Verse 4 of 2 Chronicles 20 tells us that people came from every town in Judah to seek the Lord.
What miracles would God do in response to a people united in their commitment to honor and worship Him—to handle problems His way? Jehoshaphat prayed to God from the temple in Jerusalem saying, “‘We will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.’” He is able to rescue us from our enemies.
The people of Judah, men, women, and children, stood before the temple and called on God to save them. In the same way, we must unite to seek God’s help in winning the battles that rage in our country and our world. There is hope for revival and renewal. God offers healing and help to become a light to hearts that are filled with darkness.
What miracles would God do in response to a people united in their commitment to honor and worship Him—to handle problems His way? #victory #Godislove #hope Click To TweetFor the Battle is Not Ours
We live in the midst of people without hope, regardless of race or socioeconomic status. Jehoshaphat’s call to Israel is the message to every Christian. “‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.’”
Jehoshaphat exhorted Israel by fasting and bowing with his face to the ground, “‘Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld … Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.’” When the people sang and praised God, He set ambushes and defeated their enemies. God honors our faith with victory.
God honors our faith with victory. #trust #fatih #victory Click To TweetThe Victory is the Lord’s
In times of trouble, Christians are called to enlarge our faith and believe God for wisdom, power, and victory. He is able to rescue us.
© Norma Gail Holtman, July 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 (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.
The Ground Cries Out at the Shame of Men’s Hatred
The ground cries out at the shame of men’s hatred for their brothers. Since Cain killed Abel, men turn away from their loving Creator. When men hate, bitter roots grow around and around their souls, cutting off the flow of God’s love.
The Ground Cries Out at the Shame of Men’s Hatred
2MefromHim Devotionals
See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. Hebrews 12:15
The ground cries out at the shame of men’s hatred for their brothers. Since Cain killed Abel, men turn away from their loving Creator. When men hate, bitter roots grow around and around their souls, cutting off the flow of God’s love.
Like stones thrown into a sea of blood, man’s animosity and anger spiral in ever-widening circles through the centuries, drowning out all hope. Pain will curse the hearts of men as long as the sin of Cain turns brother against brother in hatred.
See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. Hebrews 12:15 #devotional #anger #hate Click To TweetGod Weeps for His World
Cain’s jealousy raged when God accepted his brother Abel’s offering but rejected his. It was not a matter of Cain’s offering being inferior but his heart attitude. He brought “some fruits” while Abel brought the best, “fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flocks.”
God warned Cain about his unbridled anger: “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” (Genesis 4:6) But Cain ignored God’s offer of hope and lured Abel into the field where he and attacked and killed him. And the blood of Abel cried out to God from the ground for justice.
Deuteronomy 29:18 says, “Make sure there is no man or woman, clan or tribe among you today whose heart turns away from the Lord our God to go and worship the gods of those nations; make sure there is no root among you that produces such bitter poison.” When man’s god becomes anything other than his Creator, it poisons his soul with hate.
When man’s god becomes anything other than his Creator, it poisons his soul with hate. #Godisgood #violence #worship Click To TweetThe Ground Cries Out for Mercy and Justice
How applicable to our day when bitter men demand what others have, rather than working to achieve the same for themselves. Above all, God’s message to Cain was for man to deal with his anger by doing what is right in the eyes of God. Hate is conquered when men submit to God and allow His love to overcome their anger.
Who understands better than God’s own Son, Jesus, the victim of an angry mob? As His enemies nailed Him to the Cross, He offered forgiveness to all who accept His sacrifice by faith through grace.
The ground cries out for mercy and justice. And Jesus beckons, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29)
Respond to hate with God’s love.
Hate is conquered when men submit to God and allow His love to overcome their anger. #inspiraton #hope #Godislove Click To Tweet© Norma Gail Holtman, June 26, 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 (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.
Finding Real Freedom in the Truth of God
Finding real freedom is impossible without the protection and control of God’s law. We celebrate independence this weekend at a time when our freedom is threatened by lawlessness.
Finding Real Freedom in the Truth of God
2MefromHim Devotionals
“By me kings reign and rulers make laws that are just; by me princes govern, and all nobles who rule on earth.” Proverbs 8:15, 16
Finding real freedom is impossible without the protection and control of God’s law. Proverbs reminds us that God, not elections, political parties, protestors, or presidents control our country. We celebrate independence this weekend at a time when our freedom is threatened by lawlessness.
However, the removal of God from government has also eradicated tolerance for differing ideas. We reap the consequences of a lax attitude toward freedoms that are envied by the entire world.
By me kings reign and rulers make laws that are just; by me princes govern, and all nobles who rule on earth. Pro. 8:15, 16 #freedom #Godisgood #truth Click To TweetFinding Real Freedom When Anarchy Reigns
Jesus upheld human government. When the Pharisees asked Jesus if they should pay taxes to Caesar, He said, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” (Matthew 22:15-22) In Romans 13, Paul said, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” The United States has failed to give God the obedience and honor He is due. Disrespect for our elected leaders equals disrespect for God.
Freedom must be fought for and treasured. Peaceful protest is possible in the United States of America because our Constitution grants that right. In the same way, anarchy steals freedom from everyone and grants it to no one. Paul continues, “He who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”
Anarchy steals freedom from everyone and grants it to no one. #devotional #freedom #FourthofJuly Click To TweetFinding Real Freedom Through Truth
Edmund Burke said, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” When we lack true freedom, it is due to a failure to uphold the truth of God’s word and honor Him through love for others. Jesus defined true freedom in John 8:32, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Freedom cannot be maintained without the truth of God set forth in the Bible. John Adams said, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” Therefore, those who resort to violence, condone brutality, and fail to speak out against wrong will fall under God’s judgment.
This Fourth of July, consider the meaning of “one nation under God.” Set your heart right with the Author of Freedom and stand for His truth. If we fail to stand for God’s truth, all freedom will be lost.
If we fail to stand for truth, all freedom will be lost. #truth #freedom #devotional Click To Tweet© Norma Gail Holtman, June 29, 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 (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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