Posts Tagged "Eternal life"

A Dwelling Place of Peace and Rest in Uncertain Times

Posted by on Oct 6, 2020 | Comments Off on A Dwelling Place of Peace and Rest in Uncertain Times

A Dwelling Place of Peace and Rest in Uncertain Times

I have a dwelling place of peace and rest in a world that often seems inside out and filled with uncertainty.

 

 

 

 

A Dwelling Place of Peace and Rest

A 2MefromHim Devotional

Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Psalm 90:1

Psalm 90:1

I need a dwelling place of safety and peace through the troubled days of COVID and social unrest. It often seems our world has turned inside out, leaving us unprotected and filled with uncertainty.

Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Psalm 90:1 #safety #help #peace Click To Tweet

A Dwelling Place Safe from Evil

When the daily news brings only turmoil, I turn to the presence of my Savior and Lord. Prayer and God’s word fill me with hope and comfort. He does not leave me alone and without shelter. I have a place of rest.

Evil ran rampant in Noah’s day, yet God promised to save him. In Genesis 6, the Bible tells us: “The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.”

When the daily news brings only turmoil, I turn to the presence of my Savior and Lord. #trouble #trials #Jesus Click To Tweet

A Dwelling Place for God’s Own

A Dwelling Place 1

However, Noah was a righteous man, who walked faithfully with God. And when God told him to build an ark, he obeyed in everything he was commanded. God puts great store in obedience, in people who put Him first and walk according to the commands in His word. This relationship and careful obedience become my ark, my safe haven in a world gone mad. In Genesis 7, we read that Noah did everything the Lord commanded, and then he and his family, and all the animals, entered the ark, and “Then the Lord shut him in.”

When I stay close to the Lord, He becomes my place of refuge, my ark, safe though tossed on troubled seas. This doesn’t mean I will never experience hard times. However, I have the comfort that nothing can touch me without the express permission of God Himself.

The Lord is my place of refuge, my ark, safe though tossed on troubled seas. #trouble #refuge #peace Click To Tweet

Where to Find a Place of Shelter

Jesus calls those who dwell in His word are His disciples.1 John 4:15 tells us, “Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.” The thought of dwelling and abiding with the God of the universe wraps me in a warm blanket of peace and calm. Like the old hymn by George Robinson reminds me:

His forever, only His;
Who the Lord and me shall part?
Ah, with what a rest of bliss
Christ can fill the loving heart!
Heav’n and earth may fade and flee,
Firstborn light in gloom decline,
But while God and I shall be,
I am His, and He is mine;
But while God and I shall be,
I am His, and He is mine.

God made it possible to find peace in a troubled world by sending His Son, Jesus, to dwell on earth. Revelation 3:20 says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” What a perfect picture of a God who longs to be known and to know me intimately!

God made it possible to find peace in a troubled world... #peace #safety #hope Click To Tweet

A Dwelling Place of Eternal Safety

A Dwelling Place 2

In a world filled with disease, riots, fires, and hurricanes, I have a haven of safety for now and all eternity. Jesus, my friend, stands with outstretched arms, saying, “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)

I have a haven of safety for now and all eternity. #eternity #protection #rest Click To Tweet

Will you come?

“He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” John 3:36

© Norma Gail Holtman, September 21, 2020

I Am His and He is Mine by George Robinson, Public Domain

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 (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.

 

 

 

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Looking Back – Twenty-five Years Without My Dad

Posted by on Sep 29, 2020 | Comments Off on Looking Back – Twenty-five Years Without My Dad

Looking Back – Twenty-five Years Without My Dad

Looking back, on 25 years since my dad’s death, I wonder where the years have gone, marvel at how much I still miss him, and give thanks to God for carrying me through.

 

 

 

Looking Back – Twenty-five Years Without My Dad

2MefromHim

 

Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge. Proverbs 14:26

Proverbs 14:26

Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge. Proverbs 14:26 #Godislove #fortress #children Click To Tweet

When I was very little and afraid of the storm,

My father would hold me, so I felt safe and warm.

Silly songs, funny stories, and wild games we would play—

The fun and his love chased the bad things away.

The lightning and thunder were never so bad

When I was held safe in the arms of my dad.

 

As I grew older and the problems grew more large,

The gentle, patient answers still came straight from his heart.

There was no more important thing he ever had to do

Than take time to show— the important thing was you.

