Posts Tagged "hurt"

Believe that You Have Received – 2MefromHim Devotionals

Posted by on Feb 18, 2020 | 4 comments

Believe that You Have Received – 2MefromHim Devotionals

 

Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you. Mark 11:24

 

 

 

Believe that You have Received

2MefromHim Devotionals

“Believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.”

scripture

I repeat this promise multiple times a day, as I pray. As children, it’s not uncommon to disagree with a friend, move on to a new best friend, and never regain the closeness that once existed. I changed my best friends several times for multiple reasons. However, none of those instances haunts me.

All things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you. Share on X

As an adult, and a Christian, however, I’m held to a higher standard in my personal life than in childhood.

For instance, recent events have removed people from my daily life, my holiday table, those with whom I share my joys and sorrows, those I call on in times of need. As a result, pain throbs deep and unrelenting in a heart that is no longer whole.

Pain throbs deep and unrelenting in a heart that is no longer whole Share on X

Believe there is purpose in waiting

Jesus said, “All things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them.” The Holy Spirit has impressed upon my heart that there is purpose in waiting. Time spent in prayer changes my heart. To wait, patient and trusting, gives God time to work in the hearts of others.

Time spent in prayer changes my heart... Share on X

 

Believe that You have Received 1

Belief requires faith. James says that if we lack wisdom we must pray. I have no idea how to approach this problem. But, the solving of the dilemma doesn’t rest solely with me. However, James says we must ask in faith and not doubt. Doubt makes me unstable and unsettled like the wind tosses waves of the sea against the rocks.

Believe prayer changes your heart

I am weary of the battered, brokenness of being constantly tossed against the rocks. Therefore, I began to pray daily for God to heal, to bring repentance, and reconciliation into damaged relationships. Nothing has changed, but oh, what changes I see in my shattered heart. As a result, my days are now free of the nagging doubts and uncertainties that slammed me against the rocks and left me bruised and battered. Nights are no longer haunted by questions about “what-if” and “how.” What relief to rest, assured that my prayers are being answered, unconcerned about if, how, or when.

When I pray in God’s will, I have the assurance He will answer Share on X

Believing prayer aligns my desires with those of God. Therefore, whatever I pray is in agreement with His will. When I pray in God’s will, I have the assurance He will answer.

Believe that You have Received 2

God’s heart breaks

God’s heart breaks when relationships are broken when His children can’t get along. It’s possible to know peace in the midst of unsettled relationships. Trust His promise and believe you have received it. When you pray, believe God will answer.

God’s heart breaks when relationships are broken when His children can’t get along Share on X

Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus

In conclusion, may this precious old hymn comfort your heart as it does my own:

Tis so Sweet to Trust in Jesus

’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”

Refrain:
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!

Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
And in simple faith to plunge me
’Neath the healing, cleansing flood!

Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.

I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.

Public Domain

© Copyright Norma Gail Holtman, February 7, 2020

About the author:

Norma Gail - AuthorNorma 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 in the summer of 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 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.

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Sins are like Scarlet Stains – 2MefromHim Devotionals

Posted by on Feb 4, 2020 | 2 comments

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

Scripture

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 X

Stains 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.

Sin leaves stains

Sin leaves scarlet stains ... #TuesdayThoughts #sin #hurt Share on X

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.

God wants to blot out stains

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.”

Praying leads to healing

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 X

If 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 - AuthorNorma 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.

 

 

 

 

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What I Wanted to Say – A 2MefromHim Devotional

Posted by on Feb 19, 2018 | Comments Off on What I Wanted to Say – A 2MefromHim Devotional

What I Wanted to Say – A 2MefromHim Devotional

What I wanted to say would be straightforward and leave no doubt of my feelings. It would hurt the other person the way they hurt me, but God says negative words reveal the wrong attitudes in my heart. 

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Harsh Words – A 2MefromHim Devotional

Posted by on Jan 29, 2018 | 2 comments

Harsh Words – A 2MefromHim Devotional

Harsh words hurt. Some people have the habit of saying things that wound deeply. Others are gracious even in criticism. Scripture has a lot to say about words and the tongue. I’d love to hear your comments!

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When God Says No: A 2MefromHim Devotional

Posted by on Mar 6, 2017 | 11 comments

When God Says No: A 2MefromHim Devotional

When God says no, people jump to the conclusion that He is just not listening, doesn’t care, or is punishing us for some reason. In reality, it is the opposite. God says no because He knows things we don’t. He sees a future we can’t. He loves us more than we can imagine and only wants the best–His best for our lives.

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