Sins are like Scarlet Stains – 2MefromHim Devotionals
Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. Isaiah 1:18
Sins are like Scarlet Stains
2MefromHim Devotionals
Scarlet stains
Sins are like scarlet stains. Relationships were broken, and I needed to forgive and be forgiven. Instead of meeting with grateful hearts, I sat astounded while I learned of a deep desire to hurt me and surprise that I believed they needed forgiveness. These revelations startled and hurt. Yes, the images in this blog are ugly but sin is uglier still.
Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow... #devotional #anger #hurt Share on XStains require forgiveness
Multiple relationships suffered incredible harm. Through prayer, God convinced me to seek forgiveness for my own angry words. I also needed to forgive those who wounded me. I determined to pray for someone who needed to hurt others and for one who failed to recognize their wrongs. We all mess up. As Christians, we must seek forgiveness daily. Sin leaves scarlet stains.
Sometimes we just don’t get along with someone, that person who rubs us the wrong way, those we tiptoe around hoping not to offend. I’ve been blessed to have very few people I couldn’t get along with, both when I worked outside the home, and in over 21 years as a women’s Bible study leader. People will wound us, however, our loving God wants to blot out scarlet stains, heal broken relationships, and make them stronger than before.
I prayed and agonized over the growing antagonism for years. The conversations left me shaken and hurt. But God is faithful, once I sought forgiveness for my wrongs, I gained the assurance that God was pleased. Ephesians 4:31-32 admonishes us to “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
We aren’t responsible for other’s actions
As I prayed about these broken and scarlet-stained bonds, I realized that my heart wasn’t the only one broken. God’s heart was broken too. Therefore, it was necessary to surrender my hurt to the Lord, and trust Him to heal in His time and way. Praying for those who hurt me heals, frees, strengthens, and gives me victory. I am only responsible for my actions, not those of others.
Praying for those who hurt me heals, frees, strengthens, and gives me victory... #prayer #enemies #healing Share on XIf I have stains, I have to act
When the Holy Spirit convicted me about my own angry words and actions, I had to swallow my pride and take the first step. I determined to act in obedience to the Lord and forgive those who wronged me. It was necessary to willingly forgive others, whether or not they saw the need. My prayers resulted in a heart willing to forgive, though it is a moment by moment choice. When I obey, God washes my sins and makes them white as snow.
I am only responsible for my actions, not those of others... #responsibility #actions #victory Share on X© Copyright by Norma Gail Holtman, January 30, 2020
Norma Gail is the author of Land of My Dreams, winner of the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award. The sequel, Within Golden Bands, will release in 2020. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, 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 43 years. They have two adult children. If you’re interested in connecting with her, follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, or Amazon.
Navigating Trying Times with Peace – 2MefromHim
2MefromHim Devotional
Navigating Trying Times with Peace
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world, you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.] John 16:33 AMP
Trying Times
Navigating trying times with peace—perfect peace, a fruit of the Spirit, and my word for the year. How I wish I had meditated on the Amplified Version’s translation of John 16:33 throughout the last two years. How I wish I had clung to words like “perfect peace,” “courageous,” “confident,” “undaunted,” “filled with joy,” rather allowing the enemies of “fear,” and “uncertainty,” to make me a “victim.” During my absence from this blog, life took on the dark colors of strife, struggle, and constant strain.
The New Year
My goal for the New Year and the new decade is to allow the Prince of Peace to reign in my heart despite navigating complicated outward circumstances. No more will I allow myself to be made a victim of strife inflicted by the words and actions of others, by wrong thinking, and difficult trials.
My goal for the New Year and the new decade is to allow the Prince of Peace to reign in my heart despite navigating complicated outward circumstances. Share on XGod will guard my heart and mind, no matter the discord I face, and that peace is not of this world but from the Father. “Abiding victory” is mine because the Lion of Judah is my protector, my sword, and my shield.
Because God wants me to live at peace with those around me, I ended the old year forgiving and seeking forgiveness. I have no indication of the outcome, but I acted in obedience, became vulnerable, and stepped out in faith. The Lord will honor my obedience in due time because He is faithful.
People who should be close have moved to the fringes of my life. Things I once took for granted exist no more. I refuse to accept the new normal as final. But one thing I know. God was with me even when I failed to rely on Him as I should. I failed to claim the peace that is mine as a child of God, but He never left me alone.
I failed to claim the peace that is mine as a child of God, but He never left me alone. Share on XPeace
I move into the New Year and new decade with head held high. I will overcome in trying times because my Lord knew these things would happen and how I would respond. He carried me every step of the way. And He leads me into the unknown future with the promise of peace if I keep my eyes on Him.
We live in troubled times, and our world is infected with the disease of self-centeredness and entitlement. Because everyone looks out for themselves, Christians as well as non-Christians, evil stalks us, often in the guise of fellow Christians.
Because everyone looks out for themselves...evil stalks us, often in the guise of fellow Christians. Share on X
God offers help for everyday trials, as well as earth-shaking disasters. He gives strength to walk against the tide of this troubled world. To those who are weary and heavy-laden, Jesus says to come and find rest for the soul. He offers assurance for the unknown trials ahead.
And in that, there is not only peace but hope.
God offers help for everyday trials, as well as earth-shaking disasters. Share on X
Norma Gail is the author of Land of My Dreams, winner of the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award. The sequel, Within Golden Bands, will release in 2020. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, 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 41 years. They have two adult children. If you’re interested in connecting with her, follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, or Amazon.
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.
Read MoreWait My Time – A 2MefromHim Devotional
Wait my time is a phrase God has spoken to me often in recent months. Times of trial often cause us to act out of fear and frustration. We long to resolve conflicts, but God will do far more than we can imagine if we only wait on his time and his way. I would love to hear your thoughts!
Read MoreFacing Feelings of Defeat – A 2MefromHim Devotional
Feelings of defeat come to us all from time to time. Such feelings come from our Enemy and must be handled by remembering who we are and to whom we belong. If God is for us, no one can defeat us. I would love to hear your comments about how you face feelings of defeat.
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