Giving Thanks When Nothing Seems Right
Giving thanks when nothing seems right is the challenge we all face this Thanksgiving. Deep in the throes of the COVID-19 surge, we must choose to forego some traditions but our hearts are free.
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.
I Will Rejoice in the Lord and Have Hope
I will rejoice in the Lord, though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food…
I Will Rejoice in the Lord and Hope
2MefromHim Devotionals
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. Habakkuk 3:17-19
I will rejoice in God no matter what comes my way. In the midst of COVID, quarantine, natural disasters, and lawlessness, hope fades to a faint glow, flickering in the breeze. We must search for God’s blessings each day.
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines...I will rejoice in the Lord. Habakkuk 3:17 #rejoice #hope #2020 Share on XI Will Rejoice in the Lord in Sorrow
This past weekend, I spoke with a friend whose 62-year-old husband died suddenly, three weeks ago. What impressed me most was her gratitude for the quarantine that caused them to work from home for the past four months. In busy, two-career marriage, the pandemic offered them time together they wouldn’t have had otherwise. Only she, her two sons, and the pastor were in the church for the funeral. Friends and family members watched a live stream or on YouTube. However, she expressed thanks for the support and comfort of loved ones.
Habakkuk wrote his prophecy in the time of Jeremiah and Zephaniah, prophesying about the same events, the time of the Chaldeans, and their ruin of Jerusalem. In spite of the terrible prophesies regarding the destruction of Jerusalem, Habakkuk speaks of God’s deliverance.
Here is great spiritual truth: even in the darkest night, God never leaves His people without hope.
Here is great spiritual truth: even in the darkest night, God never leaves His people without hope. #Godisgood #truth #hope Share on XI Will Rejoice Because God is My Hope
In 2020, struggle and fear dominate our news and threats loom on the horizon, but God promises better things to come. When Job believed his suffering would never end, he proclaimed his certainty of seeing God in his flesh. (Job 19:23) Paul and Silas believed when they sang songs of praise in a Philippian jail. (Acts 16:16-40) There is always something for which we can give thanks.
God doesn’t promise to answer all of our prayers. However, He promises strength and the power to endure hardship. Through the presence of the Holy Spirit, God grants His people all the power that raised Christ from the dead.
In spite of plagues, fears, unrest, and attacks, choose to give thanks and rejoice. God is still on His throne. #Jesus #fear #trust Share on X
God is Faithful
When overwhelmed by unexpected trials, remember the faithfulness of God and rejoice. Give thanks for the small things. Write down your to be remembered time and time again.
In spite of plagues, fears, unrest, and attacks, choose to give thanks and rejoice. God is still on His throne.
Give thanks for the small things. #gratitude #Godislove #Jesus Share on X© Norma Gail Holtman, August 17, 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.
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 Share on X
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 Share on X
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 Share on X
© 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.
Surrounded by God’s Great and Powerful Army
We are surrounded by a great army if Jesus is our Savior, even though we live surrounded by enemies. Dangerous enemies threaten us wherever we go.
Surrounded by God’s Great and Powerful Army
2MefromHim Devotionals
“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 2 Kings 6:16
We are surrounded by a great army if Jesus is our Savior, even though enemies threaten on every side. Masks and distancing ourselves have become routine. Visiting downtown areas of cities isn’t safe. Crowds aren’t safe. Elected officials cave to the demands of a few. Dangerous enemies threaten us wherever we go.
Those who are with us are more than those who are with them... 2 Kings 6:16 #devotional #protection #Godisgood Share on XSurrounded by a Great, Invisible Army
The prophet Elisha also lived in dangerous times. Israel faced armies and famines. Enemies were everywhere, and they hunted the prophet because God enabled him to guide Israel to victory. One morning, his servant awakened to an army surrounding the city. However, Elisha knew they were protected by an army invisible to human eyes. When he prayed, God opened his servant’s eyes to an amazing sight. 2 Kings 6:16-17 tells us, “Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire…”
As a child, our daughter was very afraid of the dark. I found a picture of a little girl in her bed guarded by an angel with a flaming sword. That image of God’s protection helped her overcome her fear.
Elisha knew they were protected by an army invisible to human eyes... #Bible #safety #COVID Share on XSurrounded by God’s Protection
Normal life has changed. But God has not. Whether we are besieged by disease, protests, or changes to how we shop for groceries, He is still in control. Believers are surrounded by God’s armies and nothing can harm us until or unless God allows. News reports may seek to frighten us but our faith rests in the God who will not leave us unprotected.
How might our life be different if we could see evidence of God’s protection surrounding us? Dr. David Jeremiah said, “God’s man, in the center of God’s will, is immortal, until God is through using Him.” As believers, seeking God’s will, we will not die one moment before God’s predetermined time. He will either sustain us through or deliver us from every attack until our time on earth is over.
God will either sustain us through or deliver us from attack until our time on earth is over... #Godislove #safety #assurance Share on XTrust in God’s Protection
Live each day to the fullest. Make wise adjustments to your plans according to the best information possible, taking the needs of you and your family into account. However, do not live in fear.
Open your eyes to the power and protection of our loving God. He will keep you safe until all His plans for you are accomplished.
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4
Open your eyes to the power and protection of our loving God. #power #protection #Jesus Share on X© Norma Gail Holtman, July 16, 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.
