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.
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.
Easter in Quarantine: Hope for a Frightened World
Easter in quarantine–this Sunday, we won’t dress in our finest and gather in churches to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Yet, even in quarantine, Christians can proclaim the hope of our living Redeemer to those around us.
Easter in Quarantine: Resurrection Hope for a Frightened World
2MefromHim Devotionals
I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection… Philippians 3:10
On the first Easter, Jesus’ disciples did not proclaim the Good News of salvation to the world. They hid behind locked doors in fear, much like our quarantine due to COVID-19. This Sunday, we won’t dress in our finest and gather in churches to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Yet, even in quarantine, Christians can proclaim the hope of our living Redeemer to those around us.
On Easter in Quarantine, Christians Must Give Our Fear to God
First, we must give our fear to the Lord and leave it there. Precautions and obedience to laws that keep us safe are wise. Hiding in fear of death is not. Just before raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus said to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26) His question today is the same.
Jesus didn’t welcome the suffering he had to endure any more than we welcome the coronavirus but he prayed for God’s will, not his own. Mark reports that Jesus addressed God as “Daddy.” He prayed, “Abba, Father…everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me.” If we truly believe that we have already passed from death to life (John 5:24), we know God is in control no matter what trials come. True faith is trust in the midst of turmoil.
On Easter in Quarantine, We Must Proclaim Our Hope to a Lost and Fearful World
There is no shame in sharing our fears about the pandemic with friends. Common concerns offer a basis to explain our hope. When Jesus appeared following his resurrection, he told the disciples to have peace.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ isn’t only a historical event. The resurrection is power. Ephesians 1:18-20 says believers have an “incomparably great power.” The mighty power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead lives within us. However, in order for that power to be evident in our lives, we must die to self, lay our fears at Jesus’ feet, and walk in his peace, offering hope to a frightened world. The disciples were fearless after the resurrection.
The disciples were fearless after the resurrection. #courage coronavirus #Easter Share on X
Be Creative This Easter
Though we can’t invite friends and family to church this Easter, we can write notes to unbelievers sharing the reason for our trust in God. Perhaps we can invite them to watch an online church service with us by Facetime, Skype, or Zoom. They might be more open to a service online or television than attending a worship service. Afterward, we can answer their questions.
Our hope is certain. 1 Peter 2:6 says, “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” Jesus is that Cornerstone. We will come through this pandemic as stronger, more confident Christians if we focus on the One who overcame death by the power of the resurrection rather than hiding in fear.
We will come through this pandemic as more confident Christians if we focus on the One who overcame death by the power of the resurrection #victory #COVID19 Share on X© Norma Gail Holtman, April 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, or Amazon.
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Moses and the Exodus Offer Lessons for Our Time
Moses and the Exodus provide many powerful lessons applicable to our time. God’s freeing of the Israelites from Egyptian captivity speaks to the fear rampant during our isolation in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Moses and the Exodus Offer Lessons for Our Time
2MefromHim Devotionals
Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! Romans 5:9
Moses and the Exodus provide many powerful lessons applicable to the COVID-19 pandemic. God’s freeing of the Israelites from Egyptian captivity speaks to the fear rampant during our isolation.
Just as Israel was held captive by a strong enemy that threatened their ability to live as free people, we are held prisoner by this virus running rampant in the world. The people were afraid, and God sent them a deliverer in the form of Moses. As believers in Jesus Christ, we have the confidence that God is in control, just as he showed his power over the mighty Pharaoh.
Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! Romans 5:9 #salvation #Godislove #hope Share on XGod Protected Moses and the Exodus
During the plagues of Egypt, the Israelites were protected because God wanted Pharaoh to realize there was no one like him in all the earth.
In the way that our protection rests in social distancing and personal hygiene, the safety of the Israelites relied on trusting a strange order from God to Moses. Their firstborn were protected by the blood of a lamb painted on the doorframe. However, they had seen how God shielded them from the other plagues. As believers, we must share our trust in God’s love and control whenever we are able.
Believers must share our trust in God’s love and control whenever we are able... #Christians #Godislove #pandemic Share on XChristians Rest on the Promises of God
Just as the blood of a lamb painted on the doorframe protected the Israelites, Christians have the assurance that the blood Jesus, shed for our sins, covers us with protection. We have forgiveness and eternal life but also abundant life right now. John 10:10 tells us, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (NASB) We can live without fear because God is in control. We must share our hope with others.
Pharaoh set the Israelites free after the death of his firstborn. Moses and the Exodus left Egypt with great wealth, because of the Egyptians eagerness to get rid of them. The Christian’s great wealth during times of trial rests on the promises of God.
The Christian’s great wealth during times of trial rests on the promises of God #trials #hope #coronavirus Share on XMoses and the Exodus Remind Christians of Our Hope
In spite of all the miracles God performed, the Israelites rebelled and became afraid once they reached the desert. Likewise, we as believers have stories of how God helped us in the past. But with the drastic, unexpected changes wrought by the coronavirus pandemic, it’s easy to become afraid. Ephesians 1:7-8a reminds us, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.
While others panic, the story of Moses and the Exodus reminds us that our hope is in the God who watches over his own. The blood of Jesus sets us free.
Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27
Our hope is in the God who watches over his own... #Godisgood #COVID19 #protection Share on X© Norma Gail Holtman, March 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, or Amazon.
Leigh Ann Thomas – Ribbons, Lace, and Moments of Grace
Leigh Ann Thomas is the mother of three daughters and experienced two weddings in less than two years. You will love getting acquainted with this vibrant author as she shares about her book, Ribbons, Lace, and Moments of Grace: Inspiration for the Mother of the Bride. She will be my guest June 9 – 15th and you will have a chance to win a print copy of her book!
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