He never gave anyone less than his best,

No matter what the need was, his commitment stood the test.

Looking Back 25 Years

No matter what the need was, his commitment stood the test. #memories #dad #Godisgood Click To Tweet

 

When lightning struck our house one night,

Shattering the darkness with its brilliant light—

Hobbling on crutches from a broken leg,

He soon had us laughing from the jokes that he made.

Once certain that all would soon be well—

He soon had another great story to tell.

 

Many things set my father apart,

Not the least of which was his great, loving heart.

People who came to my father in need

Always left knowing they had a friend indeed.

He did much to further the Father’s plan

By the generosity of his giant hands.

 

My father rose each morning to meet with his Lord.

He loved Him and served Him and cherished His word.

He was a man of great strength—yet gentle and kind

Because he loved the Lord Jesus with heart, soul, and mind.

He would say that if anything set him apart,

It was the presence of the Savior, who lived in his heart.

Daddy

My father rose each morning to meet with his Lord. #dads #prayer #example Click To Tweet

 

Then the lightning once again appeared,

Something all in the family but my father feared.

He, rather than seeing something to fear—

Said it showed the protection of God very clear.

For all in the house were both safe and sound

And only slight damage to the house was found.

 

As the years passed by, the family grew,

The sons-in-law came, and the grandchildren, too.

Each one he loved in a unique special way,

And faithfully, for each one, he daily would pray—

Upon our family, God’s blessings were poured,

Because each day my father spent time with his Lord.

 

It could have been just a regular day,

But our heavenly Father didn’t see it that way.

A man going fishing—just and ordinary man—

But our heavenly Father had another plan.

Ordinary things, when you live for the Lord,

Can often have bearing on eternal reward.

 

Once more, God’s lightning entered our lives,

And on fiery wings, bore my father home, through the skies.

The look on his face showed amazement, they said,

And confirmed for us all that he was not really dead.

He had gotten his first glimpse of his heavenly home,

And he knew that our Lord would not leave us alone.

 

The lessons that he taught us through the life that he lived;

And the Lord that he gave all the love he could give;

Are still here inside us—though he’s gone from our sight

Across that wide river— the River of Life.

He’s sitting there watching—he knows we will come;

And from his side, it really won’t be very long.

Looking Back 25 Years 2

If we could just see—each event in our lives—

Is meant just to show us, God is loving and wise.

The traits that I loved in my father, you see,

Are all of the things God will be—just for me.

And so when I long for Daddy’s face—just to see,

I’ll look up to heaven—where two fathers wait for me.

 He fills His hands with lightning and commands it to strike its mark. Job 36:32

 

God is loving and wise. #fathers #children #teachablemoments Click To Tweet

Written June 14, 1996.  In loving memory of my daddy, Lyle E. Thurston, who died when he was struck by lightning while fly-fishing on the San Juan River, in the “Quality Waters” below Navajo Dam near Farmington, New Mexico on September 29, 1995.

© Copyright by Norma Gail Thurston Holtman. All Rights Reserved. Do not use without express written permission of the author.

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 (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.

 

 

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Do I Really Know Whom I Have Believed

Posted by on Aug 4, 2020 | 4 comments

Do 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

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 Tweet

Do 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.

Do I Really Know Whom I Have Believed 1

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 Tweet

Do 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.

Do I Really Know Whom I Have Believed 2

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 Tweet

Do 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?

Do I Really Know Whom I Have Believed 3

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 Tweet

Do 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.

Do I Really Know Whom I Have Believed 4

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 Tweet

God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. Job 37:5

© Norma Gail Holtman, July 24, 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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A Tribute to My Mother – 2MefromHim

Posted by on Jun 5, 2018 | 1 comment

A Tribute to My Mother – 2MefromHim

A Tribute to My Mother is the short piece I will be speaking at her funeral. It’s not only one of my greatest blessings, but proves that we never know who is watching and listening. I’ll be taking a brief break from my blog due to the death of my mother. I hope to return soon.

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The Greatest Christmas Story Ever Told

Posted by on Dec 25, 2017 | 2 comments

The Greatest Christmas Story Ever Told

The greatest Christmas story ever told is found in the 66 books of the Bible. From Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21, the story of why we celebrate the birth of His Son, Jesus Christ . This event changed the world forever and has the power to change the life of every one of us. May you know His free gift of forgiveness and eternal life this Christmas!

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