Posts Tagged "God"

Do I Really Know Whom I Have Believed

Posted by NormaGail on Aug 4, 2020 | 4 comments

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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!”

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.

He is able to accomplish far more than I can ever comprehend in my finite being. To God be the glory.

God’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.

Surrounded by God’s Great and Powerful Army

Posted by NormaGail on Jul 21, 2020 | 4 comments

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.

Surrounded 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.

Surrounded 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.

Trust 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

© 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.

Finding Real Freedom in the Truth of God

Posted by NormaGail on Jun 30, 2020 | 2 comments

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.

Finding 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.”

Finding 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.

© 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.

Some Things Never Change, and God is One

Posted by NormaGail on Jun 23, 2020 | 4 comments

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, 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.

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

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.

When We Don’t Know How to Respond

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.

© Norma Gail Holtman, June 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 (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.

Childlike Hearts Speak Truth: Love One Another

Posted by NormaGail on Jun 9, 2020 | 4 comments

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

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 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 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.

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?

© Norma Gail Holtman, June 3, 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.